Optical fiber cutting device

Abstract

The optical fiber cutting device comprises a base and a main body. The base is capable of mounting a fiber holder for holding an optical fiber. The main body has a damaging blade for damaging the optical fiber. The main body has a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion on which the base is mounted. When the damaging blade is in a position to damage the optical fiber, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are located on opposite sides of each other with respect to the damaging blade, and the first mounting portion, the damaging blade, and the second mounting portion are aligned in one direction.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an optical fiber cutting device. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-104994 filed in Japan on June 27, 2023, and incorporates its content herein.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an optical fiber cutting device having a main body portion provided with a damaging blade for damaging an optical fiber, a fiber holder for holding the optical fiber, and a lid body that is connected to the main body portion so as to be openable and closable. A user holds the optical fiber to be cut with one hand and sets the held optical fiber in the fiber holder. Then, the user closes the lid body with the other hand to press the optical fiber against the damaging blade. As a result, the optical fiber is damaged and cut.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the optical fiber cutting device of Patent Document 1, the fiber holder is fixed to the right side of the damaging blade. Therefore, depending on the dominant hand of the user, the work is difficult to perform, and the usability of the optical fiber cutting device may be poor.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an optical fiber cutting device with good usability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an optical fiber cutting apparatus according to embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises a base portion on which a fiber holder for holding an optical fiber can be mounted, and a main body portion having a damaging blade for damaging the optical fiber, wherein the main body portion has a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion on which the base portion can be mounted, and when the damaging blade is in a position to damage the optical fiber, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are located on opposite sides of each other with respect to the damaging blade, and the first mounting portion, the damaging blade and the second mounting portion are aligned in one direction.

[0007] According to aspect 1 of the present invention, the usability of the optical fiber cutting device can be improved.

[0008] Furthermore, in embodiment 2 of the present invention, in the optical fiber cutting apparatus of embodiment 1, the base portion has a mounting surface on which the fiber holder is mounted, the main body portion has a clamp for holding the optical fiber, the clamp has a clamp surface for supporting the held optical fiber, the mounting surface described above when the base portion is mounted on the first mounting portion, and the mounting surface described above when the base portion mounted on the first mounting portion is mounted on the second mounting portion are substantially parallel to the clamp surface, the distance between the mounting surface described above when the base portion is mounted on the first mounting portion and the clamp surface is substantially equal to the distance between the mounting surface described above and the clamp surface when the base portion mounted on the first mounting portion is mounted on the second mounting portion.

[0009] According to aspect 2 of the present invention, the mounting surface and the clamping surface can be easily made parallel regardless of whether the base portion is attached to the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion.

[0010] Furthermore, in embodiment 3 of the present invention, in the optical fiber cutting apparatus of embodiment 2, the base portion has a first positioning surface parallel to the aforementioned mounting surface, the first mounting portion has a first mounting portion surface parallel to the first positioning surface, and the second mounting portion has a second mounting portion surface parallel to the first positioning surface. When the base portion is mounted on the first mounting portion, the first positioning surface and the first mounting portion surface are in surface contact, and when the base portion is mounted on the second mounting portion, the first positioning surface and the second mounting portion surface are in surface contact.

[0011] According to aspect 3 of the present invention, the positioning of the mounting surface and the clamping surface can be made easier.

[0012] Furthermore, in embodiment 4 of the present invention, in the optical fiber cutting apparatus of embodiment 3, the base portion has a first pressing portion that presses the first positioning surface against the surface of the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion when the base portion is mounted on the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion.

[0013] According to aspect 4 of the present invention, the positioning accuracy of the mounting surface relative to the clamping surface can be further improved.

[0014] Furthermore, in embodiment 5 of the present invention, in the optical fiber cutting apparatus of embodiment 3 or embodiment 4, the base portion has two or more of the first positioning surfaces.

[0015] According to aspect 5 of the present invention, the positioning accuracy of the mounting surface relative to the clamping surface can be further improved.

[0016] Furthermore, in embodiment 6 of the present invention, in the optical fiber cutting apparatus of embodiment 5, the base portion has a first side edge portion located on one side in an intersecting direction that intersects the direction in which the base portion is attached to the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion, and a second side edge portion located on the opposite side from the first side edge portion in the intersecting direction, and the base portion has a first positioning surface provided on the first side edge portion and a first positioning surface provided on the second side edge portion.

[0017] According to aspect 6 of the present invention, the positioning accuracy of the mounting surface can be further improved.

[0018] Furthermore, in embodiment 7 of the present invention, in the optical fiber cutting apparatus of embodiment 1, the base portion has a mounting surface on which the fiber holder can be mounted, the base portion has a projection that protrudes in a first direction or a second direction, the first direction is a mounting direction in which the base portion is mounted on the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion that is parallel to the mounting surface, the second direction is a mounting direction that intersects the mounting surface, the first mounting portion has a first fitting recess into which the projection is fitted when the base portion is mounted, and the second mounting portion has a second fitting recess into which the projection is fitted when the base portion is mounted.

[0019] According to aspect 7 of the present invention, the mounting surface can be easily positioned in the intersecting direction.

[0020] Furthermore, aspect 8 of the present invention is an optical fiber cutting apparatus in any one of aspects 2 to 6, wherein the base portion has a projection that protrudes in a first direction or a second direction, the first direction being a mounting direction in which the base portion is mounted on the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion that is parallel to the mounting surface described above, the second direction being a mounting direction that intersects the mounting surface described above, the first mounting portion has a first fitting recess into which the projection is fitted when the base portion is mounted, and the second mounting portion has a second fitting recess into which the projection is fitted when the base portion is mounted.

[0021] According to aspect 8 of the present invention, the mounting surface can be easily positioned in the intersecting direction.

[0022] Furthermore, aspect 9 of the present invention is an optical fiber cutting apparatus according to aspect 7 or aspect 8, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion perpendicular to the first direction is circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the first fitting recess or the second fitting recess perpendicular to the first direction is an oval shape with its major axis extending in a direction intersecting the aforementioned mounting surface.

[0023] According to aspect 9 of the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the positioning accuracy of the mounting surface with respect to the clamping surface.

[0024] Further, aspect 10 of the present invention is the optical fiber cutting device according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the pedestal portion has a second positioning surface that intersects a first direction that is a direction parallel to the mounting surface among the mounting directions for mounting the pedestal portion to the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion, the first mounting portion has a first mounting portion side surface that is in surface contact with the second positioning surface when the pedestal portion is mounted, and the second mounting portion has a second mounting portion side surface that is in surface contact with the second positioning surface when the pedestal portion is mounted.

[0025] According to aspect 10 of the present invention, in the first direction, it is possible to easily position the mounting surface and the scoring blade.

[0026] Further, aspect 11 of the present invention is the optical fiber cutting device according to aspect 10, wherein in a state where the scoring blade is at a position where it scores the optical fiber, the distance between the first mounting portion side surface and the scoring blade in the normal direction of the first mounting portion side surface is substantially equal to the distance between the second mounting portion side surface and the scoring blade in the normal direction of the second mounting portion side surface.

[0027] According to aspect 11 of the present invention, regardless of whether the pedestal portion is mounted on either the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion, it is possible to appropriately position the mounting surface and the scoring blade in the first direction.

[0028] Further, aspect 12 of the present invention is the optical fiber cutting device according to aspect 10 or aspect 11, wherein the pedestal portion has a second pressing portion that presses the second positioning surface against the first mounting portion side surface or the second mounting portion side surface when the pedestal portion is mounted on the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion.

