JP3928766B2

JP3928766B2 - Optical fiber holding device and optical fiber holding method

Info

Publication number: JP3928766B2
Application number: JP2000116149A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 茂小林; 武弘林; 卓史吉田; 勝小林; 宜輝阿部; 真住田
Original assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP KK; Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp; NTT Inc USA
Current assignee: Tyco Electronics Japan GK; NTT Inc; NTT Inc USA
Priority date: 2000-04-18
Filing date: 2000-04-18
Publication date: 2007-06-13
Anticipated expiration: 2020-04-18
Also published as: JP2001305383A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、光ファイバを相互に接続するための光ファイバコネクタに用いられる光ファイバ保持装置及び光ファイバの保持方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、光ファイバを相互に接続するには、光ファイバの端部をフェルールと呼ばれる保持装置に保持させ、この保持装置を光ファイバコネクタに装着して接続すべき光ファイバ同士の端面を突き合わせて固定する方法が主として採用されている。光ファイバの端部を保持装置に保持する際しては、光ファイバを損傷させることなく、しっかりと保持することが要求されている。
【０００３】
そして、光ファイバの端部を保持装置に保持する方法としては、保持装置内に光ファイバの端部を挿入して接着剤で固定する方法や金属パイプなどに光ファイバを挿入しこの金属パイプを機械的にかしめて固定する方法などが提案されている。
しかし、光ファイバを接着剤で固定する方法では、光ファイバの前処理や接着剤の乾燥に時間がかかって生産性が悪いのみならず、接着剤が硬化するまでに光ファイバの位置がずれてしまうという問題があった。
【０００４】
また、金属パイプを機械的にかしめて固定する方法では、かしめ力が少しでも強すぎると、光ファイバが折れるなどの損傷をきたし、一方、かしめ力が弱すぎると、光ファイバが抜けてしまうため、かしめ力を厳密に管理しなければならないという問題があった。
これら問題を解決するための光ファイバ保持装置として、例えば、図１３に示すものが提案されている（特開平９- １１３７５７号公報参照）。
【０００５】
この光ファイバ保持装置１００は、光ファイバＦを挟むように対向配置される金属製の１対の中空部材１１０，１１０と、これら中空部材１１０，１１０を押圧保持する金属製のスリーブ１２０と、一端１３１がスリーブ１２０内に挿入されて中空部材１１０，１１０を光ファイバＦの光軸方向に押し込む光ファイバガイド１３０とを具備している。
【０００６】
ここで、各中空部材１１０は、図１３（ｂ）及び図１３（ｃ）に示すように、全体として略半円筒形状をなし、平面部１１１の略中央部には、軸方向に沿って光ファイバＦの保持溝１１２が形成されている。この保持溝１１２の一端部は、溝の内径を大きくした光ファイバＦの導入部１１２ａをなし、他端部は、溝の内径を小さくした光ファイバＦの固定部１１２ｂをなしている。また、中空部材１１０には、軸方向に沿って延びる中空部１１３が形成されている。
【０００７】
そして、この光ファイバ保持装置１００によって光ファイバＦを保持するには、先ず、スリーブ１２０の拡径孔部１２２内に、１対の中空部材１１０，１１０を、それらの平面部１１１，１１１を突き合わせた状態で導入部１１２ａ側から挿入する。また、スリーブ１２０の外周に環体１４１及びコイルばね１４０を装着しておく。次いで、環体１４２を装着した光ファイバガイド１３０の一端１３１をスリーブ１２０の拡径孔部１２２内挿入する。その後、光ファイバＦの接続すべき端部を、スリーブ１２０の導入孔１２３に通し、更に１対の中空部材１１０，１１０間に通し、更に光ファイバガイド１３０の軸孔１３２とガイド孔１３３とを通して、光ファイバガイド１３０の先端面から突出させる。この際に、光ファイバＦは、１対の中空部材１１０，１１０の保持溝１１２，１１２の固定部１１２ｂ、１１２ｂ間に位置する。また、光ファイバＦの被覆Ｆ₁の先端は、保持溝１１２，１１２の導入部１１２ａ，１１２ａの縁に当接し、被覆Ｆ₁は固定部１１２ｂ側に挿入できない。
【０００８】
その後、光ファイバガイド１３０の一端１３１を、スリーブ１２０の拡径孔部１２２の奥方に押し込む。その結果、１対の中空部材１１０，１１０は光ファイバＦの光軸方向に沿ってスリーブ１２０の縮径孔部１２１に押し込まれる。中空部材１１０，１１０が縮径孔部１２１に押し込まれると、それら中空部材１１０，１１０はスリーブ１２０に押圧保持され、光ファイバＦは１対の中空部材１１０，１１０の固定部１１２ｂ，１１２ｂに挟まれて押圧固定される。このとき、中空部材１１０の押圧力は、中空部１１３によって弾性的になされ、光ファイバＦを損傷させることなくしっかりと保持することができる。
【０００９】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、この従来の光ファイバ保持装置１００にあっては、光ファイバＦを押圧固定する１対の中空部材１１０，１１０を光ファイバＦの光軸方向に沿ってスリーブ１２０内に押し込む必要があるので、光ファイバＦを押圧固定した際に、光ファイバＦのスリーブ１２０に対する光軸方向の位置が位置ずれしてしまい、その位置精度が定まりにくいという問題点があった。
【００１０】
また、光ファイバＦを押圧固定する１対の中空部材１１０，１１０を光ファイバＦの光軸方向に沿ってスリーブ１２０内に押し込むために、その押し込み作業に先立って、光ファイバＦの接続すべき端部を、中空部材１１０，１１０以外の光ファイバガイド１３０の軸孔１３２及びガイド孔１３３に通す作業が必要となり、光ファイバＦの光ファイバ保持装置１に対する固定作業が煩雑、困難であった。また、中空部材１１０，１１０を光ファイバＦの光軸方向に沿ってスリーブ１２０内に押し込むので、その押し込みの際に、光ファイバＦが邪魔となり、光ファイバＦを押圧固定する部材の押圧作業が困難であった。
【００１１】
従って、本発明は、これら問題点を解決するためになされたものであり、その目的は、光ファイバの光軸方向の高い位置精度を実現できると共に、光ファイバの固定作業及び押圧作業を容易、簡単に行える光ファイバ保持装置及び光ファイバの保持方法を提供することにある。
【００１２】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記問題を解決するため、本発明のうち請求項１に係る光ファイバ保持装置は、光ファイバを保持する光ファイバ保持装置であって、前記光ファイバを受容するファイバ受容溝を有する平板部を有するコア部材と、該コア部材の前記平板部上に配置されるファイバ押え部材と、前記コア部材及び前記ファイバ押え部材を収容するハウジングと、該ハウジングと前記ファイバ押え部材との間に前記光ファイバの光軸方向と直交する方向に挿入され、前記ファイバ受容溝に受容された前記光ファイバを前記ファイバ押え部材によって押圧固定するくさび部材とを具備し、前記光ファイバは、ガラスファイバ部、該ガラスファイバ部の周囲に設けられた保護層部、及び該保護層部の周囲に設けられた被覆部を有し、前記コア部材の前記ファイバ受容溝は、前記ガラスファイバ部、前記保護層部、及び前記被覆部のそれぞれを受容するガラスファイバ受容溝、保護層受容溝、及び被覆受容溝からなり、前記くさび部材は、前記ハウジングと前記ファイバ押え部材との間に前記光ファイバの光軸方向と直交する方向に挿入されることによって、前記ガラスファイバ受容溝、保護層受容溝、及び被覆受容溝に受容された前記光ファイバのガラスファイバ部、保護層部、及び被覆部を前記ファイバ押え部材によって押圧固定することを特徴としている。
【００１４】
本発明のうち請求項２に係る光ファイバ保持装置は、請求項１記載の発明において、前記くさび部材は、平板状部と、該平板状部の一主面から前記挿入方向に直交する方向に沿って離間した位置で突出し且つ前記挿入方向に沿って延びる複数の突起部と、前記一主面とは反対側の主面から前記位置とは異なる位置で突出し且つ前記挿入方向に沿って延びる少なくとも１つの突起部とを具備することを特徴としている。
【００１５】
更に、本発明のうち請求項３に係る光ファイバの保持方法は、光ファイバを保持する光ファイバの保持方法であって、前記光ファイバを受容するファイバ受容溝を有する平板部を有するコア部材の前記平板部上に、ファイバ押え部材を配置する工程と、前記コア部材及び前記ファイバ押え部材をハウジングに収容する工程と、前記光ファイバを、該光ファイバが前記ファイバ受容溝に位置するように、前記コア部材と前記ファイバ押え部材との間に挿入する工程と、前記ハウジングと前記ファイバ押え部材との間に前記光ファイバの光軸方向と直交する方向にくさび部材を挿入し、前記ファイバ受容溝に受容された前記光ファイバを前記ファイバ押え部材によって押圧固定する工程とを具備し、前記光ファイバは、ガラスファイバ部、該ガラスファイバ部の周囲に設けられた保護層部、及び該保護層部の周囲に設けられた被覆部を有し、前記コア部材の前記ファイバ受容溝は、前記ガラスファイバ部、前記保護層部、及び前記被覆部のそれぞれを受容するガラスファイバ受容溝、保護層受容溝、及び被覆受容溝からなり、前記ガラスファイバ部、前記保護層部、及び前記被覆部を露出した前記光ファイバを、前記ガラスファイバ部が前記ガラスファイバ受容溝に、前記保護層部が前記保護層受容溝に、前記被覆部が前記被覆受容溝に位置するように、前記コア部材と前記ファイバ押え部材との間に挿入し、前記ハウジングと前記ファイバ押え部材との間に前記光ファイバの光軸方向と直交する方向に前記くさび部材を挿入し、これにより、前記ガラスファイバ受容溝、保護層受容溝、及び被覆受容溝に受容された前記光ファイバのガラスファイバ部、保護層部、及び被覆部を前記ファイバ押え部材によって押圧固定することを特徴としている。
【００１７】
請求項１に係る光ファイバ保持装置及び請求項３に係る光ファイバの保持方法によれば、コア部材の平面部上にファイバ押え部材を配置し、コア部材及びファイバ押え部材をハウジングに収容し、コア部材とファイバ押え部材との間に光ファイバを挿入し、ハウジングとファイバ押え部材との間に光ファイバの光軸方向と直交する方向にくさび部材を挿入することにより、光ファイバを押圧固定することができる。
【００１８】
また、請求項１に係る光ファイバ保持装置及び請求項３に係る光ファイバの保持方法によれば、ハウジングとファイバ押え部材との間に光ファイバの光軸方向と直交する方向にくさび部材を挿入することにより、ガラスファイバ受容溝、保護層受容溝、及び被覆受容溝に受容された光ファイバのガラスファイバ部、保護層部、及び被覆部を押圧固定することができる。
【００１９】
