Light panel and optical fiber ribbon with connector

Abstract

To provide a light panel and an optical fiber ribbon with a connector that even when the number of cores of optical fiber ribbons included in an optical cable introduced into a housing is different from the number of object cores of a connector connected to an adapter fitted to the housing, the respective optical fiber cores in the optical cable can be terminated and connected by the connector.SOLUTION: A first optical fiber ribbon where a multi-core connector for a plurality of optical fibers as objects to be connected is connected at an end includes first optical cores in number being a multiple of 4 that is 12 or larger. An optical cable introduced into the housing from outside includes a plurality of second optical fiber ribbons given mutually different identification colors. The respective second optical fiber ribbons have four or eight second core fibers. The first optical fiber ribbon is divided into a plurality of third optical fiber ribbons. Each third optical fiber ribbon includes four or eight first optical fiber cores. The third optical fiber ribbon is also treated according to the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon being a connection target.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to optical panels and connectorized optical fiber ribbons.

[0002] Conventionally, optical panels equipped with a plurality of adapters to which optical connectors are connected are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a splice unit in which an adapter panel including a plurality of adapters is provided so as to be freely opened and closed relative to a unit body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-361893 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, the optical cable introduced into the housing of the optical panel may be an optical cable equipped with an optical fiber ribbon containing four or eight optical fiber cores, while the adapter attached to the housing may be an MPO (Multi-Fiber Push On) adapter that connects 12 or more optical fiber cores together.

[0005] Thus, there is a demand for technology that can terminate and connect each optical fiber core in an optical cable with an MPO connector, even when the number of cores in the optical fiber ribbon of the optical cable introduced into the housing (the number of optical fiber cores contained in the ribbon) is different from the number of target cores in the connector connected to the MPO adapter attached to the housing.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide an optical panel and an optical fiber ribbon with a connector that can terminate and connect each optical fiber core in an optical cable with a connector, even if the number of cores in the optical fiber ribbon contained in an optical cable introduced into the housing of the optical panel differs from the number of target cores of a connector connected to an adapter attached to the housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The light panel of the present disclosure comprises: A housing and a multi-fiber adapter attached to the housing and adapted to connect a plurality of optical fiber cores; a multi-fiber connector connected to the multi-fiber adapter; a first optical fiber ribbon having the multi-fiber connector connected to an end thereof; The first optical fiber ribbon includes first optical fiber core wires, the number of which is a multiple of 4 and is equal to or greater than 12, the optical cable introduced from the outside to the inside of the housing includes a plurality of second optical fiber ribbons each having a different identification color; Each of the second optical fiber ribbons has four or eight second optical fiber core wires, The first optical fiber ribbon is divided into a plurality of third optical fiber ribbons, and each of the third optical fiber ribbons includes four or eight of the first optical fiber core wires; The third optical fiber ribbons are respectively connected to the second optical fiber ribbons, Each of the third optical fiber ribbons is treated according to the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon to which it is to be connected.

[0008] The connectorized optical fiber ribbon of the present disclosure comprises: A multi-fiber connector; a first optical fiber ribbon having an end connected to the multi-fiber connector; The first optical fiber ribbon includes first optical fiber core wires, the number of which is a multiple of 4 and is equal to or greater than 12, The first optical fiber ribbon is divided into a plurality of third optical fiber ribbons, and each of the third optical fiber ribbons includes four or eight of the first optical fiber core wires; The third optical fiber ribbons are treated in accordance with the identification colors of the second optical fiber ribbons to be connected and which are given different identification colors. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, even if the number of cores in an optical fiber ribbon contained in an optical cable introduced into a housing of an optical panel differs from the number of target cores in a connector connected to an adapter attached to the housing, each optical fiber core in the optical cable can be terminated and connected by the connector. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an optical panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the optical cable shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the connection between the first optical fiber ribbon and the second optical fiber ribbon shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a measure for improving workability when splicing the third optical fiber ribbon and the second optical fiber ribbon shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a variation of a primary color tube attached to a set including five third optical fiber ribbons. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining another modified example of the treatment for five third optical fiber ribbons. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modification of the secondary color tube attached to each third optical fiber ribbon. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modification of the secondary color tube attached to each third optical fiber ribbon. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another modified example of the treatment for each third optical fiber ribbon. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a first optical fiber ribbon according to the first modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a first optical fiber ribbon according to the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] <Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure> First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The optical panel according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes: (1) a housing; a multi-fiber adapter attached to the housing and adapted to connect a plurality of optical fiber cores; a multi-fiber connector connected to the multi-fiber adapter; a first optical fiber ribbon having the multi-fiber connector connected to an end thereof; The first optical fiber ribbon includes first optical fiber core wires, the number of which is a multiple of 4 and is equal to or greater than 12, the optical cable introduced from the outside to the inside of the housing includes a plurality of second optical fiber ribbons each having a different identification color; Each of the second optical fiber ribbons has four or eight second optical fiber core wires, The first optical fiber ribbon is divided into a plurality of third optical fiber ribbons, and each of the third optical fiber ribbons includes four or eight of the first optical fiber core wires; The third optical fiber ribbons are respectively connected to the second optical fiber ribbons, Each of the third optical fiber ribbons is treated according to the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon to which it is to be connected.

