Optical fiber processing tool

Abstract

An optical fiber processing tool (1) comprises: a connector holder (20) for holding an optical connector that connects a pair of optical fibers so as to be abutted end-to-end; a wedge (50) that is attached to the connector holder (20) so as to be able to be inserted into and removed from the optical connector, and that enables the pair of optical fibers to be abutted end-to-end when the wedge (50) is in a state of being inserted into the optical connector; and a remover (60) for attaching the wedge (50) to and detaching the same from the connector holder (20).

Description

Optical fiber processing tools

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-087890, filed May 30, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses an optical fiber splicing tool for splicing optical fibers using an optical fiber splicer. This optical fiber splicing tool includes a pair of optical fiber holders that each hold two optical fibers, a support base that supports the optical fiber holders and the optical fiber splicer, and first and second inserting members that have inserting pieces that are inserted between elements of the optical fiber splicer to open the gap between the elements.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 5719796

[0004] The first and second inserting members are inserted into the optical fiber splicer as wedges to push apart the elements of the optical fiber splicer, but they wear out with repeated use, so when the wedges wear out, the optical fiber splicer needs to be replaced with a new one. On the other hand, since parts other than the wedges hardly wear out during normal use, replacing the optical fiber splicer with a new one due to the wedges wears out results in a problem of generating a lot of waste.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide an optical fiber processing tool that can reduce waste by making it possible to replace only the wedge, which is a consumable item.

[0006] An optical fiber processing tool according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a connector holder that holds an optical connector that butts and connects a set of optical fibers, a wedge that is attached to the connector holder so as to be insertable into and removable from the optical connector, and that enables the set of optical fibers to be butt-connected when inserted into the optical connector, and a remover that detaches the wedge from the connector holder.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is an optical fiber processing tool according to the first aspect, wherein the connector holder has an engagement portion that engages with the wedge, and the remover has an insertion portion that is inserted into the gap between the wedge and the engagement portion to release the engagement of the engagement portion with the wedge.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is an optical fiber processing tool according to the second aspect, wherein the wedge is provided with a protrusion, and the engaging portion is provided with a guide hole that engages with the protrusion and movably guides the wedge so as to move between a first position where the wedge can be inserted into the optical connector and a second position where the wedge can be removed from the optical connector, and the tip of the insertion portion may be provided with a recess to avoid interference between the insertion portion and the protrusion when the insertion portion is inserted into the gap between the wedge and the engaging portion.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention is an optical fiber processing tool according to the second or third aspect, wherein the remover may include a gripping portion that grips the wedge when the insertion portion is inserted into the gap between the wedge and the engagement portion.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention is an optical fiber processing tool according to the fourth aspect, wherein the gripping portion has a gripping force capable of detaching the wedge from the connector holder, and when a force exceeding the gripping force is applied, the gripping of the wedge can be released.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the optical fiber processing tool according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the connector holder may include a mounting hole that prevents the wedge from being mounted in the wrong direction.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the present invention may be an optical fiber processing tool according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, which includes a fiber holder that holds one of the set of optical fibers and extends an end of the one optical fiber toward the optical connector.

[0013] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical fiber processing tool that can reduce waste by making only the wedge, which is a consumable item, replaceable.

[0014] 11 is a plan view of the optical fiber processing tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along II-II in FIG. 1 . FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along III-III in FIG. 2 . FIG. 14 is a side view of the wedge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the wedge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the optical fiber processing tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the remover according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a plan view of the remover according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of an attachment groove of the remover according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along X-X in FIG. 10 . FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing how the wedge is detached from the connector holder by the remover according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the state shown in FIG. 12 . FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the state shown in FIG. 12 . FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of an attachment hole of the wedge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a plan view of the optical fiber processing tool according to the second embodiment.

[0015] Hereinafter, the optical fiber processing tool of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a plan view of an optical fiber processing tool 1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 1, the optical fiber processing tool 1 includes a fiber holder 10 and a connector holder 20. The fiber holder 10 is capable of holding an optical fiber F. The connector holder 20 is capable of holding an optical connector 100.

