Fiber optic processing tools

Abstract

To provide a highly efficient optical fiber processing tool. [Solution] The optical fiber processing tool comprises a fiber holder that holds the optical fiber with one end of the optical fiber extended to one side, a coating stripper that removes the coating from the optical fiber, and a fiber cutting section that cuts the bare portion of the optical fiber, wherein the first direction of movement of the fiber holder when the coating is removed by the coating stripper and the second direction of movement of the fiber holder when the bare portion is cut by the fiber cutting section are different, and the second direction of movement is such that the fiber holder approaches the coating stripper in the extension direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical fiber processing tool.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a field-assembled optical connector. A field-assembled optical connector is an optical connector that is assembled to an optical fiber at a location where the optical fiber is laid. Such an optical connector is assembled to the end of an optical fiber taken out from an optical fiber cable or the like. Conventionally, a plurality of tools have been used to process the optical fiber and assemble the optical connector. For example, a coating removal tool for removing the coating of the optical fiber, a cutting tool for cutting the bare portion of the optical fiber, a fixing tool for fixing the optical fiber to the optical connector, and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When performing processing for assembling an optical connector on an optical fiber, changing and using a plurality of tools leads to a decrease in work efficiency.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an optical fiber processing tool with good work efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an optical fiber processing tool according to embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises a fiber holder that holds the optical fiber with one end of the optical fiber extended to one side, a coating stripper that removes the coating of the optical fiber, and a fiber cutting unit that cuts the bare portion of the optical fiber, wherein the first direction of movement of the fiber holder when the coating is removed by the coating stripper and the second direction of movement of the fiber holder when the bare portion is cut by the fiber cutting unit are different, and the second direction of movement is such that the fiber holder approaches the coating stripper in the direction in which the optical fiber extends.

[0007] Aspect 2 of the present invention is an optical fiber processing tool according to aspect 1, wherein the angle between a first virtual line parallel to the first direction of movement and a second virtual line parallel to the second direction of movement is acute.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is an optical fiber processing tool according to aspect 1, wherein the second direction of movement is an arc shape centered on a first restraint point where the bare portion is restrained by the coating stripper.

[0009] Aspect 4 of the present invention is an optical fiber processing tool according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, further comprising a fiber holder support base for supporting the fiber holder and a fiber cutting section support base for supporting the fiber cutting section, wherein the fiber holder support base has a first connecting portion and the fiber cutting section support base has a second connecting portion, and the fiber holder support base and the fiber cutting section support base move together in the first movement direction by connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

[0010] Aspect 5 of the present invention is an optical fiber processing tool according to aspect 4, wherein when the fiber holder moves in the first movement direction and the coating is removed by the coating stripper, and the fiber holder support base moves in the second movement direction, the connection between the first and second connecting parts is released, and the fiber holder support base moves away from the fiber cutting part support base in the second movement direction.

[0011] Aspect 6 of the present invention is an optical fiber processing tool according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the fiber cutting portion is displaced between an initial position, an approach position closer to the optical fiber than the initial position, and a cutting position for cutting the optical fiber.

[0012] Aspect 7 of the present invention is an optical fiber processing tool according to aspect 6, further comprising a fiber holder support base for supporting the fiber holder, wherein the fiber holder support base has an initial support portion for supporting the fiber cutting portion in the initial position and a proximity support portion for supporting the fiber cutting portion in the approach position.

[0013] Aspect 8 of the present invention is an optical fiber processing tool according to aspect 6, further comprising: a fiber holder support base for supporting the fiber holder; and a handle portion operated by a user to operate the coating stripper, wherein the handle portion has an initial support portion for supporting the fiber cutting portion in the initial position; and the fiber holder support base has a proximity support portion for supporting the fiber cutting portion in the approach position.

