Fiber optic cutter

Abstract

An optical fiber cutter (1) comprises: a body (2) that has a fiber fixing part (10) which allows positional adjustment of an optical fiber (G); and a movement part (4) that has a blade part (41) which makes a cut in the optical fiber (G) and that is movably attached to the body (2) between a first position, which is the initial position before the cut to the optical fiber (G) by the blade part (41), and a second position after the cut to the optical fiber (G) by the blade part (41). The fiber fixing part (10) moves the optical fiber (G) such that the optical fiber (G) fixed to the fiber fixing part (10) does not cross the movement range during the movement of the blade part (41) from the second position toward the first position, and such that the cut surface of the optical fiber (G) after cutting is positioned in the direction away from the blade part (41) along the axial direction of the optical fiber (G).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber cutter. This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2021-110748 filed on July 2, 2021, and incorporates by reference all the descriptions set forth in the Japanese application.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose, as an optical fiber cutting device, a device in which after positioning an optical fiber, a slider having a blade portion is manually moved from an initial position to a cutting position where the optical fiber can be cut, and after cutting the optical fiber, the slider is manually returned to the initial position. In particular, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose an optical fiber cutting device that automatically moves a slider using magnetic force.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0004] An optical fiber cutter according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an optical fiber cutter for cutting an optical fiber, comprising a main body having a fiber fixing portion capable of changing the position of the optical fiber, a moving portion having a blade portion that damages the optical fiber, and being attached to the main body so as to be movable between a first position which is an initial position before damaging the optical fiber and a second position which is a position after damaging the optical fiber. The fiber fixing portion moves the optical fiber such that the optical fiber fixed to the fiber fixing portion does not cross the range of movement of the blade portion when it moves from the second position to the first position, and the cut surface of the optical fiber after cutting is located in a direction away from the blade portion along the axial direction of the optical fiber. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0005] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the optical fiber cutter according to this embodiment with the cover open. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the state after the optical fiber cutter shown in Figure 1 has been closed and the optical fiber has been cut. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the main body of the optical fiber cutter. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the positional relationship between the fiber fixing part and the moving part. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates the stage in which the movable part is moving to the first position. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates the intermediate stages of the moving part as it moves from the first position to the second position. [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates the stage when the moving part reaches the second position. [Figure 8] Figure 8 illustrates the intermediate stages in which the moving part is moving from the second position to the first position. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a diagram illustrating the procedure for using the optical fiber cutter and the operation of each part. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a diagram illustrating the procedure for using the optical fiber cutter and the operation of each part. [Figure 9C] Figure 9C is a diagram illustrating the procedure for using the optical fiber cutter and the operation of each part. [Figure 9D] Figure 9D is a diagram illustrating the procedure for using the optical fiber cutter and the operation of each part. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006] (Issues that this disclosure aims to resolve) To improve work efficiency during optical fiber cutting, it is desirable to automatically return the slider to near its initial position after cutting the optical fiber, as in the optical fiber cutting apparatuses of Patent Documents 1 and 2. However, when returning the slider to the initial position, there is a possibility that the blade may come into contact with the cut optical fiber, causing damage to unintended parts of the optical fiber or even re-cutting the optical fiber.

[0007] Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide an optical fiber cutter that can prevent the blade from unintentionally coming into contact with and damaging the optical fiber after it has been cut.

[0008] (Description of the embodiments of this disclosure) First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. An optical fiber cutter according to one aspect of this disclosure is (1) An optical fiber cutter for cutting optical fibers, A main body having a fiber fixing part that can change the position of the optical fiber, The device comprises a blade portion for damaging the optical fiber, and a movable portion attached to the main body so as to be movable between a first position which is an initial position before damaging the optical fiber and a second position which is a position after damaging the optical fiber, The fiber fixing portion moves the optical fiber such that the optical fiber fixed to the fiber fixing portion does not cross the range of movement of the blade portion when it moves from the second position to the first position, and the cut surface of the optical fiber after cutting is located in a direction away from the blade portion along the axial direction of the optical fiber. This configuration makes it possible to provide an optical fiber cutter that can prevent the blade from unintentionally coming into contact with and damaging the optical fiber after it has been cut.

[0009] (2) The above (1) further comprises a first biasing member that biases the fiber fixing portion toward the blade portion side, When the moving part moves from the first position toward the second position, the fiber fixing part is biased by the first biasing member and is located on the blade part side. On the other hand, when the moving part moves from the second position toward the first position, the fiber fixing part may move in a direction away from the blade part against the biasing force of the first biasing member. According to this configuration, by changing the position of the fiber fixing part with a simple configuration, it is possible to prevent the blade part from accidentally contacting the optical fiber and damaging it after the optical fiber is cut.

