Optical connection assembly

Abstract

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

Description

Optical Connection Assemblies

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-101616, filed on June 24, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Cabinets that house optical fiber wiring are becoming increasingly common for building optical networks. In such cabinets, as the density of optical fiber wiring increases, accessibility to the optical fibers housed in the cabinet can become impaired.

[0003] To improve accessibility to optical fibers, a cabinet such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used. This cabinet includes a housing and a plurality of trays that can be pulled out from the housing. Optical fiber wiring is grouped into predetermined units, and each unit is housed in a tray. By pulling out the trays from the housing, workers can perform optical fiber wiring work such as inserting and removing optical connectors.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 9,720,196

[0005] However, in a cabinet such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, a space is required for a worker to pull out the tray from the housing in order to access the optical connector and perform wiring work. The necessity of such space poses a challenge in increasing the wiring density of optical fibers in a building (such as a data center).

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an optical connection assembly that can further increase the wiring density of optical fibers.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, an optical connection assembly of aspect 1 of the present invention is an optical connection assembly into which multiple optical connectors are inserted, having insertion holes into which the optical connectors can be inserted and multiple holding portions capable of holding the inserted optical connectors, the multiple holding portions comprising: multiple adapter modules arranged in a line in a first direction that intersects the insertion direction in which the optical connectors are inserted; and a shaft member extending in a second direction that intersects the first direction and the insertion direction and supporting the multiple adapter modules, the multiple adapter modules being movable relatively in the second direction along the shaft member, and the distance over which the multiple adapter modules can move relatively is greater than or equal to the dimension of the insertion holes in the second direction.

[0008] Furthermore, in the optical connection assembly of Aspect 2 of the present invention, in the optical connection assembly of Aspect 1, the first direction may be the direction of gravity, and the shaft member may support an upper end of the adapter module.

[0009] Furthermore, the optical connection assembly of aspect 3 of the present invention may be an optical connection assembly of aspect 1 or aspect 2, in which the adapter module has a regulating member, and the regulating member may be switchable between a regulating state in which the adapter module is regulated relative to the shaft member and an allowing state in which the adapter module is allowed relative to the shaft member by movement in the insertion direction.

[0010] Furthermore, an optical connection assembly of aspect 4 of the present invention is the optical connection assembly of aspect 3, wherein the regulating member has an insertion hole through which the shaft member is inserted and which can elastically expand and contract, and the insertion hole has a small diameter portion in which a first imaginary circle is inscribed when viewed from the second direction, and a large diameter portion in which a second imaginary circle is inscribed when viewed from the second direction and which communicates with the small diameter portion in the front-to-rear direction, and wherein when the diameter of the first imaginary circle is Φ1, the diameter of the second imaginary circle is Φ2, and the diameter of the shaft member is Φ3, Φ1 < Φ3 < Φ2 may be satisfied.

[0011] Furthermore, the optical connection assembly of aspect 5 of the present invention may be the optical connection assembly of any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the number of optical fibers that can be inserted in one direction per adapter module may be 30 or more.

[0012] Furthermore, an optical connection assembly according to aspect 6 of the present invention may be the optical connection assembly of any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the maximum dimension of the insertion hole in the second direction is within a range of 10 to 12 mm.

[0013] Furthermore, an optical connection assembly according to Aspect 7 of the present invention may be the optical connection assembly according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the distance over which the adapter module can move relatively in the second direction may be 20 mm or more.

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

[0015] 1 is a perspective view showing an optical fiber cabinet according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an optical connection assembly according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing an optical connection assembly according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing an adapter module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V shown in FIG. 4, showing a state in which a connector is inserted into a holding portion. FIG. 6 is a view of the holding portion shown in FIG. 4, taken from arrow VI. FIG. 7 is a view of a restricting member according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a view of the restricting member according to the first embodiment in a restricting state. FIG. 9 is a view of the optical connection assembly shown in FIG. 2, taken from arrow IX. FIG. 10 is a view of a restricting member according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a view of the restricting member according to the second embodiment in an allowing state. FIG. 12 is a view of the restricting member according to the second embodiment in a restricting state.

