Connection jig, optical cable connection system, and optical cable traction method

Abstract

To provide a connection jig, an optical cable connection system, and an optical cable traction method for improving optical cable laying workability.SOLUTION: A connection jig is for connecting optical cables in a state where a plurality of optical cables are mounted in parallel. The connection jig includes a plurality of grip parts capable of gripping an outer coating of the optical cables. Each grip part, while gripping the outer coating of the optical cable, is formed to extend in a first direction parallel to the optical cable's axis, which is a direction from a first end toward a second end along the optical cable's axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connection jig, an optical cable connection system, and an optical cable pulling method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an optical branching cable that connects a server rack group having multiple server racks to a distribution board. The optical branching cable includes a main cable and branch cords that branch off from the main cable and are connected to each server rack. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-083096 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Depending on the number of server racks in a server rack cluster, multiple optical cables may be laid in parallel so that they extend in the same direction. The task of laying many optical cables is cumbersome.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a connection jig, an optical cable connection system, and an optical cable pulling method that improve the workability of laying optical cables. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A connection jig according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a connection jig that is attached to a plurality of optical cables arranged in parallel and connects the optical cables, and is provided with a plurality of gripping portions that can grip the outer sheaths of the optical cables, and each of the gripping portions is formed so that, when the outer sheaths of the optical cables are gripped, it extends in a first direction that is parallel to the axis of the optical cables and is a direction from a first end to a second end at the gripping portion along the axis of the optical cables, and the plurality of gripping portions are connected in a line so as to grip the plurality of parallel optical cables. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a connection jig, an optical cable connection system, and an optical cable pulling method that improve the workability of laying optical cables. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an optical communication system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an optical branch cable. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main cable. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an optical cable connection system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first connecting jig. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a view of the first connecting jig as seen in the direction indicated by arrow VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the third connecting jig. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the optical cable connection system taken along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the main cable. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 illustrates a connecting jig according to a first modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates a connecting jig according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure) First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. (1) A connection jig according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a connection jig that has a plurality of optical cables attached in a parallel state and connects the optical cables, the connection jig including a plurality of gripping portions that can grip the sheaths of the optical cables, each of the gripping portions being formed to extend in a first direction parallel to the axis of the optical cable, that is, a direction from a first end toward a second end along the axis of the optical cable, when the gripping portions grip the sheaths of the optical cables, and the plurality of gripping portions are connected in a line so as to grip the parallel optical cables.

[0010] According to the above-described connecting jig, the multiple gripping portions are connected in a line so as to grip the multiple parallel optical cables. Therefore, when the multiple optical cables are gripped by the multiple gripping portions, the parallel state of the optical cables is easily maintained. When the optical cables to which the connecting jig is attached are pulled, the parallel state of the multiple optical cables is easily maintained even after the pulling operation, which is more efficient than pulling the optical cables one by one and reduces the workload of aligning the optical cables after pulling. This improves the workability of laying optical cables.

[0011] (2) In the connecting jig according to (1) above, within a cross section of the gripping portion taken along a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the inner circumference of the gripping portion is an arc having an opening in a part of the circle, and in two adjacent gripping portions, the directions in which the openings of the two gripping portions are located may be different from each other, based on the center of the inner circumference of the gripping portion.

[0012] In the above-described connecting jig, if the openings of the multiple gripping portions are aligned relative to the cross-sectional center of the gripping portions, the reaction force generated when gripping the optical cable may cause the connecting jig to bend convexly in the direction of the opening of the gripping portion. When attached to the optical cable, the openings of adjacent gripping portions are aligned in different directions, which makes it difficult for the connecting jig to bend in one direction.

[0013] (3) In the connection jig according to (2) above, the inner periphery of the gripping portion may be an arc having a diameter within the cross section that is 70% to 90% of the outer diameter of the optical cable.

[0014] According to the above connecting jig, the inner surface of the gripping portion is formed in an arc shape with an inner diameter that is 70% to 90% of the outer diameter of the optical cable, so that the optical cable is less likely to fall off the gripping portion.

[0015] (4) In the connecting jig according to any one of (1) to (3) above, two or more protrusions may be formed at different positions on the inner surface of the gripping portion.

[0016] According to the above-described connecting jig, when the optical cable is held by the holding portion, the protrusion makes it difficult for the optical cable to be displaced or rotated inside the holding portion, thereby making it difficult for the optical cable to fall off the holding portion or to be twisted.

[0017] (5) In the connecting jig according to any one of (1) to (4) above, the gripping portion may have a central portion having a constant outer diameter and a tapered portion including either the first end portion or the second end portion, the outer diameter of which decreases toward the first end portion or the second end portion.

