Optical connection assembly

Abstract

An optical connection assembly (1) comprises: a plurality of adapter modules (M) each having a plurality of holding parts (10) that each have an insertion hole (11) in each of which an optical connector (70) can be inserted, and that can each hold the inserted optical connector (70), the plurality of holding parts (10) being disposed side by side in a first direction (Z) crossing an insertion direction in which the optical connector (70) is inserted; and a shaft member (50) that extends in a second direction (X) crossing the first direction (Z) and the insertion direction and supports the plurality of adapter modules (M). The plurality of adapter modules (M) are movable relative to each other in the second direction (X) along the shaft member (50), and the distance by which the plurality of adapter modules (M) are movable relative to each other is larger than or equal to the size of the insertion hole (11) in the second direction (X).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical connection assembly. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-101616 filed in Japan on June 24, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] For the construction of optical networks, cabinets for accommodating optical fiber wiring are widespread. In such cabinets, when the density of optical fiber wiring increases, the accessibility to the optical fibers accommodated in the cabinet may decrease.

[0003] To improve the accessibility to optical fibers, for example, a cabinet as in Patent Document 1 is used. This cabinet includes a housing and a plurality of trays configured to be pullable out from the housing. The optical fiber wiring is grouped in predetermined units and accommodated in the trays for each unit. An operator can perform wiring work on the optical fibers, such as inserting and removing optical connectors, by pulling out the tray from the housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in a cabinet such as Patent Document 1, when an operator accesses an optical connector to perform wiring work, a space for pulling out the tray from the housing is required. The requirement of such a space becomes an issue in increasing the wiring density of optical fibers in a building (such as a data center).

[0006] This invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances and aims to provide an optical connection assembly that can further increase the wiring density of optical fibers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, an optical connection assembly in embodiment 1 of the present invention is an optical connection assembly into which a plurality of optical connectors are inserted, having an insertion hole into which the optical connectors can be inserted, and having a plurality of holding parts capable of holding the inserted optical connectors, wherein the plurality of holding parts are The device comprises a plurality of adapter modules arranged in a line in a first direction intersecting the insertion direction into which the optical connector is inserted, and a shaft member extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the insertion direction, and supporting the plurality of adapter modules, wherein the plurality of adapter modules are relatively movable in the second direction along the shaft member, and the distance over which the plurality of adapter modules can move relative to each other is greater than or equal to the dimensions of the insertion hole in the second direction.

[0008] Furthermore, in the optical connection assembly of embodiment 2 of the present invention, the first direction is the direction of gravity, and the shaft member may support the upper end of the adapter module.

[0009] Furthermore, in the optical connection assembly of embodiment 3 of the present invention, in the optical connection assembly of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, the adapter module may have a restricting member, and the restricting member may be switchable between a restricting state that restricts the relative movement of the adapter module with respect to the shaft member and a permissive state that allows the relative movement of the adapter module with respect to the shaft member by movement in the insertion direction.

[0010] Furthermore, in the optical connection assembly of embodiment 4 of the present invention, in the optical connection assembly of embodiment 3, the restricting member has an insertion hole through which the shaft member is inserted and which is elastically expandable and contractible, and the insertion hole has a small diameter portion in which a first virtual circle is inscribed when viewed from the second direction, and a large diameter portion in which a second virtual circle is inscribed when viewed from the second direction and which communicates with the small diameter portion in the front-rear direction, and when the diameter of the first virtual circle is Φ1, the diameter of the second virtual circle is Φ2, and the diameter of the shaft member is Φ3, the condition Φ1 < Φ3 < Φ2 may be met.

[0011] Furthermore, in the optical connection assembly of embodiment 5 of the present invention, in any one of the optical connection assemblies from embodiment 1 to embodiment 4, the number of optical fibers that can be inserted in one direction into each adapter module may be 30 or more.

[0012] Furthermore, in the optical connection assembly of embodiment 6 of the present invention, in any one of the optical connection assemblies of embodiments 1 to 5, the maximum value of the dimension of the insertion hole in the second direction may be within the range of 10 to 12 mm.

