Welding machine

Abstract

The utility model provides a welding machine. The fusion splicer is provided with: a device main body having a heating unit for heating an optical fiber; a pedestal member having a cladding holding portion for holding the cladding portion of the optical fiber; a jig member that has a coating jig that sandwiches the coating section between the jig member and the coating holding section, and that rotates about a jig rotation axis fixed to the pedestal member; and an operation member that rotates about a first rotation axis fixed to the pedestal member, and the jig member rotates in a direction approaching the pedestal member in conjunction with the rotation of the operation member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a welding machine.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-062777 filed in Japan on April 7, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a fusion splicer for heating optical fibers to fuse them together. The fusion splicer includes a heating unit for heating a pair of optical fibers and a coating clamp for holding the coating of each optical fiber. The optical fibers are clamped by the coating clamp or the like, and the glass portions of the pair of optical fibers are heated by the heating unit, thereby performing fusion splicing.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-38361

[0005] In order to properly perform the fusion splicing, it is preferable to close the coating clamp when the optical fiber is located at a predetermined position. Here, during the period until the optical fiber is clamped by the coating clamp, there is a situation where the optical fiber floats or moves from the predetermined position due to its rigidity. Therefore, in the existing fusion splicer, when clamping the optical fiber by the coating clamp, the user holds the optical fiber with one hand and operates the coating clamp with the other hand. That is, in order to clamp one optical fiber by the coating clamp, two hands are used. Therefore, there is a problem that the fusion splicing operation is complicated and time-consuming. Utility Model Content

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a welding machine capable of making welding work more efficient without complicated operations.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the fusion splicer of method 1 of the utility model comprises: a device main body, which has a heating part for heating a pair of optical fibers arranged in the left-right direction; a base component, which has a coating holding part for holding the coating of one of the above-mentioned pair of optical fibers; a clamp component, which has a coating clamp for clamping the above-mentioned coating between the above-mentioned coating holding part and the clamp rotating shaft fixed to the above-mentioned base component; and an operating component, which rotates around a first rotating shaft fixed to the above-mentioned base component, and the above-mentioned clamp component rotates in a direction approaching the above-mentioned base component in conjunction with the rotation of the above-mentioned operating component.

[0008] According to the first aspect, the coating jig is closed in conjunction with the operating member, so that the operation of clamping the optical fiber with the coating jig becomes easy. Therefore, the efficiency of the optical fiber fusion splicing operation can be improved.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention is based on the welding machine of the first aspect, wherein the covering clamp is closed in conjunction with the downward rotation of the operating member.

[0010] According to method 2, the optical fiber can be held with fingers and moved toward the coating holding portion while the operating portion can be easily operated with the fingers. That is, the coating clamp can be easily closed while holding the optical fiber with one hand. Therefore, the fusion splicing operation can be made more efficient.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention is a welding machine according to the first or second aspect, and further comprises a conversion unit that converts the movement of the operating member around the first rotation axis into the movement of the clamp member around the clamp rotation axis.

[0012] According to aspect 3, a structure in which the covering jig is closed in conjunction with the operation of the operating portion can be realized. In addition, the operating force of the operating portion can be easily changed by changing the shape of the conversion portion (for example, the lever ratio).

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the welding machine of the third aspect, wherein a linkage unit including the operating member, the clamp member, and the conversion portion is detachable from the device body.

[0014] According to aspect 4, the interlocking unit can be replaced according to the type of optical fiber to be fusion-spliced.

[0015] Mode 5 of the utility model is based on the welding machine of mode 3 or 4, and the above-mentioned base component further has a second rotating shaft fixed to the above-mentioned base component, the above-mentioned operating component has one side of the operating part and the outer guide part, and an intermediate part, and the above-mentioned conversion part has a first arm and a second arm. If the above-mentioned operating part and one side of the above-mentioned outer guide part are pressed down, the above-mentioned operating component rotates, the above-mentioned intermediate part presses down the above-mentioned first arm, and the above-mentioned conversion part rotates around the above-mentioned second rotating shaft, and the above-mentioned second arm pushes up the above-mentioned clamp component, thereby a torque centered on the above-mentioned clamp rotating shaft acts on the above-mentioned clamp component in the direction of closing the above-mentioned clamp component, and the above-mentioned clamp component rotates in the direction approaching the above-mentioned base component.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the welding machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising a biasing member that biases the covering jig in an opening direction.

