Optical adapter

Abstract

To reduce the optical attenuation amount of an optical signal due to connection losses in adjusting the strength of the optical signal.SOLUTION: An optical adapter 1 comprises a first housing 10, a second housing 20 capable of moving to the first housing 10 between an approach position and a separation position, a drive mechanism 30 that moves the second housing 20, and an optical attenuation amount display unit 50 that displays an optical attenuation amount. The optical attenuation amount is calculated on the basis of the rotation amount of a knob 32 that is an operation part. A first optical cable 110a and a second optical cable 110b can be optically connected by joining a first connector 120a to the first housing 10 and joining a second connector 120b to the second housing 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical adapter for optically connecting optical cables.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it is known that the intensity of an optical signal input to a receiving device is adjusted using an optical attenuator (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The conventional optical attenuator shown in Patent Document 1 is connected to an optical cable at two locations on the input side and the output side, and optical connection losses occur at each connection part. Therefore, the conventional optical attenuator has a problem that the amount of optical attenuation of the optical signal becomes larger than expected.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to reduce the amount of optical attenuation of an optical signal due to connection loss in adjusting the intensity of the optical signal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The optical adapter according to this disclosure comprises a first housing having a first ferrule holding portion for holding a first ferrule of a first connector, a second housing having a second ferrule holding portion for holding a second ferrule of a second connector, and a moving mechanism that makes the second housing movable between an approaching position and a separation position relative to the first housing, wherein the direction in which the second housing moves between the approaching position and the separation position is inclined with respect to the axis of the first ferrule holding portion, when the second housing is in the approaching position the axis of the second ferrule holding portion coincides with the axis of the first ferrule holding portion, when the second housing is in the separation position the second ferrule holding portion is further away from the first ferrule holding portion in a direction along the axis of the first ferrule holding portion than when the second housing is in the approaching position, and the axis of the second ferrule holding portion is offset from the axis of the first ferrule holding portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the first ferrule holding portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the optical adapter described herein, it is possible to reduce the amount of optical attenuation of the optical signal due to connection loss when adjusting the intensity of the optical signal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the optical adapter according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the connector in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the first housing. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the first housing in plane A of Figure 3, taken from direction IV. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the first housing in plane A of Figure 3, taken from the direction of V. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the second housing as seen from the positive Z-axis direction. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the second housing as seen from the negative Z-axis direction. [Figure 8]This is a system configuration diagram of the optical adapter 1 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the optical adapter in the XY plane when the second housing of Embodiment 1 is in an approaching position. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view showing the XY plane of the optical adapter when the second housing of Embodiment 1 is in a separated position. [Figure 11] Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of the tips of optical fibers in close proximity. [Figure 12] Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of the tips of optical fibers at spaced-apart positions. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the optical adapter 1 according to Embodiment 1. The optical adapter 1 is a device that optically connects a first connector 120a attached to the end of a first optical cable 110a and a second connector 120b attached to the end of a second optical cable 110b. Figure 1 shows the state in which the first connector 120a and the second connector 120b are optically connected to the optical adapter 1.

[0010] The optical adapter 1 has an axis. The direction of the axis of the optical adapter 1 is defined as the X-axis direction of the optical adapter 1. The optical adapter 1 has three orthogonal axes: the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Therefore, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other.

[0011] In Figure 1, the optical adapter 1 is positioned such that its X-axis direction coincides with the left-right direction in Figure 1, and its Z-axis direction coincides with the up-down direction in Figure 1. In Figure 1, the Y-axis direction of the optical adapter 1 coincides with the direction from the back to the front in Figure 1.

[0012] In FIG. 1, the direction from left to right coincides with the positive direction of the X-axis, the direction from bottom to top coincides with the positive direction of the Z-axis, and the direction from the back side to the front side coincides with the positive direction of the Y-axis.

[0013] In FIG. 1, a first connector 120a connected to a first optical cable 110a and a second connector 120b connected to a second optical cable 110b are connected via an optical adapter 1. That is, the first optical cable 110a and the second optical cable 110b are optically connected by the first connector 120a, the second connector 120b, and the optical adapter 1. Thereby, the light that has passed through the first optical cable 110a is sent to the second optical cable 110b.

[0014] The light from the first optical cable 110a passes through the first connector 120a, the optical adapter 1, and the second connector 120b in this order and is sent to the second optical cable 110b. The light passing through each of the first connector 120a, the optical adapter 1, and the second connector 120b travels in the X-axis direction.

[0015] [[ID=II]] The optical adapter 1 includes a first housing 10, a second housing 20, a drive mechanism 30, a moving mechanism 40, and a light attenuation amount display unit 50. The first housing 10 has a first housing main body 11. The first housing main body 11 is a hollow prism member. Openings are formed at both ends of the first housing main body 11 in the X-axis direction.

[0016] One opening of the first housing main body 11 is a first connector insertion port 12. The first connector 120a is inserted into the first connector insertion port 12. The other opening of the first housing main body 11 is a second housing insertion port 13.