更に、請求項２に係る光ファイバ保持装置によれば、くさび部材が平板状部と平板状部の一主面及びその反対側の主面から突出する複数の突起部とからなる梁構造を有し、その材料自体の弾性のみならずその梁構造による曲げ弾性により弾性力を生成する。通常の外側に傾斜面を形成した中実構造のくさび部材では、その形状による曲げ弾性が少なくその材料自体の弾性による弾性力が、生成される弾性力の主因となる。このため、前記くさび部材によれば、製造公差を通常のくさび部材よりも拡げることができ、製造容易である。
【００２０】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の実施形態を図面を参照して説明する。図１は、本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置によって保持される光ファイバの概略正面図である。
図１に示すように、光ファイバ保持装置によって保持される光ファイバＡは、コア（図示せず）及びクラッド（図示せず）を有するガラスファイバ部Ａ₁、ガラスファイバ部Ａ₁の周囲に設けられた除去可能な保護層部Ａ₂、及び保護層部Ａ₂の周囲に設けられたポリ塩化ビニル等のプラスチック材からなる被覆部Ａ₃からなっている。光ファイバＡはこのように３層構造となっているが、本発明の光ファイバ保持装置によって保持される光ファイバは、３層構造を有するものに限られない。また、保護層部Ａ₂は除去可能に構成されているが、除去することを意図しない除去困難な構成としてもよい。
【００２１】
次に、光ファイバ保持装置を図２乃至図１０を参照して説明する。図２は、本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を構成するコア部材を示し、（ａ）はその平面図、（ｂ）は正面図、（ｃ）は左側面図、（ｄ）は（ａ）の２ｄ- ２ｄ線に沿った断面図である。図３は図２に示すコア部材の主要部の拡大断面を示し、（ａ）は図２（ａ）の３ａ- ３ａ線に沿った拡大断面図、（ｂ）は図２（ａ）の３ｂ- ３ｂ線に沿った拡大断面図、（ｃ）は図２（ａ）の３ｃ- ３ｃ線に沿った拡大断面図である。図４は、本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を構成する第１ファイバ押え部材を示し、（ａ）はその正面図、（ｂ）は右側面図、（ｃ）は底面図である。図５は、本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を構成する第２ファイバ押え部材を示し、（ａ）はその正面図、（ｂ）は右側面図、（ｃ）は底面図である。図６は、本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を構成する第３ファイバ押え部材を示し、（ａ）はその正面図、（ｂ）は右側面図、（ｃ）は底面図である。図７は、本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を構成するハウジングを示し、（ａ）はその平面図、（ｂ）は正面図、（ｃ）は右側面図、（ｄ）は（ａ）の７ｄ- ７ｄ線に沿った断面図である。図８は、本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を構成する第１くさび部材を示し、（ａ）はその正面図、（ｂ）は右側面図である。図９は、本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を構成する第２くさび部材を示し、（ａ）はその正面図、（ｂ）は右側面図である。図１０は、本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を構成する第３くさび部材を示し、（ａ）はその正面図、（ｂ）は右側面図である。
【００２２】
光ファイバ保持装置は、図２及び図３に示すコア部材１０と、コア部材１０の平板部１１上に配置される図４乃至図６に示す第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３と、コア部材１０及び第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３を収容する図７に示すハウジング３０と、図８乃至図１０に示す第１乃至第３くさび部材４１，４２，４３とからなっている。
【００２３】
ここで、コア部材１０は、光ファイバＡを受容する複数のファイバ受容溝１２を上面に有する平板部１１と、平板部１１の前端（図１（ａ）における右端）から前方に延びる前端が二股形状の筒状部１５とを具備し、樹脂を成形することによって形成される。
各ファイバ受容溝１２は、光ファイバＡのガラスファイバ部Ａ₁を受容するガラスファイバ受容溝１２ａ、光ファイバＡの保護層部Ａ₂を受容する保護層受容溝１２ｂ、及び光ファイバＡの被覆部Ａ₃を受容する被覆受容溝１２ｃを有している。各ガラスファイバ受容溝１２ａは、図３（ａ）及び後述の図１２（ａ）に最も良く示されるように、ガラスファイバ部Ａ₁を２点接触によって受容可能な断面Ｖ字形状をなしている。また、各保護層受容溝１２ｂは、図３（ｂ）及び後述の図１２（ｂ）に示すように、ガラスファイバ受容溝１２ａよりも大きい、保護層部Ａ₂を２点接触によって受容可能な断面Ｖ字形状をなしている。更に、被覆受容溝１２ｃは、図３（ｃ）及び図１２（ｃ）に示すように、被覆部Ａ₃を３点接触によって受容可能な断面台形形状をなしている。
【００２４】
また、平板部１１の上面には、ガラスファイバ受容溝１２ａの両側に位置する複数のポスト受容凹部１３ａ、保護層受容溝１２ｂの両側に位置する複数のポスト受容凹部１３ｂ、及び被覆受容溝１２ｃの両側に位置する複数のポスト受容凹部１３ｃが形成されている。そして、平板部１１の両側面には、図７に示すハウジング３０のコア収容孔３２ａに収容される際に、コア収容部３２の係止孔３４に係止される１対の突起１４が突出形成されている。
【００２５】
一方、筒状部１５は、ガラスファイバ受容溝１２ａから突出するガラスファイバ部Ａ₁の撓みを許容する空洞１５ａを内部に有している。また、筒状部１５の二股状部の両側面には、外側に突出する１対の突部１５ｂが形成されている。これら突部１５ｂは、図示しないアダプタ内に１対のコア部材１０，１０が挿入されてそれらコア部材１０，１０の先端が互いに当接するとき、アダプタに形成されたロック部材によって挟持されるものである。そして、筒状部１５の二股状部の上下部分には、それら二股状部間を連結する連結部１５ｃが設けられている。
【００２６】
次に、第１ファイバ押え部材２１は、図４に示すように、略矩形平板の下面に下側に突出する複数の押圧凸状部２１ａを形成し、樹脂を成形することによって形成される。押圧凸状部２１ａは、平板の幅方向において複数のガラスファイバ受容溝１２ａに対応する位置に配置され、平板の長手方向においてガラスファイバ受容溝１２ａと略同一の長さを有する。また、これら押圧凸状部２１ａの両側には、コア部材１０のポスト受容凹部１３ａに受容される複数のポスト２１ｂが突出形成されている。更に、これら押圧凸状部２１ａの長手方向の左端部には、光ファイバＡのガラスファイバ部Ａ₁が挿入される際に、ガラスファイバ部Ａ₁の挿入を容易にするための傾斜面２１ｃが形成されている。また、押圧凸状部２１ａの長手方向の右端部には、ガラスファイバ部Ａ₁の導出を容易にするための傾斜面２１ｄが形成されている。
【００２７】
また、第２ファイバ押え部材２２は、図５に示すように、略矩形平板の突出部２２ｅの下面に複数の保護層押圧凹部２２ａを形成し、樹脂を成形することによって形成される。保護層押圧凹部２２ａは、平板の幅方向において複数の保護層受容溝１２ｂに対応する位置に配置され、平板の長手方向において保護層受容溝１２ｂと略同一の長さを有する。また、これら保護層押圧凹部２２ａの両側には、コア部材１０のポスト受容凹部１３ｂに受容される複数のポスト２２ｂが突出形成されている。更に、保護層押圧凹部２２ａの長手方向の左端部には、光ファイバＡのガラスファイバ部Ａ₁及び保護層部Ａ₂が挿入される際に、それらの挿入を容易にするための傾斜面２２ｃが形成されている。また、保護層押圧凹部２２ａの長手方向の右端部には、ガラスファイバ部Ａ₁の導出を容易にするための傾斜面２２ｄが形成されている。
【００２８】
更に、第３ファイバ押え部材２３は、図６に示すように、略矩形平板の下面に１つの被覆押圧凹部２３ａを形成し、樹脂を成形することによって形成される。被覆押圧凹部２３ａは、平板の幅方向において複数の被覆受容溝１２ｃを覆う幅を有し、平板の長手方向において被覆受容溝１２ｃと略同一の長さを有する。また、これら被覆押圧凹部２３ａの両側には、コア部材１０のポスト受容凹部１３ｃに受容される複数のポスト２３ｂが突出形成されている。更に、被覆押圧凹部２３ａの長手方向の左端部には、光ファイバＡのガラスファイバ部Ａ₁、保護層部Ａ₂、及び被覆部Ａ₃が挿入される際に、それらの挿入を容易にするための傾斜面２３ｃが形成されている。また、被覆押圧凹部２３ａの長手方向の右端部には、ガラスファイバ部Ａ₁及び保護層部Ａ₂の導出を容易にするための傾斜面２３ｄが形成されている。
【００２９】
次に、コア部材１０及び第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３を収容するハウジング３０は、図７に示すように、ケーブル収容部３１と、ケーブル収容部３１から前方（図７（ａ）における右方）に延びるコア収容部３２とを具備している。ケーブル収容部３１は、後端から前方に延びる、複数本の光ファイバＡを収容するためのケーブル収容孔３１ａを有している。一方、コア収容部３２は、ケーブル収容孔３１ａに連通し前端に開口する、コア部材１０及び第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３を収容するためのコア収容孔３２ａを有している。コア収容孔３２ａの径は、ケーブル収容孔３１ａの径よりも大きく、コア収容孔３２ａとケーブル収容孔３１ａとが連通する部分には、停止面３２ｂが形成される。このハウジング３０は、樹脂を成形することによって形成される。
【００３０】
そして、コア収容部３２の両側面には、第１乃至第３くさび部材４１，４２，４３のそれぞれを挿入可能とするための第１乃至第３くさび孔３３ａ，３３ｂ，３３ｃが形成されている。第１乃至第３くさび孔３３ａ，３３ｂ，３３ｃの上下方向の位置は、図７（ｄ）に示すように、それらの上縁面がコア収容部３２の上壁３２ｃの下面３２ｄと一致する位置である。また、コア収容部３２の両側面には、コア部材１０の両側面に突出形成された突起１４が仮係止される係止孔３４が形成されている。係止孔３４の上下方向の位置は、それらの下縁面がコア収容部３２の下壁３２ｅの上面３２ｆと一致する位置である。
【００３１】
次に、コア収容部３２の第１くさび孔３３ａからハウジング３０内に挿入される第１くさび部材４１は、図８に示すように、第１くさび孔３３ａよりもやや小さい幅ｌａを有する略平板形状で構成される。この第１くさび部材４１は、樹脂を成形することによって形成される。第１くさび部材４１の上面には、２つの突起部４１ａが突出形成され、下面には、３つの突起部４１ｂが突出形成されている。突起部４１ａは、平板状部の上面から第１くさび部材４１の挿入方向に直交する沿って離間した位置で突出し且つ前記挿入方向に沿って延びる。また、突起部４１ｂは、平板状部の下面から前記位置とは異なる位置で突出し且つ前記挿入方向に沿って延びている。突起部４１ａの上端と突起部４１ｂの下端とがなす高さｈａは、第１くさび孔３３ａの高さ方向の幅よりもやや小さく、コア収容部３２の上壁３２ｃの下面３２ｄと、コア収容部３２内に挿入された第１ファイバ押え部材２１の上面との間の間隔よりもやや大きくなっている。また、これら突起部４１ａ及び４１ｂの個数及び配列ピッチは、幅ｌａに応じて調整される。第１くさび部材４１の先端（図８（ｂ）における右端）には、第１くさび部材４１を第１くさび孔３３ａから挿入する際に、その挿入を容易にするための傾斜面４１ｃが形成されている。
