Optical connector plug, optical connection mechanism, optical connection method, optical connector plug alignment disk, and optical cord winding-up method

[0001] [Technical field to which the invention belongs] The present invention is used in an optical network or the like when performing connection switching work by automatically connecting and disconnecting an optical fiber via an optical connector plug by a robot hand or the like. It relates to an optical connector plug, an optical connection mechanism, an optical connection method and an optical connector plug alignment board and an optical cord hoisting method used.

[0002] In general, an optical connection mechanism of an optical fiber connection switching device includes an arbitrary secondary side optical fiber and an arbitrary primary side optical fiber for a plurality of primary side and secondary side optical fiber groups. It has a function to connect or disconnect with. For example, an optical fiber automatic connection switching device that automates connection switching work using a robot hand has been proposed as Patent Document 1. This optical fiber automatic connection switching device allows the robot hand to move freely in the X direction, which is a straight direction in the horizontal plane, in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction, and in the Z direction, which is the vertical direction. It moves to connect and disconnect the optical fiber cord.

[0003] FIG. 10 shows an outline of the configuration of a conventional optical fiber automatic connection switching device. 10 (a) and 10 (b) are a plan view and a side view schematically showing a conventional optical fiber automatic connection switching device. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the optical fiber automatic connection switching device 100 is connected to the optical connector plug 110 to which the optical fiber cord 101 on the output side is connected and the optical fiber cord 102 on the input side. A connection board 103 provided with a plurality of optical adapters 111 for connecting the optical connector plugs 109 and a plurality of alignment holes for aligning and holding the optical connector plugs 109 of the optical fiber cord 102 on the input side are provided side by side to face the connection board 103. A hand mechanism 105 that grips the optical connector plug 109 and pulls out the optical fiber cord 102, and connects and disconnects the optical connector plug 109 to the optical adapter 111, and the optical adapter 111. The winding mechanism 106 for winding the optical fiber cord 102 from which the optical connector plug 109 is removed from the connector, the extra length processing unit 107 for accommodating the wound optical fiber cord 102, and the hand mechanism 105 are connected to the connecting board 103 and the aligning board 104. It is composed of a moving mechanism 108 that moves the optical fiber to a desired position.

[0004] Then, the conventional optical fiber automatic connection switching device 100 performs the connection switching work of the optical fiber cord by the following operation. First, the optical fiber cord 102 whose optical connector plug 109 is disconnected from the optical adapter 111 of the connection board 103 by the hand mechanism 105 is subjected to the extra length processing unit from the back surface of the alignment board 104 by the roller 106a provided in the take-up mechanism 106. It is pulled out to the 107 side, and the optical fiber cord 102 is housed in the extra length processing unit 107. At the same time, the optical connector plug 109 is housed in the alignment hole of the alignment board 104.

[0005] Next, the optical fiber cord 109 is pulled out from the alignment board 104 again by the hand mechanism 105 and connected to any example, the optical adapter 111 on the connection board 103 again. The connection switching work of 102 is performed.

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 318820 [0007] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, the conventional optical fiber automatic connection switching device is further improved as shown below. There was room. That is, in an optical network or the like, when it is desired to suppress the influence of the reflected return light due to the insertion of the optical module, an Angled Physical Contact (APC) polishing optical connector plug in which the tip of the ferrule is polished at an angle is used. Therefore, when this APC polished optical connector plug is used in a conventional optical fiber connection switching device, the optical connector plug must be fastened so as to be in contact with the diagonally polished surface of the mating connector plug. The problem is that the posture position of the plug is not uniquely determined when it is inserted into the connection panel, and it has been difficult to apply it to the APC polishing optical connector plug simply by using the conventional structure as it is.

[0008] Further, when the optical connector plug is engaged with the optical adapter in a posture rotated from the connection posture which enables optical connection, and when a rotational force is applied while the optical connector plug is engaged with the optical adapter. However, there is a problem that the originally planned optical characteristics such as a desired insertion loss cannot be obtained.

[0009] Further, in the conventional optical fiber automatic connection switching device, the robot hand pulls out the optical connector plug engaged with the optical adapter of the connection board, and the optical fiber cord is stored in the extra length storage portion by the delivery mechanism. In the case of feeding to, there is a problem that the flange of the optical connector plug is entangled with another optical fiber cord and is caught, and the feeding operation of the sending mechanism cannot be sufficiently performed, resulting in an error.

[0010] The present invention has been devised in view of the above-mentioned problems, and can be applied to an APC polishing optical connector plug or the like that makes an optical connection at a specific position, and has high reliability of optical fiber connection switching. To provide an optical connector plug, an optical connection mechanism, an optical connection method, an optical connector plug alignment board, and an optical cord hoisting method, which can eliminate entanglement at the time of winding and reduce the cost. The purpose.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The optical connector plug according to the present invention is configured as follows in order to achieve the above object. That is, it is an optical connector plug that detachably engages with the locking hook for fastening the optical connector plug of the optical adapter that performs optical connection of the optical fiber cord, and is formed in a cylindrical shape on the tip side with respect to the optical adapter. A ferrule portion, a body portion that projects and holds the ferrule portion, a flange portion provided on the protruding side of the body portion so that the outer diameter is larger than that of the body portion, and the flange portion. A protruding portion provided at a position adjacent to the optical connector plug fastening locking hook when a tapered surface is formed from the outer diameter of the light connector to the body portion and is engaged with the optical connector plug fastening locking hook. The configuration is provided with.

