Optical fiber cutting device and optical fiber cutting method

Abstract

The optical fiber cutting device includes a first gripping mechanism and a second gripping mechanism that grip an optical fiber and apply tension to the optical fiber, a cutting blade that cuts the optical fiber between the first gripping mechanism and the second gripping mechanism, and a fiber holder holding unit on which a fiber holder that holds the optical fiber between the first gripping mechanism and the cutting blade is placed. At least one of at least a part of the first gripping mechanism and the fiber holder holding unit is movable in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical fiber cutting device and an optical fiber cutting method. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-197401, filed on December 9, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, optical fiber cutting devices are known that inflict a scratch on an optical fiber and cut the optical fiber by applying tensile stress. In the next process, the cut optical fiber may be fusion-spliced, for example, by a fusion splicer. Therefore, to facilitate the transition to the next process, the optical fiber may be cut while held in a fiber holder (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-110401 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the optical fiber cutting device described in Patent Document 1, the length of the cut optical fiber protruding from the fiber holder may not be appropriate for processing in the next step.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber cutting device and an optical fiber cutting method that can adjust the length of protrusion of an optical fiber from a fiber holder after cutting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the optical fiber cutting device of the present invention comprises a first holding mechanism for holding an optical fiber, a second holding mechanism for holding the optical fiber, an injury blade for injuring the optical fiber between the first holding mechanism and the second holding mechanism, and a fiber holder holding unit for mounting a fiber holder that holds the optical fiber between the first holding mechanism and the injury blade, and at least one of at least a part of the first holding mechanism and the fiber holder holding unit is movable in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber.

[0007] The optical fiber cutting device can adjust the length of the optical fiber protruding from the fiber holder after cutting the optical fiber, thereby optimizing the length of the optical fiber protruding from the fiber holder to suit the next process.

[0008] The first gripping mechanism is preferably movable in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber.

[0009] The first gripping mechanism may be configured to include a first gripping portion that grips the optical fiber between the fiber holder placed on the fiber holder holding portion and the first gripping portion, and a second gripping portion that is movable in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. In addition, the fiber holder may have a holder base on which the optical fiber is placed, and the first holding portion may have a pressing member, so that the optical fiber can be held in the height direction between the pressing member of the first holding portion and the holder base. The second gripping mechanism may be a fixed gripping part or a movable gripping part.

[0010] A second aspect of the optical fiber cutting method of the present invention includes the steps of: cutting the optical fiber by injuring the optical fiber using an injuring blade between a first holding mechanism that holds the optical fiber and applies tension to the optical fiber and a second holding mechanism; and adjusting the protruding length of the optical fiber from a fiber holder placed on a fiber holder holding section that places a fiber holder that holds the optical fiber between the first holding mechanism and the injuring blade, wherein in the step of adjusting the protruding length of the optical fiber, at least one of at least a part of the first holding mechanism and the fiber holder holding section is moved in the length direction of the optical fiber.

[0011] In the optical fiber cutting method, the length of the optical fiber protruding from the fiber holder can be adjusted after cutting the optical fiber, so that the length of the optical fiber protruding from the fiber holder can be optimized to suit the next process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] One aspect of the present invention provides an optical fiber cutting device and an optical fiber cutting method that can adjust the length of protrusion of the optical fiber from the fiber holder after cutting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an optical fiber cutting device of a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view showing an optical fiber cutting device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a front view showing an optical fiber cutting device of a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a plan view showing a part of an optical fiber cutting device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a plan view showing a part of an optical fiber cutting device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an optical fiber cutting device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of an optical fiber cutting device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a part of the optical fiber cutting device of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a part of the optical fiber cutting device of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An optical fiber cutting device according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] [Optical fiber cutting device] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an optical fiber cutting device of a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing an optical fiber cutting device of the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a front view showing an optical fiber cutting device of the first embodiment. Figs. 4 and 5 are plan views showing a part of the optical fiber cutting device of the first embodiment.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the optical fiber cutting device 100 of this embodiment is configured to include a base member 10, a movable gripping unit 20 (first gripping mechanism), a fixed gripping unit 50 (second gripping mechanism), a wound forming unit 40, a wound forming unit driving unit 30, a backstop unit 70, a fiber holder holding base 110 (fiber holder holding unit), a base unit 120, and a movable gripping unit driving unit 130 (see Figure 3).

