Optical fiber cutter

Abstract

An optical fiber cutter (1) according to one embodiment is provided with: a roller (14); a first gear (13) attached to the rotating shaft (12) and receiving a driving force for rotating the rotating shaft; a second gear (30) that rotates by meshing with the first gear (13); an interlocking member (11) that interlocks with the rotation of the cover (3) and has a rack (11b) that transmits a driving force that rotates the second gear (30) in response to the interlocking; and a third gear (20) that rotates by meshing with the rack (11b). When the interlocking member (11) moves in a first direction (A1), the third gear (20) rotates in a first rotation direction (D1), and when the interlocking member (11) moves in a second direction (A2) different from the first direction (A1), the third gear rotates in a second rotation direction (D2) opposite to the first rotation direction (D1). When the third gear (30) rotates in the first rotational direction (D1), the second gear (30) does not rotate, and when the third gear (20) rotates in the second rotational direction (D2), the second gear rotates in the second rotational direction (D2) together with the third gear (20).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2022-183481 filed on November 16, 2022, and incorporates all the disclosures described in the above Japanese application. Background Art

[0003] A patent document 1 describes an optical fiber cutter. The optical fiber cutter includes: a main body; a clamping member for holding a bare optical fiber; a disc-shaped cutting edge for forming a notch in the bare optical fiber; and a chip recovery mechanism for recovering chips of the bare optical fiber. The chip recovery mechanism includes: a housing main body having an opening; an inner housing accommodated in the housing main body; an opening / closing lid for opening / closing the opening of the housing main body; and an opening / closing locking rod for locking the opening / closing lid in an open state.

[0004] The chip recovery mechanism includes: a lower roller axially supported inside the housing main body; and an upper roller axially supported on the back surface of the opening / closing lid. Chips of the bare optical fiber are sandwiched between the upper roller and the lower roller. The chip recovery mechanism further includes: a drive rod accommodated inside the housing main body; a drive gear attached to the drive rod; and an idler gear interposed between the drive gear and the lower roller.

[0005] The drive rod includes: a shaft; a flange provided at the left end of the shaft; and an arm member protruding upward from the flange. The drive gear includes a substantially cylindrical base portion, a pair of claw portions, a gear mounting portion, a gear portion, a crest portion, and a protrusion. The driving force of the drive gear is transmitted to the lower roller via the drive rod. In the initial state, the base portion of the drive gear is away from the flange of the drive rod, and the gear portion of the drive gear does not mesh with the idler gear. Thus, the rotational movement of the drive gear is not transmitted to the lower roller, and the lower roller does not rotate.

[0006] A patent document 2 describes a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch has an outer ring as an outer wheel member and an inner ring as an inner wheel member. A plurality of internal teeth are formed on the inner circumference of the outer ring. A plurality of flexible pawls are provided on the outer circumference of the inner ring. The outer ring and the inner ring are fitted in a state where the internal teeth of the outer ring and the pawls of the inner ring are engaged with each other.

[0007] A patent document 3 describes a ratchet type one-way clutch. The ratchet type one-way clutch includes: an outer wheel; an inner wheel disposed radially inward of the outer wheel; and a ratchet mechanism for transmitting torque between the outer wheel and the inner wheel. The ratchet mechanism is composed of a groove formed in the inner wheel, a first recess formed in the outer wheel, and a claw member held in the first recess.

[0008] Prior Art Documents

[0009] Patent Documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. WO 2022 / 181766

[0011] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-194796

[0012] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-127989 Summary of the Invention

[0013] The optical fiber cutter of the present disclosure is an optical fiber cutter that has a cover and cuts an optical fiber in association with the rotation of the cover. The optical fiber cutter includes: a roller that is attached to a rotating shaft, holds the optical fiber to be cut, and rotates about the rotating shaft; a first gear that is attached to the rotating shaft and receives a driving force for rotating the rotating shaft; a second gear that rotates by meshing with the first gear; a linkage member that is linked to the rotation of the cover and has a rack for transmitting a driving force that causes the second gear to rotate in response to the linkage; and a third gear that rotates by meshing with the rack. When the linkage member moves in a first direction, the third gear rotates in a first rotation direction, and when the linkage member moves in a second direction different from the first direction, the third gear rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. When the third gear rotates in the first rotation direction, the second gear does not rotate, and when the third gear rotates in the second rotation direction, the second gear rotates in the second rotation direction together with the third gear. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an optical fiber cutter according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 is showing Figure 1 a cutaway perspective view of the cover, the linkage member, the third gear, and the second gear of the optical fiber cutter.

[0016] Figure 3 is showing Figure 1 a perspective view of the linkage member, the third gear, the second gear, the first gear, and the roller of the optical fiber cutter.

[0017] Figure 4 is showing Figure 3 a perspective view of the second gear and the third gear.

