Splice unit

Abstract

To provide a splice unit with connector connection parts, which facilitates work of connection to the connector connection parts.SOLUTION: A splice unit 2 includes a storage unit 6 having a plurality of module units 4 which respectively comprise a plurality of connector connection parts 42 and module parts 41 having excess length storage parts. The module units 4 provided in the storage unit 6 can be slid in a manner to change the positional relation between the adjacent module units 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a splice unit. [Background technology]

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, an optical connection box is known that includes a fusion unit having a fusion tray and an adapter unit having a connector connection portion. The fusion unit of this optical connection box is used to fuse an optical cable (optical fiber) pulled in from the outside (electric pole or underground) to an optical fiber previously connected to the connector connection portion of the adapter unit. The adapter unit is connected to a connector terminated to an optical fiber that is output from a communication facility or the like. However, the connector connection portion is stored in the adapter unit, and the number of connector connections is small. In addition, the optical fiber needs to be pulled in from the left and right sides for the connection work, which is time-consuming. For this reason, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, a splice unit having a structure in which a patch panel with a connector connection portion, a slack storage portion, and a fusion tray are integrated together has been considered. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-120339 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2005-148327 A

[0004] However, the structure disclosed in Patent Document 2 requires a lot of work when connecting to the connector connection part of the patch panel. More specifically, when trying to connect a connector to a connector connection part, optical fibers connected to adjacent connector connection parts make the work difficult, or the connector connection parts are close to each other, so that there is a risk that the connector will come off or the fiber will break if the adjacent connector connection parts or fibers touch each other when inserting or removing the connector. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The inventors of the present invention have made extensive research into this point and have attempted to solve the problem. The problem to be solved by the present invention is to make it easier to connect a splice unit having a connector connection portion to the connector connection portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a storage unit is provided with a plurality of module units each having a plurality of module sections each having a connector connection section and an excess length storage section, and the module units provided in the storage unit are splice units that can be slid to change the positional relationship with adjacent module units.

[0007] It is also preferable that the storage unit is configured to have a module unit having module parts aligned in the vertical direction and having protrusions on the top and bottom, and to have a first upper groove portion that enables the module unit to slide when the protrusion on the top of the module unit is inserted, and a first lower groove portion that enables the module unit to slide when the protrusion on the bottom of the module unit is inserted.

[0008] It is also preferable that the module unit has module parts that are aligned in the vertical and horizontal directions, and that the second groove portion can be provided into which a protrusion different from the protrusion inserted into the first upper groove portion and the protrusion inserted into the first lower groove portion can be inserted, and that the module unit can be slid with the protrusion inserted into the second groove portion.

[0009] It is also preferable for the module unit to be configured to include a first locking portion that can prevent the module unit from changing from a stored state in the storage unit to a pulled-out state by abutting against the storage unit, a second locking portion that can prevent the module unit from changing from a pulled-out state to a stored state by abutting against the storage unit, and an operating portion that enables the module unit to be pulled out.

[0010] In addition, it is preferable that the first upper groove portion be configured to be capable of guiding the operating portion when changing from the stored state to the pulled-out state.

[0011] In addition, it is preferable that the operating portion has an operating piece which is operated when performing a pull-out operation and when releasing the abutment state between the first locking portion and the storage unit, and a release piece which is operated when releasing the abutment state between the second locking portion and the storage unit, and that the operating piece and the release piece are positioned on opposite sides of the shaft portion supporting the operating portion.

[0012] It is preferable that the module unit having vertically arranged module parts is provided with a wiring guide part that enables guiding of the optical fiber behind the input / output port of the module part to the slack storage part.

[0013] It is preferable that the wire guide portion be capable of guiding wires from the module portions aligned in the vertical direction so as to collect them together.

[0014] It is preferable that the wiring guide portion is provided with a finger hook portion on which fingers can be hooked on the outside thereof.