[0017] According to the sixth embodiment, if the operation of the operating unit is stopped until the force (such as magnetic force, etc.) to close the covering clamp exceeds the acting force, the covering clamp is opened by the acting force. That is, the rotation amount of the covering clamp can follow the rotation amount of the operating unit. Therefore, the operability can be further improved.

[0018] According to the above aspect of the present invention, the welding work can be made more efficient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the welding machine according to this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 Yes Open Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the state of the windshield.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a simplified diagram of the connection structure of this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4A It is a perspective view of the linkage unit according to the present embodiment, and shows a state in which the covering clamp is opened.

[0023] Figure 4B Yes means Figure 4A A three-dimensional view of the linkage unit in a closed state of the covering fixture.

[0024] Figure 5A yes Figure 4A Exploded perspective view of the linkage unit.

[0025] Figure 5B Observed from the rear Figure 5A Figure 1. Exploded perspective view of a .

[0026] Fig. 6A Yes Figure 4A A diagram illustrating the operation of the linkage unit.

[0027] Figure 6B It's next Fig. 6A A diagram illustrating the action of

[0028] Description of Reference Numerals

[0029] 1…fusion splicer; 2…device body; 2a…heating unit; 13…glass holding unit; 20…clamp member; 21…coating clamp; 31…coating holding unit; 36…clamp rotation axis; 37…first rotation axis; 40…operating member; 41…operating unit; 50…conversion unit; 60…force applying member; C…coating unit; F1, F2…optical fiber; G…glass unit; U…linkage unit; X…left and right direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, the welding machine according to the present embodiment will be described based on the drawings.

[0031] like Figure 1 to Figure 3As shown, the fusion splicer 1 is configured to fuse a pair of optical fibers F1 and F2. The optical fibers F1 and F2 each have a glass portion G and a coating portion C covering the glass portion G. The coating portion C may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers. The coating portion C in this embodiment includes a first coating layer C1 and a second coating layer C2 covering the first coating layer C1 from the outside. The first coating layer C1 and the second coating layer C2 are formed of resin. In addition, the coating portion C may also include three or more coating layers.

[0032] The fusion splicer 1 may also be configured to fuse together a first optical fiber unit including the optical fiber F1 and a second optical fiber unit including the optical fiber F2. That is, the fusion splicer 1 may fuse together single-core optical fibers F1 and F2, or may fuse together multi-core optical fiber units. That is, "fusing a pair of optical fibers" also includes the case of fusing together multi-core optical fiber units.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the welding machine 1 has a box-shaped device body 2. A windshield 3 is provided on the upper portion of the device body 2. The windshield 3 can rotate around a rotation center 3a. Figure 2 As shown, if the windshield 3 rotates around the rotation center 3a, the connection structure 10 for fusing the optical fibers F1 and F2 is exposed. The connection structure 10 includes a heating unit 2a for heating the optical fibers F1 and F2. In addition, the device body 2 has a display unit 2b, which displays images captured by a camera built into the device body 2.

[0034] Below, use Figure 3 The connection structure 10 of this embodiment is described. Figure 3 In order to facilitate understanding of the structure, each component is shown in a simplified manner.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the connection structure 10 has a pair of movable work tables 11, a pair of covering holding parts 31, a pair of glass holding parts 13, a pair of glass clamps 14 and a pair of covering clamps 21. In addition, the connection structure 10 has a pair of electrode rods 17 (in Figure 3 Only one electrode rod 17 is shown in the figure.) The direction in which the optical fibers F1 and F2 are arranged (the direction in which the optical fibers F1 and F2 are opposed to each other) and the direction in which the pair of electrode rods 17 are opposed to each other are orthogonal to each other.

[0036] (Direction definition)

[0037] In the present embodiment, the direction in which the optical fibers F1 and F2 are arranged is referred to as the left-right direction X, which is represented by the X-axis. In addition, the direction in which the pair of electrode rods 17 are opposite to each other is referred to as the front-back direction Y, which is represented by the Y-axis. The up-down direction Z that is orthogonal to both the left-right direction X and the front-back direction Y is represented by the Z-axis. The left-right direction X is also the direction in which the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 extend. In the left-right direction X, the side close to the pair of electrode rods 17 is referred to as the inner side, and the side away from the pair of electrode rods 17 is referred to as the outer side.