[0012] With this configuration, when the optical connector plug is engaged with the optical connector plug fastening locking hook of the optical adapter, the protrusion is adjacent to the optical connector fastening locking hook. Therefore, the movement of the ferrule portion in the circumferential rotation direction with respect to the axial direction is suppressed. In addition, when the optical connector plug moves through a plurality of optical fiber cords, the tapered surface of the protrusion smoothly alleviates the step from the rear end of the connector to the flange, and other light is used. It will not get caught in the fiber cord.

[0013] Further, the optical connection mechanism according to the present invention is configured as follows in order to achieve the above object. That is, the primary side optical connector plug attached to the tip of the primary side optical fiber cord and the secondary side optical connector plug attached to the tip of the secondary side optical fiber cord are made to face each other via the robot hand and are detachably engaged. A connection board that holds an optical adapter that optically connects the two optical fiber cords, and an optical connector plug alignment board that is arranged at a position facing the connection board and aligns the secondary side optical connector plugs are provided. In the optical connection mechanism used in the optical fiber connection switching device, the secondary side optical connector plug protrudes from the ferrule portion formed in a cylindrical shape on the tip side when engaged with the optical adapter and the ferrule portion. A body portion to be held and held, a flange portion provided on the protruding side of the body portion so as to have an outer diameter larger than that of the body portion, and an outer diameter of the flange portion toward the body portion. An optical connection including at least one protrusion having a tapered surface and a constant width, and the optical adapter including a locking hook for fastening an optical connector plug that is adjacent to the protrusion and detachably engages with the flange portion. It was a mechanism.

[0014] With this configuration, the optical connection mechanism is a secondary side optical connector plug when the bioptical connector plug is engaged with the optical adapter so as to make an optical connection in the bioptical fiber cord. Since the locking hook for fastening the optical connector plug engages with the flange portion adjacent to the protrusion of the secondary side optical connector plug, the secondary side optical connector plug can always maintain the connection posture of being optically connected. Further, in the optical connection mechanism, when the secondary side optical fiber cord separated from the optical adapter is pulled and moved toward the optical connector plug alignment board facing the connection board, the taper from the outer diameter of the flange portion toward the body portion. The surface allows the plug to smoothly slip through and move from the rear end to the secondary fiber optic cord that abuts along the flange.

[0015] Further, in the optical connection mechanism, the secondary side optical fiber cord has a cross-sectional shape having a long axis and a short axis intersecting at a central point of the cross section in a cross section, and the optical connector plug aligning board has a cross section. , The configuration is provided with a guide portion formed along the cross-sectional shape of the secondary side optical fiber cord.

[0016] With this configuration, in the optical connection mechanism, the secondary side optical fiber cord is guided to the guide portion of the secondary side optical fiber cord so as to be aligned with the optical connector plug alignment board. , The posture when the secondary side optical connector plug of the secondary side optical fiber cord is aligned is uniquely determined.

[0017] Further, in the optical connection mechanism, when the secondary side optical connector plug has a concave portion or a convex portion formed on the circumferential outer diameter portion on the rear end side of the body portion and is gripped by the robot hand. The configuration is provided with a positioning grip portion that is engaged in the locking hook for fastening the optical connector plug of the optical adapter and is in a connection posture for optical connection.

[0018] With this configuration, in the optical connection mechanism, when the secondary side optical connector plug aligned with the optical connector plug alignment board is gripped by the robot hand, the robot hand comes into contact with the positioning grip portion. This secures the connection posture.

[0019] In the optical connection mechanism, the positioning grip portion has one and the other vertical surfaces formed as the recesses parallel to each other in the circumferential outer diameter portion on the rear end side of the body portion.

[0020] With this configuration, in the optical connection mechanism, the corresponding portion of the robot hand abuts and grips the parallel vertical surface formed on the rear end side of the body portion of the secondary side optical connector plug. As a result, the posture of the secondary side optical connector plug can always be maintained as the connection posture for optical connection.

[0021] Further, in the optical connection method according to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the following is performed. That is, the connection board that holds the optical adapter that engages the primary side optical connector plug attached to the tip of the primary side optical fiber cord, and the connection board that is placed facing this connection board and attached to the tip of the secondary side optical fiber cord. Aligning the secondary side optical connector plug With the optical connector plug alignment board<u style="single">An optical connection method in which the optical connector plug according to claim 1 is used as a secondary side optical connector plug.</u>In an optical connection method in which the secondary side optical connector plug of the optical connector plug alignment board is detachably engaged with the optical adapter via a robot hand to optically connect the two optical fiber cords, the optical connector plug A step of gripping a vertical surface formed so as to be parallel to each other on the rear end side of the body portion of the secondary side optical connector plug aligned with the alignment board at a corresponding portion of the robot hand, and the above two steps. The optical connection angle is determined in advance by the step of moving the robot hand holding the next-side optical connector plug to the position facing the optical adapter and the forward movement of the robot hand facing the optical adapter at the predetermined position. The connection posture corresponding to the primary side optical fiber cord includes a step in which the secondary side optical connector plug is detachably engaged with the optical adapter to optically connect both optical fiber cords.