[0017] The optical fiber cutting device 100 is a cutting device that cuts the optical fiber 1 by forming an initial flaw in a bare optical fiber 1A to which tension is applied, and growing this initial flaw to cleave the bare optical fiber 1A. The optical fiber 1 is a coated optical fiber in which the outer surface of a bare glass optical fiber 1A is covered with a resin coating 1B. The optical fiber 1 is cut while being held by the optical fiber cutting device 100.

[0018] The optical fiber cutting device 100 is placed on a placement surface. A view from a direction along the normal to the placement surface is called a plan view. Hereinafter, directions may be referred to using the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The two mutually perpendicular axes on the mounting surface are the X-axis and Y-axis, respectively. The Z-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis. The Z-axis is the normal to the mounting surface. The Y axis is along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber cutting device 100 in plan view. The Y axis coincides with the central axis of the optical fiber 1 held by the optical fiber cutting device 100. The X axis is along the lateral direction of the optical fiber cutting device 100 in plan view.

[0019] The positive direction of the Y axis (positive Y axis direction) is one of the length directions of the optical fiber 1. The negative direction of the Y axis (negative Y axis direction) is the direction opposite to the positive Y axis direction. The positive direction of the X axis (positive X axis direction) is the direction from left to right when facing the positive Y axis direction. The positive direction of the Z axis (positive Z axis direction) is the upward direction. The negative X axis direction is the direction opposite to the positive X axis direction. The negative Z axis direction is the direction opposite to the positive Z axis direction. When directions along the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis are referred to without particularly distinguishing between the positive and negative directions, they are referred to as the X axis direction, Y axis direction, and Z axis direction, respectively. The Y axis direction is the length direction of the optical fiber 1. The Z axis direction is the up and down (height) direction of the optical fiber cutting device.

[0020] The base member 10 has a rectangular shape in plan view with its longitudinal direction aligned with the Y-axis direction.

[0021] The fixed gripping part 50 determines the position of the optical fiber 1 in the Y-axis direction by gripping the optical fiber 1. The fixed gripping part 50 includes a gripping part main body 51 and a pressing member 52. A guide groove for positioning the optical fiber 1 is formed on the upper surface of the gripping part main body 51. The pressing member 52 grips the optical fiber 1 between itself and the gripping part main body 51. The fixed gripping portion 50 may grip a portion of the optical fiber 1 where the bare optical fiber 1A is exposed, or may grip a portion of the bare optical fiber 1A covered with the coating portion 1B.

[0022] The movable gripping unit 20 determines the position of the optical fiber 1 in the Y-axis direction by gripping the optical fiber 1. The movable gripping unit 20 includes a gripping unit main body 21 and a pressing member 22. A guide groove for positioning the optical fiber 1 is formed on the upper surface of the gripping unit main body 21. The pressing member 22 grips the optical fiber 1 between itself and the gripping unit main body 21. The movable gripping unit 20 is located away from the fixed gripping unit 50 in the negative direction of the Y-axis. The movable gripping unit 20 is located on the negative side of the Y-axis with respect to the fiber holder holding base 110. The movable gripping part 20 may grip a part of the optical fiber 1 where the bare optical fiber 1A is exposed, or may grip a part of the bare optical fiber 1A covered with the coating part 1B.

