Fiber optic cable

Abstract

To provide an optical fiber cable that enables achieving easiness of branching work of an optical fiber code.SOLUTION: An optical fiber cable comprises: an optical fiber flux that has a plurality of optical fibers included; and a cylindrical protection member that defines an inner space housing the optical fiber flux. In the inner space, a single optical fiber flux is housed, and the protection member has a first barrel part that has an annular first notch, and a second barrel part that has a second notch corresponding to the first notch, and is apart from the first barrel part. A tip end of a first optical fiber to be included in the plurality of optical fibers is drawn outside of the protection member from between the first barrel part and the second barrel part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , , , , ,

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber cable.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses an optical communication trunk cable in which a plurality of optical core wires or tape optical core wires are covered with a sheath. Patent Document 2 below discloses an optical micro box that connects a branch cable and a termination cable branched from an optical trunk cable. Patent Document 3 below discloses a data center including optical fibers and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a data center or the like as described in Patent Document 3 above, for example, an optical communication trunk cable as shown in Patent Document 1 above is used. If necessary, a part of the optical core wire or tape optical core wire included in the optical communication trunk cable is branched. In such a branching of an optical core wire, precise operations such as specifying the optical core wire to be branched and branching only the specified optical core wire are required. Therefore, an optical fiber cable capable of facilitating the branching operation is desired.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide an optical fiber cable that facilitates the branching of optical fibers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An optical fiber cable relating to one aspect of this disclosure comprises an optical fiber bundle containing a plurality of optical fibers and a cylindrical protective member defining an internal space for housing the optical fiber bundle, wherein a single optical fiber bundle is housed in the internal space, and the protective member has a first cylindrical portion having an annular first cut and a second cylindrical portion having a second cut corresponding to the first cut and spaced apart from the first cylindrical portion, and the tip of the first optical fiber contained in the plurality of optical fibers is pulled out to the outside of the protective member from between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to provide an optical fiber cable that facilitates the branching of optical fibers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an optical communication system equipped with an optical fiber cable according to an embodiment of this system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the main components of an optical fiber cable. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the main components of a trunk cable. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the trunk cable. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of the main section of the trunk cable. [Figure 6] Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) are diagrams illustrating methods for branching optical fiber cables. [Figure 7] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are diagrams illustrating methods for branching optical fiber cables. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of the main parts of a modified optical fiber cable. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of a modified branching member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and explained.

[0010] [1] One embodiment of the present disclosure is an optical fiber cable comprising an optical fiber bundle containing a plurality of optical fibers and a cylindrical protective member defining an internal space for housing the optical fiber bundle, wherein a single optical fiber bundle is housed in the internal space, and the protective member has a first cylindrical portion having an annular first slit and a second cylindrical portion having a second slit corresponding to the first slit and spaced apart from the first cylindrical portion, and the tip of the first optical fiber contained in the plurality of optical fibers is pulled out from between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion to the outside of the protective member.

[0011] In the optical fiber cable described in [1] above, a single optical fiber bundle containing multiple optical fibers is housed in the internal space of the protective member. This makes it easy to identify the position of each optical fiber included in the optical fiber bundle when the internal space of the protective member is exposed. Therefore, by using the above optical fiber cable, it is possible to simplify the branching work of optical fibers.

[0012] [2] In the optical fiber cable described in [1] above, the optical fiber bundle may have at least one of a ribbon fiber containing at least a portion of a plurality of optical fibers and an intermittent ribbon fiber containing at least a portion of a plurality of optical fibers. In this case, the optical fibers are less likely to be housed separately in the internal space. Therefore, the manufacturability of the optical fiber cable can be improved. In addition, the optical fiber cable can be made smaller.

[0013] [3] In the optical fiber cable of [1] or [2] above, the optical fiber bundle may have a bundling member for bundling a plurality of optical fibers. In this case, it is possible to prevent the optical fibers from being separately accommodated in the internal space.