[0022] By doing so, in the optical connection method, the secondary side optical connector plugs that are aligned with the optical connector plug alignment board in a state in which the connection posture is uniquely determined are grasped by the robot hand. , The secondary side optical connector plug can be moved in a connection posture that allows optical connection with reference to the vertical surface formed on the body of the secondary side optical connector plug, and the connection posture of the secondary side optical connector plug can be changed. It can be detachably engaged with the optical adapter while the robot hand is maintained.

Further, the optical connector plug alignment board according to the present invention is configured as follows in order to achieve the above object. That is, at the tip of the primary side optical fiber cord having a cross-sectional shape having a long axis and a short axis intersecting at the center point of the cross section with the primary side optical connector plug attached to the tip of the primary side optical fiber cord. The attached secondary side optical connector plug is placed at a position facing the connection board that is optically connected via the optical adapter by the robot hand.<u style="single">, The optical connector plug according to claim 1 is used as a secondary side optical connector plug.</u>An optical connector plug alignment board, the first alignment portion including a guide portion formed to guide the major axis direction in the cross-sectional shape of the secondary side optical fiber cord as a vertical direction, and the first alignment portion. A second alignment portion provided with a guide portion arranged on the side from which the secondary side optical fiber cord is sent out and formed so as to guide the minor axis direction as the vertical direction in the cross-sectional shape of the secondary side optical fiber cord. It is an optical connector plug alignment board equipped with.

[0024] With this configuration, in the optical connector plug alignment board, the secondary side optical connector plug is separated from the optical adapter of the connection board, and is arranged, for example, behind the optical connector plug alignment board. When the secondary side optical fiber cord is sent so as to be aligned with the optical connector plug alignment board side via the mechanism, first, the long axis direction of the secondary side optical fiber cord is set to the vertical direction by the first alignment portion. On the rear side of the first alignment part, the second alignment part rotates the secondary side optical fiber cord by 90 degrees around the longitudinal direction so that the minor axis direction becomes the vertical direction. Will be guided to.

[0025] Further, in the optical cord hoisting method according to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the following is performed. That is, at the tip of the primary side optical fiber cord having a cross-sectional shape having a long axis and a short axis intersecting at the center point of the cross section with the primary side optical connector plug attached to the tip of the primary side optical fiber cord. A connection board for optical connection of the attached secondary side optical connector plug via an optical adapter by a robot hand, an optical connector plug alignment board arranged at a position facing the connection board, and this optical connector plug alignment board. An optical fiber connection switching device including a sending mechanism for sending out the secondary side optical fiber cord and an extra length storage portion for storing the secondary side optical fiber cord sent out by the sending mechanism. In the optical cord hoisting method of the secondary side optical fiber cord in the optical connector plug alignment board,<u style="single">An optical cord hoisting method performed by using the optical connector plug according to claim 1 as a secondary side optical connector plug.</u>When the secondary side optical fiber cord is sent out to the rear of the optical connector plug alignment board via the delivery mechanism, the secondary side optical fiber cord is guided through the optical fiber cord in the longitudinal direction as a vertical direction, and then passed through the secondary side. The short axis direction of the side optical fiber cord is guided as a vertical direction and passed through, and the side optical fiber cord is stored in the extra length storage portion.

[0026] By doing so, in the optical cord hoisting method, the secondary side optical connector plug separated from the optical adapter is sent to the optical connector plug alignment board side by the sending mechanism, and is sent to the rear side thereof. When the secondary optical fiber cord is sent out, the extra length storage unit is provided so that the major axis direction of the secondary optical fiber cord becomes the vertical direction first, and then the minor axis direction of the secondary optical fiber cord becomes the vertical direction. It is sent out to the side and stored in a state where it is easy to store. When the secondary side optical connector plugs are aligned with the optical connector plug alignment board, the secondary side optical fiber cords are rewound in a constrained state, so that the connection posture for optical connection must be maintained. Can be done.

[Embodiments of the Invention] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 (a), (b) and (c) are side views showing the configuration of the optical connector plug, bb line cross section, cc line cross section, and FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) show the entire optical connector plug. A front perspective view and a rear perspective view are shown, and FIGS. 3 (a), (b), and (c) are side views showing a state in which the optical connector plug is engaged with the locking hook for fastening the optical connector plug. , B1-b1 line cross-sectional view, and b1-b1 line cross-sectional view of the locking hook for fastening the optical connector plug in other forms, FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b) show the opening of the robot hand for gripping the optical connector plug. A perspective view showing a state and a closed state, FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the entire optical fiber connection switching device, and FIG. 5A is a side view of a state in which the secondary side optical connector plug is disconnected from the connection panel side. b) is a side view of the state where the secondary side optical connector plug is opened from the robot hand, and (c) is a side view of the state where the secondary side optical connector plug is aligned on the optical connector plug alignment board.

