Optical fiber processing tool

Abstract

An optical fiber processing tool (1) comprises: a fiber holder (10) that holds an optical fiber (F) in a state in which an end part of the optical fiber (F) extends in one direction; a connector holder (20) that holds an optical connector (100); a wedge (80) that can be inserted into and removed from a mechanical splice (103) of the optical connector (100), and that enables connection between the optical fiber (F) and a built-in fiber (102) which is built into the optical connector (100); a wedge operating member (90) that can move relative to the connector holder (20); and a linkage mechanism (83) that removes the wedge (80) from the mechanical splice (103) in conjunction with relative movement of the wedge operating member (90).

Description

Optical fiber processing tools

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical fiber processing tool. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-192436, filed on November 10, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

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

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-143921

[0004] When processing an optical fiber to assemble an optical connector, switching between different tools leads to a decrease in work efficiency.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber processing tool that can improve the work efficiency when processing an optical fiber.

[0006] The optical fiber processing tool of aspect 1 of the present invention comprises a fiber holder that holds the optical fiber with the end of the optical fiber extended to one side, a connector holder that holds the optical connector, a wedge that can be inserted into and removed from the mechanical splice of the optical connector and enables connection between the optical fiber and an internal fiber built into the optical connector, a wedge operating member that can move relative to the connector holder, and a linkage mechanism that operates in conjunction with the relative movement of the wedge operating member to remove the wedge from the mechanical splice.

[0007] Aspect 2 of the present invention is an optical fiber processing tool according to aspect 1, wherein the interlocking mechanism includes a wedge link, the wedge operating member has an inclined surface, the wedge link has a first interlocking portion that abuts the inclined surface, a second interlocking portion that abuts the wedge, and a rotation center located between the first interlocking portion and the second interlocking portion, and the interlocking mechanism converts the linear movement of the wedge operating member in the extension direction of the optical fiber into rotational movement of the wedge link, and moves the wedge by the rotational movement of the wedge link.

[0008] Aspect 3 of the present invention is an optical fiber processing tool according to aspect 1 or 2, comprising a first regulating portion and a second regulating portion that regulate the fiber holder and the connector holder from approaching each other when the wedge is not inserted into the mechanical splice, and the first regulating portion and the second regulating portion allow the fiber holder and the connector holder to approach each other when the wedge is inserted into the mechanical splice.

[0009] According to the above aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical fiber processing tool that can improve the work efficiency when processing an optical fiber.

[0010] 1 is a plan view of the optical fiber processing tool of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base member of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fiber holder of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view of the fiber holder of the present embodiment as seen from the extension direction. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the coating stripper, handle portion, and link mechanism of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the coating stripper of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the stripper support base of the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a view of the base member and stripper support base of the present embodiment as seen from below. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the fiber cutting portion of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view explaining the operation of the cutting clamp of the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a view explaining the operation of the cutting clamp of the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the connector holder of the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the wedge of the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the wedge and wedge link of the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a view explaining the operation procedure and the function of each part when processing an optical fiber using the optical fiber processing tool of the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is a view explaining the operation procedure and the function of each part when processing an optical fiber using the optical fiber processing tool of the present embodiment. FIG. 17 is a view explaining the operation procedure and the function of each part when processing an optical fiber using the optical fiber processing tool of the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation procedure and the function of each part when processing an optical fiber using the optical fiber processing tool of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation procedure and the function of each part when processing an optical fiber using the optical fiber processing tool of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation procedure and the function of each part when processing an optical fiber using the optical fiber processing tool of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation procedure and the function of each part when processing an optical fiber using the optical fiber processing tool of this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation procedure and the function of each part when processing an optical fiber using the optical fiber processing tool of this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation procedure and the function of each part when processing an optical fiber using the optical fiber processing tool of this embodiment.FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a connector holder according to a modified example of the present embodiment.

[0011] The optical fiber processing tool of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, the optical fiber processing tool 1 includes a fiber holder 10, a connector holder 20, a base member 30, a coating stripper 40, a handle portion 50, a stripper support base 60, a fiber cutting portion 70, and a link mechanism R. The fiber holder 10 can hold an optical fiber F (see Fig. 5). The connector holder 20 can hold an optical connector 100.

[0012] The optical fiber F has a bare portion f1 and a coating f2 that covers the bare portion f1 (see FIG. 5). The bare portion f1 is made of, for example, glass. The bare portion f1 includes a core and a cladding that covers the core. The coating f2 is made of, for example, resin.

[0013] The optical fiber processing tool 1 has a coating removal function, a cutting function, and an assembling function. The coating removal function is a function of partially removing the coating f2 of the optical fiber F from the optical fiber F to expose the bare portion f1. The cutting function is a function of cutting the optical fiber F. The assembling function is a function of assembling the optical fiber F to the optical connector 100. However, the optical fiber processing tool 1 does not have to have any one of the coating removal function, cutting function, and assembling function.

[0014] <Direction Definition> The optical fiber F is held in the fiber holder 10 so that the end of the optical fiber F extends from the fiber holder 10 by a predetermined length. The "predetermined length" will be described later. In this specification, the direction in which the end of the optical fiber F extends from the fiber holder 10 is referred to as the extension direction X. The extension direction X coincides with the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F. A direction perpendicular to the extension direction X is referred to as the orthogonal direction Y. A direction perpendicular to both the extension direction X and the orthogonal direction Y is referred to as the up-down direction Z.

[0015] In the extension direction X, the side from the fiber holder 10 toward the fiber cutting unit 70 (-X side in the drawing) is referred to as the left side. The opposite side (+X side) is referred to as the right side. The coating stripper 40 and the connector holder 20 are arranged side by side in the perpendicular direction Y. In the perpendicular direction Y, the side from the coating stripper 40 toward the connector holder 20 (+Y side in the drawing) is referred to as the back side. The opposite side (-Y side) is referred to as the front side. In the vertical direction Z, the side to which the optical fiber F moves when it is removed from the fiber holder 10 (+Z side in the drawing) is referred to as the upper side. The opposite side (-Z side) is referred to as the lower side. Note that the vertical direction Z does not have to coincide with the vertical direction. Furthermore, the "upper side" and "lower side" do not have to coincide with the upper side and lower side in the vertical direction.