【００３２】
また、コア収容部３２の第２くさび孔３３ｂからハウジング３０内に挿入される第２くさび部材４２は、図９に示すように、第２くさび孔３３ｂよりもやや小さい幅ｌｂを有する略平板形状で構成される。この第２くさび部材４２は、樹脂を成形することによって形成される。第２くさび部材４２の上面には、１つの突起部４２ａが突出形成され、下面には、２つの突起部４２ｂが突出形成されている。突起部４２ａは、平板状部の上面から第２くさび部材４２の挿入方向に直交する沿って離間した位置で突出し且つ前記挿入方向に沿って延びる。また、突起部４２ｂは、平板状部の下面から前記位置とは異なる位置で突出し且つ前記挿入方向に沿って延びている。これら突起部４２ａ，４２ｂの数は、第２くさび部材４２の幅ｌｂが第１くさび部材４１の幅ｌａよりも短いため、第１くさび部材４１の突起部４１ａ，４１ｂの数よりも少ない。そして、突起部４２ａの上端と突起部４２ｂの下端とがなす高さｈｂは、第２くさび孔３３ｂの高さ方向の幅よりもやや小さく、コア収容部３２の上壁３２ｃの下面３２ｄと、コア収容部３２内に挿入された第２ファイバ押え部材２２の上面との間の間隔よりもやや大きくなっている。第２くさび部材４２の先端には、第１くさび部材４１と同様に、第２くさび部材４２の挿入を容易にするための傾斜面４２ｃが形成されている。
【００３３】
更に、コア収容部３２の第３くさび孔３３ｃからハウジング３０内に挿入される第３くさび部材４３は、図１０に示すように、第３くさび孔３３ｃよりもやや小さい幅ｌｃを有する略平板形状で構成される。この第３くさび部材４３は、樹脂を成形することによって形成される。第３くさび部材４３の上面には、第２くさび部材４２と同様に、１つの突起部４３ａが突出形成され、下面には、２つの突起部４３ｂが突出形成されている。突起部４３ａは、平板状部の上面から第３くさび部材４３の挿入方向に直交する沿って離間した位置で突出し且つ前記挿入方向に沿って延びる。また、突起部４３ｂは、平板状部の下面から前記位置とは異なる位置で突出し且つ前記挿入方向に沿って延びている。そして、突起部４３ａの上端と突起部４３ｂの下端とがなす高さｈｃは、第３くさび孔３３ｃの高さ方向の幅よりもやや小さく、コア収容部３２の上壁３２ｃの下面３２ｄと、コア収容部３２内に挿入された第３ファイバ押え部材２３の上面との間の間隔よりもやや大きくなっている。第３くさび部材４３の先端には、第１くさび部材４１と同様に、第３くさび部材４３の挿入を容易にするための傾斜面４３ｃが形成されている。第１乃至第３くさび部材４１、４２、４３は、以上に説明したように、平板状部と平板状部の一主面及びその反対側の主面から突出する複数の突起部４１ａ，４１ｂ、４２ａ，４２ｂ、４３ａ，４３ｂとからなる梁構造を有し、その材料自体の弾性のみならずその梁構造による曲げ弾性により弾性力を生成する。通常の外側に傾斜面を形成した中実構造のくさび部材では、その形状による曲げ弾性が少なくその材料自体の弾性による弾性力が、生成される弾性力の主因となる。このため、前記くさび部材４１、４２、４３によれば、製造公差を通常のくさび部材よりも広げることができ、製造容易となる。
【００３４】
次に、図１１及び図１２を参照して光ファイバ保持装置を用いて光ファイバを保持する方法について説明する。図１１は、光ファイバ保持装置を用いて光ファイバを保持する方法の説明図であり、（ａ）はコア部材上に第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材を配置したものをハウジング内に挿入する状態の説明図、（ｂ）は複数の光ファイバを含む光ファイバケーブルをハウジング内に挿入する状態の説明図、（ｃ）は第１乃至第３くさび部材をハウジング内に挿入する状態の説明図である。図１２は、第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材によって光ファイバをコア部材に押圧する前の状態の断面を示し、（ａ）は第１ファイバ押え部材によってガラスファイバ部をコア部材に押圧する前の断面図、（ｂ）は第２ファイバ押え部材によって保護層部をコア部材に押圧する前の断面図、（ｃ）は第３ファイバ押え部材によって被覆部をコア部材に押圧する前の断面図である。但し、図１２においては、第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材に押圧力を付与する第１乃至第３くさび部材及びハウジングの断面は図示されていない。
【００３５】
光ファイバＡを光ファイバ保持装置によって保持するには、先ず、コア部材１０のポスト受容凹部１３ａ、ポスト受容凹部１３ｂ、及びポスト受容凹部１３ｃのそれぞれに、第１ファイバ押え部材２１のポスト２１ｂ、第２ファイバ押え部材２２のポスト２２ｂ、及び第３ファイバ押え部材２３のポスト２３ｂのそれぞれを挿入してコア部材１０の平板部１１上に第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３を配置する。
【００３６】
次いで、図１１（ａ）に示すように、第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３を平板部１１上に配置したコア部材１０を、コア部材の平板部１１の先端がハウジング３０の停止面３２ｂに当接するまで、ハウジング３０の前方側からコア収容部３２のコア収容孔３２ａ内に挿入する。このとき、コア部材１０に形成された突起１４がハウジング３０に形成された係止穴３４に入り込んでコア部材１０がハウジング３０に仮係止される。また、コア部材１０の筒状部１５は、ハウジング３０の前端から突出する。
【００３７】
次いで、図１１（ｂ）に示すように、ガラスファイバ部Ａ₁、保護層部Ａ₂、及び被覆部Ａ₃を露出した複数本の光ファイバＡを、ガラスファイバ部Ａ₁がガラスファイバ受容溝１２ａに、保護層部Ａ₂が保護層受容溝１２ｂに、被覆部Ａ₃が被覆受容溝１２ｃに位置するように、ハウジング１０の後方側からコア部材１０と第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３との間に挿入する。このとき、ガラスファイバ部Ａ₁の前方部分がコア部材１０の空洞１５ａ内に位置し、被覆部Ａ₃の後方部分は、ハウジング３０のケーブル収容孔３１ａ内に収容される。
【００３８】
そして、図１１（ｃ）に示すように、第１乃至第３くさび部材４１，４２，４３のそれぞれを、光ファイバＡの光軸方向と直交する方向に沿ってハウジング３０の側方から第１乃至第３くさび孔３３ａ，３３ｂ，３３ｃを介してハウジング３０の上壁３２ｃと第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３の上面との間に挿入する。ここで、第１乃至第３くさび部材４１，４２，４３の突起部４１ａ，４２ａ，４３ａの上端と突起部４１ｂ，４２ｂ，４３ｂの下端とがなす高さｈａ，ｈｂ，ｈｃは、コア収容部３２の上壁３２ｃの下面３２ｄと、コア収容部３２内に挿入された第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３の上面との間の間隔よりもやや大きくなっている。このため、第１乃至第３くさび部材４１，４２，４３を挿入すると、第１乃至第３くさび部材４１，４２，４３のそれぞれの上面に形成された突起部４１ａ，４２ａ，４３ａがハウジング３０の上壁３２ｃを押圧し、下面に形成された突起部４１ｂ，４２ｂ，４３ｂが第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３の上面を押圧する。これにより、コア部材１０及び第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３は、ハウジング１０に固定される。また、図１２（ａ）に示すように、光ファイバＡのガラスファイバ部Ａ₁が、第１ファイバ押え部材２１の押圧凸状部２１ａの押圧力によってコア部材１０の平板部１１に形成されたガラスファイバ受容溝１２ａとの間で挟持されて固定される。このとき、ガラスファイバ部Ａ₁は、ガラスファイバ受容溝１２ａの２つの傾斜面と押圧凸状部２１ａの平面とに接触して合計３点で固定される。また、光ファイバＡの保護層部Ａ₂が、図１２（ｂ）に示すように、第２ファイバ押え部材２２の保護層押圧受容凹部２２ａの押圧力によってコア部材１０の平板部１１に形成された保護層受容溝１２ｂとの間で挟持されて固定される。更に、光ファイバＡの被覆部Ａ₃が、図１２（ｃ）に示すように、第３ファイバ押え部材２３の被覆押圧凹部２３ａの押圧力によってコア部材１０の平板部１１に形成された被覆受容溝１２ｃとの間で挟持されて固定される。
【００３９】
以上の作業により、光ファイバＡを光ファイバ保持装置によって保持することができる。光ファイバ保持装置による光ファイバＡの保持力は、実験により約１４．７５Ｎであることが確認されている。光ファイバ保持装置による光ファイバＡの保持力は、主に、光ファイバＡのガラスファイバ部Ａ₁の押圧固定力に起因して生じるものであり、柔らかい材質の保護層部Ａ₂及び被覆部Ａ₃の押圧固定力に起因するものではない。保護層部Ａ₂及び被覆部Ａ₃を第２及び第３ファイバ押え部材２２，２３によって押圧固定すると、第２及び第３ファイバ押え部材２２，２３によって保護層部Ａ₂及び被覆部Ａ₃の変形を防止することができる。また、光ファイバＡのガラスファイバ部Ａ₁を押圧固定することによって生じる伝送特性の損失の増加は、平均約０．２ｄＢと比較的小さな値であることが確認されている。
【００４０】
このように、本実施形態にあっては、光ファイバＡを光ファイバ保持装置によって保持するために、第１乃至第３くさび部材４１，４２，４３を光ファイバＡの光軸方向と直交する方向に沿ってハウジング３０及び第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３間に挿入する。このため、光ファイバＡを押圧固定した際に、光ファイバＡが光軸方向にずれることはなく、光ファイバＡの光ファイバ保持装置に対する光軸方向の高い位置精度を実現することができる。また、光ファイバＡを、コア部材１０と第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３との間に挿入する以外に他の部材間に挿入する必要はなく、光ファイバＡの固定作業を容易、簡単に行うことができる。更に、第１乃至第３くさび部材４１，４２，４３のそれぞれを、光ファイバＡの光軸方向と直交する方向に沿ってハウジング３０内に挿入するので、それらくさび部材４１，４２，４３の挿入の際に、光ファイバＡが邪魔にならず、光ファイバＡの押圧作業を容易に行うことができる。
【００４１】