[0038] The connection structure 10 is a structure that is substantially symmetrical in the left-right direction X around the pair of electrode rods 17 .

[0039] Although not shown in the figure, a pair of electrode rods 17 are arranged at intervals in the front-to-back direction Y. The outer diameter of each electrode rod 17 decreases as it moves toward the inner side (the side close to the optical fibers F1 and F2) in the front-to-back direction Y, and the front end becomes thinner. By arranging the butt surfaces of the optical fibers F1 and F2 between the electrode rods 17 and discharging toward the butt surfaces, the front ends of the optical fibers F1 and F2 can be heated and fused. That is, the heating section 2a of the present embodiment is composed of a pair of electrode rods 17. In addition, as the heating section 2a, a heater or the like can be used instead of the electrode rods 17.

[0040] The pair of movable tables 11 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction X and are mounted on the device body 2. The pair of movable tables 11 can move along the left-right direction X relative to the device body 2. Figure 3 As shown, the pair of movable tables 11 is arranged to sandwich the electrode rod 17 when viewed from the front-rear direction Y. That is, each movable table 11 can move forward and backward relative to the electrode rod 17. A power source (motor, etc.) not shown in the figure is provided in the device body 2 for driving the movable table 11.

[0041] The pair of covering holding parts 31 are respectively located above the movable table 11. The pair of covering jigs 21 are respectively located above the covering holding parts 31. The covering holding parts 31 and the covering jigs 21 are mounted on the movable table 11. Therefore, if the movable table 11 moves in the left-right direction X, the covering holding parts 31 and the covering jigs 21 also move in the left-right direction X.

[0042] The glass clamp 14 is located above the glass holding portion 13. The glass clamp 14 may be configured to be closed or opened manually by a user. Alternatively, the glass clamp 14 may be configured to be opened and closed in conjunction with the opening and closing action of the windshield 3.

[0043] like Figure 3As shown, when viewed from the front-to-back direction Y, the glass holding portion 13 is located between the electrode rod 17 and the covering holding portion 31. A V-shaped groove 13a opening upward is formed on the upper surface of the glass holding portion 13. The groove 13a extends in the left-right direction X. The glass portions G of the optical fibers F1 and F2 are respectively placed in the grooves 13a of a pair of glass holding portions 13, thereby determining the relative positions of the glass portions G. In addition, the shape of the groove 13a is not limited to the V-shape, as long as the position of the glass portion G can be determined. For example, the groove 13a can be U-shaped or trapezoidal. The material of the glass holding portion 13 is a material that can withstand discharge heating, such as ceramics.

[0044] The coating jig 21 is provided to be rotatable relative to the coating holding portion 31. The coating jig 21 can be freely opened and closed with respect to the upper surface of the coating holding portion 31. The coating jig 21 can clamp the coating portion C of the optical fiber F1, F2 between the coating jig 21 and the coating holding portion 31. In addition, the coating jig 21 can switch between a state of clamping the optical fiber F1, F2 and a state of not clamping the optical fiber F1, F2 by opening and closing with respect to the upper surface of the coating holding portion 31. The portion of the coating jig 21 that contacts the coating portion C is formed of an elastic material (e.g., rubber).

[0045] Here, the welding machine 1 of this embodiment includes a pair of operation parts 41 for closing the pair of covering clamps 21. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , if the user presses one of the operation parts 41 with a finger, the coating clamp 21 corresponding to the operation part 41 is closed. In addition, the operation part 41 is arranged near the coating holding part 31 on which the optical fibers F1 and F2 are placed. Therefore, the user can close the coating clamp 21 while placing the optical fiber F1 or the optical fiber F2 on the coating holding part 31. That is, the user can perform the operation of placing the optical fiber F1 or the optical fiber F2 and the operation of closing the coating clamp 21 to clamp the optical fiber F1 or the optical fiber F2 with one hand.