[0023] 3, the base part 120 supports the movable grip part 20. The base part 120 is movable relative to the base member 10 in the Y-axis direction. The movable gripper driver 130 moves the base 120 in the Y-axis direction, and can place the base 120 at any position in the Y-axis direction. The movable gripper 20 applies tension to the optical fiber 1 by moving in a direction away from the fixed gripper 50 (negative Y-axis direction). The movable gripper driver 130 is, for example, an electric actuator.

[0024] The fiber holder holding base 110 is located at a position away from the fixed gripper 50 in the negative direction of the Y axis. The fiber holder 60 can be placed on the fiber holder holding base 110. The fiber holder holding base 110 holds the fiber holder 60 placed thereon.

[0025] The fiber holder 60 holds the optical fiber 1 between the movable holding portion 20 and the scratch forming portion 40. The fiber holder 60 includes a holder base 61 and a pressing member 62. A guide groove for positioning the optical fiber 1 is formed on the top surface of the holder base 61. The pressing member 62 holds the optical fiber 1 between itself and the holder base 61. The pressing member 62 is rotatably connected to the holder base 61. The pressing member 62 can be switched between a mode in which the optical fiber 1 is held between itself and the holder base 61 and a mode in which the optical fiber 1 is released. The fiber holder 60 can hold, for example, the portion of the optical fiber 1 on which the coating portion 1B is formed.

[0026] 4, the scratch forming unit forms an initial scratch on the bare optical fiber 1A of the optical fiber 1. The scratch forming unit includes a scratching blade holder 41 and a scratching blade . The scratching blade 42 is attached to the scratching blade holder 41 so as to protrude from the tip of the scratching blade holder 41. The scratching blade 42 is oriented with its thickness direction facing the Y-axis direction. The scratching blade 42 scratches the bare optical fiber 1A (i.e., forms an initial scratch). Alternatively, for bare optical fiber 1A covered with a coating 1B, the scratching blade 42 penetrates the coating 1B of the optical fiber 1 and scratches the bare optical fiber 1A.

[0027] 2, the flaw forming unit 40 is located on the negative Y-axis side relative to the fixed gripper 50. The flaw forming unit 40 is located on the positive Y-axis side relative to the movable gripper 20. Therefore, the flaw forming unit 40 can form a flaw (i.e., an initial flaw) in the optical fiber 1 to which tension is applied by the fixed gripper 50 and the movable gripper 20, between the fixed gripper 50 and the movable gripper 20. The flaw forming unit 40 is located on the positive Y-axis side relative to the fiber holder holding base 110.

[0028] 4, the cut forming unit drive unit 30 uses a drive source 31 such as a motor and an intermediate gear 32 to bring the cutting blade holder 41 and the cutting blade 42 closer to the optical fiber 1. As a result, the cutting blade 42 cuts the optical fiber 1.

[0029] The backstop portion 70 is provided on the opposite side of the scratch forming portion 40 with respect to the optical fiber 1. That is, in a plan view, the backstop portion 70 is provided on the opposite side of the scratching blade 42 with the optical fiber 1 sandwiched therebetween in the X-axis direction. The backstop portion 70 restricts bending of the optical fiber 1 when the scratching blade 42 scratches the optical fiber 1.

[0030] [Optical fiber cutting method] Next, a description will be given of a method for cutting the optical fiber 1 using the optical fiber cutting device 100. Note that the following description will be made of a method for cutting the optical fiber 1 in a state where the bare optical fiber 1A is exposed.

[0031] (preparation process) 2, an optical fiber 1 is prepared in which a bare optical fiber 1A is exposed at a portion including a tip. The fixed holding unit 50 holds the bare optical fiber 1A of the optical fiber 1. The movable holding unit 20 holds, for example, the portion of the optical fiber 1 where the coating 1B is formed. As shown in FIG. 3, tension is applied to the optical fiber 1 by using the movable gripper driver 130 to move the movable gripper 20 in a direction away from the fixed gripper 50 (negative direction of the Y-axis).