[0029] According to aspect 12 of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the positioning accuracy of the mounting surface in the first direction.

[0030] Furthermore, aspect 13 of the present invention is an optical fiber cutting apparatus in any one of aspects 1 to 12, further comprising a waste box having a storage space capable of accommodating fiber waste generated from the optical fiber, and which can be attached to either the first mounting section or the second mounting section.

[0031] According to aspect 13 of the present invention, the usability of the optical fiber cutting device can be further improved.

[0032] Furthermore, in embodiment 14 of the present invention, in the optical fiber cutting apparatus of embodiment 13, the waste box portion has a third pressing portion that presses the waste box portion against the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion when the waste box portion is mounted on the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion.

[0033] According to aspect 14 of the present invention, the positioning of the waste bin can be easily performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to the above aspects of the present invention, an easy-to-use optical fiber cutting device can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an optical fiber cutting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first mounted state. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded view showing an optical fiber cutting device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing an optical fiber cutting device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a second mounting state. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is an exploded view showing an optical fiber cutting device. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing a mounting portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a view of the mounting part in Figure 5, seen from the direction of arrow VI. [Figure 7] This figure shows a base portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows the base portion of Figure 7 inverted vertically. [Figure 9] This is a view of the base of Figure 7 from the direction of arrow IX. [Figure 10] This figure shows a waste bin section according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 10 shows the waste bin section viewed from arrow XI. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Hereinafter, an optical fiber cutting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the optical fiber cutting apparatus 1 according to this embodiment comprises a main body 10, a base 20, and a waste box 40. A fiber holder 30 for holding an optical fiber F can be mounted on the base 20. The fiber holder 30 may be fixed to the base 20 by screws, or by means other than screws (for example, magnets). The configuration of the fiber holder 30 is not particularly limited as long as it can hold the optical fiber F, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0038] The main body 10 has a damaging blade 11 that damages the optical fiber F extending from the base 20. The damaging blade 11 has a flat plate shape (disc shape in the illustrated example). In this embodiment, the damaging blade 11 damages the optical fiber F by sliding in a direction parallel to the damaging blade 11. The damaging blade 11 may be configured to move between a position that damages the optical fiber F (damaging position) and a position that does not damage the optical fiber F (non-damaging position). In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the positional relationship of each component will be described when the damaging blade 11 is in the damaging position. The main body 10 in this embodiment has a base 13 on which the damaging blade 11 is provided, and an opening / closing part 14 that is connected to the base 13 so as to be openable and closable. The base 13 has a connecting end 13a to which the opening / closing part 14 is connected, and a free end 13b located on the opposite side from the connecting end 13a.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the main body 10 has a first mounting portion 50A and a second mounting portion 50B. The first mounting portion 50A and the second mounting portion 50B are located on opposite sides of each other in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F (longitudinal direction X, described later) when viewed from the damaging blade 11. In other words, when the damaging blade 11 is in a position to damage the optical fiber F, the first mounting portion 50A and the second mounting portion 50B are located on opposite sides of each other with respect to the damaging blade 11. When the damaging blade 11 is in a position to damage the optical fiber F, the first mounting portion 50A, the damaging blade 11, and the second mounting portion 50B are aligned in one direction (longitudinal direction X, described later).

[0040] Either the base portion 20 or the waste bin portion 40 is attached to each mounting portion 50A and 50B. That is, the optical fiber cutting device 1 according to this embodiment can take on two states: a first mounting state (Figures 1 and 2) and a second mounting state (Figures 3 and 4). The first mounting state (Figures 1 and 2) is a state in which the waste bin portion 40 is attached to the first mounting portion 50A and the base portion 20 is attached to the second mounting portion 50B. The second mounting state (Figures 3 and 4) is a state in which the base portion 20 is attached to the first mounting portion 50A and the waste bin portion 40 is attached to the second mounting portion 50B. However, the optical fiber cutting device 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a waste bin portion 40. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the positional relationships of each component will be described when the optical fiber cutting device 1 is in the first mounting state (Figures 1 and 2).

[0041] (direction definition) In this specification, the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F is simply referred to as the longitudinal direction X. The longitudinal direction X is also the direction that intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) the direction in which the damaging blade 11 slides. The longitudinal direction X is also the direction in which the first mounting portion 50A and the second mounting portion 50B are aligned. The longitudinal direction X is also the direction in which the first mounting portion 50A, the damaging blade 11, and the second mounting portion 50B are aligned when the damaging blade 11 is in a position to damage the optical fiber F. Along the longitudinal direction X, the direction from the second mounting portion 50B toward the first mounting portion 50A is referred to as the +X direction or to the right. The direction opposite to the +X direction is referred to as the -X direction or to the left. In the longitudinal direction X, the side approaching the damaging blade 11 is referred to as the inside, and the side moving away from the damaging blade 11 is referred to as the outside. Furthermore, when the opening / closing section 14 is closed, the direction in which the base 13 and the opening / closing section 14 are aligned is referred to as the vertical direction Z. The vertical direction Z is also the direction that intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) the clamp surface 12a and the mounting surface 21a, which will be described later. The vertical direction Z intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) the longitudinal direction X. Along the vertical direction Z, the direction from the base 13 toward the opening / closing section 14 is referred to as the +Z direction or upward. The direction opposite to the +Z direction is referred to as the -Z direction or downward. Furthermore, the direction in which the connecting end 13a and the free end 13b are aligned is referred to as the intersecting direction Y. The intersecting direction Y intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) both the longitudinal direction X and the vertical direction Z. Along the intersecting direction Y, the direction from the free end 13b toward the connecting end 13a is referred to as the +Y direction or backward. The direction opposite to the +Y direction is referred to as the -Y direction or forward. The intersecting direction Y may be the direction in which the damaging blade 11 slides. The longitudinal direction X and the intersecting direction Y are also directions parallel to the clamp surface 12a and the mounting surface 21a, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction X and the vertical direction Z are also directions (mounting directions) for mounting the base portion 20 to the first mounting portion 50A or the second mounting portion 50B. The longitudinal direction X can also be defined as "the direction parallel to the mounting surface 21a among the directions (mounting directions) for mounting the base portion 20 to the first mounting portion 50A or the second mounting portion 50B". The longitudinal direction X is also referred to as the first direction. The vertical direction Z can also be defined as "the direction intersecting (for example, perpendicular to) the mounting surface 21a among the directions (mounting directions) for mounting the base portion 20 to the first mounting portion 50A or the second mounting portion 50B".The vertical direction Z is also referred to as the second direction. The intersecting direction Y can also be defined as "the direction that intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) the direction in which the base portion 20 is attached to the first mounting portion 50A or the second mounting portion 50B (mounting direction)."

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the main body 10 has two clamps 12 that hold the optical fiber F extending from the base 20. The two clamps 12 are positioned in the longitudinal direction X so as to sandwich the damaging blade 11 between them. Hereinafter, the clamp 12 located to the right of the damaging blade 11 (on the first mounting part 50A side) will be referred to as the first clamp 12A, and the clamp 12 located to the left of the damaging blade 11 (on the second mounting part 50B side) will be referred to as the second clamp 12B.

