JPH1010351A - Optical fiber connection tool - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] [Problem] It is necessary to pay close attention to the work of pushing and opening the element of the optical fiber connector, and the work efficiency is dissatisfied. SOLUTION: After a wedge 20 is inserted between elements 2 and 2, a roller 33b provided on a push button 33 for manually applying a pushing force to the wedge 20 moves at the same time when the pushing force of the push button 33 is released. The movable table 35 is moved backward from the state in which the movable table 35 is pushed down on the pushing protrusion 35c provided on the table 35, and the movable table 35 is retracted. As a result, the wedge 20 inserted between the elements 2 and 2 remains in a state of being inserted between the elements 2 and 2 due to the action of the pull-out resistance, and maintains the open state of the element 2 without applying a lateral pressure.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical fiber connection tool suitable for butt connection of optical fibers using an optical fiber connector.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an optical fiber connector has a structure in which two butted optical fibers are fixed in the same housing. The positioning and aligning structure of such an optical fiber connector includes (1) a precision thin tube (hereinafter, referred to as a precision thin tube).
(2) a structure in which optical fibers are inserted into the microcapillary from both ends to butt them, (2) a structure in which optical fibers are butted in a V-groove, (3) a center of three precision rods or three precision balls There is a structure for supporting and positioning an optical fiber. In such an optical fiber connector, a pair of optical fibers are aligned,
It is adapted to be fixed by bonding or mechanical clamping in abutted state.

Incidentally, in the case of the optical fiber connector as described above, the following problem has occurred due to the structure in which the optical fiber is simply fixed in the housing.
That is, due to the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the housing fixing the butted optical fiber and the optical fiber, the butted state of the optical fiber changes when subjected to a temperature change. As a result, there is a problem that the connection loss of the optical fiber fluctuates. Further, in the housing, the optical fiber is held by an elastic body. However, due to the deterioration of the elastic body over time, the holding force of the optical fiber is reduced, the butting state of the optical fiber changes, and the connection loss fluctuates. There were also problems.

[0004] Further, when a means capable of suppressing the fluctuation of the connection loss is provided, the structure may be complicated, and there is a concern that the connection of the optical fiber using the above-described centering positioning structure is troublesome. Is done. In particular, when used for connection in the event of trouble such as disconnection of optical fiber network or failure of optical parts, it is necessary to complete the connection work quickly, so that optical fiber can be easily and accurately connected. There has been a demand for the development of an optical fiber connector that can be used.

In response to such a demand, in recent years, for example, an optical fiber connector as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 7-216371 has been proposed. The optical fiber connector 1 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is divided into two elements 2 and 2 arranged in the same longitudinal direction, and is aligned and positioned between the elements 2 and 2 so as to be butt-connectable. The optical fiber 3 includes a C-shaped spring 4 for applying a clamping force (indicated by an arrow X in FIG. 10) to the pair of optical fibers 3 to clamp and fix the optical fibers 3. In this case, one and the other optical fibers 3, 3 are individually clamped at the one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the elements 2, 2 in a state where they are abutted and aligned.

The element 2 has a V
A guide groove 2a such as a groove or a U groove (an example of a V groove is shown in FIG. 10) is formed. The optical fiber 3 is the guide groove 2
a is accommodated between the elements 2 and 2 so that the centering of the elements 2 and 2 is ensured.

Further, a plurality of openings 2b and openings 4a are formed in the element 2 and the C-shaped spring 4 along the length direction of the optical fiber connector 1 in alignment with each other. With this configuration, a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the optical fiber connector 1 (indicated by an arrow Y in FIG. 10)
Therefore, when the wedge 5 is inserted into the openings 2b and 4a, the wedge 5 pushes the elements 2 and 2 apart from each other against the holding force of the C-shaped spring 4. This allows
Optical fiber 3 from the side in the longitudinal direction of optical fiber connector 1
, Insertion of the optical fiber 3 to the side in the length direction of the optical fiber connector 1, or replacement of the optical fiber 3 can be easily achieved.