[0018] When the towing path is flat, the connecting jig is towed with its central portion, which has a constant thickness, in contact with the traveling surface, so that the posture of the connecting jig is stable during towing. On the other hand, when the towing path has a protrusion, the tapered portion comes into contact with the protrusion, making it easier for the connecting jig to climb over the protrusion. This improves the workability of laying optical cables.

[0019] (6) In the connecting jig according to any one of (1) to (5) above, the adjacent gripping portions may be formed at different positions in the first direction.

[0020] According to the above-mentioned connecting jig, since adjacent gripping portions are formed at different positions in the first direction, the connecting jig has flexibility that allows it to partially deform in the first direction or in the direction opposite to the first direction. As a result, even if the towing path is not flat or is curved, the towing jig can deform while the optical cables are being pulled, making it easy to maintain the parallel arrangement of the optical cables.

[0021] (7) In the connecting jig according to (1) above, when the gripping portion is attached to the optical cable, within a cross section of the gripping portion taken along a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the inner circumference of the gripping portion is an arc having an opening in a part of the circle, and in two adjacent gripping portions, the directions in which the openings of the two gripping portions are located are the same with respect to the center of the inner circumference of the gripping portion, and the connecting jig further comprises a lid portion capable of closing the opening of the gripping portion, and the lid portion may be attachable to the gripping portion so as to close the opening of the gripping portion when the gripping portion is holding the optical cable.

[0022] With the above-described connecting jig, the flat surface of the lid covers the openings of the gripping parts, making it difficult for the optical cable to fall off the gripping parts. Furthermore, if the multiple gripping parts are open in only one direction, for example, the reaction force generated when gripping the optical cable can cause the connecting jig to bend convexly in the direction of the opening of the gripping part. By having the lid cover the openings of the gripping parts, the connecting jig is less likely to bend in one direction.

[0023] (8) The connecting jig according to (1) above may include two gripping portions, a first gripping portion and a second gripping portion, and a continuous storage space may be formed by the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion, and two optical cables may be stored in the storage space. An extension portion may be formed on the outer surface of the connecting jig, extending from the first gripping portion toward the second gripping portion.

[0024] The connecting jig described above can hold two optical cables in a single storage space, simplifying the shape of the gripping part. In addition, the extension part makes it easy to remove the optical cable from the storage space by holding the extension part.

[0025] (9) An optical cable connection system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a connection jig according to any one of (1) to (8) above, and two or more optical cables, the total number of which is equal to or less than the number that can be held by the holding portion, and the optical cables are held by the holding portion and arranged in parallel.

[0026] According to the optical cable connection system described above, by attaching a connection jig to the optical cables, it is easy to maintain the parallel arrangement of multiple optical cables even during installation. When the optical cables held by the connection jig are pulled, the parallel arrangement of multiple optical cables is easy to maintain even after the pulling operation, which is more efficient than pulling the optical cables one by one and reduces the work of aligning the optical cables after pulling. This improves the ease of installing optical cables.

[0027] (10) An optical cable connection system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a first connection jig and a second connection jig which are connection jigs according to any one of (1) to (7) above, and a third connection jig which is a connection jig according to (8) above, and two or more optical cables up to the total number that can be held by the gripping portions, the optical cables including a first optical cable group held by the first connection jig and a second optical cable group arranged alongside the first optical cable group and held by the second connection jig, the gripping portions of the third connection jig connecting the optical cables arranged alongside the optical cables of the second optical cable group in the first optical cable group and the optical cables arranged alongside the optical cables of the first optical cable group in the second optical cable group, thereby comprising two or more optical cables up to the total number that can be held by the gripping portions, the optical cables being held by the gripping portions and arranged in parallel.

[0028] According to the optical cable connection system described above, the first optical cable group and the second optical cable group are connected by the third connection jig. When the optical cable connection system is pulled along a straight towing path, the optical cable connection system is pulled with the first optical cable group and the second optical cable group connected by the third connection jig, so that the first optical cable group and the second optical cable group are pulled in a parallel state. When the optical cable connection system is pulled along a curved towing path, the optical cable connection system is pulled with the first optical cable group and the second optical cable group disconnected by the third connection jig, so that the first optical cable group can assume a free position relative to the second optical cable group. Because the optical cable connection system is pulled along the curved towing path while deforming, it can run smoothly along the curved towing path. This improves the ease of installing optical cables.

[0029] (11) An optical cable pulling method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for pulling the optical cable of the optical cable connection system according to (9) or (10) above, in which the optical cable connection system is pulled along a pulling path while the optical cable is connected by the connection jig.