[0046] In this embodiment, the structure for linking the covering jig 21 and the operating part 41 is referred to as a "linking unit U". Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the welding machine 1 includes a pair of linkage units U. The pair of linkage units U is configured to sandwich the electrode rod 17 in the left-right direction X. The pair of linkage units U has a substantially left-right symmetrical structure. Figure 3 The linkage unit U on the left side of FIG.

[0047] Figure 4A It is a perspective view of the linkage unit U in a state where the covering jig 21 is opened. Figure 4B FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional diagram of the linkage unit U in a state where the covering fixture 21 is closed. Figure 4A , Figure 4BAs shown, the linkage unit U includes: a clamp member 20 having a covering clamp 21 ; a base member 30 having a covering holding portion 31 ; an operating member 40 having an operating portion 41 ; and a biasing member 60 . Figure 5A yes Figure 4A Exploded three-dimensional diagram of the linkage unit U. Figure 5B Observed from the rear Figure 5A Figure. Figure 5A , Figure 5B As shown, the linkage unit U further includes a conversion unit 50 .

[0048] like Figure 5A As shown, the clamp component 20 has an operating protrusion 22, a connecting portion 23, a pair of clamp bearing portions 24 and an abutment portion 25 in addition to the covering clamp 21. The operating protrusion 22 protrudes from the covering clamp 21. The operating protrusion 22 is a portion for the user to operate when the covering clamp 21 is in an open or closed state. The pair of clamp bearing portions 24 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction X. A shaft hole 24a is formed in each of the pair of clamp bearing portions 24. The clamp rotation shaft 36 fixed to the base component 30 is inserted into the shaft hole 24a. As a result, the clamp component 20 can rotate around the clamp rotation shaft 36.

[0049] The connection part 23 connects the pair of jig bearing parts 24 and the covering jig 21. The contact part 25 is arranged in parallel with the pair of jig bearing parts 24 in the left-right direction X. The contact part 25 is a part with which the conversion part 50 contacts when the jig member 20 and the operation part 41 operate in conjunction.

[0050] like Figure 5A As shown in FIG. 1 , the pedestal member 30 includes a first guide portion 33, a second guide portion 34, and a guide pin 35 in addition to the covering holding portion 31. Figure 5B As shown, a jig rotation shaft 36 , a first rotation shaft 37 , and a second rotation shaft 38 are fixed to the base member 30 .

[0051] The clamp rotation axis 36 and the first rotation axis 37 are arranged so that the extending direction of the clamp rotation axis 36 and the extending direction of the first rotation axis 37 are mutually different. For example, the clamp rotation axis 36 and the first rotation axis 37 may also be arranged so that the extending direction of the clamp rotation axis 36 and the extending direction of the first rotation axis 37 are mutually perpendicular.

[0052] The clamp rotation axis 36 and the second rotation axis 38 are arranged so that the extending direction of the clamp rotation axis 36 and the extending direction of the second rotation axis 38 are in the same direction. For example, the clamp rotation axis 36 and the second rotation axis 38 may also be arranged so that the extending direction of the clamp rotation axis 36 and the extending direction of the second rotation axis 38 are parallel to each other.

[0053] like Figure 5AAs shown, the covering holding portion 31 has an elastic component 31a, a base 31b and a magnetic component 31c. The elastic component 31a and the magnetic component 31c are respectively embedded in two recesses of the base 31b. The magnetic component 31c can be a magnet, or a metal component that attracts the magnet. The covering clamp 21 is provided with a clamp side magnetic component 21a that generates a magnetic force (attractive force) between the clamp side magnetic component 21a and the magnetic component 31c. Therefore, if the clamp component 20 rotates and the interval between the clamp side magnetic component 21a and the magnetic component 31c becomes smaller, the magnetic force in the direction of closing the covering clamp 21 comes into play. In this way, the covering clamp 21 is maintained in a closed state.

[0054] The first guide portion 33 is located at a position that is closer to the electrode rod 17 than the second guide portion 34 in the left-right direction X. In other words, the first guide portion 33 is located at a position that is closer to the electrode rod 17 than the second guide portion 34. A first guide groove 33a is formed in the first guide portion 33. The glass portion G is arranged inside the first guide groove 33a. Thus, the position of the glass portion G near the electrode rod 17 is determined. The second guide portion 34 is located at a position that is closer to the outside of the first guide portion 33 in the left-right direction X. The second guide portion 34 has a second guide groove 34a. The covering portion C is arranged inside the second guide groove 34a.