[0010] (3) In the above (2), the moving part includes a rotatable cam and a second biasing member that biases the cam so as to rotate in a direction in which the cam protrudes toward the fiber fixing part side. When the moving part moves from the first position to the second position, the cam rotates in a direction that does not protrude toward the fiber fixing part side against the biasing force of the second biasing member. On the other hand, when the moving part moves from the second position to the first position, the cam may be biased by the second biasing member and protrude toward the fiber fixing part side. According to this configuration, by means of the cam mounted on the moving part, the position of the fiber fixing part can be changed at an appropriate timing when the moving part moves between the first position and the second position.

[0011] (4) In the above (3), the cam is capable of rotating in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the range of rotation in the second direction is limited. When the moving part moves from the first position to the second position, the cam rotates in the first direction so as not to inhibit the biasing of the fiber fixing part toward the blade part side by the first biasing member. When the moving part reaches the second position, the cam comes into a state of not contacting the fiber fixing part and receives the biasing force of the second biasing member to To the second direction rotate. When the moving part moves from the second position to the first position, the rotation range of the cam in the second direction is limited, and the protrusion of the cam toward the fiber fixing part side is maintained, so that the cam presses the fiber fixing part, and thereby, even if the fiber fixing part moves in a direction away from the blade part against the biasing force of the first biasing member, it may be allowed. According to this configuration, by limiting the rotation range of the cam in a predetermined direction (second direction), when the moving part moves from the second position to the first position, the fiber fixing part can be reliably retracted.

[0012] (5) In the above (4), the cam and the second biasing member are mounted in a recess formed in the moving part. When the moving part moves from the second position to the first position, the rotation of the cam in the second direction may be restricted by the cam contacting the inner wall surface of the recess. According to this configuration, a configuration for restricting the rotation range of the cam in a predetermined direction (second direction) and retracting the optical fiber together with the fiber fixing part by the protrusion of the cam can be realized with simplicity and a small number of components.

[0013] (Effects of the present disclosure) According to the above invention, it is possible to provide an optical fiber cutter capable of preventing the blade part from accidentally contacting the optical fiber and causing damage after cutting the optical fiber.

[0014] (Details of embodiments of the present disclosure) A specific example of an optical fiber cutter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below while referring to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, and is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Also, the directions of front, rear, left, right, up, and down shown in the drawings are directions used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the optical fiber cutter 1 with the cover 3 open according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the optical fiber cutter 1 after the cover 3 shown in Figure 1 has been closed and the optical fiber G has been cut. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the main body 2 of the optical fiber cutter 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the optical fiber cutter 1 is a device for cutting optical fibers G. The optical fiber cutter 1 comprises a main body 2, a cover 3 for fixing the optical fiber G, and a movable part 4 that is movable relative to the main body 2.

[0017] The main body 2 has a top plate portion 21, a bottom plate portion 22 positioned below the top plate portion 21, and a connecting portion 23 that connects the top plate portion 21 and the bottom plate portion 22. The main body 2 is formed by the top plate portion 21, the bottom plate portion 22, and the connecting portion 23 so that its cross-section is approximately I-shaped. The main body 2 is made of, for example, metal or resin that is not ferromagnetic.

[0018] The top plate portion 21 has a guide recess 24, an exposed hole 25, a lower clamp portion 26, and a catcher 27. The guide recess 24 is a recess provided on the upper surface of the top plate portion 21. A fiber fixing portion 10 for holding the optical fiber G to be cut is mounted in the guide recess 24. The guide recess 24 is formed in a concave shape corresponding to the shape of the fiber fixing portion 10 on which it is mounted, and is also formed in a concave shape that is slightly larger than the outer shape of the fiber fixing portion 10 so that the fiber fixing portion 10 can slide inside the guide recess 24.

[0019] An optical fiber holder 100, which holds an optical fiber G, is mounted on the fiber fixing section 10. The fiber fixing section 10 has a recess formed therein that corresponds to the shape of the optical fiber holder 100 to which it is mounted. The optical fiber holder 100 holds a single optical fiber core or multiple optical fiber cores in a parallel state. The fiber fixing section 10 is mounted on the guide recess 24 and is configured to set the cutting position of the optical fiber G held in the optical fiber holder 100. Furthermore, the fiber fixing section 10 is configured to change the position of the optical fiber G held in the optical fiber holder 100 by sliding it along the left-right direction in Figure 1 within the guide recess 24.