以上、本発明の実施形態について説明してきたが、本発明はこれに限定されず、種々の変更をすることができる。例えば、光ファイバＡを３層構造ではなく他の構造とした場合、ファイバ受容溝１２を３層構造とするのではなく、その光ファイバＡの層構造に合わせた層構造とする。また、本実施形態にあっては、ファイバ受容溝１２の３層構造に合わせた３つのファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３を使用しているが、これらファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３を一体的に形成することができる。また、くさび部材も、３つのファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３に合わせて３つのくさび部材４１，４２，４３を使用しているが、これらくさび部材４１，４２，４３を一体的に形成することができる。さらに、本実施形態にあっては、コア部材１０、第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３、ハウジング３０、及び第１乃至第３くさび部材４１，４２，４３の全てをコスト安価のために樹脂を成形することによって形成しているが、それらの全て又はそれらの一部を金属製とすることができる。また、本実施形態にあっては、第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３は、ポスト２１ｂ、２２ｂ、２３ｂをコア部材１０のポスト受容凹部１３ａ，１３ｂ，１３ｃに挿入してコア部材１０上に配置されているだけであるが、それら第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３とコア部材１０とをばね性を有する部材（例えば、断面コ字形のばね部材）によって固定しても良い。また、本実施形態にあっては、ガラスファイバ部Ａ₁を断面Ｖ字形状のガラスファイバ受容溝１２ａの２つの傾斜面と押圧凸状部２１ａの平面とに接触させて固定しているが、ガラスファイバ受容溝１２ａ及びファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３が断面で光ファイバＡと３点で接する構造であれば足りるので、ガラスファイバ受容溝１２ａの断面形状はＵ形状でもよいし、ファイバ押え部材２１，２２，２３は押圧凸状部ではなく単なる平面で接してもよい。さらに、３本の円筒部材で光ファイバＡを固定してもよい。また、押圧凸状部２１ａの接触面を湾曲して構成してもよい。更に、本実施形態にあっては、コア部材１０に形成されるファイバ受容溝１２は複数（具体的には２つ）形成され、多心（具体的には２心）の光ファイバに適用できるようになっているが、ファイバ受容溝１２を１つとして単心の光ファイバに適用できるようにしてもよい。また、光ファイバの固定補助手段として接着剤を使用してもよい。
【００４２】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明のうち請求項１に係る光ファイバ保持装置によれば、コア部材の平板部上にファイバ押え部材を配置し、コア部材及びファイバ押え部材をハウジングに収容し、コア部材とファイバ押え部材との間に光ファイバを挿入し、ハウジングとファイバ押え部材との間に光ファイバの光軸方向と直交する方向にくさび部材を挿入することにより、光ファイバを押圧固定することができる。くさび部材を光ファイバの光軸方向に沿ってハウジング及びファイバ押え部材間に挿入する必要はなく、光ファイバを押圧固定した際に、光ファイバの光ファイバ保持装置に対する光軸方向の高い位置精度を実現することができる。また、光ファイバの固定作業及び押圧作業を容易、簡単に行うことができる。
【００４３】
また、前記くさび部材は、前記ハウジングと前記ファイバ押え部材との間に前記光ファイバの光軸方向と直交する方向に挿入されることによって、ガラスファイバ受容溝、保護層受容溝、及び被覆受容溝に受容された光ファイバのガラスファイバ部、保護層部、及び被覆部を前記ファイバ押え部材によって押圧固定する。このため、くさび部材をハウジングとファイバ押え部材との間に光ファイバの光軸方向と直交する方向に挿入することによって、光ファイバのガラスファイバ部、保護層部、及び被覆部を押圧固定することができる。
【００４４】
本発明のうち請求項２に係る光ファイバ保持装置によれば、請求項１記載の発明において、前記くさび部材は、平板状部と、該平板状部の一主面から前記挿入方向に直交する方向に沿って離間した位置で突出し且つ前記挿入方向に沿って延びる複数の突起部と、前記一主面とは反対側の主面から前記位置とは異なる位置で突出し且つ前記挿入方向に沿って延びる少なくとも１つの突起部とを具備しているので、くさび部材が梁構造を有し、その材料自体の弾性のみならずその梁構造による曲げ弾性により弾性力を生成する。このため、製造公差を通常のくさび部材よりも広げることができ、製造容易となる。
【００４５】
更に、本発明のうち請求項３に係る光ファイバの保持方法によれば、請求項１に係る光ファイバ保持装置と同様に、コア部材の平面部上にファイバ押え部材を配置し、コア部材及びファイバ押え部材をハウジングに収容し、コア部材とファイバ押え部材との間に光ファイバを挿入し、ハウジングとファイバ押え部材との間に光ファイバの光軸方向と直交する方向にくさび部材を挿入することにより、光ファイバを押圧固定することができる。このため、光ファイバの光ファイバ保持装置に対する光軸方向の高い位置精度を実現することができると共に、光ファイバの固定作業及び押圧作業を容易、簡単に行うことができる。
【００４６】
また、前記ハウジングと前記ファイバ押え部材との間に前記光ファイバの光軸方向と直交する方向に前記くさび部材を挿入し、これにより、コア部材のガラスファイバ受容溝、保護層受容溝、及び被覆受容溝に受容された前記光ファイバのガラスファイバ部、保護層部、及び被覆部を前記ファイバ押え部材によって押圧固定する。このため、請求項１に係る光ファイバ保持装置と同様に、くさび部材をハウジングとファイバ押え部材との間に光ファイバの光軸方向と直交する方向に挿入することによって、光ファイバのガラスファイバ部、保護層部、及び被覆部を押圧固定することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置によって保持される光ファイバの概略正面図である。
【図２】本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を構成するコア部材を示し、（ａ）はその平面図、（ｂ）は正面図、（ｃ）は左側面図、（ｄ）は（ａ）の２ｄ- ２ｄ線に沿った断面図である。
【図３】図２に示すコア部材の主要部の拡大断面を示し、（ａ）は図２（ａ）の３ａ- ２ａ線に沿った拡大断面図、（ｂ）は図２（ａ）の３ｂ- ３ｂ線に沿った拡大断面図、（ｃ）は図２（ａ）の３ｃ- ３ｃ線に沿った拡大断面図である。
【図４】本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を構成する第１ファイバ押え部材を示し、（ａ）はその正面図、（ｂ）は右側面図、（ｃ）は底面図である。
【図５】本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を構成する第２ファイバ押え部材を示し、（ａ）はその正面図、（ｂ）は右側面図、（ｃ）は底面図である。
【図６】本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を構成する第３ファイバ押え部材を示し、（ａ）はその正面図、（ｂ）は右側面図、（ｃ）は底面図である。
【図７】本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を構成するハウジングを示し、（ａ）はその平面図、（ｂ）は正面図、（ｃ）は右側面図、（ｄ）は（ａ）の７ｄ- ７ｄ線に沿った断面図である。
【図８】本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を構成する第１くさび部材を示し、（ａ）はその正面図、（ｂ）は右側面図である。
【図９】本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を構成する第２くさび部材を示し、（ａ）はその正面図、（ｂ）は右側面図である。
【図１０】本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を構成する第３くさび部材を示し、（ａ）はその正面図、（ｂ）は右側面図である。
【図１１】本発明に係る光ファイバ保持装置を用いて光ファイバを保持する方法の説明図であり、（ａ）はコア部材上に第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材を配置したものをハウジング内に挿入する状態の説明図、（ｂ）は複数の光ファイバを含む光ファイバケーブルをハウジング内に挿入する状態の説明図、（ｃ）は第１乃至第３くさび部材をハウジング内に挿入する状態の説明図である。
【図１２】第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材によって光ファイバをコア部材に押圧する前の状態の断面を示し、（ａ）は第１ファイバ押え部材によってガラスファイバ部をコア部材に押圧する前の断面図、（ｂ）は第２ファイバ押え部材によって保護層部をコア部材に押圧する前の断面図、（ｃ）は第３ファイバ押え部材によって被覆部をコア部材に押する前の断面図である。但し、図１２においては、第１乃至第３ファイバ押え部材に押圧力を付与する第１乃至第３くさび部材及びハウジングの断面は図示されていない。
【図１３】従来例の光ファイバ保持装置を示し、（ａ）はその縦断面図、（ｂ）は中空部材の平面図、（ｃ）は中空部材の右側面図である。
【符号の説明】
１０はコア部材
１１は平板部
１２はファイバ受容溝
１２ａはガラスファイバ受容溝
１２ｂは保護層受容溝
１２ｃは被覆受容溝
２１は第１ファイバ押え部材（ファイバ押え部材）
２２は第２ファイバ押え部材（ファイバ押え部材）
２３は第３ファイバ押え部材（ファイバ押え部材）
３０はハウジング
４１は第１くさび部材（くさび部材）
４２は第２くさび部材（くさび部材）
４３は第３くさび部材（くさび部材）
Ａは光ファイバ
Ａ₁はガラスファイバ部
Ａ₂は保護層部
Ａ₃は被覆部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical fiber holding device and an optical fiber holding method used in an optical fiber connector for connecting optical fibers to each other.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in order to connect optical fibers to each other, the ends of the optical fibers are held by a holding device called a ferrule, and this holding device is attached to an optical fiber connector so that the end faces of the optical fibers to be connected are abutted and fixed. This method is mainly adopted. When the end of the optical fiber is held by the holding device, it is required to hold the optical fiber firmly without damaging the optical fiber.