[0012] With this configuration, even if the number of cores in the second optical fiber ribbon in the optical cable introduced into the housing differs from the number of target cores in the multi-core connector connected to the multi-core adapter attached to the housing, the second optical fiber core in the optical cable can be terminated and connected with a multi-core (MPO) connector.

[0013] In addition, since each third optical fiber ribbon is treated according to the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon to which it is to be spliced, the worker can easily identify the third optical fiber ribbon to which each second optical fiber ribbon is to be spliced, thereby improving the splicing operation between the second optical fiber ribbon and the third optical fiber ribbon.

[0014] (2) In the optical panel described above in (1), Each of the third optical fiber ribbons may be attached with a tube or label having at least one of a color, a number, and a mark corresponding to the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon to which it is connected.

[0015] With such a configuration, the worker can more easily identify the third optical fiber ribbon to which each second optical fiber ribbon is to be spliced.

[0016] (3) In the optical panel described above in (2), Each of the third optical fiber ribbons may be provided with a tube or a label having the same color as the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon to which it is connected.

[0017] With this configuration, the worker can more easily identify the third optical fiber ribbon to which each second optical fiber ribbon is to be spliced.

[0018] (4) In any of the optical panels (1) to (3) above, Each of the third optical fiber ribbons may be attached with a tube or a label having at least one of a different length and a different thickness that corresponds to the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon to be connected.

[0019] With such a configuration, the worker can more easily identify the third optical fiber ribbon to which each second optical fiber ribbon is to be spliced.

[0020] (5) In any of the optical panels (1) to (4) above, the optical cable is a slot-type optical cable having a plurality of slot grooves in which the second optical fiber ribbon is housed, Each of the slots accommodates K second optical fiber ribbons; The third optical fiber ribbons are divided into groups of K optical fiber ribbons, The K third optical fiber ribbons included in the set are respectively connected to the K second optical fiber ribbons accommodated in one of the slots; Each of the sets may be treated according to the corresponding slot groove.

[0021] With such a configuration, the worker can easily associate the set including the K third optical fiber ribbons with the K second optical fiber ribbons to be spliced.

[0022] (6) In the optical panel described above in (5), Each set may be fitted with a tube or label having at least one of a color, a number and a mark corresponding to the corresponding slot groove.

[0023] With such a configuration, the worker can more easily associate the set including the K third optical fiber ribbons with the K second optical fiber ribbons to be spliced.

[0024] (7) In any of the optical panels (1) to (6) above, The color arrangement of the four or eight second optical fiber core wires included in one of the second optical fiber ribbons is different from the color arrangement of the four or eight second optical fiber core wires included in the other second optical fiber ribbons, The four or eight first optical fiber cores included in the third optical fiber ribbon may be pre-colored in the same color arrangement as the four or eight second optical fiber cores included in the second optical fiber ribbon to which they are to be connected.

[0025] With this configuration, the worker can easily identify the first optical fiber cores to which each of the second optical fiber cores is to be connected.

[0026] (8) In any of the optical panels (1) to (7) above, The first optical fiber ribbon has twelve of the first optical fiber core wires, Each of the second optical fiber ribbons has four of the second optical fiber core wires, The first optical fiber ribbon may be divided into three third optical fiber ribbons, each of which includes four of the first optical fibers.

[0027] With this configuration, even if the number of cores in the second optical fiber ribbon in the optical cable is four and the number of target cores in the multi-core connector connected to the multi-core adapter is 12, each second optical fiber core in the optical cable can be terminated and connected with the multi-core connector.

[0028] (9) In any of the optical panels (1) to (7) above, The first optical fiber ribbon has twelve of the first optical fiber core wires, Each of the second optical fiber ribbons has eight of the second optical fiber core wires, The first optical fiber ribbon may be divided into one third optical fiber ribbon including eight of the first optical fiber core wires, and one third optical fiber ribbon including four of the first optical fiber core wires.

[0029] With this configuration, even if the number of cores in the second optical fiber ribbon in the optical cable is eight and the number of target cores in the multi-core connector connected to the multi-core adapter is 12, each second optical fiber core in the optical cable can be terminated and connected with the multi-core connector.

[0030] (10) In the optical panel described above in (9), The third optical fiber ribbon, which is separated from the first optical fiber ribbon and includes four of the first optical fiber core wires, and the third optical fiber ribbon, which is separated from another of the first optical fiber ribbons and includes four of the first optical fiber core wires, may be combined and connected to the second optical fiber ribbon.

[0031] With this configuration, three optical fiber ribbons, each having eight first optical fiber cores, can be obtained from two first optical fiber ribbons.

[0032] (11) In any of the optical panels (1) to (7) above, The first optical fiber ribbon has 24 of the first optical fiber core wires, Each of the second optical fiber ribbons has four of the second optical fiber core wires, The first optical fiber ribbon may be divided into six third optical fiber ribbons, each of which includes four of the first optical fibers.