[0030] According to the above-described optical cable pulling method, by attaching a connecting jig to the optical cables, it is easy to maintain the parallel arrangement of multiple optical cables even during the laying work. When the optical cables held by the connecting jig are pulled, the parallel arrangement of multiple optical cables is easy to maintain even after the pulling work, which is more efficient than pulling the optical cables one by one and reduces the work of aligning the optical cables after pulling. This improves the ease of laying the optical cables.

[0031] (12) Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for pulling an optical cable, which is a method for pulling the optical cable of the optical cable connection system according to (10) above, wherein when the optical cable connection system is pulled along a linear pulling path, the optical cable is held by the first connecting jig, the second connecting jig, and the third connecting jig, and when the optical cable connection system is pulled along a curved pulling path, the optical cable is not held by the third connecting jig.

[0032] According to the above-described optical cable pulling method, the first optical cable group and the second optical cable group are connected by the third connecting jig. When the optical cable connection system is pulled along a straight pulling path, the optical cable connection system is pulled with the first optical cable group and the second optical cable group connected by the third connecting jig, so that the first optical cable group and the second optical cable group are pulled in a parallel state. When the optical cable connection system is pulled along a curved pulling path, the optical cable connection system is pulled with the first optical cable group and the second optical cable group disconnected by the third connecting jig, so that the first optical cable group can assume a free position relative to the second optical cable group. Because the optical cable connection system is pulled while deforming along the curved pulling path, it can run smoothly along the curved pulling path. This improves the workability of laying optical cables.

[0033] (Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure) Specific examples of optical branching cables and optical branching cable sets according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure 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.

[0034] In the accompanying drawings, arrow F indicates the forward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow B indicates the rearward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow U indicates the upward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow D indicates the downward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow R indicates the rightward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow L indicates the leftward direction of the illustrated structure. These directional expressions are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the posture or direction of the illustrated structure in actual use.

[0035] (optical branching cable) FIG. 1 illustrates an optical communication system 1000 according to this embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the optical communication system 1000 includes a distribution board 1100 and a plurality of server racks 1200. The distribution board 1100 concentrates and connects optical branching cables 1 used in the optical communication system 1000. The optical branching cables 1 are an example of optical cables. The server racks 1200 house physical servers inside. Optical fibers branched from the optical branching cables 1 are connected to each of the server racks 1200. The optical branching cables 1 are laid in a cable laying tray T and wired to the distribution board 1100 and the server racks 1200. The cable laying tray T is an example of a towing path.

[0036] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the optical branch cable 1. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the optical branch cable 1 includes a main cable 10, a branch cord section 20, a branch cord bag 30, a bend restricting member 40, a tip bag 50, and a connection loop 60.

[0037] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main cable 10. The main cable 10 includes a plurality of optical cords 11, a strength member 12, and a tape 13. The optical cords 11, the strength member 12, and the tape 13 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the main cable 10. The main cable 10 is also an example of an optical cable.

[0038] Each of the optical cords 11 includes at least one optical fiber 11A therein. In this embodiment, the optical cord 11 includes 24 optical fiber 11A therein. The optical cords 11 are bundled together in a first bundle 14 to form an optical cord group 15.

[0039] The tension members 12 are formed of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), such as aramid FRP, glass FRP, or carbon FRP. The tension members 12 are configured to share the tension when the optical branch cable 1 is pulled, so that excessive tension is not applied to the optical fiber core 11A. The optical cord group 15 and the tension members 12 are bound together by a second bundle 16 to form a core portion 17.

[0040] The tape 13 forms the outermost layer of the main cable 10. The tape 13 is wound longitudinally around the core 17 to maintain a shape that covers the core 17. The tape 13 is a sheet-like insulating resin, and may be made of, for example, polyester.

[0041] The tape 13 is wound longitudinally so as to form a gap between the tape 13 and the core portion 17. Therefore, the outer diameter of the main cable 10 can be contracted by an external force.

[0042] Returning to Fig. 2, the branch cord section 20 is a cord in which at least one optical fiber 11A is led out from the optical cord 11 of the main cable 10 to the outside of the tape 13, which is the outermost layer. An optical connector 21 is provided at the tip of the branch cord section 20. The branch cord section 20 may be one in which the optical fiber 11A in the optical cord 11 is led out beyond the outermost layer of the main cable 10, or one in which the optical cord 11 itself is led out beyond the outermost layer of the main cable 10.

[0043] The branch cord bag 30 is configured to be able to house the branch cord section 20 and the optical connector 21. The branch cord section 20 is housed in the branch cord bag 30 when it does not need to be connected to the server rack 1200 (see FIG. 1), such as during transportation of the optical branch cable 1. The branch cord bag 30 is configured to be able to house the branch cord section 20 with at least a portion of the branch cord section 20 wound in a coil shape.

