Cable with connector

Abstract

A connector-equipped cable (1) comprises: a plurality of multi-core optical fibers (10); and a plurality of connectors (20) that are attached to one end of the plurality of multi-core optical fibers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cable with a connector. This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2020-217223 filed on December 25, 2020, and incorporates all the descriptions described in the above Japanese application.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an optical cable pulling tool used for pulling and laying a cable with a connector. The optical cable pulling tool of Patent Document 1 houses a plurality of optical connectors that terminate the respective ends of a plurality of optical fiber tips so that they can be connected to connectors. Therefore, after pulling and laying an optical cable in a duct, it is easy to perform connection work with other optical fibers or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The cable with a connector of the present disclosure includes a plurality of multi-core optical fibers and a plurality of connectors attached to one end of the plurality of multi-core optical fibers.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a plan view of a cable with a connector according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a plan view of a cable with a connector according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber core wire of the cable with a connector shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which a traction tool is removed from one end of the cable with a connector shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a first modification of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a tip portion of a multi-connector included in the first modification of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a tip portion of a modification of a multi-connector. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a second modification of the cable with a connector of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] (Problems to be Solved by the Present Disclosure) In recent years, in order to increase the transmission capacity of cables, the demand for super-multi-core cables in which the number of cores of optical fibers per one optical fiber cable is 100 or more, or 1000 or more, has been increasing. Such super-multi-core cables have the following problems when pulled by the optical cable traction tool of Patent Document 1.

[0007] The optical cable traction tool of Patent Document 1 is used for a single-core optical fiber having one core per one optical fiber, and accommodates a plurality of connectors corresponding to one core. If the optical cable traction tool of Patent Document 1 is used for a super-multi-core cable, the number of connectors increases, and as a result, the entire optical cable traction tool becomes thick and long. Such an optical cable traction tool having excessively large dimensions is particularly difficult to pass through a bent duct, and cannot appropriately pull a super-multi-core cable.

[0008] / Therefore, the present disclosure provides a cable with a connector that is a super-multi-core cable and can be pulled by a small optical cable traction tool.

[0009] (Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure) First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. (1) A connectorized cable according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of multicore optical fibers and a plurality of connectors attached to one end of the plurality of multicore optical fibers.

[0010] According to the connector-equipped cable of this embodiment, it is not necessary to arrange a large number of connectors corresponding to each individual core; it is sufficient to arrange connectors according to the number of multi-core optical fibers. In other words, the number of connectors per cable can be reduced. Since the number of connectors that the optical cable traction device accommodates can be reduced, it is possible to realize an ultra-multi-core cable that can be tractioned even by a small optical cable traction device without reducing the number of cores per cable.

[0011] (2) The plurality of connectors are multi-fiber connectors, and the core density of each of the plurality of connectors is 2 cores / mm² 2 That's fine too. According to this embodiment, a connector-equipped cable with multiple multi-core optical fibers densely mounted can be realized. Note that if the connector-equipped cable includes a single-core optical fiber, a typical multi-core connector will have 2 cores / mm². 2 To achieve the above core density, the connector-equipped cable needs to have a multi-core connector that connects 36 optical fibers at once. However, multi-core connectors that connect 36 optical fibers at once are generally expensive, and it is difficult to guarantee the precision of the hole molding. Since the optical fiber cores included in the connector-equipped cable of this disclosure are multi-core optical fibers, it is possible to achieve 2 cores / mm without using a multi-core connector that connects 36 optical fibers at once. 2 This allows us to achieve the above core density.

[0012] (3) The connector cable of the present disclosure may further comprise an outer sheath that covers the plurality of multicore optical fibers together. The plurality of multicore optical fibers include a first multicore optical fiber and a second multicore optical fiber, and the plurality of connectors are attached to one end of the first multicore optical fiber. 1 piece And may include a connector attached to one end of the second multi-core optical fiber and the nipple. The length of the first multi-core optical fiber from one end of the jacket to the first connector and the length of the second multi-core optical fiber from the one end of the jacket to the second connector may be different from each other. <0000 / 128><{END}>According to this aspect, a plurality of connectors are not arranged at one location in the longitudinal direction of the cable with connectors. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the diameter of the optical fiber pulling tool from increasing. 本態様によれば、コネクタ付きケーブルの長手方向において一箇所に複数のコネクタが配置されることはない。したがって、光ファイバ牽引具の太径化を防ぐことができる。

[0013] (4) The cable with connectors of the present disclosure may further include a tensile strength body embedded in the jacket, or a tensile strength body covered by the jacket together with the plurality of multi-core optical fibers, a housing portion for housing the plurality of multi-core optical fibers and the plurality of connectors, a pulling portion provided at one end of the housing portion, and a pulling tool including a tensile strength body gripping portion connected to the pulling portion via a tension transmission member and gripping the tensile strength body. According to this aspect, the number of connectors can be reduced, and an increase in the diameter and length of the housing portion can be prevented. Further, the outer diameter of the cable with connectors and the jacket gripping portion can also be reduced in diameter. From the above, it is possible to realize a cable with connectors provided with an optical fiber pulling tool in which the housing portion and the jacket gripping portion are miniaturized.