[0017] A pair of first housing protrusions 15 are formed on the outer circumference of the second housing insertion opening 13. The first housing protrusions 15 are formed on two surfaces of the first housing 10 that are oriented in the Z-axis direction. Each of the pair of first housing protrusions 15 protrudes outward from the first housing body 11 along the Z-axis direction.

[0018] The pair of first housing protrusions 15 are mounting parts for attaching the optical adapter 1 to a mounting target such as a circuit board or housing. A well-known method can be used to attach the first housing protrusions 15 to the mounting target. For example, through holes can be formed in the first housing protrusions 15, and the first housing protrusions 15 and the mounting target can be fastened with screws.

[0019] The second housing 20 has a second housing body 21. The second housing body 21 is a hollow rectangular prism member. Openings are formed at both ends of the second housing body 21 in the X-axis direction. One end of the second housing body 21 is inserted into the second housing insertion port 13. The second housing body 21 is supported by the first housing body 11.

[0020] The opening formed at the other end of the second housing body 21 is the second connector insertion port 23. The second connector 120b is inserted into the second connector insertion port 23.

[0021] The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are connected via a moving mechanism 40 so as to be able to move relative to each other. The moving mechanism 40 makes the second housing 20 movable relative to the first housing 10. The moving mechanism 40 will be described later.

[0022] The drive mechanism 30 includes a transmission unit 31 and a knob 32, which is an operating part exposed from the first housing 10. The knob 32 is supported by the transmission unit 31. The end of the knob 32 protrudes to the outside of the first housing body 11.

[0023] The light attenuation display unit 50 is provided on the first housing body 11. The light attenuation display unit 50 has a display surface 51. The display surface 51 is exposed on the surface of the first housing body 11.

[0024] The configuration of the first optical cable 110a is the same as that of the second optical cable 110b. The configuration of the first connector 120a is the same as that of the second connector 120b. Therefore, in this embodiment, the configurations of the first optical cable 110a and the second optical cable 110b are described together as the configuration of optical cable 110, and the configurations of the first connector 120a and the second connector 120b are described together as the configuration of connector 120.

[0025] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if it is necessary to distinguish and identify each element included in the first optical cable 110a from each element included in the second optical cable 110b, the prefix "1st" or "2nd" is added before the name of the element. In addition, the letter "a" or "b" is added to the reference numeral of the element. Similarly, if it is necessary to distinguish and identify each element included in the first connector 120a from each element included in the second connector 120b, the prefix "1st" or "2nd" is added before the name of the element, and the letter "a" or "b" is added to the reference numeral of the element.

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the connector 120 in Figure 1. The left side of Figure 2 is a front view showing the optical cable 110 and connector 120 connected. The right side of Figure 2 is a view of the tip of connector 120.

[0027] The optical cable 110 consists of an optical fiber 111 and a covering layer 115 that surrounds the optical fiber 111. The optical fiber 111 is located at the axial center of the optical cable 110. When the optical cable 110 and the connector 120 are connected, the covering layer 115 at the end of the optical cable 110 is stripped off.

[0028] The basic structure of the optical fiber 111 is such that a high refractive index optical fiber core 113 is covered by an optical fiber cladding 114 with a low refractive index, confining the light to the optical fiber core 113 for propagation.

[0029] Specifically, the optical fiber 111 has a linear optical fiber core portion 113 and an optical fiber cladding portion 114. The optical fiber cladding portion 114 covers the outer circumference of the optical fiber core portion 113. The refractive index of the optical fiber core portion 113 is higher than that of the optical fiber cladding portion 114.

[0030] The connector 120 comprises a connector body 121, a ferrule 122, and an optical fiber fixing portion 124. The connector body 121 is a hollow member with an axis.

[0031] The connector body 121 has a connector connecting portion 125 formed thereon for connecting the connector 120 to other devices such as the optical adapter 1. A well-known configuration can be used for the connector connecting portion 125. In this embodiment, the connector connecting portion 125 is provided as a pair of elastically deformable protrusions on the outer circumference of the connector body 121. By engaging the protrusions with other devices such as the optical adapter 1, the connector 120 and the other devices are connected.

[0032] The ferrule 122 is a cylindrical member having an axis. The ferrule 122 is supported inside the connector body 121 such that the axis of the ferrule 122 is aligned with the axis of the connector body 121. The ferrule 122 protrudes from the connector body 121.

[0033] The end face of the tip of the ferrule 122 protruding from the connector body 121 is the ferrule tip face 123. The ferrule 122 has an optical fiber insertion hole 126 that penetrates along the axis of the ferrule 122.

[0034] The optical fiber fixing section 124 is supported inside the connector body 121. In this embodiment, the optical fiber fixing section 124 has a clamping mechanism for clamping and fixing the optical fiber 111. Note that the optical fiber fixing section 124 is not limited to a clamping mechanism; any well-known mechanism capable of fixing the optical fiber 111 can be used.

[0035] The end of the optical cable 110 is fixed to the optical fiber fixing part 124 with the exposed optical fiber 111, whose coating layer 115 has been stripped off, inserted into the optical fiber insertion hole 126 of the ferrule 122.