[0020] The exposed hole 25 is an elongated hole from which a blade portion 41 (described later) attached to the movable portion 4 protrudes. The exposed hole 25 is provided so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (left-right direction in Figure 1) of the optical fiber G positioned by the fiber fixing portion 10 (front-back direction in Figure 1).

[0021] The lower clamp portion 26 is a component for fixing the optical fiber G. The lower clamp portion 26 is provided on the side opposite to the side on which the fiber fixing portion 10 is mounted relative to the exposed hole 25.

[0022] The catcher 27 is a component for adsorbing the lid 3. The catcher 27 is located on the upper surface of the top plate portion 21 at a position corresponding to the magnet 33 (described later) provided on the lid 3.

[0023] The connecting portion 23 includes a guide portion 231, a metal member 232, and a first magnet 233. The guide portion 231 is provided to extend along the direction of movement (front-back direction) of the movable portion 4. The guide portion 231 is, for example, a groove with a substantially U-shaped cross-section, and guides the movement of the movable portion 4.

[0024] The metal member 232 and the first magnet 233 are arranged side by side in the direction of movement of the movable part 4. The metal member 232 and the first magnet 233 are positioned opposite the second magnet 43 (described later) which is provided on the movable part 4. In the direction of movement of the movable part 4, the metal member 232 is positioned on the front side and the first magnet 233 is positioned on the rear side. The metal member 232 is a magnetic metal and has the property of attracting the second magnet 43. The metal member 232 is made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and alloys containing these. When the first magnet 233 is in a position facing the second magnet 43, it generates a repulsive force between itself and the second magnet 43.

[0025] The lid 3 is a plate-shaped body that is attached to the rear end of the upper surface of the main body 2 via a support shaft 31 so as to be able to open and close. The lid 3 has an upper clamp portion 32, a spring (not shown) attached to the support shaft 31, a magnet 33 for holding the lid 3 in a closed state, and a handle 34 for releasing the closed state of the lid 3.

[0026] The upper clamp portion 32 is provided on the back surface of the lid 3 (the surface facing the main body 2). The upper clamp portion 32 is positioned to face the lower clamp portion 26, which is provided on the upper surface of the main body 2, when the lid 3 is closed. When the lid 3 is closed to the main body 2, the optical fiber G is sandwiched between the upper clamp portion 32 and the lower clamp portion 26.

[0027] A spring attached to the support shaft 31 presses the lid 3 in the direction of opening. The magnet 33 is positioned on the side edge of the lid 3 opposite to the support shaft 31. When the lid 3 is closed relative to the body 2, the magnet 33 is attracted to the catcher 27 of the body 2 against the pressing force of the spring on the support shaft 31. This maintains the closed state of the lid 3 relative to the body 2. When the handle 34 is pulled upward in the closed state, an upward force is applied to the lid 3, releasing the attraction between the magnet 33 and the catcher 27. With the attraction between the magnet 33 and the catcher 27 released, the lid 3 automatically opens due to the repulsive force of the spring attached to the support shaft 31.

[0028] The cover 3 further includes a breaking member 35 on its back surface that bends the optical fiber G, and an engaging piece 36 fixed to the breaking member 35. The breaking member 35 is mounted on the cover 3 with a compression spring (not shown) attached between the back surface of the cover 3 and the breaking member 35. The breaking member 35 is positioned parallel to the upper clamp portion 32. The engaging piece 36 is, for example, a projection made of a flexible material. The engaging piece 36 is fixed to the breaking member 35 in a state that allows for elastic deformation.

[0029] The breaking member 35 is normally held in a position where it protrudes perpendicularly away from the back surface of the lid 3, due to the repulsive force of the compression spring. The breaking member 35 is configured to apply pressure to the optical fiber G when it is in a protruding state. In addition, when the engaging piece 36 is pressed and pushed in, the breaking member 35 is pushed toward the back surface of the lid 3 against the biasing force of the compression spring and is held in a non-protruding state. The breaking member 35 is configured not to apply pressure to the optical fiber G when it is not protruding.

[0030] The movable part 4 is attached to the main body 2 so as to be movable between a first position (the position shown in Figure 1) and a second position (the position shown in Figure 2) between the top plate 21 and the bottom plate 22. The first position is the initial position of the movable part 4 when it moves forward. The second position is the moved position of the movable part 4 when it moves backward. The movable part 4 may be configured to move linearly between the first position and the second position, or it may be configured to move along a trajectory that includes a curve. Alternatively, it may be configured to be able to move in both of these directions.