[0014] (5) For the cable with connectors of the present disclosure, the maximum value ID of the inner diameter of the housing portion, the total number of cores N in the cable with connectors satisfy (ID MAX / 2) MAX × π / N < 0.25 [mm 2 . 2 According to this aspect, the number of connectors accommodated in the housing portion can be reduced, and the maximum value ID of the inner diameter of the housing portion can be made smaller. Further, the total number of cores N in the cable can be increased. From the above, this aspect is (ID MAX / 2) MAX × π / N < 0.25 [mm 2 2This makes it possible to realize a connector-equipped cable with a miniaturized optical fiber traction device that satisfies the relationship ].

[0015] (6) The maximum value of the inner diameter of the housing may be smaller than the outer diameter of the outer casing. According to this embodiment, a connector-equipped cable with a miniaturized optical fiber traction device can be realized.

[0016] (7) The cable with the connector may satisfy the relationship L / N < 0.4 [mm] between the length L of the housing portion in the longitudinal direction of the cable with the connector and the total number of cores N in the cable with the connector. According to this embodiment, the number of connectors housed in the housing can be reduced, and the length L of the housing can be reduced. In addition, the total number of cores N in the cable can be increased. Thus, this embodiment makes it possible to realize a connector-equipped cable with a miniaturized optical fiber traction device that satisfies the relationship L / N < 0.4 [mm]. If a single-core optical fiber is used in a connector-equipped cable, the length L of the housing becomes more than three times longer compared to when a multi-core optical fiber is used. Furthermore, if a single-core optical fiber is used in a connector-equipped cable, in order to reduce the number of connectors and reduce the length L of the housing, it is necessary to prepare expensive connectors such as multi-core connectors that connect 144 or 36 optical fibers at once as connectors for the connector-equipped cable. However, these multi-core connectors are generally expensive, and it is difficult to guarantee the accuracy of hole molding. According to this embodiment, the relationship L / N < 0.4 [mm] can be satisfied without using expensive multi-core connectors.

[0017] (8) The housing section may have a first housing section and a second housing section. The first housing section may house the plurality of multicore optical fibers in a bent state, and the second housing section may house the plurality of multicore optical fibers along the longitudinal direction of the cable with connectors. The second housing section may house the plurality of connectors. According to this embodiment, the excess length of the multicore optical fiber can be adjusted in the first housing section.

[0018] (9) In the connector-equipped cable of the present disclosure, a plurality of connectors may be grouped together in predetermined numbers to form at least one multi-cable connector. The connector-equipped cable in this embodiment facilitates connection to other connectors. Furthermore, it reduces the number of connection operations compared to connecting each multi-core connector to other connectors individually.

[0019] (10) The connector cable of the present disclosure wherein the at least one multi-connector includes a first multi-connector and a second multi-connector, and the length of the multicore optical fiber from one end of the sheath to the first multi-connector and the length of the multicore optical fiber from one end of the sheath to the second multi-connector may be different from each other. In this embodiment, the cable with connectors does not have multiple multi-connectors arranged at one location along the longitudinal direction of the cable. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the optical fiber traction device from becoming larger in diameter. (Effects of this disclosure)

[0020] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a multi-core cable with connectors that can be pulled by a small optical cable pulling device.

[0021] (Details of the first and second embodiments of this disclosure) A cable with a connector according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims as shown, and equivalents thereof.

[0022] Figure 1A is a plan view of a connector-equipped cable 1A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B is a plan view of a connector-equipped cable 1B according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, unless distinguished, connector-equipped cable 1A and connector-equipped cable 1B will be referred to as connector-equipped cable 1. Connector-equipped cable 1 comprises a plurality of optical fiber cores 10, a plurality of connectors 20, and an outer sheath 30 covering the plurality of optical fiber cores 10. Connector-equipped cable 1 may further comprise a tensile strength member 32 and a traction device 40 attached to one end of connector-equipped cable 1. Connector-equipped cable 1A is a slot-type cable in which a plurality of optical fiber cores 10 are mounted in slot grooves, and the tensile strength member 32 is covered by the outer sheath 30 together with the optical fiber cores 10. Connector-equipped cable 1B is a slotless type cable in which a plurality of optical fiber cores 10 are densely mounted within the outer sheath 30 without slots, and the tensile strength member 32 is embedded in the outer sheath 30. The outer diameter d of the outer sheath 30 is, for example, 50 mm.