[0016] <Overall Configuration> As shown in Fig. 1 and other figures, the fiber holder 10 holds the optical fiber F with the end of the optical fiber F extended. The fiber holder 10 is attached to the base member 30 so as to be movable in the orthogonal direction Y. The fiber holder 10 is movable in the orthogonal direction Y between a position corresponding to the coating stripper 40 (Figs. 1, 14, etc.) and a position corresponding to the connector holder 20 (Fig. 18, etc.).

[0017] The connector holder 20 is positioned further back (+Y side) than the coating stripper 40. That is, the connector holder 20 and the coating stripper 40 are positioned at different positions in the orthogonal direction Y, which is the direction in which the fiber holder 10 moves. The connector holder 20 holds the optical connector 100. When using the optical fiber processing tool 1, the user causes the connector holder 20 to hold the optical connector 100 to which the optical fiber F is to be connected.

[0018] As shown in Figure 10, the optical connector 100 includes a ferrule 101, an embedded fiber 102, a mechanical splice 103, and a housing 104. The ferrule 101 has a fiber hole 101a. The embedded fiber 102 is inserted through the fiber hole 101a. The embedded fiber 102 is exposed at the end face (connection end face) on the -X side of the ferrule 101. The embedded fiber 102 also extends from the ferrule 101 on the +X side. A portion of the embedded fiber 102 is located inside the mechanical splice 103.

[0019] As will be described in detail later, an optical fiber F, which is to be connected to the embedded fiber 102, is inserted into the mechanical splice 103 from the +X side. The mechanical splice 103 has a clamping portion that can be elastically displaced or deformed. The clamping portion clamps and fixes the embedded fiber 102 and the optical fiber F, maintaining an optically connected state. The fixation can be released by opening the clamping portion. An elastic force is applied to the clamping portion by an elastic member such as a leaf spring. When a wedge body 81 of a wedge 80, which will be described later, is inserted into the mechanical splice 103, the clamping portion is opened against the elastic force. Opening the clamping portion allows the optical fiber F to be inserted into the mechanical splice 103.

[0020] With the embedded fiber 102 and the optical fiber F abutting within the mechanical splice 103, the wedge body 81 is pulled out of the mechanical splice 103 to close the clamping portion. This allows the embedded fiber 102 and the optical fiber F to remain connected. The housing 104 houses the ferrule 101, the embedded fiber 102, the mechanical splice 103, etc. The housing 104 is formed with two insertion holes through which the wedge body 81 is inserted. In this embodiment, the wedge body 81 is inserted into the mechanical splice 103 from the -Z side. Therefore, the insertion holes of the housing 104 also open downward. The illustrated optical connector 100 has a single embedded fiber 102. However, the optical connector 100 may have multiple embedded fibers 102.

[0021] Returning to FIG. 1, the base member 30 supports the fiber holder 10 and the stripper support base 60 .

[0022] The coating stripper 40 is disposed closer to the user (on the -Y side) than the connector holder 20. The coating stripper 40 is disposed opposite the fiber holder 10 in the direction in which the optical fiber F extends from the fiber holder 10. The coating stripper 40 removes the coating f2 from the end of the optical fiber F extended from the fiber holder 10. The coating stripper 40 is operated by operating a handle portion 50.

[0023] The handle portion 50 is a portion that is operated by a user. The handle portion 50 is connected to a link mechanism R. The operation of the handle portion 50 is transmitted to the coating stripper 40 via the link mechanism R.

[0024] The stripper support base 60 holds the connector holder 20, the handle portion 50, and the link mechanism R. The stripper support base 60 supports the coating stripper 40 via the link mechanism R. The stripper support base 60 is attached to the base member 30 so as to be movable in the extension direction X. When the stripper support base 60 moves in the extension direction X relative to the base member 30, the link mechanism R, the coating stripper 40, the connector holder 20, and the handle portion 50 also move integrally with the stripper support base 60 in the extension direction X.

[0025] The fiber cutting unit 70 is disposed closer to the user (on the -Y side) than the connector holder 20. The position of the fiber cutting unit 70 in the extension direction X is fixed relative to the base member 30. Therefore, when the stripper support base 60 moves in the extension direction X relative to the base member 30, the stripper support base 60, the link mechanism R, the coating stripper 40, the connector holder 20, and the handle portion 50 move relative to the fiber cutting unit 70. The fiber cutting unit 70 cuts the bare portion f1 of the optical fiber F from which the coating f2 has been removed by the coating stripper 40. However, the fiber cutting unit 70 may also cut the optical fiber F together with the coating f2. In this case, the optical fiber processing tool 1 does not need to have the coating stripper 40.

[0026] <Detailed Structure of Each Part> <Base Member 30> As shown in FIG. 2 , the base member 30 includes a base member main body 31, a guide rail 32, a pair of slide rails 33, and a rotation support portion 34. The base member main body 31 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape that is long in the extension direction X. A cutting blade 71 of a fiber cutting unit 70 (described later) is fixed to the base member main body 31. The guide rail 32 is provided at the right end (+X side) of the base member main body 31. The guide rail 32 is provided so as to protrude upward (+Z side) from the top surface of the base member main body 31. The guide rail 32 extends in the orthogonal direction Y from a position corresponding to the coating stripper 40 to a position corresponding to the connector holder 20. The guide rail 32 guides movement of the fiber holder 10 in the orthogonal direction Y. The pair of slide rails 33 are provided at both ends of the base member main body 31 in the orthogonal direction Y. The slide rail 33 is provided to protrude upward (toward the +Z side) from the upper surface of the base member main body 31. The slide rail 33 extends in the extension direction X. The guide rail 32 guides the movement of the stripper support base 60 in the extension direction X. The rotation support part 34 is provided at the end of the base member main body 31 on the front side (-Y side). The rotation support part 34 is arranged on the front side (-Y side) of the slide rail 33. The rotation support part 34 supports a cutting clamp 72 of the fiber cutting part 70 (described later) so that it can rotate around an axis along the extension direction X.

[0027] <Fiber holder 10> As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the fiber holder 10 has a structure in which a first holder member 10a and a second holder member 10b are combined. The first holder member 10a is a portion that holds the optical fiber F. The first holder member 10a is detachable from the second holder member 10b. For example, multiple types of first holder members 10a may be prepared depending on the type (thickness, etc.) of the optical fiber F. In this case, by replacing the first holder member 10a, the optical fiber processing tool 1 can process various types of optical fiber F. However, the fiber holder 10 may also be a single member. In other words, the first holder member 10a and the second holder member 10b may be integrated.