[0033] With this configuration, even if the number of cores in the second optical fiber ribbon in the optical cable is four and the number of target cores in the multi-core connector connected to the multi-core adapter is 24, each second optical fiber core in the optical cable can be terminated and connected with the multi-core connector.

[0034] (12) In any of the optical panels (1) to (7) above, The first optical fiber ribbon has 24 of the first optical fiber core wires, Each of the second optical fiber ribbons has eight of the second optical fiber core wires, The first optical fiber ribbon may be divided into three third optical fiber ribbons each including eight of the first optical fibers.

[0035] With this configuration, even if the number of cores in the second optical fiber ribbon in the optical cable is eight and the number of target cores in the multi-core connector connected to the multi-core adapter is 24, each second optical fiber core in the optical cable can be terminated and connected with a multi-core connector.

[0036] (13) A connectorized optical fiber ribbon according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: A multi-fiber connector; a first optical fiber ribbon having an end connected to the multi-fiber connector; The first optical fiber ribbon includes first optical fiber core wires, the number of which is a multiple of 4 and is equal to or greater than 12, The first optical fiber ribbon is divided into a plurality of third optical fiber ribbons, and each of the third optical fiber ribbons includes four or eight of the first optical fiber core wires; The third optical fiber ribbons are treated in accordance with the identification colors of the second optical fiber ribbons to be connected and which are given different identification colors.

[0037] With this configuration, even if the number of cores in the second optical fiber ribbon in the optical cable introduced into the housing differs from the number of target cores in the multi-core connector connected to the multi-core adapter attached to the housing, the second optical fiber core in the optical cable can be terminated and connected with a multi-core (MPO) connector.

[0038] In addition, since each third optical fiber ribbon is treated according to the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon to which it is to be spliced, the worker can easily identify the third optical fiber ribbon to which each second optical fiber ribbon is to be spliced, thereby improving the splicing operation between the second optical fiber ribbon and the third optical fiber ribbon.

[0039] <Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure> Specific examples of the optical panel and optical cable of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0040] [Overall configuration of the light panel] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an optical panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The optical panel 100 includes a housing 10, a plurality of MPO (Multi-Fiber Push On) adapters (multi-core adapters) 11 attached to the housing 10, an MPO connector (multi-core connector) 12 connected to the MPO adapters 11, and a first optical fiber ribbon 13 having an end connected to the MPO connector 12. In the example shown in Fig. 1, a plurality of MPO adapters 11 are attached to a front surface 21 of the housing 10.

[0041] The MPO adapter 11 is an adapter to which an MPO connector is connected. Here, the first optical fiber ribbon 13 connected to the MPO connector 12 includes twelve first optical fiber cores.

[0042] An opening 23 is formed in the rear surface 22 of the housing 10, and the optical cable 31 is introduced into the housing 10 through the opening 23. For example, in a factory, the MPO connector 12 connected to the end of the first optical fiber ribbon 13 is shipped in a connected state to the MPO adapter 11. Then, for example, at an installation site, the second optical fiber ribbon 32 of the optical cable 31 and the first optical fiber ribbon 13 are connected.

[0043] [Optical cable configuration] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the optical cable 31 shown in Fig. 1. As will be described later, the second optical fiber cores 38 included in the second optical fiber ribbon 32 are colored, and in order to make the coloring easier to understand, hatching of the cross section is omitted in Fig. 2.

[0044] The optical cable 31 is a tape slot type optical cable and includes a plurality of second optical fiber ribbons 32, a slot rod 33, a pressure winding tape 34 wound around the slot rod 33, an outer jacket 35 covering the outside of the slot rod 33 covered with the pressure winding tape 34, and a tension member 36 provided near the center of the slot rod 33.

[0045] In the slot rod 33, a plurality of spiral or SZ-shaped slot grooves 37 are formed from the outer periphery toward the center of the slot rod 33. In the optical cable 31 shown in Fig. 2, as an example, five slot grooves 37A, 37B, 37C, 37D, and 37E are formed. In the example shown in Fig. 2, each slot groove 37 accommodates five (K) second optical fiber ribbons 32.

[0046] Each second optical fiber ribbon 32 has, for example, four colored second optical fiber cores 38. Of the four second optical fiber cores 38 that each second optical fiber ribbon 32 has, the first is a second optical fiber core 38A, the second is a second optical fiber core 38B, the third is a second optical fiber core 38C, and the fourth is a second optical fiber core 38D.

[0047] Among the five second optical fiber ribbons 32 housed in the same slot groove 37, the first second optical fiber core wires 38A are colored in different identification colors. Specifically, the five second optical fiber core wires 38A are colored in blue, yellow, green, red and purple as identification colors, respectively. In Fig. 2, in order to show the difference in these colors, the five second optical fiber core wires 38A contained in the same slot groove 37 are hatched differently from each other.

[0048] Moreover, the five second optical fiber cores 38B housed in the same slot groove 37 are colored the same color, for example, white. In Fig. 2, these five second optical fiber cores 38B are hatched in the same manner.

[0049] Moreover, the five second optical fiber cores 38C housed in the same slot groove 37 are colored the same color, for example, brown. In Fig. 2, the five second optical fiber cores 38C are hatched in the same manner.