[0023] Multiple optical fiber cores 10 protrude from one end 31 of the outer sheath 30 and are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the connector-equipped cable 1. Each optical fiber core has the same structure. Each optical fiber core 10 is a so-called multi-core optical fiber having multiple cores. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the glass fiber portion of one optical fiber core 10. The optical fiber core 10 is circular in radial cross-sectional view and has multiple cores 12 and a cladding 13 that surrounds the multiple cores 12 together. The main components of the cores 12 and cladding 13 in the optical fiber core 10 are quartz glass. The refractive index of the cladding 13 is lower than that of each core 12. The optical fiber core 10 may be configured to prevent optical signals from leaking from the cores 12 when the optical fiber core 10 is bent. For example, the optical fiber core 10 may have trenches between each core 12 and the cladding 13 with a refractive index lower than that of the cladding 13.

[0024] The optical fiber core 10 in this example has four cores 12, but the number of cores 12 is not limited to four. The optical fiber core 10 may have at least two cores 12, but it is preferable to have four or more cores 12. More preferably, the number of cores 12 is 8, 12, or 16. The outer diameter of the optical fiber core 10 in this example is, for example, 125 μm, and the diameter of each core 12 is, for example, 8 μm. Multiple optical fiber cores 10 may have the configuration of an intermittently connected ribbon fiber.

[0025] Let us return to the description of the connector-equipped cable 1 shown in Figures 1A and 1B. The multiple connectors 20 are connection terminals attached to one end 11 of each of the multiple optical fiber cores 10 along the longitudinal direction of the connector-equipped cable 1, and are so-called multi-fiber connectors configured to connect multiple optical fiber cores 10 to other terminals at once. That is, each connector 20 has multiple ferrules configured to hold multiple optical fiber cores 10, and one end 11 of a single optical fiber core 10 is held by one ferrule. In Figures 1A and 1B, the multiple connectors 20 include a first connector 20A, a second connector 20B, and a third connector 20C. The number of multiple connectors 20 is not limited.

[0026] A removable cap or retractable shutter may be provided at one end of each connector 20. The cap or retractable shutter is an example of a dustproof structure. The cap or retractable shutter may be configured to prevent damage to each connector 20. The cap or retractable shutter may be provided at one end of all connectors 20, or at one end of some connectors 20.

[0027] The length LA of the optical fiber core 10 from one end 31 of the outer sheath 30 to the first connector 20A and the length LB of the optical fiber core 10 from one end 31 of the outer sheath 30 to the second connector 20B are different from each other. The length LC of the optical fiber core 10 from one end 31 of the outer sheath 30 to the third connector 20C is different from both length LA and length LB. In other words, the multiple connectors 20 are arranged at a certain distance apart in the longitudinal direction of the connectorized cable 1 so that they are not concentrated in the same location.

[0028] In this example, the connector-equipped cable 1 has a core density of 2 cores / mm² at each connector 20. 2 The configuration is as described above. For example, each optical fiber core 10 has four cores 12, each connector 20 has eight multicore optical fibers, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the connector ferrule is 16 mm². 2 In this case, the core density in each connector 20 is 4 cores × 8 ÷ 16 mm 2 =2 cores / mm 2 Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connector ferrule is the maximum value of the cross-sectional area of ​​the connector ferrule perpendicular to the optical fiber.

[0029] The traction device 40 comprises a tip portion (traction portion) 41 provided at one end of the traction device 40 in the longitudinal direction of the connector-equipped cable 1, an outer sheath gripping portion 42 provided at the other end of the traction device 40, a housing portion 43 provided between the tip portion 41 and the outer sheath gripping portion 42, a tensile strength gripping portion 44, and a tension transmission member 45.

[0030] The tip portion 41 has a circular shape in a radial cross-sectional view and is configured to be pulled by a winding device such as a winch at its tip. An annular portion or hook for connecting to the winding device may be provided at the tip of the tip portion 41. The outer diameter of the tip portion 41 is set according to the pulling force of the winding device. The tip portion 41 is connected to the housing portion 43. Waterproof tape or dustproof tape may be provided between the tip portion 41 and the housing portion 43.

[0031] The outer sheath gripping portion 42 has a circular shape in a radial cross-sectional view and is configured to grip the outer sheath 30 of the connector-equipped cable 1. The outer sheath gripping portion 42 is connected to the housing portion 43. Waterproof tape or dustproof tape may be provided between the outer sheath gripping portion 42 and the outer sheath 30 of the connector-equipped cable 1, and between the outer sheath gripping portion 42 and the housing portion 43.