[0008]

However, since the size of the optical fiber connector 1 is small, the work of pushing and expanding the C-shaped spring 4 is difficult. The optical fiber 3 must be inserted into the element 2 while pushing out the mold spring 4. Therefore,
Optically connecting the optical fibers 3 with a desired connection loss requires time and effort and dissatisfaction with workability. In addition, wedge 5
If the pushing force of the optical fiber connector 1 is too strong or the pushing force acts for a long time, the element 2 will be slightly distorted, the holding force of the C-type spring 4 will be unstable, and the optical fiber
It was necessary to pay close attention to the work, as it could affect the connection accuracy of the cable. For this reason, the butt connection of the optical fiber 3 in the optical fiber connector 1 is
Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of a dedicated tool for simply performing the operation without excessively applying the lateral pressure to the tool.

In the optical connection between the optical fibers 3,
Connection switching is often required. That is, it is often required to replace one optical fiber 3 while keeping the other optical fiber 3 alone. Therefore, as a tool for the optical fiber connector 1, it is desirable that the connection can be easily switched.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and relates to a butt connection of an optical fiber using an optical fiber connector of a type in which a pair of optical fibers is butt-connected and sandwiched between elements having a split structure. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber connection tool that can be easily formed. Moreover,
In that case, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber connection tool that can easily switch connection of an optical fiber.

[0011]

In the optical fiber connecting tool according to the present invention, the elements have a split structure which are arranged in the same length direction and urged in the approaching direction by the urging means. And an optical fiber for individually aligning and positioning the optical fibers so that the optical fibers can be butt-connected to each other at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the element. An optical fiber connection tool used for butt-connecting the optical fibers using a connector, wherein the pressing mechanism is provided so as to be able to approach and separate from the optical fiber connector supported by a support mechanism. The pressing force of the moving table that applies a pressing force to the separation member when approaching the optical fiber connector and the pressing mechanism that presses the moving table in the direction approaching the optical fiber connector are released. At the same time, it has a pullback mechanism for separating the moving table from the optical fiber connector, and that when the moving table is separated from the optical fiber connector, the relative displacement between the moving table and the separating member is allowed. This is means for solving the above problems.

In the optical fiber connection tool according to the present invention, an engaging member which is loosely inserted into an engaging hole formed in the separating member is provided on the movable table, and the movable table is separated from the optical fiber connector. Then, the relative displacement between the movable table and the separation member is allowed within the range of the clearance between the engagement hole and the engagement member.

According to the configuration of the optical fiber connecting tool of the first aspect, in order to insert the separating member into the optical fiber connecting device supported by the support mechanism, the pressing mechanism is operated to move the movable base close to the optical fiber connecting device. Then, the separation member is pressed by the moving table, and the separation member is inserted into the optical fiber connector. Here, when the pressing force for pressing the movable table is released, the retracting mechanism is quickly operated, and the movable table is retracted in a direction away from the optical fiber connector. When the moving table is separated from the optical fiber connector, the relative displacement between the moving table and the separating member is allowed, so that even after the moving table moves, the separating member remains in the state of being inserted into the element with the pullout resistance, The open state of the element is maintained without the application of the lateral pressure.

According to the configuration of the optical fiber connection tool according to the second aspect, after the separation member is inserted into the element, the movable table is separated from the optical fiber connector, and at the same time, the engaging member moves together with the movable table. The moving distance of the moving table and the engaging member is within the range of the movable distance of the engaging member in the engaging hole,
Even after the movable table has moved, the separation member is left inserted into the element by the pull-out resistance from the element. Further, by further moving the moving table away from the optical fiber connector, the engaging member engages with the separating member, moves together with the moving table, is pulled out of the element, and stands by at the original position for the next insertion operation. Become.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an optical fiber connection tool according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 5 show an embodiment of an optical fiber connection tool 10 according to the present invention. In the drawing, reference numeral 11 denotes a support mechanism, 20 denotes a wedge (separation member), 30
Is a pressing mechanism, 40 is a locking mechanism, 50 is a butting mechanism,
Reference numeral 60 denotes a push-up mechanism, and reference numeral 70 denotes a suspension member.