[0015] It is preferable that the wiring guide portion is provided on an additional member capable of covering a plurality of module portions. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, in a splice unit having a connector connection portion, the operation of connecting to the connector connection portion is facilitated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an optical junction box according to an embodiment, with a door removed. [Diagram 2] 1 is a front view of the optical junction box according to the embodiment, with the door removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a splice unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a storage unit of the splice unit shown in FIG. 3 has been moved. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a module unit, with the connector and optical fiber housed therein omitted. [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view of the module unit shown in FIG. 5, seen from a different direction. [Figure 7] 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the module unit shown in FIG. 5 is being stored in the storage unit. [Figure 8] 8 is a view of the state shown in FIG. 7 as seen from the rear side of the storage unit. [Figure 9] 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which an additional member is attached to the module unit shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the configuration shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of an example of a stored state as viewed from the front side. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of an example of a stored state, as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 13] 13 is a side view showing the positional relationship between the storage unit and the module unit in the stored state. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of an example of a pulled-out state, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 15] 13 is a side view showing the positional relationship between the storage unit and the module unit in the pulled-out state. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a diagram illustrating the third engagement portion and the regulating fitting in contact with each other. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the storage unit body, the regulating fittings, and the module unit are separated. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a view of the state shown in FIG. 17 as seen from a different direction. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a module unit in which module parts are assembled in two rows and two columns. [Figure 20] 20 is a diagram showing an example in which the module unit shown in FIG. 19 is stored in a storage unit, the diagram showing the state from obliquely rear. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which one module unit in which module parts are arranged in two rows and two columns is pulled out from among a plurality of module units arranged in the left-right direction. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 23] 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a module unit provided with an additional member different from the example shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 24] 24 is a diagram showing the operation piece and its surroundings of the module unit shown in FIG. 23. [Diagram 25] 24 is a diagram showing a portion of an example of a splice unit including the module unit shown in FIG. 23. [Figure 26] 24 is a diagram showing an example of optical fiber routing in the module unit shown in FIG. 23. [Figure 27] 27 is a diagram showing the state shown in FIG. 26 as viewed from the side. FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the module unit shown in FIG. 23. [Figure 29] 24 is a diagram showing a portion of an example of a splice unit including the module unit shown in FIG. 23. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of a portion of the example shown in FIG. 29. [Diagram 31] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing examples of modular units with different additional members. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] An embodiment of the invention is described below. The splice unit 2 of this embodiment includes a storage unit 6 having a plurality of module units 4, each having a plurality of module sections 41 each having a connector connection section 42 and an excess length storage section 43. The module units 4 included in the storage unit 6 can be slid to change the positional relationship with adjacent module units 4. This makes it easier to connect the splice unit 2 having the connector connection section 42 to the connector connection section 42.

[0019] Here, the optical connection box 8 equipped with the splice unit 2 will be described. The optical connection box 8 is used to connect an optical cable (optical fiber) pulled in from the outside (from a utility pole or underground) to an optical cable (optical fiber) of a communication device within a facility. Normally, a housing 81 of the optical connection box 8 houses a plurality of splice units 2 for connecting optical cables (optical fibers) (see Figs. 1 to 3). In addition, the lower part of the optical connection box 8 is provided with a clamp section 82 that can be used to bundle optical cables (see Fig. 2).

[0020] The splice unit 2 includes a main body 21 that is fixed to a housing 81 of an optical connection box 8, and a plurality of module parts 41 each having a connector connection part 42 and an excess length storage part 43 are stored in the main body 21. For this reason, a storage unit 6 capable of storing a plurality of module parts 41 is attached to the main body 21 (see Figs. 3 and 4). The main body 21 also includes a fusion unit 71 that fuses the excess length extending from the module part 41 and an optical fiber introduced from outside (a utility pole or underground).