[0003]
As a method of holding the end of the optical fiber in the holding device, the end of the optical fiber is inserted into the holding device and fixed with an adhesive, or the optical fiber is inserted into a metal pipe or the like, A method of mechanically caulking and fixing has been proposed.
However, in the method of fixing the optical fiber with an adhesive, it takes time for the optical fiber pretreatment and the adhesive to dry, and not only the productivity is deteriorated, but the position of the optical fiber is shifted until the adhesive is cured. There was a problem that.
[0004]
Also, in the method of mechanically caulking and fixing the metal pipe, if the caulking force is too strong, damage to the optical fiber will occur, while if the caulking force is too weak, the optical fiber will come off. There was a problem that the caulking force had to be strictly managed.
As an optical fiber holding device for solving these problems, for example, the one shown in FIG. 13 has been proposed (see JP-A-9-113757).
[0005]
The optical fiber holding device 100 includes a pair of metal hollow members 110 and 110 that are opposed to each other so as to sandwich the optical fiber F, a metal sleeve 120 that presses and holds the hollow members 110 and 110, and one end. 131 includes an optical fiber guide 130 that is inserted into the sleeve 120 to push the hollow members 110 and 110 in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber F.
[0006]
Here, as shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C, each hollow member 110 has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape as a whole, and light is transmitted along the axial direction at a substantially central portion of the plane portion 111. A holding groove 112 for the fiber F is formed. One end portion of the holding groove 112 forms an introduction portion 112a of the optical fiber F having a larger inner diameter of the groove, and the other end portion forms a fixing portion 112b of the optical fiber F having a smaller inner diameter of the groove. The hollow member 110 is formed with a hollow portion 113 extending along the axial direction.
[0007]
In order to hold the optical fiber F by the optical fiber holding device 100, first, the pair of hollow members 110 and 110 are brought into contact with the flat portions 111 and 111 in the diameter expansion hole portion 122 of the sleeve 120. In this state, it is inserted from the introduction part 112a side. Further, the ring body 141 and the coil spring 140 are attached to the outer periphery of the sleeve 120. Next, one end 131 of the optical fiber guide 130 to which the ring body 142 is attached is inserted into the diameter expansion hole portion 122 of the sleeve 120. Thereafter, the end of the optical fiber F to be connected is passed through the introduction hole 123 of the sleeve 120, further passed between the pair of hollow members 110, 110, and further through the shaft hole 132 and the guide hole 133 of the optical fiber guide 130. The optical fiber guide 130 is projected from the front end surface. At this time, the optical fiber F is positioned between the fixing portions 112 b and 112 b of the holding grooves 112 and 112 of the pair of hollow members 110 and 110. Also, the coating F of the optical fiber F ₁ The tips of the abutment abut the edges of the introduction portions 112a and 112a of the holding grooves 112 and 112, and the covering F ₁ Cannot be inserted into the fixed portion 112b.
[0008]
Thereafter, the one end 131 of the optical fiber guide 130 is pushed into the depth of the diameter-expanded hole 122 of the sleeve 120. As a result, the pair of hollow members 110 and 110 are pushed into the reduced diameter hole portion 121 of the sleeve 120 along the optical axis direction of the optical fiber F. When the hollow members 110 and 110 are pushed into the reduced-diameter hole 121, the hollow members 110 and 110 are pressed and held by the sleeve 120, and the optical fiber F is sandwiched between the fixing portions 112b and 112b of the pair of hollow members 110 and 110. It is pressed and fixed. At this time, the pressing force of the hollow member 110 is made elastic by the hollow portion 113 and can be held firmly without damaging the optical fiber F.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in this conventional optical fiber holding device 100, it is necessary to push the pair of hollow members 110, 110 for pressing and fixing the optical fiber F into the sleeve 120 along the optical axis direction of the optical fiber F. When the optical fiber F is pressed and fixed, the position in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber F with respect to the sleeve 120 is displaced, and there is a problem that the positional accuracy is difficult to be determined.
[0010]
Further, in order to push the pair of hollow members 110, 110 for pressing and fixing the optical fiber F into the sleeve 120 along the optical axis direction of the optical fiber F, the optical fiber F should be connected prior to the pushing operation. An operation of passing the end portion through the shaft hole 132 and the guide hole 133 of the optical fiber guide 130 other than the hollow members 110 and 110 is required, and the fixing operation of the optical fiber F to the optical fiber holding device 1 is complicated and difficult. Further, since the hollow members 110 and 110 are pushed into the sleeve 120 along the optical axis direction of the optical fiber F, the pressing operation of the member that presses and fixes the optical fiber F is obstructed during the pushing. It was difficult.
[0011]
Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve these problems, and the object thereof is to realize high positional accuracy of the optical fiber in the optical axis direction, and to easily perform the fixing operation and pressing operation of the optical fiber. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical fiber holding device and an optical fiber holding method that can be easily performed.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problem, an optical fiber holding device according to claim 1 of the present invention is an optical fiber holding device for holding an optical fiber, and has a flat plate portion having a fiber receiving groove for receiving the optical fiber. A core member, a fiber pressing member disposed on the flat plate portion of the core member, a housing accommodating the core member and the fiber pressing member, and the optical fiber between the housing and the fiber pressing member. A wedge member inserted in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction and configured to press and fix the optical fiber received in the fiber receiving groove by the fiber pressing member. The optical fiber includes a glass fiber portion, a protective layer portion provided around the glass fiber portion, and a covering portion provided around the protective layer portion, and the fiber receiving groove of the core member. Comprises a glass fiber receiving groove, a protective layer receiving groove, and a covering receiving groove for receiving the glass fiber portion, the protective layer portion, and the covering portion, respectively, and the wedge member includes the housing and the fiber holding member. Are inserted in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber, so that the glass fiber receiving groove, the protective layer receiving groove, and the glass fiber portion of the optical fiber received in the coating receiving groove, protection The layer portion and the covering portion are pressed and fixed by the fiber pressing member. It is characterized by that.
[0014]
Claims of the present invention 2 An optical fiber holding device according to claim 1 In the described invention, the wedge member includes a flat plate-like portion, and a plurality of protrusions that protrude from a main surface of the flat plate-like portion along a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and extend along the insertion direction. And at least one protrusion that protrudes from a main surface opposite to the one main surface at a position different from the position and extends along the insertion direction.
[0015]
Furthermore, the present invention claims 3 The optical fiber holding method according to the present invention is an optical fiber holding method for holding an optical fiber, wherein a fiber pressing member is provided on the flat plate portion of the core member having a flat plate portion having a fiber receiving groove for receiving the optical fiber. Arranging the core member and the fiber pressing member in a housing, and placing the optical fiber in the housing so that the optical fiber is positioned in the fiber receiving groove. Inserting a wedge member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber between the housing and the fiber pressing member, and inserting the optical fiber received in the fiber receiving groove into the optical fiber A step of pressing and fixing with a fiber pressing member The optical fiber includes a glass fiber portion, a protective layer portion provided around the glass fiber portion, and a covering portion provided around the protective layer portion, and the fiber receiving groove of the core member. Comprises a glass fiber receiving groove, a protective layer receiving groove, and a covering receiving groove for receiving the glass fiber portion, the protective layer portion, and the covering portion, respectively, and the glass fiber portion, the protective layer portion, and the The optical fiber with the covering portion exposed is the core so that the glass fiber portion is positioned in the glass fiber receiving groove, the protective layer portion is positioned in the protective layer receiving groove, and the covering portion is positioned in the covering receiving groove. A wedge member is inserted between the housing and the fiber pressing member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber, and the wedge member is inserted between the housing and the fiber pressing member. More, the glass fiber-receiving grooves, the protective layer receiving groove, and the glass fiber portion of the optical fiber received in the cover receiving grooves, the protective layer portion, and presses and fixes the covering part by the fiber pressing member It is characterized by that.
[0017]
An optical fiber holding device according to claim 1 and claim 3 According to the optical fiber holding method according to the present invention, the fiber pressing member is disposed on the flat portion of the core member, the core member and the fiber pressing member are accommodated in the housing, and the optical fiber is interposed between the core member and the fiber pressing member. The optical fiber can be pressed and fixed by inserting the wedge member in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber between the housing and the fiber pressing member.
[0018]
Claims 1 Optical fiber holding device and claim 3 According to the optical fiber holding method according to the present invention, by inserting a wedge member between the housing and the fiber pressing member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber, a glass fiber receiving groove, a protective layer receiving groove, and The glass fiber part, the protective layer part, and the coating part of the optical fiber received in the coating receiving groove can be pressed and fixed.
[0019]
Further claims 2 According to the optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, the wedge member has a beam structure including a flat plate portion, a plurality of protrusions protruding from one main surface of the flat plate portion and the main surface on the opposite side, and the material itself Elastic force is generated not only by the elasticity of the beam but also by the bending elasticity of the beam structure. In a wedge member having a solid structure in which an inclined surface is normally formed on the outside, bending elasticity due to its shape is small, and an elastic force due to the elasticity of the material itself is a main cause of the generated elastic force. For this reason, according to the said wedge member, manufacturing tolerance can be expanded rather than a normal wedge member, and it is easy to manufacture.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of an optical fiber held by an optical fiber holding device according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, an optical fiber A held by an optical fiber holding device is a glass fiber part A having a core (not shown) and a clad (not shown). ₁ , Glass fiber part A ₁ Removable protective layer A provided around ₂ , And protective layer A ₂ Cover A made of a plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride provided around _Three It is made up of. The optical fiber A has a three-layer structure as described above, but the optical fiber held by the optical fiber holding device of the present invention is not limited to the one having the three-layer structure. In addition, protective layer part A ₂ Is configured to be removable, but may be configured to be difficult to remove and not intended to be removed.