The support mechanism 11 is for supporting the optical fiber connector 1 at a fixed position in the optical fiber connection tool 10, and as shown in FIGS.
It is mainly composed of a holding spring 13. The support 12 is
This is for mounting the optical fiber connector 1. The holding springs 13 are arranged at positions corresponding to both sides of the optical fiber connector 1 when the optical fiber connector 1 is placed on the support base 12, and the optical fiber connector 1 is provided at the upper part.
It has a convex portion 13a facing the side.

The wedge 20 is formed by integrally forming a plurality of blades 21 having a sharp tip shape as shown in FIG. When the optical fiber connector 1 is inserted between the elements 2 and 2 through the opening 2b from a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the optical fiber connector 1, the elements 2 and 2 are opposed to each other against the urging force of the C-type spring (urging means) 4. To release the holding of the optical fiber 3 by pushing and spreading in the direction in which the optical fibers 3 are separated from each other. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the wedge 20 has
The knob 20a is integrally fixed. And wedge 2
Numeral 0 is slidably and slidably held in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber connector 1 between the holding plate 22 and a moving table 35 (described later). Further, the holding plate 22 includes
By restricting the knob 20a, a guide groove 22a for guiding the wedge 20 to slide in the length direction of the optical fiber connector 1 is formed to extend in the length direction of the optical fiber connector 1. . The wedge 20 has a small hole 20b having a diameter of about 0.9 mm, and the small hole 20b has an engagement pin 3 having a diameter of about 0.3 mm protruding from the moving table 35.
5d is inserted. The small hole 20b corresponds to the engaging hole described in claim 2, and the engaging pin 35d corresponds to the engaging member.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pressing mechanism 30 includes a handle 31, a shaft 32, a push button 33, a spring 34,
5. It is provided with a stopper 36. Handle 3
Reference numeral 1 denotes a portion for manually grasping the optical fiber connection tool 10, and a handle 31 is formed with upper and lower holes 31 a. The shaft 32 is provided movably in the up-down direction in the upper and lower holes 31a. The shaft 32 has a long hole 32a and a locking hole 32b. The push button 33 is
2 and is movable with the shaft 32 in the vertical direction. The push button 33 has an optical fiber connector 1
A shaft 33a extending in the same direction as the length direction of the shaft 33a is provided, and a roller 33b is attached to the shaft 33a so as to be rotatable around the axis of the shaft 33a.

The spring 34 is interposed between the push button 33 and the handle 31, and biases the push button 33 upward with respect to the handle 31. The moving table 35 is movable in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the optical fiber connector 1, and is illustrated by urging means (not shown) disposed between the moving table 35 and the stopper 36. It is biased to the right. The movable table 35 slidably holds the wedge 20 between the movable table 35 and the holding plate 22 via a plunger 35a. Further, a portion of the movable table 35 that comes into contact with the roller 33b is an inclined surface 35b.
On the side surface of the movable table 35 located below the inclined surface 35b,
The pushing projection 35c on which the roller 33b can ride can be formed with an appropriate projection of 0.5 mm. The formation position of the pushing protrusion 35c is the lower end of the movement locus of the roller 33b.

The locking mechanism 40 includes a locking rod 41 and a spring 42 as shown in FIG. Locking rod 41
Is a knob 41a and a slot 32 when the shaft 32 is moved up and down.
a thin shaft 4 that can be housed without interference in a
1b and a locking hole 3 formed with a diameter larger than that of the shaft 41b.
The enlarged diameter portion 41c having a size that can be accommodated in 2b is sequentially connected. The spring 42 has a knob 41
a between handle a and handle 31
1a is urged outward with respect to the handle 31.

The butting mechanism 50 includes a clamp body 51 and a lid 52, as shown in FIG.
The two clamp bodies 51 are attached to the left and right longitudinal axes 51a, respectively, and are slidable in the longitudinal direction (the direction A in the drawing) of each longitudinal axis 51a. The clamp body 51 on the side close to the support mechanism 11 is
Of the support mechanism 11 is clamped by being inclined so as to be pressed toward the bottom of the support mechanism 11. Lid 52
Is attached at one end of the clamp body 51 so as to be swingable in the direction B in the drawing.