[0050] Moreover, the five second optical fiber cores 38D housed in the same slot groove 37 are colored the same color, for example, gray. In Fig. 2, the five second optical fiber cores 38D are hatched in the same manner.

[0051] Each slot groove 37 accommodates 20 second optical fiber cores 38 (five second optical fiber ribbons 32 each having four cores) arranged in the above-mentioned color arrangement.

[0052] [Connection between the first optical fiber ribbon and the second optical fiber ribbon] 3 is a diagram for explaining the connection between the first optical fiber ribbon 13 and the second optical fiber ribbon 32 shown in FIG. 1. The first optical fiber ribbon 13 connected to the MPO connector 12 includes the 12 first optical fiber core wires 14 as described above. More specifically, for example, the 12 fiber holding holes in the MPO connector 12 are each assigned with a position number from "1" to "12". Furthermore, the 12 first optical fiber core wires 14 are each assigned with a fiber number from "1" to "12" and are colored accordingly. Each fiber holding hole holds a first optical fiber core wire 14 with a corresponding fiber number according to the specifications.

[0053] Moreover, the first optical fiber ribbon 13 is divided into three third optical fiber ribbons 41 in the portion surrounded by the dashed line in Fig. 3. Each of the third optical fiber ribbons 41 has four first optical fiber core wires 14. For example, the four first optical fiber core wires 14 are respectively assigned fiber numbers from "1" to "4".

[0054] For example, the first optical fiber core wires 14 with fiber numbers "1" to "4" correspond to the four first optical fiber core wires 14 with fiber numbers "1" to "4" of the first third optical fiber ribbon 41. The first optical fiber core wires 14 with fiber numbers "5" to "8" correspond to the four first optical fiber core wires 14 with fiber numbers "1" to "4" of the second third optical fiber ribbon 41. The first optical fiber core wires 14 with fiber numbers "9" to "12" correspond to the four first optical fiber core wires 14 with fiber numbers "1" to "4" of the third third optical fiber ribbon 41.

[0055] For example, a worker performing the connection work fusion-splices each of the multiple divided third optical fiber ribbons 41 to the multiple second optical fiber ribbons 32 in the optical cable 31, as shown by contact point A in Fig. 3. This makes it possible to connect each of the second optical fiber cores 38 in the optical cable 31 to the MPO adapter 11, even if the number of cores in the second optical fiber ribbon in the optical cable 31 is four and the number of target cores in the MPO connector 12 connected to the MPO adapter 11 shown in Fig. 1 is twelve.

[0056] [Measures to improve the splicing work between the third optical fiber ribbon and the second optical fiber ribbon] Here, there is a demand for a technique that can improve the efficiency of connection work when connecting the multiple second optical fiber ribbons 32 in the optical cable 31 to the multiple third optical fiber ribbons 41. In response to this, in the present disclosure, a treatment is applied to each third optical fiber ribbon according to the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon to be connected. Details will be described below.

[0057] (Example 1) Attaching a color tube to the third optical fiber ribbon (a) Installation of primary color tube Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a measure for improving workability when connecting the third optical fiber ribbon 41 and the second optical fiber ribbon 32 shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the multiple third optical fiber ribbons 41 are divided into groups of, for example, five pieces. The five third optical fiber ribbons 41 in each group are connected to the five second optical fiber ribbons 32 housed in one of the multiple slot grooves 37 shown in Fig. 2. Each group is treated according to the corresponding slot groove 37.

[0058] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, blue primary color tube 42A is attached to the pair corresponding to slot groove 37A shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 4, for example, yellow primary color tube 42B is attached to the pair corresponding to slot groove 37B shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 4, green primary color tube 42C is attached to the pair corresponding to slot groove 37C shown in Fig. 2. Hereinafter, each of primary color tubes 42A, 42B, 42C will also be referred to as "primary color tube 42."

[0059] In this way, for a set including five third optical fiber ribbons 41, a primary color tube 42 of a color corresponding to the corresponding slot groove 37 is attached. This allows the worker to easily associate the set including five third optical fiber ribbons 41 with the slot groove 37 in which the five second optical fiber ribbons 32 to be connected are housed.

[0060] In addition, the multiple primary color tubes 42 are not limited to being colored different colors according to the corresponding slot grooves 37, and may be different in length, thickness, marks, etc. according to the corresponding slot grooves 37.

[0061] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a modified example of a primary color tube attached to a set including five third optical fiber ribbons 41. As shown in Fig. 5, a primary color tube 52 having a different thickness according to the corresponding slot groove 37 (see Fig. 2) may be attached to each set instead of the primary color tube 42 shown in Fig. 4.

[0062] For example, primary color tube 52A having an inner diameter of 4.5 mm is attached as primary color tube 52 to the set corresponding to slot groove 37A shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, for example, primary color tube 52B having an inner diameter of 3.5 mm is attached as primary color tube 52 to the set corresponding to slot groove 37B shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, for example, primary color tube 52C having an inner diameter of 2.5 mm is attached as primary color tube 52 to the set corresponding to slot groove 37C shown in Fig. 2.