[0018] Figure 5 is showing Figure 3 a perspective view of the third gear.

[0019] Figure 6 is showing Figure 3 a front view of the third gear.

[0020] Figure 7 is showing Figure 3 a front view of the second gear. Detailed implementation mode

[0021] Furthermore, in an optical fiber cutter, a blade for forming a notch in the optical fiber and a roller for moving the cut optical fiber toward a recovery device are arranged in an aligned manner. The roller is assembled to a rotating shaft and is configured to be rotatable about the rotating shaft. However, when the roller rotates such that the upper surface of the roller faces the blade, the chips of the optical fiber may be discharged toward the blade side. Therefore, it is required to restrict the rotation of the roller in one direction.

[0022] In the optical fiber cutter described in Patent Document 1, in the initial state, the base of the drive gear is away from the flange of the drive rod, and the gear portion of the drive gear does not mesh with the idler gear. Thus, the rotational movement of the drive gear is not transmitted to the lower roller, and the lower roller does not rotate. However, the number of components of this optical fiber cutter is large, and the shape of each component is complex. Therefore, simplification of the configuration is required.

[0023] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical fiber cutter that can simplify the configuration and can restrict the rotation of the roller in one direction.

[0024] [Description of the embodiment of the invention of the present application]

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the optical fiber cutter of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The optical fiber cutter of one embodiment is: (1) an optical fiber cutter having a cover, and the optical fiber cutter cuts the optical fiber in association with the rotation of the cover. The optical fiber cutter includes: a roller assembled to a rotating shaft, holding the optical fiber to be cut, and rotating about the rotating shaft; a first gear assembled to the rotating shaft, receiving a driving force for rotating the rotating shaft; a second gear meshing with the first gear to rotate; a linkage member linked to the rotation of the cover and having a rack for transmitting a driving force that causes the second gear to rotate in response to the linkage; and a third gear meshing with the rack to rotate. When the linkage member moves in a first direction, the third gear rotates in a first rotation direction, and when the linkage member moves in a second direction different from the first direction, the third gear rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. When the third gear rotates in the first rotation direction, the second gear does not rotate, and when the third gear rotates in the second rotation direction, the second gear rotates in the second rotation direction together with the third gear.

[0026] The optical fiber cutter has a roller for holding the optical fiber to be cut, and the roller rotates about a rotation axis. The optical fiber cutter includes: a first gear assembled to the rotation axis; a second gear that rotates by meshing with the first gear; a third gear; and a linkage mechanism having a rack that rotates by meshing with the third gear. When the linkage member moves in the first direction, the third gear rotates in the first rotation direction, and when the linkage member moves in the second direction, the third gear rotates in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. When the third gear rotates in the second rotation direction, the second gear rotates in the second rotation direction together with the third gear. When the second gear rotates in the second rotation direction, the first gear and the roller rotate in the first rotation direction. On the other hand, when the third gear rotates in the first rotation direction, the second gear does not rotate. Thus, the first gear and the roller do not rotate in the second rotation direction. Therefore, the rotation of the roller in one direction can be restricted, and thus the possibility of the chips of the optical fiber being discharged toward the blade side can be reduced. Moreover, the mechanism for rotating the roller is composed of the first gear, the second gear, the third gear, and the linkage member, so the structure can be simplified.

[0027] (2) In the above (1), it may also be that the second gear has a recess into which a part of the third gear enters, and the recess is defined by a bottom surface and an inner peripheral surface opposed to the third gear. It may also be that the second gear has a convex portion protruding from the inner peripheral surface. It may also be that the third gear has a claw portion that contacts the convex portion in a state of entering the recess of the second gear. It may also be that the claw portion has: a contact surface extending along the radial direction of the third gear; a top portion located at the radial end of the contact surface; and an inclined surface extending from the top portion in an inclined manner with respect to the contact surface at an acute angle to the contact surface. It may also be that when the third gear rotates in the first rotation direction, the inclined surface passes over the convex portion and the second gear does not rotate, and when the third gear rotates in the second rotation direction, the contact surface contacts the convex portion and the second gear rotates in the second rotation direction together with the third gear. The claw portion may also have a necking portion that extends from the end of the contact surface opposite to the top portion and approaches the inclined surface as it moves away from the end. In this case, when the third gear rotates in the first rotation direction, the inclined surface passes over the convex portion and the second gear does not rotate. On the other hand, when the third gear rotates in the second rotation direction, the contact surface contacts the convex portion and the second gear rotates in the second rotation direction together with the third gear. The claw portion of the third gear having the inclined surface and the contact surface has a necking portion. The necking portion extends from the end of the contact surface opposite to the top portion and approaches the inclined surface as it moves away from the end. Due to the presence of the necking portion, the thickness of the claw portion becomes thinner as it moves away from the top portion. Thus, when the third gear rotates in the first rotation direction, the claw portion can be easily deformed, and therefore, the rotation of the third gear in the first rotation direction can be made smooth.