[0036] The tip surface 112 of the optical fiber 111 is exposed to the ferrule tip surface 123 of the ferrule 122. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the tip surface 112 of the optical fiber 111 and the ferrule tip surface 123 are on the same plane. However, this is not the only possible configuration.

[0037] The connector 120 further includes an optical cable fixing portion (not shown) for securing the optical cable 110.

[0038] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the first housing 10 in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first housing 10 in plane A of Figure 3, viewed from direction IV. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first housing 10 in plane A of Figure 3, viewed from direction V.

[0039] The first housing 10 further includes a first ferrule retaining portion 14. The first ferrule retaining portion 14 is fixed in the internal space of the first housing body 11. The first ferrule retaining portion 14 has an axis.

[0040] The first ferrule retaining portion 14 is a hollow cylindrical member. The first ferrule retaining portion 14 is, for example, a split sleeve. The first ferrule retaining portion 14 is supported by the first housing body 11 such that its axis is aligned with the X-axis.

[0041] A first connector engagement portion 16 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the first connector insertion opening 12. The first connector engagement portion 16 is for connecting the optical adapter 1 and the first connector 120a. A well-known configuration can be used for the first connector engagement portion 16.

[0042] In this embodiment, a pair of recesses are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first housing body 11 as the first connector engagement portion 16. The projection, which is the first connector connecting portion 125a, engages with the recesses of the first connector engagement portion 16 by fitting into them, thereby connecting the optical adapter 1 and the first connector 120a.

[0043] A pair of straight rail grooves 17 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second housing insertion opening 13. The rail grooves 17 are formed on the inner surfaces of the first housing body 11 that face each other in the Z-axis direction. The rail grooves 17 are formed inclined with respect to the X and Y axes in the X-axis-Y-axis plane.

[0044] Each of the pair of rail grooves 17 is inclined equally with respect to the X and Y axes in the X-Y axis plane. As a result, the pair of rail grooves 17 are parallel to each other.

[0045] The stepped surface 18 is a surface formed inside the first housing body 11. The stepped surface 18 is formed to face the second housing body 21. The stepped surface 18 is formed along the direction in which the rail groove 17 extends.

[0046] The knob 32 is rotatable relative to the first housing 10. When the knob 32 is operated, it rotates relative to the first housing 10.

[0047] The transmission unit 31 includes a gear mechanism 33 that includes an output gear 34 that rotates in response to the operation of the knob 32, and a linear rack 35 that meshes with the output gear 34. The gear mechanism 33 is located inside the first housing 10.

[0048] The drive mechanism 30 can move the second housing 20 relative to the first housing 10 in response to the rotational movement of the knob 32. The rotational movement of the knob 32 is input to the transmission unit 31. The rotational movement input to the transmission unit 31 is transmitted to the rack 35 via the gear mechanism 33. The amount of rotation in the rotational movement of the knob 32 is reduced by the gear mechanism 33 and output to the output gear 34. The rack 35 will be described later.

[0049] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second housing 20 as seen from the positive Z-axis direction. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the second housing 20 as seen from the negative Z-axis direction.

[0050] The second housing 20 has a second ferrule retaining portion 24. The second ferrule retaining portion 24 is fixed in the space inside the second housing body 21. The second ferrule retaining portion 24 has an axis.

[0051] The second ferrule retaining portion 24 is a hollow cylindrical member. The second ferrule retaining portion 24 is, for example, a split sleeve. The second ferrule retaining portion 24 is supported by the second housing body 21 such that its axis is aligned with the X-axis.

[0052] Of the two ends of the second housing body 21, the opening formed at one end that is inserted into the first housing body 11 is the first housing side opening 22.

[0053] A second connector engagement portion 26 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second connector insertion opening 23. The second connector engagement portion 26 is for connecting the optical adapter 1 and the second connector 120b. A well-known configuration can be used for the second connector engagement portion 26.

[0054] In this embodiment, a pair of recesses are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second housing body 21 as the second connector engagement portion 26. The projection, which is the second connector connecting portion 125b, engages with the second connector engagement portion 26 by fitting into the recesses, thereby connecting the optical adapter 1 and the second connector 120b.

[0055] A pair of straight rails 27 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second housing body 21. The rails 27 are formed on the outer surfaces of the walls of the second housing body 21 that face each other in the Z-axis direction. The rails 27 are formed inclined with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis in the X-axis-Y-axis plane.

[0056] Each of the pair of rails 27 is inclined equally with respect to the X and Y axes in the X-Y axis plane. As a result, the pair of rails 27 are parallel to each other.

[0057] The second housing body 21 has a first housing side end face 28 formed thereon. The first housing side end face 28 is the surface facing the first housing 10. The first housing side end face 28 is formed along the direction in which the rail 27 extends.

[0058] The rack 35 is provided in the second housing 20. The rack 35 is located in the internal space of the second housing. The rack 35 is fixed to one of the two walls on which a pair of rails 27 are formed. The linear rack 35 is formed along the direction in which the rails 27 extend.