[0021] 3 and 4, the storage unit 6 is rotatably attached to the main body 21. More specifically, the main body 21 and the storage unit 6 are connected using a hinge 22. The storage unit 6 also includes a front guide member 61 capable of supporting an optical cable to be connected to the connector connection portion 42 provided in the module portion 41. The storage unit 6 also includes a rear guide member 62 on the side of the slack storage portion 43 located opposite the connector connection portion 42, capable of supporting an optical fiber to be routed from the module portion 41 toward the fusion unit 71.

[0022] However, if each module section 41 were fixed separately to the storage unit 6, attachment and detachment to and from the storage unit 6 would be cumbersome, so in this embodiment, a module unit 4 in which a plurality of module sections 41, each having a connector connection section 42 and an excess length storage section 43, are connected is attached to the storage unit 6. In this way, the module unit 4 with the module section 41 built in can be prepared in advance, reducing the effort required for attachment to the storage unit 6.

[0023] Furthermore, the module unit 4 attached to the storage unit 6 can be slid to change the positional relationship with the adjacent module unit 4. This allows the module unit 4 to be moved when, for example, connecting a connector to the connector connection portion 42 of the module unit 4 incorporated in the splice unit 2. Furthermore, since the module unit 4 includes multiple module portions 41, the number of times it is moved can be reduced.

[0024] In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, the module unit 4 has two module sections 41, but of course it may have more than that. For example, it may have three, but if it has four or more, it is preferable to have an even number. There is no upper limit to the number of module sections 41 that one module unit 4 can have. However, in order to prevent the module unit 4 from becoming too large, it is preferable that the number of module sections 41 that one module unit 4 has is ten or less.

[0025] The module unit 4 is formed of a plurality of module parts 41, and each module part 41 is provided with a connector connection part 42 and an excess length storage part 43. The connector connection part 42 has an insertion port for a connector.

[0026] 5 and 6, the slack storage section 43 of the module section 41 has a cylindrical core section 43a and is configured so that the optical fiber can be wound around the core section 43a. Also, in order to prevent the optical fiber wound around the core section 43a from moving in the axial direction of the core section 43a, the slack storage section 43 has a stopper section 43b extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the core section 43a.

[0027] In the example shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the module unit 4 is formed by combining module parts 41 of the same shape. A partition wall 41c forming the outer hull of each module part 41 is provided with a protrusion 41a. A part of this protrusion 41a can be used when connecting each module part 41, and another part can be used when incorporating the module unit 4 into the storage unit 6. When the protrusion 41a is used to connect the module parts 41, the module parts 41 are connected in a state in which the protrusion 41a is inserted into an engagement hole 41b provided in the partition wall 41c forming the outer hull of the other module part 41. When the module unit 4 is moved on the storage unit 6, the protrusion 41a can be moved along a groove provided in the storage unit 6 (see Figs. 7 and 8).

[0028] In the embodiment, as a structure for enabling the module unit 4 to slide on the storage unit 6, a slit-shaped first upper groove portion 64 is provided on the upper part of the storage unit 6, and a slit-shaped first lower groove portion 65 is provided on the lower part of the storage unit 6. The protrusion 41a inserted into the first upper groove portion 64 and the protrusion 41a inserted into the first lower groove portion 65 can move along the longitudinal direction of the first upper groove portion 64 and the first lower groove portion 65. Note that the protrusion 41a in this example has a substantially T-shape in side view, and is configured to prevent the protrusion 41a from falling off the first lower groove portion 65. Note that in the module unit 4 of the example shown in FIG. 7, the module parts 41 are arranged in the vertical direction.

[0029] As can be understood from these descriptions, it is preferable to have a module unit 4 having module parts 41 aligned in the vertical direction and having protrusions 41a at the top and bottom, and to have the storage unit 6 equipped with a first upper groove portion 64 that enables the module unit 4 to slide when the protrusion 41a at the top of the module unit 4 is inserted, and a first lower groove portion 65 that enables the module unit 4 to slide when the protrusion 41a at the bottom of the module unit 4 is inserted.

