JP3778981B2 - Connection tool for mechanical splice - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention connects optical fibers. Ume The present invention relates to a connection tool for mechanical splicing that connects optical fibers using a canal splice.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In order to construct an optical fiber network, it is necessary to interconnect a plurality of optical fibers. In general, such optical fiber interconnection is performed by fixing two optical fibers to be connected with their end portions abutted against each other. In order to suppress transmission loss as much as possible, it is required that the axes of the optical fibers are aligned with high accuracy and are firmly fixed so as not to be displaced from each other.
[0003]
For this reason, conventionally, various alignment positioning structures listed below have been employed as technical means for interconnecting optical fibers.
(1) A structure in which an optical fiber is inserted into both ends of a microcapillary (precision capillary)
(2) Structure in which optical fibers are butted in the V-groove
(3) Structure in which an optical fiber is supported and positioned at the center of three precision rods or three precision balls
[0004]
Further, as a method for fixing the optical fiber thus brought into a butted state, a method of adhering the optical fiber to the alignment positioning structure, a method of mechanically holding and fixing, and the like have been employed.
[0005]
By the way, the above-mentioned optical fiber connection method has the following problems in the optical fiber fixing method, and the improvement has been desired. First, the method of fixing an optical fiber by the above-described bonding has a problem that the operation of changing the optical fiber becomes troublesome. That is, when troubles such as disconnection or failure of optical components occur in an optical fiber network, it is necessary to perform an operation of disconnecting an optical fiber that is already connected and reconnecting it to another optical fiber. At this time, if the optical fiber is bonded to the aligning and positioning structure, it is difficult to remove the optical fiber, and it is difficult to reuse the butt end portion because it is stained with an adhesive. Further, in the method of fixing the optical fiber by mechanically holding it, it is difficult to apply the holding force evenly to the butt end portion of the optical fiber. When the clamping force acts unevenly, the refractive index of the butt end portion changes when the butt state is released, which makes it difficult to reuse.
[0006]
In addition, the optical fiber connection operation requires a very fine optical fiber core to be abutted and fixed, and is a laborious operation. For this reason, conventionally, there has been a demand for technical means capable of interconnecting optical fibers by a simple operation. In particular, optical fiber network repair work and the like are often performed at high altitudes outdoors, so that it is required to be able to connect optical fibers quickly with a simple operation.
[0007]
From such a background, an optical fiber connector called a mechanical splice has been proposed. This mechanical splice is composed of a pair of clamping members and a C-shaped spring, and its schematic configuration is as follows.
[0008]
First, each of the pair of clamping members has a shape in which a cylinder is cut into two by a plane including its central axis. These clamping members are accommodated in a C-shaped spring in a state in which one side surface (hereinafter referred to as a contact surface) contacts each other and forms an integral cylindrical shape. A V-shaped groove or a U-shaped groove is formed along the axial direction on the contact surface of one of the holding members, thereby forming a guide groove for guiding the core of the optical fiber. The guide groove reaches both ends of the clamping member.
[0009]
The C-type spring has a slit that vertically cuts the side surface. The pair of holding members are accommodated in the C-shaped spring in a state where the contact portions are exposed from the slits and the slits are expanded. Therefore, a strong contact pressure due to the elastic force of the C-shaped spring acts between the holding members.