[0028] The second holder member 10b has a first guide hole 11 and a second guide hole 12. The first guide hole 11 and the second guide hole 12 extend in the extension direction X. The first guide hole 11 and the second guide hole 12 open on an end surface of the second holder member 10b facing the left side (-X side). The first guide hole 11 and the second guide hole 12 are arranged with a gap between them in the orthogonal direction Y. When viewed from the vertical direction Z, the first guide hole 11 and the second guide hole 12 are arranged so as to sandwich the first holder member 10a therebetween.

[0029] A guide groove 13 is formed at the left end (-X side) of the second holder member 10b. The guide groove 13 extends in the orthogonal direction Y. The guide groove 13 is formed throughout the second holder member 10b in the orthogonal direction Y. The guide groove 13 engages with a guide rail 32 of the base member 30. The fiber holder 10 is guided by the guide rail 32 and is thus able to move linearly in the orthogonal direction Y. This allows the fiber holder 10 to move linearly in the orthogonal direction Y between an optical fiber cutting position P11 (see FIG. 14) and a splicing position P12 (see FIG. 18). The optical fiber cutting position P11 is a position corresponding to the coating stripper 40 and the fiber cutting unit 70 in the orthogonal direction Y, where the coating stripper 40 removes the coating f2 from the optical fiber F and the fiber cutting unit 70 cuts the optical fiber F. The connection position P12 is a position corresponding to the connector holder 20 in the orthogonal direction Y, and is a position where the optical connector 100 held by the connector holder 20 is connected to the optical fiber F. The optical fiber cutting position P11 and the connection position P12 will be described in detail later.

[0030] <Handle Unit 50> As shown in FIG. 4, the handle unit 50 includes a first handle 51 and a second handle 52. The first handle 51 and the second handle 52 extend in the extension direction X. The distance between the two handles 51, 52 increases toward the left (negative X side). The first handle 51 and the second handle 52 are arranged side by side in the perpendicular direction Y. The first handle 51 is attached to the stripper support base 60 so as to be swingable about a first handle rotation shaft 51a. The second handle 52 is attached to the stripper support base 60 so as to be swingable about a second handle rotation shaft 52a. The first end (negative X side end) of the first handle 51 and the first end (negative X side end) of the second handle 52 are parts that are operated by the user.

[0031] <Link Mechanism R> The link mechanism R is disposed to the right (+X side) of the handle portion 50. The link mechanism R includes a first link member 53 and a second link member 54. The first link member 53 and the second link member 54 extend in the extension direction X. The first link member 53 and the second link member 54 are disposed side by side in the perpendicular direction Y. The first link member 53 is attached to the stripper support base 60 so as to be swingable about a first link rotation shaft 53a. The second link member 54 is attached to the stripper support base 60 so as to be swingable about a second link rotation shaft 54a. A second end (end on the +X side) of the first handle 51 is connected to a first end (end on the -X side) of the first link member 53 so as to be relatively rotatable about a first connecting shaft 53b. The second end (end on the +X side) of the second handle 52 is connected to the first end (end on the -X side) of the second link member 54 so as to be rotatable relative to the second link member 54 around the second connecting shaft 54b.

[0032] <Coating stripper 40> The coating stripper 40 is disposed to the right (+X side) of the link mechanism R. The coating stripper 40 includes a first stripper blade 41, a second stripper blade 42, a first blade holder 43, and a second blade holder 44. The first stripper blade 41 and the second stripper blade 42 are disposed side by side in the orthogonal direction Y.

[0033] The tips of the first stripper blade 41 and the second stripper blade 42 function as cutting blades that make a slit in the coating f2 of the optical fiber F. As shown in Fig. 5, a first avoidance recess 41a is formed in the tip of the first stripper blade 41, and a second avoidance recess 42a is formed in the tip of the second stripper blade 42. When the tips of the first stripper blade 41 and the second stripper blade 42 approach each other, the first avoidance recess 41a and the second avoidance recess 42a form a gap that allows the bare portion f1 of the optical fiber F to pass through. This allows the first stripper blade 41 and the second stripper blade 42 to make a slit in the coating f2 of the optical fiber F while preventing damage to the bare portion f1.

[0034] The first blade holder 43 holds the first stripper blade 41 in a state where the tip of the first stripper blade 41 is exposed. The second blade holder 44 holds the second stripper blade 42 in a state where the tip of the second stripper blade 42 is exposed. The first stripper blade 41 is supported by the second end (the end on the +X side) of the first link member 53 via the first blade holder 43, and the second stripper blade 42 is supported by the second end (the end on the +X side) of the second link member 54 via the second blade holder 44.

[0035] The positional relationship between the handle portion 50, the link mechanism R, and the coating stripper 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. These are positioned in the order of the first handle rotating shaft 51a, the first connecting shaft 53b, the first link rotating shaft 53a, and the first stripper blade 41, from the left side (-X side) to the right side (+X side) in the extension direction X. The second handle rotating shaft 52a, the second connecting shaft 54b, the second link rotating shaft 54a, and the second stripper blade 42, are positioned in the order of the left side (-X side) to the right side (+X side) in the extension direction X. That is, the first link rotating shaft 53a and the second link rotating shaft 54a are positioned farther from the fiber holder 10 in the extension direction X than the first stripper blade 41 and the second stripper blade 42.

[0036] The operation of the sheath stripper 40 by operating the handle portion 50 will now be described. When a user operates the handle portion 50 to move the first end of the first handle 51 and the first end of the second handle 52 toward each other, the first handle 51 and the second handle 52 rotate about the first handle rotation shaft 51 a and the second handle rotation shaft 52 a, respectively, and the second end of the first handle 51 and the second end of the second handle 52 move away from each other. Accordingly, the first end of the first link member 53 and the first end of the second link member 54 also move away from each other.

[0037] As a result, the first link member 53 and the second link member 54 rotate about the first link rotation shaft 53a and the second link rotation shaft 54a, respectively, and the second end of the first link member 53 and the second end of the second link member 54 move closer to each other. This causes the tip of the first stripper blade 41 and the tip of the second stripper blade 42 to move closer to each other, the optical fiber F is sandwiched between the first stripper blade 41 and the second stripper blade 42, and a cut is made in the coating f2 of the optical fiber F. At this time, the bare portion f1 of the optical fiber F is disposed in the gap between the first avoidance recess 41a and the second avoidance recess 42a, and therefore damage to the bare portion f1 is prevented.