The push-up mechanism 60 includes a knob 61 and an interlocking member 62 as shown in FIGS. The knob member 61 includes a knob 61a, a jumping-up portion 61b, and a gear portion 61c.
Is rotated, the knob 61a around the shaft 61d,
The jumping portion 61b and the gear portion 61c rotate in the same direction. The interlocking member 62 includes a jumping portion 62a and a gear portion 62b. When the knob 61a is rotated, the gear portion 62b meshes with the gear portion 61c, so that the jumping portion 62a rotates around the shaft 62c. It is supposed to.

The suspension member 70 has a tip which is curved in a substantially J-shape.
The whole 0 can be hung on another. The hanging member 70 is rotatable in the direction C in the drawing, and can be stored toward the handle 31 when not used.

[First Connection Example] Next, a method of butt-connecting the optical fibers 3 using the optical fiber connector 1 when the optical fiber connection tool 10 having the above configuration is used will be described. Here, a case where two optical fibers 3 are newly optically connected using the optical fiber connector 1 will be described.

At the time of butt connection, first, the optical fiber connector 1 is placed on the support base 12. At this time, the optical fiber connector 1 has the convex portions 13 of the holding springs 13, 13.
a and 13a are securely and firmly held.

Next, the wedge 20 is moved to a predetermined position. Here, first, two optical fibers 3, 3 are newly inserted from both sides in the longitudinal direction, so that the wedge 20 is set to the standard position shown in FIG.

Then, the push button 33 is pushed downward in the figure. Then, as shown in FIG.
2 moves downward in the figure against the urging force of the spring 34. As a result, the roller 33b rides on the pushing protrusion 35c while rotating, and pushes the movable table 35 leftward in the figure against the urging force of the urging means (not shown). When the movable table 35 is pushed, the wedge 20 is inserted between the elements 2 and 2 through the opening 2 b from a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the optical fiber connector 1, and the element is opposed to the urging force of the C-type spring 4. It will spread in the direction which separates 2 and 2 apart.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 7A, initially, a clearance of about 0.5 mm is interposed between the wedge 20 and the moving table 35, but the blade 21 of the wedge 20 is When press-fitting is started by contacting the elements 2 and 2 of the optical fiber connector 1, as shown in FIG.
As a result, the clearance is eliminated, and the front surface of the moving table 35 in the traveling direction comes into contact with the wedge 20 to press the wedge 20 to be pressed between the elements 2 and 2. Further, in this case, when the push button 33 is pushed to a predetermined position, the enlarged diameter portion 41c is pulled into the locking hole 32b by the urging force of the spring 42, as shown in FIG. That is, the engagement of the enlarged diameter portion 41c with the locking hole 32b prevents the push button 33 and the shaft 32 from moving in the vertical direction.

However, at this time, the enlarged diameter portion 41c is connected to the push button 3
3 is engaged with the locking hole 32b when the shaft 32 slightly rises as compared with the case where the shaft 3 is pushed deepest.
As the shaft 32 moves up, the push button 33 also rises slightly. As a result, as shown in FIG.
c and comes into contact with a portion other than the pushing protrusion 35c of the movable base 35, so that the movable base 3
5 slightly moves to the right side in the figure by a distance substantially corresponding to the protrusion dimension of the pushing protrusion 35c. Since the wedge 20 is slidable with respect to the moving table 35 in the moving direction of the moving table 35, as shown in FIGS.
Even if 5 moves, the wedge 20 is not displaced while being inserted between the elements 2 and 2 by the action of the pull-out resistance due to the clamping force between the elements 2 and 2. 35d moves to the center of the small hole 20b, and a clearance is formed again between the wedge 20 and the moving table 35. At this time, the pushing protrusion 35c functions as a pull-back mechanism according to the first aspect.