[0043] Each clamp 12A, 12B has a clamping surface 12a provided on the base 13 and a pressing surface 12b provided on the opening / closing part 14. Each clamp 12A, 12B clamps the optical fiber F with the clamping surface 12a and the pressing surface 12b. When the opening / closing part 14 is closed, the pressing surface 12b presses the optical fiber F against the clamping surface 12a. The clamping surface 12a faces upward. The clamping surface 12a supports the clamped (pressed by the pressing surface 12b) optical fiber F. The clamp 12 (clamping surface 12a and pressing surface 12b) may be made of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the two mounting parts 50A and 50B are located on both sides of the main body 10 in the longitudinal direction X. That is, the first mounting part 50A is located on the right side of the main body 10, and the second mounting part 50B is located on the left side of the main body 10. Here, when viewed from the outside in the longitudinal direction X, the shape of the first mounting part 50A and the shape of the second mounting part 50B are substantially the same. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the second mounting part 50B will be represented as "mounting part 50" and only the shape of the second mounting part 50B will be described in detail below.

[0045] As shown in Figure 5, the mounting portion 50 according to this embodiment has a positioning recess 51 and a raised portion 52. In this specification, the positioning recess 51 and the raised portion 52 of the first mounting portion 50A may be referred to as the first positioning recess 51A and the first raised portion 52A, respectively. Also, the positioning recess 51 and the raised portion 52 of the second mounting portion 50B may be referred to as the second positioning recess 51B and the second raised portion 52B, respectively.

[0046] The mounting recess 51 is a recess that opens on both the side surface (the surface facing outward in the longitudinal direction X) and the top surface of the main body 10. The mounting recess 51 has an upward-facing mounting bottom surface 51a. The mounting bottom surface 51a is also referred to as the mounting surface 51a. In this embodiment, the mounting bottom surface 51a is parallel to the clamp surface 12a. In this specification, the mounting bottom surface 51a of the first mounting part 50A may be referred to as the first mounting bottom surface 51aA, and the mounting bottom surface 51a of the second mounting part 50B may be referred to as the second mounting bottom surface 51aB. A first screw hole 51b opens in the mounting bottom surface 51a. The first screw hole 51b extends downward from the mounting bottom surface 51a.

[0047] The raised portion 52 protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction X from the side surface of the main body portion 10. The raised portion 52 has a mounting portion side surface 52a facing outward in the longitudinal direction X. In this specification, the mounting portion side surface 52a of the first mounting portion 50A may be referred to as the first mounting portion side surface 52aA, and the mounting portion side surface 52a of the second mounting portion 50B may be referred to as the second mounting portion side surface 52aB.

[0048] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the raised portion 52 has a fitting recess 53 and an auxiliary recess 54. In this specification, the fitting recess 53 and auxiliary recess 54 of the first mounting portion 50A are sometimes referred to as the first fitting recess 53A and the first auxiliary recess 54A, respectively, and the fitting recess 53 and auxiliary recess 54 of the second mounting portion 50B are sometimes referred to as the second fitting recess 53B and the second auxiliary recess 54B. A second screw hole 52b is opened on the bottom surface (the surface facing outward in the longitudinal direction X) of the fitting recess 53. An auxiliary screw hole 52c is opened on the bottom surface (the surface facing outward in the longitudinal direction X) of the auxiliary recess 54. Each screw hole 52b and 52c extends inward in the longitudinal direction X from the bottom surface of the recesses 53 and 54.

[0049] Each recess 53, 54 is recessed inward in the longitudinal direction X from the side surface 52a of the mounting portion. The fitting recess 53 and the auxiliary recess 54 are aligned in the intersecting direction Y. As shown in Figure 6, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, the shapes of the recesses 53 and 54 are different. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the auxiliary recess 54 is circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the fitting recess 53 is oval. The major axis of the fitting recess 53 extends in the vertical direction Z, and the minor axis extends in the intersecting direction Y.

[0050] Specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the fitting recess 53 according to this embodiment includes a pair of straight sections 53a and a pair of arc sections 53b in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. Each straight section 53a extends linearly along the vertical direction Z. The pair of straight sections 53a face each other in the intersecting direction Y. The pair of arc sections 53b connect the two ends (upper and lower ends) of the straight sections 53a. Each arc section 53b extends in an arc shape. The inner diameter R1 of the fitting recess 53 in the vertical direction Z is greater than the inner diameter R2 of the fitting recess 53 in the intersecting direction Y.

[0051] In this embodiment, the distances d1A and d1B shown in Figure 2 are approximately equal. Distance d1A is the distance between the bottom surface 51aA of the first mounting part and the clamp surface 12a (the clamp surface 12a of the first clamp 12A) in the direction normal to the bottom surface 51aA of the first mounting part (i.e., the vertical direction Z). Distance d1B is the distance between the bottom surface 51aB of the second mounting part and the clamp surface 12a (the clamp surface 12a of the second clamp 12B) in the direction normal to the bottom surface 51aB of the second mounting part (i.e., the vertical direction Z). However, the phrase "approximately equal" includes cases where they can be considered equal after removing manufacturing tolerances. The same applies to the following description.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distances d2A and d2B shown in Figure 4 are approximately equal. Distance d2A is the distance between the first mounting part side surface 52aA and the damaging blade 11 in the normal direction of the first mounting part side surface 52aA (i.e., the longitudinal direction X). Distance d2B is the distance between the second mounting part side surface 52aB and the damaging blade 11 in the normal direction of the second mounting part side surface 52aB (i.e., the longitudinal direction X).

[0053] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the base portion 20 according to this embodiment includes a mounting portion 21, an extension portion 22, a first pressing means 61 (not shown in Figure 7), and a second pressing means 62. The pressing means 61 and 62 according to this embodiment are screws. The first pressing means 61 is also referred to as the first pressing portion 61. The second pressing means 62 is also referred to as the second pressing portion 62.

[0054] The mounting portion 21 according to this embodiment has a substantially plate-like shape extending in the longitudinal direction X and the intersecting direction Y. The mounting portion 21 (base portion 20) has a first side edge portion 21A and a second side edge portion 21B (see Figure 8). The first side edge portion 21A is located on one side in the intersecting direction Y (the +Y side in the illustrated example). The second side edge portion 21B is located on the other side in the intersecting direction Y (the -Y side in the illustrated example). That is, the second side edge portion 21B is located on the opposite side from the first side edge portion 21A in the intersecting direction Y. The mounting portion 21 has a mounting surface 21a and a first positioning surface 21b. A first through hole 21c is also formed in the mounting portion 21.

[0055] A fiber holder 30 (see also Figures 1 to 4) is placed on the mounting surface 21a. The mounting surface 21a intersects (for example, perpendicular to) the vertical direction Z. That is, the mounting surface 21a faces upward.

[0056] The first positioning surface 21b is located on the mounting portion 21 on the opposite side from the mounting surface 21a. In other words, the first positioning surface 21b faces downward. In this embodiment, the mounting surface 21a and the first positioning surface 21b are parallel to each other. As shown in Figure 8, the first positioning surface 21b is located inward in the longitudinal direction X from the extension portion 22. When the base portion 20 is mounted on the mounting portion 50 (first mounting portion 50A or second mounting portion 50B), the first positioning surface 21b comes into contact with the mounting portion bottom surface 51a (first mounting portion bottom surface 51aA or second mounting portion bottom surface 51aB) of the mounting portion 50.