[0063] This allows the worker to easily match a set including five third optical fiber ribbons 41 with the slot groove 37 in which the five second optical fiber ribbons 32 to be connected are housed, just as in the case where a primary color tube 42 of a color corresponding to the slot groove 37 is installed.

[0064] Furthermore, the set including the five third optical fiber ribbons 41 is not limited to the configuration in which the primary color tubes 42, 52 are attached, and may be wired in different regions from each other within the housing 10, for example.

[0065] Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining another modified example of the treatment for five third optical fiber ribbons 41. As shown in Fig. 6, the group surrounded by dashed dotted line B1 (the group corresponding to slot groove 37A shown in Fig. 2) is wired, for example, to the first stage of a tray (not shown) in the housing 10 shown in Fig. 1. The group surrounded by dashed dotted line B2 (the group corresponding to slot groove 37B shown in Fig. 2) is wired, for example, to the second stage of the tray. The group surrounded by dashed dotted line B3 (the group corresponding to slot groove 37C shown in Fig. 2) is wired, for example, to the third stage of the tray.

[0066] The wiring method of the third optical fiber ribbon 41 is not limited to the above-mentioned method. For example, a plurality of third optical fiber ribbons 41 to which the same secondary color tubes 43 are attached may be wired in the same stage of the tray.

[0067] This allows the worker to easily match a set including five third optical fiber ribbons 41 with the slot groove 37 in which the five second optical fiber ribbons 32 to be connected are housed, just as in the case where a primary color tube 42 of a color corresponding to the slot groove 37 is installed.

[0068] (b) Installation of the secondary color tube Referring again to FIG. 4, for example, in addition to the primary color tube 42, each third optical fiber ribbon 41 is further equipped with a secondary color tube 43 of the same color as the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon 32 to which it is connected.

[0069] Specifically, as described above, the five second optical fiber cores 38A housed in the same slot groove 37 (see FIG. 2) are given blue, yellow, green, red and purple as identification colors, respectively. Among the multiple third optical fiber ribbons 41 shown in FIG. 4, the third optical fiber ribbon 41 connected to the second optical fiber ribbon 32 whose identification color is blue is fitted with a blue secondary color tube 43.

[0070] Moreover, a yellow secondary color tube 43 is attached to the third optical fiber ribbon 41 connected to the second optical fiber ribbon 32 whose identification color is yellow. Moreover, a green secondary color tube 43 is attached to the third optical fiber ribbon 41 connected to the second optical fiber ribbon 32 whose identification color is green.

[0071] Moreover, a red secondary color tube 43 is attached to the third optical fiber ribbon 41 connected to the second optical fiber ribbon 32 whose identification color is red. Moreover, a purple secondary color tube 43 is attached to the third optical fiber ribbon 41 connected to the second optical fiber ribbon 32 whose identification color is purple. This makes it possible to easily identify the third optical fiber ribbon 41 to which each second optical fiber ribbon 32 is connected.

[0072] Similarly, in the examples shown in Figures 5 and 6, each third optical fiber ribbon 41 is attached with a secondary color tube 43 of the same color as the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon 32 to which it is connected.

[0073] The multiple secondary color tubes 43 are not limited to being the same color as the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon 32 to be connected, and may differ in length, thickness, marking, etc. depending on the identification color.

[0074] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a modified example of the secondary color tube attached to each third optical fiber ribbon 41. In the example shown in Fig. 7, instead of the secondary color tube 43 shown in Fig. 4, a secondary color tube 61 having a different length according to the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon 32 to be connected is attached to each third optical fiber ribbon 41.

[0075] Specifically, for each group, five secondary color tubes 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, and 61E that are the secondary color tubes 61 are attached to the five third optical fiber ribbons 41 included in the group, respectively. The lengths of these five secondary color tubes 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, and 61E are, for example, 100 mm, 80 mm, 60 mm, 40 mm, and 20 mm.

[0076] Moreover, these five secondary color tubes 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, and 61E are given the same color.

[0077] For example, blue secondary color tubes 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, and 61E are attached to each of the third optical fiber ribbons 41 in the set corresponding to the slot groove 37A shown in Fig. 2. Also, for example, yellow secondary color tubes 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, and 61E are attached to each of the third optical fiber ribbons 41 in the set corresponding to the slot groove 37B shown in Fig. 2. Also, for example, green secondary color tubes 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, and 61E are attached to each of the third optical fiber ribbons 41 in the set corresponding to the slot groove 37C shown in Fig. 2.

[0078] In this way, a common treatment is applied to the secondary color tubes 61 attached to each of the five third optical fiber ribbons 41 included in the same set. This allows an operator to easily associate the set of five third optical fiber ribbons 41 with the corresponding slot grooves 37 (see FIG. 2) without using a primary color tube 42 as shown in FIG.

[0079] Further, each third optical fiber ribbon 41 may be attached with a secondary color tube having a mark such as a ring mark or a dot mark in accordance with the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon 32 to be connected.

[0080] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of the secondary color tube attached to each third optical fiber ribbon 41. In the example shown in Fig. 8, instead of the secondary color tube 43 as shown in Fig. 4, secondary color tubes 62 having different marks M according to the identification colors of the second optical fiber ribbons 32 to be connected are attached to the multiple third optical fiber ribbons 41.