[0013] Furthermore, in the optical connection assembly of embodiment 7 of the present invention, in any one of the optical connection assemblies from embodiment 1 to embodiment 6, the distance over which the adapter module can move relative to the second direction may be 20 mm or more. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the above aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical connection assembly that can further increase the wiring density of optical fibers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an optical fiber cabinet according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing an optical connection assembly according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an exploded view showing an optical connection assembly according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Exploded view showing the adapter module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V shown in FIG. 4, showing a state where a connector is inserted into the holding portion. [Figure 6] View of the holding portion shown in FIG. 4 as seen from the arrow VI. [Figure 7] View showing the restricting member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8A] View showing the state where the restricting member according to the first embodiment is in the restricted state. [Figure 8B] View showing the state where the restricting member according to the first embodiment is in the allowed state. [Figure 9] View of the optical connection assembly shown in FIG. 2 as seen from the arrow IX. [Figure 10] View showing the restricting member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11A] View showing the state where the restricting member according to the second embodiment is in the allowed state. [Figure 11B] View showing the state where the restricting member according to the second embodiment is in the restricted state.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the optical connection assembly 1 according to the first embodiment and the cabinet 100 using the optical connection assembly 1 will be described based on the drawings.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the cabinet 100 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 2 and a plurality of optical connection assemblies 1. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of optical connectors 70 are inserted into each optical connection assembly 1. As shown in FIG. 5, each optical connector 70 has an optical fiber 71. The cabinet 100 is installed, for example, in a data center or the like and is used for managing the wiring of optical fibers.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the housing 2 according to this embodiment has a top plate 101, a bottom plate 102, and four support columns 103. Each of the top plate 101 and the bottom plate 102 has a rectangular plate shape and is spaced apart from each other. The four support columns 103 connect the corners of the top plate 101 and the bottom plate 102. In this embodiment, each optical connection assembly 1 has a plurality of adapter modules M, a shaft member 50, and a frame portion 60. The frame portion 60 has a pair of side plates 61 and a bottom plate 62 connecting the side plates 61. The bottom plate 62 extends to connect two adjacent support columns 103. Each optical connection assembly 1 is fixed to the housing 2 by the pair of side plates 61 located at both ends of the bottom plate 62 being fixed to two support columns 103, respectively. The plurality of optical connection assemblies 1 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the support columns 103.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, both ends of the shaft member 50 are fixed to a pair of side plates 61, and the shaft member 50 extends to connect the pair of side plates 61. As a result, the shaft member 50 is bridged to the housing 2 within the cabinet 100 (see Figure 1). The shaft member 50 supports a plurality of adapter modules M. As shown in Figure 2, each adapter module M has a plurality of holding parts 10. In each adapter module M, the plurality of holding parts 10 are arranged in one direction.

[0020] (direction definition) As shown in Figure 2, an optical connector 70 is inserted into the holding portion 10 of the optical connection assembly 1. The insertion direction in which the optical connector 70 is inserted into the holding portion 10 is referred to herein as the front-to-back direction Y (the direction along the Y axis in Figure 2). The optical connector 70 is inserted into the optical connection assembly 1 from both the +Y side and the -Y side. The -Y side is referred to as the front or near side, and the +Y side is referred to as the rear or far side. In addition, the direction in which the multiple holding portions 10 are aligned in each adapter module M is referred to as the first direction Z. In addition, the direction in which the shaft member 50 extends is referred to as the second direction X. In this embodiment, the second direction X is perpendicular to the first direction Z. In addition, the front-to-back direction Y, which is the insertion direction, is perpendicular to both the second direction X and the first direction Z. In this embodiment, the first direction Z is approximately the same as the direction of gravity (vertical direction). The term "approximately coincide" also includes cases where, ignoring manufacturing tolerances and the inclination of the mounting surface on which cabinet 100 is placed, the first direction Z and the direction of gravity can be considered to coincide. Hereafter, the upward direction in the direction of gravity (first direction Z) will simply be referred to as "upward" and will be represented by the +Z direction in each figure. The downward direction in the direction of gravity (first direction Z) will simply be referred to as "downward" and will be represented by the -Z direction in each figure. In addition, one direction in the second direction X will be referred to as "rightward" and will be represented by the +X direction in each figure. The direction opposite to the rightward direction will be referred to as "leftward" and will be represented by the -X direction in each figure.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, each optical connector 70 is provided at the end of the cable 73. As shown in Figure 5, the cable 73 has two optical fibers 71 (only one is shown in Figure 5) and a covering 72 that covers them. In other words, each optical connector 70 has two optical fibers 71. Therefore, in this embodiment, a total of 12 optical fibers 71 are inserted into one holding part 10, 6 from the front and 6 from the rear. Also, in the example in Figure 2, each adapter module M has 5 holding parts 10, so 30 optical fibers 71 are inserted into one adapter module M from the front (one direction). In addition, 30 optical fibers 71 are also inserted into the adapter module M from the rear. In other words, a total of 60 optical fibers 71 are inserted into one adapter module M.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, each side plate 61 has an opposing portion 61A and a mounting portion 61B. The opposing portion 61A has a rectangular plate shape extending in the front-rear direction Y and the first direction Z. As shown in Figure 3, one screw hole 61a is formed at the upper end of the opposing portion 61A according to this embodiment. In addition, two screw holes 61b are formed at the lower end of the opposing portion 61A, spaced apart in the front-rear direction Y.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the mounting portion 61B has a rectangular plate shape extending in the second direction X and the first direction Z. The mounting portion 61B extends outward in the second direction X from the front end of the opposing portion 61A. In other words, each side plate 61 has an L-shape when viewed from the first direction Z. The mounting portion 61B according to this embodiment has a plurality of screw holes 61c formed therein. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 61B is fixed to the support column 103 by fastening together each screw hole 61c and a screw hole (not shown) formed on the front surface of the support column 103 with a screw SC3 (see Figure 1).