[0057] The first positioning surface 21b in this embodiment is divided into two surfaces. In other words, the mounting portion 21 in this embodiment has two first positioning surfaces 21b. The two first positioning surfaces 21b are spaced apart in the intersecting direction Y. One first positioning surface 21bA is provided on the first side edge portion 21A. The other first positioning surface 21bB is provided on the second side edge portion 21B. Each of the divided first positioning surfaces 21b has an area smaller than the area of ​​the mounting portion bottom surface 51a.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, the first through-hole 21c opens into the mounting surface 21a. The first through-hole 21c extends downward from the mounting surface 21a and penetrates the mounting portion 21 in the vertical direction Z. As shown in Figure 8, the first through-hole 21c is located between the two first positioning surfaces 21b in the intersecting direction Y. Also, as shown in Figure 8, an annular projection 21d projecting downward may be provided at the lower end of the first through-hole 21c.

[0059] As shown in Figure 7, the extension portion 22 extends downward from the central part of the mounting portion 21 in the longitudinal direction X. The extension portion 22 has a substantially plate-like shape that extends in the vertical direction Z and the intersecting direction Y. The extension portion 22 has a second positioning surface 22a. The extension portion 22 also has a second through hole 22b. The second through hole 22b opens into the second positioning surface 22a (the protruding portion 23, which will be described later) and penetrates the extension portion 22 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0060] The second positioning surface 22a intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) the longitudinal direction X. That is, in this embodiment, the second positioning surface 22a faces inward in the longitudinal direction X. When the base portion 20 is mounted on the mounting portion 50 (first mounting portion 50A or second mounting portion 50B), the second positioning surface 22a abuts against the mounting portion side surface 52a of the mounting portion 50 (first mounting portion side surface 52aA or second mounting portion side surface 52aB).

[0061] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the extension portion 22 has a projection portion 23 and an auxiliary projection portion 24. Each of the projection portion 23 and the auxiliary projection portion 24 protrudes inward in the longitudinal direction X from the second positioning surface 22a. The second through hole 22b described above is open in the projection portion 23. As a result, the projection portion 23 has an annular shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction X.

[0062] The protruding portion 23 and the auxiliary protruding portion 24 are aligned in the intersecting direction Y. The distance between the protruding portion 23 and the auxiliary protruding portion 24 is approximately equal to the distance between the fitting recess 53 and the auxiliary recess 54 of the mounting portion 50. When the base portion 20 is mounted on the mounting portion 50 (first mounting portion 50A or second mounting portion 50B), the protruding portion 23 is fitted into the fitting recess 53 (first fitting recess 53A or second fitting recess 53B), and the auxiliary protruding portion 24 is fitted into the auxiliary recess 54 (first auxiliary recess 54A or second auxiliary recess 54B).

[0063] As shown in Figure 8, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, the cross-sectional shape of the projection 23 is circular. More specifically, the outer circumference of the projection 23 has a circular cross-sectional shape. In the illustrated example, the cross-sectional shape of the auxiliary projection 24 is also circular. The outer diameter r of the projection 23 is approximately equal to the inner diameter R2 of the auxiliary recess 54 in the intersecting direction Y.

[0064] As shown in Figures 2 and 10, the waste bin section 40 according to this embodiment has a storage section 41, a lid section 42, and two third pressing means 63. The third pressing means 63 according to this embodiment are screws. The number of third pressing means 63 can be changed as appropriate. The third pressing means 63 are also referred to as third pressing sections 63.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, a storage space S is formed in the storage section 41. The storage space S is a space capable of accommodating fiber debris generated from the optical fiber F when the optical fiber cutting device 1 is in use, etc. In the illustrated example, the storage space S opens at the upper end of the storage section 41. The storage section 41 may be formed from a single member, or it may be formed by combining two or more members. The storage section 41 according to this embodiment has a main part 41a and a claw part 41b extending inward in the longitudinal direction X from the upper end of the main part 41a.

[0066] The lid portion 42 is connected to the storage portion 41 (the claw portion 41b in the illustrated example) so as to be switchable between a closed state in which the open end of the storage portion 41 is closed and an open state in which the open end is not closed. However, the waste bin portion 40 does not necessarily have to have a lid portion 42.

[0067] As shown in Figure 10, the housing portion 41 (main portion 41a) has a third positioning surface 41c. The housing portion 41 (main portion 41a) also has a first positioning projection 43, a second positioning projection 44, and two insertion holes 41d.

[0068] The third positioning surface 41c intersects (for example, perpendicular to) the longitudinal direction X. That is, in this embodiment, the third positioning surface 41c faces inward in the longitudinal direction X. When the waste bin portion 40 is mounted on the mounting portion 50 (first mounting portion 50A or second mounting portion 50B), the third positioning surface 41c abuts against the mounting portion side surface 52a of the mounting portion 50 (first mounting portion side surface 52aA or second mounting portion side surface 52aB).

[0069] Each of the first positioning projection 43 and the second positioning projection 44 protrudes inward from the third positioning surface 41c in the longitudinal direction X. Each of the first positioning projection 43 and the second positioning projection 44 has one of the aforementioned through holes 41d. As a result, as shown in Figure 11, each of the first positioning projection 43 and the second positioning projection 44 has an annular shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction X.

[0070] The first positioning projection 43 and the second positioning projection 44 are aligned in the intersecting direction Y. The distance between the first positioning projection 43 and the second positioning projection 44 is approximately equal to the distance between the fitting recess 53 and the auxiliary recess 54 of the mounting portion 50. When the waste bin portion 40 is mounted on the mounting portion 50 (first mounting portion 50A or second mounting portion 50B), the first positioning projection 43 is fitted into the auxiliary recess 54 (first auxiliary recess 54A or second auxiliary recess 54B), and the second positioning projection 44 is fitted into the fitting recess 53 (first fitting recess 53A or second fitting recess 53B).

[0071] As shown in Figure 11, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, the shapes of the positioning protrusions 43 and 44 are different. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the first positioning protrusion 43 is circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the second positioning protrusion 44 is oval. The major axis of the second positioning protrusion 44 extends in the vertical direction Z, and the minor axis extends in the intersecting direction Y.

[0072] Specifically, the outer circumferential surface of the second positioning projection 44 according to this embodiment includes a pair of straight sections 44a and a pair of arc sections 44b in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. Each straight section 44a extends linearly along the vertical direction Z. The pair of straight sections 44a are aligned in the intersecting direction Y. The pair of arc sections 44b connect the two ends (upper and lower ends) of the straight sections 44a. Each arc section 44b extends in an arc shape. The outer diameter R3 of the second positioning projection 44 in the vertical direction Z is greater than the outer diameter R4 of the second positioning projection 44 in the intersecting direction Y. The outer diameter R3 of the second positioning projection 44 in the vertical direction Z is approximately equal to the inner diameter R1 of the fitting recess 53 in the vertical direction Z (see Figure 6). The outer diameter R4 of the second positioning projection 44 in the intersecting direction Y is smaller than the inner diameter R2 of the fitting recess 53 in the intersecting direction Y (see Figure 6).

[0073] Next, the operation of the optical fiber cutting device 1 configured as described above will be explained.

[0074] In conventional optical fiber cutting devices (see, for example, Patent Document 1), the fiber holder that holds the optical fiber was fixed on one side (for example, the right side) relative to the damaging blade that damages the optical fiber. As a result, operation was difficult depending on the user's dominant hand, and the optical fiber cutting device was sometimes inconvenient to use.