[0038] 6 , the stripper support base 60 includes a stripper support base main body 61 and a pair of stripper-side guide portions 62. The stripper support base main body 61 is formed in a generally rectangular plate shape that is long in the extension direction X. The stripper support base main body 61 is formed with retaining holes 61a, 61b, 61c, and 61d that retain the first link rotation shaft 53a, the second link rotation shaft 54a, the first handle rotation shaft 51a, and the second handle rotation shaft 52a, respectively. The stripper support base main body 61 retains the handle portion 50 and the link mechanism R via the first link rotation shaft 53a, the second link rotation shaft 54a, the first handle rotation shaft 51a, and the second handle rotation shaft 52a.

[0039] The pair of stripper side guide portions 62 are provided at both ends of the stripper support base main body 61 in the orthogonal direction Y. The stripper side guide portions 62 are provided so as to protrude downward (toward the -Z side) from the lower surface of the stripper support base main body 61. The stripper side guide portions 62 extend in the extension direction X. As shown in FIG. 7 , the slide rail 33 of the base member 30 is disposed between the pair of stripper side guide portions 62. A fall prevention protrusion 62a that prevents the slide rail 33 from falling off is formed at the lower end of the stripper side guide portion 62. The stripper support base 60 is guided by the slide rail 33, and is therefore movable linearly in the extension direction X. As a result, the stripper support base 60 moves relative to the fiber holder 10 in the extension direction X between a coating cutting position P21, a coating removal position P22, a bare portion cutting position P23, and a retraction position P24 (see Figures 14 to 17).

[0040] The coating cutting position P21 shown in Fig. 14 is a position where the coating stripper 40 makes a cut in the coating f2. The coating removal position P22 shown in Fig. 15 is a position where the stripper support base 60 is farther away from the fiber holder 10 than the coating cutting position P21 and removes the coating f2 from the bare portion f1. The bare portion cutting position P23 shown in Fig. 16 is a position where the stripper support base 60 is farther away from the fiber holder 10 than the coating removal position P22 and cuts the bare portion f1 by the fiber cutting unit 70. The retracted position P24 shown in Fig. 17 is a position where the stripper support base 60 is farther away from the fiber holder 10 than the bare portion cutting position P23. Details of the coating cutting position P21, the coating removal position P22, the bare portion cutting position P23, and the retracted position P24 will be described later.

[0041] 6 , a guide shaft G extending in the extension direction X is fixed to the end of the right side (+X side) of the stripper support base 60. The guide shaft G extends from the stripper support base 60 toward the right side (+X side). The guide shaft G slides in the extension direction X together with the stripper support base 60. The guide shaft G is inserted into the first guide hole 11 or the second guide hole 12 of the fiber holder 10, thereby guiding the relative movement of the stripper support base 60 with respect to the fiber holder 10 and restricting the movement of the fiber holder 10 in the orthogonal direction Y.

[0042] An opening / closing link 63 is fixed to the end of the stripper support base 60 on the front side (-Y side). The opening / closing link 63 slides in the extension direction X together with the stripper support base 60. The opening / closing link 63 is a member for opening and closing the cutting clamp 72 of the fiber cutting unit 70 in conjunction with the movement of the stripper support base 60. Details of the opening / closing link 63 will be described later.

[0043] <Fiber Cutting Unit 70> As shown in FIG. 8 , the fiber cutting unit 70 includes a cutting blade 71 and a cutting clamp 72. The cutting blade 71 is fixed to the upper surface of the base member main body 31 of the base member 30. The cutting clamp 72 is disposed above the cutting blade 71. The cutting clamp 72 is supported by the rotation support portion 34 of the base member 30 so as to be rotatable about an axis O along the extension direction X. As a result, the cutting clamp 72 is movable between a state in which it is spaced apart from the cutting blade 71 as shown in FIG. 8 and a state in which it rotates about the axis O and approaches the cutting blade 71. Hereinafter, the state in which the cutting clamp 72 is spaced apart from the cutting blade 71 will be referred to as the "open state," and the state in which the cutting clamp 72 is in proximity to the cutting blade 71 will be referred to as the "closed state." The cutting clamp 72 is biased downward (i.e., toward the closed state) by a biasing member 73. The biasing member 73 is, for example, a torsion coil spring.

[0044] The cutting clamp 72 has a pressing portion 72a and a rotation restricting portion 72b. When the cutting clamp 72 is in a closed state, the pressing portion 72a is disposed so as to face the cutting blade 71 in the vertical direction Z. When the cutting clamp 72 is in a closed state, the pressing portion 72a presses the bare portion f1 against the cutting blade 71. This causes the bare portion f1 to be cut.

[0045] The rotation restricting portion 72b is provided on the lower portion of the cutting clamp 72. The rotation restricting portion 72b abuts against the opening / closing link 63 fixed to the stripper support base 60, thereby restricting downward rotation of the cutting clamp 72 against the biasing force of the biasing member 73. Here, as described above, the cutting clamp 72 (rotation restricting portion 72b) is fixed to the base member 30, and the opening / closing link 63 is fixed to the stripper support base 60. Therefore, when the stripper support base 60 moves linearly in the extension direction X, the opening / closing link 63 moves relative to the rotation restricting portion 72b in the extension direction X. In this embodiment, the relative movement between the opening / closing link 63 and the rotation restricting portion 72b allows the cutting clamp 72 to move (rotate) from an open state to a closed state or from a closed state to an open state.