[0055] The clamp rotating shaft 36 extends in the left-right direction X. The clamp rotating shaft 36 is a portion that becomes the center of rotation of the clamp member 20. Both ends of the clamp rotating shaft 36 are supported by the base member 30. The force applying member 60 is a coil spring, and the clamp rotating shaft 36 is inserted into the inner side of the coil portion of the force applying member 60. In other words, the force applying member 60 is attached to the clamp rotating shaft 36. That is, the portion having the force applying member 60 is only the clamp rotating shaft 36. The force applying member 60 applies force to the clamp member 20 in the direction in which the covering clamp 21 is opened.

[0056] like Figure 5B As shown, the first rotation axis 37 extends in the front-rear direction Y. The first rotation axis 37 is a portion that becomes the center of rotation of the operating member 40. Both ends of the first rotation axis 37 are supported by the base member 30. The second rotation axis 38 extends in the left-right direction X. The second rotation axis 38 is a portion that becomes the center of rotation of the conversion unit 50. Both ends of the second rotation axis 38 are supported by the base member 30.

[0057] like Figure 5AAs shown, the operating member 40 includes an outer guide portion 42, a first bearing portion 43, and an intermediate portion 44 in addition to the operating portion 41. The operating portion 41 is in the shape of a plate extending in the front-rear direction Y and the left-right direction X. The operating portion 41 is located outside the coating holding portion 31 and the second guide portion 34 of the base member 30 in the left-right direction X. The outer guide portion 42 protrudes upward from the operating portion 41. The outer guide portion 42 is located outside the second guide portion 34 in the left-right direction X. An outer guide groove 42a is formed in the outer guide portion 42. The coating portion C of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is accommodated inside the outer guide groove 42a.

[0058] The first bearing portion 43 has a first axial hole 43a extending in the front-to-back direction Y. The first rotating shaft 37 is inserted through the inner side of the first axial hole 43a. Thus, the operating component 40 rotates around the first rotating shaft 37. The middle portion 44 is located between the first bearing portion 43 and the operating portion 41. A guide hole 44a is formed in the middle portion 44. When assembling the linkage unit U, the guide pin 35 of the base component 30 is inserted into the inner side of the guide hole 44a. Thus, the operation of assembling the operating component 40 to the base component 30 becomes easy. In addition, in order not to hinder the rotation of the operating component 40 around the first rotating shaft 37, a gap is provided between the guide pin 35 and the guide hole 44a. As shown Figure 5B As shown, a receiving portion 44b is formed on the lower surface of the middle portion 44. The receiving portion 44b is a recessed portion recessed upward.

[0059] like Figure 5A As shown, the conversion part 50 includes a second bearing part 51, a first arm 52, and a second arm 53. The second bearing part 51 includes a second shaft hole 51a extending in the left-right direction X. The second rotation shaft 38 is inserted into the inner side of the second shaft hole 51a. Thus, the conversion part 50 rotates around the second rotation shaft 38. The first arm 52 and the second arm 53 extend from the second bearing part 51 to the radial direction of the second shaft hole 51a.

[0060] The first arm 52 is disposed in the receiving portion 44b of the operating member 40. When the operating portion 41 is pressed down and the operating member 40 is rotated around the first rotating shaft 37, the intermediate portion 44 presses down the first arm 52. That is, the first arm 52 is a portion that contacts the intermediate portion 44 from below. The second arm 53 is a portion that presses the contact portion 25 of the clamp member 20.

[0061] Next, the operation of the welding machine 1 configured as above will be described.

[0062] Before welding, the linkage unit U becomes Figure 4AThe state shown. That is, the clamp member 20 is in an open state. The coating clamp 21 is forced in the opening direction by the force applying member 60, and the clamp side magnetic member 21a is sufficiently away from the magnetic member 31c, so that the clamp member 20 is maintained in an open state. When performing fusion splicing, the user holds the coating portion C of the optical fiber F1 or the optical fiber F2 with fingers and places it on the base member 30. At this time, the coating portion C is placed inside the second guide groove 34a and the outer guide groove 42a, and the glass portion G is placed inside the first guide groove 33a.