[0044] In this embodiment, one branch cord bag 30 can accommodate one branch cord section 20, but one branch cord bag 30 may also be formed to be able to accommodate multiple branch cord sections 20 of parallel optical branch cables 1 all at once.

[0045] The bend restricting part 40 is attached to a position corresponding to the branching part BR of the optical branching cable 1. The bend restricting part 40 is provided at the branching part BR so as to prevent the branching cord part 20 extending from the main cable 10 from being bent at a bending radius smaller than a predetermined bending radius.

[0046] The tip bag 50 is provided to protect the end of the optical cord 11 exposed at the tip of the main cable 10 and the end optical connector provided at the end of the optical cord 11 .

[0047] The connection loop 60 is connected to the exposed tension member 12 at the tip of the optical branch cable 1. The connection loop 60 is a portion that is connected to a traction device such as a winch. The connection loop 60 is formed in a ring shape, and when the connection loop 60 is pulled, tension is applied to the tension member 12, causing the optical branch cable 1 to be displaced.

[0048] (Connecting jig) Next, we will explain the connecting jig attached to the optical branch cable 1. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an optical cable connecting system 100. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the optical cable connecting system 100 includes two or more optical branch cables 1, a first connecting jig 110, a second connecting jig 120, and a third connecting jig 130. The first connecting jig 110, the second connecting jig 120, and the third connecting jig 130 are all examples of connecting jigs.

[0049] Two or more optical branching cables 1 are arranged in parallel in a direction intersecting the rightward direction. In this embodiment, twelve optical branching cables 1 are arranged side by side in the forward direction. Each of the twelve optical branching cables 1 is connected to an adjacent optical branching cable 1 in the forward / backward direction by at least one of a first connecting jig 110, a second connecting jig 120, and a third connecting jig 130.

[0050] 5 is a perspective view of the first connecting jig 110. The first connecting jig 110 and the second connecting jig 120 have the same dimensions and shape, so a description of the second connecting jig 120 will be omitted.

[0051] 5, the first connecting jig 110 has a plurality of gripping portions 111. In this embodiment, the first connecting jig 110 has six gripping portions 111. The gripping portions 111 are formed so as to be able to grip the tape 13 that is the outer sheath of the optical branching cable 1. In this embodiment, each of the six gripping portions 111 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a portion of the side surface opened.

[0052] The gripping portion 111 has a first end 111A which is the end on the left side and a second end 111B which is the end on the right side (see also FIG. 7). Each gripping portion 111 is formed to extend in a first direction which is parallel to the axis of the optical branching cable 1 and extends from the first end 111A to the second end 111B along the axis of the optical branching cable 1. That is, in this embodiment, the first direction is the right direction.

[0053] The multiple gripping portions 111 are connected in a line so as to grip the multiple parallel-arranged optical branching cables 1. In this embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 4, when the gripping portions 111 of the first connecting jig 110 grip six optical branching cables 1, the six gripping portions 111 are formed so as to face in the same direction as the front direction in which the optical branching cables 1 are lined up.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 5. Note that the optical branch cable 1 is not shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section of the gripping portion 111 taken along a plane perpendicular to the rightward direction, which is the first direction. In this cross section, the inner periphery of the gripping portion 111 is an arc having an opening 111a in part of the circle. In this cross section, the central angle θ of the opening 111a relative to the center O of the inner periphery of one gripping portion 111 may be 50° or more and 90° or less. In this embodiment, the central angle θ is 70°.

[0055] 6, the directions in which the openings 111a of two adjacent gripping portions 111 are located are different from each other with respect to the center of the inner circumference of the gripping portion 111. In this embodiment, the gripping portions 111 whose openings 111a are located upward and the gripping portions 111 whose openings 111a are located downward are alternately lined up in the forward direction.

[0056] 6, the outer periphery of the main cable 10, which has an outer diameter D0 when not gripped by the gripping portion 111, is shown by a two-dot chain line. The inner periphery of the gripping portion 111 may be an arc having a diameter D1 in cross section that is 70% to 90% of the outer diameter of the main cable 10 of the optical branch cable 1. When the main cable 10 is gripped, the outer periphery of the main cable 10 shrinks to the diameter D1 of the gripping portion 111.

[0057] 7 is a view of the first connecting jig 110 as seen in the direction indicated by arrow VII in FIG. 7. The optical branch cable 1 is not shown in FIG. 7. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the gripping portion 111 includes a central portion 1111 having a constant outer diameter and a tapered portion 1112 that includes either the first end portion 111A or the second end portion 111B and whose outer diameter decreases toward the first end portion 111A or the second end portion 111B. In this embodiment, the gripping portion 111 is formed with a first tapered portion 1112A and a second tapered portion 1112B of the tapered portion 1112 that includes the first end portion 111A.