In this state, the optical fibers 3, 3 are inserted into the optical fiber connector 1 from both sides in the length direction while being guided by the clamp bodies 51, 51. At this time, the clamp body 51
Is slid in the length direction (A direction in the figure) to increase the butting force between the optical fibers 3 and 3.

Then, in FIG.
a is pushed rightward in the figure against the urging force of the spring 42. Then, the enlarged diameter portion 41c is pushed out of the locking hole 32b, the engagement of the enlarged diameter portion 41c with the locking hole 32b is released, and the push button 33 and the shaft 32 are pushed upward by the urging force of the spring 34. Thus, the state is shifted from FIG. 6 to the state of FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 7D, the moving table 35 is moved by the urging means (not shown) to the optical fiber connector 1.
The wedge 20 is pulled back to a position away from
The optical fiber 3 is pulled out of the optical fiber connector 1 by being started to move together with the movable table 35 so as to be hooked on d, and the optical fibers 3, 3 are clamped by the C-shaped spring 4 in an aligned and butted state. .

Thereafter, as shown in FIG.
The first knob 61a is rotated. Then, the gear portion 61
The jumping portions 61b and 62a are both jumped up by the engagement of the members c and 62b, and the optical fiber connector 1 is lifted by pins (not shown) extending from the holes 61e and 62d toward the back of the drawing. The optical fiber connection tool 10
It is pushed out of and is taken out.

Thus, the butt connection of the optical fibers 3 using the optical fiber connector 1 when the optical fiber connecting tool 10 is used is completed.

As described above, the butt connection of the optical fiber 3 using the optical fiber connector 1 when the optical fiber connection tool 10 is used has the following advantageous effects. The support mechanism 11 can reliably support the optical fiber connector 1 in the optical fiber connection tool 10. The wedge 20 is easily and securely inserted between the elements 2 and 2 of the optical fiber connector 1 by the pressing mechanism 30, and the C-shaped spring 4 is inserted.
, The elements 2 and 2 can be easily pushed out. With the locking mechanism 40, the wedge 20 is inserted and the elements 2, 2
Can be easily maintained in a spread state. The butting mechanism 50 can easily increase the butting force between the optical fibers 3 and 3. The push-up mechanism 60 allows the optical fiber connector 1 to be easily taken out of the optical fiber connection tool 10 to the outside. The entirety of the optical fiber connection tool 10 can be suspended by another by the suspension member 70. This is particularly effective when the connection work is performed at a high place, for example, when performed on a telephone pole. When the wedge 20 is inserted, the push button 33 is once pushed to a predetermined depth and then the pressing force of the push button 33 is merely released, and the movable table 35 having completed the insertion operation of the wedge 20 is automatically retracted. Element 2 in a state where it does not light
Can be kept open. Accordingly, there is no need to worry about causing a small strain in the element 2 or weakening the C-shaped spring 4, and the accuracy of the butt connection between the optical fibers 3 is improved, so that a desired connection loss can be reliably obtained.

[Second Connection Example] Further, another method of butt-connecting the optical fibers 3 using the optical fiber connector 1 when the optical fiber connection tool 10 having the above configuration is used will be described. Here, an example in which only one optical fiber 3 is replaced when two optical fibers 3 are already connected to the optical fiber connector 1, that is, an example in which “connection switching” is performed will be described. .

At the time of butt connection, first of all,
The optical fiber connector 1 to which the optical fibers 3 are connected is placed on a support base 12. At this time, the fact that the optical fiber connector 1 is securely and firmly held is the same as in the first connection example.

Next, the wedge 20 is moved to a predetermined position. In this case, description will be made assuming that one optical fiber to be replaced is located on the right side in the figure. In this case,
As shown in FIG. 1B, the wedge 20 is slid to the right in the figure, and out of the four openings 21 b of the optical fiber connector 1,
An arrangement is made in which the blades 21 of the wedge 20 correspond to the three right sides.

Then, the push button 33 is pushed downward in the figure. At this time, as shown in FIG.
2 moves downward, and furthermore, the carriage 35 is pushed to the left, and the wedge 20 is moved between the elements 2 and 2 through the opening 2 b in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber connector 1. The insertion is the same as in the first connection example.