[0046] 9A to 9C, the movement (rotation) of the cutting clamp 72 will be described in detail. The opening / closing link 63 has a restricting surface 63a, a release surface 63b, a first connecting surface 63c, and a second connecting surface 63d. The restricting surface 63a and the release surface 63b are surfaces facing upward (+Z side). The restricting surface 63a is disposed farther from the fiber holder 10 in the extension direction X (i.e., on the −X side) than the release surface 63b. The restricting surface 63a is disposed higher (+Z side) than the release surface 63b. The first connecting surface 63c connects the restricting surface 63a and the release surface 63b. The first connecting surface 63c is an inclined surface that slopes downward (−Z side) as it extends from the restricting surface 63a toward the fiber holder 10 (+X side). The first connecting surface 63c may be linear or curved when viewed from the orthogonal direction Y. The first connecting surface 63c may also be stepped. The second connecting surface 63d is connected to the derestriction surface 63b. The second connecting surface 63d is an inclined surface that slopes upward (toward the +Z side) from the derestriction surface 63b toward the fiber holder 10 (toward the +X side). The second connecting surface 63d may be linear or curved when viewed from the orthogonal direction Y.

[0047] As shown in Figure 9A, when the rotation restricting portion 72b is at the same position as the restricting surface 63a in the extension direction X, the rotation restricting portion 72b abuts against the restricting surface 63a, thereby restricting downward rotation of the cutting clamp 72. Note that Figure 9A shows a state in which the stripper support base 60 is at the coating cutting position P21. As shown in Figure 9B, when the rotation restricting portion 72b moves from the restricting surface 63a toward the fiber holder 10 (+X side) relative to the opening / closing link 63, the rotation restricting portion 72b abuts against the first connecting surface 63c, and the cutting clamp 72 gradually rotates downward. Note that Figure 9B shows a state in which the stripper support base 60 is at the coating removal position P22. As shown in Figure 9C, when the rotation restricting portion 72b is at the same position as the restriction release surface 63b in the extension direction X, the rotation restricting portion 72b does not come into contact with the opening / closing link 63 (restriction release surface 63b), the restriction on rotation of the cutting clamp 72 is released, and the cutting clamp 72 moves to the closed state due to the biasing force of the biasing member 73. Note that Figure 9C shows a state in which the stripper support base 60 is at the bare portion cutting position P23. Furthermore, although not shown, when the rotation restricting portion 72b moves further from the restriction release surface 63b toward the fiber holder 10 (+X side) relative to the opening / closing link 63, the rotation restricting portion 72b comes into contact with the second connecting surface 63d, and the cutting clamp 72 gradually returns to the open state.

[0048] 10 , the connector holder 20 includes a holding member 21, a wedge 80, a wedge link 83, a wedge operating member 90, a fiber biasing spring 92, and a return spring 93. The holding member 21 is fixed to the base member 30. The holding member 21 holds the wedge link 83. The wedge operating member 90 is movable relative to the holding member 21 in the extension direction X. When the wedge operating member 90 moves relative to the holding member 21, the wedge link 83 and the wedge operating member 90 also move relative to each other in the extension direction X.

[0049] The wedge 80 can be inserted into and removed from the mechanical splice 103 of the optical connector 100, enabling connection between an internal fiber 102 built into the optical connector 100 and an optical fiber F. As shown in FIG. 11 , the wedge 80 includes a wedge body 81 and a wedge holder 82. A third interlocking portion 82a is formed in the wedge holder 82. The bottom surface of the wedge holder 82 is exposed to the outside. A user can move the wedge body 81 upward by pushing up the bottom surface of the wedge holder 82. This allows the wedge body 81 to be inserted into the mechanical splice 103.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 10 , the wedge operating member 90 has an inclined surface 91. The inclined surface 91 faces the wedge link 83 in the extension direction X. The inclined surface 91 is inclined toward the +Z side as it approaches the −X side. The wedge operating member 90 also holds a fiber biasing spring 92 and a return spring 93. The fiber biasing spring 92 generates a biasing force for pressing the optical fiber F against the embedded fiber 102 inside the mechanical splice 103. The biasing force of the fiber biasing spring 92 is set so as to ensure an optical connection between the embedded fiber 102 and the optical fiber F. The return spring 93 serves to return the wedge operating member 90 and other components to their original positions after the optical fiber F is connected to the optical connector 100.

[0051] The optical fiber processing tool 1 has an interlocking mechanism M. The interlocking mechanism M is interlocked with the operation of the wedge operating member 90 relative to the holding member 21, and removes the wedge 80 from the mechanical splice 103 of the optical connector 100. The interlocking mechanism M includes a wedge link 83. As shown in FIG. 12 , the wedge link 83 has a first interlocking portion 83a that abuts against the inclined surface 91, a second interlocking portion 83b that abuts against the wedge 80, and a rotation center 83c located between the first interlocking portion 83a and the second interlocking portion 83b. The third interlocking portion 82a of the wedge 80 abuts against the second interlocking portion 83b. When the second interlocking portion 83b moves downward, the third interlocking portion 82a is also pushed downward. The interlocking mechanism M converts the linear movement of the wedge operating member 90 in the extension direction X into the rotational movement of the wedge link 83 , and the rotational movement of the wedge link 83 moves the wedge 80 .

[0052] <Working Procedure and Functions of Each Part> Next, a working procedure and functions of each part when processing the optical fiber F using the optical fiber processing tool 1 configured as above will be described.

[0053] In the initial state, the fiber holder 10 is located at the optical fiber cutting position P11, and the stripper support base 60 is located at the coating cutting position P21. When the fiber holder 10 is located at the optical fiber cutting position P11, the coating stripper 40 faces the fiber holder 10 in the extension direction X. When the fiber holder 10 is located at the optical fiber cutting position P11, the guide shaft G and the first guide hole 11 of the fiber holder 10 are positioned in the perpendicular direction Y. Furthermore, when the stripper support base 60 is located at the coating cutting position P21, the cutting blade 71 of the fiber cutting unit 70 is covered by the stripper support base 60, and the stripper support base 60 is located between the cutting blade 71 and the cutting clamp 72.

[0054] In the initial state, no optical fiber F is set in the fiber holder 10. Also, as shown in FIG. 13A, no optical connector 100 is set in the connector holder 20. First, the user sets the optical fiber F in the fiber holder 10. Also, as shown in FIG. 13B, the optical connector 100 is set in the connector holder 20. At this time, the wedge 80 is waiting below the optical connector 100. Next, the user pushes up the wedge 80 with a finger or the like. As a result, the wedge 80 is inserted into the mechanical splice 103, as shown in FIG. 13C. As the wedge 80 is inserted, the wedge link 83 is displaced.