[0010]
When interconnecting two optical fibers using this mechanical splice, a wedge-shaped object is inserted into the abutting portion of each clamping member exposed from the slit of the C-shaped spring, and a gap is formed between each clamping member. Cause it to occur. In this state, two optical fibers are inserted from both ends of the mechanical splice, and each is advanced along the guide groove of the holding member. Then, the end portions of the two optical fibers are butted together at substantially the center of the holding member, and the wedge-shaped member is pulled out from the contact portion while maintaining the butted state. As a result, the gap between the sandwiching members is closed, and the two optical fibers are sandwiched by the sandwiching member in a state where the ends are abutted. In order to release the connection of the optical fiber, the wedge-shaped member is again inserted into the contact portion of the holding member in the C-shaped spring, and the optical fiber is pulled out with the pair of holding members separated.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since the mechanical splice is interconnected by sandwiching two optical fibers, it is possible to connect / disconnect the optical fiber without damaging the optical fiber. However, since the mechanical splice is small in size, it is difficult to spread the C-type spring, and an optical fiber must be inserted between the holding members while spreading the C-type spring. It was difficult to connect optical fibers together. For this reason, development of the tool for exclusive use for performing the butt connection of the optical fiber with an optical fiber connector easily was calculated | required. Also, in the maintenance work of the optical fiber network, there are cases where only one of the two optical fibers connected to the mechanical splice is replaced with another optical fiber, but this work is particularly difficult and is improved. Was desired.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and it is possible to easily perform an operation for connecting / disconnecting an optical fiber, in particular, an operation of replacing one of two already connected optical fibers. Can Rume The object is to provide a connecting tool for canal splice.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0015]
Claim 1 In the invention according to the present invention, a pair of holding members that are integrated by abutting each other in the same longitudinal direction, and a state in which at least a part of each of the contact portions of the pair of holding members that are integrated are exposed A connecting tool for mechanical splices that connects the ends of two optical fibers using a mechanical splice comprising an elastic body that is accommodated in each of the contact surfaces and applies a pressure contact force between the contact surfaces. A separating member that is installed so as to be able to advance and retreat in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the wedge portions are arranged, and the mechanical splice is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of wedge portions. A holding unit that holds in a posture that matches the direction, a holding unit that is installed so as to be slidable along the direction in which the plurality of wedges are arranged, a handle that is pressed, and Depending on the pressing operation Separation member drive for driving the separation member, causing the wedge portion of the separation member to be inserted into the contact portion exposed from the elastic body of each clamping member of the mechanical splice held by the holding portion, and separating each clamping member And a mechanical splice connecting tool characterized by comprising a mechanism.
[0016]
According to this invention, according to the pressing operation of the handle, the wedge portion interrupts between the holding members of the mechanical splice, and each holding member is separated. Here, since the holding portion is slidable, the holding portion can be positioned so that the wedge portion faces only, for example, the left half portion of the mechanical splice. Therefore, by pressing the handle, each holding member can be separated from the left half portion of the pair of holding members, and the optical fiber inserted in that portion can be replaced with another optical fiber.
[0017]
Claim 2 The invention according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanical splice discharge mechanism for discharging the mechanical splice held by the holder to the outside of the holder. 1 The gist of the connecting tool for mechanical splicing is described.
[0018]
According to this invention, since the mechanical splice can be discharged, the optical fiber connection operation is further facilitated.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
A. Configuration of this embodiment
(1) Overall configuration
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a mechanical splice connection tool 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mechanical splicing connection tool 10 is a tool for connecting an optical fiber using the mechanical splice described above, and is provided with the following mechanism with respect to the tool body 11 having the gripping portion 11a. In the following, in order to facilitate understanding of the overall configuration of the tool, a simple description of the configuration of each mechanism has been made within the range shown in FIG. 1, but each of the following mechanisms a to c will be described later. Further detailed description will be given.
[0021]
a. Optical fiber holding mechanism
The mechanical splicing connection tool 10 has a pair of left and right optical fiber holding mechanisms 20L and 20R. The worker performs the connection work in a state where the two optical fibers to be connected are held by these holding mechanisms.
[0022]
b. Mechanical splice retention / discharge mechanism
In the mechanical splicing connection tool 10, a rail 30a is laid in parallel to a straight line connecting the optical fiber holding mechanisms 20L and 20R, and the holding block 30 is slidably attached to the rail 30a. Yes. The holder block 30 is provided with a pair of left and right holders 31L and 31R that sandwich the mechanical splice and a clamper 32 that supports the mechanical splice from below. The optical fiber connection operation is performed in a state where the mechanical splice as a connection component is held and fixed by the holders 31L and 31R and the clamper 32. Further, after the two optical fibers are connected by the mechanical splice, it is necessary to remove the mechanical splice from the holders 31L and 31R, and a mechanical splice discharge mechanism for facilitating this work is provided. In other words, in this embodiment, the splice discharge handle 33 is operated in the direction of arrow M to raise the clamper 32 and discharge the mechanical splice sandwiched between the holders 31L and 31R to the outside.
[0023]
c. Separation member drive mechanism
In order to connect two optical fibers using the mechanical splice, it is necessary to separate the holding members in the mechanical splice so that the optical fiber can be inserted as described above. In the present embodiment, the separation member 40 having four wedge portions 40A to 40D and a drive mechanism that drives the separation member 40 to the holders 21L and 21R according to the pressing operation of the handle 41 play the roles. I'm in charge.