However, in this connection example, the wedge 20 is
Of the four openings 21 b of the optical fiber connector 1,
Due to the arrangement corresponding to the two, the wedges 20 are inserted only in the three openings 2b on the right side. Therefore, the holding force is released only for the one optical fiber to be replaced, and the holding force is not released for the other optical fiber, and the optical fiber is still held by the C-shaped spring 4.

In this case, when the push button 33 is pushed to the predetermined position, as shown in FIG. 4B, the push button 33 and the shaft 32 are engaged by the engagement between the enlarged diameter portion 41c and the locking hole 32b. Is prevented from moving in the vertical direction as in the first connection example.

In this state, first, the one optical fiber from which the clamping force has been released is pulled out. Next, an optical fiber to be newly inserted by replacement is guided by the clamp body 51 and inserted into the optical fiber connector 1 from the side in the length direction. At this time, the clamping body 51 is slid in the length direction (the direction A in the drawing) to increase the butting force between the optical fibers 3 and 3 as in the first connection example.

Then, in FIG.
a is pushed rightward in the figure against the urging force of the spring 42. At this time, the engagement between the enlarged diameter portion 41c and the locking hole 32b is released,
The push button 33 and the shaft 32 are pushed upward by the urging force of the spring 34, and the wedge 20 is pulled out of the optical fiber connector 1, and the optical fibers 3, 3 are aligned and abutted. Clamping by the C-shaped spring 4 is the same as in the first connection example.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG.
Rotating the first knob 61a to push out the optical fiber connector 1 to the outside of the optical fiber connection tool 10 and take it out is the same as in the first connection example.

Thus, the "connection switching" of the optical fiber 3 using the optical fiber connector 1 when the optical fiber connecting tool 10 is used is completed. In this connection switching operation, the movement operation of the wedge 20 corresponding to the operation of the push button 33 is the same as in the first connection example.

As is clear from the above description, in this connection example, the same effect as in the first connection example can be obtained. In addition, since the wedge 20 is provided so as to be slidable in the length direction of the optical fiber connector 1, the position in the length direction can be selected according to the length region of the element 2 to be spread. Therefore, it is possible to release only the holding of one optical fiber and to maintain the holding of the other optical fiber. In other words, when the present invention is applied to connection switching of optical fibers, it is possible to exchange only one optical fiber on one side without affecting the other optical fiber which does not need to be switched at all. It can be suitably applied.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment at all, and the following modifications do not depart from the gist of the present invention. a) Instead of applying the optical fiber connecting tool 10 of the present invention to the optical fiber connecting device 1, instead of applying the optical fiber connecting tool 10 to the optical fiber connecting device whose design is changed in the number of openings, the overall shape, the size, the diameter, and the like. To apply. In that case, the optical fiber connection tool 10 is adapted to the optical fiber connector,
Needless to say, the design can be changed as appropriate. b) In the second connection example, the optical fiber to be exchanged is changed to the left side in the figure instead of the right side in the figure. c) In the second connection example, when exchanging the optical fiber on the right side in the figure, instead of disposing the wedge 20 corresponding to the three right sides of the four openings 21b of the optical fiber connector 1, the wedge 20 is replaced with the right side. And place them in correspondence with each other. This is exactly the same even if the optical fiber to be replaced is on the left side in the figure. d) Instead of the support mechanism 11, any other support mechanism having a similar function is used. e) Instead of the illustrated wedge 20, another wedge 20 having a similar function may be used. f) Instead of the pressing mechanism 30, any other pressing mechanism having the same function is used. g) Instead of the locking mechanism 40, any other locking mechanism having a similar function is used. h) Instead of butting mechanism 50, any other butting mechanism having a similar function is used. i) Instead of the push-up mechanism 60, any other push-up mechanism having a similar function is used. j) Instead of the illustrated hanging member 70, another arbitrary shaped hanging member having the same function is used. Or, omit the suspension member. k) Instead of the engaging pin 35d, an engaging member of an arbitrary shape having a similar function is used. l) The wedge 20 inserted into the element 2 is pulled back by a wedge pullback mechanism separately provided instead of the engagement pin 35d.