[0058] When central portion 1111 is in contact with the flat surface, angle φ formed between first tapered portion 1112A and the flat surface may be 5° or more and 15° or less. When central portion 1111 is in contact with the flat surface, angle φ formed between first tapered portion 1112A and the flat surface may be 4° or more and 10° or less. In this case, first end portion 111A and second end portion 111B are positioned so as to be spaced upward from the flat surface.

[0059] 4, in this embodiment, of the twelve optical branching cables 1, the main cables 10 of the rear six optical branching cables 1 are held by a first connecting jig 110, and the main cables 10 of the front six optical branching cables 1 are held by a second connecting jig 120. The six optical branching cables 1 held by the first connecting jig 110 are referred to as a first optical cable group 1A. The six optical branching cables 1 held by the second connecting jig 120 are referred to as a second optical cable group 1B. The second optical cable group 1B is arranged in front of and alongside the first optical cable group 1A.

[0060] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the third connecting jig 130. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in Fig. 8. For ease of explanation, the third connecting jig 130 illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 is shown upside down compared to the third connecting jig 130 illustrated in Fig. 4. As illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, the third connecting jig 130 has two gripping portions, a first gripping portion 131 and a second gripping portion 132. In the third connecting jig 130, a continuous storage space S is formed by the first gripping portion 131 and the second gripping portion 132.

[0061] Two main cables 10 can be accommodated in the accommodation space S. In Fig. 9, the outer periphery of the main cable 10 accommodated in the accommodation space S is indicated by a two-dot chain line. One main cable 10 is in contact with the first gripping portion 131, and the other main cable 10 is in contact with the second gripping portion 132.

[0062] An extension portion 133 is formed on the outer surface of the third connecting jig 130. The extension portion 133 extends in a direction from the first gripping portion 131 toward the second gripping portion 132. Due to the existence of the extension portion 133, the third connecting jig 130 can be easily grasped by the hand of an operator even when it is attached to two optical branching cables 1 arranged side by side.

[0063] Two or more protrusions 134 are formed at different positions on the inner surface of each of the first gripping portion 131 and the second gripping portion 132. In this embodiment, two protrusions 134 are formed on the inner surface of each gripping portion. Therefore, four protrusions 134 are formed in the storage space S. The protrusions 134 formed on the inner surface of each of the first gripping portion 131 and the second gripping portion 132 are formed to extend in the leftward or rightward direction. Each protrusion includes a protrusion that protrudes leftward and decreases in height, and a protrusion that protrudes rightward and decreases in height. The cross-sectional shape of each protrusion 134 may be triangular.

[0064] Returning to Figure 4, the first gripping portion 131 and the second gripping portion 132 of the third connecting jig 130 connect the optical branching cable 1 in the first optical cable group 1A arranged alongside the optical branching cable 1 in the second optical cable group 1B, to the optical branching cable 1 in the second optical cable group 1B arranged alongside the optical branching cable 1 in the first optical cable group 1A. In other words, the third connecting jig 130 can integrally connect the first optical cable group 1A and the second optical cable group 1B.

[0065] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the main cable 10 of the optical cable connection system 100. In Fig. 10, the first optical cable group 1A in a state in which the first optical cable group 1A and the second optical cable group 1B are connected by the third connecting jig 130 is shown by a dashed line, and the first optical cable group 1A in a state in which the first optical cable group 1A and the second optical cable group 1B are not connected by the third connecting jig 130 is shown by a solid line.

[0066] The optical branch cables 1 of the first optical cable group 1A are connected side by side by a first connecting jig 110. The optical branch cables 1 of the second optical cable group 1B are connected side by side by a second connecting jig 120. The optical cable connection system 100 is pulled along a cable laying tray T, which is a pulling path, with the optical branch cables 1 connected by the first connecting jig 110 and the second connecting jig 120. This allows the first optical cable group 1A and the second optical cable group 1B to remain aligned even when the optical cable connection system 100 is being pulled.

[0067] The cable laying tray T may be straight or curved. When the optical cable connection system 100 is pulled along the straight cable laying tray T, the main cable 10 of the optical branching cable 1 is pulled while being held by the first connecting jig 110, the second connecting jig 120, and the third connecting jig 130. Therefore, the first optical cable group 1A and the second optical cable group 1B are aligned in one direction.