[0014] Aspect 9 of the present invention is an optical fiber processing tool according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the contact point at which the fiber cutting portion contacts the bare portion when the bare portion is cut is located on a straight line connecting a first restraint point at which the optical fiber is restrained by the coating stripper and a second restraint point at which the optical fiber is restrained by the fiber holder. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the above aspects of the present invention, a fiber optic processing tool with good work efficiency can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the optical fiber processing tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the fiber holder support base. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the fiber holder support base in FIG. 2 seen from the back side. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the fiber cutting part support base in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a view of the V-V cross-section in FIG. 1 as seen in the arrow direction. [Figure 6] It is a view showing the optical fiber processing tool in FIG. 1 partially in cross-section. [Figure 7] It is a plan view of the optical fiber processing tool according to the first embodiment, showing the state after the coating has been removed by the coating stripper. [Figure 8] It is a front view of the optical fiber processing tool in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] Regarding the optical fiber processing tool of the first embodiment, it is a view showing the fiber holder support base moved in the second moving direction from the state shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] 8>It is a front view of the optical fiber processing tool in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] Regarding the optical fiber processing tool of the first embodiment, it is a view showing the fiber holder support base further moved in the second moving direction from the state shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] It is a front view of the optical fiber processing tool in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of the optical fiber processing tool according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] In the optical fiber processing tool shown in FIG. 13, it is a view for explaining the state after the fiber holder support base and the fiber cutting part have been moved in the first moving direction. [Figure 15] It is a view following FIG. 14, showing the state where the fiber cutting part has moved to the approaching position.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the optical fiber processing tool of the first embodiment will be described based on the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the optical fiber processing tool 1 comprises a fiber holder 10, a fiber holder support base 20, a coating stripper 30, a handle portion 40, a base member 50, a fiber cutting portion 60, a fiber cutting portion support base 70, and a connector holder 90. The fiber holder 10 is capable of holding an optical fiber F. The connector holder 90 is capable of holding an optical connector C. However, the optical fiber processing tool 1 does not necessarily have to include the connector holder 90.

[0018] The optical fiber F has a bare portion f1 and a cladding f2 that covers the bare portion f1. The bare portion f1 is formed of, for example, glass. The bare portion f1 includes a core and a cladding that covers the core. The cladding f2 is formed of, for example, resin.

[0019] The optical fiber processing tool 1 has a coating removal function, a cutting function, and an assembly function. The coating removal function is a function that partially removes the coating f2 of the optical fiber F from the optical fiber F, exposing the bare portion f1. The cutting function is a function that cuts the bare portion f1 of the optical fiber F. The assembly function is a function that assembles the optical fiber F to the optical connector C.

[0020] <Direction definition> The optical fiber F is held in the fiber holder 10 such that the end of the optical fiber F extends from the fiber holder 10. In this specification, the direction in which the end of the optical fiber F extends from the fiber holder 10 is referred to as the extension direction X. The extension direction X coincides with the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F. The extension direction X is also referred to as the left-right direction. One direction perpendicular to the extension direction X is referred to as the orthogonal direction Y. The orthogonal direction Y is also referred to as the front-back direction. The direction perpendicular to both the extension direction X and the orthogonal direction Y is referred to as the up-down direction Z. A view from the up-down direction Z is called a plan view. Viewing from the up-down direction Z is called a plan view. A view from the orthogonal direction Y is called a front view. Viewing from the orthogonal direction Y is called a front view.

[0021] The fiber holder 10 and the fiber stripper 30 are arranged side by side in the extension direction X. In the extension direction X, the side from the fiber holder 10 toward the fiber stripper 30 is referred to as the +X side or right side. The opposite side is referred to as the -X side or left side. The fiber stripper 30 and the connector holder 90 are arranged side by side in the orthogonal direction Y. In the orthogonal direction Y, the side from the connector holder 90 toward the fiber stripper 30 is referred to as the back side or +Y side. The opposite side is referred to as the front side or -Y side. In the vertical direction Z, the side to which the optical fiber F moves when it is removed from the fiber holder 10 is referred to as the upper side or +Z side. The opposite side is referred to as the lower side or -Z side. The extension direction X, the orthogonal direction Y, and the vertical direction Z are orthogonal to each other.

[0022] <Overall Structure> The fiber holder 10 holds the optical fiber F with its end extended. The fiber holder support base 20 supports the fiber holder 10. The fiber holder support base 20 is mounted on the base member 50 so as to be movable in the extension direction X. When the fiber holder support base 20 moves relative to the base member 50, the fiber holder 10 also moves together with the fiber holder support base 20 relative to the base member 50.

[0023] The fiber stripper 30 is positioned on the +X side of the fiber holder 10. The fiber stripper 30 is supported by the base member 50. The fiber stripper 30 removes the coating f2 from the end of the optical fiber F extending from the fiber holder 10 on the +X side. The fiber stripper 30 is operated by the user by operating the handle portion 40.