[0017] The optical fiber F has a bare portion f1 and a coating f2 that covers the bare portion f1. The bare portion f1 includes a core and a cladding that covers the core. The bare portion f1 is made of, for example, glass. The coating f2 is made of, for example, resin. The optical fiber F is held by the fiber holder 10 so that an end of the optical fiber F extends from the fiber holder 10 to the outside of the fiber holder 10 by a predetermined length.

[0018] In the following description, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is set, and the positional relationships of each component are sometimes described with reference to this XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. As shown in the figure, the X-axis direction is set to the direction in which the end of the optical fiber F extends from the fiber holder 10. The X-axis direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber processing tool 1. The Y-axis direction coincides with the width direction (short direction) of the optical fiber processing tool 1. The Z-axis direction coincides with the height direction of the optical fiber processing tool 1. In addition, one side of each of the XYZ orthogonal axes is defined as the "+ side," and the opposite side is defined as the "- side." That is, one side in the X-axis direction is defined as the "+X side," the side opposite the +X side in the X-axis direction is defined as the "-X side," one side in the Y-axis direction is defined as the "+Y side," the side opposite the +Y side in the Y-axis direction is defined as the "-Y side," one side in the Z-axis direction is defined as the "+Z side," and the side opposite the +Z side in the Z-axis direction is defined as the "-Z side." In the following description, the Z-axis direction may be referred to as the up-down direction, the +Z side as the upper side, and the −Z side as the lower side.

[0019] 1, the fiber holder 10 holds the optical fiber F with the end of the optical fiber F extending from the fiber holder 10 to the outside of the fiber holder 10. The fiber holder 10 includes a clamp or the like for clamping the optical fiber F. The fiber holder 10 holds the end of the optical fiber F in a position facing the optical connector 100 in the X-axis direction.

[0020] 2, the optical connector 100 includes a ferrule 101, an embedded fiber 102 (optical fiber F), a mechanical splice 103, and a housing 104. The ferrule 101 has a fiber hole through which the embedded fiber 102 is inserted. The embedded fiber 102 is positioned so that the -X side end face of the embedded fiber 102 is flush with the -X side end face (connection end face) of the ferrule 101. The -X side end face of the ferrule 101 is covered with a cap 101a.

[0021] The embedded fiber 102 extends from the ferrule 101 to the outside of the ferrule 101 on the +X side. The +X side portion of the embedded fiber 102 is located inside the mechanical splice 103. An optical fiber F to be connected to the embedded fiber 102 is inserted into the mechanical splice 103 from the +X side. As shown in FIG. 3 , the mechanical splice 103 includes a first clamping piece 103A, a second clamping piece 103B, and a clamp 103C.

[0022] The clamp 103C has a C-shape in cross section and is made of an elastic material. The first clamping piece 103A and the second clamping piece 103B are held on the inner surface of the clamp 103C by the elastic restoring force of the clamp 103C and are pressed against each other. An insertion hole 103a is formed in a portion of the pressed-contact surface between the first clamping piece 103A and the second clamping piece 103B. The embedded fiber 102 and the optical fiber F are inserted into the insertion hole 103a.

[0023] An expanded portion 103b is formed in a portion of the pressure contact surface between the first clamping piece 103A and the second clamping piece 103B, into which the wedge 50 shown in Fig. 2 can be inserted from below. When the wedge 50 is inserted into the expanded portion 103b, a gap is opened between the first clamping piece 103A and the second clamping piece 103B against the elastic force of the clamp 103C, and the optical fiber F can be inserted into the insertion hole 103a.

[0024] When the wedge 50 is pulled out from the widened portion 103b while the built-in fiber 102 and the optical fiber F are butted together inside the mechanical splice 103, the restoring force of the clamp 103C closes the gap between the first clamping piece 103A and the second clamping piece 103B, thereby maintaining the built-in fiber 102 and the optical fiber F in an butted state.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2 , the housing 104 accommodates the ferrule 101, the embedded fiber 102, and the mechanical splice 103. The housing 104 is formed with two insertion holes through which the wedge body 51 of the wedge 50 is inserted. In this embodiment, the wedge body 51 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.

[0026] An attachment hole 21 into which a wedge 50 can be attached is formed in the bottom of the connector holder 20. The connector holder 20 includes an optical connector holding portion 22, a link portion 30, and a link actuation portion 40. The optical connector holding portion 22 holds the optical connector 100, and is attached to the connector holder 20 together with the link portion 30 and the link actuation portion 40 so as to be movable relative to the fiber holder 10 in the X-axis direction.