[0031] On the side of the movable part 4 facing the connecting part 23, a guide block (not shown) having, for example, a ball slide (not shown) is provided. The guide block is slidably supported on the guide part 231 of the connecting part 23 via the ball slide, enabling the movable part 4 to move in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the movable part 4 is configured to be movable only in the rearward direction from the first position and only in the forward direction from the second position.

[0032] The movable part 4 has a blade portion 41 for scratching the optical fiber G, a projection 42 for applying pressure to the engaging piece 36 of the cover 3, and a second magnet 43 for automatically moving the movable part 4 forward.

[0033] The blade portion 41 is mounted such that a part of it protrudes above the exposed hole 25 of the main body 2. The blade portion 41 moves in conjunction with the movement of the movable part 4 and is provided to be able to make initial scratches on the optical fiber G while the movable part 4 moves from the first position to the second position. The shape of the blade portion 41 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment a round blade is used. The blade portion 41 may be configured to move linearly in conjunction with the movement of the movable part 4, or to move in a trajectory that draws a gentle arc when viewed from the side, or may be configured to be able to move in both ways.

[0034] As the movable part 4 moves from the first position to the second position with the lid 3 closed, the projection 42 contacts the engaging piece 36 of the lid 3 and pushes the engaging piece 36 upward. As the engaging piece 36 is pushed by the projection 42, the breaking member 35 is also pushed, and the breaking member 35 is held in a state where it does not protrude. Furthermore, when the movable part 4 moves further and reaches the second position, the projection 42 passes the engaging piece 36, and the breaking member 35 is released from resisting the biasing force of the compression spring. As a result, the breaking member 35 is pushed downward by the biasing force of the compression spring and protrudes, contacting the glass fiber portion of the optical fiber G and applying pressure. Therefore, as the movable part 4 moves from the first position to the second position, the optical fiber G is cut starting from the initial damage to the glass fiber portion.

[0035] Furthermore, the engaging piece 36 engages with the projection 42 when the projection 42 passes through the engaging piece 36 and the movable part 4 reaches the second position, thereby restricting the movement of the movable part 4 in the forward direction. When the cover 3 is opened, the engagement between the projection 42 and the engaging piece 36 is released, and the movable part 4 becomes able to move to the first position.

[0036] The second magnet 43 is provided on the side wall 44 of the movable part 4, facing the guide portion 231 in the connecting portion 23 of the main body 2 when the movable part 4 is attached to the main body 2. The second magnet 43 is provided on the side wall 44 of the movable part 4, opposite to the wall surface on which the blade portion 41 is provided. The second magnet 43 is provided so that, for example, when the movable part 4 moves to the first position, it faces the metal member 232 provided in the connecting portion 23, and when the movable part 4 moves to the second position, it faces the first magnet 233 provided in the connecting portion 23. The repulsive force generated between the second magnet 43 and the first magnet 233, and the attractive force generated between the second magnet 43 and the metal member 232, cause the movable part 4 to automatically move (return) to the first position.

[0037] In this embodiment, a metal member 232, a first magnet 233, and a second magnet 43 are used to automatically move the movable part 4 forward, but the invention is not limited to these, and a biasing member such as a spring may be used. The movable part 4 may also be configured to automatically move to the first position by the biasing force of the biasing member when the lid 3 is opened and the engagement between the protrusion 42 and the engaging piece 36 is released.

[0038] Next, with reference to Figures 4 to 8, the fiber fixing part 10 mounted in the guide recess 24 and the movable part 4 that moves along the main body 2 will be further explained.

[0039] Figure 4 shows the positional relationship between the fiber fixing part 10 and the movable part 4. Figures 5 to 8 are enlarged partial views showing the vicinity of the cam 46 at each stage of movement of the movable part 4. In Figure 4, the left-right direction is the direction in which the fiber fixing part 10 can move, and the front-back direction is the direction in which the movable part 4 can move.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, the fiber fixing part 10 is provided with a biasing member 11 (an example of a first biasing member) that biases the fiber fixing part 10, which is mounted in the guide recess 24, toward the movable part 4 side to which the blade part 41 is attached (in the direction indicated by arrow A). When the fiber fixing part 10 is mounted in the guide recess 24, it is constantly biased toward the movable part 4 by the biasing member 11. The biasing member 11 is composed of, for example, a spring (torsion spring), a magnet, etc. In Figure 4, the biasing member 11 is provided below the fiber fixing part 10. The biasing member 11 may also be provided, for example, behind or to the side of the fiber fixing part 10.

[0041] A notch 12 is formed on the right end face 10A of the fiber fixing part 10, which is the side facing the movable part 4. The notch 12 is sized to accommodate the cam 46, which will be described later.