[0014] [4] In any of the optical fiber cables of [1] to [3] above, the ratio of the optical fiber bundle to the cross-sectional area of the internal space may be 60% or less. In this case, when the protective member is cut, etc., the optical fiber bundle is less likely to be damaged.

[0015] [5] In any of the optical fiber cables of [1] to [4] above, at least a part of the portion of the first optical fiber exposed from the protective member may be covered with a protective tube. In this case, the portion of the first optical fiber exposed from the protective member is less likely to be damaged.

[0016] [6] In any of the optical fiber cables of [1] to [5] above, the optical fiber cable may further include a first connector connected to each one end of a plurality of optical fibers and a second connector connected to the tip of the first optical fiber. In this case, optical communication via the optical fiber cable is favorably carried out.

[0017] [7] In any of the optical fiber cables of [1] to [6] above, the optical fiber cable further includes a branching member that covers an exposed portion, a first cut, and a second cut located between a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion in a plurality of optical fibers. The branching member has a main body portion and a strain relief that extends in a crossing direction crossing the extending direction of the exposed portion and supports the first optical fiber. The strain relief may be provided rotatably with respect to the main body portion. In this case, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of breakage such as the branching portion of the first optical fiber from the optical fiber bundle and its periphery.

[0018] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of optical fiber cables according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. This disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims, as indicated by the claims. In the following description, the same elements in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an optical communication system equipped with optical fiber cables according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the optical communication system 1 is a group of devices installed in a data center, base station, etc. The optical communication system 1 comprises server rack groups 2a, 2b, active wiring panels 3a, 3b, spare wiring panels 4a, 4b, and optical fiber cables 5, 6, 7, 8.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, each of the server rack groups 2a and 2b has N server racks 9 (where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2). In each of the server rack groups 2a and 2b, the N server racks 9 are arranged in a line in one direction when viewed from above. Each server rack 9 is provided with multiple shelves (not shown) arranged vertically. Physical servers (not shown) and the like are placed on each of the multiple shelves. The above-mentioned one direction will henceforth be referred to as the direction of arrangement.

[0021] The active distribution panels 3a and 3b, and the spare distribution panels 4a and 4b, are each concentrators that house the communication lines (optical fiber cables) used in the optical communication system 1, and are also called Intermediate Distribution Frames (IDFs). The active distribution panel 3a is located at one end of the server rack group 2a in the direction of arrangement, and the active distribution panel 3b is located at one end of the server rack group 2b in the direction of arrangement. The spare distribution panel 4a is located at the other end of the server rack group 2a in the direction of arrangement, and the spare distribution panel 4b is located at the other end of the server rack group 2b in the direction of arrangement.

[0022] Each of the active distribution panels 3a and 3b is connected to an external multi-core cable (not shown) that constitutes the active line. In each of the active distribution panels 3a and 3b, the external multi-core cable is divided and arranged into multiple communication lines. Each of the spare distribution panels 4a and 4b is connected to an external multi-core cable (not shown) that constitutes the spare line. In each of the spare distribution panels 4a and 4b, the external multi-core cable is divided and arranged into multiple communication lines. In each of the active distribution panels 3a and 3b and the spare distribution panels 4a and 4b, the optical fiber cables may be terminated. Each of the active distribution panels 3a and 3b and the spare distribution panels 4a and 4b may be equipped with a termination unit that secures the multi-core optical wiring and accommodates the connection points. Note that each of the active distribution panels 3a and 3b and the spare distribution panels 4a and 4b is not limited to intermediate distribution panels.