[0028] (3) In the above (2), it is also possible that the third gear has a tooth portion that meshes with the rack of the linkage member to rotate, and the tooth portion and the claw portion are integrated. In this case, the structure of the third gear can be simplified.

[0029] (4) In the above (3), it is also possible that the third gear has a base, and the tooth portion is formed on the base. It is also possible that a hole penetrating the base in the axial direction of the third gear is formed in the base. In this case, the third gear can be easily manufactured by molding.

[0030] (5) In any one of the above (1) to (4), it is also possible that the optical fiber cutter includes an optical fiber holding portion for holding the optical fiber, and it is also possible that the optical fiber holding portion is configured to be movable upward and downward relative to the roller.

[0031] (6) In any one of the above (1) to (5), the first direction can also be the direction in which the linkage member moves when the cover is closed, and the second direction can also be the direction in which the linkage member moves when the cover is opened.

[0032] (7) In any one of the above (1) to (6), the first direction can also be the direction from above to below, and the second direction can also be the direction from below to above.

[0033] (8) In any one of the above (1) to (7), the first rotation direction can also be the direction in which the upper-facing surface of the roller moves to the side opposite to the blade of the optical fiber cutter, and the second rotation direction can also be the direction in which the upper-facing surface of the roller moves toward the blade.

[0034] (9) In the above (4), it is also possible that the base has a contact portion that contacts the second gear.

[0035] (10) In the above (9), it is also possible that the contact portion is in the shape of a flange that expands in diameter on the side of the base opposite to the tooth portion.

[0036] (11) In any one of the above (4), (9), and (10), it is also possible that the claw portion and the hole are arranged axially in the third gear.

[0037] (12) In any one of the above (4), (9) to (11), it is also possible that the claw portion is formed on the surface of the base on the side opposite to the tooth portion.

[0038] (13) In any one of the above (2) to (4), (9) to (12), it is also possible that the third gear includes a claw unit that includes a plurality of claw portions.

[0039] (14)In the above (13), it is also possible that the claw unit has: an arm portion that extends from an adjacent position of the shaft portion of the third gear toward the outer periphery of the third gear; and a claw portion that is located at an end portion of the arm portion on a side opposite to the shaft portion.

[0040] (15)In the above (14), it is also possible that the claw unit is composed of a pair of arm portions and a pair of claw portions.

[0041] (16)In any one of the above (2) to (4), (9) to (15), it is also possible that the claw portion has: a contact surface that extends along the radial direction of the third gear; a top portion that is located at a radial end portion of the contact surface; and an inclined surface that extends from the top portion in an inclined manner with respect to the contact surface at an acute angle to the contact surface.

[0042] (17)In any one of the above (1) to (16), it is also possible that the second gear has a recess into which a part of the third gear enters, and it is also possible that the recess is defined by a bottom surface and an inner peripheral surface that face the third gear.

[0043] (18)In any one of the above (2) to (4), (9) to (16), it is also possible that the second gear has a convex portion that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the second gear, and it is also possible that the claw portion of the third gear contacts the convex portion.

[0044] (19)In the above (18), it is also possible that the convex portion has: a first protruding surface that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface along the radial direction of the second gear; and a second protruding surface that extends from a protruding end of the first protruding surface in a manner perpendicular to the first protruding surface when viewed in the axial direction of the second gear.

[0045] (20)In any one of the above (1) to (19), it is also possible that the third gear is integrally formed. In this case, the configuration of the third gear can be simplified, and the production of the third gear can be easily performed.

[0046] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0047] Hereinafter, a specific example of an optical fiber cutter according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following examples, but is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope equivalent to the claims. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted. In the drawings, in order to facilitate understanding, sometimes a part is simplified or exaggeratedly depicted, and the dimensional ratios and the like are not limited to those described in the drawings.

[0048] Figure 1FIG. 0 is a perspective view showing the optical fiber cutter 1 of the present embodiment. The optical fiber cutter 1 is a device for cutting, for example, the glass fiber exposed by removing the coating of the tip portion of the optical fiber. For example, the optical fiber cutter 1 includes a base body 2, a cover 3, a guide member 4, a base member 5, a blade 6 for forming a notch in the optical fiber, a moving member 7, and an optical fiber holding portion 10. The cover 3 is configured to be rotatable relative to the base body 2 to open / close. The optical fiber cutter 1 cuts the optical fiber in association with the rotation of the cover 3. The cover 3 is rotatably connected to the end of the base body 2 via a shaft portion extending in the width direction of the base body 2, for example.