[0027] The link actuation unit 40 includes a first member 40A and a second member 40B. The second member 40B is connected to the -X side (-X side portion) of the optical connector holding unit 22 via a fiber biasing spring 43. The first member 40A is connected to the -X side (-X side portion) of the second member 40B via a return spring 44. A link support unit 41 is provided on the underside (-Z side) of the second member 40B. The first member 40A and the second member 40B are movable in the X-axis direction relative to the connector holder 20. When the first member 40A moves in the X-axis direction, the second member 40B and the link unit 30 also move in the X-axis direction.

[0028] The fiber biasing spring 43 generates a biasing force for pressing the optical fiber F against the built-in fiber 102 inside the mechanical splice 103. The biasing force of the fiber biasing spring 43 is set so as to ensure an optical connection between the built-in fiber 102 and the optical fiber F. The return spring 44 has the role of returning the first member 40A and the like to their original positions (positions before they moved) after the optical fiber F is connected to the optical connector 100.

[0029] The link portion 30 includes a lever 31 that pushes down the wedge 50. The lever 31 includes a rotation shaft 31a that is journaled on the link support portion 41. The lever 31 is rotatable around the rotation shaft 31a. The first member 40A has an inclined surface 42. The inclined surface 42 faces the lever 31 in the X-axis direction. The inclined surface 42 is inclined toward the +Z side as it approaches the -X side.

[0030] The wedge 50 can be inserted into and removed from the mechanical splice 103 of the optical connector 100, and enables connection between an embedded fiber 102 built into the optical connector 100 and an optical fiber F. The wedge 50 includes a wedge body 51 and a wedge holder 52. The bottom surface of the wedge holder 52 is exposed to the outside. A user can move the wedge body 51 upward by pushing up the bottom surface of the wedge holder 52. This allows the wedge body 51 to be inserted into the mechanical splice 103.

[0031] The link unit 30 operates in conjunction with the movement of the link actuation unit 40 to remove the wedge 50 from the mechanical splice 103 of the optical connector 100. Specifically, when the first member 40A is moved toward the +X side, the inclined surface 42 abuts against the -X side end of the lever 31, causing the -X side end of the lever 31 to rotate upward about the rotation axis 31a. When the -X side end of the lever 31 rotates upward, the +X side end of the lever 31 rotates downward, pushing the wedge holder 52 downward. This allows the wedge 50 to move downward.

[0032] The wedge 50 includes two wedge bodies 51 spaced apart in the X-axis direction. Each of the two wedge bodies 51 is movable in the Z-axis direction relative to the wedge holder 52, but has a different movement stroke relative to the wedge holder 52. The wedge body 51 arranged on the +X side has a longer movement stroke in the Z-axis direction relative to the wedge holder 52 than the wedge body 51 arranged on the −X side. This allows the wedge body 51 arranged on the −X side to be removed from the mechanical splice 103 before the wedge body 51 arranged on the +X side. In other words, the gap between the first clamping piece 103A and the second clamping piece 103B at the portion where the embedded fiber 102 and the optical fiber F are butted together can be closed first.

[0033] When connecting the optical fiber F held by the fiber holder 10 to the built-in fiber 102 built into the optical connector 100, first, the wedge body 51 is inserted into the mechanical splice 103. Next, the optical connector 100, together with the link actuation unit 40, 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 in the optical connector 100.

[0034] As a result, the optical fiber F and the embedded fiber 102 are butted together within the mechanical splice 103. At this time, the fiber biasing spring 43 applies a biasing force, pressing the optical fiber F and the embedded fiber 102 together with an appropriate force. Next, when the first member 40A is further pressed toward the fiber holder 10, the lever 31 rotates and the wedge 50 is pressed down. When the wedge 50 is removed from the mechanical splice 103, the optical fiber F is fixed to the optical connector 100. This completes the connection between the optical fiber F and the optical connector 100.

[0035] Fig. 4 is a side view of the wedge 50 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the wedge 50 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the lower part of the wedge holder 52 is provided with an abutment part 53 against which the lever 31 can abut from the +Z side. In addition, the side part of the wedge holder 52 is provided with a protrusion part 54 that protrudes in the Y-axis direction.