[0021]
Next, the optical fiber holding device will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows a core member constituting the optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a plan view thereof, (b) is a front view, (c) is a left side view, and (d) is (a). FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2d-2d. 3 shows an enlarged cross-section of the main part of the core member shown in FIG. 2, (a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 3a-3a in FIG. 2 (a), and (b) is 3b in FIG. 2 (a). -An enlarged sectional view taken along line 3b, (c) is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 3c-3c in FIG. 2 (a). 4A and 4B show a first fiber pressing member constituting the optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, in which FIG. 4A is a front view, FIG. 4B is a right side view, and FIG. 4C is a bottom view. FIG. 5 shows a second fiber pressing member constituting the optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a front view thereof, (b) is a right side view, and (c) is a bottom view. FIG. 6 shows a third fiber pressing member constituting the optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a front view thereof, (b) is a right side view, and (c) is a bottom view. 7A and 7B show a housing constituting the optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, in which FIG. 7A is a plan view, FIG. 7B is a front view, FIG. 7C is a right side view, and FIG. FIG. 7d is a sectional view taken along line 7d-7d. FIG. 8 shows a first wedge member constituting the optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a front view thereof and (b) is a right side view thereof. FIG. 9 shows a second wedge member constituting the optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a front view thereof and (b) is a right side view thereof. FIG. 10 shows a third wedge member constituting the optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a front view thereof, and (b) is a right side view thereof.
[0022]
The optical fiber holding device includes the core member 10 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and the first to third fiber pressing members 21, 22, and 23 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 disposed on the flat plate portion 11 of the core member 10. And a housing 30 shown in FIG. 7 for housing the core member 10 and the first to third fiber pressing members 21, 22, and 23, and first to third wedge members 41, 42, and 43 shown in FIGS. It is made up of.
[0023]
Here, the core member 10 has a flat plate portion 11 having a plurality of fiber receiving grooves 12 for receiving the optical fiber A on the upper surface, and a front end extending forward from the front end (the right end in FIG. 1A) of the flat plate portion 11 is bifurcated. The cylindrical portion 15 is formed and formed by molding a resin.
Each fiber receiving groove 12 has a glass fiber portion A of the optical fiber A. ₁ Glass fiber receiving groove 12a for receiving light, protective layer portion A of optical fiber A ₂ The protective layer receiving groove 12b for receiving the optical fiber A and the covering portion A of the optical fiber A _Three And a coating receiving groove 12c for receiving the. Each glass fiber receiving groove 12a has a glass fiber portion A as best shown in FIG. 3 (a) and FIG. 12 (a) described later. ₁ Is V-shaped in cross section that can be received by two-point contact. Each protective layer receiving groove 12b is larger than the glass fiber receiving groove 12a, as shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 12B described later. ₂ Is V-shaped in cross section that can be received by two-point contact. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3C and 12C, the coating receiving groove 12c has a coating portion A. _Three Is trapezoidal in cross section that can be received by three-point contact.
[0024]
Further, on the upper surface of the flat plate portion 11, a plurality of post receiving recesses 13a located on both sides of the glass fiber receiving groove 12a, a plurality of post receiving recesses 13b located on both sides of the protective layer receiving groove 12b, and a covering receiving groove 12c are provided. A plurality of post receiving recesses 13c located on both sides are formed. A pair of protrusions 14 that are locked to the locking holes 34 of the core housing portion 32 when being housed in the core housing holes 32a of the housing 30 shown in FIG. Is formed.
[0025]
On the other hand, the cylindrical portion 15 has a glass fiber portion A protruding from the glass fiber receiving groove 12a. ₁ It has a cavity 15a that allows bending of the inside. Further, a pair of projecting portions 15 b projecting outward is formed on both side surfaces of the bifurcated portion of the cylindrical portion 15. These protrusions 15b are sandwiched by a lock member formed on the adapter when a pair of core members 10 and 10 are inserted into an adapter (not shown) and the tips of the core members 10 and 10 come into contact with each other. is there. And the connection part 15c which connects between these bifurcated parts is provided in the up-and-down part of the bifurcated part of the cylindrical part 15. FIG.
[0026]
Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the first fiber pressing member 21 is formed by forming a plurality of pressing convex portions 21a protruding downward on the lower surface of a substantially rectangular flat plate, and molding a resin. The pressing convex portion 21a is disposed at a position corresponding to the plurality of glass fiber receiving grooves 12a in the width direction of the flat plate, and has substantially the same length as the glass fiber receiving groove 12a in the longitudinal direction of the flat plate. A plurality of posts 21b that are received in the post receiving recesses 13a of the core member 10 are formed on both sides of the pressing protrusions 21a. Further, the glass fiber portion A of the optical fiber A is disposed at the left end portion in the longitudinal direction of the pressing convex portion 21a. ₁ Is inserted into the glass fiber part A ₁ An inclined surface 21c for facilitating the insertion of is formed. Further, at the right end in the longitudinal direction of the pressing convex portion 21a, the glass fiber portion A ₁ An inclined surface 21d for facilitating the derivation of is formed.
[0027]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the second fiber pressing member 22 is formed by forming a plurality of protective layer pressing recesses 22a on the lower surface of the substantially rectangular flat plate protrusion 22e and molding the resin. The protective layer pressing recess 22a is disposed at a position corresponding to the plurality of protective layer receiving grooves 12b in the width direction of the flat plate, and has substantially the same length as the protective layer receiving grooves 12b in the longitudinal direction of the flat plate. A plurality of posts 22b that are received in the post receiving recesses 13b of the core member 10 are formed on both sides of the protective layer pressing recesses 22a. Further, the glass fiber portion A of the optical fiber A is disposed at the left end portion in the longitudinal direction of the protective layer pressing recess 22a. ₁ And protective layer A ₂ An inclined surface 22c is formed for facilitating the insertion of these. In addition, at the right end of the protective layer pressing recess 22a in the longitudinal direction, the glass fiber portion A ₁ An inclined surface 22d for facilitating the derivation of is formed.
[0028]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the third fiber pressing member 23 is formed by forming one covering pressing recess 23a on the lower surface of a substantially rectangular flat plate and molding a resin. The coating pressing recess 23a has a width that covers the plurality of coating receiving grooves 12c in the flat plate width direction, and has substantially the same length as the coating receiving grooves 12c in the longitudinal direction of the flat plate. A plurality of posts 23b that are received in the post receiving recesses 13c of the core member 10 are formed on both sides of the covering pressing recesses 23a. Further, the glass fiber portion A of the optical fiber A is disposed at the left end portion in the longitudinal direction of the covering pressing recess 23a. ₁ , Protective layer A ₂ , And covering part A _Three An inclined surface 23c is formed for facilitating the insertion of these. Further, at the right end in the longitudinal direction of the covering pressing recess 23a, the glass fiber portion A ₁ And protective layer A ₂ An inclined surface 23d is formed for facilitating the derivation of.
[0029]
Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the housing 30 that houses the core member 10 and the first to third fiber pressing members 21, 22, and 23 is forward of the cable housing portion 31 and the cable housing portion 31 (FIG. 7 ( a core housing portion 32 extending rightward in a). The cable housing part 31 has a cable housing hole 31a for housing a plurality of optical fibers A extending forward from the rear end. On the other hand, the core accommodating part 32 has a core accommodating hole 32a for accommodating the core member 10 and the first to third fiber pressing members 21, 22, 23, which communicate with the cable accommodating hole 31a and open at the front end. Yes. The diameter of the core accommodation hole 32a is larger than the diameter of the cable accommodation hole 31a, and a stop surface 32b is formed at a portion where the core accommodation hole 32a and the cable accommodation hole 31a communicate with each other. The housing 30 is formed by molding a resin.
[0030]
The first to third wedge holes 33a, 33b, and 33c for allowing the first to third wedge members 41, 42, and 43 to be inserted are formed on both side surfaces of the core housing portion 32, respectively. . As shown in FIG. 7D, the vertical positions of the first to third wedge holes 33a, 33b, 33c are positions where the upper edge surfaces thereof coincide with the lower surface 32d of the upper wall 32c of the core housing portion 32. It is. In addition, on both side surfaces of the core housing portion 32, locking holes 34 are formed in which the protrusions 14 protrudingly formed on both side surfaces of the core member 10 are temporarily locked. The vertical positions of the locking holes 34 are positions where the lower edge surfaces thereof coincide with the upper surface 32 f of the lower wall 32 e of the core housing portion 32.
[0031]
Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the first wedge member 41 inserted into the housing 30 from the first wedge hole 33a of the core housing portion 32 is a substantially flat plate having a width la slightly smaller than the first wedge hole 33a. Consists of shapes. The first wedge member 41 is formed by molding a resin. On the upper surface of the first wedge member 41, two projecting portions 41a are formed to project, and on the lower surface, three projecting portions 41b are formed to project. The protruding portion 41a protrudes from the upper surface of the flat plate-like portion at a position spaced apart along the insertion direction of the first wedge member 41 and extends along the insertion direction. The protrusion 41b protrudes from the lower surface of the flat plate portion at a position different from the position and extends along the insertion direction. The height ha formed by the upper end of the protruding portion 41a and the lower end of the protruding portion 41b is slightly smaller than the width in the height direction of the first wedge hole 33a, and the lower surface 32d of the upper wall 32c of the core receiving portion 32 and the core receiving portion. The distance between the upper surface of the first fiber pressing member 21 inserted into the portion 32 is slightly larger. Further, the number and arrangement pitch of the protrusions 41a and 41b are adjusted according to the width la. At the tip of the first wedge member 41 (the right end in FIG. 8B), an inclined surface 41c is formed to facilitate the insertion of the first wedge member 41 from the first wedge hole 33a. ing.