[0075] Furthermore, when using an optical fiber cutting device on a workbench or similar surface, it is common practice for the user to work with the front of the optical fiber cutting device (the free end 13b in Figure 1) facing themselves. However, in certain work environments, such as overhead or confined spaces, a workbench or similar surface for placing the optical fiber cutting device may not be available. In such cases, the user may work with the back of the optical fiber cutting device (the connecting end 13a in Figure 1) facing themselves. In other words, the user may work with the optical fiber cutting device reversed (front to back). In conventional configurations where the fiber holder is fixed to one side of the cutting blade, it may be difficult to work with the optical fiber cutting device reversed in this way.

[0076] In contrast, the optical fiber cutting device 1 according to this embodiment has two mounting parts 50A and 50B to which a fiber holder 30 can be attached. These two mounting parts 50A and 50B are located on opposite sides of each other when viewed from the cutting blade 11. As a result, the user can attach the base part 20 that holds the fiber holder 30 to either the first mounting part 50A, which is on one side when viewed from the cutting blade 11, or the second mounting part 50B, which is on the other side when viewed from the cutting blade 11, according to their own will. Therefore, the usability of the optical fiber cutting device 1 can be improved regardless of the user's dominant hand or the orientation (front or back) of the optical fiber cutting device 1.

[0077] Furthermore, the positional relationship between the clamp surface 12a and the optical fiber F is important from the standpoint of ensuring the cutting performance of the optical fiber cutting device 1. Specifically, it is important that the relative position between the optical fiber F and the clamp surface 12a in the vertical direction Z is appropriate, and that the optical fiber F is parallel to the clamp surface 12a. Here, the optical fiber F is held by the fiber holder 30. Therefore, in order to ensure that the positional relationship between the clamp surface 12a and the optical fiber F (relative position and relative angle in the vertical direction Z) is appropriate, it is important to ensure that the positional relationship between the mounting surface 21a on which the fiber holder 30 is placed and the optical fiber F (relative position and relative angle in the vertical direction Z) is appropriate.

[0078] Furthermore, variations in the length of the cut optical fiber F (the position of the cut point in the longitudinal direction X) may interfere with fusion splicing and other operations performed after the cutting. In addition, variations in the position of the optical fiber F in the intersecting direction Y may prevent the optical fiber F from resting on the clamp surface 12a, making it difficult to cut the optical fiber F. Therefore, it is important to properly position the optical fiber F (on the mounting surface 21a) in both the longitudinal direction X and the intersecting direction Y.

[0079] In contrast, the optical fiber cutting apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is configured such that the mounting surface 21a is appropriately positioned when the base portion 20 is mounted on the mounting portions 50A and 50B. The positioning of the mounting surface 21a will be described in detail below.

[0080] When attaching the base portion 20 to the mounting portion 50 (first mounting portion 50A or second mounting portion 50B), the user brings the first positioning surface 21b into contact with the bottom surface 51a of the mounting portion, brings the second positioning surface 22a into contact with the side surface 52a of the mounting portion, and fits the protruding portion 23 into the fitting recess 53 (see, for example, Figures 5 and 7).

[0081] Here, the mounting surface 21a and the clamp surface 12a are positioned in the vertical direction Z by the contact (surface contact) between the first positioning surface 21b and the mounting part bottom surface 51a. At this time, the mounting surface 21a and the clamp surface 12a are parallel (approximately parallel). This is because, for example, the mounting surface 21a and the first positioning surface 21b are parallel, the mounting part bottom surface 51a and the clamp surface 12a are parallel, and the first positioning surface 21b and the mounting part bottom surface 51a are parallel. Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the distance d1A between the first mounting part bottom surface 51aA and the clamp surface 12a and the distance d1B between the second mounting part bottom surface 51aB and the clamp surface 12a are approximately equal (see Figure 2). Therefore, regardless of whether the base portion 20 is mounted on the first mounting portion 50A or the second mounting portion 50B, the positioning of the mounting surface 21a and the clamp surface 12a in the vertical direction Z can be appropriately performed. That is, the distance d3A shown in Figure 4 and the distance d3B shown in Figure 2 are approximately equal. Distance d3A is the distance between the mounting surface 21a and the clamp surface 12a when the base portion 20 is mounted on the first mounting portion 50A. Distance d3B is the distance between the mounting surface 21a and the clamp surface 12a when the base portion 20 is mounted on the second mounting portion 50B. Note that both distance d3A and distance d3B are distances in the direction normal to the clamp surface 12a (i.e., the vertical direction Z). Since the mounting surface 21a and the clamp surface 12a are substantially parallel, and the distance d3A and the distance d3B are substantially equal, the cutting of the optical fiber F can be achieved similarly regardless of whether the base portion 20 is mounted on the first mounting portion 50A or the second mounting portion 50B. The difference between the distance d3A and the distance d3B may be 0.5 mm or less. The distances d3A and d3B may be equal.

[0082] Furthermore, when the first positioning surface 21b and the mounting part bottom surface 51a come into contact, the mounting surface 21a and the clamp surface 12a do not need to be perfectly parallel. In other words, the phrase "the mounting surface 21a and the clamp surface 12a are parallel (approximately parallel)" in this embodiment includes cases where the mounting surface 21a and the clamp surface 12a are not perfectly parallel. Even if the mounting surface 21a is slightly inclined with respect to the clamp surface 12a, this may not pose a practical problem for the optical fiber cutting device 1 that cuts the optical fiber F. For example, if the angle of inclination of the mounting surface 21a with respect to the clamp surface 12a is 1.0° or less, this does not pose a practical problem for the optical fiber cutting device 1. In other words, the phrase "the mounting surface 21a and the clamping surface 12a are parallel (or nearly parallel)" in this embodiment also includes cases where the mounting surface 21a is inclined with respect to the clamping surface 12a to such an extent that it does not pose a practical problem for the functionality of the optical fiber cutting device 1 (for example, the angle of inclination of the mounting surface 21a with respect to the clamping surface 12a is 1.0° or less).

[0083] Furthermore, the second positioning surface 22a and the mounting part side surface 52a come into contact (area contact), thereby positioning the mounting surface 21a and the damaging blade 11 in the longitudinal direction X. Also, as described above, in this embodiment, the distance d2A between the first mounting part side surface 52aA and the damaging blade 11 and the distance d2B between the second mounting part side surface 52aB and the damaging blade 11 are approximately equal (see Figure 4). Therefore, regardless of whether the base part 20 is mounted on the first mounting part 50A or the second mounting part 50B, the mounting surface 21a and the damaging blade 11 can be appropriately positioned in the longitudinal direction X. The difference between distance d2A and distance d2B may be 0.5 mm or less. Distance d2A and distance d2B may be equal.

[0084] Furthermore, the positioning of the mounting surface 21a and the clamp surface 12a in the intersecting direction Y is achieved when the protruding portion 23 is fitted into the fitting recess 53. As described above, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the fitting recess 53 is an oval shape extending in the vertical direction Z, and the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 23 is circular (see Figures 6 and 9). Therefore, the protruding portion 23 contacts the straight portion 53a of the inner circumferential surface of the fitting recess 53, but does not easily contact the arc portion 53b. In other words, the protruding portion 23 and the fitting recess 53 contact in the intersecting direction Y, but do not easily contact in the vertical direction Z. If the protruding portion 23 and the fitting recess 53 contact in the vertical direction Z, the positioning in the vertical direction Z performed by the first positioning surface 21b and the mounting portion bottom surface 51a may be hindered. By making the cross-sectional shape of the fitting recess 53 an oval shape and the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 23 a circular shape, such hindering of positioning can be prevented. Therefore, positioning accuracy in the vertical Z direction can be more reliably improved.

