JP3786793B2 - Optical module and optical distribution board - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical module that terminates an optical fiber by an optical connector adapter so that the connector can be connected to another optical fiber, and an optical wiring board.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, in an optical distribution board that connects a plurality of optical fibers in a switchable manner, such as an optical distribution board that branches and connects optical fibers on the transmission device side with respect to a large number of optical fibers of an external optical cable. In view of the extra length processing work of optical fibers, the workability of switching connection, the increase in the number of corresponding cores, and the like, those using optical modules are provided. The optical module is usually in the form of a thin plate case, and is housed in a plurality of rows and arrays. Each optical module is terminated with an optical connector adapter attached to one side so that the optical fiber can be connected to the connector, and the extra length of the optical fiber is accommodated therein. Optical fibers are connected to each other by connecting another optical fiber to the optical connector adapter from the outside.
[0003]
FIG. 15 shows an example of this type of optical module 1.
In FIG. 15, the optical module 1 includes a module main body 2 in the form of an external thin plate case, and an optical connector adapter 3 attached to one end of the module main body 2. The optical fiber 5 accommodated in the module main body 2 is, for example, a multi-core optical fiber such as 4-core or 8-core, and one end is terminated so that the connector can be connected by the optical connector 4 and the other end is a single-core branch. Then, each is connected to the optical connector adapter 3. An optical fiber hole 6 is opened at the other end of the module main body 2 facing the optical connector adapter 3, and the optical fiber 7 introduced into the module main body 2 from the optical fiber hole 6 is previously formed by the optical connector 7a. The end portion that is ended is detachably connected to the optical fiber 5 by a connector. Thus, the optical fiber 7 is terminated by the optical connector adapter 3 via the optical fiber 5 so that the connector can be connected. When another optical fiber 8 is connected to the optical connector adapter 3 from the outside, the optical fibers 7 and 8 are optically connected via the optical fiber 5.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the optical module 1 shown in FIG. 15 corresponds to the optical fiber 7 terminated with a connector, but cannot be applied to an optical fiber not terminated with a connector, so a dedicated optical module is prepared separately. It will be. In an optical module corresponding to an optical fiber not terminated with a connector, the optical fiber built in the optical module and the optical fiber to be terminated are fusion-bonded, and the fusion-bonded portion is stored together with a connection surplus length. Thereby, an optical fiber is terminated so that a connector connection is possible by an optical connector adapter via a module side optical fiber.
As described above, conventionally, it is common to use dedicated optical modules corresponding to the presence or absence of termination of the target optical fiber to be terminated. However, using different types of optical modules according to the presence or absence of optical fiber connector termination is unsatisfactory in workability and disadvantageous in terms of cost, and there is a demand for improvement. For example, in an optical distribution board or the like containing this optical module, the optical module must be replaced in accordance with the presence / absence of the connector termination of the optical fiber to be introduced, and the assembly workability cannot be improved. Problems arise.
Furthermore, in an optical module, an optical line test device with a built-in optical pulse tester (so-called OTDR) may be connected to this optical fiber via an optical coupler to perform a test such as disconnection. When the optical module is replaced depending on whether or not the optical fiber is terminated, it is necessary to reconnect with the optical line testing apparatus, and there is a complaint that the number of operations increases.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems,
(1) To provide an optical module capable of terminating an optical fiber so that a connector can be connected by an optical connector adapter regardless of the presence or absence of the connector termination, and
(2) An optical module including an optical coupler and a test optical fiber connected to an optical line testing apparatus can be replaced with an optical module not including the optical coupler or the test optical fiber, and whether or not a test is performed An object of the present invention is to provide an optical wiring board that can easily cope with the above.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems.
  That is, in the present invention, a case-shaped module main body and an optical connector adapter attached to the side of the module main body, and another optical fiber connected from the outside to the optical fiber housed in the module main body, Terminate so that the connector can be connected by the optical connector adapterAnd a plurality of horizontal storages in an optical distribution board provided with an optical line testing device.An optical module, wherein the module body has one end connected to the optical connector adapter side and the other end terminated so as to be connectable to another optical fiber by an optical connector. Optical fiber is housed, andIn the module body,The other end of the fused optical fiber, one end of which is fusion spliced to an external optical fiberOn the other end of the terminated optical fiberConnector connectionA connector housing portion for removably housing the optical connector, and a fusion portion housing portion for housing a fusion splicing portion between the external optical fiber and the fusion optical fiber.Moreover, the module body has an opening into which an external optical fiber is drawn,External optical fiber with a connector drawn into the module body or the fusionOptical fiberThe abovePull out to optical line testing equipmentAnd connect the connector to the optical line testing device.An optical module comprising an opening for the above-described problem is used as a means for solving the problems.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the optical module according to the first aspect, the opening into which the external optical fiber is drawn is an optical connector in which a front end of the external optical fiber with a connector is connected to the other end of the terminated optical fiber. It is the connector storage cylinder which accommodates.
  Claim3The invention described in claim 1Or 2In the optical module described above, the test light is incident on the optical coupler interposed between the optical connector adapter and the termination optical fiber or in the middle of the termination optical fiber with the test light output from the optical line testing device. A fiber is connected.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the optical module according to the third aspect, the inside of the module main body accommodates the connecting portion accommodating space for accommodating the extra length of the terminated optical fiber and the optical coupler by the partition wall. The connector housing part and the fusion part housing part are provided in the connection part housing space, and the module body has an opening through which an external optical fiber is drawn, and the connector. An opening for drawing out the external optical fiber or the fused optical fiber to the optical line test apparatus and connecting it to the optical line test apparatus with a connector, and is opened in communication with the connection space. The test optical fiber is drawn out from an opening formed in communication with the optical component storage space.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the optical module according to the fourth aspect, the module main body has an outer thin plate case shape, and the connection portion storage space and the optical component storage space are on both sides in the thickness direction of the module main body. It is adjacent to the partition wall and communicates with each other through an optical fiber communication hole opened in the partition wall.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the optical module according to the fourth or fifth aspect, a lid for opening and closing the connection portion storage space is provided on a side portion of the module main body, and the partition wall includes the module main body. It is characterized by being detachable from.