[0028] Here, first, the configuration of the optical connector plug will be described, and later, in the optical fiber connection switching device, the optical connector plug, the optical connection mechanism, and the optical connector plug alignment board will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical connector plug 1 includes a ferrule 2 arranged on the tip side for optical connection, a body portion 5 for inserting and holding the ferrule 2, and the body. The flange portion 3 provided on the protruding side of the ferrule 2 which is the tip side of the portion 5, the positioning grip portion 6 provided on the rear end side of the body portion 5, and the outer diameter of the flange portion 3 to the outer diameter of the body portion 5. It has a protrusion 4 formed toward it. An optical fiber cord F2 is inserted into the optical connector plug 1 so that the tip of the ferrule 2 can be optically connected by contacting the opposite ferrule (not shown).

[0030] Ferrule 2 is used here in which the tip of the ferrule is polished at an angle (Angled Physical Contact (APC) polished optical connector plug). The ferrule 2 is not particularly limited as long as it has a shape and material that can be optically connected.

The body portion 5 of the optical connector plug 1 has a tip portion 9 formed in a cylindrical shape and having an opening for inserting a ferrule 2 on the tip end side, and a diameter of the tip portion 9 on the rear side of the tip portion 9. It includes a plug tube 8 formed in a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter. The body portion 5 may be formed with a constant diameter as long as the ferrule 2 and the optical fiber cord F2 can be inserted and held for optical connection.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the flange portion 3 of the optical connector plug 1 is formed in an annular shape having a constant width so as to project so as to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the tip portion 9 of the body portion 5. It has a curved surface portion 3a formed so as to drop a corner on the peripheral edge portion, and the side surface facing the tip portion 9 side is a claw contact surface 3b. The flange portion 3 is for being engaged by the locking hook 12 for fastening the optical connector plug of the optical adapter 11 (see FIG. 5). Although the front shape of the flange portion 3 is formed in a circle in the drawing, it may be a square, a rectangle, or a polygon.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the protrusion 4 of the optical connector plug 1 has a tapered surface 4a having a constant width from the outer diameter portion of the flange portion 3 toward the plug cylinder portion 8 of the body portion 5. It is formed like this. Here, four protrusions 4 are formed on the circumference of the body portion 5 at an angle of 45 degrees, and the end portion on the flange portion 3 side abuts along the side surface of the flange portion 3. The end of the plug cylinder portion 8 side is provided with an inclined surface continuous with the tapered surface 4a, and extends to the continuously tapered surface portion 4b formed in an annular shape.

[0034] The protrusion 4 is provided integrally with the same material as the body 5, and is provided by adhering or fitting to the body 5 with a material different from the body 5. It may be configured as such. Further, the length of the protrusion 4 in the axial direction of the body 5 is set here from the claw contact surface 3b of the flange 3 to one end of the plug cylinder 8, but the robot hand described later. If it does not interfere with the gripping operation of 30, it may be set to extend further to the center side of the plug cylinder portion 8.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the protrusion 4 is formed with a tapered surface 4a via a flat surface 4c having the same height as the outer diameter of the flange 3, and here, the protrusion 4a is formed. The side surface of the portion 4 and the locking claw 13 of the locking hook 12 for fastening the optical connector plug are configured to increase the contact area in contact with each other. Of this protrusion 4<u style="single">Flat surface</u>It is not necessary to provide 4c as long as the contact area capable of suppressing the rotation of the optical connector plug 1 can be sufficiently secured in the rotation direction which is the circumferential direction of the axis of the ferrule 2 due to the proximity of the locking claw 13. ..

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the installation interval of the protrusion 4 in the circumferential direction is such that the locking hook 12 for fastening the optical connector plug of the optical adapter 11 (see FIG. 5) is adjacent to the installation interval. , The state is sufficient as long as the rotation of the optical connector plug 1 can be suppressed with respect to the rotation direction which is the circumferential direction of the axis of the ferrule 2. Here, as shown in FIG. 3B, the protrusions 4 are formed in the cross direction, and the protrusions 4 arranged above and below are the locking claws 13 of the locking hook 12 for fastening the optical connector plug. Although it is configured to fit into the notch 13a formed between the portions 13 and 13, the number, width, and shape thereof are not particularly limited as long as the configuration can be suppressed with respect to the rotation direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3C, even if the locking claw 13A of the locking hook 12 for fastening the optical connector plug does not have the notch 13a, the protruding portion is adjacent to the locking claw 13A. By providing the structure 14, it is possible to stop the rotation in the rotation direction and always maintain the connection posture in which the optical connection can be made.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the positioning grip portion 6 provided on the rear end side of the body portion 5 of the optical connector plug 1 is provided here having a diameter larger than the diameter of the plug cylinder portion 8. The cylindrical portion has vertical surfaces 6a and 6a that are convex or concave with respect to the outer diameter portion of the circumference and are formed so as to be parallel to each other in the vertical direction (here, the concave portion). The positioning grip portion 6 is gripped along the contact reference portion 16 which is the corresponding portion of the robot hand 30 that grips and moves the optical connector plug 1, thereby ensuring a connection posture capable of optical connection. It is configured so that it can be done.