[0024] The handle portion 40 is the part operated by the user. The handle portion 40 is positioned on the +X side of the coating stripper 30. The handle portion 40 is supported by the base member 50. Operation of the handle portion 40 is transmitted to the coating stripper 30.

[0025] The fiber cutting section 60 is positioned on the +X side of the fiber holder 10. The fiber cutting section 60 cuts the bare portion f1 of the optical fiber F, whose coating f2 has been partially stripped by the coating stripper 30.

[0026] The fiber cutting section support base 70 supports the fiber cutting section 60. The fiber cutting section support base 70 is attached to the base member 50 so as to be movable in the extension direction X. When the fiber cutting section support base 70 moves relative to the base member 50, the fiber cutting section 60 also moves together with the fiber cutting section support base 70 relative to the base member 50.

[0027] The connector holder 90 is positioned on the -Y side of the fiber stripper 30. The connector holder 90 is supported by the base member 50. The connector holder 90 holds the optical connector C. The optical fiber F, whose bare portion f1 has been cut by the fiber cutting portion 60, is connected to an internal fiber (not shown) built into the optical connector C.

[0028] <Detailed structure of each part> <Stripping agent> As shown in Figure 1, the coating stripper 30 includes a first stripper blade 31 and a second stripper blade 32. The first stripper blade 31 and the second stripper blade 32 are arranged side by side in the orthogonal direction Y.

[0029] The tips of the first stripper blade 31 and the second stripper blade 32 function as cutting blades that make cuts in the coating f2 of the optical fiber F. To prevent damage to the bare portion f1, the tips of the first stripper blade 31 and the second stripper blade 32 are formed with avoidance recesses (not shown) that create a gap through which the bare portion f1 can pass.

[0030] <Handle section> The handle section 40 includes a first handle 41 and a second handle 42. The first handle 41 and the second handle 42 are arranged side by side in the orthogonal direction Y. The second stripper blade 32 is supported by the tip (-X side end) of the first handle 41, and the first stripper blade 31 is supported by the tip (-X side end) of the second handle 42. When the user operates the first handle 41 to bring the base end (+X side end) and the second handle 42 to move closer together, the tip of the first stripper blade 31 and the tip of the second stripper blade 32 move closer together. As a result, the optical fiber F is sandwiched between the first stripper blade 31 and the second stripper blade 32, and a cut is made in the coating f2 of the optical fiber F.

[0031] <Base component> As shown in Figure 1, the base member 50 includes a base member body 51, a first guide portion 53, and a second guide portion 52. The base member body 51 supports the fiber stripper 30, the handle portion 40, and the connector holder 90. The first guide portion 53 supports the fiber holder support base 20. The first guide portion 53 guides the movement of the fiber holder 10 and the fiber holder support base 20 in a first movement direction D1 (see Figure 7). The second guide portion 52 guides the movement of the first guide portion 53 in a second movement direction D2 (see Figure 9).

[0032] The first guide section 53 has a guide groove (not shown) extending in the extension direction X, and the fiber holder support base 20 moves along this guide groove. The direction in which the guide groove of the first guide section 53 extends coincides with the first movement direction D1. The second guide section 52 has two guide rails 52a. In a plan view, the guide rails 52a extend at an inclination with respect to the orthogonal direction Y, such that they move toward the +X side as they move toward the -Y side. The direction in which the guide rails 52a extend coincides with the second movement direction D2. When the first guide section 53 moves in the second movement direction D2 along the guide rails 52a, the fiber holder support base 20 supported by the first guide section 53 also moves in the second movement direction D2.

[0033] <Fiber holder and fiber holder support base> The fiber holder 10 holds the optical fiber F. The fiber holder 10 is detachable from the fiber holder support base 20. For example, multiple types of fiber holders 10 may be prepared depending on the type (thickness, etc.) of the optical fiber F. In this case, by changing the fiber holder 10, the optical fiber processing tool 1 can process various types of optical fibers F.