[0068] When the optical cable connection system 100 is pulled along the bent cable laying tray T, the main cable 10 of the optical branching cable 1 is not gripped by the third connection jig 130. This allows the first optical cable group 1A to move away from and rotate relative to the second optical cable group 1B. This allows the optical cable connection system 100 to deform to fit the bent cable laying tray T, and allows it to be pulled smoothly along the bent cable laying tray T.

[0069] According to the first connecting jig 110, the second connecting jig 120, and the third connecting jig 130 of this embodiment, the multiple gripping portions 111 and the first and second gripping portions 131 and 132 are connected in a line so as to grip the multiple parallel optical branching cables 1. Therefore, when the multiple gripping portions 111 and the first and second gripping portions 131 and 132 grip the main cables 10 of the multiple optical branching cables 1, the parallel optical branching cables 1 are easily maintained. Therefore, when the optical branching cable 1 equipped with the first connecting jig 110, the second connecting jig 120, and the third connecting jig 130 is pulled, the parallel optical branching cables 1 are easily maintained during and after the pulling operation. This is more efficient than pulling the optical branching cables 1 one by one, and reduces the work of aligning the optical branching cables 1 after pulling. This improves the ease of installing the optical branching cable 1.

[0070] If the orientation of the openings 111a of the multiple gripping portions 111 is aligned with respect to the inner circumferential center O of the gripping portion 111, the first connecting jig 110 and the second connecting jig 120 may bend convexly in the direction in which the gripping portion 111 opens due to the reaction force generated when gripping the optical branching cable 1. According to the first connecting jig 110 and the second connecting jig 120 of this embodiment, the orientation in which the gripping portions 111 open differ between adjacent gripping portions 111 when attached to the optical branching cable 1, making it difficult for the first connecting jig 110 and the second connecting jig 120 to bend in one direction.

[0071] According to the first connecting jig 110 and the second connecting jig 120 of this embodiment, the inner circumference of the multiple gripping portions 111 has a diameter D1 in cross section that is 70% or more and 90% or less of the outer diameter D0 of the main cable 10, so that the optical branching cable 1 is less likely to fall off from the multiple gripping portions 111.

[0072] According to the third connecting jig 130 of this embodiment, two or more protrusions 134 are formed at different positions on the inner surfaces of the first gripping portion 131 and the second gripping portion 132. The protrusions 134 make it difficult for the optical branching cable 1 to displace or rotate inside the first gripping portion 131 and the second gripping portion 132 when the main cable 10 of the optical branching cable 1 is held by the first gripping portion 131 and the second gripping portion 132. This makes it difficult for the optical branching cable 1 to fall off the first gripping portion 131 and the second gripping portion 132 or to become twisted.

[0073] The first connecting jig 110 and the second connecting jig 120 of this embodiment include a central portion 1111 with a constant outer diameter, a first tapered portion 1112A whose outer diameter decreases toward the first end 111A, and a second tapered portion 1112B whose outer diameter decreases toward the second end 111B. If the cable laying tray T, which serves as the towing path, is flat, the first connecting jig 110 and the second connecting jig 120 are towed with the central portion 1111 with a constant outer diameter in contact with the running surface, thereby stabilizing the posture of the first connecting jig 110 and the second connecting jig 120 during towing. On the other hand, if a protrusion is formed on the cable laying tray T, the first tapered portion 1112A and the second tapered portion 1112B come into contact with the protrusion, making it easier for the first connecting jig 110 and the second connecting jig 120 to climb over the protrusion. This improves the ease of laying the optical branch cable 1.

[0074] According to the third connecting jig 130 of this embodiment, a continuous storage space S is formed by the first gripping portion 131 and the second gripping portion 132, and two optical branching cables 1 can be stored in the storage space S. Since two optical branching cables 1 can be held in just one storage space S, the shapes of the first gripping portion 131 and the second gripping portion 132 are simple. In addition, since the third connecting jig 130 is formed with an extending portion 133, the task of removing the optical branching cable 1 from the storage space S can be easily performed by holding the extending portion 133.

[0075] According to the optical cable connection system 100 and the pulling method for an optical branch cable 1 of this embodiment, the first connecting jig 110, the second connecting jig 120, and the third connecting jig 130 are attached to the optical branch cable 1, which makes it easier to maintain the parallel arrangement of the multiple optical branch cables 1 even during installation. When the optical branch cable 1, whose main cable 10 is held by the first connecting jig 110, the second connecting jig 120, and the third connecting jig 130, is pulled, the parallel arrangement of the multiple optical branch cables 1 is easily maintained even after the pulling operation, which is more efficient than pulling the optical cables one by one and reduces the work of aligning the optical branch cables 1 after pulling. This improves the ease of installing the optical branch cable 1.