[0059] As shown in Figure 1, when the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are connected to each other, the ends of the second housing 20 with the opening 22 on the first housing side are inserted into the second housing insertion opening 13.

[0060] The moving mechanism 40 consists of a pair of rail grooves 17 and a pair of rails 27. A corresponding rail 27 is fitted into each of the pair of rail grooves 17.

[0061] The stepped surface 18 and the end face 28 on the first housing side are in contact with each other. The moving mechanism 40 makes the second housing 20 movable between an approaching position and a distanced position relative to the first housing 10. The second housing 20 moves between an approaching position and a distanced position relative to the first housing 10 by the rail groove 17 being guided by the rail 27. The approaching position and the distanced position will be explained later.

[0062] The first ferrule holder 14 holds the first ferrule 122a such that the axis of the first optical fiber 111a, inserted into the first optical fiber insertion hole 126a of the first ferrule 122a, is parallel to the X-axis of the optical adapter 1, i.e., the axis of the optical adapter 1. Similarly, the second ferrule holder 24 holds the second ferrule 122b such that the axis of the second optical fiber 111b, inserted into the second optical fiber insertion hole 126b of the second ferrule 122b, is parallel to the X-axis of the optical adapter 1, i.e., the axis of the optical adapter 1.

[0063] Figure 8 is a system configuration diagram of the optical adapter 1 according to Embodiment 1. The drive mechanism 30 further includes a rotation detector 36. The rotation detector 36 can detect the amount of rotation in the rotational operation of the knob 32. In this embodiment, the rotation detector 36 is provided in the first housing 10. The rotation detector 36 is, for example, an encoder.

[0064] The optical adapter 1 further includes an optical attenuation calculation unit 60. The optical attenuation calculation unit 60 has a calculation unit 61 and a storage unit 62. The optical attenuation calculation unit 60 calculates the optical attenuation based on the operation of the knob 32. The optical attenuation calculation unit 60 is supported inside the first housing body 11. The storage unit 62 has pre-stored data on the optical attenuation based on the amount of movement of the second housing 20.

[0065] The amount of rotation of the knob 32 detected by the rotation detector 36 is input to the optical attenuation calculation unit 60. The calculation unit 61 calculates the amount of movement of the second housing 20 relative to the first housing 10 based on the input amount of rotation. The calculation unit 61 calculates the optical attenuation based on the calculated amount of movement and the data stored in the storage unit 62. The calculated optical attenuation is displayed on the display surface 51 of the optical attenuation display unit 50.

[0066] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the optical adapter 1 in the XY plane when the second housing 20 of Embodiment 1 is in a close position. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the optical adapter 1 in the XY plane when the second housing 20 of Embodiment 1 is in a spaced-out position.

[0067] Figures 9 and 10 show the optical adapter 1 with the connector 120 not connected. Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of the tips of the optical fibers 111 in the close position shown in Figure 9. Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of the tips of the optical fibers 111 in the spaced-out position shown in Figure 10.

[0068] The second housing 20 is movable between an approaching position and a distanced position relative to the first housing 10. When the second housing 20 is in the approaching position, the first end surface 112a of the first optical fiber 111a of the first optical cable 110a and the second end surface 112b of the second optical fiber 111b of the second optical cable 110b are in contact.

[0069] At this time, the axes of the first optical fiber 111a and the second optical fiber 111b lie on the same straight line and are on the X-axis of the optical adapter 1. That is, the axis of the second ferrule holder 24 coincides with the axis of the first ferrule holder 14.

[0070] When the second housing 20 is in a separated position, there is a gap of distance LX in the X-axis direction between the first end surface 112a and the second end surface 112b. Also, when the second housing 20 is in a separated position, the axes of the first optical fiber 111a and the second optical fiber 111b are separated by a distance LY in the Y-axis direction. The axes of the first optical fiber 111a and the second optical fiber 111b are not on the same straight line.

[0071] In other words, when the second housing 20 is in a separated position, the second ferrule retainer 24 is further away from the first ferrule retainer 14 in a direction along the axis of the first ferrule retainer 14 than when the second housing 20 is in a close position. Furthermore, the axis of the second ferrule retainer 24 is offset from the axis of the first ferrule retainer 14 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the first ferrule retainer 14.

[0072] Next, a method for adjusting the intensity of the optical signal using the optical adapter 1 will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the connectors 120 attached to the ends of the optical cables 110 are connected via the optical adapter 1. This connects the pair of optical cables 110 optically.

[0073] The operator can adjust the intensity of the optical signal using the connection point of the pair of optical cables 110. The operator applies a rotational motion to the knob 32 to adjust the intensity of the optical signal at the connection point of the pair of optical cables 110. By applying a rotational motion to the knob 32, the operator can move the second housing 20 to any position from an approaching position to a separated position. When the operator rotates the knob 32, the drive mechanism 30 functions and the output gear 34 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the knob 32.