[0042] The movable part 4 has a recess 45 formed in the side wall 44 and a cam 46 provided so as to protrude upward from the bottom of the recess 45. The cam 46 is rotatable counterclockwise (an example of a first direction) and clockwise (an example of a second direction) with the vertical direction as its axis of rotation. However, the rotation of the cam 46 is configured to be limited in the range of rotation in the clockwise direction. By rotating the cam 46 counterclockwise and clockwise, the cam 46 is configured to change between a protruding state in which a part of the cam 46 extends beyond the recess 45 and protrudes towards the fiber fixing part 10 beyond the side wall 44, and a non-protruding state in which the cam 46 does not protrude towards the fiber fixing part 10 beyond the side wall 44.

[0043] A biasing member 47 (an example of a second biasing member) is attached to the cam 46, which biases the cam 46 to rotate around the axis of rotation. The biasing member 47 biases the cam 46 to rotate in a direction in which the cam 46 protrudes. The biasing member 47 is provided in the recess 45 together with the cam 46. The biasing member 47 is composed of, for example, a torsion spring.

[0044] Figure 4 shows the cam 46 in a protruding state. The cam 46 is located at its rear end within the recess 45, close to the rear inner wall surface 44a of the recess 45. Therefore, when the cam 46 is in a protruding state, even if the cam 46 tries to rotate clockwise, it will come into contact with the rear inner wall surface 44a of the recess 45, and the rear inner wall surface 44a will restrict the clockwise rotation from moving any further.

[0045] In this embodiment, the cam 46 is provided as a protruding member that protrudes upward from the bottom of the recess 45 and is rotatable with the vertical direction as its axis of rotation, but this is not the only option. For example, it may be a rod-shaped member whose position can be changed between a protruding state and a non-protruding state by a biasing member.

[0046] The following describes the positional relationship between the cam 46 and the fiber fixing part 10 at each stage of movement of the moving part 4.

[0047] Figure 5 shows the stage where the movable part 4 has moved to the first position. Note that Figure 5 shows the same state as Figure 4. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the movable part 4 is moving to the first position, the cam 46 is rotated by the biasing force of the biasing member 47 to protrude. The fiber fixing part 10 is also biased by the biasing member 11 and moves toward the movable part 4. When viewed from the front-rear direction, the fiber fixing part 10 and the movable part 4 are arranged so that a part of the movable part 4 (cam 46) on the fiber fixing part 10 side and a part of the fiber fixing part 10 on the movable part 4 side overlap in the left-right direction. Specifically, the protruding portion of the cam 46 that is protruding toward the fiber fixing part 10 side is received in a notch 12 formed on the movable part 4 side of the fiber fixing part 10. That is, as shown in the circled area B in Figures 4 and 5, the protruding portion of the cam 46 overlaps with a part of the movable part 4 side of the fiber fixing part 10 in the left-right direction. As a result, when the protruding portion of the cam 46 is housed in the notch 12, the biasing force applied by the biasing member 11 to the fiber fixing portion 10 in the four directions of movement is not obstructed by the cam 46.

[0048] Figure 6 shows the stage in which the movable part 4 is moving from the first position to the second position, that is, the stage in which the movable part 4 is moving backward (in the direction of arrow C). As shown in Figure 6, when the movable part 4 is moved from the first position to the second position, the protruding portion of the cam 46 that protrudes toward the fiber fixing part 10 comes into contact with the inner wall surface 12A on the rear side of the notch 12 of the fiber fixing part 10. As a result, the cam 46 receives forward pressure from the fiber fixing part 10. Due to the pressure from the fiber fixing part 10, the cam 46 rotates counterclockwise (in the direction of arrow D) against the biasing force of the biasing member 47. By rotating counterclockwise, the cam 46 changes its position from a protruding state to a non-protruding state. On the other hand, the fiber fixing part 10 maintains its position moved toward the movable part 4 due to being biased by the biasing member 11. That is, during the stage when the movable part 4 is moving from the first position to the second position, the cam 46 rotates counterclockwise so as not to hinder the biasing force applied by the biasing member 11 toward the movable part 4 toward the fiber fixing part 10. As a result, the cam 46 is in a non-protruding state, and when viewed from the front or rear, the fiber fixing part 10 and the movable part 4 do not overlap in the left-right direction. In this way, while the movable part 4 is moving from the first position to the second position, the right end surface 10A of the fiber fixing part 10 and the non-protruding cam 46 are in contact.