[0034] Furthermore, the fiber holder 10 is movable in the orthogonal direction Y between the optical fiber cutting position and the connection position. The optical fiber cutting position is the position corresponding to the coating stripper 30 and the fiber cutting section 60 in the orthogonal direction Y, where the coating stripper 30 removes the coating f2 of the optical fiber F and the fiber cutting section 60 cuts the bare portion f1. The connection position is the position corresponding to the connector holder 90 in the orthogonal direction Y, where the optical connector C held by the connector holder 90 is connected to the optical fiber F. The fiber holder 10 moves from the optical fiber cutting position to the connection position by moving in the second movement direction D2.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the fiber holder support base 20 has a base 21, four retaining claws 22, an initial support portion 23, and a proximity support portion 24. The base 21 is plate-shaped and extends in the extension direction X and the perpendicular direction Y. The four retaining claws 22 protrude upward from the base 21. The four retaining claws 22 are spaced apart in the extension direction X and the perpendicular direction Y. The retaining claws 22 have the function of holding the fiber holder 10. The number of retaining claws 22 may be changed. The initial support portion 23 and the proximity support portion 24 are located at the +X end of the fiber holder support base 20. The proximity support portion 24 is located on the -Z side and +Y side of the initial support portion 23. The initial support portion 23 and the proximity support portion 24 have a surface facing the +Z side. The functions of the initial support portion 23 and the proximity support portion 24 will be described later.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, a first connecting portion 25 is formed on the fiber holder support base 20. The first connecting portion 25 has two first connecting pieces 25a and 25b extending in the orthogonal direction Y. The first connecting pieces 25a and 25b are spaced apart in the extension direction X. The first connecting portion 25 protrudes from the base portion 21 toward the -Z side.

[0037] <Fiber cutting section> As shown in Figure 1, the fiber cutting section 60 has a cutting clamp 63. A cutting blade 61 is positioned below the cutting clamp 63. As shown in Figure 5, the lower end of the cutting clamp 63 is provided with a pressing portion 63a that presses the bare portion f1 against the cutting blade 61.

[0038] The cutting clamp 63 is supported on the fiber cutting section support base 70 so as to be rotatable around axis R. As a result, the cutting clamp 63 can move between an open state, which is separated from the cutting blade 61 as shown in Figure 5, and a closed state, which is rotated around axis R and close to the cutting blade 61 as shown in Figure 12. When the cutting clamp 63 is in the closed state, the bare portion f1 is pressed against the cutting blade 61 by the pressing portion 63a of the cutting clamp 63, thereby cutting the bare portion f1. In this embodiment, the fiber cutting section 60 moves in the vertical direction Z in three stages: initial position P1 (Figure 8), approach position P2 (Figure 10), and cutting position P3 (Figure 12).

[0039] <Support stand for fiber cutting section> The fiber cutting section support base 70 is supported on the base member body portion 51 of the base member 50 so as to be movable in the extension direction X. A guide shaft G (see Figure 7) extending in the extension direction X is fixed to the base member body portion 51. This guide shaft G guides the movement of the fiber cutting section support base 70 relative to the base member body portion 51.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, the fiber cutting section support base 70 has a first support section 71 and a second support section 72. The first support section 71 has a receiving recess 71a that is recessed downwards. The cutting blade 61 and a biasing member (not shown) that biases the cutting blade 61 upwards are housed in this receiving recess 71a.

[0041] The second support portion 72 rotatably supports the cutting clamp 63. More specifically, the second support portion 72 supports a rotating shaft. As shown in Figure 5, the fiber cutting portion 60 has a cutting clamp 63, a mounting portion 64, and a contact portion 65. The mounting portion 64 is through which the rotating shaft supported by the second support portion 72 is inserted. As a result, the mounting portion 64 and the cutting clamp 63 are integrated and can rotate around axis R (the central axis of the second support portion 72).

[0042] A biasing force acts on the fiber cutting section 60, causing it to rotate downwards around the axis R. This biasing force is generated by the weight of the cutting clamp 63 and other components, as well as by a torsion coil spring (not shown) located near the mounting section 64. As shown in Figure 5, in the initial state, the contact section 65 contacts the initial support section 23, supporting the fiber cutting section 60 at the initial position P1. As will be described in detail later, when the fiber holder support base 20 moves to the -Y side, the contact section 65 disengages from the initial support section 23, and the fiber cutting section 60 rotates downwards around the axis R. Subsequently, the contact section 65 contacts the proximity support section 24, supporting the fiber cutting section 60 at the close position P2 (see Figure 10).