[0030] In the embodiment, the protrusions 41a located on the top and bottom of the module unit 4 are configured to be displaceable in the front-rear and left-right directions (see Figs. 6 to 8). This makes it possible to suppress rattling during sliding movement.

[0031] In addition, in the embodiment, the first locking portion 46, the second locking portion 47, and the guide protrusion 45c located between the second locking portion 47 and the third locking portion 48 are configured to be able to slide while in contact with the first upper groove portion 64, so that sliding can be performed even more smoothly.

[0032] Incidentally, the module unit 4 may be provided with an operation piece 45a that can be used for the pull-out operation. In the example shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, a cover-shaped additional member 44 is attached to the module unit 4 of the example shown in Fig. 5, so that the module unit 4 is provided with the operation piece 45a. Incidentally, the provision of the operation piece 45a may be implemented in a manner different from that of attaching the cover-shaped additional member 44. For example, the module part 41 may be molded from resin so as to be provided with the operation piece 45a, or a pin-shaped member may be attached.

[0033] It is also preferable that the module unit 4 is provided with a first locking portion 46 that can prevent the module unit 4 from changing from a storage state in which it is stored in the storage unit 6 to a pulled-out state by abutting against the storage unit 6. It is also preferable that the module unit 4 is provided with a second locking portion 47 that can prevent the module unit 4 from changing from the pulled-out state to the storage state and from being further pulled out from the pulled-out state and removed by abutting against the storage unit 6. It is also preferable that the module unit 4 is provided with a third locking portion 48 that can prevent the module unit 4 from being removed from the rear side of the storage unit 6.

[0034] 9, the additional member 44 is provided with a first locking portion 46, a second locking portion 47, and a third locking portion 48. The additional member 44 also has a protrusion escape portion 44a into which the protrusion 41a of the module unit 4 is inserted. It is preferable that the protrusion escape portion 44a is configured to engage with the protrusion 41a. In this way, rattling of the additional member 44 can be suppressed. The additional member 44 also has a restricting portion 44b that restricts the positions of the opposing partition walls 41c of the multiple module parts 41 and suppresses rattling.

[0035] Here, a method of using the first locking portion 46 in the embodiment will be described. The first locking portion 46 abuts against the storage unit 6, thereby making it possible to prevent the module unit 4 from changing from a stored state in which it is stored in the storage unit 6 to a pulled-out state (see Figs. 11 to 13). In other words, the first locking portion 46 abuts against the storage unit 6 to make it possible to prevent the module unit 4 from changing from the state shown in Fig. 11 to the state shown in Fig. 14.

[0036] 14 and 15 is also necessary, the embodiment is configured so that the first locking portion 46 can be released from contact with the storage unit 6. More specifically, the operation piece 45a is configured so as to be elastically deformable, and the first locking portion 46 can be released from contact with the storage unit 6 by pushing the operation piece 45a downward.

[0037] In this way, after the first locking portion 46 is released from contact with the storage unit 6, the module unit 4 can be pulled out by holding the operating piece 45a (see Figs. 14 and 15). Note that when the module unit 4 is pulled out to a certain extent, the module unit 4 is configured to contact the storage unit 6, and this contact prevents further movement in the pull-out direction. In other words, the module unit 4 is pulled out to its limit toward the front.

[0038] Next, a method of using the second locking portion 47 in the embodiment will be described. The second locking portion 47 abuts against the storage unit 6, thereby making it possible to prevent the module unit 4 from changing from the pulled-out state to the stored state (see Figs. 14 and 15). In other words, the second locking portion 47 abuts against the storage unit 6, making it possible to prevent the module unit 4 from changing from the pulled-out state shown in Fig. 14 to the stored state shown in Fig. 11. In this example, when the module unit 4 is in the pulled-out state, it is almost unable to move forward or backward.