[0032] The tensile strength gripping section 44 is attached to the traction section 41 via a tension transmission member 45. The tensile strength gripping section 44 grips the tensile strength 32 exposed from the connector-equipped cable 1 and transmits the tension from the traction section 41 to the connector-equipped cable 1. Alternatively, the tensile strength 32 can be gripped by the sheath gripping section 42, and the sheath gripping section 42 can function as the tensile strength gripping section 44. In this case, the outer shell of the housing section 43 functions as the tension transmission member.

[0033] The housing section 43 has a circular shape in a radial cross-sectional view and is configured to accommodate multiple optical fiber cores 10 and multiple connectors 20 of the connector-equipped cable 1. Maximum value of the inner diameter of the housing section 43 ID MAX It is smaller than the outer diameter d of the outer casing 30.

[0034] Let N be the number of cores in the connector-equipped cable 1. More specifically, if n is the number of optical fiber cores 10 and c is the number of cores per optical fiber core, then the connector-equipped cable 1 has n × c = N cores. Maximum value ID of the inner diameter of the housing section 43. MAX (ID MAX / 2) 2 ×π / N<0.25[mm 2 The cable is configured to satisfy the following relationship: The length of the space in the housing section 43, which accommodates multiple optical fiber cores 10 and multiple connectors 20 in the longitudinal direction of the connector-equipped cable 1, is L. The length L of the housing section 43 is configured to satisfy the relationship L / N < 0.4 [mm].

[0035] Next, we will explain how to pull the cable 1 with the connector. When pulling the connector-equipped cable 1 into the duct, a pulling device 40 is attached to one end of the connector-equipped cable 1, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. The tip 41 of the pulling device 40 is connected to a winding machine such as a winch. When pulling the connector-equipped cable 1 including the pulling device 40, the winding machine is driven and the pulling force is transmitted to the tip 41. The load-bearing capacity of the connector-equipped cable 1 against the pulling tension is preferably 1000N or more. A load-bearing capacity of 2000N or more is more preferable. The pulling force is transmitted to the tensile strength body 32 of the connector-equipped cable 1, which is gripped by the tensile strength body gripping part 44, via the tension transmission member 45 and the tensile strength body gripping part 44. As a result, the connector-equipped cable 1 including the pulling device 40 is pulled inside the duct.

[0036] When the cable with connector 1 is pulled to the target location, the pulling device 40 is detached from one end of the cable with connector 1. Figure 3 is a plan view of the cable with connector 1 with the pulling device 40 detached. Some of the multiple optical fiber cores 10 and the multiple connectors 20 are exposed. The exposed multiple connectors 20 are connected to the connectors of another cable. For example, the cable with connector 1 is pulled to a closure. After pulling, the pulling device 40 is detached from one end of the cable with connector 1. The exposed parts of the multiple optical fiber cores 10 and the multiple connectors 20 may be connected to the connectors of another cable inside the closure. By repeating the pulling to the closure and connection to another cable in this way, the cable can be laid over a long distance.

[0037] As explained above, the connector-equipped cable 1 is equipped with a multi-core optical fiber core 10, which reduces the number of connectors compared to the case where a single-core fiber is used. In particular, the connector-equipped cable 1 does not need to have many single connectors corresponding to one core, but rather it only needs to have many connectors 20 corresponding to optical fiber cores 10 which have multiple cores 12. Since the number of connectors 20 housed in the housing section 43 of the traction device 40 is reduced, the traction device 40 can be made smaller. Therefore, a connector-equipped cable 1 that can be towed by a small traction device 40 can be realized without reducing the number of cores per cable.

[0038] The core density in each connector 20 is 2 cores / mm² 2 Therefore, a connector-equipped cable 1 with multiple optical fiber cores 10 densely mounted can be realized. If the connector-equipped cable 1 is equipped with a single optical fiber, then 2 cores / mm 2 To achieve the above core density, the connector-equipped cable 1 needs to have a multi-core connector that connects 36 optical fibers at once. However, multi-core connectors that connect 36 optical fibers at once are generally expensive, and it is difficult to ensure the molding accuracy of the holes that accommodate the ferrules. According to this disclosure, without using expensive multi-core connectors, 2 cores / mm 2 This allows us to achieve the above core density.

[0039] Since the length LA of the optical fiber core 10 from one end 31 of the outer sheath 30 to the first connector 20A and the length LB of the optical fiber core 10 from one end 31 of the outer sheath 30 to the second connector 20B are different, multiple connectors 20 are not concentrated in one place. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the housing portion 43 of the traction device 40 from becoming too large.

[0040] The housing section 43 of the traction device 40 accommodates multiple optical fiber cores 10, which are multicore optical fibers, and multiple connectors 20, which are multi-core connectors. Compared to the case where single-core fibers and single-core connectors are accommodated, the number of connectors 20 can be reduced, preventing the housing section 43 from becoming larger in diameter and longer. Furthermore, since each optical fiber core 10 is a multicore optical fiber, the outer diameter d of the connector-equipped cable 1 and the outer sheath gripping section 42 can also be made smaller. As a result, a connector-equipped cable 1 with a compact housing section 43 and outer sheath gripping section 42 can be realized.