[0038] The positioning grip portion 6 is formed so as to be a convex portion or a concave portion with respect to the circumferential outer diameter portion, and if a preset connection posture capable of optical connection can be secured, the positioning grip portion 6 may be formed. The shape and formation position (side surface, upper surface, lower surface, etc.) are not limited, and examples thereof include the configurations shown in FIGS. 9 (b) to 9 (g).

[0039] As another form of the positioning grip portion 6, as shown in FIG. 9B, the positioning grip portion 6B is formed so as to be a convex portion on a cylindrical portion provided on the rear end side of the plug cylinder portion 8. It is configured to have vertical surfaces 6b and 6b. Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, the positioning grip portion 6C is a semicircular protrusion 6c, 6c formed so as to be a convex portion on a cylindrical portion provided on the rear end side of the plug cylinder portion 8. Is also good. Further, as shown in FIG. 9D, the positioning grip portion 6D may be recessed groove portions 6d, 6d formed so as to be recesses in the cylindrical portion provided on the rear end side of the plug cylinder portion 8.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9E, a plurality of triangular concavo-convex groove portions 6e formed as recesses in the cylindrical portion provided on the rear end side of the plug cylinder portion 8 as the positioning grip portion 6E, It may be 6e. Further, as shown in FIG. 9 (f), as the positioning grip portion 6F, as a rectangular protrusion 6f formed so as to be a convex portion with respect to the upper portion of the cylindrical portion provided on the rear end side of the plug cylinder portion 8. Is also good. Then, as shown in FIG. 9 (g), the positioning grip portion 6G may be a groove portion 6g formed so as to be recessed on the upper surface and the lower surface with respect to the cylindrical portion provided on the rear end side of the plug cylinder portion 8. good.

[0041] In each configuration shown in FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (g), the contact reference portion 16 (see FIG. 4) of the robot hand 30 (see FIG. 4) is used with respect to the shapes of the positioning grip portions 6 to 6G. Of course, it is necessary to correspond to the shape of 9 (a)).

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the rear portion of the positioning grip portion 6 of the optical connector plug 1 is aligned with the optical connector plug alignment plate 21 when the optical connector plug alignment plate 21 is aligned. It is provided with a contact support portion 7 that is supported by contacting the alignment holding hole 25. The contact support portion 7 has an inclined surface formed in the circumferential direction, and when the optical connector plug 1 is aligned with the optical connector plug alignment board 21, the robot hand 30 has vertical surfaces 6a, 6a and a plug cylinder portion. It is formed so as to be supported so that the 8 can be gripped.

[0043] The optical fiber cord F2 connected to the optical connector plug 1 is cylindrical and, as shown in FIG. 2, is formed in an elliptical shape such as a two-core fiber tape. Can also be used correspondingly. Here, in order to align the optical connector plug 1 with the optical connector plug aligning board 21 described later in a constant posture, the cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber cord F2 is a shape other than a circle.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8E, the cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber cords F2 to F2d is composed of a contour line surrounding a long axis and a short axis orthogonal to each other through the position of the center of gravity of the cross section. The posture when aligning the optical connector plug 1 with the optical connector plug aligning board 21 described later, such as oval, rectangular, gourd, oval, or rectangular with uneven grooves on the side, is a specific posture. The cross-sectional shape is not particularly limited as long as it can be constrained so as to be.

Next, referring mainly to FIG. 5, in the configuration of the optical fiber connection switching device A, the optical connector plug 1 already described is used as the secondary side optical connector plug, and the optical connection mechanism and the optical connector plug are used. The alignment board will be described.

[0046] The optical fiber connection switching device A includes a connection board 10 including a plurality of optical adapters 11 that detachably engage the primary side optical connector plug 1B and the secondary side optical connector plug 1 to make an optical connection, and the connection board. A robot hand 30 equipped with a moving mechanism (not shown) for freely moving the optical connector plug 1 to the position of each optical adapter 11 of 10 and a secondary side optical connector installed at a position facing the connection panel 10. It is equipped with a storage alignment mechanism 20 for switching the connection of the plug 1. The storage alignment mechanism 20 includes an optical connector plug alignment board 21 for aligning the secondary side optical connector plug 1, a delivery mechanism 22 provided behind the optical connector plug alignment board 21, and a rear of the delivery mechanism 22. It is equipped with an extra length storage unit 23 provided in.

The connection board 10 arranges and holds a plurality of optical adapters 11 in a plurality of stages in a plurality of rows, and a position determination sensor (not shown) for accurately moving the moving position of the robot hand 30 as needed. ) May be arranged at a position facing the robot hand 30.