The invention according to claim 7 is the optical module according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the opening into which an external optical fiber is drawn, and an optical fiber or connector connected to the external optical fiber. An opening for drawing the external optical fiber or the test optical fiber from the module main body to the optical line testing apparatus, the other end of the module main body opposite to the one end to which the optical connector adapter is attached It is characterized in that it is opened.
  Claim8The invention described in claim 1Or 2Claimed optical module or claimAny of 3-7An optical wiring board characterized in that the described optical module is housed in a replaceable manner is used as means for solving the problems.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the optical wiring board according to the eighth aspect, a cable introduction part into which an external optical cable is drawn, and a device side introduction into which a device side optical fiber connected to the transmission device is introduced. And an optical module of the external optical cable, comprising: an optical module according to claim 1 or 2; and / or a termination portion that houses a plurality of optical modules according to any of claims 3 to 7 side by side. The external optical fiber and the device-side optical fiber are configured to be connected by an optical connector adapter of the optical module, and the termination is an opening of the optical module housed in the termination A connection part for connecting the optical fiber drawn out from the optical connector to the optical line testing device is provided at the upper part, and a hook-like wiring part for accommodating the external optical fiber drawn from the external optical cable to the optical module is provided at the lower part. It is characterized by providing.
[0007]
  According to the present invention, for an optical fiber that is terminated so as to be connectable to a connector (hereinafter referred to as “connector termination”), this optical fiber is connected to a terminated optical fiber, and this terminated optical fiber is connected. Connect to the optical connector adapter via For optical fibers that are not connector-connected, connector connection between the termination optical fiber and the fusion optical fiber, and fusion connection between the fusion optical fiber and the target optical fiber to be terminated Thus, the target optical fiber is connected to the termination optical fiber through the fused optical fiber. Accordingly, the target optical fiber is connected to the optical connector adapter via the termination optical fiber or the fused optical fiber, and the connector is terminated.
  In addition, when an external optical fiber is drawn into the module body from the opening, and the optical fiber connected to the external optical fiber is pulled out from the opening and connected to the optical line testing device, the optical wiring of the entire optical module is completed before completion. Even if it exists, the disconnection test etc. of the optical line which concerns on an external optical fiber can be performed.
  Claim3According to the described invention, the test light incident through the test optical fiber is disconnected for any optical line on the optical connector adapter side and another optical fiber side connected to the other end of the terminated optical fiber. Etc. can be performed. By simply connecting the test optical fiber to the optical line on the optical line test apparatus side, the test light output from the optical line test apparatus can be easily incident on the target optical line. The test of each optical line at this time is a test after completion, and it is preferable that the test is performed as needed to constantly monitor disconnection of the optical line.
  Claim8According to the described invention, it is possible to easily switch the presence / absence of line monitoring, that is, the presence / absence of connection with the optical line testing apparatus, simply by replacing the optical module housed in the optical distribution board. To perform regular track monitoring, claimAny of 3-7The optical module described can be used, and the test optical fiber can be simply connected to the optical line monitoring device side.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the optical wiring board of this embodiment will be described.
FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 are diagrams showing the optical wiring board 20, in which FIG. 1A is a front view showing the apparatus side, and FIG. 1B is a diagram of FIG. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the cable side of the optical wiring board 20 (however, FIG. 2 is enlarged and shown in comparison with FIG. 1).
In these drawings, the optical wiring board 20 includes a termination frame 21, a device-side frame 22, and a relay frame 23 arranged between these frames 21 and 22. . An optical cable 24 on the outside line side is drawn into and fixed to the cable introducing portion 25 on the cable side (FIG. 1 (a) back side of FIG. 1, front side of FIG. 2) of the relay frame 23. The cable-side optical fiber 26 drawn out from the end of the optical cable 24 is hung in an extra length storage portion 27 provided below the cable introduction portion 25 on the same side of the relay frame 23 so that the extra length is obtained. Is stored curved. The distal end of the cable-side optical fiber 26 is drawn from the cable end 21 to the target one in the end portions 28 provided in multiple stages in the end frame 21. A plurality of optical modules 29 housed in the unit 28 are connected to an optical fiber built in. The surplus length of the cable-side optical fiber 26 is also accommodated in a surplus length storage box 30 provided for each termination 28, and the wiring length to the target optical module 29 is adjusted. Since the extra length storage box 30 is opened upward, the extra length storage box 30 is excellent in storing and taking out extra length.
[0009]
FIG. 3 is a side view showing the termination portion 28, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the optical module 29. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the optical module 29 is a thin plate-like case, and is accommodated in the end portion 28 side by side and in a large number (see FIGS. 1A and 2). In each termination portion 28, an optical connector adapter 29a attached to one end portion of each optical module 29 is arranged on the termination frame 21 device side (the front side in FIG. 1 (a), the right side in FIG. 3). The optical line related to the cable-side optical fiber 26 is connected to the optical fiber built in the optical module 29, so that the optical fiber adapter 29 is split into a single core and is connected to the multiple optical connector adapters 29a. Connected (for example, see FIG. 8).
The configuration of the optical module 29 will be described in detail later.
As the cable side optical fiber 26, in this embodiment, a multi-core optical fiber or an optical cord is employed. A single-core optical fiber or an optical cord can also be used. In the case of a single core, there is no need to branch a single core in the optical module 29.