[0074] The second housing 20 moves together with the rack 35 relative to the first housing 10 by the rotation of the output gear 34. Because the output gear 34 and the rack 35 are meshed, the rotational motion of the output gear 34 causes the second housing 20 to move relative to the first housing 10 along the direction in which the rack 35 extends.

[0075] Since each of the pair of rails 27 is fitted into the corresponding rail groove 17, the second housing 20 moves along the rail groove 17. That is, the second housing 20 moves relative to the first housing 10 as the rail groove 17 corresponding to each of the pair of rails 27 is guided. The second housing 20 moves while maintaining contact between the stepped surface 18 and the end surface 28 on the first housing side.

[0076] The drive mechanism 30 moves the second housing 20 between an approaching position and a distanced position relative to the first housing 10. The transmission unit 31 moves the second housing 20 relative to the first housing 10 in accordance with the operation of the knob 32.

[0077] While the axis of the second housing 20 remains parallel to the X-axis, the second housing 20 moves in the XY plane in a direction inclined with respect to the X-axis by the moving mechanism 40. The second ferrule holding portion 24 also moves in parallel with the second housing body 21 in a direction inclined with respect to the X-axis.

[0078] The second optical fiber 111b, inserted into the second optical fiber insertion hole 126b, moves in a direction inclined with respect to the X-axis while maintaining the axis of the second optical fiber 111b parallel to the X-axis of the optical adapter 1. That is, the direction in which the second housing 20 moves between the approaching position and the separated position is inclined with respect to the axis of the first ferrule holding portion 14.

[0079] The second end surface 112b of the second optical fiber 111b of the second optical cable 110b can be in any state between contact with the first end surface 112a of the first optical fiber 111a of the first optical cable 110a and being separated at an oblique angle. That is, the operator can linearly change the distance between the first end surface 112a and the second end surface 112b using the drive mechanism 30 and the movement mechanism 40.

[0080] Based on the change in distance between the first tip surface 112a and the second tip surface 112b, spatial loss occurs between the first tip surface 112a, the second tip surface 112b, and the connection point. By applying an arbitrary rotational movement to the knob 32, the operator can arbitrarily change the spatial loss generated at the connection point. Therefore, the operator can use the changed spatial loss to arbitrarily set the amount of optical attenuation when the first optical fiber 111a and the second optical fiber 111b are optically connected.

[0081] The optical attenuation calculation unit 60 calculates the optical attenuation at the connection point between the first optical fiber 111a and the second optical fiber 111b based on the amount of rotation of the knob 32 applied by the operator. The calculated optical attenuation is displayed on the display surface 51. The operator can confirm the optical attenuation at the optical connection point between the first optical fiber 111a and the second optical fiber 111b by looking at the optical attenuation displayed on the display surface 51.

[0082] According to the optical adapter 1 of Embodiment 1, a movement mechanism 40 is provided to allow the second housing 20 to move between an approaching position and a distanced position relative to the first housing 10. The direction in which the second housing 20 moves between the approaching position and the distanced position is inclined with respect to the axis of the first ferrule holding portion 14. When the second housing 20 is in the approaching position, the axis of the second ferrule holding portion 24 coincides with the axis of the first ferrule holding portion 14. When the second housing 20 is in the distanced position, the second ferrule holding portion 24 is further away from the first ferrule holding portion 14 in a direction along the axis of the first ferrule holding portion 14 than when the second housing 20 is in the approaching position. Furthermore, when the second housing 20 is in the distanced position, the axis of the second ferrule holding portion 24 is offset from the axis of the first ferrule holding portion 14 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the first ferrule holding portion 14. This allows the amount of optical attenuation to be adjusted at the connection point between the first connector 120a held in the first housing 10 and the second connector 120b held in the second housing 20. Therefore, the number of optical signal connections can be reduced compared to when using an optical attenuator. Thus, the amount of optical attenuation of the optical signal due to connection loss can be reduced when adjusting the intensity of the optical signal. In addition, since there is only one connection point for the optical cable 110, more stable communication quality can be ensured.

[0083] Furthermore, it becomes unnecessary to connect an optical attenuator between the first connector 120a and the second connector 120b. Therefore, the installation space required can be reduced compared to when an optical attenuator is used. In particular, when adjusting the intensity of light in multiple optical signal lines, the constraints of installation space can be avoided.

[0084] Furthermore, at the connection point between the first optical fiber 111a and the second optical fiber 111b, light that has passed through the first optical fiber core 113a strikes the second optical fiber core 113b and the second optical fiber cladding 114b on the second end surface 112b and is reflected. At this time, the level of reflected light when the light strikes the optical fiber cladding 114 is smaller than the level of reflected light when the light strikes the optical fiber core 113 and is reflected. Therefore, the level of reflected light when the light strikes the second optical fiber core 113b and is reflected is smaller than the level of reflected light when all the light strikes the second optical fiber core 113b and is reflected. Thus, the level of reflected light from the end surface 112 of the optical fiber 111 can be suppressed.