[0085] After bringing the first positioning surface 21b into contact with the mounting part bottom surface 51a, the user inserts the first pressing means 61 through the first through hole 21c of the base portion 20 and screws the first pressing means 61 into the first screw hole 51b of the mounting portion 50 (see, for example, Figures 5 and 8). This causes the first pressing means 61 (the head of the screw) to press the first positioning surface 21b toward the mounting part bottom surface 51a. Therefore, surface contact between the first positioning surface 21b and the mounting part bottom surface 51a is made more reliable, and the positioning accuracy in the vertical Z direction can be further improved. The height of the annular projection 21d (see Figure 8) (dimension in the vertical direction Z) may be adjusted as appropriate so that the annular projection 21d does not obstruct surface contact between the first positioning surface 21b and the mounting part bottom surface 51a, and so that the annular projection 21d prevents the base part 20 (mounting part 21) from bending due to the pressing force of the first pressing means 61.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first positioning surface 21b is divided into multiple surfaces. The first positioning surface 21b may be curved in a convex shape due to manufacturing problems or other reasons. If the first positioning surface 21b is composed of only one surface and has an area similar to that of the mounting part bottom surface 51a, the central part of the first positioning surface 21b may become convex. In this case, the positioning accuracy in the vertical Z direction may decrease. By dividing the first positioning surface 21b into multiple surfaces as in this embodiment and reducing the area of ​​each surface, such a decrease in positioning accuracy can be suppressed.

[0087] After bringing the second positioning surface 22a into contact with the mounting part side surface 52a and fitting the protruding portion 23 into the fitting recess 53, the user inserts the second pressing means 62 through the second through hole 22b of the base portion 20 and screws the second pressing means 62 into the second screw hole 52b of the mounting portion 50 (see, for example, Figures 5 and 8). This causes the second pressing means 62 (the head of the screw) to press the second positioning surface 22a toward the mounting part side surface 52a. Therefore, surface contact between the second positioning surface 22a and the mounting part side surface 52a is made more reliable, and the positioning accuracy in the longitudinal direction X can be further improved.

[0088] Furthermore, the optical fiber cutting apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has a waste bin section 40. Compared to the base section 20, the positioning accuracy of the waste bin section 40 is not critical. However, if the position of the waste bin section 40 is significantly misaligned, it may interfere with other parts. Therefore, in the optical fiber cutting apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the waste bin section 40 is configured to be positioned appropriately to a certain extent when it is mounted on the mounting sections 50A and 50B. The positioning of the waste bin section 40 will be described below.

[0089] When attaching the waste bin section 40 to the mounting section 50 (first mounting section 50A or second mounting section 50B), the user places the claw section 41b in the positioning recess 51, brings the third positioning surface 41c into contact with the side surface 52a of the mounting section, fits the first positioning projection 43 into the auxiliary recess 54, and fits the second positioning projection 44 into the fitting recess 53 (see, for example, Figures 5 and 10).

[0090] The third positioning surface 41c and the mounting surface 52a come into contact (area contact), thereby positioning the waste bin portion 40 and the mounting portion 50 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0091] The first positioning projection 43 is fitted into the auxiliary recess 54, thereby positioning the waste bin section 40 and the mounting section 50 in the intersecting direction Y. Furthermore, the second positioning projection 44 is fitted into the fitting recess 53, thereby suppressing the relative rotation of the waste bin section 40 with respect to the mounting section 50, centered on the first positioning projection 43 and the auxiliary recess 54. More specifically, the relative rotation of the waste bin section 40 is suppressed by the contact between the arc portion 44b of the second positioning projection 44 and the arc portion 53b of the fitting recess 53. As described above, the outer diameter R4 of the second positioning projection 44 in the intersecting direction Y is smaller than the inner diameter R2 of the fitting recess 53 in the intersecting direction Y (see Figures 6 and 11). Therefore, even if the spacing between the positioning projections 43 and 44 and the spacing between the recesses 53 and 54 are misaligned, the positioning projections 43 and 44 can be fitted into the recesses 53 and 54.

[0092] After bringing the third positioning surface 41c into contact with the mounting part side surface 52a, the user inserts one of the two third pressing means 63 into each of the two insertion holes 41d in the waste bin section 40. Then, the user screws one of the third pressing means 63 into the second screw hole 52b of the mounting part 50 and the other third pressing means 63 into the auxiliary screw hole 52c (see, for example, Figures 5 and 10). This causes the third pressing means 63 to press the third positioning surface 41c toward the mounting part side surface 52a. Therefore, surface contact between the third positioning surface 41c and the mounting part side surface 52a is made more reliable, and the positioning accuracy in the longitudinal direction X can be improved.

[0093] The orientation in which the third pressing means 63 is screwed in is not limited to the longitudinal direction X, but can be changed as appropriate. However, if a configuration is adopted in which the third pressing means 63 is screwed in from above, the third pressing means 63 may get in the way when accommodating fiber debris in the containment space S. For this reason, it is preferable that the third pressing means 63 be screwed in from a direction other than above (for example, the longitudinal direction X).

[0094] As described above, the optical fiber cutting apparatus 1 according to this embodiment comprises a base portion 20 on which a fiber holder 30 for holding an optical fiber F can be mounted, and a main body portion 10 having a damaging blade 11 for damaging the optical fiber F. The main body portion 10 has a first mounting portion 50A and a second mounting portion 50B on which the base portion 20 can be mounted. When the damaging blade 11 is in a position to damage the optical fiber F, the first mounting portion 50A and the second mounting portion 50B are located on opposite sides of each other with respect to the damaging blade 11, and the first mounting portion 50A, the damaging blade 11, and the second mounting portion 50B are aligned in one direction (longitudinal direction X).

[0095] This configuration improves the usability of the optical fiber cutting device 1, regardless of the user's dominant hand or the orientation (front or back) of the optical fiber cutting device 1.

[0096] Furthermore, the base portion 20 has a mounting surface 21a on which the fiber holder 30 is placed, and the main body portion 10 has a clamp 12 for holding the optical fiber F, and the clamp 12 has a clamp surface 12a for supporting the held optical fiber F. The mounting surface 21a when the base portion 20 is mounted on the first mounting portion 50A, and the mounting surface 21a when the base portion 20 mounted on the first mounting portion 50A is mounted on the second mounting portion 50B are substantially parallel to the clamp surface 12a, and the distance d3A between the mounting surface 21a and the clamp surface 12a when the base portion 20 is mounted on the first mounting portion 50A is substantially equal to the distance d3B between the mounting surface 21a and the clamp surface 12a when the base portion 20 mounted on the first mounting portion 50A is mounted on the second mounting portion 50B. With this configuration, the positioning of the mounting surface 21a and the clamp surface 12a can be easily performed in the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, the mounting surface 21a and the clamping surface 12a can be easily made parallel. Also, regardless of whether the base portion 20 is mounted on the first mounting portion 50A or the second mounting portion 50B, the positioning of the mounting surface 21a and the clamping surface 12a in the vertical direction Z can be appropriately performed.