Further, the cable side optical fiber 26 is usually reinforced by a spiral tube or the like until it reaches the extra length storage box 30 and is then routed into the relay frame 23.
[0010]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1A, in the apparatus side frame 22, the apparatus side optical cable 31, which is an intra-station optical cable connected to the transmission apparatus, is provided on the apparatus side frame 22. 32 and fixed by a fixing jig 49c (see FIG. 1B). The device-side optical fiber 33 drawn from the terminal of the device-side optical cable 31 is generally a single-core optical cord, and the inner surface of the side wall portion 22a of the device-side frame 22 from the receiving shelf 32a of the device-side introduction portion 32. Is pulled down to the curved storage portion 22b secured along the side, and from there, the wiring on the relay frame 23 apparatus side via the extra length absorption shelves 34 provided in the upper and lower stages at the lower part of the apparatus side frame 22 As shown in FIG. 3, the end of the connector terminated by the optical connector 35 is drawn into the optical connector adapter 29a. It is connected so that it can be switched. As shown in FIG. 1 (a), an extra length 33a secured in the device-side optical fiber 33 is provided between the termination portion 28 at the connection destination and the extra length absorption shelf 34 in the relay frame wiring portion 23a. It absorbs bending by wiring as if hung downward.
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 28 a is an optical fiber housing for housing optical fibers such as the device-side optical fiber 33 connected to the optical module 29, and 28 b is a cord saddle. Reference numeral 28e denotes a hook-shaped wiring portion that houses the cable-side optical fiber 26, and 28f denotes a guide component that holds the cable-side optical fiber 26.
[0011]
Since the device-side optical fiber 33 is an optical cord, the device-side optical fiber 33 can be wired while freely bending from the device-side introduction portion 32 to the termination portion 28, and can be switched and connected to the optical connector adapter 29a. There is no worry about hurting.
As the optical connector 35 and the optical connector adapter 29a at the tip of the apparatus side optical fiber 33, for example, an SC type optical connector (Single fiber Coupling optical fiber connector) established in JIS C 5973 is adopted. As the optical connector 35 and the optical connector adapter 29a, it is preferable to adopt a push-on type that is easy to attach and detach in many cores. For example, an MPO type optical connector (Multifiber Push On) etc. are adopted. As a result, it becomes possible to employ the multi-fiber device side optical fiber 33, which contributes to multi-core and high density.
[0012]
As shown in FIGS. 1 (a), 1 (b) and FIG. 4, the extra length absorption shelf 34 is provided with an inclined bottom plate 34a and on the bottom plate 34a. A pair of clamp parts 34b that can be removably clamped, and an R guide 34c that is mounted in multiple stages (three stages in FIG. 4) vertically on the bottom plate 34a between the clamp parts 34b. The apparatus-side optical fiber 33 is configured to be provided, and by using the R guide 34c as appropriate, the U-shaped or S-shaped curved wiring is provided on the bottom plate 34a, so that the extra length can be absorbed. Further, since the surplus length absorption shelf 34 is open at the top and the device-side optical fiber 33 can be easily taken out and re-stored, the wiring route along with the switching connection of the device-side optical fiber 33 to the optical module 29 is achieved. Even if a change occurs in the length or the processing amount of the surplus length changes, it can be easily handled by rewiring the apparatus-side optical fiber 33 to any surplus length absorption shelf 34.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 1A, the unconnected processing unit 36 provided at the lower part of the termination frame 21 accommodates the tip of the unconnected device-side optical fiber 33 that is not connected anywhere.
In the vicinity of the unconnected processing unit 36, an optical line testing device 37 ("FTU" in FIG. 1A) incorporating a pulse tester (so-called OTDR), a core selection device 38 ("fs" in FIG. 2). Is provided.
[0014]
In FIGS. 1A and 1B, reference numeral 40 denotes a splitter module storage unit, which stores a plurality of splitter modules 41 in the form of a thin outer case, side by side. In the splitter module 41, the device-side optical fiber 33 is connected to the optical connector adapter 42 that is directed to the device-side frame 22 device side (front side in FIG. 1A). A plurality of optical fibers 45 (for example, single-core optical cords, hereinafter referred to as “splitter cords”) drawn from the openings 46 in the vicinity of the optical connector adapter 42 of the splitter module 41 are connected via the relay frame 23. The connector is connected to the optical connector adapter 29a of the target optical module 29 in a switchable manner. As a result, the device-side optical fiber 33 connected to the optical connector adapter 42 is connected to a plurality of cable-side optical fibers 26 via, for example, an optical splitter built in the splitter module 41, for example, one to four or one pair. Branch connection can be made to 8 etc. Each of the splitter cords 45 is drawn into the termination portion 28 by using cord ducts 23b provided in multiple stages in the relay frame wiring portion 23a.
[0015]
In FIG. 1A, the jumper cord 48 connects between the optical modules 29. Thereby, the cable side optical fibers 26 are connected to each other via the jumper cord 48. Both ends of the jumper cord 48 are respectively connected to the optical connector adapter 29a of each optical module 29 by the optical connector 35 of the device side optical fiber 33 and the optical connector (not shown) having the same configuration as the tip of the splitter cord 45. To be switched.
In FIG. 1A, reference numerals 49a and 49b denote inter-jumper jumper code storage shelves. The jumper cords drawn into the optical wiring board 20 from the inter-jumper jumper cord storage shelves 49a and 49b can be connected to the optical connector adapter 29a of the optical module 29 and the optical connector adapter 42 of the splitter module 41 in a switchable manner. It is preferable that
[0016]
The optical module 29 housed in the termination portion 28 of the optical wiring board 20 includes an optical module 291 having a test optical fiber 29c connected to the optical line testing device 37 side, and the test optical fiber 29c. There are two types of optical modules 292 that are not. These optical modules 291 and 292 can be taken in and out from the cable side with respect to the termination portion 28, and can be exchanged with each other. The external dimensions of both optical modules 291 and 292, the mounting position of the optical connector adapter 29a, and the like are common.