[0032]
Further, the second wedge member 42 inserted into the housing 30 from the second wedge hole 33b of the core housing portion 32 has a substantially flat plate shape having a width lb slightly smaller than that of the second wedge hole 33b, as shown in FIG. Consists of. The second wedge member 42 is formed by molding a resin. On the upper surface of the second wedge member 42, one protrusion 42a is formed to protrude, and on the lower surface, two protrusions 42b are formed to protrude. The projecting portion 42a protrudes from the upper surface of the flat plate-like portion at a position spaced along the insertion direction of the second wedge member 42 and extends along the insertion direction. The protrusion 42b protrudes from the lower surface of the flat plate portion at a position different from the position, and extends along the insertion direction. The number of the protrusions 42 a and 42 b is smaller than the number of the protrusions 41 a and 41 b of the first wedge member 41 because the width lb of the second wedge member 42 is shorter than the width la of the first wedge member 41. The height hb formed by the upper end of the protruding portion 42a and the lower end of the protruding portion 42b is slightly smaller than the width in the height direction of the second wedge hole 33b, and the lower surface 32d of the upper wall 32c of the core housing portion 32; The distance between the upper surface of the second fiber pressing member 22 inserted into the core housing portion 32 is slightly larger. Like the first wedge member 41, an inclined surface 42 c for facilitating the insertion of the second wedge member 42 is formed at the tip of the second wedge member 42.
[0033]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, the third wedge member 43 inserted into the housing 30 from the third wedge hole 33c of the core housing portion 32 has a substantially flat plate shape having a width lc slightly smaller than the third wedge hole 33c. Consists of. The third wedge member 43 is formed by molding a resin. Similar to the second wedge member 42, one protrusion 43a is formed on the upper surface of the third wedge member 43, and two protrusions 43b are formed on the lower surface. The protrusion 43a protrudes from the upper surface of the flat plate-like portion at a position spaced along the insertion direction of the third wedge member 43 and extends along the insertion direction. The protrusion 43b protrudes from the lower surface of the flat plate portion at a position different from the position and extends along the insertion direction. The height hc formed by the upper end of the protrusion 43a and the lower end of the protrusion 43b is slightly smaller than the width in the height direction of the third wedge hole 33c, and the lower surface 32d of the upper wall 32c of the core housing part 32, The distance between the upper surface of the third fiber pressing member 23 inserted into the core housing portion 32 is slightly larger. Like the first wedge member 41, an inclined surface 43 c for facilitating insertion of the third wedge member 43 is formed at the tip of the third wedge member 43. As described above, the first to third wedge members 41, 42, 43 have a plurality of protrusions 41a, 41b protruding from one main surface of the flat plate portion and the flat plate portion and the main surface on the opposite side. It has a beam structure composed of 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, and generates an elastic force not only by the elasticity of the material itself but also by the bending elasticity of the beam structure. In a wedge member having a solid structure in which an inclined surface is normally formed on the outside, bending elasticity due to its shape is small, and an elastic force due to the elasticity of the material itself is a main cause of the generated elastic force. For this reason, according to the said wedge members 41, 42, and 43, manufacturing tolerance can be expanded rather than a normal wedge member, and manufacture becomes easy.
[0034]
Next, a method for holding an optical fiber using an optical fiber holding device will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of a method of holding an optical fiber using an optical fiber holding device, and (a) shows a state in which first to third fiber pressing members are arranged on a core member and inserted into a housing. (B) is an explanatory view of a state in which an optical fiber cable including a plurality of optical fibers is inserted into the housing, and (c) is an explanatory view of a state in which the first to third wedge members are inserted into the housing. is there. FIG. 12 shows a cross section of the state before the optical fiber is pressed against the core member by the first to third fiber pressing members, and (a) is a state before the glass fiber portion is pressed against the core member by the first fiber pressing member. Sectional view, (b) is a sectional view before the protective layer portion is pressed against the core member by the second fiber pressing member, and (c) is a sectional view before the covering portion is pressed against the core member by the third fiber pressing member. is there. However, in FIG. 12, the first to third wedge members and the housing for applying a pressing force to the first to third fiber pressing members and the housing are not shown.
[0035]
In order to hold the optical fiber A by the optical fiber holding device, first, the post 21b of the first fiber pressing member 21 and the second post receiving recess 13b of the core member 10 are respectively inserted into the post receiving recess 13a, the post receiving recess 13b, and the post receiving recess 13c. The first to third fiber pressing members 21, 22, and 23 are disposed on the flat plate portion 11 of the core member 10 by inserting the post 22 b of the two-fiber pressing member 22 and the post 23 b of the third fiber pressing member 23. .
[0036]
Next, as shown in FIG. 11A, the core member 10 in which the first to third fiber pressing members 21, 22, 23 are arranged on the flat plate portion 11, and the tip of the flat plate portion 11 of the core member is the housing 30. It inserts into the core accommodation hole 32a of the core accommodation part 32 from the front side of the housing 30 until it contacts the stop surface 32b. At this time, the protrusion 14 formed on the core member 10 enters the locking hole 34 formed on the housing 30, and the core member 10 is temporarily locked on the housing 30. Further, the cylindrical portion 15 of the core member 10 protrudes from the front end of the housing 30.
[0037]
Next, as shown in FIG. ₁ , Protective layer A ₂ , And covering part A _Three A plurality of optical fibers A exposed with a glass fiber portion A ₁ In the glass fiber receiving groove 12a, the protective layer portion A ₂ In the protective layer receiving groove 12b _Three Is inserted between the core member 10 and the first to third fiber pressing members 21, 22, 23 from the rear side of the housing 10 so that is positioned in the coating receiving groove 12 c. At this time, glass fiber part A ₁ Is located in the cavity 15a of the core member 10, and the covering portion A _Three The rear portion is accommodated in the cable accommodation hole 31 a of the housing 30.
[0038]
Then, as shown in FIG. 11C, the first to third wedge members 41, 42, 43 are respectively first from the side of the housing 30 along the direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber A. The upper wall 32c of the housing 30 and the first to third fiber pressing members through the third wedge holes 33a, 33b, and 33c. 21, 22, 23 Insert between the top of the. Here, the first to third Wedge The heights ha, hb, hc formed by the upper ends of the protruding portions 41a, 42a, 43a of the 41, 42, 43 and the lower ends of the protruding portions 41b, 42b, 43b are the lower surface 32d of the upper wall 32c of the core accommodating portion 32, It is slightly larger than the distance between the top surfaces of the first to third fiber pressing members 21, 22 and 23 inserted into the core housing portion 32. Therefore, when the first to third wedge members 41, 42, 43 are inserted, the protrusions 41 a, 42 a, 43 a formed on the upper surfaces of the first to third wedge members 41, 42, 43 are formed on the housing 30. The upper wall 32c is pressed, and the protrusions 41b, 42b, 43b formed on the lower surface press the upper surfaces of the first to third fiber pressing members 21, 22, 23. Accordingly, the core member 10 and the first to third fiber pressing members 21, 22, and 23 are fixed to the housing 10. Further, as shown in FIG. 12A, the glass fiber portion A of the optical fiber A ₁ Is sandwiched and fixed between the glass fiber receiving groove 12a formed in the flat plate portion 11 of the core member 10 by the pressing force of the pressing convex portion 21a of the first fiber pressing member 21. At this time, glass fiber part A ₁ Are fixed at a total of three points in contact with the two inclined surfaces of the glass fiber receiving groove 12a and the flat surface of the pressing convex portion 21a. Further, the protective layer portion A of the optical fiber A ₂ However, as shown in FIG. 12 (b), it is sandwiched between the protective layer receiving groove 12b formed in the flat plate portion 11 of the core member 10 by the pressing force of the protective layer press receiving concave portion 22a of the second fiber pressing member 22. To be fixed. Furthermore, the coating part A of the optical fiber A _Three However, as shown in FIG. 12C, it is clamped and fixed between the coating receiving groove 12 c formed in the flat plate portion 11 of the core member 10 by the pressing force of the coating pressing recess 23 a of the third fiber pressing member 23. Is done.
[0039]
With the above operation, the optical fiber A can be held by the optical fiber holding device. It has been confirmed by experiments that the holding force of the optical fiber A by the optical fiber holding device is about 14.75N. The holding force of the optical fiber A by the optical fiber holding device is mainly the glass fiber portion A of the optical fiber A. ₁ Protective layer part A made of soft material ₂ And covering part A _Three This is not caused by the pressing and fixing force. Protective layer A ₂ And covering part A _Three Is pressed and fixed by the second and third fiber pressing members 22 and 23, the protective layer portion A is then pressed by the second and third fiber pressing members 22 and 23. ₂ And covering part A _Three Can be prevented from being deformed. Moreover, the glass fiber part A of the optical fiber A ₁ It has been confirmed that the increase in loss of transmission characteristics caused by pressing and fixing is a relatively small value of about 0.2 dB on average.
[0040]
Thus, in this embodiment, in order to hold the optical fiber A by the optical fiber holding device, the first to third wedge members 41, 42, 43 are orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber A. Are inserted between the housing 30 and the first to third fiber pressing members 21, 22, and 23. For this reason, when the optical fiber A is pressed and fixed, the optical fiber A is not displaced in the optical axis direction, and high positional accuracy of the optical fiber A with respect to the optical fiber holding device can be realized. Further, it is not necessary to insert the optical fiber A between the other members other than inserting the optical fiber A between the core member 10 and the first to third fiber pressing members 21, 22, and 23. It can be done easily and easily. Furthermore, since each of the first to third wedge members 41, 42, 43 is inserted into the housing 30 along the direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber A, the wedge members 41, 42, 43 are inserted. At this time, the optical fiber A does not get in the way, and the pressing operation of the optical fiber A can be easily performed.