[0023] Optical fiber cable 5 is a multi-core cable connecting server rack group 2a and active wiring panel 3a. Similarly, optical fiber cable 6 is a multi-core cable connecting server rack group 2b and active wiring panel 3b, optical fiber cable 7 is a multi-core cable connecting server rack group 2a and spare wiring panel 4a, and optical fiber cable 8 is a multi-core cable connecting server rack group 2b and spare wiring panel 4b. Optical fiber cables 5 and 6 are used as active lines, and optical fiber cables 7 and 8 are used as spare lines. Optical fiber cables 5, 6, 7, and 8 may have the same structure as each other, or they may have different structures as each other. In this embodiment, optical fiber cables 5, 6, 7, and 8 have the same structure as each other. Therefore, only optical fiber cable 5 will be described in detail below.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the main components of an optical fiber cable. As shown in Figure 2, the optical fiber cable 5 includes a trunk cable 10, multi-core optical fiber cords 21, 22, 23, 24, multiple branch optical fiber cables 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e, multiple connectors 31, 32, 33, 34 (first connector), branch member 41, and multiple branch members 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, 42e. In this embodiment, the number of branch optical fiber cables is N, but in Figure 2, only branch optical fiber cables 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, and 25e are shown in a simplified manner. The same applies to branch members, etc.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the main part of the trunk cable. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the trunk cable. Figure 5 is a plan view of the main part of the trunk cable. In Figure 3, a portion of the trunk cable 10 is omitted. In Figure 5, the branch member 42a is omitted. One end of the trunk cable 10 is housed in the branch member 41. More specifically, one end of the protective member 12, which will be described later, is housed in the branch member 41 of the trunk cable 10.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the trunk cable 10 is a so-called slotless cable. The trunk cable 10 has an optical fiber bundle 11 containing multiple optical fibers F and a protective member 12 that defines an internal space S that houses the optical fiber bundle 11. A single optical fiber bundle 11 is housed in the internal space S. In this embodiment, only a single optical fiber bundle 11 is housed in the internal space S, but it is not limited to this. For example, in addition to a single optical fiber bundle 11, a cushioning material such as resin may be housed in the internal space S.

[0027] The optical fiber bundle 11 is an aggregate of multiple optical fibers F, and is essentially a single string-like member. Therefore, the optical fiber bundle 11 corresponds to a cord containing multiple cores. Each of the multiple optical fibers F is a member having one core. Each of the multiple optical fibers F may have a covering member in addition to the core that covers the core. From the viewpoint of suppressing damage to the optical fiber bundle 11, the proportion that the optical fiber bundle 11 occupies of the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space S is, for example, 60% or less. This proportion may also be, for example, 50% or less, 40% or less, or 30% or less. From the viewpoint of being connectable to a large number of server rack groups 2a, the above proportion is, for example, 10% or more.

[0028] At least some of the multiple optical fibers F included in the optical fiber bundle 11 may be tape-formed. For example, a ribbon fiber or intermittent ribbon fiber can be formed by tape-forming some of the multiple optical fibers F. A ribbon fiber is a component in which multiple optical fibers arranged in a line are fixed to each other by resin or the like. An intermittent ribbon fiber is a component that has both a portion where the optical fibers are fixed to each other (adhesive portion) and a portion where the optical fibers are separated from each other (single-core portion). In this embodiment, the optical fiber bundle 11 has eight ribbon fibers RF, and each ribbon fiber RF has 12 optical fibers F, but is not limited to this. For example, the optical fiber bundle 11 may have only intermittent ribbon fibers, or it may have both ribbon fibers RF and intermittent ribbon fibers. Alternatively, the multiple optical fibers F included in the optical fiber bundle 11 may be separated from each other. That is, the multiple optical fibers F may be individual wires. In this case, the optical fiber bundle 11 may have a bundling member that bundles the multiple optical fibers F together. The bundling member may be, for example, a string, a band, or a mesh tube.