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, a second connecting portion 73 is formed on the fiber cutting section support base 70. The second connecting portion 73 has two second connecting pieces 73a and 73b extending in the orthogonal direction Y. The second connecting pieces 73a and 73b are spaced apart in the extension direction X. As shown in Figure 6, the second connecting portion 73 is C-shaped with an opening on the -Y side, and the first connecting portion 25 is C-shaped with an opening on the +Y side. In the initial state, the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 73 are connected. Specifically, the second connecting piece 73a is sandwiched between the two first connecting pieces 25a and 25b. Also, the first connecting piece 25a is sandwiched between the two second connecting pieces 73a and 73b. With this structure, when the fiber holder support base 20 tries to move in the extension direction X, the fiber cutting section support base 70 also moves together in the extension direction X.

[0044] As the fiber holder support base 20 moves along the guide rail 52a towards the -Y side, the connection between the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 73 is released. In other words, the force that moves the fiber holder support base 20 towards the -Y side is not transmitted to the fiber cutting portion support base 70. As a result, the fiber holder support base 20 moves away from the fiber cutting portion support base 70 towards the -Y side.

[0045] <Work Procedure and Function of Each Part> Next, the work procedure and the operation of each part when processing the optical fiber F using the optical fiber processing tool 1 configured as described above will be explained. When cutting the optical fiber F using the optical fiber processing tool 1, a coating removal step is performed to remove the coating f2 of the optical fiber F, and a cutting step is performed to cut the bare portion f1 of the optical fiber F.

[0046] First, the user operates the handle portion 40 to bring the tip of the first stripper blade 31 and the tip of the second stripper blade 32 of the fiber stripper 30 closer together. This sandwiches the optical fiber F between the first stripper blade 31 and the second stripper blade 32, creating a cut in the coating f2 of the optical fiber F. In this state, the user applies force to pull the fiber holder support base 20 and the handle portion 40 apart. At this time, the user may, for example, grasp the handle portion 40 with one hand and grip the fiber holder support base 20 with the fingers of the other hand, by engaging the recess 20a of the fiber holder support base 20.

[0047] As a result of the above operation, the fiber holder support base 20 moves in the first movement direction D1 shown in Figure 7. The first movement direction D1 is the direction toward the -X side. Therefore, the fiber holder support base 20 moves relative to the base member 50 (coating stripper 30) toward the -X side. Here, since the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 73 are connected, the fiber cutting portion support base 70 also moves toward the -X side together with the fiber holder support base 20. As the fiber holder support base 20 and the coating stripper 30 separate, the coating f2 is partially removed from the bare portion f1, and the bare portion f1 is exposed. This completes the coating removal process.

[0048] At this point, the fiber cutting section support base 70 and the fiber holder support base 20 do not move relative to each other, so the contact portion 65 remains in contact with the initial support portion 23 (see Figure 5). Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, when the coating removal process is completed, the fiber cutting section 60 remains in its initial position P1 and does not change.

[0049] Next, the user moves the fiber holder support base 20 in the second movement direction D2, as shown in Figure 9. The second movement direction D2 is the direction toward the -Y side along the guide rail 52a. At this time, the connection between the first connecting part 25 and the second connecting part 73 (see Figure 6) is released. Therefore, the fiber holder support base 20 moves relative to the fiber cutting part support base 70 toward the -Y side. As a result, the contact part 65 disengages from the initial support part 23, the cutting clamp 63 rotates downward around the axis R, and the contact part 65 comes into contact with the proximity support part 24. At this point, the fiber cutting part 60 is located in the proximity position P2, which is lower than the initial position P1, as shown in Figure 10.

[0050] Next, the user moves the fiber holder support base 20 further in the second movement direction D2. At this time, the fiber holder support base 20 moves further toward -Y relative to the fiber cutting section support base 70. As a result, the contact portion 65 disengages from the proximity support portion 24, the cutting clamp 63 rotates further downward around the axis R, and the bare portion f1 is clamped between the pressing portion 63a and the cutting blade 61. As a result, the bare portion f1 is cut (cutting process). As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the position of the fiber cutting section 60 at this time is referred to as the cutting position P3.