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the bottom plate 62 has an extended portion 62A and a pair of mounting portions 62B. The extended portion 62A has a rectangular plate shape extending in the second direction X and the front-rear direction Y. Each mounting portion 62B has a rectangular plate shape extending in the front-rear direction Y and the first direction Z. The pair of mounting portions 62B are erected at both ends of the extended portion 62A in the second direction X. The mounting portions 62B have two screw holes 62b that are spaced apart in the front-rear direction Y. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the side plate 61 and the bottom plate 62 are connected by fastening together the screw holes 61b formed in the opposing portion 61A and the screw holes 62b formed in the mounting portion 62B with a screw SC2.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a sliding hole 62a extending in a second direction X is formed in the center of the extended portion 62A of the base plate 62 according to this embodiment, in the front-rear direction Y. The lower end of the adapter module M (base member 30) fits into the sliding hole 62a. The lower end of the adapter module M is fitted with the sliding hole 62a with a small gap between them. This allows the sliding hole 62a to allow movement of the adapter module M in the second direction X while suppressing rotation of the adapter module M around the shaft member 50. In the illustrated example, the sliding hole 62a penetrates the extended portion 62A in the first direction Z, but the sliding hole 62a does not have to penetrate the extended portion 62A. The sliding hole 62a may be a recess opening on the upper surface of the extended portion 62A. Alternatively, the sliding hole 62a may not be formed in the extended portion 62A.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 8A, the shaft member 50 according to this embodiment has a substantially circular shape in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the second direction X. In this specification, the term "substantially circular shape" also includes cases where it can be considered circular after removing manufacturing tolerances. As shown in Figure 3, screw holes 50a are formed at each end of the shaft member 50 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the shaft member 50 is fixed to the opposing part 61A by fastening together the screw holes 61a formed in the side plate 61 and the screw holes 50a formed in the shaft member 50 with a screw SC1.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the adapter module M according to this embodiment comprises a base member 30, a plurality of (five in the illustrated example) holding parts 10, a restricting member 20A, and a spacer 40. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the shaft member 50 penetrates the upper end of the adapter module M. Thus, the shaft member 50 supports the upper end of the adapter module M.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the base member 30 according to this embodiment has a first base portion 31, a second base portion 32, and a connecting portion 33. Each base portion 31, 32 is a plate-shaped portion extending in the front-rear direction Y and the first direction Z. The first base portion 31 and the second base portion 32 are spaced apart in the second direction X. The connecting portion 33 is located between the first base portion 31 and the second base portion 32 in the second direction X and connects the first base portion 31 and the second base portion 32. As shown in Figure 8A, the connecting portion 33 according to this embodiment has an L-shape when viewed from the second direction X. More specifically, the connecting portion 33 according to this embodiment has a first portion 33A extending along the upper surface of each base portion 31, 32, and a second portion 33B extending along the rear surface of each base portion 31, 32. The lower end of the second portion 33B is positioned above the uppermost of the multiple holding portions 10. This suppresses structural interference between the optical connector 70 (details described later) inserted into the holding portion 10 and the base member 30.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, a through hole 34 is formed at the upper end of each base portion 31, 32, penetrating the base portions 31, 32 in the second direction X. A shaft member 50 is inserted through the through hole 34. The shape of the through hole 34 is substantially circular when viewed from the second direction X, and corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the shaft member 50. In addition, an elongated hole 31a is formed in the first base portion 31, the dimension in the front-rear direction Y is larger than the dimension in the first direction Z. The elongated hole 31a penetrates the first base portion 31 in the second direction X. In this embodiment, the elongated hole 31a is located above the through hole 34 formed in the first base portion 31. In addition, a plurality of (five in the illustrated example) engagement holes 35 are formed in each base portion 31, 32. Each engagement hole 35 penetrates the base portions 31, 32 in the second direction X. The plurality of engagement holes 35 are spaced apart in the first direction Z. In this embodiment, the shape of each engagement hole 35 is rectangular when viewed from the second direction X.