[0049] Figure 7 shows the stage when the moving part 4 has reached the second position, that is, the stage when the moving part 4 has moved as far back as possible. As shown in Figure 7, when the movable part 4 reaches the second position, the cam 46 moves behind the fiber fixing part 10 so that it does not come into contact with the right end face 10A of the fiber fixing part 10. As a result, the cam 46 rotates clockwise (in the direction of arrow E) due to the biasing force of the biasing member 47, resulting in the same protruding state as shown in Figure 5. That is, a part of the cam 46 protrudes toward the fiber fixing part 10, so that when viewed from the front or rear, the fiber fixing part 10 and the movable part 4 overlap in the left-right direction.

[0050] Figure 8 shows the stage in which the movable part 4 is moving from the second position to the first position, that is, the stage in which the movable part 4 is moving in the forward direction (in the direction of arrow F in Figure 8). As shown in Figure 8, when the movable part 4 is moved from the second position to the first position, the protruding portion of the cam 46 that protrudes toward the fiber fixing part 10 comes into contact with the right end surface 10A of the fiber fixing part 10, and receives a rearward pressure from the fiber fixing part 10. However, the range of clockwise rotation of the cam 46 is limited by the rear inner wall surface 44a of the recess 45, so it cannot rotate further clockwise. Therefore, the cam 46 maintains its protruding state while receiving a rearward pressure from the fiber fixing part 10 and a biasing force from the biasing member 47. As a result, the pressure applied from the cam 46 to the fiber fixing part 10 increases. Then, due to the pressure from the cam 46, the fiber fixing part 10 moves away from the movable part 4 (blade portion 41) (in the direction of arrow G in Figure 8) against the biasing force of the biasing member 11.

[0051] Next, the procedure for using the optical fiber cutter 1 and the operation of each part will be explained using Figures 9A to 9D. Figure 9A shows the state where the cover 3 is open and the movable part 4 is in the first position. In this state, the user holds the optical fiber G to be cut in the optical fiber holder 100 and attaches the optical fiber holder 100 to the fiber fixing part 10 to position the optical fiber G. When the movable part 4 is in the first position, the cam 46 of the movable part 4 is rotated to a protruding state by the biasing force of the biasing member 47 (see Figure 5). Also, the fiber fixing part 10 is biased by the biasing member 11 and moves toward the movable part 4. When the cam 46 is in the protruding state, its protruding portion is housed in the notch 12 of the fiber fixing part 10.

[0052] Figure 9B shows the state after closing the cover 3 from the state shown in Figure 9A. In the state shown in Figure 9B, the movable part 4 is still in the first position. In this state, the glass fiber portion of the optical fiber G is held in place by the upper clamp part 32 and the lower clamp part 26.

[0053] Figure 9C shows the state after the user has moved the movable part 4 to the second position from the state shown in Figure 9B. As the movable part 4 moves from the first position to the second position, the blade portion 41 attached to the movable part 4 passes from front to back over the optical fiber G, which is sandwiched between the upper clamp portion 32 and the lower clamp portion 26. As a result, the blade portion 41 makes an initial scratch on the glass fiber portion of the optical fiber G. As the movable part 4 moves from the first position to the second position, the cam 46 is pressed forward by the fiber fixing portion 10 and rotates counterclockwise to a non-protruding state (see Figure 6). The fiber fixing portion 10 also maintains its position on the movable part 4 side due to the biasing force of the biasing member 11. When the movable part 4 reaches the second position, the projection 42 (see Figure 1) passes over the engaging piece 36, and the breaking member 35 protrudes due to the biasing force of the compression spring, pressing against the glass fiber portion of the optical fiber G. As a result, the optical fiber G is cut starting from the initial scratch on the glass fiber portion. When the movable part 4 reaches the second position, the cam 46 moves behind the fiber fixing part 10, and due to the biasing force of the biasing member 47, it rotates clockwise and protrudes (see Figure 7). When the movable part 4 moves to the second position, the projection 42 and the engaging piece 36 engage, restricting its movement in the forward direction.

[0054] Figure 9D shows the state after opening the cover 3 from the state shown in Figure 9C. When the cover 3 is opened, the engagement between the projection 42 and the engaging piece 36 is released, and the movable part 4 becomes capable of moving forward. As a result, the movable part 4 automatically begins to move forward due to the action of the metal member 232, the first magnet 233, and the second magnet 43 shown in Figures 2 and 3. Also, the glass fiber portion of the optical fiber G, which was sandwiched between the upper clamp portion 32 and the lower clamp portion 26, is released from being fixed by the upper clamp portion 32 and the lower clamp portion 26. When the movable part 4 begins to move forward, the cam 46 is in a protruding state and comes into contact with the fiber fixing portion 10. However, since the clockwise rotation of the cam 46 is restricted by the rear inner wall surface 44a of the recess 45, it maintains its protruding state without further clockwise rotation (see Figure 8). Meanwhile, the fiber fixing part 10, under pressure from the cam 46, moves away from the moving part 4 (blade part 41) against the biasing force of the biasing member 11 (see Figure 8). As a result, the cut optical fiber G, while still held in the optical fiber holder 100, moves away from the blade part 41 together with the fiber fixing part 10. That is, the optical fiber G moves so that the cut surface after cutting is positioned away from the blade part 41 along the axial direction of the optical fiber G.