[0051] After this, the fiber holder 10 may be moved further to the -Y side along the guide rail 52a, bringing it closer to the optical connector C held by the connector holder 90. By positioning the fiber holder 10 and the connector holder 90 opposite each other in the extension direction X, the optical fiber F held by the fiber holder 10 can be connected to the built-in fiber of the optical connector C.

[0052] Here, we will explain the advantageous effects obtained by the optical fiber processing tool 1 of this embodiment. The optical fiber processing tool 1 has a coating removal function and a cutting function. Therefore, when processing the optical fiber F, there is no need to switch between a tool for coating removal and a tool for cutting, improving work efficiency. Furthermore, with the optical fiber processing tool 1, when cutting the bare portion f1, excessive tension applied to the bare portion f1 is suppressed. The tension applied to the bare portion f1 will be explained in more detail below.

[0053] As mentioned above, during the coating removal process, the fiber holder support base 20 moves away from the coating stripper 30. At this time, a portion of the coating f2 is peeled off from the bare portion f1 in the extension direction X, so tension is applied to the bare portion f1. If the fiber holder support base 20 were to move to the -X side in order to cut the bare portion f1, even more tension would be applied to the bare portion f1. If the bare portion f1 is cut under excessive tension, the quality of the cut surface will deteriorate, which may result in effects such as increased connection loss between the optical fiber F and the built-in fiber in the optical connector C. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second movement direction D2 of the fiber holder support base 20 in the cutting process is set to a different direction from the first movement direction D1 in the coating removal process.

[0054] The relationship between the first movement direction D1 and the second movement direction D2 will be explained using Figure 11. The virtual line L1 in Figure 11 is a line along the first movement direction D1, that is, a line extending in the same direction as the extension direction X. The virtual line L2 is a line along the second movement direction D2, that is, a line extending in the same direction as the guide rail 52a. The symbol A1 indicates the first constraint point where the optical fiber F is constrained by the coating stripper 30. More specifically, the first constraint point A1 is the point where the bare portion f1 is sandwiched between the first stripper blade 31 and the second stripper blade 32.

[0055] In Figure 11, reference numeral A2 indicates a second constraint point where the optical fiber F is restrained by the fiber holder 10. More specifically, the second constraint point A2 is the +X side end of the fiber holder 10. In this embodiment, a V-shaped groove is formed at the +X side end (second constraint point A2) of the fiber holder 10 to determine the position of the optical fiber F. However, the structure of the second constraint point A2 is not limited to a V-shaped groove; for example, it may be a structure that clamps the optical fiber F. Reference numeral A3 indicates the position where the bare portion f1 is cut by the fiber cutting portion 60. More specifically, the contact point A3 is the position where the bare portion f1 is clamped by the cutting blade 61 (see Figure 1) and the pressing portion 63a.

[0056] In this embodiment, the angle θ between the first virtual line L1 and the second virtual line L2 is acute. Therefore, when the fiber holder 10 is moved in the second movement direction D2 (see Figure 9), the fiber holder 10 approaches the coating stripper 30 in the extension direction X. In other words, the first constraint point A1 and the second constraint point A2 approach each other in the extension direction X. Therefore, when the fiber holder 10 is moved in the second movement direction D2, the distance between the first constraint point A1 and the second constraint point A2 does not change or decreases. Consequently, the increase in tension in the bare portion f1 between the first constraint point A1 and the second constraint point A2 is suppressed. This ensures the quality of the cut surface of the bare portion f1.

[0057] The second movement direction D2 (i.e., the direction in which the guide rail 52a extends) may be a straight line or an arc. For example, the guide rail 52a may extend in an arc centered on the first constraint point A1. In this case, even if the fiber holder 10 is moved in the second movement direction D2, the distance between the first constraint point A1 and the second constraint point A2 does not change, and therefore the tension acting on the bare portion f1 does not change.

[0058] As described above, the optical fiber processing tool 1 of this embodiment includes a fiber holder 10 that holds the optical fiber F with one end of the optical fiber F extended to one side (-X side), a coating stripper 30 that removes the coating f2 of the optical fiber F, and a fiber cutting section 60 that cuts the bare portion f1 of the optical fiber F. The first movement direction D1 of the fiber holder 10 when removing the coating f2 with the coating stripper 30 is different from the second movement direction D2 of the fiber holder 10 when cutting the bare portion f1 with the fiber cutting section 60. The second movement direction D2 is such that the fiber holder 10 approaches the coating stripper 30 in the extension direction X. With this configuration, the coating removal process and the cutting process can be performed without changing tools, improving work efficiency. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress excessive tension acting on the bare portion f1 during the cutting process.