[0085] According to the optical adapter 1 of Embodiment 1, the second housing 20 is equipped with a moving mechanism 40 that allows it to move between a position close to the first housing 10 and a position far from it. This makes it possible to replace the conventional combination of optical adapter and optical attenuator with the optical adapter 1. Therefore, existing optical cables can be used as they are.

[0086] The optical adapter 1 of Embodiment 1 further includes a drive mechanism 30. The drive mechanism 30 includes a knob 32, which is an operating part exposed from the first housing 10, and a transmission part 31 that moves the second housing 20 relative to the first housing 10 in accordance with the operation of the knob 32. This allows the operator to arbitrarily change the spatial loss between the first optical fiber 111a and the second optical fiber 111b. Therefore, the operator can arbitrarily set the amount of optical attenuation when the first optical fiber 111a and the second optical fiber 111b are optically connected, based on the arbitrarily changed spatial loss.

[0087] According to the optical adapter 1 of Embodiment 1, the transmission unit 31 includes a gear mechanism 33 that includes an output gear 34 that rotates in accordance with the operation of a knob 32 which is an operating unit, and a linear rack 35 that meshes with the output gear 34. The gear mechanism 33 is provided in the first housing 10, and the rack 35 is provided in the second housing 20. The second housing 20 moves together with the rack 35 relative to the first housing 10 due to the rotation of the output gear 34. As a result, the amount of movement of the second housing 20 relative to the first housing 10 in relation to the amount of operation of the knob 32 can be appropriately set by setting the number of teeth of the gear mechanism 33 and the rack 35. Therefore, the amount of movement of the second housing 20 relative to the first housing 10 can be made minute. Thus, minute adjustments to the amount of optical attenuation at the connection part become possible.

[0088] Furthermore, as the second housing 20 moves along the linear rack 35 relative to the first housing 10, the distance between the first end face 112a of the first optical fiber 111a and the second end face 112b of the second optical fiber 111b changes linearly. Consequently, the spatial loss at the connection point between the first end face 112a of the first optical fiber 111a and the second end face 112b of the second optical fiber 111b also changes linearly, and the optical attenuation also changes linearly. Therefore, the optical attenuation can be easily adjusted.

[0089] In the optical adapter 1 of the first embodiment, the operation of the knob 32, which is the operating part, is a rotational movement relative to the first housing 10, and the transmission unit 31 moves the second housing 20 relative to the first housing 10 in accordance with the rotation of the knob 32. This makes it possible to reduce the space required for the operation of the operating part. Therefore, the optical adapter 1 can be made smaller.

[0090] The optical adapter 1 of Embodiment 1 further includes an optical attenuation calculation unit 60 that calculates the optical attenuation amount based on the operation of a knob 32 which is an operating unit, and an optical attenuation amount display unit 50 that displays the optical attenuation amount calculated by the optical attenuation calculation unit 60. This allows the operator to check the current optical attenuation amount. Therefore, the operator does not need to use other measuring instruments. Thus, the amount of equipment required for the work can be reduced. In addition, the operator can adjust the optical attenuation amount on-site to achieve the target optical attenuation amount. Therefore, adjustment of the optical attenuation amount can be easily performed during on-site work.

[0091] According to the optical adapter 1 of Embodiment 1, the moving mechanism 40 has a rail 27 and a rail groove 17 fitted into the rail 27. Furthermore, one of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 is provided with the rail 27, and the other is provided with the rail groove 17. The second housing 20 moves between an approaching position and a distanced position relative to the first housing 10 by being guided by the rail groove 17 on the rail 27. This allows for highly precise movement of the second housing 20 relative to the first housing 10 along the moving mechanism 40. Furthermore, movement along the moving mechanism 40 ensures highly accurate repeatability. Therefore, a highly accurate optical attenuation can be set in the optical adapter 1.

[0092] According to the optical adapter 1 of Embodiment 1, the first housing 10 has a first housing body 11, and the first housing body 11 has a stepped surface 18 formed thereon. The second housing 20 has a second housing body 21, and the second housing body 21 has a first housing side end face 28 formed thereon. The stepped surface 18 and the first housing side end face 28 are in contact with each other, and the second housing 20 moves relative to the first housing 10 while maintaining this contact between the stepped surface 18 and the first housing side end face 28. As a result, no gap is created between the first housing body 11 and the second housing body 21. Therefore, the incidence of external light into the optical adapter 1 can be blocked. Thus, an optically stable connection can be provided between the first optical cable 110a and the second optical cable 110b.

[0093] In Embodiment 1, the knob 32 protrudes from the surface of the first housing body 11. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the top of the operating part may be placed on the same plane as the surface of the first housing body 11. The top of the operating part can have a hexagonal hole that can engage with a hex wrench, or a shape that can engage with the tip of a screwdriver. This reduces the space occupied by the operating part. Consequently, the optical adapter 1 can be made smaller.

[0094] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1, the drive mechanism 30 is composed of a mechanical gear mechanism 33 and a rack 35. However, it is not limited to this. For example, an electrical element such as a piezoelectric element may be used as the drive source.