[0048] The optical adapter 11 is for making an optical connection by inserting and engaging the bi-optical connector plugs 1 and 1B at positions that are front and back in the longitudinal direction. Here, the optical adapter 11 has a different configuration between the optical connection mechanism of the primary side optical connector plug 1B and the optical connection mechanism of the secondary side optical connector plug 1. The primary side optical connector plug 1B engaged with the optical adapter 11 is a general-purpose product. For example, the optical adapter 11 has a coil spring (not shown) inside, which is equivalent to the SC type and MU type plugs. It has a configuration that can always press the ferrule 2 of the secondary side optical connector plug 1 when engaged.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 3, the optical adapter 11 is provided with a split sleeve (not shown) formed and a cylindrical portion (not shown) for inserting and optically connecting both ferrules. A locking hook 12 for fastening the optical connector plug is provided so as to project horizontally on the side where the secondary side optical connector plug 1 is engaged.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the locking hooks 12 for fastening the optical connector plug are provided at upper and lower positions at a distance slightly larger than the outer diameter of the flange portion 3.<u style="single">light</u>Locking claws 13 and 13 formed on the locking hook 12 for fastening the connector plug are arranged on the left and right via the notch 13a. The locking claws 13 and 13 are formed at intervals such that the notch portions 13a can be adjacent to each other along the protrusions 4.

[0051] The locking hook 12 for fastening the optical connector plug is opened in the vertical direction against the elastic force by the pushing motion of the robot hand 30, which will be described later, and is released in advance by releasing the pushing motion of the robot hand 30. It is made of a material that can return to the set position. In the drawing, the secondary side optical connector plug 1 is arranged at the upper and lower positions, but it is arranged at the left and right positions, and the protrusions formed on the secondary side optical connector plug 1 are formed. It may be arranged at a position adjacent to the protrusion 4 corresponding to the position of 4.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the robot hand 30 includes one and the other fingers 31, 31 for gripping the secondary side optical connector plug 1, the connecting board 10 and the optical connector plug aligning board. It moves between 21 by a moving mechanism (not shown) that can freely move in the XYZ directions (vertical, horizontal linear direction, horizontal orthogonal direction). The robot hand 30 is formed corresponding to the shape of the secondary side optical connector plug 1, and the left and right fingers 31, 31 are formed symmetrically.

[0053] The fingers 31, 31 are formed in an L shape, and are abutting pushing portions 32, 32, 32 for abutting and opening the upper and lower locking claws 13, 13, 13, 13. , 32, the groove 33,33,33,33 formed corresponding to the position of the protrusion 4, and the main body support 34,34 that abuts to hold the body 5 of the secondary optical connector plug 1. And the contact reference portions 16 and 16 for abutting the positioning grip portion 6 of the secondary side optical connector plug 1 and keeping the posture of the secondary side optical connector plug 1 always constant.

[0054] The robot hand 30 is configured such that the secondary side optical connector plug can be detachably engaged with the locking hook 12 for fastening the optical connector plug, and the robot hand 30 includes a contact reference portion 16. As long as it is a thing, its shape is not particularly limited.

Next, the configuration of the storage alignment mechanism 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the optical connector plug aligning board 21 is for aligning and supporting the secondary side optical connector plug 1 in a horizontally protruding state at a predetermined height position, and supports the secondary side optical. It is provided with a guide portion 21a that guides the connector plug 1 according to the shape of the secondary side optical fiber cord F2, and an alignment holding hole 25 formed on one end side of the guide portion 21a.

[0056] The guide portion 21a of the optical connector plug alignment board 21 is formed here as a through hole corresponding to the secondary side optical fiber cord F2 formed in an oval-shaped cross-sectional shape. Then, the alignment holding hole 25 of the optical connector plug alignment board 21 has an inclined surface (see FIG. 7) so that the contact support portion 7 of the secondary side optical connector plug 1 abuts on the open end position of the guide portion 21a. It is formed to have.

As shown in FIG. 5 (see FIG. 7), the delivery mechanism 22 includes a mounting roller on which the secondary side optical fiber cord F2 is mounted and a drive mechanism (not shown) facing the friction roller facing the secondary side optical fiber cord F2. The rollers are configured to move in the axial direction of the mounting rollers to rewind the predetermined secondary optical fiber cord F2.

As shown in FIG. 5, the extra length storage unit 23 is stored on each secondary side in order to maintain and store the secondary side optical fiber cord F2 rewound from the delivery mechanism 22 in an aligned state without being entangled. It includes a partition plate 23a arranged between the optical fiber cords F2 and a cover plate 23b provided above the partition plate 23a. Partition plate of this extra length storage part 23<u style="single">23a</u>Is supported in the vertical direction, or may be provided in a state of being inclined at a predetermined angle, and has a width dimension and a height dimension in which the secondary side optical fiber cord F2 located next to the is not entangled. ing.

Next, the connection switching operation of the optical fiber connection switching device A will be mainly described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 4, the robot hand 30 grips the secondary side optical connector plug 1 aligned on the predetermined optical connector plug alignment board 21. At this time, in the secondary side optical connector plug 1, the vertical surfaces 6a and 6a of the positioning grip portion 6 are in contact with the contact reference portions 16 and 16 of both fingers 31 and 31 by both fingers 31, 31 and the fuselage. The portion 5 side is gripped by being brought into contact with the main body support portions 34 and 34.

[0060] When the secondary side optical connector plug 1 aligned with the optical connector plug alignment board 21 is gripped by the robot hand 30, the secondary side optical connector plug 1 is engaged with the optical adapter 11. It is possible to always maintain the same connection posture as the posture in which optical connection is possible.