[0030] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the holding portion 10 of the adapter module M has a rectangular outer shape in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the front-rear direction Y (XZ plane). When the adapter module M is assembled... In this configuration, a portion of the holding portion 10 is recessed into the base member 30. The portion of the holding portion 10 that is recessed into the base member 30 and faces the first base portion 31 or the second base portion 32 is called the opposing surface 10a (see Figure 4). Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the holding portion 10 has two opposing surfaces 10a. The holding portion 10 includes an insertion hole 11, a raised portion 14, and an engaging claw 15. The engaging claw 15 protrudes outward in the second direction X from the two opposing surfaces 10a of the holding portion 10. Two engaging claws 15 are provided on each of the two opposing surfaces 10a of the holding portion 10. Each engaging claw 15 is configured to bend inward in the second direction X. Each engaging claw 15 is located in the center of the holding portion 10 in the front-rear direction Y. The raised portion 14 is formed on the portion of the holding portion 10 that is located in front of the engaging claw 15 (-Y side). The raised portion 14 is raised outward in the second direction X from the opposing surface 10a.

[0031] When fixing the retaining part 10 to the base member 30, the worker adjusts the position of the retaining part 10 in the first direction Z so that the engagement claws 15 and the engagement holes 35 are aligned in the first direction Z, and inserts the retaining part 10 between the first base portion 31 and the second base portion 32. As a result, the retaining part 10 is clamped between the first base portion 31 and the second base portion 32. More specifically, when the engaging claw 15 contacts the base portions 31 and 32, the engaging claw 15 bends inward in the second direction X. Further insertion of the retaining portion 10 causes the engaging claw 15 to reach the engagement hole 35, releasing the bending of the engaging claw 15 and inserting it into the engagement hole 35. As a result, the front ends of the base portions 31 and 32 are sandwiched in the front-rear direction Y by the raised portion 14 and the engaging claw 15, and the retaining portion 10 is fixed to the base member 30.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, each holding portion 10 has insertion holes 11 into which multiple (six in the illustrated example) optical connectors 70 are inserted. The insertion holes 11 include a front insertion hole 11a that opens on the front surface of the holding portion 10 and a rear insertion hole 11b that opens on the rear surface of the holding portion 10. In the illustrated example, three optical connectors 70 are inserted into the front insertion hole 11a and three optical connectors 70 are inserted into the rear insertion hole 11b. The front insertion hole 11a and the rear insertion hole 11b are separated by a partition portion 12. As shown in Figure 6, the partition portion 12 has multiple (six in the illustrated example) through holes 12a. As shown in Figure 5, the through holes 12a penetrate the partition portion 12 in the front-rear direction Y. Also, as shown in Figure 6, four guide protrusions 13 that project inward in the second direction X are provided on both sides of the front insertion hole 11a. These guide protrusions 13 serve to guide the position of each of the three optical connectors 70 inserted into the front insertion hole 11a in the first direction Z. Although not shown in detail, similar guide protrusions 13 are also provided in the rear insertion hole 11b.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, the optical connector 70 has two ferrules 74 (only one is shown in Figure 5). The two ferrules 74 are spaced apart in the second direction X. Each ferrule 74 holds one optical fiber 71. Each ferrule 74 has a connecting end face 74a where the tip of the optical fiber 71 is located. When the optical connectors 70 are inserted into the insertion holes 11a and 11b, respectively, the ferrules 74 of each optical connector 70 are inserted one by one into the insertion holes 12a formed in the partition 12. Inside the insertion hole 12a, the connecting end faces 74a of the two ferrules 74 come into contact with each other. This connects the optical fiber 71 of the optical connector 70 inserted into the front insertion hole 11a and the optical fiber 71 of the optical connector 70 inserted into the rear insertion hole 11b.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the restricting member 20A and the spacer 40 are positioned between the first base portion 31 and the second base portion 32. More specifically, the restricting member 20A and the spacer 40 are inserted into the upper end of the base member 30 such that the restricting member 20A faces the first base portion 31 and the spacer 40 faces the second base portion 32. The restricting member 20A has a through hole 23 that penetrates the restricting member 20A in the second direction X. Similarly, the spacer 40 has a through hole 41 that penetrates the spacer 40 in the second direction X. The shaft member 50 is inserted through the through holes 23 and 41. In other words, the shaft member 50 according to this embodiment supports the upper end of the adapter module M by being inserted through the through hole 34 formed in the base member 30, the through hole 23 formed in the restricting member 20A, and the through hole 41 formed in the spacer 40.