[0016] First Embodiment Hereinafter, an optical connection assembly 1 according to a first embodiment and a cabinet 100 using the optical connection assembly 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

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

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

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

[0020] (Directional Definition) As shown in FIG. 2 , an optical connector 70 is inserted into the holder 10 of the optical connection assembly 1. In this specification, the insertion direction in which the optical connector 70 is inserted into the holder 10 is referred to as the front-to-rear direction Y (the direction along the Y axis in FIG. 2 ). The optical connector 70 is inserted into the optical connection assembly 1 from both the +Y side and the −Y side. The −Y side is referred to as the front or near side, and the +Y side is referred to as the rear or far side. The direction in which the multiple holders 10 are lined up in each adapter module M is referred to as the first direction Z. The direction in which the shaft member 50 extends is referred to as the second direction X. In this embodiment, the second direction X is perpendicular to the first direction Z. The front-to-rear direction Y, which is the insertion direction, is perpendicular to both the second direction X and the first direction Z. In this embodiment, the first direction Z substantially coincides with the direction of gravity (vertical direction). The term "substantially coincident" also includes cases where the first direction Z and the direction of gravity can be considered to coincide if manufacturing errors, the inclination of the placement surface on which the cabinet 100 is placed, and the like are ignored. Hereinafter, the upward direction in the direction of gravity (first direction Z) will be simply referred to as the upward direction and represented by the +Z direction in each drawing. The downward direction in the direction of gravity (first direction Z) will be simply referred to as the downward direction and represented by the -Z direction in each drawing. Furthermore, one direction in the second direction X will be referred to as the rightward direction and represented by the +X direction in each drawing. The direction opposite to the rightward direction will be referred to as the leftward direction and represented by the -X direction in each drawing.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2 , each optical connector 70 is provided at the end of a cable 73. As shown in FIG. 5 , the cable 73 has two optical fibers 71 (only one is shown in FIG. 5 ) and a coating 72 covering the optical fibers 71. That is, each optical connector 70 has two optical fibers 71. Therefore, in this embodiment, a total of 12 optical fibers 71 are inserted into one holding unit 10: six from the front and six from the rear. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, each adapter module M has five holding units 10, so that 30 optical fibers 71 are inserted into one adapter module M from the front (one direction). Note that 30 optical fibers 71 are also inserted into the adapter module M from the rear. That is, a total of 60 optical fibers 71 are inserted into one adapter module M.

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

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

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

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

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 8A, the shaft member 50 according to this embodiment has a substantially circular shape in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the second direction X. In this specification, the term "substantially circular shape" also includes cases where the shape can be considered circular if manufacturing errors are removed. As shown in Figure 3, a screw hole 50a is formed at each end of the shaft member 50 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the screw hole 61a formed in the side plate 61 and the screw hole 50a formed in the shaft member 50 are fastened together with a screw SC1, thereby fixing the shaft member 50 to the opposing portion 61A.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 4, the adapter module M according to this embodiment includes a base member 30, a plurality of (five in the illustrated example) holding portions 10, a restricting member 20A, and a spacer 40. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a shaft member 50 passes through the upper end portion of the adapter module M. In this way, the shaft member 50 supports the upper end portion of the adapter module M.

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

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

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , the holder 10 of the adapter module M has a rectangular outer shape in a cross section (XZ plane) perpendicular to the front-rear direction Y. When the adapter module M is assembled, a portion of the holder 10 is recessed inside the base member 30. The portion of the holder 10 that is recessed inside the base member 30 and faces the first base 31 or the second base 32 is referred to as the facing surface 10a (see FIG. 4 ). Although not shown in detail, the holder 10 has two facing surfaces 10a. The holder 10 includes an insertion hole 11, a raised portion 14, and an engagement claw 15. The engagement claws 15 protrude outward in the second direction X from the two facing surfaces 10a of the holder 10. Two engagement claws 15 are provided on each of the two facing surfaces 10a of the holder 10. Each engagement claw 15 is configured to bend inward in the second direction X. Each engagement claw 15 is located at the center of the holding portion 10 in the front-to-rear direction Y. The raised portion 14 is formed in a portion of the holding portion 10 that is located closer to the front (-Y side) than the engagement claws 15. The raised portion 14 protrudes outward in the second direction X from the opposing surface 10a.