[0076] According to the optical cable connection system 100 and the pulling method for an optical branch cable 1 of this embodiment, the first optical cable group 1A and the second optical cable group 1B are connected by the third connecting jig 130. When the optical cable connection system 100 is pulled along a straight cable laying tray T, the optical cable connection system 100 is pulled in a state in which the first optical cable group 1A and the second optical cable group 1B are connected by the third connecting jig 130, so that the first optical cable group 1A and the second optical cable group 1B are pulled in a state in which they are arranged side by side. When the optical cable connection system 100 is pulled along a bent cable laying tray T, the optical cable connection system 100 is pulled in a state in which the connection between the first optical cable group 1A and the second optical cable group 1B by the third connecting jig 130 is released, so that the first optical cable group 1A can take a free position relatively to the second optical cable group 1B. The optical cable connection system 100 is pulled while deforming along the bent cable laying tray T, and can therefore run smoothly along the bent cable laying tray T. This improves the ease of laying the optical branching cable 1.

[0077] Next, connecting jigs according to modified examples will be described. FIG. 11 illustrates a connecting jig 140 according to a first modified example. As illustrated in FIG. 11, in the connecting jig 140 according to the first modified example, adjacent gripping portions 141 are formed at different positions in the right direction, which is a first direction. "Adjacent gripping portions 141 are formed at different positions in the right direction" means that the positions of either the right- or left-hand ends of adjacent gripping portions 141 are not aligned. In the first modified example, gripping portions 141 whose gripping portions 141 are shifted leftward and gripping portions 141 whose gripping portions 141 are shifted rightward are alternately arranged in the forward direction.

[0078] In the connecting jig 140 according to the first modification, adjacent gripping portions 141 are formed at different positions in the right direction. Therefore, the connecting jig 140 has the flexibility to deform so that the gripping portions 141 rotate in the direction of the arrow Ar in Fig. 11 relative to the adjacent gripping portions 141. As a result, even if the cable laying tray T is not flat or is bent, the connecting jig 140 deforms while the optical branching cables 1 are being pulled, making it easy to maintain the optical branching cables 1 arranged side by side.

[0079] Fig. 12 illustrates a connecting jig 150 according to a second modified example. As illustrated in Fig. 12, connecting jig 150 includes a gripping portion 151 and a lid portion 152. In a cross section of gripping portion 151 taken along a plane perpendicular to the rightward direction, which is the first direction, the inner periphery of gripping portion 151 is an arc having an opening in part of the circle.

[0080] In the connecting jig 150 according to the second modification, the openings 151a of two adjacent gripping portions 151 are positioned in the same direction relative to the center of the inner circumference of the gripping portions 151. All of the gripping portions 151 of the connecting jig 150 according to the second modification are open upward.

[0081] The lid portion 152 is formed so as to be able to close the opening of the grip portion 151. A plurality of notches 152a are formed in the lid portion 152. The notches 152a of the lid portion 152 are formed so as to be able to engage with engagement portions 151b formed to protrude upward from the grip portion 151. By engaging the notches 152a with the engagement portions 151b, the lid portion 152 can be attached to the grip portion 151 so as to close the opening portion 151a of the grip portion 151 in a state in which the grip portion 151 is gripping the optical branching cable 1.

[0082] According to the connecting jig 150 of the second modification, the lid portion 152 closes the opening of the gripping portion 151, making it difficult for the optical branching cable 1 to fall off the gripping portion 151. If the multiple gripping portions 151 are open in only one direction, the reaction force generated when gripping the optical branching cable 1 makes the connecting jig 150 prone to bending convexly in the direction in which the gripping portion 151 opens. The lid portion 152 closes the opening of the gripping portion 151, making it difficult for the connecting jig 150 to bend in one direction.

[0083] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the number, position, shape, etc. of the components described above are not limited to the above embodiments, and can be changed to the number, position, shape, etc. that are suitable for implementing the present disclosure.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the optical branch cable 1 has been described as an example of an optical cable. However, even for an optical cable that does not have a branch cord portion 20, the use of the connection jig of the present disclosure can improve the workability of laying the optical cable.

[0085] In this embodiment, the six gripping portions 111 are formed as a monolithic one-piece component, but separate gripping portions may be directly connected to each other or may be connected via connecting components.