[0035] The spacer 40 according to this embodiment has a circular outer shape when viewed from the second direction X. The spacer 40 can suppress the relative movement of the regulating member 20A with respect to the base member 30 in the second direction X.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the restricting member 20A has a gripping portion 21, a restricting portion 22, and an insertion hole 23. In this embodiment, the gripping portion 21 and the restricting portion 22 are integrally formed from the same material. The restricting portion 22 is the portion in which the aforementioned insertion hole 23 is formed. The gripping portion 21 is the portion connected to the front end of the restricting portion 22. As shown in Figures 7 and 8A, the gripping portion 21 in this embodiment has a recess 21a formed on its left surface that extends to the right.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the restricting portion 22 has a pin hole 22a that penetrates the restricting portion 22 in the second direction X. In this embodiment, the pin hole 22a is located above the insertion hole 23. As shown in Figure 4, a pin P is inserted into the pin hole 22a. The pin P is fixed in the pin hole 22a such that the pin P protrudes to the right from the right side of the restricting portion 22. When the restricting member 20A is inserted into the base member 30, the pin P protruding from the right side of the restricting portion 22 is positioned in the elongated hole 31a of the first base portion 31. The pin P may be, for example, a cylindrical spring pin that can be elastically expanded and contracted in the radial direction. In this case, the work of inserting the pin P into the pin hole 22a and fixing it in the restricting portion 22 can be easily performed. The pin P and the elongated hole 31a prevent the restricting member 20A from falling out of the base member 30 before the shaft member 50 is inserted into the adapter module M. Furthermore, because the elongated hole 31a extends in the front-rear direction Y, structural interference between the pin P and the first base 31 is suppressed when the regulating member 20A moves back and forth in the front-rear direction Y (details will be described later).

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, the through hole 23 according to this embodiment has a shape that combines two circles with different diameters and positions in the front-rear direction Y when viewed from the second direction X (i.e., a snowman shape). More specifically, the through hole 23 according to this embodiment includes a small-diameter portion 23a in which the first virtual circle C1 is inscribed when viewed from the second direction X, and a large-diameter portion 23b in which the second virtual circle C2 is inscribed when viewed from the second direction X. When the outer shape of the first virtual circle C1 is Φ1 and the outer shape of the second virtual circle C2 is Φ2, the condition Φ1 < Φ2 holds. Also, the positions of the centers of the first virtual circle C1 and the second virtual circle C2 are different in the front-rear direction Y. The small-diameter portion 23a and the large-diameter portion 23b are in communication with each other in the front-rear direction Y. In the illustrated example, the small diameter portion 23a is located on the rear side (+Y side) of the large diameter portion 23b, but the small diameter portion 23a may also be located on the front side (-Y side) of the large diameter portion 23b.

[0039] Furthermore, the restricting portion 22 according to this embodiment has a slit SL formed therein that opens into the insertion hole 23 and extends to the lower surface of the restricting portion 22. In the example shown in Figure 7, the slit SL includes a first slit SL1, a second slit SL2, and a third slit SL3. The first slit SL1 extends forward (-Y side) from the lower end of the large diameter portion 23b. The second slit SL2 extends downward from the front end of the first slit SL1. The third slit SL3 extends from the lower end of the second slit SL2 to the lower surface of the restricting portion 22 and is inclined to gradually go downward as it goes towards the rear (+Y side). Also, the width of the second slit SL2 is wider than the width of the first slit SL1 and the width of the third slit SL3.

[0040] Because the slit SL described above is formed in the restricting portion 22, the restricting portion 22 is configured to be elastically deformable. As a result, the diameter of the insertion hole 23 is configured to be elastically expandable and contractible within the range in which the restricting portion 22 is elastically deformable. Because the insertion hole 23 is elastically expandable and contractible, for example, by a worker gripping the gripping portion 21 and moving the restricting member 20A back and forth in the front-rear direction Y, the hole through which the shaft member 50 is inserted can be switched between the small diameter portion 23a and the large diameter portion 23b. In other words, the restricting member 20A according to this embodiment is configured to be switchable between a state in which the shaft member 50 is inserted through the small diameter portion 23a (see Figure 8A) and a state in which the shaft member 50 is inserted through the large diameter portion 23b (see Figure 8B). Note that the configuration of the slit SL is not limited to the example shown in Figure 7, and can be changed as appropriate as long as the insertion hole 23 is elastically expandable and contractible. Alternatively, if the restricting portion 22 is made of an elastically deformable material, the slit SL does not need to be formed in the restricting portion 22.