[0036] 5, the abutment portion 53 has a rectangular shape that protrudes on both sides in the Y-axis direction relative to the wedge holder 52. The protrusions 54 have a pin shape that protrudes on both sides in the Y-axis direction relative to the wedge holder 52. The protrusions 54 are disposed on both sides in the Y-axis direction of each of the two wedge bodies 51. A total of four protrusions 54 are provided on the wedge holder 52.

[0037] 4 , connector holder 20 includes engaging portion 23 that engages with wedge 50. Engaging portion 23 is formed with guide hole 23a that guides protrusion 54 in the Z-axis direction. Guide hole 23a is an elongated hole that extends in the Z-axis direction and movably guides wedge 50 so that wedge body 51 can be inserted into mechanical splice 103 and moved between a first position and a second position.

[0038] 5 , an opening 55 is formed in the contact portion 53 at a position facing the protrusion 54 in the Z-axis direction. The opening 55 has a size that allows an insertion portion 62 of a remover 60, which will be described later, to be inserted therein. Specifically, the opening 55 is opened so that the dimension in the Y-axis direction of the opening 55 is larger than the sum of the dimension in the Y-axis direction of the protrusion 54 and the dimension in the Y-axis direction of the engagement portion 23, so that the engagement portion 23 can be disengaged from the protrusion 54.

[0039] Fig. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the optical fiber processing tool 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the remover 60 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the remover 60 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, an attachment groove 24 into which the remover 60 is detachably attached is formed on the bottom surface of the connector holder 20. The remover 60 is used when attaching or detaching the wedge 50 to or from the connector holder 20.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 7 , the remover 60 includes a base portion 61, an insertion portion 62, and a grip portion 63. The base portion 61 has a rectangular plate shape. As shown in Fig. 8 , a through-hole 61b is formed in the center of the base portion 61. As shown in Fig. 7 , the insertion portion 62 is provided on one side of the base portion 61. The insertion portion 62 is inserted into the gap between the wedge 50 and the engagement portion 23, thereby releasing the engagement of the engagement portion 23 with the wedge 50.

[0041] A recess 62a is provided at the tip of the insertion portion 62 to prevent interference between the insertion portion 62 and the protrusion 54 when the insertion portion 62 is inserted into the gap between the wedge 50 and the engagement portion 23. The recess 62a is formed in a U-shape. In addition, an inclined portion 62b is provided on the outer surface of the tip of the insertion portion 62 to make it easier to insert the insertion portion 62 into the gap between the wedge 50 and the engagement portion 23. In other words, the thickness of the insertion portion 62 becomes thinner toward the tip.

[0042] Four insertion portions 62 are provided on the base portion 61 corresponding to the four protrusions 54. The insertion portions 62 are provided along the long sides of the base portion 61. A knob portion 61a that protrudes outward is provided at the center of the long side of the base portion 61. The knob portion 61a is a portion on which an operator places his or her finger when attaching or detaching the wedge 50 from the connector holder 20.

[0043] A gripping portion 63 is provided at the center of the short side of the base portion 61, for gripping the wedge 50 when the insertion portion 62 is inserted into the gap between the wedge 50 and the engagement portion 23. The gripping portion 63 is erected on one side of the base portion 61, the same as the insertion portion 62. The pair of gripping portions 63 are arranged on the short sides of the base portion 61, spaced apart in the long side direction of the base portion 61. The gripping portions 63 are snap fits with inward-facing hooks at their tips. The wedge body 51 of the wedge 50 is provided with a pair of locked portions 56 (see FIG. 5) to which the pair of gripping portions 63 can be locked.

[0044] Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the mounting groove 24 into which the remover 60 according to the first embodiment is attached. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X shown in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 9, the mounting groove 24 into which the remover 60 is detachably attached is formed in the bottom surface of the connector holder 20. The mounting groove 24 is formed concavely toward the +Z side (depressed toward the +Z side).

[0045] Ribs 24a are provided on each of the two inner wall surfaces of the mounting groove 24 that face each other in the Y-axis direction. A mounting portion 24b for detachably mounting the remover 60 is provided on the inner wall surface on the +X side of the mounting groove 24. When the remover 60 is mounted on the mounting portion 24b, a gap S is formed between the remover 60 and the inner wall surface on the -X side of the mounting groove 24.