[0017]
First, the optical module 291 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the optical module 291 includes a module main body 29f in the form of an external thin plate case, and an optical connector adapter 29a attached to one end of the module main body 29f (the back side in FIG. 5). . A connector housing tube 29e provided in a protruding state at the other end of the module main body 29f (front side in FIG. 5) has a termination optical fiber 51 and a cable-side optical fiber 26 housed in the optical module 291. The optical connectors 51a and 26a to which the connectors are connected are accommodated so that they can be pulled out while maintaining the connected state. A lid 29q that can be freely opened and closed is provided on one side of the module main body 29f. Reference numeral 29o is a pull-out protrusion for pulling out the optical module 291 to the cable end 21, and reference numeral 29p is a latch that is detachably engaged with an engagement piece 28d provided in the end portion 28. is there. In FIG. 3, 29r is a guide piece inserted into a guide groove (not shown) of the termination 28, and this optical module 291 is inserted and positioned from the cable side by inserting the guide piece 29r into the guide groove. The insertion is stopped when the guide piece 29r hits the innermost part of the guide groove, and the latch 29p engages with the engagement piece 28d, thereby restricting the extraction. When the latch 29p is deformed (pressed and deformed downward in FIG. 5) and the engagement with the engagement piece 28d is released, the optical module 291 can be extracted from the termination portion 28 to the cable side (rear side).
The module main body 29f, the connector housing cylinder 29e, and the lid 29q are formed of, for example, a resin such as plastic.
As the optical connectors 51a and 26a at the ends of the termination optical fiber 51 and the cable side optical fiber 26, for example, an MT type optical connector (Mecanically Transferable) established in JIS C 5981 is adopted. This MT type optical connector can also handle a single core.
[0018]
6 is a side view showing the connection portion storage space 53 of the optical module 291, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 shows the inside of the optical component storage space 54 of the optical module 291. It is a side view.
As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the module main body 29 f of the optical module 291 has a connection portion storage space 53 and a partition wall 55 provided at the center in the thickness direction of the module main body 29 f. An optical component storage space 54 for storing optical components such as the optical coupler 56 is defined. The connection portion storage space 53 and the optical component storage space 54 are adjacent to each other in the thickness direction of the module main body 29f via the partition wall 55, and the optical fiber communication hole opened in the partition wall 55. It communicates via 55a.
[0019]
8A is a front view of the optical module 291 viewed from the optical connector adapter 29a side, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8B, one end of the terminated optical fiber 51 accommodated in the module main body 29f is connected to the optical component from the connection portion accommodating space 53 through the communication hole 55a of the partition wall 55. The optical fiber is drawn into the storage space 54 and branched into a single core and connected to the multiple optical connector adapters 29a. A retainer 54c provided in the vicinity of the communication hole 55a holds the terminated optical fiber 51 drawn into the optical component storage space 54 through the communication hole 55a. Therefore, even if vibration or tensile force is applied to the termination optical fiber 51 in the connection portion storage space 53, such vibration or tensile force is not applied to the termination optical fiber 51 in the optical component storage space 53. Therefore, a stable storage state is maintained. In the optical component storage space 53, the surplus length of the terminated optical fiber 51 is stored in a curved shape by the surplus length storage portion 54d.
In order to perform work such as wiring of the termination optical fiber 51 in the optical component storage space 54, a plurality of mounting holes 29t (see FIG. 8B) around the module main body 29f and the partition wall 55 are used. The fitting with the protruding protrusion (not shown) is released, and the partition wall 55 is removed. The partition wall 55 is detachable from the module main body 29f.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 6, the terminated optical fiber 51 has the other end which is terminated by an optical connector 51a so that the connector can be connected to another optical fiber. The surplus connection length secured in the vicinity of the other end of the terminated optical fiber 51 is curved and stored by the surplus length storage portion 53 a in the connection portion storage space 53. As shown in FIG. 9, a fused optical fiber 52 is connected to the other end of the terminated optical fiber 51 as necessary. The fused optical fiber 52 is a connector that is detachably attached to the other end of the terminated optical fiber 51 by an optical connector 52a and one end fused and connected to another optical fiber (in this embodiment, the cable-side optical fiber 26). And the other end to be connected.
In the connection portion storage space 53, a connector storage portion 53b for storing the optical connectors 51a and 52a in which the fused optical fiber 52 is connected to the other end of the termination optical fiber 51 so as to be removable while maintaining the connection state; A fusion part accommodation part 53c for accommodating a fusion splicing part 58 in which another optical fiber (cable-side optical fiber 26) is fusion-connected to one end of the fusion optical fiber 52; and the extra length accommodation part 53a; Is provided.
[0021]
FIG. 10 is a side view showing the inside of the optical component storage space 54 of the optical module 292 including the test optical fiber 29c. In addition, since the structure in the connection part storage space 53 is the same as that of the optical module 291 (refer FIG. 6 or FIG. 9) which does not have the optical fiber 29c for a test, description is abbreviate | omitted. In the figure, the same components as those of the optical module 291 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
In this optical module 292, one end of the terminated optical fiber 51 drawn from the connection portion storage space 53 into the optical component storage space 54 via the communication hole 55 a of the partition wall 55 is fusion-connected to another optical fiber 56. The optical fiber adapter 56 is connected to the optical connector adapter 29a in a single-core branching manner. The fusion splicing portion 57 between the optical fibers 51 and 56 is detachably stored in an optical component storage portion 54 a provided in the optical component storage space 54. In the middle of the optical fiber 56, an optical coupler 56a and an optical filter 56b are disposed. The optical coupler 56a and the optical filter 56b are distributed to the optical component storage portions 54a and 54b and stored in a removable manner. In the example of FIG. 10, the fusion splicing portion 57 and the optical filter 56b are accommodated in the same optical component storage portion 54a.