[0041] Here, when the diameter (outer diameter) of the shaft member 50 is Φ3, the condition Φ1 < Φ3 < Φ2 holds true in this embodiment. Because Φ1 < Φ3 holds true, in the state shown in Figure 8A where the shaft member 50 is inserted into the small diameter portion 23a, the shaft member 50 is fixed within the small diameter portion 23a, and the restricting member 20A is fixed to the shaft member 50. As a result, the restricting member 20A restricts the relative movement of the adapter module M with respect to the shaft member 50 in the second direction X. On the other hand, because Φ3 < Φ2 holds true, in the state shown in Figure 8B where the shaft member 50 is inserted into the large diameter portion 23b, a gap is created between the shaft member 50 and the large diameter portion 23b. Therefore, in this state, the restricting member 20A allows the relative movement of the adapter module M with respect to the shaft member 50 in the second direction X. In other words, the restricting member 20A is configured to be switchable between a restricting state, which restricts the relative movement of the adapter module M with respect to the longitudinal direction (second direction X) of the shaft member 50, and a permissible state, which allows the relative movement of the adapter module M with respect to the longitudinal direction (second direction X) of the shaft member 50, by movement in the front-rear direction Y. The operator can switch between the restricting state and the permissible state by, for example, gripping the gripping part 21 and moving the restricting member 20A back and forth in the front-rear direction Y.

[0042] When the restricting member 20A is in an acceptable state, the operator can move each adapter module M relative to the shaft member 50 in the longitudinal direction (second direction X), access the desired adapter module M, and insert or remove the optical connector 70 in that adapter module M. To facilitate insertion and removal of the optical connector 70 by the operator, in the optical connection assembly 1 according to this embodiment, the distance that multiple adapter modules M can move relative to in the second direction X is designed to be greater than or equal to the maximum value of the dimension L4 (see Figure 6) of the insertion hole 11 in the second direction X. In other words, the distance that multiple adapter modules M can move relative to in the second direction X is designed to be greater than or equal to the dimension of the optical connector 70 in the second direction X. More specifically in this embodiment, when the dimension of the shaft member 50 in the second direction X is L1 (see Figure 9), the dimension of each adapter module M in the second direction X is L2, and the number of adapter modules M provided in the optical connection assembly 1 is N, the "distance that multiple adapter modules M can move relative to in the second direction X" is equal to "L1 - N × L2". In other words, in this embodiment, L1-N×L2≧L4 holds true. Dimension L1 can also be interpreted as the distance between a pair of side plates 61 in the second direction X.

[0043] As a result of diligent research by the inventors of this invention, it was found that by making the relative movement distance of multiple adapter modules M in the second direction X 20 mm or more, it becomes easier for a human finger to fit between adjacent adapter modules M, making it easier for an operator to move the adapter modules M and insert / remove the optical connector 70. Therefore, it is more preferable that the relative movement distance of multiple adapter modules M in the second direction X be 20 mm or more. In other words, it is preferable that L1-N×L2≧20[mm] holds true.

[0044] The value of dimension L1 is, for example, approximately 442 mm. The value of dimension L2 is, for example, approximately 12.8 mm. The value of dimension L4 is, for example, within the range of 10 to 12 mm. In addition, the dimension L3 of the frame portion 60 (side plate 61) in the first direction Z is, for example, approximately 87.5 mm.

[0045] As described above, the optical connection assembly 1 according to this embodiment is an optical connection assembly 1 into which a plurality of optical connectors 70 are inserted, and has an insertion hole 11 into which the optical connectors 70 can be inserted, and has a plurality of holding parts 10 capable of holding the inserted optical connectors 70, wherein the plurality of holding parts 10 comprises a plurality of adapter modules M arranged in a first direction Z that intersects the insertion direction (front-back direction Y) into which the optical connectors 70 are inserted, and a shaft member 50 that extends in a second direction X intersects the first direction Z and the insertion direction and supports the plurality of adapter modules M, wherein the plurality of adapter modules M are relatively movable in the second direction X along the shaft member 50, and the distance over which the plurality of adapter modules M can move relatively in the second direction X is greater than or equal to the dimension L4 of the insertion hole 11 in the second direction X.

[0046] This configuration allows the operator to easily access a desired adapter module M and the optical connector 70 inserted into it by moving each adapter module M relative to the shaft member 50 in a second direction X. Furthermore, accessing the optical connector 70 only requires moving the adapter module M in the second direction X within the housing 2. Therefore, the optical connection assembly 1 according to this embodiment can increase the wiring density of optical fibers 71 in a building (such as a data center) compared to conventional configurations that require pulling out a tray to access the optical connector (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0047] Furthermore, in the conventional configuration described above, excessive bending of the optical fiber inside the tray may occur when pulling the tray out of the housing or inserting the tray into the housing, potentially causing damage to the optical fiber. On the other hand, in the optical connection assembly 1 according to this embodiment, access to the optical connector 70 only requires moving the adapter module M in the second direction X. Therefore, excessive bending of the optical fiber 71 is less likely to occur, and the possibility of damage to the optical fiber 71 can be reduced.