[0039] 11, in this embodiment, the second locking portion 47 is configured to be able to be released from contact with the storage unit 6. More specifically, the release piece 45b is configured to be elastically deformable, and is configured to be able to release the second locking portion 47 from contact with the storage unit 6 by pushing the release piece 45b downward.

[0040] In this way, by pushing in the module unit 4 after the second locking portion 47 is released from contact with the storage unit 6, the module unit 4 can be put into the stored state (see FIG. 11).

[0041] 15, the operating part 45 has "an operating piece 45a which is operated when performing a pull-out operation and when releasing the abutment state between the first locking part 46 and the storage unit 6" and "a release piece 45b which is operated when releasing the abutment state between the second locking part 47 and the storage unit 6", and the operating piece 45a and the release piece 45b are located on opposite sides to each other when viewed from the shaft part 49 which supports the operating part 45. With this configuration, it is possible to restrict the movement of the module unit 4 and release the restriction with a relatively simple configuration.

[0042] A description will now be given of a method of using the third locking portion 48 in the embodiment. The third locking portion 48 makes it possible to prevent the module unit 4 from being removed by abutting against the storage unit 6 (see FIG. 13).

[0043] However, it is necessary to be able to insert and remove the module unit 4 from the storage unit 6. For this reason, the storage unit 6 of this embodiment is configured so that a regulating metal fitting 69 is detachably attached to the storage unit main body 60 (see FIGS. 16 to 18). By attaching the regulating metal fitting 69 after storing the module unit 4 in the storage unit main body 60, it is possible to prevent the module unit 4 from being removed. When it is desired to remove the module unit 4 from the storage unit 6, the regulating metal fitting 69 can be removed from the storage unit main body 60 before moving the module unit 4.

[0044] Considering the switching of the module unit 4 between the stored state and the pulled-out state, it is preferable that the module unit 4 is configured to include a "first locking portion 46 that can prevent the module unit 4 from changing from the stored state in which it is stored in the storage unit 6 to the pulled-out state by abutting against the storage unit 6," a "second locking portion 47 that can prevent the module unit 4 from changing from the pulled-out state to the stored state by abutting against the storage unit 6," and an "operation portion 45 that enables the module unit 4 to be pulled out."

[0045] Moreover, it is more preferable that the first upper groove portion 64 is configured to be capable of guiding the operating portion 45 when changing from the stored state to the pulled-out state.

[0046] In the above examples, the module unit 4 includes two module parts 41, and the two module parts 41 are arranged vertically. As described above, the module unit 4 may include three or more module parts 41. However, the module parts 41 usually have a short width in the left-right direction when assembled into the splice unit 2, and when the module parts 41 are arranged horizontally, the connector connection parts 42 are adjacent to each other. For this reason, the number of module parts 41 arranged horizontally at the same height is preferably three or less, and more preferably two or less. In other words, when expressed using rows and columns, the module parts 41 included in the module unit 4 are preferably arranged in three columns or less, and more preferably two columns or less, regardless of the number of rows. The number of rows does not have much to do with the ease of use of the connector connection parts 42, but in terms of the stability of the module unit 4, the module parts 41 included in the module unit 4 are preferably arranged in three rows or less, and more preferably two rows or less.

[0047] Here, a specific example will be described in which the module unit 4 includes three or more module parts 41. In the example shown in Fig. 19, the module unit 4 includes four module parts 41, and the module parts 41 are aligned in the vertical and horizontal directions. That is, this is a module unit 4 in which two module parts 41 are aligned in the vertical direction and two module parts 41 are aligned in the horizontal direction.

[0048] 19 shows an example in which two of the configurations shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are connected side by side in the left-right direction, and an additional member 44 is attached to them. In this case, as can be seen from the example shown in Fig. 20, by moving one module unit 4, four module parts 41 can be moved. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of work required.