[0049] The guide member 4 and the base member 5 constitute an optical fiber holder that holds the optical fiber cut by forming a notch with the blade 6. The base member 5 has a cover 5b that covers the optical fiber guided by the guide member 4. The blade 6 is provided for forming a notch in the optical fiber. For example, the blade 6 has a disk shape. At the base body 2, the moving member 7 is provided on the side surface of the base body 2 facing the width direction. The moving member 7 is movable in the width direction of the base body 2. The blade 6 moves in association with the movement of the moving member 7. The optical fiber holding portion 10 holds the tip portion of the optical fiber guided by the guide member 4. The optical fiber held by the optical fiber holding portion 10 is cut by forming a notch with the blade 6 that moves in association with the movement of the moving member 7.

[0050] Figure 2 FIG. 7 is a sectional perspective view of the optical fiber cutter 1. As Figure 2 shown, the optical fiber cutter 1 has an inner member 3b located inside the cover 3. For example, the inner member 3b moves upward and downward together with the cover 3. Further, the optical fiber cutter 1 has a linkage member 11 that is linked to the rotation of the cover 3. For example, the linkage member 11 is linked to the inner member 3b. The linkage member 11 has, for example, a rod-shaped portion extending upward, and is fixed to the inner member 3b via this rod-shaped portion. Therefore, when the cover 3 is opened, the linkage member 11 moves upward together with the inner member 3b, and when the cover 3 is closed, the linkage member 11 moves downward together with the inner member 3b.

[0051] Figure 3 FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the structure around the linkage member 11. As Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the optical fiber cutter 1 includes: a roller 14 that contacts the optical fiber holding portion 10; a rotating shaft 12 to which the roller 14 is attached; and a first gear 13 that rotates the rotating shaft 12. For example, the optical fiber holding portion 10 is configured to be movable upward and downward relative to the roller 14, and contacts the roller 14 when moving downward. The optical fiber to be cut is sandwiched between the optical fiber holding portion 10 and the roller 14.

[0052] The rotation axis 12 extends, for example, in the width direction of the base body 2. The first gear 13 is, for example, assembled at a position adjacent to the roller 14 on the rotation axis 12. The first gear 13 and the roller 14 are arranged in the width direction of the base body 2. The roller 14 holds the optical fiber to be cut and rotates about the rotation axis 12. The linkage member 11 supplies a driving force to the first gear 13 via a third gear 20 and a second gear 30 described later. The first gear 13 is assembled to the rotation axis 12 and receives the driving force that rotates the rotation axis 12.

[0053] The linkage member 11 has a rack 11b that transmits the driving force for rotating the third gear 20. The linkage member 11 rotates the third gear 20 in response to the above-described linkage. When the linkage member 11 moves in the first direction A1 ( Figure 1 the direction indicated by the arrow in), the third gear 20 is rotated in the first rotation direction D1 ( Figure 1 the direction indicated by the arrow in). When the linkage member 11 moves in a second direction A2 different from the first direction A1, the third gear 20 is rotated in a second rotation direction D2 opposite to the first rotation direction D1. The first direction A1 is, for example, the direction in which the linkage member 11 moves when the cover 3 is closed. As an example, the first direction A1 is the direction from above to below. The second direction A2 is, for example, the direction in which the linkage member 11 moves when the cover 3 is opened. As an example, the second direction A2 is the direction from below to above.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the first rotation direction D1 is the direction in which the upper-facing side of the roller 14 moves to the side opposite to the blade 6, and the second rotation direction D2 is the direction in which the upper-facing side of the roller 14 moves toward the blade 6. However, when the roller 14 rotates in the second rotation direction D2, the chips of the optical fiber may be discharged toward the blade 6 side. Assuming that the chips of the optical fiber are discharged toward the blade 6 side, the frequency of cleaning of the blade 6 and the like will increase. If the frequency of cleaning of the blade 6 and the like increases, safety will be a concern. Therefore, it is required to limit the rotation of the roller 14 in the second rotation direction D2.

[0055] In the optical fiber cutter 1 of the present embodiment, by including the third gear 20 described later, the roller 14 rotates in the first rotation direction D1, and the rotation of the roller 14 in the second rotation direction D2 is restricted. Hereinafter, the configuration for realizing this function will be described. First, when the linkage member 11 moves in the second direction A2, the third gear 20 and the second gear 30 rotate in the second rotation direction D2, and the first gear 13 rotates in the first rotation direction D1. As a result, the rotation axis 12 and the roller 14 rotate in the first rotation direction D1. In contrast, when the linkage member 11 moves in the first direction A1, the third gear 20 rotates in the first rotation direction D1, but the second gear 30 does not rotate in the first rotation direction D1. As a result, the first gear 13, the rotation axis 12, and the roller 14 do not rotate.