[0081] This allows the worker to easily identify the third optical fiber ribbon 41 to which each second optical fiber ribbon 32 is connected, just as in the case where a secondary color tube 43 of a color corresponding to the second optical fiber ribbon 32 to be connected is attached.

[0082] In addition, instead of the secondary color tube 43 as shown in Figure 4, each third optical fiber ribbon 41 may be fitted with a tube numbered according to the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon 32 to which it is connected, such as "1" or "2."

[0083] (Example 2) Attaching a label to the third optical fiber ribbon Fig. 9 is a diagram showing another modified example of the treatment for each third optical fiber ribbon 41. As shown in Fig. 9, for example, a label 45 corresponding to the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon 32 to be connected may be attached to each third optical fiber ribbon 41.

[0084] The multiple labels 45 have different colors, numbers, marks, etc. depending on the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon 32 to be connected. In the example shown in Fig. 9, a label 45A having one mark is affixed to a third optical fiber ribbon 41 to which a second optical fiber ribbon 32 having a blue identification color is to be connected. A label 45B having two marks is affixed to a third optical fiber ribbon 41 to which a second optical fiber ribbon 32 having a yellow identification color is to be connected. A label 45C having three marks is affixed to a third optical fiber ribbon 41 to which a second optical fiber ribbon 32 having a green identification color is to be connected.

[0085] The labels 45 may be the same color as the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon 32 to which the third optical fiber ribbon 41 is to be connected, or may be numbered according to the identification color.

[0086] In this way, by attaching a label 45 corresponding to the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon 32 to be connected to the third optical fiber ribbon 41, it is possible to easily identify the third optical fiber ribbon 41 to which each second optical fiber ribbon 32 is connected.

[0087] (Example 3) Coloring each of the first optical fiber core wires included in the third optical fiber ribbon 3 again, instead of or in addition to providing the above-mentioned color tubes or labels, each of the first optical fiber cores 14 of the third optical fiber ribbon 41 may be colored the same color as the second optical fiber cores 38 to be connected. In addition, in order to maintain the visibility of the first optical fiber cores 14 and the second optical fiber cores 38, hatching to indicate that they are colored is omitted in FIG.

[0088] Specifically, as described above, among the sets including five second optical fiber ribbons 32 housed in the slot grooves 37A (see FIG. 2), the color arrangement of the four second optical fiber core wires 38 included in the second optical fiber ribbon 32 whose identification color is blue is blue, white, brown, and gray. In this case, the four first optical fiber core wires 14 of the third optical fiber ribbon 41 to which the second optical fiber ribbon 32 is to be connected are colored in advance to have a color arrangement of blue, white, brown, and gray.

[0089] In addition, the color arrangement of the four second optical fiber core wires 38 included in the second optical fiber ribbon 32 having the yellow identification color among the set is yellow, white, brown, and gray. In this case, the four first optical fiber core wires 14 of the third optical fiber ribbon 41 to which the second optical fiber ribbon 32 is to be connected are colored in advance to have a color arrangement of yellow, white, brown, and gray.

[0090] 3, the same is true for the third optical fiber ribbon 41 to be connected to the second optical fiber ribbon 32 whose identification color is green, red, or purple. That is, the four first optical fiber core wires 14 of the third optical fiber ribbon 41 are pre-colored to have the same color arrangement as the four second optical fiber core wires 38 of the second optical fiber ribbon 32 to be connected. This allows the worker to easily identify each of the first optical fiber core wires 14 to be connected to the second optical fiber core wires 38.

[0091] In addition, two or more of the steps of "(Example 1) attaching a color tube to the third optical fiber ribbon," "(Example 2) attaching a label to the third optical fiber ribbon," and "(Example 3) coloring each of the first optical fiber cores included in the third optical fiber ribbon" may be combined.

[0092] [Modification 1] The first optical fiber ribbon with 12 fibers is divided into a third optical fiber ribbon with 8 fibers and a third optical fiber ribbon with 4 fibers. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the first optical fiber ribbon 13 according to Modification 1. Each of the second optical fiber ribbons 32 in the optical cable 31 shown in Fig. 3 is not limited to a configuration having four second optical fiber cores 38, and may have, for example, eight second optical fiber cores 38.

[0093] In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the first optical fiber ribbon 13 having 12 first optical fiber cores 14, i.e., the first optical fiber ribbon 13 with 12 cores, is divided into a third optical fiber ribbon 141 having 8 first optical fiber cores 14 and a third optical fiber ribbon 142 having 4 first optical fiber cores 14.

[0094] The other first optical fiber ribbons 13 are similarly divided into one third optical fiber ribbon 141 and one third optical fiber ribbon 142 .

[0095] For example, a connector number is assigned to each MPO connector 12. In the third optical fiber ribbon 141 extending from the first optical fiber ribbon 13 connected to the MPO connector 12 having the connector number "1", the eight first optical fiber core wires 14 are assigned fiber numbers from "1" to "8", respectively. In the third optical fiber ribbon 142 extending from the first optical fiber ribbon 13, the four first optical fiber core wires 14 are assigned fiber numbers from "9" to "12", respectively.