[0048]

According to the optical fiber connection tool of the first aspect, the open state can be maintained without applying excessive lateral pressure to the element, so that the optical fibers are butt-connected at the optical fiber connector. And an excellent effect that a desired connection loss can be reliably obtained.

According to the optical fiber connection tool of the second aspect, if the movable table is moved to the next insertion operation standby position after the completion of the inserting operation of the separating member, the separating member is integrated with the movable table by the engaging member. Since the optical fiber connector is moved and pulled out of the element, an excellent effect is obtained that the efficiency of the butt connection operation of the optical fibers in the optical fiber connector is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an embodiment of an optical fiber connection tool according to the present invention, particularly showing how a wedge (separation member) slides, where (a) is a standard position and (b) Indicates a moved state.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the optical fiber connection tool shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the optical fiber connection tool shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II, particularly showing an initial state of an operation state of a pressing mechanism.

FIG. 4 is an IV-IV showing the optical fiber connection tool shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line, particularly showing an operation state of a locking mechanism, where (a) shows before locking and (b) shows after locking.

5A and 5B are explanatory views showing a push-up mechanism in the optical fiber connection tool shown in FIG. 1, wherein FIG.
Indicates the time of thrust. It is.

FIG. 6 shows the optical fiber connection tool shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II, particularly showing an operation state of a pressing mechanism, and shows a state in which a push button is pressed deepest.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are conceptual diagrams showing the operation state of the wedge, and FIG.
Shows an initial state, (b) shows when the push button is pushed, (c) shows when the push force of the push button is released, and (d) shows when the push button is raised.

FIG. 8 is a view showing the optical fiber connection tool shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II, and particularly shows an operation state of a pressing mechanism, and after pushing a push button to a predetermined depth,
This shows a state where the pressing force is released.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of an optical fiber connector to which the optical fiber connecting tool of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the optical fiber connector shown in FIG. 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical fiber connector, 2 ... Element, 3 ... Optical fiber, 4
... C-shaped spring (biasing means), 10 ... optical fiber connection tool,
11: Supporting mechanism, 20: Separating member, 20b: Engaging hole (small hole), 30: Pressing mechanism, 35: Moving table, 35c: Push-in projection, 35d: Engaging pin (engaging member).

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An element (2) having a split structure which is arranged in the same longitudinal direction and is urged in the approaching direction by urging means (4), and has a longitudinal direction. An optical fiber connector (1) for individually holding one and the other optical fibers (3, 3) between the elements at one end side and the other end side, and aligning and positioning the optical fibers so that they can be butt-connected. An optical fiber connection tool (10) used for butt-connecting the optical fibers by using: a support mechanism (11) for supporting the optical fiber connector;
When inserted between the elements from a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the optical fiber connector, the optical fibers are clamped by pushing apart the elements in a direction to separate the elements against the urging force of the urging means. And a pressing mechanism (30) for inserting the separating member between the elements by pressing the separating member toward the optical fiber connector. A moving table (35) provided so as to be able to approach and separate from the optical fiber connector supported by the support mechanism, and to apply a pressing force to the separating member when approaching the optical fiber connector;
And a retraction mechanism (35c) for releasing the pressing force of the pressing mechanism for pressing the moving table in a direction approaching the optical fiber connector and for separating the moving table from the optical fiber connector at the same time. An optical fiber connection tool, wherein a relative displacement between a movable table and a separating member is allowed when separated from an optical fiber connector. 2. An engagement hole (20b) formed in the separation member.
An engaging member (35d) is loosely inserted into the movable base so as to protrude from the movable base, and when the movable base is separated from the optical fiber connector, the movable base and the movable base are located within a clearance between the engaging hole and the engaging member. The optical fiber connection tool according to claim 1, wherein relative displacement with respect to the separation member is allowed.