[0032] (cutting process) As shown in Fig. 4, the driving source 31 is operated to bring the scratching blade holder 41 and the scratching blade 42 closer to the bare optical fiber 1A. The scratching blade 42 scratches the bare optical fiber 1A (i.e., forms an initial scratch). The direction in which the scratching blade 42 scratches the bare optical fiber 1A (scratching direction) is the X-axis direction. The initial scratch grows due to the tension applied to the bare optical fiber 1A, and the bare optical fiber 1A is cleaved and cut.

[0033] (Protrusion length adjustment process) As shown in Figure 5, the protruding length of the optical fiber 1 from the fiber holder 60 is adjusted to facilitate processing in the next step. Adjustment of the protruding length of the optical fiber 1 will be described below. The "next step" is, for example, a fusion splicing step in which optical fibers are fusion-spliced ​​using a fusion splicer. Another possible example is when the cut optical fiber is attached to a manufacturing jig used in manufacturing devices or equipment that use optical fibers.

[0034] The fiber holder 60 is in a state in which the pressing member 62 is released (a state in which the optical fiber 1 is not being held). The optical fiber 1 is moved in the Y-axis direction by moving the movable gripper 20 using the movable gripper driver 130 (see FIG. 3 ). This adjusts the protruding length of the optical fiber 1 from the fiber holder 60. The protruding length of the optical fiber 1 can be determined in accordance with the specifications of the device (e.g., a fusion splicer) to be used in the next process. Specifically, the protruding length of the optical fiber 1 can be determined so that when the fiber holder 60 is set in the fusion splicer for the next process, the tip of the optical fiber 1 is located near the discharge electrode of the fusion splicer. In this embodiment, the optical fiber 1 is moved in the negative Y-axis direction by moving the movable gripper 20 in the negative Y-axis direction. This shortens the protruding length of the optical fiber 1 from the fiber holder 60. Conversely, the optical fiber 1 may be moved in the positive Y-axis direction by moving the movable gripper 20 in the positive Y-axis direction. This may lengthen the protruding length of the optical fiber 1 from the fiber holder 60.

[0035] In this step, it is desirable that a control unit (not shown) determines the position of the movable gripper 20 in the Y-axis direction using the movable gripper driver 130 (see FIG. 3) so that the protrusion length of the optical fiber 1 is a predetermined set value. According to this method, the protrusion length of the optical fiber 1 can be easily determined by automatic adjustment. After adjusting the protruding length of the optical fiber 1, the pressing member 62 of the fiber holder 60 is closed to hold the optical fiber 1.

[0036] (Next process) The optical fiber 1 held by the fiber holder 60 is removed from the optical fiber cutting device 100 and is then subjected to the next step (for example, a fusion step in which the optical fibers are fusion-spliced ​​using a fusion splicer).

[0037] [Effects of the optical fiber cutting device and optical fiber cutting method according to the embodiment] In the optical fiber cutting device 100 of this embodiment, the movable gripper 20 is movable in the Y-axis direction, so that the protruding length of the optical fiber 1 from the fiber holder 60 can be adjusted after cutting the optical fiber 1. Therefore, the protruding length of the optical fiber 1 from the fiber holder 60 can be optimized to suit the next process.

[0038] The movable gripper 20 is movable in the Y-axis direction. The movable gripper 20 has a gripping force that can apply tension to the optical fiber 1. In this embodiment, the movable gripper 20 is independent from other components, and therefore can be configured to be robust and have a high gripping force. The fixed gripping part 50 may not be movable in the Y-axis direction, i.e., the position of the fixed gripping part 50 may be fixed. When the position of the fixed gripping part 50 is fixed, it is preferable because when the optical fiber 1 is injured by the injury blade 42, the length of the optical fiber 1 protruding from the fiber holder 60 at the time of cutting can be easily set within a predetermined range.

[0039] The optical fiber cutting method of this embodiment includes a step of cutting the optical fiber 1 (cutting step) and a step of adjusting the protruding length of the optical fiber 1 from the fiber holder 60 (protruding length adjusting step). Therefore, the protruding length of the optical fiber 1 from the fiber holder 60 can be optimized to suit the next step.