[0041] Each optical fiber core 10 is a multi-core optical fiber. Therefore, the number of connectors 20 housed in the housing section 43 can be reduced, and the maximum value of the inner diameter ID of the housing section 43 is reduced. MAX This can reduce the size. Also, the total number of cores N in the cable can be increased. Therefore, (ID MAX / 2) 2 ×π / N<0.25[mm 2 A connector-equipped cable 1 with a miniaturized optical fiber traction device 40 that satisfies the relationship ] can be realized.

[0042] Maximum value ID of the inner diameter of the housing section 43 MAX Since it is smaller than the outer diameter d of the outer casing 30, the housing portion 43 of the traction device 40 can be made smaller.

[0043] Each optical fiber core 10 is a multi-core optical fiber. This reduces the number of connectors 20 housed in the housing section 43, thereby reducing the length L of the housing section 43. It also increases the total number of cores N in the cable. As a result, a connector-equipped cable 1 with a miniaturized optical fiber traction device 40 that satisfies the relationship L / N < 0.4 [mm] can be realized. If a single-core optical fiber were used in the connector-equipped cable 1, the length L of the housing section 43 would be more than three times longer compared to the case where a multi-core optical fiber is used. However, since the connector-equipped cable 1 satisfies the relationship L / N < 0.4 [mm], the housing section 43 of the traction device 40 can be miniaturized.

[0044] When single-core optical fibers are used in a connector-equipped cable, the connector-equipped cable needs to be an expensive connector such as a multi-core connector that connects 144 or 36 optical fibers at once. However, these multi-core connectors are generally expensive, and it is difficult to guarantee the precision of the hole molding. Since each optical fiber core 10 of the connector-equipped cable of this disclosure is a multi-core optical fiber, the relationship L / N < 0.4 [mm] can be satisfied without using an expensive multi-core connector.

[0045] (Variation 1) Figure 4 shows a modified example of a connector-equipped cable, specifically a connector-equipped cable 1C equipped with a multi-connector 50. In Figure 4, elements that are substantially the same as or corresponding to those illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. Furthermore, the multiple optical fiber cores 10 are shown in a simplified manner.

[0046] The connector-equipped cable 1C includes at least one multi-connector 50 that is connected to multiple optical fiber cores 10 and configured to connect multiple connectors 20 together. In this example, the connector-equipped cable 1C includes multiple multi-connectors 50. The multiple multi-connectors 50 include a first multi-connector 50A, a second multi-connector 50B, and a third multi-connector 50C. Each multi-connector 50 may be labeled to distinguish it from the other multi-connectors 50. The number of multiple multi-connectors 50 is not limited.

[0047] Each multi-connector 50 accommodates multiple connectors 20. In Figure 4, the first multi-connector 50A accommodates the first connector 20A, the second connector 20B, and the third connector 20C.

[0048] The length LD of the optical fiber core 10 from one end 31 of the outer sheath 30 to the first multi-connector 50A and the length LE of the optical fiber core 10 from one end 31 of the outer sheath 30 to the second multi-connector 50B are different from each other. The length LF of the optical fiber core 10 from one end 31 of the outer sheath 30 to the third multi-connector 50C is different from both length LD and length LE. In other words, the multiple multi-connectors 50 are arranged at a certain distance apart along the longitudinal direction of the connector-equipped cable 1C so that they are not concentrated in the same location.

[0049] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the tip of the first multi-connector 50A, viewed from the tip 41 toward the outer sheath gripping portion 42. Within the first multi-connector 50A, the first connector 20A, the second connector 20B, and the third connector 20C are arranged in a horizontal row in parallel. Each connector 20 is equipped with a pair of guide pins 21. Each optical fiber core 10 is held between the pair of guide pins 21 by a corresponding ferrule. Although each connector 20 within the first multi-connector 50A is arranged horizontally so that the pair of guide pins 21 are aligned on a single plane, the arrangement of each connector 20 is not limited to horizontal. Each connector 20 may be arranged vertically so that the pair of guide pins 21 are stacked on top of each other.