[0063] Next, the user presses down the operation part 41 with the finger holding the covering part C. At this time, the outer guide part 42 may also be pressed down. If the operation part 41 or the outer guide part 42 is pressed down, Fig. 6A As shown in FIG. 1 , a moment about the first rotation axis 37 acts on the operating member 40. The first arm 52 is disposed inside the receiving portion 44b of the operating member 40. Therefore, when the operating member 40 rotates downward about the first rotation axis 37, the intermediate portion 44 presses down the first arm 52. Figure 6B As shown, a moment about the second rotation axis 38 acts on the conversion part 50. As a result, the conversion part 50 rotates about the second rotation axis 38, so that the second arm 53 rotates upward.

[0064] The second arm 53 abuts against the abutment portion 25 of the clamp member 20. Therefore, if the conversion portion 50 rotates, the second arm 53 pushes up the abutment portion 25. As a result, a torque centered on the clamp rotation axis 36 acts on the clamp member 20. The torque acts in the direction of closing the clamp member 20. According to the relationship between the lever ratio of the operating member 40 and the conversion portion 50, a smaller rotation of the operating member 40 can be converted into a larger rotation of the clamp member 20. On the other hand, a force in the opening direction is applied to the clamp member 20 by the force applying member 60. Therefore, according to the amount by which the user presses the operating portion 41, etc., the clamp member 20 rotates in the closing direction. In addition, if the user takes his hand off the operating portion 41, etc., the clamp member 20 rotates in the opening direction by the force of the force applying member 60.

[0065] If the user presses the operating part 41, etc., so that the clamp component 20 rotates in the closing direction, the distance between the magnetic component 31c and the clamp side magnetic component 21a becomes smaller. As a result, the magnetic force generated by the magnetic component 31c, etc. is enhanced. Based on the magnetic force and the deadweight of the clamp component 20, etc., a closing force (a force to close the covering clamp 21) is applied to the clamp component 20. If the closing force exceeds the force generated by the force-applying component 60, the linkage between the operating part 41 and the clamp component 20 is released. That is, even if the user stops pressing the operating part 41, etc., the covering clamp 21 is maintained in a closed state.

[0066] In order for the welding machine 1 to function as described above, the operating member 40 only needs to include at least one of the operating portion 41 and the outer guide portion 42 , and the intermediate portion 44 , and the switching portion 50 only needs to include at least the first arm 52 and the second arm 53 .

[0067] That is, the welding machine 1 can also be constructed as follows: the base component 30 further has a second rotating shaft 38 fixed to the base component 30, the operating component 40 has an operating part 41 and one of the outer guide parts 42, and an intermediate part 44, and the conversion part 50 has a first arm 52 and a second arm 53. If one of the operating part 41 and the outer guide part 42 is pressed, the operating component 40 rotates, the intermediate part 44 presses the first arm 52, and the conversion part 50 rotates around the second rotating shaft 38, and the second arm 53 pushes up the clamp component 20, thereby a torque centered on the clamp rotating shaft 36 acts on the clamp component 20 in the direction of closing the clamp component 20, and the clamp component 20 rotates in the direction close to the base component 30.

[0068] By performing the above-mentioned operation on both the optical fibers F1 and F2, the optical fibers F1 and F2 can be clamped by the pair of coating clamps 21. The glass clamp 14 can also be configured to be closed in conjunction with the coating clamp 21. Alternatively, the user can directly close the glass clamp 14 without being in conjunction with the coating clamp 21. In a state where the optical fibers F1 and F2 are fixed by the coating clamp 21 and the glass clamp 14, the heating unit 2a is operated to perform fusion splicing. After the fusion splicing is performed, the user releases the fixing of the optical fibers F1 and F2 by the coating clamp 21 by pushing up the operation protrusion 22. In this way, the fused optical fibers F1 and F2 can be removed.

[0069] The amount of rotation of the clamp member 20 relative to the amount of rotation of the operating portion 41 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “lever ratio”) and the operating force when the operating portion 41 is pressed are determined by, for example, the following parameters.