The test optical fiber 29c connected to the optical coupler 56a is pulled out of the module main body 29f through an optical fiber hole 29g opened at the other end of the module main body 29f facing the optical connector adapter 29a. The optical fiber hole 29g communicates with both the connection portion storage space 53 and the optical component storage space 54 (see FIG. 5), and the optical fibers 26 and 52 with connectors are pulled out from the connection portion storage space 53. Is also possible.
[0022]
FIG. 11C schematically shows the optical wiring of the optical module 29 in this case. As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11C, a test optical fiber 29c is connected to the optical fiber 56 through an optical coupler 56a interposed in the middle of the optical fiber 56. The test light transmitted through the fiber 29c is incident in any direction on the cable side optical fiber 25 side and the device side optical fiber 33 side, and a test such as disconnection is performed. The optical filter 56b cuts test light (for example, 1.55 μm) having a wavelength different from the communication light wavelength (for example, 1.31 μm) on the transmission device side of the optical coupler 56a.
The optical connector 29b at the tip of the test optical fiber 29c is an MT type optical connector similar to the optical connectors 51a and 52a of the termination optical fiber 51 and the fused optical fiber 52 and the optical connector 26a at the tip of the cable side optical fiber 26. is there.
[0023]
The optical distribution board 20 has a test optical fiber 29c for the optical line of the cable-side optical fiber 26 and the apparatus-side optical fiber 33 for a line that does not monitor disconnection or the like (line monitoring). The optical module 292 having the test optical fiber 29c is applied to the line for which the optical module 291 that is not used is applied and the line is monitored.
By the way, the optical modules 291 and 292 can cope with the cable-side optical fiber 26 regardless of whether it is terminated with a connector or not. it can. The correspondence to the presence or absence of termination of the cable side optical fiber 26 is common to both the optical modules 291 and 292.
[0024]
FIG. 11A shows a case corresponding to the cable-side optical fiber 26 terminated with a connector, and FIG. 11B shows a case corresponding to the cable-side optical fiber 26 not terminated with a connector.
When the cable side optical fiber 26 is terminated with a connector, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 11A, the end portion of the cable side optical fiber 26 that is terminated with the optical connector 26a is connected to the optical fiber. The optical fiber 51 is connected directly to the other end of the optical fiber 51 on the module 29 side. The connected optical connectors 26a and 51a are housed in the connector housing tube 29e. At this time, the termination optical fiber 51 draws out the connection surplus length that is stored in a curved manner by, for example, winding it around the bending projection 53d in the surplus length storage portion 53a, and the end portion with the optical connector 51a is connected to the connector storage tube. 29e is pulled out to the outside of the module main body 29f, and after being connected to the cable side optical fiber 26, it is pushed into the connector housing cylinder 29e. The connection extra length of the termination optical fiber 51 functions as an extraction extra length. In the connector storage cylinder 29e, the optical connectors 51a and 26a are stored so as to be able to be drawn out while being connected. When the cable side optical fiber 26 is pulled, the optical connectors 51a and 26a can be easily pulled out from the connector housing cylinder 29e. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a dedicated lever or the like is provided in the connector storage cylinder 29e so that the optical connectors 51a and 26a are pulled out from the connector storage cylinder 29e.
[0025]
When the cable side optical fiber 26 is not terminated with a connector, the cable side optical fiber 26 is connected to the opposite end (one end) of the fused optical fiber 52 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11B. And the other end of the fused optical fiber 52 that is terminated with a connector is connected to the terminated optical fiber 51 with a connector. The optical connectors 51a and 52a connecting the optical fibers 51 and 52 are accommodated in the connector accommodating portion 53b. The surplus length of the termination optical fiber 51 is curved and stored in the surplus length storage portion 53a. The fusion splicing part 58 between the optical fibers 52 and 26 is accommodated in the fusion part accommodating part 53c, and the extra connection length of the optical fibers 52 and 26 is accommodated in the extra length accommodating part 53a. The cable side optical fiber 26 is penetrated from the outside of the module main body 29f to the connector housing cylinder 29e and once reaches the connection portion housing space 53 in consideration of the housing operation of the fusion splicing portion 58 and the like. By fusion splicing with the optical fiber 52, the state where the fusion splicing portion 58 is penetrated into the connector housing cylinder 29e is maintained even after the fusion splicing portion 58 is accommodated in the fusion splicing portion accommodating portion 53c. More preferably, a protective tube 59 is attached to a portion of the cable side optical fiber 26 that is housed in the connector housing tube 29e, and the protective tube 59 is fastened by the connector housing tube 29e. Thereby, it is possible to reliably prevent the tensile force, vibration, and the like acting on the cable-side optical fiber 26 drawn out of the optical module 29 from affecting the inside of the optical module 29.
The optical connectors 26a and 51a connecting the optical fibers 26 and 51 can be separately housed in a connector housing provided in the connection housing space 53 if there is no plan to take out from the optical module 29 later. It is.
Further, in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the number of cores of each optical connector 51a can be appropriately changed according to the number of cores of the cable-side optical fiber 26, the number of connection unit cores of the optical coupler 56a, and the like. Needless to say.