[0055] 14, the user operates the handle portion 50 to bring the tip of the first stripper blade 41 and the tip of the second stripper blade 42 closer to each other. As a result, the optical fiber F is held between the first stripper blade 41 and the second stripper blade 42, and a cut is made in the coating f2 of the optical fiber F. At this time, the bare portion f1 of the optical fiber F is positioned in the gap between the first avoidance recess 41a and the second avoidance recess 42a, so damage to the bare portion f1 is prevented.

[0056] 15, the stripper support base 60 is moved away from the fiber holder 10 from the coating cutting position P21 to the coating removal position P22. The stripper support base 60 may be moved to the left (-X side) relative to the fiber holder 10, or the fiber holder 10 may be moved to the right (+X side) relative to the stripper support base 60. At this time, the guide shaft G is inserted into the first guide hole 11 of the fiber holder 10, and the relative movement of the stripper support base 60 with respect to the fiber holder 10 is guided. In addition, movement of the fiber holder 10 in the orthogonal direction Y is restricted.

[0057] The coating stripper 40 (first stripper blade 41 and second stripper blade 42) moves together with the stripper support base 60 in a direction away from the fiber holder 10. With a cut made in the coating f2 of the optical fiber F, the optical fiber F is held between the first stripper blade 41 and the second stripper blade 42. As the coating stripper 40 moves, the portion of the coating f2 of the optical fiber F to the left (-X side) of the coating stripper 40 is removed from the bare portion f1, exposing the bare portion f1. When the stripper support base 60 reaches the coating removal position P22, the coating f2 completely comes off the bare portion f1. In other words, the "predetermined length" by which the end of the optical fiber F extends from the fiber holder 10 is determined so that the coating f2 falls off from the bare portion f1 when the stripper support base 60 moves from the coating cutting position P21 to the coating removal position P22.

[0058] 16, the stripper support base 60 is moved away from the coating removal position P22 relative to the fiber holder 10 to the bare portion cutting position P23. At this time, the guide shaft G is inserted into the first guide hole 11 of the fiber holder 10, and the relative movement of the stripper support base 60 with respect to the fiber holder 10 is guided. In addition, the movement of the fiber holder 10 in the orthogonal direction Y is restricted.

[0059] When the stripper support base 60 is at the bare part cutting position P23, the stripper support base 60 is separated from the cutting blade 71 and the cutting clamp 72 in the extension direction X. That is, when the stripper support base 60 is at the bare part cutting position P23, the cutting blade 71 is exposed from the stripper support base 60. Furthermore, when the stripper support base 60 reaches the bare part cutting position P23, the restriction on rotation of the cutting clamp 72 by the rotation restricting portion 72b is released, and the cutting clamp 72 moves to a closed state, as shown in FIG. 9C . As the cutting blade 71 and cutting clamp 72 approach each other, the pressing portion 72a of the cutting clamp 72 presses the bare part f1 against the cutting blade 71, and the bare part f1 is cut.

[0060] 17, the stripper support base 60 is moved away from the bare portion cutting position P23 relative to the fiber holder 10 to the retracted position P24. At this time, the rotation restricting portion 72b moves from the restriction release surface 63b toward the fiber holder 10 (+X side), and the rotation restricting portion 72b abuts against the second connecting surface 63d, gradually returning the cutting clamp 72 to the open state. That is, when the stripper support base 60 is in the retracted position P24, the cutting blade 71 and the cutting clamp 72 are separated. Furthermore, when the stripper support base 60 reaches the retracted position P24, the guide shaft G disengages from the first guide hole 11 of the fiber holder 10. This allows the fiber holder 10 to move in the orthogonal direction Y.

[0061] 18 , the fiber holder 10 is moved from the optical fiber cutting position P11 to the connection position P12. The fiber holder 10 is guided by the guide rail 32 to move linearly in the orthogonal direction Y. When the fiber holder 10 is at the connection position P12, the connector holder 20 faces the fiber holder 10 in the extension direction X. When the fiber holder 10 is at the connection position P12, the positions of the guide shaft G and the second guide hole 12 of the fiber holder 10 in the orthogonal direction Y are aligned.

[0062] 19, the fiber holder 10 is moved closer to the optical connector 100 held by the connector holder 20. This allows the optical fiber F held by the fiber holder 10 to be connected to the built-in fiber 102 built into the optical connector 100. At this time, the guide shaft G is inserted into the second guide hole 12 of the fiber holder 10, and the relative movement of the fiber holder 10 with respect to the optical connector 100 is guided.

[0063] The above operation results in the state shown in FIG. 20A . Next, as shown in FIG. 20B , the optical connector 100, together with the connector holder 20, is brought closer to the fiber holder 10. As a result, the optical fiber F held by the fiber holder 10 is inserted into the mechanical splice 103 of the optical connector 100. Furthermore, the optical fiber F and the embedded fiber 102 come into contact within the mechanical splice 103. At this time, the fiber biasing spring 92 applies a biasing force, pressing the optical fiber F and the embedded fiber 102 together with an appropriate force. Next, as shown in FIG. 20C , the wedge operating member 90 is pushed toward the fiber holder 10. This rotates the wedge link 83 and pushes down the wedge 80. The wedge 80 is removed from the mechanical splice 103, thereby fixing the optical fiber F to the optical connector 100. This completes the connection between the optical fiber F and the optical connector 100.

[0064] As described above, the optical fiber processing tool 1 of this embodiment includes the fiber holder 10 that holds the optical fiber F with the end of the optical fiber F extending to one side (the −X side), the fiber cutting unit 70 that cuts the optical fiber F, the connector holder 20 that holds the optical connector 100, and the guide rail 32 that guides the movement of the fiber holder 10. The fiber cutting unit 70 and the connector holder 20 are arranged at an interval in the orthogonal direction Y. The fiber holder 10 is guided by the guide rail 32, and is linearly movable in the orthogonal direction Y between an optical fiber cutting position P11 where the fiber cutting unit 70 cuts the optical fiber F and a connection position P12 where the optical connector 100 is connected to the optical fiber F. With this optical fiber processing tool 1, the fiber holder 10 can be moved between the optical fiber cutting position P11 and the connection position P12 to cut the optical fiber F and to connect the optical fiber F to the optical connector 100. This eliminates the need to switch between a tool for cutting the optical fiber and a tool for fixing the optical fiber to the optical connector, for example. This improves the work efficiency when processing the optical fiber F. For example, even if there is no work table or the like at the site where the optical fiber F is processed, the user can easily process the optical fiber F.