[0041]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention has been described, this invention is not limited to this, A various change can be made. For example, when the optical fiber A has a structure other than the three-layer structure, the fiber receiving groove 12 is not a three-layer structure but a layer structure that matches the layer structure of the optical fiber A. In the present embodiment, three fiber pressing members 21, 22, and 23 are used in accordance with the three-layer structure of the fiber receiving groove 12, but these fiber pressing members 21, 22, and 23 are integrated. Can be formed. In addition, the wedge members also use the three wedge members 41, 42, and 43 in accordance with the three fiber pressing members 21, 22, and 23. However, the wedge members 41, 42, and 43 are integrally formed. Can do. Further, in the present embodiment, the core member 10, the first to third fiber pressing members 21, 22, 23, the housing 30, and the first to third wedge members 41, 42, 43 are all inexpensive. For this purpose, the resin is formed by molding, but all or a part of them can be made of metal. Further, in the present embodiment, the first to third fiber pressing members 21, 22, 23 are formed by inserting the posts 21 b, 22 b, 23 b into the post receiving recesses 13 a, 13 b, 13 c of the core member 10. The first to third fiber pressing members 21, 22, and 23 and the core member 10 are fixed by a member having a spring property (for example, a spring member having a U-shaped cross section). May be. In the present embodiment, the glass fiber portion A ₁ Are fixed in contact with the two inclined surfaces of the glass fiber receiving groove 12a having a V-shaped cross section and the flat surface of the pressing convex portion 21a. The glass fiber receiving groove 12a and the fiber pressing members 21, 22, and 23 are fixed to each other. Since the cross-sectional shape of the glass fiber receiving groove 12a may be U-shaped as long as the cross-section is in contact with the optical fiber A at the three points, the fiber pressing members 21, 22, and 23 are not flat but convex. You may touch. Further, the optical fiber A may be fixed with three cylindrical members. Further, the contact surface of the pressing convex portion 21a may be curved. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality (specifically two) of fiber receiving grooves 12 formed in the core member 10 are formed, and can be applied to a multi-core (specifically two-core) optical fiber. However, the fiber receiving groove 12 may be used as a single optical fiber. An adhesive may be used as an auxiliary means for fixing the optical fiber.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the optical fiber holding device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the fiber pressing member is disposed on the flat plate portion of the core member, the core member and the fiber pressing member are accommodated in the housing, and the core The optical fiber is pressed and fixed by inserting an optical fiber between the member and the fiber pressing member, and inserting a wedge member between the housing and the fiber pressing member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber. Can do. It is not necessary to insert the wedge member between the housing and the fiber pressing member along the optical axis direction of the optical fiber, and when the optical fiber is pressed and fixed, high positional accuracy of the optical fiber with respect to the optical fiber holding device is high. Can be realized. In addition, the optical fiber can be fixed and pressed easily and easily.
[0043]
Also ,in front The wedge member is received in the glass fiber receiving groove, the protective layer receiving groove, and the coating receiving groove by being inserted between the housing and the fiber pressing member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber. The glass fiber part, the protective layer part, and the covering part of the optical fiber thus formed are pressed and fixed by the fiber pressing member. For this reason, the glass fiber part, the protective layer part, and the covering part of the optical fiber are pressed and fixed by inserting the wedge member between the housing and the fiber pressing member in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber. Can do.
[0044]
Claims of the present invention 2 According to the optical fiber holding device according to claim 1 In the described invention, the wedge member includes a flat plate-like portion, and a plurality of protrusions that protrude from a main surface of the flat plate-like portion along a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and extend along the insertion direction. And the at least one protrusion that protrudes from the main surface opposite to the one main surface at a position different from the position and extends along the insertion direction, so that the wedge member has a beam structure. The elastic force is generated not only by the elasticity of the material itself but also by the bending elasticity of the beam structure. For this reason, a manufacturing tolerance can be expanded rather than a normal wedge member, and manufacture becomes easy.
[0045]
Furthermore, the present invention claims 3 According to the optical fiber holding method according to the present invention, the fiber pressing member is disposed on the flat portion of the core member, as in the optical fiber holding device according to claim 1, and the core member and the fiber pressing member are accommodated in the housing. An optical fiber is inserted between the core member and the fiber pressing member, and a wedge member is inserted between the housing and the fiber pressing member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber, thereby pressing and fixing the optical fiber. be able to. For this reason, high positional accuracy in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber with respect to the optical fiber holding device can be realized, and the fixing operation and the pressing operation of the optical fiber can be easily and easily performed.
[0046]
Also, The wedge member is inserted between the housing and the fiber pressing member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber, whereby a glass fiber receiving groove, a protective layer receiving groove, and a coating receiving groove of the core member The glass fiber portion, the protective layer portion, and the covering portion of the optical fiber received by the optical fiber are pressed and fixed by the fiber pressing member. For this reason, the claim 1 Similarly to the optical fiber holding device according to the above, by inserting the wedge member between the housing and the fiber pressing member in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber, the glass fiber portion of the optical fiber, the protective layer portion, and The covering portion can be pressed and fixed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of an optical fiber held by an optical fiber holding device according to the present invention.
2A and 2B show a core member constituting an optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, FIG. 2A is a plan view thereof, FIG. 2B is a front view, FIG. 2C is a left side view, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2d-2d.
3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the core member shown in FIG. 2, wherein (a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 3a-2a in FIG. 2 (a), and (b) is in FIG. 2 (a). FIG. 3C is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 3b-3b, and FIG. 3C is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 3c-3c in FIG.
4A and 4B show a first fiber pressing member constituting an optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, in which FIG. 4A is a front view thereof, FIG. 4B is a right side view thereof, and FIG.
5A and 5B show a second fiber pressing member constituting the optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 5A is a front view thereof, FIG. 5B is a right side view thereof, and FIG. 5C is a bottom view thereof.
6A and 6B show a third fiber pressing member constituting the optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, in which FIG. 6A is a front view thereof, FIG. 6B is a right side view thereof, and FIG.
7A and 7B show a housing constituting an optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, in which FIG. 7A is a plan view, FIG. 7B is a front view, FIG. 7C is a right side view, and FIG. FIG. 7d is a sectional view taken along line 7d-7d.
8A and 8B show a first wedge member constituting an optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, in which FIG. 8A is a front view thereof, and FIG. 8B is a right side view thereof.
FIGS. 9A and 9B show a second wedge member constituting the optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 9A is a front view thereof, and FIG. 9B is a right side view thereof.
10A and 10B show a third wedge member constituting the optical fiber holding device according to the present invention, in which FIG. 10A is a front view thereof, and FIG. 10B is a right side view thereof.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of a method of holding an optical fiber by using the optical fiber holding device according to the present invention. FIG. 11 (a) shows a case where first to third fiber pressing members are arranged on a core member in a housing. (B) is an explanatory view of a state where an optical fiber cable including a plurality of optical fibers is inserted into the housing, and (c) is a state where the first to third wedge members are inserted into the housing. It is explanatory drawing of.
FIG. 12 shows a cross-section of a state before the optical fiber is pressed against the core member by the first to third fiber pressing members, and (a) shows a state before the glass fiber portion is pressed against the core member by the first fiber pressing member. Sectional view, (b) is a sectional view before the protective layer portion is pressed against the core member by the second fiber pressing member, and (c) is a sectional view before the covering portion is pressed against the core member by the third fiber pressing member. is there. However, in FIG. 12, the first to third wedge members and the housing for applying a pressing force to the first to third fiber pressing members and the housing are not shown.
13A and 13B show a conventional optical fiber holding device, wherein FIG. 13A is a longitudinal sectional view thereof, FIG. 13B is a plan view of a hollow member, and FIG. 13C is a right side view of the hollow member.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 is a core member
11 is a flat plate part
12 is a fiber receiving groove
12a is a glass fiber receiving groove
12b is a protective layer receiving groove
12c is a coating receiving groove
21 is a first fiber holding member (fiber holding member)
22 is a second fiber holding member (fiber holding member)
23 is a third fiber holding member (fiber holding member)
30 is a housing
41 is the first wedge member (wedge member)
42 is a second wedge member (wedge member)
43 is the third wedge member (wedge member)
A is optical fiber
A ₁ Is the glass fiber section
A ₂ Is protective layer
A _Three Is the coating

Claims

An optical fiber holding device for holding an optical fiber,
A core member having a flat plate portion having a fiber receiving groove for receiving the optical fiber;
A fiber pressing member disposed on the flat plate portion of the core member;
A housing that houses the core member and the fiber pressing member;
A wedge member inserted between the housing and the fiber pressing member in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber and receiving and fixing the optical fiber received in the fiber receiving groove by the fiber pressing member; Equipped ,
The optical fiber has a glass fiber part, a protective layer part provided around the glass fiber part, and a covering part provided around the protective layer part,
The fiber receiving groove of the core member includes a glass fiber receiving groove, a protective layer receiving groove, and a covering receiving groove that receive the glass fiber portion, the protective layer portion, and the covering portion, respectively.
The wedge member is inserted into the glass fiber receiving groove, the protective layer receiving groove, and the coating receiving groove by being inserted between the housing and the fiber pressing member in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber. An optical fiber holding device , wherein the glass fiber portion, the protective layer portion, and the covering portion of the received optical fiber are pressed and fixed by the fiber pressing member .

The wedge member includes a flat plate-like portion, a plurality of protruding portions that protrude from one main surface of the flat plate-like portion along a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and extend along the insertion direction, optical fiber holding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by comprising at least one protrusion extending along and the insertion direction protrudes at a position different from the position from the main surface opposite to the principal surface.

An optical fiber holding method for holding an optical fiber,
Disposing a fiber pressing member on the flat plate portion of the core member having a flat plate portion having a fiber receiving groove for receiving the optical fiber;
Accommodating the core member and the fiber pressing member in a housing;
Inserting the optical fiber between the core member and the fiber pressing member such that the optical fiber is positioned in the fiber receiving groove;
Inserting a wedge member between the housing and the fiber pressing member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber, and pressing and fixing the optical fiber received in the fiber receiving groove by the fiber pressing member; provided with a door,
The optical fiber has a glass fiber part, a protective layer part provided around the glass fiber part, and a covering part provided around the protective layer part,
The fiber receiving groove of the core member includes a glass fiber receiving groove, a protective layer receiving groove, and a covering receiving groove that receive the glass fiber portion, the protective layer portion, and the covering portion, respectively.
The optical fiber with the glass fiber portion, the protective layer portion, and the covering portion exposed, the glass fiber portion in the glass fiber receiving groove, the protective layer portion in the protective layer receiving groove, and the covering portion in Inserted between the core member and the fiber pressing member so as to be located in the coating receiving groove,
The wedge member is inserted between the housing and the fiber pressing member in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the optical fiber, thereby receiving the glass fiber receiving groove, the protective layer receiving groove, and the coating receiving groove. A method for holding an optical fiber, comprising: pressing and fixing a glass fiber part, a protective layer part, and a covering part of the optical fiber by the fiber pressing member .