[0031] When fixing the holding unit 10 to the base member 30, the worker adjusts the position of the holding unit 10 in the first direction Z so that the positions of the engagement claws 15 and the engagement holes 35 are aligned in the first direction Z, and then inserts the holding unit 10 between the first base 31 and the second base 32. As a result, the holding unit 10 is sandwiched between the first base 31 and the second base 32. More specifically, when the engagement claws 15 abut against the bases 31, 32, the engagement claws 15 bend inward in the second direction X. As the holding unit 10 is further inserted, the engagement claws 15 reach the engagement holes 35, and the bending of the engagement claws 15 is released, and the engagement claws 15 are inserted into the engagement holes 35. As a result, the front ends of the bases 31, 32 are sandwiched in the front-to-rear direction Y between the protrusions 14 and the engagement claws 15, and the holding unit 10 is fixed to the base member 30.

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

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

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4 , the restricting member 20A and the spacer 40 are disposed between the first base 31 and the second base 32. More specifically, the restricting member 20A and the spacer 40 are inserted into the upper end of the base member 30 so that the restricting member 20A faces the first base 31 and the spacer 40 faces the second base 32. The restricting member 20A has an insertion hole 23 formed therethrough in the second direction X. Similarly, the spacer 40 has an insertion hole 41 formed therethrough in the second direction X. A shaft member 50 is inserted through the insertion holes 23 and 41. That is, the shaft member 50 according to this embodiment is inserted through the through hole 34 formed in the base member 30, the insertion hole 23 formed in the restricting member 20A, and the insertion hole 41 formed in the spacer 40, thereby supporting the upper end of the adapter module M.

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

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

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

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

[0039] Furthermore, the restricting portion 22 according to this embodiment is formed with slits SL that open into the insertion hole 23 and extend to the underside of the restricting portion 22. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the slits SL include a first slit SL1, a second slit SL2, and a third slit SL3. The first slit SL1 extends forward (toward the -Y direction) from the lower end of the large-diameter portion 23b. The second slit SL2 extends downward from the front end of the first slit SL1. The third slit SL3 extends from the lower end of the second slit SL2 to the underside of the restricting portion 22 and is gradually tilted downward toward the rear (toward the +Y direction). The width of the second slit SL2 is wider than the widths of the first slit SL1 and the third slit SL3.

[0040] The slits SL formed in the restricting portion 22 allow the restricting portion 22 to be elastically deformable. This allows the diameter of the insertion hole 23 to be elastically expandable and contractible within a range in which the restricting portion 22 can be elastically deformable. Because the insertion hole 23 is elastically expandable and contractible, for example, an operator can grip the gripping portion 21 and move the restricting member 20A back and forth in the forward and backward direction Y to switch the hole through which the shaft member 50 is inserted between the small diameter portion 23a and the large diameter portion 23b. In other words, the restricting member 20A according to this embodiment is configured to be switchable between a state in which the shaft member 50 is inserted through the small diameter portion 23a (see FIG. 8A ) and a state in which the shaft member 50 is inserted through the large diameter portion 23b (see FIG. 8B ). The configuration of the slits SL is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 7 and can be modified as appropriate as long as the insertion hole 23 is elastically expandable and contractible. Alternatively, if the restricting portion 22 is made of an elastically deformable material, the restricting portion 22 does not need to have the slit SL formed therein.

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

[0042] When the regulating member 20A is in the permissive state, an operator can move each adapter module M relatively in the longitudinal direction (second direction X) of the shaft member 50 to access a desired adapter module M and insert or remove the optical connector 70 into or from the adapter module M. To facilitate the operator's insertion or removal of the optical connector 70, in the optical connection assembly 1 according to this embodiment, the distance over which the multiple adapter modules M can move relatively in the second direction X is designed to be equal to or greater than the maximum value of the dimension L4 (see FIG. 6 ) of the insertion hole 11 in the second direction X. In other words, the distance over which the multiple adapter modules M can move relatively in the second direction X is designed to be equal to or greater than the dimension of the optical connector 70 in the second direction X. More specifically, in this embodiment, when the dimension of the shaft member 50 in the second direction X is L1 (see FIG. 9 ), the dimension of each adapter module M in the second direction X is L2, and the number of adapter modules M included in the optical connection assembly 1 is N, the "distance over which the multiple adapter modules M can move relatively in the second direction X" is equal to "L1 - N × L2." That is, in this embodiment, the relationship L1-NxL2≧L4 holds true. The dimension L1 can also be interpreted as the distance between the pair of side plates 61 in the second direction X.