[0024]
d. Other
In the present embodiment, hooks 9L and 9R are provided on the tool body 11 in order to facilitate optical fiber connection work. The operator can also perform the optical fiber connection work while the hook is suspended from the cable, and in this case, since both hands can be used, there is an advantage that the operation becomes easier.
[0025]
(2) Optical fiber holding mechanism
Next, the configuration of the optical fiber holding mechanisms 20L and 20R will be described. A pair of guide plates 21 and 22 are attached to the optical fiber holding mechanism 20L so as to be spaced apart from each other in parallel, and guide grooves 23 for accommodating the optical fibers are formed in the upper centers of these guide plates. Has been. A cushion (not shown) is disposed between the guide plates 21 and 22, and the optical fibers accommodated in the guide grooves 23 and 23 are placed on the cushion.
[0026]
Further, the optical fiber holding mechanism 20L is provided with a lid 24 rotatably attached to the shaft 24a, and the lid 24 is configured to be just tilted between the guide plates 21 and 22. In this collapsed state, the optical fiber is sandwiched and fixed by the lid 24 and the cushion. Further, the lid 24 has a protruding portion 24b obtained by bending a part of one side of the lid 24. When the lid 24 falls down, the tip of the protruding portion 24b abuts on the stopper 24c, and the lid 24 rotates further. Is to be blocked. Therefore, the lid 24 does not fall excessively deep between the guide plates 21 and 22, and the optical fiber is not bent.
[0027]
Although the optical fiber holding mechanism 20L has been described above, the optical fiber holding mechanism 20R has the same configuration.
[0028]
(3) Mechanical splice retention / discharge mechanism
▲ 1 ▼ About mechanical splice
8 to 9 show a mechanical splice 100 used as an optical fiber connecting part in this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the mechanical splice, FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mechanical splice, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanical splice taken along line Ia-Ia ′. Prior to the description of the mechanical splice holding / discharging mechanism, the structure of the mechanical splice will be described with reference to these drawings.
[0029]
This mechanical splice 100 is also basically composed of a C-type spring and a clamping member. The C-type spring 101 of this mechanical splice 100 has a mechanical splice in addition to a longitudinal slit 102 that longitudinally cuts in the longitudinal direction. Near the center of 100, a transverse slit 103 orthogonal to the longitudinal slit is provided. The transverse slit 103 does not completely circulate around the C-type spring 101, and the C-type spring 101 is kept in one piece without being divided by the transverse slit 103. However, since the transverse slit 103 is formed, the mechanical coupling between the right half portion and the left half portion of the C-shaped spring 101 is sparse, so that the longitudinal slit 102 of one portion is made to be the other. It is possible to push out almost independently of the state of the part.
[0030]
Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a base 110 and upper lids 111, 112, and 113 are housed inside the C-shaped spring 101. Each of these is shaped like a cylinder cut into two by a plane including its central axis, and one side of each cylinder comes into contact with each other to form an integral cylindrical shape. Is housed.
[0031]
Of the three upper lids, only the upper lid 112 at the center of the three upper lids and the central portion of the base 110 in contact therewith function as a clamping member for clamping the optical fiber. A V-shaped groove 110a is formed in the central portion of the base 110 as shown in FIG. 10, and forms a guide groove for the core of the optical fiber to be connected. In FIG. 10, the convex portion 112 b formed on the upper lid 112 is inserted into the concave portion 110 b formed on the base 110, but this serves to fix the positional relationship between the base 110 and the upper lid 112. It is what makes.