[0095] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1, the amount of light attenuation is electrically calculated by the light attenuation calculation unit 60 and electrically displayed on the light attenuation display unit 50. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the light attenuation display unit 50 may be configured to have a light attenuation scale and an indicator needle that points to a value on the light attenuation scale. Alternatively, the indicator needle may be configured to move according to the amount of rotation of the knob 32 by a well-known mechanical structure, so that the indicator needle points to a value on the light attenuation scale corresponding to the amount of rotation of the knob 32.

[0096] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1, a pair of rail grooves 17 are formed in the first housing 10 and a pair of rails 27 are formed in the second housing 20. However, it is not limited to this. For example, a pair of rail grooves 17 may be formed in the second housing 20 and a pair of rails 27 may be formed in the first housing 10.

[0097] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1, the first housing 10 is provided with a knob 32 and a gear mechanism 33, and the second housing 20 is provided with a rack 35. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the second housing 20 may be provided with a knob 32 and a gear mechanism 33, and the first housing 10 may be provided with a rack 35.

[0098] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1, the two connectors 120 connected to the optical adapter 1 are of the same type. However, this is not the only option. For example, different types of connectors may be connected to the optical adapter 1. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 1 Optical adapter, 10 First housing, 11 First housing body, 12 First connector insertion port, 13 Second housing insertion port, 14 First ferrule retaining part, 15 First housing protrusion, 16 First connector engagement part, 17 Rail groove, 18 Stepped surface, 20 Second housing, 21 Second housing body, 22 First housing side opening, 23 Second connector insertion port, 24 Second ferrule retaining part, 26 Second connector engagement part, 27 Rail, 28 First housing side end face, 30 Drive mechanism, 31 Transmission part, 32 Knob (operating part), 33 Gear mechanism, 34 Output gear, 35 Rack, 36 Rotation detector, 40 Movement mechanism, 50 Optical attenuation amount display part, 51 Display surface, 60 Optical attenuation amount calculation part, 61 Calculation unit, 62 Memory unit, 110 Optical cable, 110a First optical cable, 110b 111 Optical fiber, 111a First optical fiber, 111b Second optical fiber, 112 End face, 112a First end face, 112b Second end face, 113 Optical fiber core, 113a First optical fiber core, 113b Second optical fiber core, 114 Optical fiber cladding, 114a First optical fiber cladding, 114b Second optical fiber cladding, 115 Coating layer, 120 Connector, 120a First connector, 120b Second connector, 121 Connector body, 122 Ferrule, 122a First ferrule, 122b Second ferrule, 123 Ferrule end face, 124 Optical fiber fixing part, 125 Connector connection part, 126 Optical fiber insertion hole, 126a First optical fiber insertion hole, 126b Second optical fiber insertion hole.

Claims

1. A first housing having a first ferrule holding portion that holds the first ferrule of the first connector, A second housing having a second ferrule holding portion that holds the second ferrule of the second connector, A moving mechanism that allows the second housing to move between an approaching position and a separation position relative to the first housing, Equipped with, The direction in which the second housing moves between the approaching position and the separated position is inclined with respect to the axis of the first ferrule holding portion. When the second housing is in the approach position, the axis of the second ferrule retainer coincides with the axis of the first ferrule retainer and lies along the X-axis, which is a single axis. When the second housing is in the separated position, the second ferrule retainer is further away from the first ferrule retainer in the direction along the axis of the first ferrule retainer than when the second housing is in the approached position, and the axis of the second ferrule retainer is offset from the axis of the first ferrule retainer in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the first ferrule retainer. The second housing moves in the inclined direction while maintaining a state in which the axis of the second housing is parallel to the X-axis, and the second ferrule holding portion also moves in parallel to the inclined direction with respect to the X-axis together with the second housing body of the second housing. The inclined direction in which the second housing moves while maintaining a state parallel to the X-axis, and the inclined direction in which the second ferrule holding portion moves parallel to the X-axis, are equal to the inclined direction with respect to the axis of the first ferrule holding portion, which is the direction in which the second housing moves between the approaching position and the separating position. Optical adapter.

2. It is further equipped with a drive mechanism, The drive mechanism includes an operating part exposed from the first housing and a transmission part that moves the second housing relative to the first housing in accordance with the operation of the operating part. The optical adapter according to claim 1.

3. The transmission unit includes a gear mechanism that includes an output gear that rotates in accordance with the operation of the operating unit, and a linear rack that meshes with the output gear. The gear mechanism is provided in the first housing, The rack is provided in the second housing, The second housing moves integrally with the rack relative to the first housing due to the rotation of the output gear. The optical adapter according to claim 2.