[0055] Subsequently, the moving part 4 automatically moves to the first position and returns to the state shown in Figure 9A. During the movement of the moving part 4 from the second position to the first position, the cut surface of the optical fiber G is located away from the blade portion 41 along the axial direction of the optical fiber G, so the blade portion 41 does not come into contact with the optical fiber G. In other words, the optical fiber G does not cross the range of movement of the blade portion 41 as it moves from the second position to the first position.

[0056] When the movable part 4 returns to the first position shown in Figure 9A, the protruding portion of the cam 46 is once again housed within the notch 12 of the fiber fixing part 10. As a result, the fiber fixing part 10 moves toward the movable part 4 due to the biasing force of the biasing member 11 (see Figures 4 and 5). Note that in the state shown in Figure 9A, when the movable part 4 has returned to the first position, the upper part of the blade portion 41 is located in front of the lower clamp portion 26. Therefore, even if the optical fiber holder 100 holding the optical fiber G is still attached to the fiber fixing part 10 in this state, the optical fiber G will not come into contact with the blade portion 41.

[0057] As described above, the optical fiber cutter 1 according to this embodiment is a cutter for cutting an optical fiber G, and comprises a main body 2 having a fiber fixing part 10 that can change the position of the optical fiber G, and a movable part 4 having a blade part 41 for scratching the optical fiber G, and being attached to the main body 2 so as to be movable between a first position, which is the initial position before the blade part 41 scratches the optical fiber G, and a second position, which is the position after the blade part 41 scratches the optical fiber G. The fiber fixing part 10 moves the optical fiber G such that the optical fiber G fixed to the fiber fixing part 10 does not cross the range of movement when the blade part 41 moves from the second position to the first position, and the cut surface of the optical fiber G after cutting is located in a direction away from the blade part 41 along the axial direction of the optical fiber G. With this configuration, when the movable part 4 returns from the second position to the first position, the fiber fixing part 10 that fixes the optical fiber G can move the cut optical fiber G away from the blade part 41. This prevents the blade part 41 from unintentionally coming into contact with the optical fiber G and scratching it after cutting.

[0058] Furthermore, the optical fiber cutter 1 is further equipped with a biasing member 11 that biases the fiber fixing part 10 toward the blade part 41. When the movable part 4 moves from the first position to the second position, the fiber fixing part 10 is biased by the biasing member 11 and positioned toward the blade part 41, while when the movable part 4 moves from the second position to the first position, it moves toward the blade part 41 against the biasing force of the biasing member 11. With this configuration, the position of the fiber fixing part 10 can be changed in a simple configuration using the biasing force of the biasing member 11, and it is possible to reliably prevent the blade part 41 from unintentionally coming into contact with the optical fiber G and damaging it after the optical fiber G has been cut.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the optical fiber cutter 1, the movable part 4 includes a rotatable cam 46 and a biasing member 47 that biases the cam 46 to rotate in a direction that protrudes toward the fiber fixing part 10. When the movable part 4 moves from the first position to the second position, the cam 46 rotates in a direction that does not protrude toward the fiber fixing part 10 against the biasing force of the biasing member 47, while when the movable part 4 moves from the second position to the first position, it is biased by the biasing member 47 and protrudes toward the fiber fixing part 10. Therefore, by changing between the protruding and non-protruding states due to the rotation of the cam 46 mounted on the movable part 4, the position of the fiber fixing part 10 can be changed at an appropriate timing when the movable part 4 moves between the first and second positions.

[0060] Furthermore, in the optical fiber cutter 1, the cam 46 is capable of rotation in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, but the range of rotation in the second direction is limited. When the movable part 4 moves from the first position to the second position, the cam 46 rotates in the first direction so as not to hinder the biasing force applied by the biasing member 11 toward the blade part 41 toward the fiber fixing part 10. Also, when the movable part 4 reaches the second position, the cam 46 is in a state where it does not come into contact with the fiber fixing part 10, and thus receives the biasing force of the biasing member 47. To the second directionIt rotates. Furthermore, when the movable part 4 moves from the second position to the first position, the range of rotation of the cam 46 in the second direction is limited, maintaining its protrusion toward the fiber fixing part 10, thereby pressing the fiber fixing part 10. As a result, the cam 46 moves the fiber fixing part 10 away from the blade part 41 against the biasing force of the biasing member 11. In this way, by limiting the range of rotation of the cam 46 in a specific direction (the second direction), the fiber fixing part 10 can be reliably retracted when the movable part 4 moves from the second position to the first position.