[0049] In addition, since the module unit 4 has two rows of module parts 41, when the module unit 4 is pulled out as shown in Fig. 21, the connector connection part 42 is not adjacent to either the left or right side of the connector connection part 42. This improves the efficiency of the connection to the connector connection part 42.

[0050] 20, a second groove portion 66 is provided adjacent to the first upper groove portion 64. The second groove portion 66 can accommodate a protrusion 41a that is different from the protrusion 41a inserted into the first upper groove portion 64 and the protrusion 41a inserted into the first lower groove portion 65. The second groove portion 66 is configured to extend in the same direction as the first upper groove portion 64, and allows the module unit 4 to slide with the protrusion 41a inserted into the second groove portion 66. This makes it easier to restrict the range of movement of the module unit 4.

[0051] As can be understood from the above, it is preferable to have a module unit 4 having module parts 41 arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a second groove part 66 into which a protrusion 41a different from the protrusion 41a inserted into the first upper groove part 64 and the protrusion 41a inserted into the first lower groove part 65 can be inserted, and to have a configuration that allows the module unit 4 to slide with the protrusion 41a inserted into the second groove part 66.

[0052] In the example shown in FIG. 20, the left-right width of the second groove portion 66 is configured to be shorter than the left-right width of the first upper groove portion 64. This makes it easier to restrict the range of movement of the module unit 4. Furthermore, the front-rear length of the second groove portion 66 is configured to be shorter than the front-rear length of the first upper groove portion 64. This makes it easier to restrict the range of movement of the module unit 4. Although not shown, a second groove portion 66 is also provided next to the first lower groove portion 65.

[0053] In the examples described so far, the module units 4 have the module parts 41 lined up at least in the vertical direction, but the module parts 41 may not be lined up in the vertical direction. Therefore, the module units 4 may have the module parts 41 lined up only in the left-right direction. However, if the module units 4 have the module parts 41 lined up in the vertical direction, it becomes easier to mount many module parts 41 on one splice unit 2. In addition, since the module unit 4 is not formed of one module part 41 but is formed so as to be composed of a plurality of module parts 41, it is possible to provide strength even if the outer shell of the module part 41 is thin.

[0054] Furthermore, the module units 4 stored in the storage unit 6 do not have to be of the same shape. For example, the storage unit 6 may store a mixture of module units 4 whose module parts 41 are connected only in the vertical direction and module units 4 whose module parts 41 are connected in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0055] The splice units 2 as described above are preferably arranged vertically inside the housing 81 of the optical connection box 8, and it is preferable to arrange a support member 85 capable of supporting an optical cable on the right or left end side of each splice unit 2.

[0056] In this embodiment, an inner side plate 86 is provided on the inside of the side surface of the housing 81 of the optical connection box 8. This inner side plate 86 is provided with a plurality of holes 86a that can be used when bundling optical cables, etc. The above-mentioned support member 85 is capable of supporting optical cables, etc. routed along this inner side plate 86 at a predetermined height, and is disposed so as to correspond to each splice unit 2.

[0057] 22, each support member 85 is configured to protrude forward from a support member 85 located below it. This allows the optical cables and the like to be appropriately separated.

[0058] 22, the support member 85 is provided with an arc guide member 88 having an arc-shaped curved surface. Therefore, the arc guide member 88 can hang down an optical cable or the like so as to draw an arc from the end of the support member 85. This makes it possible to prevent the optical cable or the like from being excessively bent. The arc guide member 88 may be attached to the front guide member 61, and in this case too, it is possible to prevent the optical cable or the like from being excessively bent. This makes it possible to suppress damage to the optical cable or the like.

[0059] Of course, the splice unit 2 does not have to be limited to this form. For example, the operation piece 45a may be provided with a narrow portion that is narrower than a part of the tip side so that the tip side of the operation piece 45a can be easily gripped with a finger (see FIGS. 23 to 25).