[0048] Furthermore, the first direction Z is the direction of gravity, and the shaft member 50 supports the upper end of the adapter module M. With this configuration, the second direction X, which is the direction in which the adapter module M moves, is no longer parallel to the direction of gravity. This reduces the effect of gravity on the movement of the adapter module M, making it easier for the operator to operate the adapter module M.

[0049] Furthermore, the adapter module M has a restricting member 20A. The restricting member 20A can be switched between a restricting state that restricts the relative movement of the adapter module M with respect to the shaft member 50 and a permissible state that allows the relative movement of the adapter module M with respect to the shaft member 50 by movement in the insertion direction (front-back direction Y). This configuration improves the workability of inserting and removing the optical connector 70. More specifically, for example, by fixing the adapter module M to the shaft member 50 using the restricting member 20A, it becomes easier to insert and remove the optical connector 70 from the adapter module M.

[0050] Furthermore, the restricting member 20A has an insertion hole 23 through which the shaft member 50 is inserted and which is elastically expandable and contractible. The insertion hole 23 has a small diameter portion 23a in which the first virtual circle C1 is inscribed when viewed from the second direction X, and a large diameter portion 23b in which the second virtual circle C2 is inscribed when viewed from the second virtual circle C2 and communicates with the small diameter portion 23a in the front-rear direction Y. When the diameter of the first virtual circle C1 is Φ1, the diameter of the second virtual circle C2 is Φ2, and the diameter of the shaft member 50 is Φ3, the relationship Φ1 < Φ3 < Φ2 is satisfied. With this configuration, a restricting member 20A that can switch between a restricted state and a permissible state can be easily realized.

[0051] Furthermore, the maximum value of the dimension L4 of the insertion hole 11 in the second direction X may be within the range of 10 to 12 mm. In other words, the dimension of the optical connector 70 inserted into the insertion hole 11 in the second direction X may be within the range of 10 to 12 mm. This configuration makes it possible to increase the wiring density of the optical fiber 71.

[0052] Furthermore, the distance over which the adapter module M can move relative to the second direction X may be 20 mm or more. This configuration makes it easier for a human finger to fit between adjacent adapter modules M, making it easier for an operator to move the adapter modules M and insert / remove the optical connector 70.

[0053] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described, but its basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for similar components, and their descriptions are omitted; only the differences will be described. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the shape of the restricting member 20B is different from the shape of the restricting member 20A in the first embodiment.

[0054] In this embodiment, the restricting portion 22 does not have an insertion hole 23 through which the shaft member 50 is inserted. The lower surface of the restricting portion 22 in this embodiment includes a first extending surface 24a, a second extending surface 24b, and an inclined surface 24c. The first extending surface 24a is a surface that extends parallel to the front-rear direction Y from the rear end (+Y end) of the restricting portion 22 toward the front (-Y side). The second extending surface 24b is located below the first extending surface 24a by a dimension d. In other words, the dimension L5 along the first direction Z of the restricting portion 22 on the first extending surface 24a is smaller by d than the dimension L6 along the first direction Z of the restricting portion 22 on the second extending surface 24b. The inclined surface 24c is the surface that connects the front end (-Y end) of the first extending surface 24a and the rear end (+Y end) of the second extending surface 24b. In addition, the restricting portion 22 according to this embodiment has two pin holes 22a. One pin P is inserted into each of the two pin holes 22a.

[0055] As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the restricting portion 22 according to this embodiment is inserted between the shaft member 50 and the first portion 33A of the connecting portion 33 in the first direction Z. In the state shown in Figure 11A, where the restricting portion 22 is inserted all the way into the base member 30 and the second extending surface 24b is in contact with the shaft member 50, the restricting portion 22 compresses the shaft member 50 downwards, and a frictional force acts between the restricting portion 22 and the shaft member 50. As a result, the restricting member 20B is in a restricting state that restricts the relative movement of the adapter module M with respect to the shaft member 50 in the second direction X. On the other hand, in the state shown in Figure 11B, where the restricting member 20B is pulled forward and the first extending surface 24a is in contact with the shaft member 50, the restricting portion 22 does not compress the shaft member 50. That is, the restricting member 20B is in a permissive state that allows the relative movement of the adapter module M with respect to the shaft member 50 in the second direction X. Thus, the restricting member 20B according to this embodiment, like the restricting member 20A according to the first embodiment, is configured to allow switching between a restricted state and a permitted state by movement in the front-rear direction Y. In this embodiment, the pin P and the elongated hole 31a (see also Figure 4) also serve to prevent the restricting member 20B from falling off the base member 30.