[0026]
As described above, in the optical modules 291 and 292, the connector-terminated cable-side optical fiber 26 is connected to the connector-terminated cable-side optical fiber 26, and the cable-side optical fiber 26 that is not connector-terminated is connected to the cable-side optical fiber 26. Thus, by fusing the fused optical fiber 52 connected to the termination optical fiber 51 by connector, the cable-side optical fiber 26 can be used in any case regardless of the presence or absence of the connector termination. The connector can be terminated by connecting to the optical connector adapter 29a via the terminating optical fiber 51 (in the optical module 292, also via the optical fiber 56). For this reason, compared to the case where a dedicated optical module is selected and used corresponding to the presence or absence of connector termination of the cable side optical fiber 26, the module is less wasted, and there is no need to replace the optical module, etc. Excellent effects such as cost reduction and improved connection workability can be obtained.
In the optical modules 291 and 292, the fused optical fiber can be used even if the connector termination of the cable side optical fiber 26 is switched with the change of the cable side optical fiber 26 after being connected to the termination optical fiber 51. If the use or non-use of 52 is switched, it can be easily handled.
[0027]
Further, in the optical modules 291 and 292, even if the use or non-use of the fused optical fiber 52 is selected, the connection of the termination optical fiber 51 to the optical connector adapter 29a is not changed. There is no need to change the connection of the optical fiber 33, the splitter cord 45, and the jumper cord 48, and it is not necessary to move the optical fibers 33, 45, 48 or change the wiring route in the optical wiring board 20. For this reason, the workability of connecting the optical fibers 33, 45, and 48 to the cable side optical fiber 26b can be improved.
In addition, since the optical fibers 33, 45, and 48 are directly connected to the optical connector adapter 29a without using a jumper cord, it is easy to compare with the cable side optical fiber 26 and improve the connection workability. it can. The improvement of the connection workability by this direct connection is similarly exhibited when the optical fibers 33, 45, 48 are switched and connected to the optical connector adapter 29a.
As shown in FIG. 3, in the termination portion 28, the line display card 60 is inserted into a gap between the optical modules 29 (291, 292) arranged side by side. As shown in FIG. 12, since the line number, line name, and cable name connected to the optical connector adapter 29a are displayed on the line display card 60, the optical fibers 33, 45, and 48 for the optical connector adapter 29a are displayed. Can be connected efficiently without making a mistake.
[0028]
Operations such as attaching / detaching the fused optical fiber 52 to / from the termination optical fiber 51 and fusion bonding of the fused optical fiber 52 and the cable-side optical fiber 26 are performed by opening the lid 29q of the optical modules 291 and 292. This is performed with the partial storage space 53 exposed.
According to the optical modules 291 and 292, since the connection portion storage space 53 and the optical component storage space 54 are partitioned by the partition wall 55, the work in the connection portion storage space 53 can be performed with the optical component. It can be performed without touching the optical fiber in the storage space 54 or the optical component (such as the optical coupler 56a), and there is no concern that the optical characteristics of the optical component or the like may be impaired by contact during work, thus improving workability. There are advantages you can do.
[0029]
By the way, the optical module 291 that does not include the test optical fiber 29c can be tested for disconnection of the cable-side optical fiber 26 and the like.
As shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), a connection portion 39 connected to the core selection device 38 via an optical fiber (not shown) is disposed above each termination portion 28 of the optical wiring board 20. The optical fibers 26 and 52 that are connected to the termination optical fiber 51 by connectors are connected to the optical connectors of the connecting portions 39 by connectors. In FIG. 13A, the connector-side cable-side optical fiber 26 is directly connected to the connecting portion 39 by a connector. Thereby, the test light output from the optical line testing device 37 can be incident on the cable-side optical fiber 26 via the connection portion 39, and a test such as disconnection can be performed.
In FIG. 13B and FIG. 14, the cable-side optical fiber 26 that is not terminated with a connector is fused and connected to the fused optical fiber 52, and then the other end of the fused optical fiber 52 that is terminated with a connector. Is connected to the connecting portion 39 by a connector. Even in this case, the test light from the optical line testing device 37 is incident on the cable-side optical fiber 26 through the fused optical fiber 52, so that a test such as disconnection can be performed. Before connecting the cable side optical fiber 26 to the optical line on the termination optical fiber 51 side, performing a repair work or the like before completing the optical wiring work in the optical module 291 by testing disconnection or the like. Can do.
As shown in FIG. 14, the cable-side optical fiber 26 passes through the connector storage tube 29 e of the optical module 291 and is drawn into the connection portion storage space 53 to store the excess length in a curved manner. Therefore, the optical module 291 functions as an extra length storage case for the cable-side optical fiber 26, whereby the optical fibers 26 and 52 can be efficiently connected.
The connector housing cylinder 29e functions as an opening for drawing the cable-side optical fiber 26, and the optical fiber hole 29g functions as an opening for drawing the fused optical fiber 52 to the optical line testing device 37.
[0030]
This test method can also be used for the optical module 292 having the test optical fiber 29c, and any of the optical modules 291 and 292 is tested before the connection extra length processing in the module body 29f is performed. By performing the (completion test), there is an advantage that an abnormal part of the optical line related to the cable-side optical fiber 26 can be found at an early stage, and measures such as repair of the abnormal part can be taken before the entire optical wiring board 20 is assembled.
Since the connecting portion 39 normally has a number of corresponding cores that allow connection of the test optical fibers 29c related to all the optical modules 29 in the corresponding termination portion 28, a large number of optical fibers can be secured. By connecting the fibers 26 and 52 to the connecting portion 39 and switching the selection of the optical fiber in the core selection device 38, the test light is incident from the optical line test device 37, so that a large number of optical lines on the side of the many optical cables 24 Can be tested sequentially for disconnection.