[0060] In addition, since optical fibers come out from each module part 41, in this example, the module unit 4 is provided with a wiring guide part 45d so that the optical fibers coming out from the module part 41 can be organized. More specifically, the optical fibers coming out from the module part 41 can be guided behind the module part 41. In order to make this possible, it is preferable to configure the module unit 4 having the module parts 41 arranged in the vertical direction to have a wiring guide part 45d that can guide the optical fibers behind the input / output port 41d to the slack storage part 43 of the module part 41 (see Figures 26 and 27). In this way, it is possible to prevent the optical fibers from getting caught between the lower surface of the storage unit main body 60 and the module unit 4.

[0061] In addition, it is preferable that the wiring guide portion 45d is configured to be capable of guiding wiring from the module portions 41 arranged vertically in a consolidated manner. In the example shown in Fig. 26 and Fig. 27, the wiring guide portion 45d is configured to be consolidated opposite the module portion 41 located on the lower side. For this reason, the optical fiber is guided diagonally downward from the module portion 41 located on the upper side, and the optical fiber is guided in a substantially horizontal direction from the module portion 41 located on the lower side.

[0062] Moreover, the portion that is guided diagonally downward from the upper module part 41 has a curved lower surface at the upper part. Also, the upper surface at the lower part is curved. This is to prevent the optical fiber from being damaged by contact, which is likely to occur at the lower surface at the upper part and at the upper surface at the lower part.

[0063] In the example shown in FIG. 26, optical fibers come out from a total of four module sections 41, two on the top and two on the bottom, and a wiring guide section 45d is provided so that the optical fibers coming out from each of the four module sections 41 can be gathered in one place.

[0064] In the example shown in FIG. 26, the optical fibers are collected on the lower side of the module unit 4, but the optical fibers may be collected on the upper side or in the center of the module unit 4.

[0065] Furthermore, when removing the module unit 4 from the storage unit 6, it is necessary to pull it toward the side opposite the connector connection portion 42, and in order to facilitate this operation, it is preferable to provide a finger hook 45e on the side opposite the connector connection portion 42 of the module unit 4, on which a finger can be hooked. In the example shown in Fig. 26, the finger hook 45e is provided on the outside of the wiring guide portion 45d. By providing the finger hook 45e on which a finger can be hooked on the outside of the wiring guide portion 45d, it is possible to prevent the optical fiber from being accidentally crushed by a finger.

[0066] It is also preferable that two or more fingers can be inserted into finger hook 45e. It is also preferable that finger hook 45e is provided with partition 45f that divides the space into upper and lower spaces for each finger. By providing partition 45f in contact with wire guide 45d, partition 45f can serve to increase the strength of wire guide 45d.

[0067] To make this possible, in the embodiment, the additional member 44 is provided with a portion that serves as the wiring guide portion 45d. Therefore, a configuration that includes a wiring guide can be achieved by attaching the additional member 44. This makes it easy to select whether or not to include a wiring guide (see FIGS. 26 to 28). In particular, it is preferable to provide the wiring guide portion 45d on the additional member 44 that can cover multiple module portions 41.

[0068] Incidentally, the height of the rear guide member 62 in the embodiment is set so as to be located below the surface of the storage unit 6 on which the module unit 4 is placed (see FIGS. 29 and 30). Therefore, even if the module unit 4 is placed on the storage unit 6 and moved, the possibility of the optical fiber being crushed between the module unit 4 and the rear guide member 62 can be reduced. Also, a gap is formed between the lower end of the additional member 44 and the rear guide member 62. Therefore, even if the module unit 4 including the additional member 44 is placed on the storage unit 6 and moved, the possibility of the optical fiber being crushed between the additional member 44 and the rear guide member 62 can be reduced.