[0056] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0057] For example, the first direction Z does not have to coincide approximately with the direction of gravity. For example, the second direction X may coincide approximately with the direction of gravity. Also, the first direction Z, where the multiple holding parts 10 are aligned, and the second direction X, where the shaft member 50 extends, only need to intersect, and do not necessarily have to be orthogonal. Similarly, the front-rear direction Y and the first direction Z need to intersect, and do not necessarily have to be orthogonal. The front-rear direction Y and the second direction X need to intersect, and do not necessarily have to be orthogonal.

[0058] Furthermore, the shape of the cabinet 100 shown in Figure 1 is merely an example and can be modified as appropriate. The configuration of the frame 60 may be changed as appropriate depending on the shape of the cabinet 100. The shaft member 50 may be directly fixed to the cabinet 100. In this case, the optical connection assembly 1 does not need to have a frame 60.

[0059] Furthermore, although the shaft member 50 supported the upper end of the adapter module M in the above embodiment, the shaft member 50 may also support the central or lower end of the adapter module M. Alternatively, the optical connection assembly 1 may have multiple shaft members 50, and each adapter module M may be supported by multiple adapter modules M. However, the configuration in which one shaft member 50 supports the upper end of the adapter module M, as in the above embodiment, is preferable in that it minimizes the frictional force acting between the shaft member 50 and the adapter module M, making it easier for the operator to move the adapter module M.

[0060] Furthermore, the regulating members 20A and 20B and the spacer 40 may be integrally configured. Alternatively, the adapter module M may not have a spacer 40.

[0061] Furthermore, the configurations of the restricting members 20A and 20B described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and their configurations can be changed as appropriate, as long as they are configured to be switchable between a restricted state and a permissible state. Alternatively, the optical connection assembly 1 does not need to have restricting members 20A and 20B.

[0062] Furthermore, the number of holding parts 10 in each adapter module M, the number of optical connectors 70 and optical fibers 71 inserted into each holding part 10, and the number of optical fibers 71 inserted into each adapter module M can be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of optical fibers 71 that can be inserted into one adapter module M from the front (one direction) may be 29 or less, or 31 or more.

[0063] Furthermore, the number N of adapter modules M in the optical connection assembly 1 is not limited to 3. As long as the above-mentioned condition "L1 - N × L2 ≥ L4" is satisfied, N can be any natural number. For example, N can be 29.

[0064] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1…Optical connection assembly M…Adapter module 10…Retaining part 11…Insertion hole 2 0A, 20B... Regulating members 23... Through hole 23a... Small diameter section 23b... Large diameter section 50... Shaft member 70... Optical connector 71... Optical fiber Z... First direction X... Second direction Y... Front-back direction

Claims

1. An optical connection assembly into which multiple optical connectors are inserted, A plurality of adapter modules having an insertion hole into which the optical connector can be inserted, and a plurality of holding parts capable of holding the inserted optical connector, wherein the plurality of holding parts are arranged in a first direction intersecting the insertion direction into which the optical connector is inserted, The device comprises a shaft member extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the insertion direction, and supporting the plurality of adapter modules, The plurality of adapter modules are movable relative to each other in the second direction along the shaft member, The distance over which the plurality of adapter modules can move relative to each other is greater than or equal to the dimension of the insertion hole in the second direction. The adapter module comprises a restricting member and a base member to which the plurality of holding parts are fixed. The restricting member is switchable between a restricting state that restricts the relative movement of the adapter module with respect to the shaft member and a permissible state that allows the relative movement of the adapter module with respect to the shaft member, by movement in the insertion direction. The regulating member is located above the plurality of holding portions, A portion of the regulating member is an optical connection assembly located in the space inside the base member.

2. The first direction mentioned above is the direction of gravity, The optical connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shaft member supports the upper end of the adapter module.

3. The regulating member has an insertion hole through which the shaft member is inserted and which is elastically expandable and contractible. The insertion hole has a small diameter portion in which the first virtual circle is inscribed when viewed from the second direction, and a large diameter portion in which the second virtual circle is inscribed when viewed from the second direction and communicates with the small diameter portion in the insertion direction. The optical connection assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the diameter of the first virtual circle is Φ1, the diameter of the second virtual circle is Φ2, and the diameter of the shaft member is Φ3, the condition Φ1 < Φ3 < Φ2 holds true.

4. The optical connection assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the number of optical fibers that can be inserted from one direction per adapter module is 30 or more.

5. The optical connection assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maximum dimension of the insertion hole in the second direction is within the range of 10 to 12 mm.

6. The optical connection assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the distance over which the adapter module can move relative to the second direction is 20 mm or more.

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