[0056] The third gear 20 meshes with the rack 11b of the linkage member 11. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the enlarged third gear 20. As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the third gear 20 has: a shaft portion 21; a tooth portion 22 formed to extend radially from the shaft portion 21 when viewed in the direction extending along the shaft portion 21 (in Figure 4 it is the vertically extending direction, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the axial direction); and a base 23, and the tooth portion 22 is formed on the base 23.

[0057] The shaft portion 21 protrudes from the tooth portion 22 to the side opposite to the base 23. For example, the shaft portion 21 is cylindrical. The tooth portion 22 meshes with the rack 11b of the linkage member 11. Thus, the third gear 20 converts the linear movement of the linkage member 11 into the rotational movement of the third gear 20. The base 23 is, for example, disc-shaped. The base 23 has a contact portion 23b that contacts the second gear 30. The contact portion 23b is in the shape of a flange that has an enlarged diameter on the side of the base 23 opposite to the tooth portion 22. By contacting the second gear 30 through this flange-shaped contact portion 23b, the rotation of the second gear 30 can be made more stable.

[0058] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the surface of the base 23 opposite to the tooth portion 22. Figure 6 is a view showing the surface of the base 23 on which the tooth portion 22 is formed. As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, a hole 24 penetrating the base 23 in the axial direction of the third gear 20 is formed in the base 23. The third gear 20 has a claw portion 26 arranged along the axial direction of the third gear 20 with respect to the hole 24. The claw portion 26 corresponds to the portion that abuts against the second gear 30 described later.

[0059] For example, the third gear 20 is made of resin. In this case, the third gear 20 is integrally formed. In the third gear 20, the tooth portion 22 and the claw portion 26 are integrally formed. For example, the claw portion 26 is formed on the surface of the base 23 opposite to the tooth portion 22. The third gear 20 has, for example, a plurality of (as an example, two) claw portions 26. In the present embodiment, the third gear 20 includes a claw unit 25 including a plurality of claw portions 26.

[0060] The claw unit 25 is formed on the surface of the base 23 on the side opposite to the tooth portion 22. The claw unit 25 has: an arm portion 27 that extends from a position adjacent to the shaft portion 21 toward the outer periphery of the third gear 20; and a claw portion 26 that is located at the end of the arm portion 27 on the side opposite to the shaft portion 21. For example, the claw unit 25 is composed of a pair of arm portions 27 and a pair of claw portions 26. At least a part of the claw portion 26 and the arm portion 27 is opposed to the hole 24 in the axial direction of the third gear 20. At least a part of the claw portion 26 and the arm portion 27 is configured to be elastically deformable along the rotation direction (circumferential direction) of the third gear 20.

[0061] For example, the arm portion 27 has: an extension portion 27b that extends from a position adjacent to the shaft portion 21 toward the outer periphery of the third gear 20; and a bending portion 27c that is bent from the end of the extension portion 27b on the side opposite to the shaft portion 21. The bending portion 27c is bent by, for example, 90 degrees with respect to the extension portion 27b. For example, the thickness of the arm portion 27 when viewed along the axial direction of the third gear 20 is fixed.

[0062] The claw portion 26 has: a contact surface 26b that extends in the radial direction of the third gear 20; a top portion 26d that is located at the end of the contact surface 26b in the radial direction; and an inclined surface 26c that extends from the top portion 26d and is inclined with respect to the contact surface 26b at an acute angle to the contact surface 26b. Moreover, the claw portion 26 has a necking portion 26g that extends from the end portion 26f of the contact surface 26b opposite to the top portion 26d and approaches the inclined surface 26c as it moves away from the end portion 26f.

[0063] The contact surface 26b extends in both the radial direction of the third gear 20 and the axial direction of the third gear 20. The inclined surface 26c extends from the top portion 26d toward the arm portion 27 and extends in the axial direction of the third gear 20. The contact surface 26b and the inclined surface 26c are configured to be flat. When viewed along the axial direction of the third gear 20, the top portion 26d and the end portion 26f have rounded corners. For example, the thickness of the claw portion 26 when viewed along the axial direction of the third gear 20 becomes thinner as it moves away from the top portion 26d. Thus, the claw portion 26 is configured to have a shape that is easily elastically deformable.

[0064] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the second gear 30. As Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the second gear 30 includes a convex portion 34 that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 33c of the second gear 30, and the claw portion 26 of the third gear 20 contacts the convex portion 34. For example, the second gear 30 has a concave portion 33 into which a part of the third gear 20 enters. The concave portion 33 is defined by a bottom surface 33b opposed to the third gear 20 and the inner peripheral surface 33c.

[0065] The bottom surface 33b extends, for example, in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. The inner peripheral surface 33c extends along the axial direction of the second gear 30 from the outer edge of the bottom surface 33b. For example, a through hole 35 that penetrates the second gear 30 in the axial direction of the second gear 30 is formed in the bottom surface 33b. As an example, the through hole 35 is circular. The second gear 30 has a plurality of (seven as an example) through holes 35. For example, one of the plurality of through holes 35 is formed at the center of the second gear 30.