[0069] In the above example, the optical fibers coming out of the module parts 41 located at the top, bottom, left and right are collected, but only the optical fibers coming out of the module parts 41 located at the left and right may be collected. In the example shown in FIG. 31, the wiring guide parts 45d extending in the horizontal direction are provided at the top and bottom. In this example, finger hook parts into which fingers can be inserted are not provided on the outside of the wiring guide parts 45d located at the top and bottom, but the wiring guide parts 45d can be grasped to move the module unit 4. Of course, finger hook parts into which fingers can be inserted may be provided on the outside of the wiring guide parts 45d located at the top and bottom. In any case, since the optical fibers can be wired away from the module parts 41, it is possible to prevent the optical fibers from getting caught between the lower surface of the storage unit main body 60 and the module unit 4.

[0070] Although the present invention has been described above by taking the embodiment as an example, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be variously embodied. For example, the module unit does not have to be a combination of module parts of the same shape. For example, it may be a combination of module parts of different shapes, or it may be a structure having a plurality of module parts. In addition, the module part 41 is formed with a protrusion 41a, and the storage unit 6 is formed with a first upper groove part 64 and a second upper groove part 66 to enable sliding, but the module part 41 may be formed with a first upper groove part 64 and a second upper groove part 66, and the storage unit 6 may be formed with a protrusion 41a.

[0071] In addition, optical fibers introduced from outside (e.g., a utility pole) can be pulled in from the top of the splice unit 2, but it is also possible to form an opening in the bottom or side of the main body 21 so that the optical fibers can be pulled in from there. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 2 Splice Unit 4 Module Unit 6 Storage Units 41 Module section 41a Protrusion 41d Entrance / Exit 42 Connector connection part 43 Excess length storage section 44 Additional parts 45 Operation section 45a Operation piece 45b release piece 45d Wiring guide 45e Finger rest 46 First locking portion 47 Second locking part 49 Shaft 64 First upper groove 65 First lower groove 66 Second groove

Claims

1. The storage unit includes a plurality of module units each having a module portion having a connector connection portion and an excess length storage portion, The splice unit is a module unit provided in the storage unit that can be slid to change the positional relationship with an adjacent module unit.

2. The module unit has module parts arranged in a vertical direction and has protrusions at the top and bottom, In the storage unit a first upper groove portion into which a protrusion provided on an upper portion of the module unit is inserted to allow the module unit to slide; a first lower groove portion into which a protrusion provided on a lower portion of the module unit is inserted to allow the module unit to slide; The splice unit according to claim 1 , comprising:

3. A module unit having module parts arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, a second groove portion into which a protrusion different from the protrusion inserted into the first upper groove portion and the protrusion inserted into the first lower groove portion can be inserted; The module unit can be slid with the protrusion inserted into the second groove. The splice unit according to claim 2 .

4. For module units, a first locking portion that can prevent the module unit from being pulled out from the storage unit by contacting the storage unit; a second locking portion that can prevent the module unit from changing from the pulled-out state to the stored state by contacting the storage unit; an operation unit that enables the module unit to be pulled out; The splice unit according to claim 2 or 3, comprising:

5. The first upper groove portion is capable of guiding the operating portion when changing from the stored state to the pulled-out state. The splice unit according to claim 4.

6. On the operation section, an operating piece that is operated when performing a pull-out operation and when releasing the abutment state between the first engaging portion and the storage unit; a release piece that is operated when releasing the abutment state between the second locking portion and the storage unit, The operating piece and the release piece are located on opposite sides of the shaft that supports the operating part. The splice unit according to claim 5.

7. The module unit has vertically arranged module parts, and is provided with a wiring guide part that enables the guiding of optical fibers behind the input / output port of the module part to the slack storage part. The splice unit according to claim 1 .

8. The wiring guide section can be made to guide the wiring from the vertically arranged modules together. The splice unit according to claim 7.

9. The outside of the wiring guide is provided with a finger hook that allows fingers to be hooked. The splice unit according to claim 8.

10. The wiring guide portion is provided on an additional member capable of covering a plurality of module portions. A splice unit according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

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