[0029] The protective member 12 is a tubular member that protects the optical fiber bundle 11 and is flexible. The protective member 12 has a tube 13, an outer sheath 14 that covers the tube 13, and an intervening material 15 located between the tube 13 and the outer sheath 14. The tube 13 is a tubular resin member that defines the inner circumferential surface of the protective member 12. Therefore, the inner diameter of the tube 13 corresponds to the inner diameter of the protective member 12. The outer sheath 14 is a tubular resin member that defines the outer circumferential surface of the protective member 12. The intervening material 15 is a member that relieves the stress applied to the protective member 12, and is, for example, a mesh tube.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the protective member 12 has a first cylindrical portion 12a and a second cylindrical portion 12b that are spaced apart from each other in the extending direction of the optical fiber cable 5. The first cylindrical portion 12a and the second cylindrical portion 12b are formed, for example, by dividing the protective member 12. Therefore, the first cylindrical portion 12a has an annular first cut D1. The second cylindrical portion 12b has an annular second cut D2 corresponding to the first cut D1 (see also Figure 3). In this embodiment, the first cut D1 and the second cut D2 fit together, but are not limited to this. The shapes of the first cut D1 and the second cut D2 may be different from each other. In the plurality of optical fibers F included in the optical fiber bundle 11, the portion located between the first cylindrical portion 12a and the second cylindrical portion 12b is the exposed portion EP that is exposed from the protective member 12.

[0031] Returning to Figure 2, each of the multi-core optical fiber cords 21, 22, 23, and 24 is a communication line located between the active distribution panel 3a and the branching member 41 in the extending direction of the optical fiber cable 5. Each of the multi-core optical fiber cords 21, 22, 23, and 24 is a cord containing a portion of multiple optical fibers F. The number of cores contained in each of the multi-core optical fiber cords 21, 22, 23, and 24 should be equal to the number obtained by dividing the number of optical fibers F in the trunk cable 10 by the number of multi-core optical fiber cords 21, 22, 23, and 24. In this embodiment, each of the multi-core optical fiber cords 21, 22, 23, and 24 is a 24-core cord. One end of the multi-core optical fiber cord 21 is connected to the connector 31. Similarly, one end of the multi-core optical fiber cords 22, 23, and 24 is connected to the connectors 32, 33, and 34, respectively. The other end of each of the multi-core optical fiber cords 21, 22, 23, and 24 is housed in the branching member 41. Each of the multi-core optical fiber cords 21, 22, 23, and 24 is reinforced, for example, by a reinforcing tube. One end of each of the multi-core optical fiber cords 21, 22, 23, and 24 corresponds to one end of optical fiber F.

[0032] Each of the branch optical fiber cables 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, and 25e is a communication line connected to the server rack group 2a. Each of the branch optical fiber cables 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, and 25e has the same configuration as the others. Therefore, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, each of the branch optical fiber cables 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, and 25e has a branch trunk cable 26, multiple optical fiber cords 27, branching members 28, and multiple connectors 29 (second connectors). Below, only the branch optical fiber cable 25a will be described in detail. Note that the lengths of each of the branch optical fiber cables 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, and 25e may differ from one another.

[0033] The branch trunk cable 26 is the trunk cable in the branch optical fiber cable 25a. As shown in Figure 5, the branch trunk cable 26 is drawn out from between the first cylindrical portion 12a and the second cylindrical portion 12b to the outside of the protective member 12. The branch trunk cable 26 has a plurality of branch optical fibers 26a (first optical fibers) and a protective tube 26b that covers the branch optical fibers 26a. Each of the plurality of branch optical fibers 26a corresponds to an optical fiber F branched from the optical fiber bundle 11. That is, each branch optical fiber 26a before branching corresponds to one of the plurality of optical fibers F included in the optical fiber bundle 11. The protective tube 26b is a cylindrical member that covers at least a portion of the portion of the branch optical fiber 26a that is exposed from the protective member 12, and is flexible. In this embodiment, the protective tube 26b covers at least the portion of the branch optical fiber 26a that is exposed from the protective member 12, the branch member 28, and the branch member 42.