The secondary side optical connector plug 1 gripped in the connection posture is conveyed to the front surface of the predetermined optical adapter 11 by the movement of the robot hand 30. Then, when the robot hand 30 moves forward while holding the secondary side optical connector plug 1, the flange portion 3 resists the elastic force of the locking claws 13 of the optical connector plug fastening locking hooks 12 and 12. Insert the ferrule 2 into the optical adapter 11 by pushing it open. At the same time, when the flange portion 3 passes through each of the locking claws 13, it returns to the original position by the elastic force provided by the locking hooks 12 and 12 for fastening the optical connector plug, so that the flange portion 3 returns to the flange portion 3. The locking claws 13 and 13 are locked and engaged with the optical adapter 11 in a state where optical connection is possible.

At this time, since the protruding portion 4 of the secondary side optical connector plug 1 is engaged in a state of being adjacent to the notch portion 13a of the locking claw 13, the secondary side optical connector plug 1 is oriented in the rotation direction. By being restrained, the ferrule (not shown) of the facing primary optical connector plug 1B and the optical connection state are always maintained in an appropriate state.

Next, when disconnecting the secondary side optical connector plug 1 from the optical adapter 11, as shown in FIGS. 5 (b) and 3 (a), the contact pushing portion 32 of the finger 31 moves. , Locking hook for fastening the optical connector plug by contacting and pushing the inclined parts of the locking claws 13 and 13.<u style="single">12,12</u>Spread in the direction of increasing the interval between. By doing so, the flange portion 3 of the secondary side optical connector plug 1 is released from the engaged state of the locking claw 13.

[0064] At the same time, in the secondary side optical connector plug 1, the ferrule 2 is pushed out by the ferrule of the primary side optical connector plug 1B by the urging force of the coil spring provided in the primary side optical connector plug 1B, and the ferrule 2 is pushed out from the optical adapter 11. Move in the direction of exit. Therefore, the secondary side optical connector plug 1 extruded from the optical adapter 11 is maintained in a connection posture that enables optical connection while the protrusion 4 is fitted in the groove 33 of the robot hand 30. It can be gripped by the robot hand 30 and moved backward from the connector 10.

Next, the robot hand 30 with the secondary side optical connector plug 1 detached from the optical adapter 11 drops the secondary side optical connector plug 1 downward by opening the fingers 31 and 31. At the same time, the sending mechanism 22 is operated to draw the secondary side optical connector plug 1 toward the optical connector plug alignment board 21 side.

At this time, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the other secondary optical fiber cord F2 hinders the movement, but the tapered surface 4a of the protrusion 4 is the body portion 5. In order to alleviate the step of the flange portion 3, it is possible to slip through between the secondary side optical fiber cords F2 and move smoothly. Then, the secondary side optical fiber cord F2 is stored in the extra length storage portion 23 by the delivery mechanism 22, and the secondary side optical fiber cord F2 is guided through the guide portion 21a of the optical connector plug alignment board 21. Then, the contact support portion 7 of the secondary side optical connector plug 1 abuts and is supported by the alignment holding hole 25 of the optical connector plug alignment board 21. Therefore, the posture of the secondary side optical connector plug 1 when supported by the optical connector plug alignment board 21 is always in a state of maintaining the connection posture in which optical connection is possible.

[0067] The configuration of the optical connector plug alignment board 21 may be the configuration shown in FIG. 7. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the optical connector plug alignment board 21 is configured to include the first alignment portion 21A and the second alignment portion 21B. The first alignment portion 21A has the same configuration as that already described with reference to FIG. 5, and the second alignment portion 21B installed behind the first alignment portion 21A has a cross section of the secondary optical fiber cord F2. A guide portion 21b for guiding the short axis direction as the vertical direction is provided as a through hole. Therefore, the secondary side optical fiber cord F2 that has passed through the second alignment portion 21B is always stored in the extra length storage portion 23 by folding back the short axis direction of the cross-sectional shape in the vertical direction, and the optical fiber cord is in a twisted state. Does not occur.

[Effect of the Invention] As described above, the optical connector plug, the optical connection mechanism, the optical connection method, the optical connector plug alignment board, and the optical cord hoisting method according to the present invention are excellent as shown below. It is effective. Since the protrusion of the optical connector plug suppresses the movement of the ferrule portion in the circumferential rotation direction with respect to the axial direction, the connection posture that enables regular optical connection can be maintained when the optical adapter is engaged. It is possible to obtain desired optical characteristics. In addition, the optical connector plug can be moved by scraping through a plurality of optical fiber cords due to the tapered surface of the protrusion, and the flange portion is caught by another optical fiber cord and stagnates during the connection switching work. There is no. Even if the locking hook for fastening the optical connector plug has a general configuration, the protrusion of the optical connector plug suppresses the movement of the ferrule portion in the circumferential rotation direction with respect to the axial direction, and is regular. It is possible to maintain a connection posture that enables optical connection. Therefore, as a result, high reliability of the optical fiber connection switching operation is made possible.