[0050] The arrangement of each connector 20 within the first multi-connector 50A may be in a single vertical row. Also, the number of connectors housed in each multi-connector 50 is not limited to three. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the tip of the first multi-connector 50A', a modified example, as viewed from the tip 41 toward the outer sheath gripping portion 42. The first multi-connector 50A' comprises a first connector 20A', a second connector 20B', a third connector 20C', a fourth connector 20D', a fifth connector 20E', a sixth connector 20F', a seventh connector 20G', an eighth connector 20H', and a ninth connector 20I'. Within the first multi-connector 50A', the first connector 20A', the second connector 20B', and the third connector 20C' are arranged in a single vertical row. Similarly, the fourth connector 20D', the fifth connector 20E', and the sixth connector 20F' are arranged in a single vertical row. The seventh connector 20G', the eighth connector 20H', and the ninth connector 20I' are arranged in a single vertical column. In other words, the first multi-connector 50A' houses the first connector 20A' through the ninth connector 20I' in a 3x3 arrangement.

[0051] As explained above, since the connector-equipped cable 1C is equipped with at least one multi-connector 50, connection work with other connectors is made easier. If the connector-equipped cable 1C were not equipped with a multi-connector, three connection operations would be required to connect the multi-core connectors 20A, 20B, and 20C to other connectors, but in this disclosure, only one connection operation to the multi-connector 50A is required. Therefore, the number of connection operations can be reduced.

[0052] The connector-equipped cable 1C has multiple multi-connector 50s, and the length LD of the optical fiber core 10 from one end 31 of the outer sheath 30 to the first multi-connector 50A and the length LE of the optical fiber core 10 from one end 31 of the outer sheath 30 to the second multi-connector 50B are different from each other. Therefore, in the longitudinal direction of the connector-equipped cable 1C, multiple multi-connector 50s are not arranged in one place within the housing section 43. Thus, it is possible to prevent the puller 40 from becoming thicker. In addition, if each multi-connector 50 is labeled, it becomes easy to identify each multi-connector 50.

[0053] (Modification 2) Figure 7 shows a plan view of a connector-equipped cable 1D as a modified example of a connector-equipped cable 2, where the traction device 40 has multiple housing sections. In Figure 7, elements that are substantially the same as or corresponding to the configurations illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. In addition, the multiple optical fiber cores 10 are shown in a simplified manner.

[0054] The housing portion 43 of the traction device 40 has a first housing portion 43A and a second housing portion 43B. The first housing portion 43A has a circular shape in a radial cross-sectional view and is located between the outer sheath gripping portion 42 and the second housing portion 43B in the longitudinal direction of the connector-equipped cable 1D. The second housing portion 43B has a circular shape in a radial cross-sectional view and is located between the first housing portion 43A and the tip portion 41 in the longitudinal direction of the connector-equipped cable 1D.

[0055] Each optical fiber core 10 protruding from one end 31 of the outer sheath 30 is housed in a bent state in the first housing section 43A, and in the second housing section 43B it is housed along the longitudinal direction of the connector-equipped cable 1D. Each connector 20 is housed in the second housing section 43B.

[0056] One end 43B1 of the second housing section 43B faces the first housing section 43A. The length LG of the optical fiber core 10 from one end 43B1 of the second housing section 43B to the first connector 20A and the length LH of the optical fiber core 10 from one end 43B1 of the second housing section 43B to the second connector 20B are different from each other. The length LI of the optical fiber core 10 from one end 43B1 of the second housing section 43B to the third connector 20C is different from both length LG and length LH. In other words, the multiple connectors 20 are arranged at a certain distance apart in the longitudinal direction of the connectorized cable 1D so that they are not concentrated in the same position.

[0057] After towing by the winding machine, most of the components of the towing device 40 are removed from one end of the connector-equipped cable 1, but the first housing section 43A may remain attached near one end 31 of the outer sheath 30 without being removed.

[0058] In this way, each optical fiber core 10 is housed in the first housing section 43A in a bent state, so the first housing section 43A can accommodate the excess length of each optical fiber core 10. For example, even if the removal of the fiber sheath or cutting of the optical fiber core 10 is unsuccessful when connecting the cable 1 with a connector to another cable, the fiber length of each optical fiber core 10 housed in the first housing section 43A can compensate for the loss.

[0059] (Evaluation Experiment 1) The core density in connector 20 was evaluated. In evaluation experiment 1, samples No. 1 to No. 4 were prepared for each optical fiber core 10. Sample No. 1 had 4 cores 12. Sample No. 2 had 8 cores 12. Sample No. 3 had 12 cores 12. Sample No. 4 had 16 cores 12. As a comparative example, an optical fiber core No. 9 was prepared. Sample No. 9 had 1 core, and this optical fiber core was a single-core fiber. Furthermore, multi-core connectors 20 with 8, 12, 24, and 36 ferrule holes were prepared. The cross-sectional area of ​​each connector 20 was 16 mm². 2The results of the evaluation of the core density at each connector 20 in each sample are shown in Table 1.