[0032]
The upper lid 111 and the end portion of the base 110 that is in contact with the upper lid 111 are formed with grooves at the center portions thereof, and these grooves are combined to form a hole 111a. Of the periphery of the hole 111a, the portion forming the floor (base 110 side) is gently lowered near the end of the mechanical splice, and the portion forming the ceiling (upper lid 111 side) is rapidly rising. In this way, the hole 111a increases in width toward the end of the mechanical splice, and a relatively wide opening is formed at the end, so that the tip of the optical fiber can be guided into the hole 111a relatively easily. be able to. The hole 111a gradually becomes narrower as it approaches the central upper lid 112, and finally reaches the guide groove 110a. The upper lid 113 and the end portion of the base 110 in contact with the upper lid 113 have the same configuration as described above.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 8, separation grooves 115 </ b> A to 115 </ b> D are formed in the contact portion between the base 110 and the upper lids 111, 112, and 113 at four locations. In FIG. 10, the cross-sectional shape of the separation groove 115B formed in the contact portion between the base 110 and the upper lid 112 is clearly shown. As shown in FIG. 8, windows 105 </ b> A to 105 </ b> D that expose these separation grooves 115 </ b> A to 115 </ b> D are formed in the C-shaped spring 101. The pitch of the four wedge portions 40A to 40D (FIG. 1) of the separation member 40 described above is the same as the pitch of the separation grooves 115A to 115D. Further, the width of each of the wedge portions 40A to 40D is narrower than the width of the separation grooves 115A to 115D (the dimension of the grooves in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 10) and has a thickness, and the tip is as shown in FIG. Has an acute angle. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the wedge portions 40A to 40D can be opposed to the separation grooves 115A to 115D, and the respective tips can be inserted into the separation grooves 115A to 115D. And when it inserts in this way, as will be understood easily from FIG. 10, the wedge portions 40A to 40D advance inward while gradually expanding the separation grooves 115A to 115D. . Therefore, the base 110 and the upper lids 111, 112, and 113 can be separated from each other against the elastic force of the C-shaped spring 101 (arrow in FIG. 10).
[0034]
(2) Mechanical splice retention / discharge mechanism
Next, a mechanism for holding the mechanical splice 100 described above will be described.
[0035]
2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ib-Ib ′ in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ic-Ic ′ in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the holding tool 31 </ b> L is formed by fastening a pair of leaf springs 301 and 302 to both sides of the block 303 with bolts, and is fixed to the holding base block 30. As shown in the figure, the portions of the leaf springs 301 and 302 that extend upward from the block 303 are folded in a “<” shape and face each other. "". The holding tool 31R has the same configuration, and is fixed to the holding base block 30 similarly to the holding tool 31L. According to this configuration, the mechanical splice 100 spreads the leaf springs 301 and 302 by simply placing the mechanical splice 100 on the inverted “C” -shaped portions of the holders 31L and 31R and pushing it in with a finger. Is lowered and placed on the clamper 32. In this state, the mechanical splice 100 is pressed from three sides by the clamper 32 and the leaf springs 301 and 302 and is firmly held, and therefore does not fall off.
[0036]
Since the holding tools 31L and 31R are fixed to the holding table block 30, they can be slid along the rail 30a together with the holding table block 30. 4 (a) and 4 (b) are plan views of the holding base block 30 and the separating member 40 as viewed from above, respectively, and show how the holding base block 30 slides. First, in the state shown in FIG. 4A, the four wedge portions 40 </ b> A to 40 </ b> D of the separating member 40 are opposed to the four windows 105 </ b> A to 105 </ b> D of the mechanical splice 100. On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 4B, the holding base block 30 is slid to the right side in the drawing, and the two wedge portions 40 </ b> C and 40 </ b> D on the right half of the separating member 40 are left of the mechanical splice 100. Opposite the two windows 105A and 105B provided in half. This embodiment is configured to be able to switch which window of the mechanical splice 100 is opposed to the wedge portion by sliding the holding base block 30. The purpose of the configuration will be clarified in the description of the operation of the present embodiment described later.
[0037]
Next, a mechanism for discharging the mechanical splice 100 from the holders 31L and 31R will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the clamper 32 has a rack 311 extending downward and connected to a lower portion thereof. The rack 311 is engaged with a pinion 312, and a rack 313 extending in the horizontal direction in the figure is engaged with the pinion 312. The rack 313 is connected to the splice discharge handle 33 in FIG. 1 via a link (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0038]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of the rack and pinion mechanism including the rack 311, the pinion 312, and the rack 313 described above, and the link mechanism that connects the rack 313 and the splice discharge handle 33. As shown in this figure, the pinion 312 has a shape in which teeth are formed around a cylindrical object, and is attached in a posture in which the rotation axis thereof is matched with the sliding direction of the holding table block 30. Therefore, even when the holding base block 30 moves along the rail 30a (FIG. 1) and the racks 311 and 311 below the clamper 32 move as a result, the racks 311 and 311 always engage with the pinion 312. It will be.
[0039]
A horizontal rack 313 that engages with the pinion 312 is rotatably attached to one end of the bar 314. The bar 314 is attached to the tool main body in such a manner that the bar 314 can rotate around the shaft 314a, and the splice discharge handle 33 is attached to the other end of the bar 314 in an upright state.