[0061] Furthermore, in the optical fiber cutter 1, the cam 46 and the biasing member 47 are mounted in a recess 45 formed in the movable part 4. When the movable part 4 moves from the second position to the first position, the cam 46 contacts the rear inner wall surface 44a of the recess 45, thereby restricting its rotation in the second direction. As a result, a configuration that restricts the rotation range of the cam 46 in the second direction and retracts the optical fiber G together with the fiber fixing part 10 by the protrusion of the cam 46 can be realized simply and with a small number of parts.

[0062] Although this disclosure has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the number, position, shape, etc. of the components described above are not limited to the embodiments described above and can be changed to a number, position, shape, etc. that is suitable for carrying out this disclosure.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the movable part 4 is automatically returned to its initial first position after the optical fiber G is cut, but the invention is not limited to this example. The configuration of the fiber fixing part 10 and cam 46 of this embodiment can also be used in optical fiber cutters in which the movable part 4 is manually returned to the first position after the optical fiber G is cut. In this case as well, when manually returning the movable part 4 to the first position after the optical fiber G is cut, it is possible to prevent the blade part 41 from unintentionally coming into contact with the optical fiber G and damaging it. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1: Fiber optic cutter 2: Main unit 3: Lid 4: Mobile Unit 10: Fiber optic fixing section 11: Biasing member (an example of the first biasing member) 21: Top panel 22: Bottom plate part 23:Connection part 24: Guide recess 25: Exposure hole 26: Lower clamp section 27: Catcher 31:Spindle 32: Upper clamp section 33: Magnet 34: Handle 35: Fractured member 36: Engaging piece 41: Blade part 42: Protrusion 43:Second magnet 44: Side wall 44a: Rear inner wall surface 45: Recess 46: Cam 47: Biasing member (an example of a second biasing member) 100: Fiber optic holder 231: Guide Section 232: Metal components 233: First magnet G: Optical fiber

Claims

1. A fiber optic cutter for cutting optical fibers, A main body having a fiber fixing part that can change the position of the optical fiber, The device comprises a blade portion for damaging the optical fiber, and a movable portion attached to the main body so as to be movable between a first position which is an initial position before damaging the optical fiber and a second position which is a position after damaging the optical fiber, The fiber fixing portion moves the optical fiber such that the optical fiber fixed to the fiber fixing portion does not cross the range of movement of the blade portion when it moves from the second position to the first position, and the cut surface of the optical fiber after cutting is located in a direction away from the blade portion along the axial direction of the optical fiber. The fiber fixing portion is further provided with a first biasing member that biases it toward the blade portion side, The fiber fixing portion is biased by the first biasing member and positioned on the blade side when the movable portion moves from the first position to the second position, while when the movable portion moves from the second position to the first position, it moves in a direction away from the blade against the biasing force of the first biasing member, in an optical fiber cutter.

2. The movable part includes a rotatable cam and a second biasing member that biases the cam to rotate in a direction that protrudes toward the fiber fixing part. The optical fiber cutter according to claim 1, wherein the cam rotates in a direction that does not protrude toward the fiber fixing portion side against the biasing force of the second biasing member when the movable portion moves from the first position to the second position, while when the movable portion moves from the second position to the first position, it is biased by the second biasing member and protrudes toward the fiber fixing portion side.

3. The cam is capable of rotation in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the range of rotation in the second direction is limited. When the movable part moves from the first position to the second position, the cam rotates in the first direction so as not to obstruct the biasing of the fiber fixing part toward the blade part by the first biasing member. When the moving part reaches the second position, the cam rotates in the second direction by receiving the biasing force of the second biasing member, as it is no longer in contact with the fiber fixing part. The optical fiber cutter according to claim 2, wherein when the movable part moves from the second position to the first position, the range of rotation of the cam in the second direction is limited and the protrusion of the cam toward the fiber fixing part is maintained, so that the cam presses against the fiber fixing part, thereby causing the fiber fixing part to move toward the blade part against the biasing force of the first biasing member.

4. The cam and the second biasing member are mounted in the recess formed in the moving part. The optical fiber cutter according to claim 3, wherein when the movable part moves from the second position to the first position, the cam contacts the inner wall surface of the recess, thereby restricting the rotation in the second direction.

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