[0066] The second gear 30 meshes with the above-described first gear 13. The second gear 30 has a tooth portion 32 that meshes with the first gear 13 on the outer periphery of the second gear 30. The claw portion 26 of the third gear 20 contacts the convex portion 34 in a state of entering the concave portion 33 of the second gear 30. For example, the second gear 30 has a plurality of convex portions 34. The plurality of convex portions 34 are arranged along the rotation direction (circumferential direction) of the second gear 30.

[0067] The convex portion 34 has: a first protruding surface 34c that protrudes radially from the inner peripheral surface 33c along the second gear 30; and a second protruding surface 34b that extends from the protruding end of the first protruding surface 34c in a manner perpendicular to the first protruding surface 34c when viewed in the axial direction of the second gear 30. When the third gear 20 rotates in the first rotation direction D1, the inclined surface 26c of the claw portion 26 abuts against the second protruding surface 34b. At this time, the claw portion 26 elastically deforms, the inclined surface 26c crosses the second protruding surface 34b and the third gear 20 rotates in the first rotation direction D1, and thus, the second gear 30 does not rotate. On the other hand, when the third gear 20 rotates in the second rotation direction D2, the abutting surface 26b of the claw portion 26 abuts against the first protruding surface 34c. At this time, in a state where the abutting surface 26b abuts against the first protruding surface 34c, the second gear 30 rotates in the second rotation direction D2 together with the third gear 20.

[0068] As described above, as Figure 3 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, when the linkage member 11 moves in the first direction A1, the third gear 20 rotates in the first rotation direction D1, and when the linkage member 11 moves in the second direction A2, the third gear 20 rotates in the second rotation direction D2. And, when the third gear 20 rotates in the first rotation direction D1, the second gear 30 does not rotate, and when the third gear 20 rotates in the second rotation direction D2, the second gear 30 rotates in the second rotation direction D2 together with the third gear 20.

[0069] Next, the effects obtained by the optical fiber cutter 1 of the present embodiment will be described. The optical fiber cutter 1 has a roller 14 that holds the optical fiber to be cut, and the roller 14 rotates about a rotation axis 12. The optical fiber cutter 1 includes: a first gear 13 assembled to the rotation axis 12; a second gear 30 that meshes with the first gear 13; a third gear 20; and a linkage member 11 having a rack 11b that meshes with the third gear 20. When the linkage member 11 moves in the first direction A1, the third gear 20 rotates in the first rotation direction D1, and when the linkage member 11 moves in the second direction A2, the third gear 20 rotates in a second rotation direction D2 opposite to the first rotation direction D1.

[0070] When the third gear 20 rotates in the second rotation direction D2, the second gear 30 rotates in the second rotation direction D2 together with the third gear 20. When the second gear 30 rotates in the second rotation direction D2, the first gear 13 and the roller 14 rotate in the first rotation direction D1. On the other hand, when the third gear 20 rotates in the first rotation direction D1, the second gear 30 does not rotate. As a result, the first gear 13 and the roller 14 do not rotate in the second rotation direction D2. Therefore, the rotation of the roller 14 in one direction can be restricted, and thus the possibility of the chips of the optical fiber being discharged toward the blade 6 can be reduced. Moreover, the mechanism for rotating the roller 14 is composed of the first gear 13, the second gear 30, the third gear 20, and the linkage member 11, so the configuration can be simplified.

[0071] As described above, the second gear 30 may have a recess 33 into which a part of the third gear 20 enters. The recess 33 may be defined by a bottom surface 33b and an inner peripheral surface 33c opposed to the third gear 20. The second gear 30 may have a convex portion 34 protruding from the inner peripheral surface 33c. The third gear 20 may have a claw portion 26 that contacts the convex portion 34 in a state of entering the recess 33 of the second gear 30. The claw portion 26 may have: a contact surface 26b extending in the radial direction of the third gear 20; a top portion 26d located at the radially outer end of the contact surface 26b; and an inclined surface 26c extending from the top portion 26d at an acute angle with respect to the contact surface 26b. When the third gear 20 rotates in the first rotation direction D1, the inclined surface 26c passes over the convex portion 34 and the second gear 30 does not rotate. When the third gear 20 rotates in the second rotation direction D2, the contact surface 26b contacts the convex portion 34 and the second gear 30 rotates in the second rotation direction D2 together with the third gear 20. The claw portion 26 may have a constricted portion 26g that extends from the end portion 26f of the contact surface 26b opposite to the top portion 26d and approaches the inclined surface 26c as it moves away from the end portion 26f.