[0086] In this embodiment, the protrusion 134 is formed to extend in the right direction, but the shape of the protrusion 134 is not limited to the example of this embodiment. For example, the protrusion may be a point-like protrusion in a plan view. Furthermore, the protrusion 134 may be formed on the gripping portion 111 of the first connecting jig 110 and the second connecting jig. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 Optical branching cable 1A First Optical Cable Group 1B Second optical cable group 10 Main Cable 11 Optical cord 11A optical fiber core 12 Tensile strength body 13 Tape 14 First Bundle 15 Optical Code Group 16 Second Bundle 17 Core 20 Branching code section 21 Optical Connector 30 Branch Cord Bag 40 Regulated Parts 50 Tip Bag 60 connecting loop 100 Optical Cable Connection System 110 First connecting jig 111,151 Gripping part 111a,151a opening 111A First end 111B Second end 120 Second connecting jig 130 Third connecting jig 131 First grip part 132 Second grip part 133 Extension part 134 Protrusion 140 Connecting Jig 141 Gripping part 150 Connecting Jig 151b Engagement part 152 Lid 152a Notch 1000 Optical Communication Systems 1100 Distribution board 1111 Central part 1112 Tapered part 1112A First tapered section 1112B Second tapered section 1200 Server Rack BR branch D0 Outer diameter D1 diameter O Inner circumference center S Storage space T Cable laying tray θ central angle φ angle

Claims

1. A connection jig to which a plurality of optical cables are attached in a parallel state and which connects the optical cables, a plurality of gripping portions capable of gripping the outer sheath of the optical cable; each of the gripping portions is formed to extend in a first direction parallel to the axis of the optical cable, the first direction being a direction from a first end toward a second end along the axis of the optical cable in a state where the gripping portion grips the sheath of the optical cable; The plurality of gripping portions are connected in a line so as to grip the plurality of parallel optical cables. Connecting jig.

2. In a cross section of the gripping portion taken along a plane perpendicular to the first direction, an inner periphery of the gripping portion is an arc having an opening in a part of the circle, In two adjacent gripping portions, the directions in which the openings of the two gripping portions are located are different from each other, with the center of the inner circumference of the gripping portion as a reference. The connecting jig according to claim 1 .

3. the inner periphery of the gripping portion is an arc having a diameter that is 70% to 90% of the outer diameter of the optical cable in the cross section. The connecting jig according to claim 2 .

4. Two or more protrusions are formed at different positions on the inner surface of the gripping portion. The connecting jig according to claim 1 .

5. The gripping portion includes a central portion having a constant outer diameter and a tapered portion including either the first end portion or the second end portion, the tapered portion having an outer diameter decreasing toward the first end portion or the second end portion. The connecting jig according to claim 1 .

6. Adjacent gripping portions are formed at different positions in the first direction. The connecting jig according to claim 1 .

7. The gripping portion is When the gripping portion is attached to the optical cable, an inner periphery of the gripping portion is an arc having an opening in a part of the circle within a cross section of the gripping portion taken along a plane perpendicular to the first direction, In two adjacent gripping portions, the directions in which the openings of the two gripping portions are located are the same with respect to the center of the inner circumference of the gripping portion; Further, a lid portion capable of closing the opening of the grip portion is provided, the cover portion can be attached to the grip portion so as to close the opening of the grip portion in a state in which the grip portion grips the optical cable. The connecting jig according to claim 1 .

8. The gripping portion includes two gripping portions, that is, a first gripping portion and a second gripping portion, a continuous storage space is formed by the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion, The accommodation space is capable of accommodating two of the optical cables, An extension portion extending in a direction from the first gripping portion toward the second gripping portion is formed on an outer surface of the connecting jig. The connecting jig according to claim 1 .

9. The connecting jig according to any one of claims 1 to 8; two or more optical cables, the total number of which is equal to or less than the total number that can be held by the holding portion; The optical cable connection system includes the optical cables held by the holding parts and arranged in parallel.

10. A first connecting jig and a second connecting jig which are the connecting jigs according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and a third connecting jig which is the connecting jig according to claim 8; The optical fiber cable includes two or more optical fibers, the total number of which is equal to or less than the total number that the holding portion can hold, the optical cables include a first optical cable group held by the first connecting jig, and a second optical cable group arranged alongside the first optical cable group and held by the second connecting jig; the gripping portion of the third connecting jig connects the optical cables in the first optical cable group that are arranged side by side with the optical cables of the second optical cable group, and the optical cables in the second optical cable group that are arranged side by side with the optical cables of the first optical cable group. Optical cable connection system.

11. 10. A method for pulling the optical cable of an optical cable connection system according to claim 9, comprising: an optical cable pulling method for pulling the optical cable connection system along a pulling path with the optical cables connected by the connection jig;

12. 11. A method for pulling the optical cable of an optical cable connection system according to claim 10, comprising: When the optical cable connection system is pulled along a linear pulling path, the optical cable is held by the first connecting jig, the second connecting jig, and the third connecting jig; When the optical cable connection system is pulled along a curved pulling path, the optical cable is not gripped by the third connection jig. Optical cable pulling method.

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