[0096] In the third optical fiber ribbon 142 extending from the first optical fiber ribbon 13 connected to the MPO connector 12 having the connector number "2", the four first optical fiber core wires 14 are respectively assigned fiber numbers from "1" to "4". In the third optical fiber ribbon 141 extending from the first optical fiber ribbon 13, the eight first optical fiber core wires 14 are respectively assigned fiber numbers from "5" to "12".

[0097] The third optical fiber ribbon 141 having fiber numbers from "1" to "8" connected to the MPO connector 12 having the connector number "1" is connected to the first second optical fiber ribbon 32 (see Figure 3) having eight second optical fiber cores 38 having fiber numbers from "1" to "8".

[0098] In addition, a third optical fiber ribbon 142 having fiber numbers from "9" to "12" connected to an MPO connector 12 having a connector number of "1" and a third optical fiber ribbon 142 having fiber numbers from "1" to "4" connected to an MPO connector 12 having a connector number of "2" are combined and connected to a second second optical fiber ribbon 32 (see Figure 3) having eight second optical fiber cores 38 having fiber numbers from "1" to "8".

[0099] More specifically, the third optical fiber ribbon 142 with fiber numbers "9" to "12" connected to the MPO connector 12 with the connector number "1" is connected to the second optical fiber core wires 38 with fiber numbers "1" to "4" in the second second optical fiber ribbon 32. Also, the third optical fiber ribbon 142 with fiber numbers "1" to "4" connected to the MPO connector 12 with the connector number "2" is connected to the second optical fiber core wires 38 with fiber numbers "5" to "8" in the second second optical fiber ribbon 32.

[0100] Furthermore, the third optical fiber ribbon 141 having fiber numbers from "5" to "12" connected to the MPO connector 12 having the connector number "2" is connected to a third second optical fiber ribbon 32 (see Figure 3) having eight second optical fiber cores 38 having fiber numbers from "1" to "8".

[0101] This makes it possible to connect the first optical fiber ribbon 13 and the second optical fiber ribbon 32 even if the second optical fiber ribbon 32 in the optical cable 31 has eight cores and the first optical fiber ribbon 13 connected to the MPO connector 12 has twelve cores.

[0102] The third optical fiber ribbon 141 and the third optical fiber ribbons 142, which are combined in pairs, are treated in accordance with the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon 32 to be connected, such as "(Example 1) attaching a color tube to the third optical fiber ribbon," "(Example 2) sticking a label to the third optical fiber ribbon," or "(Example 3) coloring each of the first optical fiber cores included in the third optical fiber ribbon."

[0103] [Modification 2] Divide the first optical fiber ribbon with 24 fibers into a third optical fiber ribbon with 8 fibers. Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining a first optical fiber ribbon 113 according to Modification 2. As shown in Fig. 11, the first optical fiber ribbon 113 has 24 first optical fiber core wires 14. Also, here, each of the second optical fiber ribbons 32 in the optical cable 31 shown in Fig. 3 has eight second optical fiber core wires 38.

[0104] 11, the first optical fiber ribbon 113 having 24 first optical fiber core wires 14, i.e., the 24-core first optical fiber ribbon 113, is divided into three third optical fiber ribbons 143, each having eight first optical fiber core wires 14. The other first optical fiber ribbons 113 are similarly divided into three third optical fiber ribbons 143. For example, the eight first optical fiber core wires 14 in the third optical fiber ribbon 143 are each assigned port numbers from "1" to "8."

[0105] Each of the third optical fiber ribbons 143 is connected to a second optical fiber ribbon 32 (see FIG. 3) having eight second optical fiber cores 38. This makes it possible to connect the first optical fiber ribbon 113 and the second optical fiber ribbon 32 even if the second optical fiber ribbon 32 in the optical cable 31 has eight cores and the first optical fiber ribbon 113 connected to the MPO connector 12 has 24 cores.

[0106] The third optical fiber ribbon 143 is treated according to the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon 32 to which it is to be connected, such as "(Example 1) attaching a color tube to the third optical fiber ribbon," "(Example 2) sticking a label to the third optical fiber ribbon," or "(Example 3) coloring each of the first optical fiber cores included in the third optical fiber ribbon."

[0107] There may also be cases where the first optical fiber ribbon 113 has 24 first optical fiber cores 14, and each of the second optical fiber ribbons 32 in the optical cable 31 shown in Fig. 3 has four second optical fiber cores 38. In such a case, the first optical fiber ribbon 113 is divided into six third optical fiber ribbons, each of which has four first optical fiber cores 14.

[0108] Furthermore, the first optical fiber ribbon is not limited to a configuration having 12 or 24 first optical fiber cores 14, and may have 16, 32, or 36 first optical fiber cores 14. That is, the MPO adapter 11 attached to the housing 10 shown in Fig. 1 is not limited to a configuration in which the connection target is 12 cores, and may have 16, 32, or 36 cores, etc.