[0040] [Optical fiber cutting device] (Second embodiment) Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing an optical fiber cutting device of a second embodiment, Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a part of the optical fiber cutting device of the second embodiment, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are plan views showing a part of the optical fiber cutting device of the second embodiment.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the optical fiber cutting device 200 of this embodiment is configured to include a base member 210, a first gripping mechanism 220, a movable gripping part 250 (second gripping mechanism), a scratch forming part 40, and a fiber holder holding base 310 (fiber holder holding part).

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first gripping mechanism 220 includes a first gripping portion 221 and a second gripping portion 222. The first gripping unit 221 includes a support pillar 223 and a pressing member 224. The support pillar 223 protrudes upward from the main surface of the device. The pressing member 224 is rotatably connected to the support pillar 223. The pressing member 224 can grip the optical fiber 1 between itself and the holder base 61 of the fiber holder 60 placed on the fiber holder holding base 310. Specifically, as viewed from the Z-axis direction, the pressing member 224 is provided at a position overlapping with a guide groove formed in the holder base 61. In the Z-axis direction (height direction of the optical fiber cutting device 200), the optical fiber 1 is gripped between the pressing member 224 and the holder base 61. As viewed from the Z-axis direction, the pressing member 224 is provided at a position different from the pressing member 62 of the fiber holder 60 in the closed state. The pressing member 224 can be switched between a mode in which the optical fiber 1 is gripped between itself and the holder base 61 and a mode in which the optical fiber 1 is released. The first gripping portion 221 has a gripping force that can apply the tension required to cut the optical fiber 1 to the optical fiber 1 .

[0043] The second gripping portion 222 includes a gripping portion main body 225 and a pressing member 226. A guide groove for positioning the optical fiber 1 is formed on the upper surface of the gripping portion main body 225. The pressing member 226 holds the optical fiber 1 between itself and the gripping portion main body 225. The pressing member 226 is rotatably connected to the gripping portion main body 225. The pressing member 226 can be switched between a mode in which it holds the optical fiber 1 between itself and the gripping portion main body 225 and a mode in which it releases the optical fiber 1.

[0044] The second gripping part 222 is located on the negative Y-axis side relative to the fiber holder holding base 310. The second gripping part 222 is movable in the Y-axis direction. It can be said that only a part of the first gripping mechanism 220 (the second gripping part 222) is movable in the Y-axis direction, rather than the entire first gripping mechanism 220.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7, the second gripping portion 222 is connected to the fiber holder holding base 310 via one or more guide bars 227 along the Y-axis direction so as to be able to move toward and away from the fiber holder holding base 310.

[0046] 6, the movable gripping unit 250 includes a gripping unit main body and a pressing member. The movable gripping unit 250 can grip the optical fiber 1 (bare optical fiber 1A) between the gripping unit main body and the pressing member. The movable gripping unit 250 can be moved in the Y-axis direction by a drive mechanism (not shown). The movable gripping unit 250 can apply tension to the optical fiber 1 by moving in a direction away from the first gripping mechanism 220 (positive direction of the Y-axis).

[0047] The flaw forming unit 40 is located on the negative Y-axis side relative to the movable gripping unit 250. The flaw forming unit 40 is located on the positive Y-axis side relative to the first gripping mechanism 220. Therefore, the flaw forming unit 40 can form a flaw (i.e., form an initial flaw) in the optical fiber 1 (more specifically, the bare optical fiber 1A) to which tension is applied by the movable gripping unit 250 and the first gripping mechanism 220, between the movable gripping unit 250 and the first gripping mechanism 220. The flaw forming unit 40 is located on the positive Y-axis side relative to the fiber holder holding base 310.

[0048] The fiber holder 60 placed on the fiber holder holding table 310 can hold the optical fiber 1 between the first gripping mechanism 220 and the wound forming unit 40 .