4. A first housing having a first ferrule holding portion that holds the first ferrule of the first connector, A second housing having a second ferrule holding portion that holds the second ferrule of the second connector, A moving mechanism that allows the second housing to move between an approaching position and a separation position relative to the first housing, The drive mechanism, Equipped with, The direction in which the second housing moves between the approaching position and the separated position is inclined with respect to the axis of the first ferrule holding portion. When the second housing is in the approach position, the axis of the second ferrule retaining portion coincides with the axis of the first ferrule retaining portion. When the second housing is in the separated position, the second ferrule retainer is further away from the first ferrule retainer in the direction along the axis of the first ferrule retainer than when the second housing is in the approached position, and the axis of the second ferrule retainer is offset from the axis of the first ferrule retainer in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the first ferrule retainer. The drive mechanism includes an operating part exposed from the first housing and a transmission part that moves the second housing relative to the first housing in accordance with the operation of the operating part. The transmission unit includes a gear mechanism that includes an output gear that rotates in accordance with the operation of the operating unit, and a linear rack that meshes with the output gear. The gear mechanism is provided in the first housing, The rack is provided in the second housing, The second housing moves integrally with the rack relative to the first housing due to the rotation of the output gear. Optical adapter.

5. The operation of the operating unit is a rotational movement relative to the first housing, The transmission unit moves the second housing relative to the first housing in accordance with the rotation of the operating unit. The optical adapter according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. A light attenuation calculation unit calculates the amount of light attenuation based on the operation of the aforementioned operating unit, A light attenuation amount display unit that displays the light attenuation amount calculated by the light attenuation amount calculation unit, It also has The optical adapter according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. A first housing having a first ferrule holding portion that holds the first ferrule of the first connector, A second housing having a second ferrule holding portion that holds the second ferrule of the second connector, A moving mechanism that allows the second housing to move between an approaching position and a separation position relative to the first housing, The drive mechanism, Equipped with, The direction in which the second housing moves between the approaching position and the separated position is inclined with respect to the axis of the first ferrule holding portion. When the second housing is in the approach position, the axis of the second ferrule retaining portion coincides with the axis of the first ferrule retaining portion. When the second housing is in the separated position, the second ferrule retainer is further away from the first ferrule retainer in the direction along the axis of the first ferrule retainer than when the second housing is in the approached position, and the axis of the second ferrule retainer is offset from the axis of the first ferrule retainer in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the first ferrule retainer. The drive mechanism includes an operating part exposed from the first housing and a transmission part that moves the second housing relative to the first housing in accordance with the operation of the operating part. A light attenuation calculation unit calculates the amount of light attenuation based on the operation of the aforementioned operating unit, A light attenuation amount display unit that displays the light attenuation amount calculated by the light attenuation amount calculation unit, It also has Optical adapter.

8. The aforementioned moving mechanism has a rail and a groove fitted into the rail, Of the first housing and the second housing, one is provided with the rail, and the other is provided with the groove. The second housing moves between the approach position and the separation position relative to the first housing as the groove is guided by the rail. The optical adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A first housing having a first ferrule holding portion that holds the first ferrule of the first connector, A second housing having a second ferrule holding portion that holds the second ferrule of the second connector, A moving mechanism that allows the second housing to move between an approaching position and a separation position relative to the first housing, Equipped with, The direction in which the second housing moves between the approaching position and the separated position is inclined with respect to the axis of the first ferrule holding portion. When the second housing is in the approach position, the axis of the second ferrule retaining portion coincides with the axis of the first ferrule retaining portion. When the second housing is in the separated position, the second ferrule retainer is further away from the first ferrule retainer in the direction along the axis of the first ferrule retainer than when the second housing is in the approached position, and the axis of the second ferrule retainer is offset from the axis of the first ferrule retainer in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the first ferrule retainer. The aforementioned moving mechanism has a rail and a groove fitted into the rail, Of the first housing and the second housing, one is provided with the rail, and the other is provided with the groove. The second housing moves between the approach position and the separation position relative to the first housing as the groove is guided by the rail. Optical adapter.

10. The first housing has a first housing body, and the first housing body has a stepped surface formed thereon. The second housing has a second housing body, and the second housing body has a first housing side end face formed thereon. The stepped surface and the first housing side end surface are in contact with each other. While the stepped surface and the end face of the first housing remain in contact with each other, the second housing moves relative to the first housing. The optical adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A first housing having a first ferrule holding portion that holds the first ferrule of the first connector, A second housing having a second ferrule holding portion that holds the second ferrule of the second connector, A moving mechanism that allows the second housing to move between an approaching position and a separation position relative to the first housing, Equipped with, The direction in which the second housing moves between the approaching position and the separated position is inclined with respect to the axis of the first ferrule holding portion. When the second housing is in the approach position, the axis of the second ferrule retaining portion coincides with the axis of the first ferrule retaining portion. When the second housing is in the separated position, the second ferrule retainer is further away from the first ferrule retainer in the direction along the axis of the first ferrule retainer than when the second housing is in the approached position, and the axis of the second ferrule retainer is offset from the axis of the first ferrule retainer in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the first ferrule retainer. The first housing has a first housing body, and the first housing body has a stepped surface formed thereon. The second housing has a second housing body, and the second housing body has a first housing side end face formed thereon. The stepped surface and the first housing side end surface are in contact with each other. While the stepped surface and the end face of the first housing remain in contact with each other, the second housing moves relative to the first housing. Optical adapter.

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