[0040]
In such a configuration, when the splice discharge handle 33 is moved in the direction of arrow M, the rack 313 is moved in the direction of arrow -M, and the pinion 312 is rotated clockwise as shown in FIG. As the pinion 312 rotates, the racks 311 and 311 are lifted, and the clamper 32 is raised. As the clamper 32 is lifted, the mechanical splice 100 is lifted by pushing between the leaf springs 301 and 302 and discharged out of the holders 31L and 31R.
The above is the detail of the mechanism for discharging the mechanical splice 100 from the holders 31L and 31R.
[0041]
(4) Separation member drive mechanism
(1) Separation member drive mechanism
FIG. 3 shows the state of each part when the handle 41 is not pushed, and FIG. 2 shows the state of each part when the handle 41 is pushed. As shown in these drawings, the separating member 40 is fixed to a block 401, and this block 401 is slidably attached to a shaft 402. Further, a roller 403 is rotatably attached in the vicinity of the base portion (the portion on the opposite side of the wedge portions 40A to 40D) of the separation member 40 at the top of the block 401.
[0042]
The handle 41 has a flat portion pressed by the operator's hand and a leg portion extending downward from the end of the flat portion, and has a slope 41a at the end of the leg portion.
[0043]
A shaft 411 is attached to the lower surface of the handle 41, and this shaft 411 is inserted into a cylinder 412 provided inside the tool body. A coil spring 411a surrounding the shaft 411 is inserted between the lower surface of the handle 41 and the upper end of the cylinder 412, and the handle 41 is lifted by the elasticity of the coil spring 411a.
[0044]
When the handle 41 is not pushed in, the inclined surface 41a provided on the leg portion of the handle 41 is in a state of lightly touching the roller 403. For this reason, the wedge portions 40 </ b> A to 40 </ b> D of the separating member 40 are located away from the mechanical splice 100. When the operator pushes the handle 41, the leg portion of the handle 41 moves downward while pushing the roller 403 leftward in FIG. As a result, the block 401 moves to the left in FIG. 3 while rotating the roller 403, and by this movement, the tips of the wedge portions 40 </ b> A to 40 </ b> D become separation grooves 115 </ b> A to 115 </ b> D (see FIGS. 8 and 10). The upper lids 111 to 113 and the base 110 (see FIG. 9) are separated (see FIG. 2).
The above is the details of the mechanism for driving the separating member 40 to separate the holding member in the mechanical splice 100.
[0045]
(2) Handle lock mechanism
If there is a function of maintaining the state in which the clamping member of the mechanical splice 100 is separated, it is convenient for performing operations such as replacement and butting of optical fibers. From such a viewpoint, a handle lock mechanism is employed in the present embodiment. Details of this mechanism will be described below.
[0046]
In FIG. 3, a pin 413 is driven in the middle of the shaft 411, and this pin 413 protrudes outward through a long hole 412 a formed long in the vertical direction on the side wall of the cylinder 412. On the other hand, a cam 420 is disposed outside the cylinder 412, and a tip of a pin 413 is inserted into a cam groove 421 formed on the front surface of the cam 420. On the other hand, a coil spring 422 is interposed between the back surface of the cam 420 and the wall surface of the tool body. The cam 420 is urged toward the pin 413 by the coil spring 422, and the state where the tip of the pin 413 touches the bottom of the cam groove 421 is maintained by this urging force. Accordingly, when the handle 41 is pressed, the shaft 411 is lowered, but the pin 413 attached to the shaft 411 is lowered while sliding the bottom of the cam groove 421 at the tip.
[0047]
6A is a perspective view of the cam 420, and FIG. 6B is a front view. In these drawings, the cam support portion 425 is fixed to the tool body via a rod 426. A shaft 427 at the top of the cam support 425 passes through the lower end of the cam 420, and the cam 420 can swing around the shaft 426. The periphery of the cam 420 is covered with a housing, and a leaf spring 430 is interposed between one side of the cam 420 (on the right side in FIG. 6B) and the housing. Therefore, the swing motion of the cam 420 is performed against the repulsive force generated by the elasticity of the leaf spring 430.
[0048]
Next, the cam groove 421 will be described. The bottom of the cam groove 421 is divided into regions S1 to S8 having different depths. Each of these areas will be described as follows.
[0049]
Region S1: The deepest region formed at the top of the cam 420. When the handle 41 is not pushed in, the pin 413 is located in this region S1. When the handle 41 is pushed in, the pin 413 advances sequentially to the following areas S2, S3, S4.