[0046] As shown in Figure 10, the mounting portion 24b is formed in a rod shape extending toward the -X side. The -X side end of the mounting portion 24b is formed in a convex shape toward the +Z side. The -X side end of the mounting portion 24b is inserted into the through-hole 61b of the remover 60 and engages with the base portion 61. The rod-shaped portion of the mounting portion 24b is provided with a restricting portion 24c that restricts movement of the remover 60 toward the +X side. This prevents the tip of the insertion portion 62 of the remover 60 from contacting the inner wall surface on the +X side of the mounting groove 24, for example.

[0047] To remove the remover 60 from the mounting portion 24b, the remover 60 is grasped and pulled out in the -X side. A gap S is formed between the remover 60 attached to the mounting portion 24b and the inner wall surface on the -X side of the mounting groove 24, so the remover 60 can be pulled out in the -X side. When the remover 60 is pulled out in the -X side, the -X side end of the mounting portion 24b elastically deforms downward, disengaging the through-hole 61b of the remover 60 from the mounting portion 24b, and the remover 60 can be removed from the mounting portion 24b.

[0048] 11 to 13 are perspective views showing how the wedge 50 is detached from the connector holder 20 by the remover 60 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view in the state shown in Fig. 13. Figs. 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views in the state shown in Fig. 12. When the wedge 50 is detached from the connector holder 20 by the remover 60, first, the remover 60 is aligned with the wedge 50 as shown in Fig. 11.

[0049] Next, as shown in Fig. 12, the insertion portion 62 of the remover 60 is inserted into the gap between the wedge 50 and the engagement portion 23. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 15A, the tip of the insertion portion 62 is inserted into the gap between the wedge holder 52 and the engagement portion 23. Then, as shown in Fig. 15B, the engagement portion 23 is pushed outward in the Y-axis direction, and the engagement between the protrusion 54 and the engagement portion 23 can be released.

[0050] Finally, as shown in Fig. 13, the remover 60 and the wedge 50 are detached from the connector holder 20. At this time, as shown in Fig. 14, the gripping portion 63 of the remover 60 is locked to the locked portion 56 of the wedge holder 52. The gripping portion 63 grips the wedge 50 with the insertion portion 62 inserted into the gap between the wedge 50 and the engaging portion 23. Therefore, the wedge 50 can be detached by pulling out the remover 60 while the engagement between the protrusion 54 and the engaging portion 23 is released.

[0051] The gripping portion 63 has a gripping force that allows the wedge 50 to be detached from the connector holder 20. In other words, by lifting the remover 60, the wedge 50 can also be lifted. Note that, when a force exceeding this gripping force is applied to the gripping portion 63, the snap fit is elastically deformed, and the grip on the wedge 50 can be released. In other words, the wedge 50 can be removed from the remover 60 without having to be discarded together with the remover 60, and can be accommodated again in the attachment groove 24 (reused).

[0052] Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of the attachment hole 21 of the wedge 50 according to the first embodiment. After removing the wedge 50 whose wedge body 51 has worn out, a new wedge 50 is attached to the connector holder 20 as shown in Fig. 16. The connector holder 20 has an attachment hole 21 that prevents the wedge 50 from being attached incorrectly. Specifically, the attachment hole 21 opens in a generally convex shape when viewed from the bottom.

[0053] When wedge 50, which is generally convex in bottom view, is to be fitted into this fitting hole 21, it can only be fitted in the same orientation. If an attempt is made to fit wedge 50 in the wrong orientation, wedge 50 will come into contact with the periphery of the opening of fitting hole 21, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 16, and will not be able to be fitted into connector holder 20. This allows wedge 50 to be fitted in the correct orientation, so that when wedge 50 is removed from mechanical splice 103, the wedge body 51 on the -X side can be removed first, and then the wedge body 51 on the +X side can be removed, as shown in Figure 2.

[0054] As described above, the optical fiber processing tool 1 according to this embodiment includes the connector holder 20 that holds the optical connector 100 that butt-connects a set of optical fibers F, the wedge 50 that is attached to the connector holder 20 so as to be insertable into and removable from the optical connector 100 and that enables the set of optical fibers F to be butt-connected when inserted into the optical connector 100, and the remover 60 that detaches the wedge 50 from the connector holder 20. With this configuration, only the wedge 50, which is a consumable item, can be replaced, thereby reducing waste.