[0043] As a result of careful consideration by the inventors of the present application, it was found that by setting the distance over which the multiple adapter modules M can move relative to each other in the second direction X to 20 mm or more, it becomes easier for a human finger to fit between adjacent adapter modules M, making it easier for an operator to move the adapter modules M and insert / remove the optical connector 70. Therefore, it is more preferable that the distance over which the multiple adapter modules M can move relative to each other in the second direction X be 20 mm or more. In other words, it is preferable that L1 - N × L2 ≥ 20 [mm] be satisfied.

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

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

[0046] With this configuration, an operator can easily access a desired adapter module M and the optical connector 70 inserted into the adapter module M by moving each adapter module M relative to the shaft member 50 in the second direction X. Furthermore, to access the optical connector 70, it is sufficient to simply move the adapter module M in the second direction X within the housing 2. Therefore, with the optical connection assembly 1 according to this embodiment, the wiring density of the optical fibers 71 in a building (such as a data center) can be increased compared to conventional configurations (see, for example, Patent Document 1) in which a tray must be pulled out to access the optical connector.

[0047] Furthermore, in the conventional configuration described above, when the tray is pulled out from or inserted into the housing, excessive bending may be applied to the optical fiber inside the tray, which may result in damage to the optical fiber. On the other hand, in the optical connection assembly 1 according to this embodiment, access to the optical connector 70 is achieved by simply moving the adapter module M in the second direction X. As a result, excessive bending is less likely to be applied to the optical fiber 71, reducing the possibility of damage to the optical fiber 71.

[0048] Furthermore, the first direction Z is the direction of gravity, and the shaft member 50 supports the upper end of the adapter module M. With this configuration, the second direction X, which is the direction in which the adapter module M moves, is not parallel to the direction of gravity. This reduces the effect of gravity on the movement of the adapter module M, making it easier for the operator to operate the adapter module M.

[0049] The adapter module M also has a restricting member 20A. The restricting member 20A can be switched between a restricting state in which relative movement of the adapter module M with respect to the shaft member 50 is restricted and a permitting state in which relative movement of the adapter module M with respect to the shaft member 50 is permitted by movement in the insertion direction (front-rear direction Y). This configuration can improve the workability of inserting and removing the optical connector 70. More specifically, for example, by fixing the adapter module M to the shaft member 50 using the restricting member 20A, it can be made easier to insert and remove the optical connector 70 with respect to the adapter module M.

[0050] The restricting member 20A has an insertion hole 23 through which the shaft member 50 is inserted and which can elastically expand and contract, and the insertion hole 23 has a small diameter portion 23a inscribed with a first imaginary circle C1 when viewed from the second direction X, and a large diameter portion 23b inscribed with the second imaginary circle C2 when viewed from the second direction X and communicating with the small diameter portion 23a in the front-to-rear direction Y, where Φ1 is the diameter of the first imaginary circle C1, Φ2 is the diameter of the second imaginary circle C2, and Φ3 is the diameter of the shaft member 50, such that Φ1 < Φ3 < Φ2 holds. This configuration makes it possible to easily realize a restricting member 20A that can be switched between a restricting state and an allowing state.

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

[0052] Furthermore, the distance by which the adapter modules M can move relatively in the second direction X may be 20 mm or more. With this configuration, it becomes easier for a human finger to fit between adjacent adapter modules M, making it easier for an operator to move the adapter modules M and insert and remove the optical connector 70.

[0053] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. The basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. Only the differences will be described. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the shape of the regulating member 20B is different from the shape of the regulating member 20A in the first embodiment.