After the test, the optical modules 291 and 292 can be completed by connecting the optical fibers 26 and 52 removed from the connection portion 39 to the termination optical fiber 51 by connectors.
[0031]
When performing line monitoring, the optical module 292 is inserted into the termination portion 28, and the test optical fiber 29 c is connected to the connection portion 39 with a connector. Thereby, the optical line related to the cable-side optical fiber 26 is connected to the test optical fiber 29c via the optical coupler 56a built in the optical module 292, and the test light output from the optical line test apparatus 37 is incident, Can test for disconnection. If the device-side optical fiber 33 is connected to the optical connector adapter 29a, disconnection or the like can be similarly monitored for the device-side optical line.
If the test optical fibers 29c of all the optical modules 292 inserted in the termination portion 28 are connected to the connection portion 39, the light beam associated with each optical module 292 is selected by the selection of the optical fiber by the core selection device 38. Road monitoring can be performed sequentially, automatically and continuously.
[0032]
When the optical module 292 is used instead of the optical module 291 due to the replacement of the cable-side optical fiber 26, the optical module 291 is pulled out from the termination portion 28, and the optical module 292 is inserted. What is necessary is just to connect the test optical fiber 29c pulled out from the connection part 39. On the contrary, when changing from the optical module 292 to the optical module 291, the optical module 292 may be replaced with the optical module 291 with respect to the termination portion 28 after the test optical fiber 29 c is removed from the connection portion 39. As described above, according to the optical wiring board 20, it is possible to easily cope with the presence or absence of line monitoring by selectively using the optical modules 291 and 292. Moreover, since the optical module 292 can be easily added to or removed from the optical wiring board 20 simply by attaching or detaching the test optical fiber 29c to or from the connection portion 39, an optical coupler or the like can be incorporated into the existing optical module. Compared with the case of removing or removing, the replacement workability can be greatly improved.
[0033]
When the optical modules 291 and 292 are replaced, the optical fiber 33, 45, and 48 need to be removed and connected to the optical connector adapter 29a of the optical modules 291 and 292. The optical fibers 33, 45, and 48 can be accurately connected to the adapter 29a without making a mistake. Further, the optical fibers 33, 45, and 48 are directly connected to the optical connector adapter 29a, and are easily compared with the cable-side optical fiber 26 to be connected, which contributes to improvement in connection workability. Furthermore, in particular, the optical fiber 33 can be easily changed from the extra length absorption shelf 34 by changing the wiring route even if it is necessary to change the wiring route as the optical modules 291 and 292 are replaced. This also contributes to improvement in connection workability.
[0034]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, the application target of the optical module according to the present invention may be an optical wiring board having a configuration other than that described in the above embodiment, or may be an optical connection box or the like other than the optical wiring board. However, as shown in the above embodiment, the optical wiring board includes a configuration in which the device side optical fiber 33 or the like is directly connected to the optical connector adapter of the optical module, an extra length absorption shelf, etc. It is preferable that the optical fiber wired in the network can be easily moved (such as changing the wiring route).
The number of optical fibers accommodated in the optical module and the optical fibers connected to the optical fiber on the module side may be either multi-core or single-core. In this case, it goes without saying that the number of optical components and the number of optical fibers accommodated in the optical connector adapter and the module are also adapted to the number of optical fibers.
The shape of the module body or the like of the optical module is not limited to a thin plate case shape, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the mounting positions of the optical connector adapter and the connector housing cylinder do not have to be on opposite sides of the module main body, and can be close to each other on the same side surface of the module main body. In addition, the configuration provided in the module body for the internal / external communication of the optical fiber connected to the termination optical fiber or the fused optical fiber and the storage of the connector connection part is not limited to the connector storage tube, A configuration can also be employed.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the optical module of the present invention, the connector is terminated at the connector terminated end of the terminated optical fiber connected to the optical connector adapter attached to the case-shaped module main body side. Since the connector is connected to another optical fiber that is terminated, or the optical fiber is connected to the terminated optical fiber via a fusion optical fiber that is fusion spliced to an optical fiber that is not connector terminated. Regardless of the presence or absence of connector termination, the connector can be terminated by an optical connector adapter connected to the termination optical fiber. As a result, the cost can be reduced and the connection workability with the terminated optical fiber can be improved as compared with the case where a dedicated optical module is selectively used depending on whether the optical fiber connector is terminated.
  Also, pull the external optical fiber into the module body from the opening,External optical fiber with connector orWhen the optical fiber connected to this external optical fiber is pulled out from the opening and connected to the optical line testing device, even before the completion of the optical wiring of the entire optical module, the disconnection test of the optical line related to the external optical fiber, etc. It is possible to perform an operation such as repair when an abnormality such as a disconnection is found in the optical line related to the external optical fiber.
  Claim3According to the described optical module, it is possible to connect to a test optical fiber by an optical coupler regardless of whether the optical fiber connected to the terminated optical fiber is terminated, and to perform a test such as disconnection due to the incidence of test light. Can do. If the test light can be incident from the optical coupler to the optical connector adapter side, a test such as disconnection can be performed on the optical line on the optical connector adapter side.
  According to the present inventionAccording to the optical distribution board, it is possible to easily cope with the presence / absence of line monitoring after completion by simply replacing the optical module.
[Brief description of the drawings]
1A and 1B are diagrams showing an optical wiring board according to an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 1A is a front view showing a device side, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. is there.
2 is a rear view showing a cable side of the optical wiring board of FIG. 1. FIG.
3 is a side view showing a termination portion of the optical wiring board of FIG. 1. FIG.
4 is a perspective view showing a surplus length absorption shelf applied to the optical wiring board of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an optical module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a side view showing the inside of the connection portion storage space of the optical module of FIG. 5. FIG.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 6;
8 is a diagram showing the optical module of FIG. 5, where (a) is a front view seen from the optical connector adapter side, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 8 (a). The inside of the optical component storage space is shown.