[0097] Furthermore, the base portion 20 has a first positioning surface 21b parallel to the mounting surface 21a, the first mounting portion 50A has a first mounting portion bottom surface (first mounting portion surface) 51aA parallel to the first positioning surface 21b, and the second mounting portion 50B has a second mounting portion bottom surface (second mounting portion surface) 51aB parallel to the first positioning surface 21b. When the base portion 20 is mounted on the first mounting portion 50A, the first positioning surface 21b and the first mounting portion bottom surface 51aA make surface contact, and when the base portion 20 is mounted on the second mounting portion 50B, the first positioning surface 21b and the second mounting portion bottom surface 51aB make surface contact. With this configuration, positioning between the mounting surface 21a and the clamp surface 12a in the vertical direction Z can be performed more easily.

[0098] Furthermore, the base portion 20 has a first pressing means (first pressing portion) 61 that presses the first positioning surface 21b against the bottom surface 51aA of the first mounting portion or the bottom surface 51aB of the second mounting portion when the base portion 20 is mounted on the first mounting portion 50A or the second mounting portion 50B. This configuration makes it possible to further improve the positioning accuracy of the mounting surface 21a in the vertical direction Z.

[0099] Furthermore, the base portion 20 has two or more first positioning surfaces 21b. This configuration further improves the positioning accuracy of the mounting surface 21a in the vertical direction Z.

[0100] Furthermore, the base portion 20 has a first side edge portion 21A located on one side in the intersection direction Y which intersects with the direction (longitudinal direction X, vertical direction Z) in which the base portion 20 is attached to the first mounting portion 50A or the second mounting portion 50B, and a second side edge portion 21B located on the opposite side of the first side edge portion 21A in the intersection direction Y. The base portion 20 also has a first positioning surface 21bA provided on the first side edge portion 21A and a first positioning surface 21bB provided on the second side edge portion 21B. By providing the first positioning surfaces 21bA and 21bB on both side edges 21A and 21B in the intersection direction Y, the base portion 20 can be attached to the mounting portions 50A and 50B in a more balanced manner in the vertical direction Z compared to the case where the first positioning surface 21b is biased to one side (+Y side) or the other side (-Y side) in the intersection direction Y. This makes it possible to further improve the positioning accuracy of the mounting surface 21a in the vertical Z direction.

[0101] Furthermore, the base portion 20 has a projection 23 that protrudes in the longitudinal direction X (the first direction which is parallel to the mounting surface 21a among the mounting directions in which the base portion 20 is mounted on the first mounting portion 50A or the second mounting portion 50B), the first mounting portion 50A has a first fitting recess 53A into which the projection 23 is fitted when the base portion 20 is mounted, and the second mounting portion 50B has a second fitting recess 53B into which the projection 23 is fitted when the base portion 20 is mounted. With this configuration, the mounting surface 21a can be easily positioned in the intersecting direction Y and the vertical direction Z.

[0102] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 23 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X is circular, while the cross-sectional shape of the first fitting recess 53A or the second fitting recess 53B perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X is an oval shape with its major axis extending in the direction intersecting the mounting surface 21a (vertical direction Z). Because the protruding portion 23 and the fitting recesses 53A and 53B have these shapes, a space is created between the protruding portion 23 and the fitting recesses 53A and 53B due to the oval cross-sectional shape of the fitting recesses 53A and 53B. This space allows the protruding portion 23 to move more easily in the vertical direction Z. As a result, the first positioning surface 21b also moves more easily in the vertical direction Z, allowing the position of the first positioning surface 21b in the vertical direction Z to be accurately determined to a predetermined position. Therefore, for example, even if the first pressing means 61 presses the first positioning surface 21b against the mounting part bottom surfaces 51aA and 51aB, the possibility of the positioning of the first positioning surface 21b and the mounting part bottom surfaces 51aA and 51aB in the vertical direction Z being disrupted can be reduced compared to the case where the above shape is not present. If the protrusion 23 and the fitting recesses 53A and 53B do not have such a shape, the protrusion 23 and the fitting recesses 53A and 53B are more likely to come into contact. If the protrusion 23 and the fitting recesses 53 come into contact in the vertical direction Z, for example, the positioning of the first positioning surface 21b and the mounting part bottom surfaces 51aA and 51aB in the vertical direction Z, which is achieved by the first pressing means 61 pressing the first positioning surface 21b against the mounting part bottom surfaces 51aA and 51aB, may be disrupted. The protrusion 23 and the fitting recesses 53A and 53B have the shapes described above, which reduces the likelihood of such problems occurring. In other words, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the positioning accuracy of the mounting surface 21a in the vertical direction Z.

[0103] Furthermore, the base portion 20 has a second positioning surface 22a that intersects the longitudinal direction X, the first mounting portion 50A has a first mounting portion side surface 52aA that abuts (surface contacts) with the second positioning surface 22a when the base portion 20 is mounted, and the second mounting portion 50B has a second mounting portion side surface 52aB that abuts (surface contacts) with the second positioning surface 22a when the base portion 20 is mounted. With this configuration, the mounting surface 21a and the damaging blade 11 can be easily positioned in the longitudinal direction X. In addition, the base portion 20 can be mounted on the mounting portions 50A and 50B in a balanced manner in the longitudinal direction X. As a result, the positioning accuracy of the mounting surface 21a in the longitudinal direction X can be further improved.

[0104] Furthermore, when the damaging blade 11 is in a position to damage the optical fiber F, the distance d2A between the first mounting part side surface 52aA and the damaging blade 11 in the normal direction (longitudinal direction X) of the first mounting part side surface 52aA is approximately equal to the distance d2B between the second mounting part side surface 52aB and the damaging blade 11 in the normal direction (longitudinal direction X) of the second mounting part side surface 52aB. With this configuration, regardless of whether the base part 20 is mounted on the first mounting part 50A or the second mounting part 50B, the positioning of the mounting surface 21a and the damaging blade 11 in the longitudinal direction X can be appropriately performed.

[0105] Furthermore, the base portion 20 has a second pressing means (second pressing portion) 62 that presses the second positioning surface 22a against the side surface 52aA of the first mounting portion or the side surface 52aB of the second mounting portion when the base portion 20 is mounted on the first mounting portion 50A or the second mounting portion 50B. This configuration makes it possible to further improve the positioning accuracy of the mounting surface 21a in the longitudinal direction X.

[0106] Furthermore, the optical fiber cutting device 1 according to this embodiment further includes a waste box section 40 that has a storage space S capable of accommodating fiber waste generated from the optical fiber F and can be attached to either the first mounting section 50A or the second mounting section 50B. This configuration further enhances the usability of the optical fiber cutting device 1.

[0107] Furthermore, the waste bin section 40 has a third pressing means (third pressing part) 63 that presses the waste bin section 40 against the first mounting section 50A or the second mounting section 50B when the waste bin section 40 is mounted on the first mounting section 50A or the second mounting section 50B. This configuration makes it easy to position the waste bin section 40.

[0108] 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.

[0109] For example, if the mounting surface 21a and the clamp surface 12a are parallel when the first positioning surface 21b and the mounting part bottom surface 51a come into contact, the first positioning surface 21b does not need to be parallel to the mounting surface 21a, and the mounting part bottom surface 51a does not need to be parallel to the clamp surface 12a. For example, the normal of the first positioning surface 21b and the normal of the mounting part bottom surface 51a may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z. However, a configuration in which the first positioning surface 21b and the mounting surface 21a are parallel (the mounting part bottom surface 51a and the clamp surface 12a are parallel) has the advantage of making positioning easier compared to a configuration in which they are not parallel. Specifically, it is possible to suppress the first positioning surface 21b and the mounting part bottom surface 51a from being inclined relative to each other, and thus it is possible to suppress the force of gravity acting on the base 20 in the inclined direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the first positioning surface 21b and the mounting portion bottom surface 51a are inclined relative to each other, the first positioning surface 21b can be stably positioned on the mounting portion bottom surface 51a.