[0072] In this case, when the third gear 20 rotates in the first rotation direction D1, the inclined surface 26c passes over the convex portion 34, and the second gear 30 does not rotate. On the other hand, when the third gear 20 rotates in the second rotation direction D2, the abutting surface 26b abuts against the convex portion 34, and the second gear 30 rotates in the second rotation direction D2 together with the third gear 20. The claw portion 26 of the third gear 20 having the inclined surface 26c and the abutting surface 26b has a reduced diameter portion 26g. The reduced diameter portion 26g extends from the end portion 26f of the abutting surface 26b opposite to the top portion 26d, and approaches the inclined surface 26c as it moves away from the end portion 26f. Due to the presence of the reduced diameter portion 26g, the thickness of the claw portion 26 becomes thinner as it moves away from the top portion 26d. Thereby, when the third gear 20 rotates in the first rotation direction D1, the claw portion 26 can be easily deformed, and thus the rotation of the third gear 20 in the first rotation direction D1 can be made smooth.

[0073] As described above, it may also be that the third gear 20 has a tooth portion 22 that meshes with the rack 11b of the linkage member 11, and the tooth portion 22 and the claw portion 26 are integrally formed. In this case, the configuration of the third gear 20 can be simplified.

[0074] As described above, it may also be that the third gear 20 has a base 23, and the tooth portion 22 is formed on the base 23. It may also be that a hole 24 that penetrates the base 23 in the axial direction of the third gear 20 is formed in the base 23. In this case, the third gear 20 can be easily manufactured by molding.

[0075] As described above, it may also be that the third gear 20 is integrally formed. In this case, the configuration of the third gear 20 can be simplified, and the third gear 20 can be easily manufactured.

[0076] The embodiments of the optical fiber cutter of the present disclosure have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. That is, those skilled in the art can easily recognize that the present invention can be variously modified and changed within the scope of the gist described in the claims. For example, the shape, size, material, number, and arrangement of each part of the optical fiber cutter can be appropriately changed within the scope of the above-described gist.

[0077] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the integrally formed third gear 20 has been described. However, the third gear may not be integrally formed, and may be composed of a combination of multiple components. For example, it may also be that in the third gear, a tooth portion unit having the tooth portion 22 is connected to a claw unit that is provided as a separate component from the tooth portion unit. In this case, the hole 24 can be omitted. Moreover, the third gear may not have the above-described base 23, and may also be a third gear directly formed by combining the tooth portion 22 and the claw portion 26.

[0078] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the third gear 20 is made of resin has been described. However, the material of the third gear is not limited to resin and can be appropriately changed. In the above-described embodiment, the third gear 20 having the claw unit 25 including two claw portions 26 and composed of the two claw portions 26 and the two arm portions 27 has been described. However, the claws of the third gear may not be configured as a claw unit, and a plurality of claw portions 26 may be formed independently of each other (for example, at positions spaced apart from each other). The number of claw portions may also be one or three or more, and there is no particular limitation. Further, the shape of the claw portion is not limited to the above-described claw portion 26 and can be appropriately changed within the scope of the above-described gist.

[0079] Description of Reference Numerals:

[0080] 1: Fiber optic cutter;

[0081] 2: Substrate;

[0082] 3: Cover;

[0083] 3b: Inner member;

[0084] 4: Guide member;

[0085] 5: Base member;

[0086] 5b: Cover;

[0087] 6: Blade;

[0088] 7: Moving member;

[0089] 10: Fiber optic holding portion;

[0090] 11: Linkage member;

[0091] 11b: Rack;

[0092] 12: Rotation shaft;

[0093] 13: First gear;

[0094] 14: Roller;

[0095] 20: Third gear;

[0096] 21: Shaft portion;

[0097] 22: Tooth portion;

[0098] 23: Base;

[0099] 23b: Contact portion;

[0100] 24: Hole;

[0101] 25: Claw unit;

[0102] 26: Claw part;

[0103] 26b: Contact surface;

[0104] 26c: Inclined surface;

[0105] 26d: Top;

[0106] 26f: End;

[0107] 26g: Necking part;

[0108] 27: Arm part;

[0109] 27b: Extension part;

[0110] 27c: Bending part;

[0111] 30: Second gear;

[0112] 32: Tooth part;

[0113] 33: Concave part;

[0114] 33b: Bottom surface;

[0115] 33c: Inner peripheral surface;

[0116] 34: Convex part;

[0117] 34b: Second protruding surface;

[0118] 34c: First protruding surface;

[0119] 35: Through hole;

[0120] A1: First direction;

[0121] A2: Second direction;

[0122] D1: First rotation direction;

[0123] D2: Second rotation direction.