[0055] Moreover, in this embodiment, the connector holder 20 includes an engaging portion 23 that engages with the wedge 50, and the remover 60 includes an insertion portion 62 that is inserted into the gap between the wedge 50 and the engaging portion 23 to release the engagement of the engaging portion 23 with the wedge 50. With this configuration, the engaging portion 23 can be pushed apart to release the engagement between the wedge 50 and the engaging portion 23.

[0056] In this embodiment, the wedge 50 is provided with a protrusion 54, and the engaging portion 23 is provided with a guide hole 23a that engages with the protrusion 54 and movably guides the wedge 50 so as to move between a first position where the wedge 50 can be inserted into the optical connector 100 and a second position where the wedge 50 can be removed from the optical connector 100. The tip of the insertion portion 62 is provided with a recess 62a that prevents interference with the protrusion 54 when the insertion portion is inserted into the gap between the wedge 50 and the engaging portion 23. With this configuration, the insertion portion 62 can be inserted deeply into the gap between the wedge 50 and the engaging portion 23, making it easier to push the engaging portion 23 apart.

[0057] In this embodiment, the remover 60 includes a gripping portion 63 that grips the wedge 50 when the insertion portion 62 is inserted into the gap between the wedge 50 and the engagement portion 23. With this configuration, the wedge 50 can be easily attached to and detached from the connector holder 20 by inserting and pulling out the remover 60 into and from the wedge 50.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gripping portion 63 has a gripping force that allows the wedge 50 to be detached from the connector holder 20, and when a force exceeding this gripping force is applied, the gripping portion 63 can release the grip of the wedge 50. According to this configuration, the detached wedge 50 can be removed from the remover 60, and the remover 60 can be reused.

[0059] In this embodiment, the connector holder 20 has an attachment hole 21 that prevents the wedge 50 from being attached in the wrong direction. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the wedge 50 from being attached in the wrong direction when replacing it with a new wedge 50.

[0060] In addition, this embodiment includes a fiber holder 10 that holds one of the optical fibers F in a set and extends the end of the optical fiber F toward the optical connector 100. This configuration makes it easy to insert the optical fiber F into the optical connector 100.

[0061] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same or equivalent components as those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

[0062] Fig. 17 is a plan view of the optical fiber processing tool 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 17, the optical fiber processing tool 1 includes a fiber holder 10, a connector holder 20, a base member 110, a coating stripper 120, a handle 130, a stripper support base 140, and a fiber cutting unit 150.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The fiber holder 10 is attached to the base member 110 so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction. The fiber holder 10 is movable in the Y-axis direction between a position corresponding to the coating stripper 120 and a position corresponding to the connector holder 20. The connector holder 20 is disposed on the rear side (+Y side) of the coating stripper 120.

[0065] The base member 110 supports the fiber holder 10 and the stripper support base 140. The coating stripper 120 is disposed closer to the user (on the -Y side) than the connector holder 20. The coating stripper 120 removes the coating f2 from the end of the optical fiber F extending from the fiber holder 10. The coating stripper 120 is operated by manipulating a handle 130.

[0066] Operation of the handle 130 is transmitted via a link mechanism to the coating stripper 120. The stripper support base 140 holds the connector holder 20, the coating stripper 120, and the handle 130. The stripper support base 140 is attached to the base member 110 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction.

[0067] The fiber cutting unit 150 is disposed closer to the user (on the -Y side) than the connector holder 20. The position of the fiber cutting unit 150 in the X-axis direction is fixed relative to the base member 110. The fiber cutting unit 150 cuts the bare portion f1 of the optical fiber F from which the coating f2 has been removed by the coating stripper 120.

[0068] Next, the procedure for processing the optical fiber F using the optical fiber processing tool 1 configured as above and the function of each part will be described.

[0069] First, the fiber holder 10 is moved in the Y-axis direction to a position corresponding to the coating stripper 120, and the handle 130 is operated to make a slit in the coating f2 of the optical fiber F. Next, the stripper support base 140 is moved toward the -X side relative to the fiber holder 10 to expose the bare portion f1. Next, the fiber cutting unit 150 is moved together with the stripper support base 140, and the bare portion f1 is cut to an appropriate length.