Region S2: Uphill connecting region S1 and region S3.
Region S3: The shallowest region.
Region S4: The third deepest region. This is an area located at the lowest position of the cam 420, and the pin 413 does not further descend beyond the area S4. That is, the handle 41 can be pushed in until the pin 413 reaches the region S4. Further, there is a step between the region S3 and the region S4. The tip of the pin 413 can advance from the region S3 to the region S4, but the return from the region S4 to the region S3 is prevented by this step.
Region S5: The second deepest region. There is also a step between the region S4 and this region S5. Therefore, the tip of the pin 413 can advance from the region S4 to the region S5, but the return from the region S5 to the region S4 is prevented by this step.
Region S6: The deepest region, similar to region S1. There is also a step between the region S5 and the region S6, and this step prevents the return from the region S6 to the region S5.
Region S7: Uphill connecting region S6 and region S8.
Region S8: The shallowest region, similar to the region S3. There is also a step between the region S8 and the region S1. The tip of the pin 413 can move from the region S8 to the region S1, but movement in the reverse direction is prevented by this step. Therefore, when the pushing of the handle 41 is started, the tip of the pin 413 in the region S1 always proceeds to the region S2, and does not proceed to the region S7 side.
[0050]
The movement of the pin 413 is restricted in a fixed case by the cam groove 421 composed of the regions S1 to S8 described above, and the return operation of the shaft 411 upward by the coil spring 411 is restricted. That is, the handle 41 is locked. The details of the lock function will be clarified in the following description of the operation of the present embodiment.
[0051]
B. Operation of this embodiment
The operation of this embodiment will be described below assuming various operations.
(1) When connecting two optical fibers with the mechanical splice 100
[0052]
In this case, as shown in FIG. 4A, the holding block 30 is positioned so that the four wedge portions 40A to 40D of the separating member 40 face the four windows 105A to 105D of the mechanical splice 100. I do. In this state, the mechanical splice 100 is pushed from above the holders 31L and 31R and fixed in the holder.
[0053]
Next, the handle 41 is pushed down to the deepest position. As a result of this pressing operation, the leg portion of the handle 41 is lowered while the inclined surface 41a pushes the roller 403 leftward as shown in FIGS. As a result, the block 401 moves to the left while rotating the roller 403, and the leading ends of the wedge portions 40A to 40D are driven into the separation grooves 115A to 115D (see FIGS. 8 and 10) of the mechanical splice 100 by this movement. The upper lids 111 to 113 and the base 110 (see FIG. 9) are separated.
[0054]
On the other hand, when the handle 41 is pushed down to the deepest position and then the hand is released from the handle 41, the handle lock function is activated. The operation relating to the handle lock function will be described with reference to FIG.
[0055]
First, in the state before the handle 41 is pushed in, the handle 41 is lifted by the urging force from the coil spring 411a (see FIG. 3), so the pin 413 attached to the cylinder 411 is shown in FIG. 7 (a). As shown, the cam groove 421 formed in the uppermost part of the cam 420 is located in the deepest region S1. When the handle 41 is pushed in and the cylinder 411 is lowered, the pin 413 slides in the region S1 of the cam groove 421 while swinging the cam 420 to the left as shown in FIG. 7B. And descend. When the cylinder 411 further descends, the pin 413 causes the cam 420 to swing further to the left, ascends the uphill of the region S2 in the cam groove 421, and reaches the shallowest region S3 as shown in FIG. 7C. .
[0056]
If the operator releases his hand from the handle 41 at this point, the cam 420 returns to the original state by the biasing force from the leaf spring 430, and the pin 413 returns from the region S3 to the region S1 via the region S2. The handle 41 is lifted to the original position by the coil spring 411a.
[0057]
On the other hand, when the operator further depresses the handle 41 without releasing his / her hand, the pin 413 is further lowered, and the tip thereof slides on the step between the region S3 and the region S4 and falls into the region S4. This area S4 is an area located at the lowest position of the cam 420, and the pin 413 does not further descend beyond the area S4. That is, the handle 41 can be pushed in until the pin 413 reaches the region S4.