[0034] Each of the multiple optical fiber cords 27 is a cord that includes a portion of the multiple branch optical fibers 26a. In this embodiment, the branch optical fiber cable 25a has three optical fiber cords 27, but is not limited to this. For example, if the total number of branch optical fibers 26a is six, each optical fiber cord 27 will house two branch optical fibers 26a. Therefore, each optical fiber cord 27 has fewer cores (not shown) than the branch trunk cable 26. Each optical fiber cord 27 may have a protective tube to protect the cores.

[0035] The branching member 28 is a member that protects the point where the branch trunk cable 26 branches into multiple optical fiber cords 27. Within the branching member 28, a portion of the branch optical fiber 26a may be exposed from the protective tube 26b.

[0036] Each of the multiple connectors 29 is an interface connected to the server rack group 2a. Each connector 29 is, for example, a data link connector and is connected to the corresponding optical fiber cord 27. Therefore, each connector 29 is a component connected to the tip of the branched optical fiber 26a. Thus, it can be said that the tip of the branched optical fiber 26a is brought out to the outside of the protective member 12 from between the first cylindrical portion 12a and the second cylindrical portion 12b. The number of optical fibers (cores) coupled to the connector 29 corresponds to the number of optical fibers contained in the optical fiber cord 27.

[0037] Connectors 31, 32, 33, and 34 are interfaces connected to the current wiring panel 3a. Each of connectors 31, 32, 33, and 34 is, for example, an MPO connector (Multi-fiber Push On connector). In this case, the number of optical fibers (cores) coupled to connector 31 corresponds to the number of optical fibers contained in the multi-core optical fiber cord 21. The same applies to connectors 32, 33, and 34.

[0038] The branching member 41 is a member that houses the point where the multi-core optical fiber cords 21, 22, 23, and 24 are branched into optical fiber F. A cavity is provided inside the branching member 41, and the other ends of the multi-core optical fiber cords 21, 22, 23, and 24 are housed in this cavity. The positions of the multi-core optical fiber cords 21, 22, 23, and 24 may be determined within the branching member 41. Within the branching member 41, each ribbon fiber RF is exposed by removing the reinforcing tubes, etc., provided on the multi-core optical fiber cords 21, 22, 23, and 24. Each ribbon fiber RF may be bundled together with a bundling member or the like. In addition, since there is no fusion splice (fusion splice) between the multi-core optical fiber cords 21, 22, 23, and 24 and the ribbon fiber RF, optical loss is less likely to occur within the branching member 41. The positions of each ribbon fiber RF and the positions of the multi-core optical fiber cords 21, 22, 23, and 24 may be determined within the branching member 41. Within the branching member 41, a fusion splice connection between the multi-core optical fiber cord 21 and some of the ribbon fiber RF may be provided. In this case, the branching member 41 also functions as a protective member for the fusion splice connection and other such connections.

[0039] The branching member 42a is a member (optical fiber cable case) that protects the exposed portion EP of the optical fiber F, the branching position of the branched optical fiber cable 25a, and the portion of the branched optical fiber 26a that is exposed. The branching member 42b protects at least the branching position of the branched optical fiber cable 25b, the branching member 42c protects at least the branching position of the branched optical fiber cable 25c, and the branching member 42d protects at least the branching position of the branched optical fiber cable 25d. The branching member 42e protects at least the branching position of the branched optical fiber cable 25e. In this embodiment, the branching member 42a covers at least the exposed portion EP, the portion of the branched optical fiber 26a that is exposed, the first cut D1 of the first cylindrical portion 12a, the second cut D2 of the second cylindrical portion 12b, and a part of the protective tube 26b. Each of the branching members 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, and 42e is, for example, a resin molded body. At least a portion of each of the branch members 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, and 42e may be elastic. In this embodiment, an example of a specific configuration of the branch members 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, and 42e is the branch protection case shown in the above-mentioned Patent Document 5.

[0040] In the following, an example of a branching method for the optical fiber cable 5 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figures 6(a), 6(b), 6(c), 7(a), and 7(b) are diagrams illustrating a branching method for an optical fiber cable.