[0069] In the optical connection mechanism, when the optical connector plug engages with the optical adapter, the protrusion of the optical connector plug engages adjacent to the locking hook for fastening the optical connector plug, so that a regular optical connection is possible. The connection posture to be determined can be maintained when the optical adapter is engaged, and desired optical characteristics can be obtained. In addition, the optical connector plug can be moved by scraping through a plurality of optical fiber cords due to the tapered surface of the protrusion, and the flange portion is caught by another optical fiber cord and stagnates during the connection switching work. There is no.

[0070] In the optical connection mechanism, the cross-sectional shape of the secondary side optical fiber cord is specified, and the optical connector plug alignment board is provided with a guide portion along the cross-sectional shape of the secondary side optical fiber cord to provide the secondary side. Since the posture when the secondary side optical connector plugs of the optical fiber cord are aligned is uniquely determined, the connection posture that enables regular optical connection can be maintained even at the position of the optical connector plug alignment board.

[0071] In the optical connection mechanism, when the secondary side optical connector plug aligned with the optical connector plug alignment board is gripped by the robot hand, the robot hand abuts on the positioning grip portion to secure the connection posture. Even when the secondary side optical connector plug is moved by the robot hand, the connection posture that enables regular optical connection can be maintained.

[0072] In the optical connection mechanism, the positioning grip portion is formed as a vertical surface of one and the other formed as the recess in the circumferential outer diameter portion on the rear end side of the body portion, thereby ensuring a simple configuration. It is possible to maintain a connection posture that enables regular optical connection.

[0073] In the optical connection method, the secondary side optical connector plug can be moved in a connection posture capable of optical connection with reference to a vertical surface formed on the body portion of the secondary side optical connector plug, and the secondary side thereof. The optical connector plug can be detachably engaged with the optical adapter while the robot hand maintains the connection posture.

[0074] In the optical connector plug alignment board, the first alignment portion guides the secondary side optical fiber cord so that the major axis direction is vertical, and the second alignment portion guides the secondary side optical fiber cord to 90. Since it rotates around the longitudinal direction and is guided so that the minor axis direction becomes the vertical direction, the minor axis direction of the cross-sectional shape is always folded back in the vertical direction, and the optical fiber cord is twisted. It does not occur.

[0075] In the optical cord hoisting method, the secondary side optical connector plug is sent to the optical connector plug alignment board side by the transmission mechanism, and the long axis direction of the secondary side optical fiber cord becomes the vertical direction first, and then the second side is sequentially obtained. The next side optical fiber cord is sent out to the extra length storage portion side so that the minor axis direction is the vertical direction, and is stored in a state where it is easy to store. Then, when the secondary side optical connector plug is aligned with the optical connector plug alignment board, the secondary side optical fiber cord is rewound in a constrained state, so that the connection posture that can be optically connected is uniquely illuminated. It can be secured in the connector alignment board. As a result, high reliability of optical fiber connection replacement has become possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [A], (b), and (c) are a side view, a bb line sectional view, and a cc line sectional view showing a configuration of an optical connector plug according to the present invention.

2 (a) and 2 (b) are a perspective view from the front and a perspective view from the rear showing the configuration of the optical connector plug according to the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a side view showing a state in which the optical connector plug according to the present invention is engaged with the locking hook for fastening the optical connector plug, and FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line b1-b1 and FIG. , (C) are cross-sectional views taken along line b1-b1 of a locking hook for fastening an optical connector plug in another form.

4 (a) and 4 (b) are perspective views showing an open state and a closed state of a robot hand that grips an optical connector plug according to the present invention.

5A and 5B schematically show the entire optical fiber connection switching device according to the present invention, FIG. 5A is a side view of a state in which the secondary side optical connector plug is disconnected from the connection panel side, and FIG. 5B is a robot hand. The side view of the state where the secondary side optical connector plug is opened, and (c) is the side view of the state where the secondary side optical connector plug is aligned with the optical connector plug alignment board.

6 (a) and 6 (b) are perspective views showing a state in which the optical connector plug according to the present invention passes through the optical fiber cord.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing an optical connector plug alignment board according to the present invention.

8 (a) to 8 (e) are schematic views showing a cross-sectional shape of an optical fiber cord according to the present invention.

9 (a) to 9 (g) are schematic views showing a cross-sectional shape of a positioning grip portion according to the present invention.

10 (a) and 10 (b) are a plan view and a side view schematically showing the entire optical fiber connection switching device.

[Code description] A Optical fiber connection switching device F1 Optical fiber cord (primary side optical fiber cord) F2 Optical fiber cord (secondary side optical fiber cord) 1 Optical connector plug (secondary side optical connector plug) 1B Optical connector plug (Primary side optical connector plug) 2 Ferrule 3 Flange 3a Curved surface 3b Claw contact surface 4 Protrusion 4a Tapered surface 4b Continuous tapered surface 4c Flat surface 5 Body 6 Positioning grip 6a Vertical surface (concave) 7 Contact support Surface 8 Plug cylinder 9 Tip 10 Connection board 11 Optical adapter 12 Optical connector Plug locking hook 13 Locking claw 13a Notch 16 Contact reference part 20 Storage alignment mechanism 21 Optical connector plug Alignment board 21a Guide part 22 Sending mechanism 23 Extra length storage part 25 Alignment holding hole 30 Robot hand 31 Finger 32 Contact push part 33 Groove part 34 Main body support part