[0059] Furthermore, the angle θ between the first imaginary line L1 parallel to the first movement direction D1 and the second imaginary line L2 parallel to the second movement direction D2 may be acute. The second movement direction D2 may be an arc centered on the first constraint point A1 where the bare portion f1 is constrained by the coating stripper 30.

[0060] Furthermore, the optical fiber processing tool 1 further comprises a fiber holder support base 20 that supports the fiber holder 10 and a fiber cutting section support base 70 that supports the fiber cutting section 60. The fiber holder support base 20 has a first connecting section 25, and the fiber cutting section support base 70 has a second connecting section 73. By connecting the first connecting section 25 and the second connecting section 73, the fiber holder support base 20 and the fiber cutting section support base 70 may move together as a single unit in the first movement direction D1.

[0061] Furthermore, when the fiber holder 10 moves in the first movement direction D1 and the coating f2 is removed by the coating stripper 30, and then the fiber holder support base 20 moves in the second movement direction D2, the connection between the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 73 is released, and the fiber holder support base 20 may move away from the fiber cutting portion support base 70 in the second movement direction D2.

[0062] Furthermore, the fiber cutting section 60 may be displaced between an initial position P1, an approaching position P2 which is closer to the optical fiber F in the vertical direction Z than the initial position P1, and a cutting position P3 where the optical fiber F is cut. In this case, compared to the case where the fiber cutting section 60 descends from the initial position P1 to the cutting position P3 in one go, the tension and impact applied to the bare section f1 when cutting the bare section f1 can be reduced. Therefore, the quality of the cut surface of the bare section f1 can be stabilized.

[0063] Furthermore, the optical fiber processing tool 1 may further include a fiber holder support base 20 that supports the fiber holder 10. The fiber holder support base 20 may have an initial support portion 23 that supports the fiber cutting portion 60 in an initial position P1, and a proximity support portion 24 that supports the fiber cutting portion 60 in an approach position P2.

[0064] Furthermore, the contact point A3 at which the fiber cutting portion 60 contacts the bare portion f1 when the bare portion f1 is cut may be located on a straight line connecting the first restraint point A1 at which the optical fiber F is restrained by the coating stripper 30 and the second restraint point A2 at which the optical fiber F is restrained by the fiber holder 10.

[0065] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, which has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment. For this reason, the same reference numerals are used for similar components, and their descriptions are omitted; only the differences will be described. In this embodiment, the structure for supporting the fiber cutting section 60 at the approach position P2 is different.

[0066] As shown in Figure 13, in the optical fiber processing tool 2 of this embodiment, the second handle 42 of the handle portion 40 has an initial support portion 42a. The fiber cutting portion 60 has a first contact portion 66 and a second contact portion 65. The first contact portion 66 protrudes downward from the cutting clamp 63. The second contact portion 65 has the same shape as the contact portion 65 in the first embodiment. In the initial state (Figure 13), the fiber cutting portion 60 is supported in the initial position P1 by the first contact portion 66 contacting the initial support portion 42a.

[0067] Figure 14 is a diagram showing only a part of the structure of the optical fiber processing tool 2. Figure 14 shows the state after the fiber cutting section 60 and the fiber holder support base 20 have been moved in the first movement direction D1 (i.e., to the -X side) from the initial state shown in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 14, when the fiber cutting section 60 moves in the first movement direction D1, the first contact section 66 moves away from the initial support section 42a to the -X side. As described in the first embodiment, a biasing force acts on the cutting clamp 63 that rotates it downwards around the axis R. Due to this biasing force, the cutting clamp 63 descends from its initial position P1.

[0068] Figure 15 is a follow-up to Figure 14 and shows the state after the cutting clamp 63 has been lowered. When the cutting clamp 63 is lowered, the second contact portion 65 comes into contact with the -X side end (proximity support portion 26) of the fiber holder support base 20. As a result, the fiber cutting portion 60 is supported at the proximity position P2, as shown in Figure 15. After this, when the fiber holder support base 20 moves in the second movement direction D2 (-Y side), the second contact portion 65 disengages from the proximity support portion 26. A biasing force around the axis R continues to act on the cutting clamp 63, causing it to lower further and reach the cutting position P3. This completes the cutting process.