Claims

1. An optical fiber cutter having a cover, the optical fiber cutter cutting an optical fiber in association with the rotation of the cover, wherein, The optical fiber cutter includes: a roller, which is assembled on a rotating shaft, holds the optical fiber to be cut, and rotates about the rotating shaft; a first gear, which is assembled on the rotating shaft and receives a driving force for rotating the rotating shaft; a second gear, which rotates by meshing with the first gear; a linkage member, which is linked to the rotation of the cover and has a rack for transmitting a driving force that causes the second gear to rotate in response to the linkage; and a third gear, which rotates by meshing with the rack; when the linkage member moves in a first direction, the third gear rotates in a first rotation direction, and when the linkage member moves in a second direction different from the first direction, the third gear rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction; when the third gear rotates in the first rotation direction, the second gear does not rotate, and when the third gear rotates in the second rotation direction, the second gear rotates in the second rotation direction together with the third gear.

2. The optical fiber cutter according to claim 1, wherein, The second gear has a recess into which a part of the third gear enters; the recess is defined by a bottom surface and an inner peripheral surface opposed to the third gear; the second gear has a convex portion protruding from the inner peripheral surface; the third gear has a claw portion, which contacts the convex portion in a state of entering the recess of the second gear; the claw portion has: a contact surface extending in the radial direction of the third gear; a top portion located at an end of the contact surface in the radial direction; and an inclined surface extending obliquely from the top portion with an acute angle to the contact surface with respect to the contact surface; when the third gear rotates in the first rotation direction, the inclined surface passes over the convex portion and the second gear does not rotate, and when the third gear rotates in the second rotation direction, the contact surface abuts against the convex portion and the second gear rotates in the second rotation direction together with the third gear; the claw portion has a necking portion, which extends from an end of the contact surface opposite to the top portion and approaches the inclined surface as it moves away from the end; 3. The optical fiber cutter according to claim 2, wherein, the third gear has a tooth portion that rotates by meshing with the rack of the linkage member; the tooth portion is integral with the claw portion; 4. The optical fiber cutter according to claim 3, wherein, the third gear has a base, and the tooth portion is formed on the base; a hole penetrating the base in the axial direction of the third gear is formed in the base; 5. The optical fiber cutter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The optical fiber cutter includes an optical fiber holding portion for holding the optical fiber, and the optical fiber holding portion is configured to be movable upward and downward relative to the roller; 6. The optical fiber cutter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first direction is the direction in which the linkage member moves when the cover is closed, and the second direction is the direction in which the linkage member moves when the cover is opened; 7. The optical fiber cutter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The first direction is a direction from above to below, and the second direction is a direction from below to above; 8. The optical fiber cutter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first rotation direction is a direction in which the upper-facing surface of the roller moves to a side opposite to the blade of the optical fiber cutter, and the second rotation direction is a direction in which the upper-facing surface of the roller faces the blade.

9. The optical fiber cutter according to claim 4, wherein, The base has a contact portion that contacts the second gear.

10. The fiber optic cutter according to claim 9, wherein, The contact portion is in the shape of a flange that has a larger diameter on a side of the base opposite to the tooth portion.

11. The fiber optic cutter according to any one of claims 4, 9, and 10, wherein, The claw portions and the holes are arranged in the axial direction of the third gear.

12. The fiber optic cutter according to any one of claims 4, 9 to 11, wherein, The claw portions are formed on a surface of the base on a side opposite to the tooth portion.

13. The fiber optic cutter according to any one of claims 2 to 4, 9 to 12, wherein, The third gear includes a claw unit that includes a plurality of the claw portions.

14. The fiber optic cutter according to claim 13, wherein, The claw unit has: an arm portion that extends from an adjacent position of a shaft portion of the third gear toward an outer periphery of the third gear; and the claw portion that is located at an end of the arm portion on a side opposite to the shaft portion.

15. The fiber optic cutter according to claim 14, wherein, The claw unit is composed of a pair of the arm portions and a pair of the claw portions.

16. The fiber optic cutter according to any one of claims 2 to 4, 9 to 15, wherein, The claw portion has: a contact surface that extends in a radial direction of the third gear; a top portion that is located at a radial end of the contact surface; and an inclined surface that extends from the top portion and is inclined with respect to the contact surface at an acute angle with the contact surface.

17. The fiber optic cutter according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, The second gear has a recess into which a part of the third gear enters, and the recess is defined by a bottom surface and an inner peripheral surface that face the third gear.

18. The fiber optic cutter according to any one of claims 2 to 4, 9 to 16, wherein, The second gear has a convex portion that protrudes from an inner peripheral surface of the second gear, and the claw portion of the third gear contacts the convex portion.

19. The fiber optic cutter according to claim 18, wherein, The convex portion has: a first protruding surface that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface in a radial direction of the second gear; and a second protruding surface that extends from a protruding end of the first protruding surface in a direction perpendicular to the first protruding surface when viewed in the axial direction of the second gear.

20. The fiber optic cutter according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, The third gear is integrally formed.

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