[0070] The length from the position where the user presses the operating member 40 to the first rotation axis 37 (see Fig. 6A )

[0071] The length from the first rotation axis 37 to the contact point between the first arm 52 and the intermediate portion 44

[0072] The length from the second rotation axis 38 to the contact point between the first arm 52 and the intermediate portion 44 (see Figure 6B )

[0073] The length from the second rotation axis 38 to the contact point between the second arm 53 and the contact portion 25

[0074] The force applied by the force applying member 60 to the clamp member 20

[0075] The lever ratio and operating force can also be changed by changing these parameters.

[0076] In addition, the linkage unit U described above can be loaded and unloaded relative to the device body 2. More specifically, the linkage unit U can be loaded and unloaded relative to the movable workbench 11. Therefore, the linkage unit U can be replaced according to the type of optical fiber, etc. However, the device body 2 may not have the movable workbench 11. In this case, the linkage unit U may not be installed on the device body 2 via the movable workbench 11. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the fusion splicer 1 has a pair of linkage units U. However, the fusion splicer 1 may also have only one of the linkage unit U on the right side and the linkage unit U on the left side. That is, the fusion splicer 1 may also have only one of the pair of operating parts 41.

[0077] As described above, the fusion splicer 1 of the present embodiment comprises: a device body 2, which has a heating portion 2a for heating a pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 arranged along the left-right direction X; a base component 30, which has a coating holding portion 31 for holding the coating portion C of one of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2; a clamp component 20, which has a coating clamp 21 for clamping the coating portion C between the coating holding portion 31 and the clamp rotating shaft 36 fixed to the base component 30, and rotates around the clamp rotating shaft 36 fixed to the base component 30; and an operating component 40, which rotates around the first rotating shaft 37 fixed to the base component 30, and the clamp component 20 rotates in a direction close to the base component 30 (the direction in which the coating clamp 21 is closed) in conjunction with the rotation of the operating component 40.

[0078] In addition, the fusion splicing method of the present embodiment has the following steps: operating the operating part 41 with the hand holding the optical fiber F1 or the optical fiber F2, closing the coating clamp 21 in conjunction with the operating part 41, thereby clamping the coating part C of the optical fiber F1 or the optical fiber F2 by the coating clamp 21; and heating the glass parts G of each optical fiber F1 and optical fiber F2 for fusion splicing.

[0079] According to the fusion splicer 1 or the fusion splicing method, the coating jig 21 is closed in conjunction with the operation of the operation unit 41, so it is easy to clamp the optical fibers F1 and F2 with the coating jig 21. Therefore, the fusion splicing operation of the optical fibers F1 and F2 can be made more efficient.

[0080] In addition, the coating jig 21 is closed in conjunction with the downward rotation of the operating portion 41. In this case, the operating portion 41 can be easily operated with the fingers while holding the optical fibers F1 and F2 and moving them toward the coating holding portion 31. That is, the coating jig 21 can be easily closed with one hand while holding the optical fiber F1 or the optical fiber F2. Therefore, the fusion splicing operation can be made more efficient.

[0081] In addition, the fusion splicer 1 includes a pair of operating parts 41, and the pair of coating clamps 21 are closed in conjunction with the operation of the pair of operating parts 41. According to this structure, the operation part 41 on one side can be operated by one hand, and the optical fiber F1 can be held by the coating clamp 21 (the coating clamp 21 on one side). At the same time, the operation part 41 on the other side can be operated by the other hand, and the optical fiber F2 can be held by the coating clamp 21 (the coating clamp 21 on the other side). In other words, the operation of holding the optical fibers F1 and F2 by the pair of coating clamps 21 can be performed simultaneously with both hands. Therefore, the fusion splicing operation can be made more efficient.

[0082] In addition, the welding machine 1 includes: an operating member 40 having an operating portion 41 and rotating around the first rotating shaft 37; a clamp member 20 having a covering clamp 21 on one side and rotating around the clamp rotating shaft 36; and a conversion portion 50 that converts the movement of the operating member 40 around the first rotating shaft 37 into the movement of the clamp member 20 around the clamp rotating shaft 36. Thus, a structure in which the covering clamp 21 is closed in conjunction with the movement of the operating portion 41 can be realized. In addition, by changing the shape of the conversion portion 50 (for example, the lever ratio), the operating force of the operating portion 41 can be easily changed.