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

[0055] 11A and 11B , the restricting portion 22 according to this embodiment is inserted between the shaft member 50 and the first portion 33A of the connection portion 33 in the first direction Z. In the state shown in FIG. 11A , where the restricting portion 22 is inserted deep into the base member 30 and the second extending surface 24b abuts against the shaft member 50, the restricting portion 22 presses the shaft member 50 downward, and a frictional force is generated between the restricting portion 22 and the shaft member 50. As a result, the restricting member 20B is in a restricting state in which it restricts relative movement of the adapter module M in the second direction X with respect to the shaft member 50. On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 11B , where the restricting member 20B is pulled out and the first extending surface 24a abuts against the shaft member 50, the restricting portion 22 does not press against the shaft member 50. In other words, the restricting member 20B is in an allowing state in which it allows relative movement of the adapter module M in the second direction X with respect to the shaft member 50. In this way, like the restricting member 20A according to the first embodiment, the restricting member 20B according to this embodiment is configured to be switchable between a restricting state and an allowing state by movement in the front-rear direction Y. Note that in this embodiment, the pin P and the elongated hole 31 a (see also FIG. 4 ) also serve to prevent the restricting member 20B from falling off the base member 30.

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

[0057] For example, the first direction Z does not have to substantially coincide with the direction of gravity. For example, the second direction X may substantially coincide with the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the first direction Z in which the multiple holding portions 10 are arranged and the second direction X in which the shaft member 50 extends only need to intersect, and do not necessarily have to be perpendicular to each other. Similarly, the front-rear direction Y and the first direction Z only need to intersect, and do not necessarily have to be perpendicular to each other. The front-rear direction Y and the second direction X only need to intersect, and do not necessarily have to be perpendicular to each other.

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

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

[0060] The restricting members 20A and 20B may be integral with the spacer 40. Alternatively, the adapter module M may not have the spacer 40.

[0061] Furthermore, the configuration of the restricting members 20A and 20B described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and the configuration can be changed as appropriate as long as it is configured to be switchable between a restricting state and an allowing state. Alternatively, the optical connection assembly 1 may not have the restricting members 20A and 20B.

[0062] Furthermore, it is possible to appropriately change the number of holding units 10 included in each adapter module M, the number of optical connectors 70 and optical fibers 71 inserted into each holding unit 10, and the number of optical fibers 71 inserted into each adapter module M. For example, the number of optical fibers 71 that can be inserted into one adapter module M from the front (one direction) may be 29 or less, or 31 or more.

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

[0064] In addition, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0065] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...optical connection assembly M...adapter module 10...holding portion 11...insertion hole 20A, 20B...regulating member 23...insertion hole 23a...small diameter portion 23b...large diameter portion 50...shaft member 70...optical connector 71...optical fiber Z...first direction X...second direction Y...front-rear direction

Claims

1. An optical connection assembly into which a plurality of optical connectors are inserted, a plurality of adapter modules each having an insertion hole into which the optical connector can be inserted, each having a plurality of holding parts capable of holding the inserted optical connector, the plurality of holding parts being arranged side by side in a first direction intersecting an insertion direction in which the optical connector is inserted; a shaft member extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the insertion direction and supporting the plurality of adapter modules; the plurality of adapter modules are relatively movable along the shaft member in the second direction; an optical connection assembly, wherein a distance over which the plurality of adapter modules can move relative to one another is equal to or greater than a dimension of the insertion hole in the second direction.

2. the first direction is a direction of gravity, The optical connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein the shaft member supports an upper end of the adapter module.

3. The adapter module has a restricting member, The optical connection assembly described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the regulating member is switchable between a regulating state in which the relative movement of the adapter module with respect to the shaft member and an allowing state in which the relative movement of the adapter module with respect to the shaft member is allowed by moving in the insertion direction.

4. the restricting member has an insertion hole through which the shaft member is inserted and which is elastically expandable and contractable; the insertion hole has a small diameter portion in which a first imaginary circle is inscribed when viewed from the second direction, and a large diameter portion in which a second imaginary circle is inscribed when viewed from the second direction and which communicates with the small diameter portion in the insertion direction, 4. The optical connection assembly according to claim 3, wherein Φ1<Φ3<Φ2 holds when the diameter of the first imaginary circle is Φ1, the diameter of the second imaginary circle is Φ2, and the diameter of the shaft member is Φ3.

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

6. 3. The optical connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein a maximum value of the dimension of the insertion hole in the second direction is within a range of 10 to 12 mm.

7. 3. The optical connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the distance over which the adapter module can move relatively in the second direction is 20 mm or more.