9 is a diagram showing the inside of the connecting portion housing space of the optical module in FIG. 5, and is a side view showing a state where a fused optical fiber is connected to a termination optical fiber and is connected to a cable-side optical fiber. is there.
FIG. 10 is a side view showing the inside of the optical component storage space of the test optical module, showing the connection state of the test optical fiber.
11A and 11B are optical wiring diagrams of an optical module according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 11A is a connection state with an optical fiber terminated with a connector, and FIG. 11B is not terminated with a connector. The connection state with the optical fiber, (c) shows the state of incorporation of the optical coupler and the test optical fiber in the test optical module.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a line display card.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a completion test in an optical module not provided with a test optical fiber, where (a) corresponds to a cable-side optical fiber terminated with a connector; The case where it corresponds to the cable side optical fiber which is not terminated is shown.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a completion test in an optical module that does not include a test optical fiber, and (b) is a perspective view showing a case corresponding to a cable-side optical fiber that is not terminated with a connector.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a conventional optical module.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Optical distribution board, 26 ... Optical fiber (cable side optical fiber), 26a ... Optical connector, 29, 291, 292 ... Optical module, 29a ... Optical connector adapter, 29c ... Test optical fiber, 29e ... External optical fiber 29f... Module body, 29g. Opening (optical fiber hole), 37. Optical line testing device, 51. Termination optical fiber, 51a. Optical connector, 52. Fiber, 56a... Optical coupler, optical component.

Claims (9)

A module-shaped module body (29f) and an optical connector adapter (29a) attached to the side of the module body, and connected to the optical fibers (51, 52) housed in the module body from the outside The optical fiber (26) is terminated so as to be connectable by the optical connector adapter, and a plurality of optical modules are accommodated side by side in an optical wiring board provided with an optical line testing device (37) ,
The module body has one end connected to the optical connector adapter side and the other end terminated to be connected to another optical fiber (26, 52) by an optical connector (51a). The termination optical fiber (51) is stored,
Further, in the module body, an optical connector (51a ) in which the other end of the fused optical fiber (52) whose one end is fusion-connected to the external optical fiber (26) is connected to the other end of the terminated optical fiber. , 52a) is removably accommodated in a connector accommodating portion (53b), and a fusion splicing portion accommodating portion (58) for accommodating a fusion splicing portion (58) between the external optical fiber and the fused optical fiber. 53c), and
Moreover, the module body includes an opening outside the optical fiber is drawn (29e), said light line testing an external optical fiber or the fused optical fiber connector with drawn within the module body (52) device optical module characterized by comprising an opening for the connector connected to and draw out into (37) the optical line testing device (29g) (29,291,292).   The opening (29e) into which the external optical fiber is drawn is a connector storage cylinder for storing an optical connector (26a, 51a) in which a front end of the external optical fiber with a connector and the other end of the terminated optical fiber are connected by a connector. The optical module according to claim 1. An optical fiber for testing (29c) in which the test light output from the optical line testing device is incident on the optical coupler (56a) interposed between the optical connector adapter and the terminated optical fiber or in the middle of the terminated optical fiber ) is an optical module according to claim 1, wherein it is connected. The inside of the module body is partitioned by a partition wall (55) into a connection portion storage space (53) for storing the surplus length of the terminated optical fiber and an optical component storage space (54) for storing the optical coupler. The connector storage part and the fusion part storage part are provided in the connection part storage space,
  In the module body, an opening (29e) into which an external optical fiber is drawn, and the external optical fiber with the connector or the fused optical fiber (52) are drawn out to the optical line testing device (37) to form the light beam. An opening (29g) for connecting the connector to the road test device is opened to communicate with the connection portion storage space, and further, an opening (29e) formed to communicate with the optical component storage space 4. The optical module according to claim 3, wherein the test optical fiber is drawn out from the optical module. The module body is in the form of a thin plate case,
  The connection portion storage space (53) and the optical component storage space (54) are adjacent to each other in the thickness direction of the module body via the partition wall, and are opened to the partition wall. The optical module according to claim 4, wherein the optical module is communicated through a communication hole (55 a).   A lid (29q) for opening and closing the connection portion storage space is provided on the side of the module body,
  6. The optical module according to claim 4, wherein the partition wall is detachable from the module body. The optical path test from the module body to the opening (29e) into which the external optical fiber is drawn, the optical fiber (52) connected to the external optical fiber, the external optical fiber with a connector, or the test optical fiber. An opening (29g) for drawing out to the device (37) is provided in the module main body with the optical connector adapter. The optical module according to claim 3, wherein the optical module is opened at the other end opposite to the one end to which the optical module is attached. An optical wiring board (20), wherein the optical module according to claim 1 or 2 or the optical module according to any one of claims 3 to 7 is housed in a replaceable manner. The light according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a cable introducing portion (25) into which an external optical cable (24) is drawn, a device-side introducing portion (32) into which a device-side optical fiber (33) connected to the transmission device is introduced. And / or a termination portion (28) that houses a plurality of optical modules according to any one of claims 3 to 7 side by side, and the external optical fiber that is an optical fiber of the external optical cable, The device side optical fiber is configured to be connected by an optical connector adapter of the optical module,
  The termination is
  A connection part (39) for connecting the optical fiber (29c, 36, 52) drawn out from the opening part (29g) of the optical module housed in the termination part to the optical line testing apparatus is provided at the upper part. 9. The optical wiring board according to claim 8, further comprising a hook-shaped wiring portion (28e) for housing the external optical fiber drawn from the external optical cable into the optical module.

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