[0070] Next, the fiber holder 10 is moved in the Y-axis direction to a position corresponding to the connector holder 20. The connector holder 20 holds the optical connector 100 with the wedge 50 inserted therein. Next, 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 in the optical connector 100.

[0071] The subsequent steps are the same as in the first embodiment, and the optical fiber F and the embedded fiber 102 come into contact within the mechanical splice 103 shown in FIG. 2. At this time, the fiber biasing spring 43 applies a biasing force, pressing the optical fiber F and the embedded fiber 102 together with an appropriate force. Next, the first member 40A is pressed toward the fiber holder 10. This rotates the lever 31, and the wedge 50 is pressed down. When the wedge 50 is removed from the mechanical splice 103, the optical fiber F is fixed to the optical connector 100. This completes the connection between the optical fiber F and the optical connector 100.

[0072] Even in the optical fiber processing tool 1 described above, by removably attaching the above-mentioned remover 60 to the bottom surface of the connector holder 20 or the base member 110, it is possible to remove and attach only the wedge 50 when the wedge body 51 becomes worn.

[0073] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it should be understood that these are illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention should not be deemed limited by the foregoing description, but rather by the scope of the claims.

[0074] For example, the optical fiber processing tool 1 may not have the fiber holder 10 and the optical fiber F may be inserted directly into the optical connector 100 .

[0075] In addition, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate.

[0076] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...optical fiber processing tool, 10...fiber holder, 20...connector holder, 21...mounting hole, 22...optical connector holding portion, 23...engaging portion, 23a...guide hole, 24...mounting groove, 24a...rib, 24b...mounting portion, 24c...regulating portion, 30...link portion, 31...lever, 31a...rotating shaft, 40...link operating portion, 40A...first member, 40B...second member, 41...link support portion, 42...inclined surface, 43...fiber biasing spring, 44...return spring, 50...wedge, 51...wedge main body, 52...wedge holder, 53...abutting portion, 54...projection portion, 55...opening, 56...engaged portion, 60...remover, 61... Base portion, 61a... knob portion, 61b... through hole, 62... insertion portion, 62a... recess, 62b... inclined portion, 63... grip portion, 100... optical connector, 101... ferrule, 101a... cap, 102... built-in fiber, 103... mechanical splice, 103a... insertion hole, 103A... first clamping piece, 103b... expansion portion, 103B... second clamping piece, 103C... clamp, 104... housing, 110... base member, 120... coating stripper, 130... handle, 140... stripper support base, 150... fiber cutting portion, F... optical fiber, f1... bare portion, f2... coating, S... gap

Claims

1. An optical fiber processing tool comprising: a connector holder that holds an optical connector that butts and connects a set of optical fibers; a wedge that is attached to the connector holder so as to be insertable into and removable from the optical connector, and that enables the set of optical fibers to be butt-connected when inserted into the optical connector; and a remover that attaches and detaches the wedge from the connector holder.

2. The optical fiber processing tool according to claim 1, wherein the connector holder has an engagement portion that engages with the wedge, and the remover has an insertion portion that is inserted into the gap between the wedge and the engagement portion to release the engagement portion from the wedge.

3. An optical fiber processing tool as described in claim 2, wherein the wedge is provided with a protrusion, the engaging portion is provided with a guide hole that engages with the protrusion and movably guides the wedge so that it can be moved between a first position where it can be inserted into the optical connector and a second position where it can be removed from the optical connector, and the tip of the insertion portion is provided with a recess to avoid interference between the insertion portion and the protrusion when the insertion portion is inserted into the gap between the wedge and the engaging portion.

4. The optical fiber processing tool according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the remover comprises a gripping portion that grips the wedge when the insertion portion is inserted into the gap between the wedge and the engagement portion.

5. The optical fiber processing tool according to claim 4, wherein the gripping portion has a gripping force that allows the wedge to be detached from the connector holder, and when a force exceeding the gripping force is applied, the gripping of the wedge can be released.

6. The optical fiber processing tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connector holder has an attachment hole that prevents the wedge from being attached in the wrong direction.

7. The optical fiber processing tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a fiber holder that holds one of the set of optical fibers and causes an end of the one optical fiber to extend toward the optical connector.

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