[0060] [Table 1]

[0061] The core density for samples No. 1 to No. 4 is 2 cores / mm² in all cases. 2 That concludes the report. On the other hand, the core density for sample No. 9 was 2 cores / mm² for ferrule holes of 8, 12, and 24. 2 It was less than [value missing]. Also, in sample No. 9, when the number of holes in the ferrule was 36, the core number density was 2.3 cores / mm². 2 This is the result. However, multi-core connectors that connect 36 optical fibers at once are generally expensive, and it is difficult to guarantee the precision of the hole molding. Therefore, the connector-equipped cable 1, which has optical fiber cores 10 that are multi-core optical fibers and connectors 20 that are multi-core connectors, can achieve 2 cores / mm without using expensive multi-core connectors. 2 This allows us to achieve the above core density.

[0062] (Evaluation Experiment 2) Cross-sectional area of ​​housing section 43 per core (ID MAX / 2) 2 ×π / N[mm 2 The evaluation of [ID] was performed. MAXis the maximum inner diameter, and N is the total number of cores. In evaluation experiment 2, samples No. 1-3 and No. 5-7 were prepared for each optical fiber core 10. In sample No. 1, there were 4 cores per fiber and 864 fiber cores. In sample No. 2, there were 8 cores per fiber and 432 fiber cores. In sample No. 3, there were 12 cores per fiber and 288 fiber cores. In sample No. 7, there were 4 cores per fiber and 216 fiber cores. In sample No. 5, there were 8 cores per fiber and 108 fiber cores. In sample No. 6, there were 12 cores per fiber and 72 fiber cores. Samples No. 8 and No. 9 were also prepared as comparative examples. In sample No. 8, there is 1 core per fiber and 3456 fiber strands. In sample No. 9, there is 1 core per fiber and 864 fiber strands. Samples No. 8 and No. 9 are single-core fibers. In each sample, (ID MAX / 2) 2 ×π / N[mm 2 The evaluation results for [ ] are shown in Table 2. [Table 2]

[0063] Samples No. 1-3 and No. 5-7 are all (ID MAX / 2) 2 It was confirmed that the condition ×π / N < 0.25 was satisfied. On the other hand, the cross-sectional area of ​​the housing section 43 per core of sample No. 8 was 0.502 [mm²]. 2 The cross-sectional area of ​​the housing section 43 per core of sample No. 9 is 0.568 [mm²]. 2 ] and both Sample No. 8 and Sample No. 9 are (ID MAX / 2) 2It was confirmed that the condition ×π / N < 0.25 [mm] was not satisfied. Since samples No. 8 and No. 9 are single-core fibers, the number of connectors 20 housed in the housing section 43 increased, and as a result, the maximum value ID of the inner diameter of the housing section 43 MAX This is because it becomes larger. For example, the maximum value ID of the inner diameter of the housing in sample No. 8 MAX This is the maximum value ID of the inner diameter of the housing section 43 in sample No. 1. MAX It becomes more than twice as large. Maximum value of the inner diameter of the housing in Sample No. 9 ID MAX This is the maximum value ID of the inner diameter of the housing section 43 in sample No. 7. MAX It becomes more than 1.5 times larger. Therefore, the connector-equipped cable 1 (Samples No. 1-3, No. 5-7) which has a multicore optical fiber core 10 and a multicore connector 20 is (ID MAX / 2) 2 ×π / N<0.25[mm 2 The relationship ] can be satisfied.

[0064] (Evaluation Experiment 3) The length L of the housing section 43 was evaluated. In evaluation experiment 3, samples No. 11 to No. 16 of each optical fiber core 10 were prepared. In sample No. 11, the number of cores per fiber core was 4, and the number of fiber cores was 864. The total number of cores N in the connector-equipped cable 1 of sample No. 11 was 3456. In sample No. 12, the number of cores per fiber core was 8, and the number of fiber cores was 432. The total number of cores N in the connector-equipped cable 1 of sample No. 12 was 3456. In sample No. 13, the number of cores per fiber core was 12, and the number of fiber cores was 288. The total number of cores N in the connector-equipped cable 1 of sample No. 13 was 3456. In sample No. 14, the number of cores per fiber core was 4, and the number of fiber cores was 216. The total number of cores N in connector cable 1 of sample No. 14 is 864. In sample No. 15, there are 8 cores per fiber optic cable and 108 fiber optic cables. The total number of cores N in connector cable 1 of sample No. 15 is 864. In sample No. 16, there are 12 cores per fiber optic cable and 72 fiber optic cables. The total number of cores N in connector cable 1 of sample No. 16 is 864.

[0065] Samples No. 8 and No. 9 were also prepared as comparative examples. In Sample No. 8, the number of cores per fiber core is 1, and the number of fiber cores is 3456. The total number of cores N in the connector-equipped cable 1 of Sample No. 8 is 3456. In Sample No. 9, the number of cores per fiber core is 1, and the number of fiber cores is 864. The total number of cores N in the connector-equipped cable 1 of Sample No. 9 is 864. Samples No. 8 and No. 9 are single-core fibers. The number of holes in the ferrule of each connector in each sample is 24. The evaluation results of the length L of the housing section 43 in each sample are shown in Table 3.