[0049] [Optical fiber cutting method] Next, a method for cutting the optical fiber 1 using the optical fiber cutting device 200 will be described.

[0050] (preparation process) The movable gripping part 250 grips the bare optical fiber 1A of the optical fiber 1. The first gripping mechanism 220 grips, for example, the portion of the optical fiber 1 where the coating part 1B is formed. By moving the movable gripping part 250 in a direction away from the first gripping mechanism 220 (positive direction of the Y-axis), tension is applied to the optical fiber 1.

[0051] (cutting process) The bare optical fiber 1A is injured (that is, an initial injury is formed) using the injury forming part 40. The initial injury grows due to tension applied to the bare optical fiber 1A, and the bare optical fiber 1A is cleaved and cut.

[0052] (Protrusion length adjustment process) 8 and 9, the fiber holder 60 is in a state in which the pressing member 62 is open (a state in which the optical fiber 1 is not gripped). The first gripping portion 221 is in a state in which the pressing member 224 is open (a state in which the optical fiber 1 is not gripped).

[0053] The optical fiber 1 is moved in the Y-axis direction by moving the second gripping unit 222 in the Y-axis direction. This adjusts the protruding length of the optical fiber 1 from the fiber holder 60. The protruding length of the optical fiber 1 can be determined in accordance with the specifications of the device (for example, a fusion splicer) to be used in the next process. In this embodiment, the optical fiber 1 is moved in the negative Y-axis direction by moving the second gripping unit 222 in the negative Y-axis direction. This shortens the protruding length of the optical fiber 1 from the fiber holder 60. After adjusting the protruding length of the optical fiber 1, the pressing member 62 of the fiber holder 60 is closed to hold the optical fiber 1.

[0054] (Next process) The optical fiber 1 held by the fiber holder 60 is removed from the optical fiber cutting device 200 and is then subjected to the next step (for example, a fusion step in which the optical fibers are fusion-spliced ​​using a fusion splicer).

[0055] [Effects of the optical fiber cutting device and optical fiber cutting method according to the embodiment] In the optical fiber cutting device 200 of this embodiment, the second gripping part 222 is movable in the Y-axis direction, so that the protruding length of the optical fiber 1 from the fiber holder 60 can be adjusted after cutting the optical fiber 1. Therefore, the protruding length of the optical fiber 1 from the fiber holder 60 can be optimized to suit the next process.

[0056] The first gripping mechanism 220 includes a first gripping part 221 that grips the optical fiber 1 between itself and the holder base 61 of the fiber holder 60, and a second gripping part 222 that is movable in the Y-axis direction. Because the first gripping part 221 can grip the optical fiber 1 using the fiber holder 60, the structure can be simplified. This allows for a more compact and less expensive device.

[0057] The optical fiber cutting method of this embodiment includes a step of cutting the optical fiber 1 (cutting step) and a step of adjusting the protruding length of the optical fiber 1 from the fiber holder 60 (protruding length adjusting step). Therefore, the protruding length of the optical fiber 1 from the fiber holder 60 can be optimized to suit the next step.

[0058] In the optical fiber cutting device 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1), of the movable gripping unit 20 and the fiber holder holding base 110, only the movable gripping unit 20 is movable in the Y-axis direction, but the configuration of the optical fiber cutting device is not limited to this. The optical fiber cutting device of the embodiment only needs to have at least one of the first gripping mechanism and the fiber holder holding unit movable in the length direction of the optical fiber.

[0059] Of the first gripping mechanism and the fiber holder holding unit, only the fiber holder holding unit may be movable in the length direction of the optical fiber. For example, in the optical fiber cutting device 100 (see FIG. 1), the fiber holder holding base 110 may be movable in the Y-axis direction. Both the first gripping mechanism and the fiber holder holding unit may be movable in the length direction of the optical fiber. For example, in the optical fiber cutting device 100 (see FIG. 1), both the movable gripping unit 20 and the fiber holder holding base 110 may be movable in the Y-axis direction. When the fiber holder holding unit is made movable in the Y-axis direction, for example, an electric actuator may be used.