[0069] As described above, in the optical fiber processing tool 2 of this embodiment, the fiber cutting section 60 is displaced between an initial position P1, an approach position P2 which is closer to the optical fiber F in the vertical direction Z than the initial position P1, and a cutting position P3 which cuts the optical fiber F.

[0070] Furthermore, the optical fiber processing tool 2 further comprises a fiber holder support base 20 that supports the fiber holder 10, and a handle portion 40 that is operated by the user to activate the coating stripper 30. The handle portion 40 has an initial support portion 42a that supports the fiber cutting portion 60 in an initial position P1, and the fiber holder support base 20 has a proximity support portion 26 that supports the fiber cutting portion 60 in an approach position P2. Even with this structure, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0071] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0072] For example, the optical fiber processing tools 1 and 2 do not necessarily have an assembly function for assembling the optical fiber F into the optical connector C. In this case, the optical fiber processing tools 1 and 2 do not necessarily have a connector holder 90.

[0073] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1, 2…Optical fiber processing tool 10…Fiber holder 20…Fiber holder support base 23…Initial support part 24…Proximity support part (first embodiment) 25…First connecting part 26…Proximity support part (second embodiment) 30…Coating stripper 40…Handle part 42a…Initial support part 60…Fiber cutting part 70…Fiber cutting part support base 73…Second connecting part A1…First constraint point A2…Second constraint point A3…Contact point D1…First movement direction D2…Second movement direction F…Optical fiber f1…Bare part f2…Coating L1…First virtual line L2…Second virtual line P1…Initial position P2…Proximity position P3…Cutting position X…Extension direction θ…Angle

Claims

1. A fiber holder that holds the optical fiber with one end of the optical fiber extended to one side, A coating stripper for removing the coating from the optical fiber, The optical fiber includes a fiber cutting section for cutting the bare portion of the optical fiber, The first direction of movement of the fiber holder when removing the coating with the coating stripper is different from the second direction of movement of the fiber holder when cutting the bare portion with the fiber cutting unit. The optical fiber processing tool wherein the second direction of movement is such that the fiber holder approaches the coating stripper in the direction in which the optical fiber extends.

2. The optical fiber processing tool according to claim 1, wherein the angle between a first virtual line parallel to the first direction of movement and a second virtual line parallel to the second direction of movement is an acute angle.

3. The optical fiber processing tool according to claim 1, wherein the second direction of movement is an arc shape centered on the first restraint point where the bare portion is restrained by the coating stripper.

4. A fiber holder support base that supports the fiber holder, The system further comprises a fiber cutting section support base for supporting the aforementioned fiber cutting section, The fiber holder support base has a first connecting portion, The fiber cutting section support base has a second connecting section, The optical fiber processing tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fiber holder support base and the fiber cutting section support base move together in the first movement direction when the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected.

5. The optical fiber processing tool according to claim 4, wherein when the fiber holder moves in the first direction of movement and the coating is removed by the coating stripper, and the fiber holder support base moves in the second direction of movement, the connection between the first and second connecting parts is released, and the fiber holder support base moves away from the fiber cutting support base in the second direction of movement.

6. The optical fiber processing tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fiber cutting portion is displaced between an initial position, an approach position closer to the optical fiber than the initial position, and a cutting position for cutting the optical fiber.

7. The fiber holder support base further comprises a fiber holder support base that supports the fiber holder, The optical fiber processing tool according to claim 6, wherein the fiber holder support base has an initial support portion for supporting the fiber cutting portion in the initial position and a proximity support portion for supporting the fiber cutting portion in the proximity position.

8. A fiber holder support base that supports the fiber holder, The device further comprises a handle portion that is operated by the user to activate the coating stripper, The handle portion has an initial support portion that supports the fiber cutting portion in the initial position, The optical fiber processing tool according to claim 6, wherein the fiber holder support base has a proximity support portion that supports the fiber cutting portion at the proximity position.

9. The optical fiber processing tool according to claim 1, wherein the contact point at which the fiber cutting portion contacts the bare portion when the bare portion is cut is located on a straight line connecting a first restraint point where the optical fiber is restrained by the coating stripper and a second restraint point where the optical fiber is restrained by the fiber holder.

Images