[0066] [Table 3]

[0067] Samples No. 11 to No. 16 were all confirmed to satisfy L / N < 0.4 [mm]. On the other hand, the length of the housing section 43 per core in sample No. 8 was 0.43 [mm], and the length of the housing section 43 per core in sample No. 9 was 0.75 [mm], confirming that neither sample No. 8 nor sample No. 9 satisfies L / N < 0.4 [mm]. This is because samples No. 8 and No. 9 are single-core fibers, which increases the number of connectors 20 housed in the housing section 43, resulting in a longer length L for the housing section 43. For example, the length L of the housing section 43 in sample No. 8 is more than 3.9 times longer than the length L of the housing section 43 in sample No. 11. The length L of the housing section 43 in sample No. 9 is more than 3.6 times longer than the length L of the housing section 43 in sample No. 14. Furthermore, if the number of connectors 20 is reduced in Sample No. 8 and Sample No. 9 to decrease the length L of the housing section 43, for example, if the number of connectors 20 is set to 24, it becomes necessary to prepare expensive connectors, such as a multi-core connector that connects 144 optical fibers at once in Sample No. 8, and a multi-core connector that connects 36 optical fibers at once in Sample No. 9. However, these multi-core connectors are generally expensive, and it is difficult to guarantee the accuracy of the hole molding. Therefore, the connector-equipped cable 1 (Samples No. 11 to No. 16) equipped with optical fiber cores 10 which are multi-core optical fibers and connectors 20 which are multi-core connectors can satisfy the relationship L / N < 0.4 [mm] without using expensive multi-core connectors.

[0068] Although this disclosure has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the number, position, shape, etc. of the components described above are not limited to the embodiments described above and can be changed to a number, position, shape, etc. that is suitable for carrying out this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D: Cables with connectors 10: Optical fiber core (multicore optical fiber) 11: One end 20, 20A, 20B, 20C: Connectors 30:Outer cover 31: One end 32:Tensile strength body 40: Traction device 41:Tip part (traction part) 42: Outer cover gripping part 43: Detention Unit 43A: First containment area 43B: Second containment area 44: Tensile strength body gripping part 45: Tension transmission member 50, 50A, 50B, 50C: Multi-gang connectors

Claims

1. Multiple multicore optical fibers, Each of the aforementioned multiple multicore optical fibers is attached to one end, and a plurality of connectors are provided. An outer sheath that covers the aforementioned multiple multicore optical fibers together, A tensile strength member embedded in the outer sheath, or a tensile strength member covered in the outer sheath together with the plurality of multicore optical fibers, The traction device includes a housing section for housing the plurality of multicore optical fibers and the plurality of connectors, a traction section provided at one end of the housing section, and a tension-resistant body gripping section connected to the traction section via a tension transmission member for gripping the tension-resistant body, A cable with a connector, wherein the maximum inner diameter of the housing is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer sheath.

2. The aforementioned multiple connectors are multi-core connectors, The core density in each of the aforementioned multiple connectors is 2 cores / mm². ２ The above is the connector-equipped cable according to claim 1.

3. The plurality of multicore optical fibers include a first multicore optical fiber and a second multicore optical fiber, The plurality of connectors include a first connector attached to one end of the first multicore optical fiber and a second connector attached to one end of the second multicore optical fiber. The cable with a connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the length of the first multicore optical fiber from one end of the sheath to the first connector and the length of the second multicore optical fiber from one end of the sheath to the second connector are different from each other.

4. Maximum value ID of the inner diameter of the aforementioned housing ＭＡＸ The total number of cores N in the cable with the connector is (ID ＭＡＸ / 2) ２ ×π / N<0.25[mm ２ A cable with a connector according to claim 1, satisfying the relationship [ ].

5. The connector cable according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the length L of the housing portion in the longitudinal direction of the connector cable and the total number of cores N in the connector cable satisfy the relationship L / N < 0.4 [mm].

6. The aforementioned storage section has a first storage section and a second storage section. The first housing section houses the plurality of multicore optical fibers in a bent state, The connector cable according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second housing section houses the plurality of multicore optical fibers along the longitudinal direction of the connector cable and also houses the plurality of connectors.

7. The cable with connectors according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of connectors are grouped together in predetermined numbers to form at least one multi-connector.

8. The aforementioned at least one multi-connector includes a first multi-connector and a second multi-connector, The connector cable according to claim 7, wherein the length of the multicore optical fiber from one end of the sheath to the first multi-connector and the length of the multicore optical fiber from one end of the sheath to the second multi-connector are different from each other.

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