[0065] The optical fiber processing tool 1 further includes a coating stripper 40 that removes the coating f2 from the optical fiber F. The coating stripper 40 faces the fiber holder 10 in the extension direction X when the fiber holder 10 is at the optical fiber cutting position P11. With this configuration, the optical fiber processing tool 1 can also be used to remove the coating f2 from the optical fiber F.

[0066] The optical fiber processing tool 1 further includes a guide shaft G extending in the extension direction X. The coating stripper 40 is slidable in the extension direction X together with the guide shaft G. The fiber holder 10 has a first guide hole 11 and a second guide hole 12 extending in the extension direction X. The first guide hole 11 and the second guide hole 12 are arranged at an interval in the orthogonal direction Y. When the fiber holder 10 is at the optical fiber cutting position P11, the guide shaft G and the first guide hole 11 are aligned in the orthogonal direction Y. When the fiber holder 10 is at the connection position P12, the guide shaft G and the second guide hole 12 are aligned in the orthogonal direction Y. This configuration improves the positioning accuracy of the fiber holder 10 when the optical fiber F is cut by the fiber cutting unit 70 and when the optical fiber F is connected to the optical connector 100. Furthermore, by providing both the first guide hole 11 and the second guide hole 12 in the fiber holder 10, it is possible to improve the positioning accuracy of the above-mentioned fiber holder 10 while suppressing an increase in the size of the optical fiber processing tool 1.

[0067] The coating stripper 40 also includes a first stripper blade 41 and a second stripper blade 42. The first stripper blade 41 is supported by a first link member 53, and the second stripper blade 42 is supported by a second link member 54. The first link member 53 is pivotable about a first link rotation shaft 53a, and the second link member 54 is pivotable about a second link rotation shaft 54a. The first link rotation shaft 53a and the second link rotation shaft 54a are disposed farther from the fiber holder 10 in the extension direction X than the first stripper blade 41 and the second stripper blade 42. With this configuration, the length of the portion from which the coating f2 is removed by the coating stripper 40 can be shortened, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the optical fiber F.

[0068] The optical fiber processing tool 1 includes a fiber holder 10 that holds the optical fiber F with the end of the optical fiber F extended to one side (the −X side), a coating stripper 40 that removes the coating f2 from the optical fiber F, a stripper support base 60 that supports the coating stripper 40, and a fiber cutting unit 70 that cuts the bare portion f1 of the optical fiber F. The stripper support base 60 moves relative to the fiber holder 10 in the extension direction X between a coating cutting position P21 where the coating stripper 40 makes a slit in the coating f2, a coating removal position P22 that is further away from the fiber holder 10 than the coating cutting position P21 and removes the coating f2 from the bare portion f1, and a bare portion cutting position P23 that is further away from the fiber holder 10 than the coating removal position P22 and where the bare portion f1 is cut by the fiber cutting unit 70. With this optical fiber processing tool 1, the operations of removing the coating f2 from the optical fiber F and cutting the optical fiber F can be performed by moving the stripper support base 60. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the need to switch between a tool for coating removal and a tool for optical fiber cutting, for example, thereby improving the work efficiency when processing the optical fiber F. Furthermore, since the positional relationship between coating removal and fiber cutting can be always kept constant, the length of the bare portion f1 of the optical fiber F can always be kept constant.

[0069] The fiber cutting unit 70 has a cutting blade 71 and a cutting clamp 72 that presses the bare part f1 against the cutting blade 71. The stripper support base 60 is movable to a retracted position P24 that is further away from the fiber holder 10 than the bare part cutting position P23. When the stripper support base 60 is at the bare part cutting position P23, the cutting blade 71 and the cutting clamp 72 come closer to each other, thereby cutting the bare part f1. With this configuration, the optical fiber F can be reliably cut by the fiber cutting unit 70 when the stripper support base 60 is at the bare part cutting position P23.

[0070] When the bare portion f1 is cut and the stripper support base 60 is in the retracted position P24, the cutting blade 71 separates from the cutting clamp 72. With this configuration, by moving the stripper support base 60, the cutting blade 71 can also be separated from the cutting clamp 72 after the optical fiber F has been cut.

[0071] When the stripper support base 60 is in the coating cutting position P21, the stripper support base 60 is located between the cutting blade 71 and the cutting clamp 72. When the stripper support base 60 is in the bare part cutting position P23, the stripper support base 60 is spaced apart from the cutting blade 71 and the cutting clamp 72 in the extension direction X. With this configuration, the size of the optical fiber processing tool 1 in the extension direction X can be reduced.

[0072] The sheath stripper 40 further includes a link mechanism R that operates the sheath stripper 40. The sheath stripper 40 includes a first stripper blade 41 and a second stripper blade 42. The link mechanism R includes a first link member 53 that supports the first stripper blade 41 and a second link member 54 that supports the second stripper blade 42. The first link member 53 is pivotable about a first link rotation shaft 53a, and the second link member 54 is pivotable about a second link rotation shaft 54a. A first handle 51 is connected to the first link member 53, and a second handle 52 is connected to the second link member 54. The first handle 51 is pivotable about a first handle rotation shaft 51a, and the second handle 52 is pivotable about a second handle rotation shaft 52a. According to this configuration, by operating the first handle 51 and the second handle 52, the coating stripper 40 can be actuated via the link mechanism R, and the coating f2 of the optical fiber F can be removed.

[0073] The optical fiber processing tool 1 includes a fiber holder 10 that holds the optical fiber F with the end of the optical fiber F extended to one side (the −X side), a connector holder 20 that holds the optical connector 100, a wedge 80 that can be inserted into and removed from a mechanical splice 103 of the optical connector 100 and that enables connection between an internal fiber 102 built into the optical connector 100 and the optical fiber F, a wedge operating member 90 that can move relatively to the connector holder 20, and an interlocking mechanism M that operates in conjunction with the relative movement of the wedge operating member 90 to remove the wedge 80 from the mechanical splice 103. According to this optical fiber processing tool 1, the internal fiber 102 and the optical fiber F can be connected using the wedge 80, and the interlocking mechanism M can be removed from the mechanical splice 103. Therefore, work efficiency when processing the optical fiber F can be improved.