[0041] First, as shown in Figure 6(a), a section to be cut (the section to be cut C) is determined on the protective member 12 of the optical fiber cable 5. Next, as shown in Figure 6(b), the protective member 12 is cut along the section to be cut C. This separates the first cylindrical section 12a and the second cylindrical section 12b from each other. For example, by using a sheath cutter, the tube 13, outer sheath 14, and interlining 15 of the protective member 12 can be selectively cut. In other words, the protective member 12 can be cut without damaging the optical fiber bundle 11. Next, as shown in Figure 6(c), only the second cylindrical section 12b is slid along the extending direction of the optical fiber cable 5. This moves the second cylindrical section 12b away from the first cylindrical section 12a, increasing the distance between the first cut D1 and the second cut D2 in that extending direction. Then, a part of the optical fiber bundle 11 is exposed.

[0042] Next, as shown in Figure 7(a), a portion of the multiple optical fibers F included in the optical fiber bundle 11 is branched. This separates the multiple branched optical fibers 26a from the optical fiber bundle 11 between the first cylindrical portion 12a and the second cylindrical portion 12b. At this time, the tips (not shown) of the branched optical fibers 26a are pulled out from between the first cylindrical portion 12a and the second cylindrical portion 12b to the outside of the protective member 12. Note that, from the viewpoint of simplifying subsequent processes, a portion of the pulled-out branched optical fibers 26a may be cut. This also makes it easy to process the excess length of the branched optical fibers 26a. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 7(b), the branched optical fibers 26a are inserted into the protective tube 26b. This forms the branched trunk cable 26. Although not shown here, a connector 29 is attached to the tip of the branched optical fiber 26a. Next, as shown in Figure 5, a branching member 42a is attached to the optical fiber cable 5, which covers the exposed portion EP of the optical fiber bundle 11, the portion where the branched optical fiber 26a is exposed, the first cut D1 of the first cylindrical portion 12a, the second cut D2 of the second cylindrical portion 12b, and a part of the protective tube 26b. By repeating the above steps, an optical fiber cable 5 with multiple branching points can be manufactured.

[0043] In the optical fiber cable 5 according to this embodiment described above, a single optical fiber bundle 11 containing multiple optical fibers F is housed in the internal space S of the protective member 12. As a result, when the internal space S of the protective member 12 is exposed, the position of each optical fiber F included in the optical fiber bundle 11 can be easily identified. Therefore, by using the optical fiber cable 5, it is possible to simplify the branching work of the optical fibers F.

[0044] In this embodiment, the optical fiber bundle 11 has ribbon fibers RF that include at least a portion of the multiple optical fibers F. Therefore, the optical fibers F are less likely to be housed separately in the internal space S. The optical fiber bundle 11 may also have intermittent ribbon fibers that include at least a portion of the multiple optical fibers F. In this case as well, the same effects are achieved.

[0045] In this embodiment, the optical fiber bundle 11 may have a bundling member that bundles multiple optical fibers F together. In this case, it is possible to prevent the optical fibers F from being housed separately in the internal space S. In addition, even if each optical fiber F is housed in the protective member 12 as a single wire, each optical fiber F can be easily identified.

[0046] In this embodiment, the proportion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space S occupied by the optical fiber bundle 11 may be 60% or less. In this case, the optical fiber bundle 11 is less likely to be damaged when the protective member 12 is cut. In addition, the second cylindrical portion 12b of the protective member 12 can slide along the extending direction of the optical fiber cable 5 without damaging the optical fiber bundle 11.

[0047] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the branched optical fiber 26a that is exposed from the protective member 12 is covered by the protective tube 26b. Therefore, the portion of the branched optical fiber 26a that is exposed from the protective member is less likely to be damaged.

[0048] In the following, a branching member of an optical fiber cable according to a modified example will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Note that in the description of the modified example, descriptions that overlap with the above embodiment will be omitted, and only the parts that differ from the above embodiment will be described. In other words, to the extent technically possible, descriptions of the above embodiment may be appropriately used in the modified example.