[0110] Furthermore, the protruding portion 23 does not have to protrude in the longitudinal direction X, as long as the mounting surface 21a and the clamping surface 12a can be positioned in the intersecting direction Y. For example, the protruding portion 23 may be provided on the lower surface of the mounting portion 21, and the protruding portion 23 may protrude in the vertical direction Z (the second direction which intersects the mounting surface 21a among the mounting directions for mounting the base portion 20 to the first mounting portion 50A or the second mounting portion 50B). The direction in which the protruding portion 23 protrudes can be changed as appropriate, as long as it intersects the intersecting direction Y. However, the configuration in which the protruding portion 23 protrudes in the longitudinal direction X has the advantage of being easier to position compared to the configuration in which the protruding portion 23 protrudes in other directions.

[0111] Furthermore, the optical fiber cutting device 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a waste bin section 40.

[0112] Furthermore, as long as the first positioning surface 21b can be pressed against the bottom surface 51a of the mounting part, the first pressing means 61 does not have to be a screw, and the type of the first pressing means 61 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first pressing means 61 may be a magnet or the like. Similarly, as long as the second positioning surface 22a can be pressed against the side surface 52a of the mounting part, the type of the second pressing means 62 can be changed as appropriate. As long as the third positioning surface 41c can be pressed against the side surface 52a of the mounting part, the type of the third pressing means 63 can be changed as appropriate.

[0113] Furthermore, the base portion 20 (or fiber holder 30 or waste bin portion 40) and the main body portion 10 may each be equipped with a communication unit, and authentication communication may take place between the base portion 20 (fiber holder 30, waste bin portion 40) and the main body portion 10. In addition, the optical fiber cutting device 1 may have an alarm unit that issues an alarm if the base portion 20 (or waste bin portion 40) is not properly mounted on the mounting portion 50.

[0114] Furthermore, the optical fiber cutting device 1 may have only one mounting portion 50. Even in this case, by employing a base portion 20 and mounting portion 50 having the features described in the above embodiment, it is possible to provide an optical fiber cutting device 1 in which the base portion 20 can be easily positioned relative to the main body portion 10 (cutting blade 11 and clamp surface 12a).

[0115] 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]

[0116] 1…Optical fiber cutting device 10…Main body 11…Cutting blade 12…Clamp 12a…Clamping surface 20…Base 21A…First side edge 21B…Second side edge 21a…Mounting surface 21b…First positioning surface 22a…Second positioning surface 30…Fiber holder 40…Waste box 50…Mounting part (First mounting part, Second mounting part) 51a…Mounting part surface (First mounting part surface, Second mounting part surface) 52a…Mounting part side (First mounting part side, Second mounting part side) 53…Matching recess (First fitting recess, Second fitting recess) 61…First pressing part 62…Second pressing part 63…Third pressing part X…Longitudinal direction Y…Intersecting direction S…Housing space

Claims

1. A base on which a fiber holder for holding optical fibers can be mounted, The system comprises a main body having a damaging blade for damaging the optical fiber, The main body has a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion to which the base portion can be attached, When the damaging blade is in a position to damage the optical fiber, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are located on opposite sides of each other with respect to the damaging blade, and the first mounting portion, the damaging blade, and the second mounting portion are aligned in one direction. Optical fiber cutting device.

2. The base portion has a mounting surface on which the fiber holder is placed, The main body has a clamp for holding the optical fiber, The clamp has a clamping surface that supports the clamped optical fiber, The mounting surface described above when the base portion is mounted on the first mounting portion, and the mounting surface described above when the base portion mounted on the first mounting portion is mounted on the second mounting portion, are substantially parallel to the clamp surface. The distance between the mounting surface and the clamp surface when the base portion is mounted on the first mounting portion is approximately equal to the distance between the mounting surface and the clamp surface when the base portion mounted on the first mounting portion is mounted on the second mounting portion. The optical fiber cutting apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The base portion has a first positioning surface parallel to the aforementioned mounting surface, The first mounting portion has a first mounting portion surface parallel to the first positioning surface, The second mounting portion has a second mounting portion surface parallel to the first positioning surface, When the base portion is attached to the first mounting portion, the first positioning surface and the surface of the first mounting portion come into surface contact. When the base portion is attached to the second mounting portion, the first positioning surface and the second mounting portion surface come into surface contact. The optical fiber cutting apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The base portion has a first pressing portion that presses the first positioning surface against the surface of the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion when the base portion is mounted on the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion. The optical fiber cutting apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The base portion has two or more of the first positioning surfaces, The optical fiber cutting apparatus according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The base portion has a first side edge located on one side in an intersecting direction that intersects the direction in which the base portion is attached to the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion, and a second side edge located on the opposite side from the first side edge in the intersecting direction. The base portion has a first positioning surface provided on the first side edge and a first positioning surface provided on the second side edge. The optical fiber cutting apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The base portion has a mounting surface on which the fiber holder can be placed, The base portion has a projection that protrudes in a first direction or a second direction. The first direction is a mounting direction in which the base portion is mounted to the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion, and is parallel to the mounting surface described above. The second direction is the direction that intersects the mounting surface described above among the mounting directions, The first mounting portion has a first fitting recess into which the protruding portion is fitted when the base portion is mounted, The second mounting portion has a second fitting recess into which the protruding portion is fitted when the base portion is mounted. The optical fiber cutting apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The base portion has a projection that protrudes in a first direction or a second direction. The first direction is a mounting direction in which the base portion is mounted to the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion, and is parallel to the mounting surface described above. The second direction is the direction that intersects the mounting surface described above among the mounting directions, The first mounting portion has a first fitting recess into which the protruding portion is fitted when the base portion is mounted, The second mounting portion has a second fitting recess into which the protruding portion is fitted when the base portion is mounted. The optical fiber cutting apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

9. The cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion perpendicular to the first direction is circular. The cross-sectional shape of the first fitting recess or the second fitting recess perpendicular to the first direction is an oval shape with its major axis extending in a direction intersecting the aforementioned mounting surface. The optical fiber cutting apparatus according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The base portion has a second positioning surface that intersects with the first direction, which is the direction parallel to the aforementioned mounting surface, among the mounting directions for mounting the base portion to the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion. The first mounting portion has a side surface that makes surface contact with the second positioning surface when the base portion is mounted, The second mounting portion has a side surface that makes surface contact with the second positioning surface when the base portion is mounted. The optical fiber cutting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. When the damaging blade is in a position to damage the optical fiber, the distance between the side surface of the first mounting portion and the damaging blade in the direction normal to the side surface of the first mounting portion is approximately equal to the distance between the side surface of the second mounting portion and the damaging blade in the direction normal to the side surface of the second mounting portion. The optical fiber cutting apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The base portion has a second pressing portion that presses the second positioning surface against the side surface of the first mounting portion or the side surface of the second mounting portion when the base portion is mounted on the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion. The optical fiber cutting apparatus according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The system further comprises a waste box section having a storage space capable of accommodating fiber waste generated from the optical fiber, and which can be attached to either the first mounting section or the second mounting section. The optical fiber cutting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The waste bin portion has a third pressing portion that presses the waste bin portion against the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion when the waste bin portion is mounted on the first mounting portion or the second mounting portion. The optical fiber cutting apparatus according to claim 13.

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