[0074] The interlocking mechanism M also includes a wedge link 83. The wedge actuating member 90 has an inclined surface 91. The wedge link 83 has a first interlocking portion 83a that abuts against the inclined surface 91, a second interlocking portion 83b that abuts against the wedge 80, and a rotation center 83c located between the first interlocking portion 83a and the second interlocking portion 83b. The interlocking mechanism M converts the linear motion of the wedge actuating member 90 in the extension direction X into rotational motion of the wedge link 83, and moves the wedge 80 using the rotational motion of the wedge link 83. With this configuration, the wedge 80 can be removed from the mechanical splice 103 using the linear motion of the wedge actuating member 90, such as pushing the wedge actuating member 90 toward the fiber holder 10.

[0075] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0076] For example, a structure for preventing erroneous operation by the user may be provided. An example of an erroneous operation is the possibility of inserting the optical fiber F into the mechanical splice 103 before the wedge 80 is inserted into the mechanical splice 103. If this erroneous operation occurs, the optical fiber F may hit the vicinity of the entrance of the mechanical splice 103, causing bending or breakage of the optical fiber F. As a structure for preventing this erroneous operation, the optical fiber processing tool 1 shown in FIG. 21 has a first restricting portion 82b and a second restricting portion 22.

[0077] The first restricting portion 82b and the second restricting portion 22 restrict the fiber holder 10 and the connector holder 20 from approaching each other when the wedge 80 is not inserted into the mechanical splice 103. Furthermore, the first restricting portion 82b and the second restricting portion 22 allow the fiber holder 10 and the connector holder 20 to approach each other when the wedge 80 is inserted into the mechanical splice 103.

[0078] More specifically, the first restricting portion 82b is a side surface of the wedge holder 82. The second restricting portion 22 is a part of the connector holder 20 and is disposed so as to face the first restricting portion 82b in the extension direction X. If an attempt is made to bring the optical connector 100 and the optical fiber F closer together before the wedge 80 is inserted into the mechanical splice 103, the second restricting portion 22 abuts against the first restricting portion 82b. In other words, the optical fiber F cannot be brought closer to the optical connector 100. This prevents the above-described erroneous operation.

[0079] In normal operation, the wedge 80 is first inserted into the mechanical splice 103. This causes the first restricting portion 82b to move upward, causing a misalignment in the vertical direction Z between the first restricting portion 82b and the second restricting portion 22. As a result, when an attempt is made to bring the optical fiber F closer to the optical connector 100, the second restricting portion 22 passes below the first restricting portion 82b. This allows the optical fiber F to be inserted into the mechanical splice 103.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in the fiber cutting unit 70, the cutting blade 71 is fixed to the base member 30, and the cutting clamp 72 is configured to be movable between a state where it is spaced apart from the cutting blade 71 and a state where it is close to the cutting blade 71. However, the cutting clamp 72 may be fixed to the base member 30, and the cutting blade 71 may be configured to be movable. However, fixing the cutting blade 71 to the base member 30 is more preferable because it stabilizes the cutting (cutting position, etc.) of the optical fiber F.

[0081] In addition, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0082] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...optical fiber processing tool, 10...fiber holder, 10a...first holder member, 10b...second holder member, 11...first guide hole, 12...second guide hole, 13...guide groove, 20...connector holder, 21...holding member, 22...second regulating portion, 30...base member, 31...base member main body portion, 32...guide rail, 33...slide rail, 34...rotation support portion, 40...coating stripper, 41...first stripper blade, 41a...first avoidance recess, 42...second stripper blade, 42a... Second avoidance recess, 43...first blade holder, 44...second blade holder, 50...handle portion, 51...first handle, 51a...first handle rotation shaft, 52...second handle, 52a...second handle rotation shaft, 53...first link member, 53a...first link rotation shaft, 53b...first connecting shaft, 54...second link member, 54a...second link rotation shaft, 54b...second connecting shaft, 60...stripper support base, 61...stripper support base main body portion, 62...stripper side guide portion, 62a...fall-off prevention protrusion, 6 3...opening / closing link, 63a...regulating surface, 63b...restriction release surface, 63c...first connecting surface, 63d...second connecting surface, 70...fiber cutting portion, 71...cutting blade, 72...cutting clamp, 72a...pressing portion, 72b...rotation restricting portion, 73...urging member, 80...wedge, 81...wedge main body, 82...wedge holder, 82a...third interlocking portion, 82b...first restricting portion, 83...wedge link, 83a...first interlocking portion, 83b...second interlocking portion, 83c...rotation center, 90...wedge operating member, 91...inclined surface, 92...fiber biasing spring, 93 ...return spring, 100...optical connector, 101...ferrule, 101a...fiber hole, 102...built-in fiber, 103...mechanical splice, 104...housing, F...optical fiber, f1...bare portion, f2...coating, G...guide shaft, M...interlocking mechanism, O...axis, P11...optical fiber cutting position, P12...connecting position, P21...coating cutting position, P22...coating removal position, P23...bare portion cutting position, P24...retraction position, R...link mechanism, X...extension direction, Y...orthogonal direction, Z...up and down direction

Claims

1. An optical fiber processing tool comprising: a fiber holder that holds an optical fiber with an end of the optical fiber extended to one side; a connector holder that holds an optical connector; a wedge that can be inserted into and removed from a mechanical splice of the optical connector, enabling a connection between the optical fiber and an internal fiber built into the optical connector; a wedge actuating member that can move relatively to the connector holder; and a linkage mechanism that operates in conjunction with the relative movement of the wedge actuating member to remove the wedge from the mechanical splice.

2. The optical fiber processing tool described in claim 1, wherein the interlocking mechanism includes a wedge link, the wedge operating member has an inclined surface, the wedge link has a first interlocking portion that abuts against the inclined surface, a second interlocking portion that abuts against the wedge, and a rotation center located between the first interlocking portion and the second interlocking portion, and the interlocking mechanism converts the linear motion of the wedge operating member in the extension direction of the optical fiber into rotational motion of the wedge link, and moves the wedge by the rotational motion of the wedge link.

3. An optical fiber processing tool as described in claim 1 or 2, comprising a first regulating portion and a second regulating portion that regulate the fiber holder and the connector holder from approaching each other when the wedge is not inserted into the mechanical splice, and the first regulating portion and the second regulating portion allow the fiber holder and the connector holder to approach each other when the wedge is inserted into the mechanical splice.