[0109] Although the present disclosure has been described above based on specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 10. Chassis 11 MPO adapter (multi-fiber adapter) 12 MPO connector (multi-fiber connector) 13,113 First optical fiber ribbon 14 First optical fiber 21 Front 22 Back 23 Aperture 31 Optical Cable 32 Second optical fiber ribbon 33 Slot Rod 34 Pressing tape 35 Outer cover 36 Tension member 37, 37A, 37B, 37C, 37D, 37E Slot groove 38, 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D Second optical fiber core 41,141,142,143 Third optical fiber ribbon 42, 42A, 42B, 42C, 52, 52A, 52B, 52C Primary Color Tubes 43,61,61A,61B,61C,61D,61E,62 Secondary Color Tubes 45, 45A, 45B, 45C Label 100 Light Panels A contact B1,B2,B3 Dot-dashed line M mark

Claims

1. A housing and a multi-fiber adapter attached to the housing and adapted to connect a plurality of optical fiber cores; a multi-fiber connector connected to the multi-fiber adapter; a first optical fiber ribbon having the multi-fiber connector connected to an end thereof; The first optical fiber ribbon includes first optical fiber core wires, the number of which is a multiple of 4 and is equal to or greater than 12, the optical cable introduced from the outside to the inside of the housing includes a plurality of second optical fiber ribbons each having a different identification color; Each of the second optical fiber ribbons has four or eight second optical fiber core wires, The first optical fiber ribbon is divided into a plurality of third optical fiber ribbons, and each of the third optical fiber ribbons includes four or eight of the first optical fiber core wires; The third optical fiber ribbons are respectively connected to the second optical fiber ribbons, An optical panel, wherein each of the third optical fiber ribbons is treated according to the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon to which it is connected.

2. The optical panel described in claim 1, wherein each of the third optical fiber ribbons is attached with a tube or label having at least one of a color, a number, and a mark corresponding to the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon to which it is connected.

3. 3. The optical panel according to claim 2, wherein each of the third optical fiber ribbons is provided with a tube or a label having the same color as the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon to which it is connected.

4. The optical panel described in claim 1, wherein each of the third optical fiber ribbons is attached with a tube or label having at least one of a different length and thickness corresponding to the identification color of the second optical fiber ribbon to which it is connected.

5. the optical cable is a slot-type optical cable having a plurality of slot grooves in which the second optical fiber ribbon is housed, Each of the slots accommodates K second optical fiber ribbons, The third optical fiber ribbons are divided into groups of K optical fiber ribbons, The K third optical fiber ribbons included in the set are respectively connected to the K second optical fiber ribbons accommodated in one of the slots; The light panel of claim 1 , wherein each of the sets is treated according to a corresponding one of the slot grooves.

6. 6. The light panel of claim 5, wherein each set is fitted with a tube or label having at least one of a color, a number and a mark corresponding to the corresponding slot groove.

7. The color arrangement of the four or eight second optical fiber core wires included in one of the second optical fiber ribbons is different from the color arrangement of the four or eight second optical fiber core wires included in another of the second optical fiber ribbons, The optical panel described in claim 1, wherein the four or eight first optical fiber cores included in the third optical fiber ribbon are pre-colored in the same color arrangement as the four or eight second optical fiber cores included in the second optical fiber ribbon to be connected.

8. The first optical fiber ribbon has twelve of the first optical fiber core wires, Each of the second optical fiber ribbons has four of the second optical fiber core wires, 2. The light panel of claim 1, wherein the first optical fiber ribbon is divided into three third optical fiber ribbons, each of which includes four of the first optical fiber cores.

9. The first optical fiber ribbon has twelve of the first optical fiber core wires, Each of the second optical fiber ribbons has eight of the second optical fiber core wires, 2. The optical panel of claim 1, wherein the first optical fiber ribbon is divided into one third optical fiber ribbon including eight of the first optical fiber core wires and one third optical fiber ribbon including four of the first optical fiber core wires.

10. The optical panel described in claim 9, wherein the third optical fiber ribbon, which is separated from the first optical fiber ribbon and includes four of the first optical fiber core wires, and the third optical fiber ribbon, which is separated from another of the first optical fiber ribbons and includes four of the first optical fiber core wires, are combined and connected to the second optical fiber ribbon.

11. The first optical fiber ribbon has 24 of the first optical fiber core wires, Each of the second optical fiber ribbons has four of the second optical fiber core wires, 2. The light panel of claim 1, wherein the first optical fiber ribbon is divided into six third optical fiber ribbons, each of which includes four of the first optical fiber cores.

12. The first optical fiber ribbon has 24 of the first optical fiber core wires, Each of the second optical fiber ribbons has eight of the second optical fiber core wires, 2. The light panel of claim 1, wherein the first optical fiber ribbon is divided into three third optical fiber ribbons each including eight of the first optical fiber cores.

13. A multi-fiber connector; a first optical fiber ribbon having an end connected to the multi-fiber connector; The first optical fiber ribbon includes first optical fiber core wires, the number of which is a multiple of 4 and is equal to or greater than 12, The first optical fiber ribbon is divided into a plurality of third optical fiber ribbons, and each of the third optical fiber ribbons includes four or eight of the first optical fiber core wires; A connectorized optical fiber ribbon, wherein the third optical fiber ribbons are treated according to the identification colors of the second optical fiber ribbons to be connected and which are given different identification colors.

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