[0060] If only the fiber holder holding part of the first holding mechanism and the fiber holder holding part is movable in the length direction of the optical fiber, the protruding length of the optical fiber from the fiber holder is adjusted by moving the fiber holder holding part in the length direction of the optical fiber in the protruding length adjustment process.

[0061] If both the first holding mechanism and the fiber holder holding part are movable in the length direction of the optical fiber, in the protrusion length adjustment process, the protrusion length of the optical fiber from the fiber holder is adjusted by moving one or both of the first holding mechanism and the fiber holder holding part in the length direction of the optical fiber. In these cases, in the protrusion length adjustment process, the pressing member of the movable structure is in a closed state (a state in which the optical fiber 1 is gripped), and the pressing member of the non-moving structure is in an open state (a state in which the optical fiber 1 is not gripped) so as not to interfere with the movement of the optical fiber. In this way, it is possible to adjust the relative position of the end of the cut optical fiber 1 with respect to the fiber holder 60. Therefore, the optical fiber cutting devices 100 and 200 can obtain a fiber holder 60 in which the optical fiber 1, having an end face cut by the cutting blade 42, is set at an appropriate protruding length.

[0062] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the second gripping mechanism is the fixed gripping unit 50, and in the second embodiment, the second gripping mechanism is the movable gripping unit 250, but this is not limiting. For example, the optical fiber cutting device 100 of the first embodiment may have a movable gripping unit 250 instead of the fixed gripping unit 50. The optical fiber cutting device 200 of the second embodiment may have a fixed gripping unit 50 instead of the movable gripping unit 250. Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1...optical fiber, 1A...bare optical fiber, 20...movable gripping portion (first gripping mechanism), 42...cutting blade, 50...fixed gripping portion (second gripping mechanism), 100, 200...optical fiber cutting device, 110...fiber holder holding base (fiber holder holding portion), 220...first gripping mechanism, 221...first gripping portion, 222...second gripping portion, 250...movable gripping portion (second gripping mechanism)

Claims

1. a first gripping mechanism for gripping an optical fiber; a second gripping mechanism that grips the optical fiber; a cutting blade that cuts the optical fiber between the first gripping mechanism and the second gripping mechanism; a fiber holder holding portion on which a fiber holder that holds the optical fiber between the first gripping mechanism and the cutting blade is placed; Equipped with At least one of at least a part of the first gripping mechanism and the fiber holder holding part is movable in the length direction of the optical fiber. Optical fiber cutting device.

2. the first gripping mechanism is movable in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber; 2. The optical fiber cutting device according to claim 1.

3. The first gripping mechanism includes: a first gripping portion that grips the optical fiber between itself and the fiber holder placed on the fiber holder holding portion; a second gripping portion that is movable in the length direction of the optical fiber; 2. The optical fiber cutting device according to claim 1.

4. the fiber holder has a holder base on which the optical fiber is placed, The first gripping portion has a pressing member, the optical fiber can be held between the pressing member of the first holding portion and the holder base in the height direction; 4. The optical fiber cutting device according to claim 3.

5. the second gripping mechanism is a fixed gripping unit; The optical fiber cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The second gripping mechanism is a movable gripping unit. The optical fiber cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. a step of cutting the optical fiber by scratching the optical fiber using a scratching blade between a first gripping mechanism that grips the optical fiber and applies tension to the optical fiber and a second gripping mechanism; a step of adjusting a protruding length of the optical fiber from a fiber holder placed on a fiber holder holding section that holds the optical fiber between the first gripping mechanism and the cutting blade, In the step of adjusting the protruding length of the optical fiber, at least one of at least a part of the first gripping mechanism and the fiber holder holding part is moved in the length direction of the optical fiber. Optical fiber cleaving method.

Images