[0049] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of the main part of the modified optical fiber cable. Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of the branching member according to the modified example. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the branching member 42A included in the modified optical fiber cable 5A has a main body 51 and a strain relief 52 that supports the branched optical fiber 26a. The main body 51 is the part that protects the exposed portion EP of the optical fiber F, the branching position of the branched optical fiber cable 25, and the exposed portion of the branched optical fiber 26a. The main body 51 accommodates the excess length portion of the branched optical fiber 26a. For this reason, the branched optical fiber 26a inside the main body 51 may be bent. The strain relief 52 is a member that is rotatably provided with respect to the main body 51 and extends in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the exposed portion EP (intersecting direction). The range of motion of the strain relief 52 with respect to the main body 51 is determined, for example, by a stopper (not shown) provided on the main body 51. When the strain relief 52, which is located in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction described above, is defined as being at 0°, the strain relief 52 is rotatable within a range of, for example, ±30°.

[0050] In the modified configuration described above, the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment are achieved. In addition, damage to the branch portion and surrounding areas of the branched optical fiber 26a from the optical fiber bundle 11 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the extending direction of the branched optical fiber cable 25 can be easily adjusted.

[0051] The optical fiber cable relating to this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and various other modifications are possible. For example, in the embodiments and modifications described above, one end of a four-core optical fiber cord is housed in the branching member, but this is not limited to this. For example, instead of a multi-core optical fiber cord, one end of three or fewer optical fibers may be housed in the branching member, or one end of five or more optical fibers may be housed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 1… Optical communication system 2a, 2b… Server rack group 3a,3b…current distribution board 4a, 4b... Spare wiring panel 5, 5A, 6, 7, 8… Fiber optic cables 9… Server rack 10…Main cable 11… Fiber optic bundle 12… Protective component 12a...First cylinder part 12b…Second cylinder part 13... Tube 14...Outer cover 15…Intermediate material 21, 22, 23, 24… Multi-core optical fiber cord 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e… Branched fiber optic cables 26... Branch main cable 26a... Branched optical fiber (first optical fiber) 26b…Protective tube 27… Fiber optic cable 28... Branching member 29…Connector (Second connector) 31, 32, 33, 34… Connectors (First Connector) 41... Branching member 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, 42e, 42A… Branch members 51...Main body 52... Strain relief C...Part to be cut D1...First slice D2...Second break EP…exposed part F... Optical fiber RF... Ribbon Fiber S...interior space

Claims

1. A bundle of optical fibers containing multiple optical fibers, A cylindrical protective member that defines the internal space for housing the optical fiber bundle, Equipped with, The aforementioned internal space houses a single optical fiber bundle. The protective member has a first cylindrical portion having an annular first cut, and a second cylindrical portion having a second cut corresponding to the first cut and spaced apart from the first cylindrical portion. The tip of the first optical fiber included in the plurality of optical fibers is drawn out from between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion to the outside of the protective member. The plurality of optical fibers further include an exposed portion located between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, a first cut, and a branching member that covers the second cut, The branching member has a main body and a strain relief that extends in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the exposed portion and supports the first optical fiber. The strain relief is rotatably mounted relative to the main body. Fiber optic cable.

2. The optical fiber cable according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber bundle comprises at least one ribbon fiber including at least a portion of the plurality of optical fibers and an intermittent ribbon fiber including at least a portion of the plurality of optical fibers.

3. The plurality of optical fibers are separated from each other, The optical fiber cable according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber bundle has a bundling member that bundles the plurality of optical fibers together.

4. The optical fiber cable according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the ratio of the optical fiber bundle to the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space is 60% or less.

5. The optical fiber cable according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the first optical fiber that is exposed from the protective member is covered by a protective tube.

6. A first connector connected to one end of each of the plurality of optical fibers, The optical fiber cable according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a second connector connected to the tip of the first optical fiber.

Images