[0083] The interlocking unit U including the operating member 40, the clamp member 20, and the conversion portion 50 can be attached to and detached from the device main body 2. According to this configuration, the interlocking unit U can be replaced according to the type of the optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fusion-spliced.

[0084] In addition, the welding machine 1 includes a pair of force applying members 60 for applying force to the pair of covering clamps 21 in the direction of opening. According to this structure, if the operation of the operating part 41 is stopped until the force (such as magnetic force, etc.) to close the covering clamps 21 exceeds the acting force, the covering clamps 21 are opened by the acting force. That is, the rotation amount of the covering clamps 21 can follow the rotation amount of the operating part 41. Therefore, the operability can be further improved.

[0085] In addition, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be added without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0086] For example, the fusion splicer 1 of the above-described embodiment includes a pair of interlocking units U, but a fusion splicer 1 including only one of the interlocking units U may be employed.

[0087] The fusion splicer 1 can also be constructed to include: a device main body 2, which has a heating part 2a for heating the optical fiber F1 or the optical fiber F2; a base part 30, which has a coating holding part 31 for holding the coating part C of the optical fiber F1 or the optical fiber F2; a clamp part 20, which has a coating clamp 21 for clamping the coating part C between the coating holding part 31 and the clamp rotating shaft 36 fixed to the base part 30, and rotates around the clamp rotating shaft 36 fixed to the base part 30; and an operating part 40, which rotates around the first rotating shaft 37 fixed to the base part 30, and the clamp part 20 rotates in a direction close to the base part 30 (the direction of closing the coating clamp 21) in conjunction with the rotation of the operating part 40.

[0088] The structure for closing the covering clamp 21 in conjunction with the operation of the operating part 41 is not limited to the above embodiment and may be modified. As a specific example, the conversion part 50 may include a plurality of parts. In addition, the operation of the operating part 40 or the conversion part 50 may be linear rather than rotational.

[0089] In addition, the components in the above-described embodiment may be appropriately replaced with known components without departing from the gist of the present invention, and the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be appropriately combined.

Claims

1. A welding machine, characterized in that: have: A device body having a heating portion for heating the optical fiber; a pedestal member having a coating holding portion for holding a coating portion of the optical fiber; a clamp member, the clamp member having a covering clamp for clamping the covering portion between the covering holding portion and the covering holding portion, and rotating around a clamp rotation axis fixed to the pedestal member; as well as an operating member, the operating member rotating around a first rotating shaft fixed to the base member, The clamp member rotates in a direction approaching the base member in conjunction with the rotation of the operating member.

2. The welding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The covering clamp is closed in conjunction with the downward rotation of the operating member.

3. The welding machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A conversion unit is provided for converting the movement of the operating member around the first rotation axis into the movement of the clamp member around the clamp rotation axis.

4. The welding machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The interlocking unit including the operating member, the clamp member, and the conversion portion is detachable from the device body.

5. The welding machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A biasing member is provided for biasing the covering jig in an opening direction.

6. The welding machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: A biasing member is provided for biasing the covering jig in an opening direction.

7. The welding machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: A biasing member is provided for biasing the covering jig in an opening direction.

8. The welding machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The base component further has a second rotation axis fixed to the base component, The operating member includes an operating portion, one of an outer guide portion, and an intermediate portion. The conversion portion has a first arm and a second arm, If one of the operating part and the outer guide part is pressed down, the operating part rotates, the middle part presses down the first arm, the conversion part rotates around the second rotation axis, and the second arm pushes up the clamp part, thereby a torque centered on the clamp rotation axis acts on the clamp part in a direction of closing the clamp part, and the clamp part rotates in a direction close to the base part.

9. The welding machine according to any one of claims 4, 6 and 7, characterized in that: The base component further has a second rotation axis fixed to the base component, The operating member includes an operating portion, one of an outer guide portion, and an intermediate portion. The conversion portion has a first arm and a second arm, If one of the operating part and the outer guide part is pressed down, the operating part rotates, the middle part presses down the first arm, the conversion part rotates around the second rotation axis, and the second arm pushes up the clamp part, thereby a torque centered on the clamp rotation axis acts on the clamp part in a direction of closing the clamp part, and the clamp part rotates in a direction close to the base part.

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