[0058]
Next, when the operator releases his / her hand from the handle 41, an upward biasing force by the coil spring 411a acts on the pin 413, while a biasing force which restores the original straight state by the leaf spring 430 acts on the cam 420. As a result, the pin 413 slides the region S4 in the cam groove 421 toward the region S5 side while swinging the neck of the cam 420 counterclockwise. Then, the tip of the pin 413 slides down the step between the region S4 and the region S5, and stops in the region S5 as shown in FIG. In this case, the pin 413 is located at the maximum point of the cam groove 421 and is biased upward by the coil spring 411a, so that the stopped state is maintained. That is, the handle 41 is locked.
[0059]
Thus, in the state which locked the handle | steering-wheel 41, since an operator can use both hands freely, the subsequent operation | work can be advanced very easily. That is, it is as follows.
[0060]
First, an operator passes one optical fiber to be connected through, for example, the guide grooves 23 and 23 of the optical fiber holding mechanism 20L, and inserts the tip of the optical fiber from the left end of the mechanical splice 100. Then, when the tip of the optical fiber is advanced to a position considered to be approximately the center (see FIG. 9) of the region where the upper lid 112 and the base 110 face each other in the mechanical splice 100, the lid 24 of the optical fiber holding mechanism 20L is closed, Fix the optical fiber.
[0061]
Next, the operator passes another optical fiber through the guide grooves 23 and 23 of the optical fiber holding mechanism 20 </ b> R, and inserts the tip of this optical fiber from the right end of the mechanical splice 100. And the front-end | tip part of this optical fiber is faced | matched with the front-end | tip part of the said optical fiber already inserted between the upper cover 112 and the base 110 in the mechanical splice 100. FIG. Then, the lid 24 of the optical fiber holding mechanism 20R is closed in a state where the abutting is performed, and the optical fiber is fixed.
[0062]
When the matching of the two optical fibers in the mechanical splice 100 is completed in this way, the operator releases the handle lock state by lightly pushing and releasing the handle 41. The movement of the cam 420 in this case will be described again with reference to FIG.
[0063]
First, in a state where the handle lock is applied, the pin 413 is located in the region S5 of the cam groove 421. In this state, when the handle 41 is lightly pushed and the shaft 411 is lowered, the pin 413 moves the inside of the region S5 toward the region S6 while swinging the cam 420 counterclockwise as shown in FIG. Go ahead. This is because the step between the region S5 and the region S4 prevents the pin 413 from returning to the region S4. The tip of the pin 413 slides down the step between the region S5 and the region S6 and reaches the region S6.
[0064]
Next, when the operator releases his hand from the handle 41, the pin 413 is urged upward by the coil spring 411a. As a result, the pin 413 advances through the cam groove 421 to the region S6, the region S7, and the region S8 while returning the cam 420 to the straight original state. Then, the tip of the pin 413 slides down the step portion between the region S8 and the region S1, and stops in the region S1.
[0065]
In this way, the handle 41 returns to the original position before being pushed. When the handle 41 returns, the separation member 40 is separated from the mechanical splice 100, and the wedge portions 40A to 40D are pulled out from the separation grooves 115A to 115D of the mechanical splice 100. As a result, the C-shaped spring 101 (see FIG. 10) of the mechanical splice 100 is reduced in diameter, and the two optical fibers in a state in which the tip portions are butted are sandwiched between the base 110 and the upper lids 111, 112, and 113. .
[0066]
Thus, the connection of the two optical fibers is completed, and the operator opens the lids 24 and 24 of the optical fiber holding mechanisms 20L and 20R to release the optical fiber holding state. Then, the splice discharge handle 33 is moved in the direction of arrow M (see FIG. 1), and the mechanical splice 100 is discharged from the holders 31L and 31R.
[0067]
(2) When replacing one of the two optical fibers connected to the mechanical splice 100
In this case, as shown in FIG. 4B, the holding base block 30 is slid to the right, and the two wedge portions 40C and 40D in the right half of the separating member 40 are provided in the left half of the mechanical splice 100. In addition, the holding base block 30 is positioned at a position facing the two windows 105A and 105B. In this state, the mechanical splice 100 in a state where two optical fibers are connected is attached to the holders 31L and 31R. Then, the handle 41 is pushed down to the deepest position, and the handle is locked. The separation member 40 moves toward the mechanical splice 100 by pushing down the handle 41. In this case, only the separation grooves 115A and 115B (see FIG. 8) provided in the left half of the mechanical splice 100 are wedged 40C and 40D will interrupt.
[0068]
Here, since the C-shaped spring 101 of the mechanical splice 100 has a transverse slit 103 formed at the center thereof, the left half of the C-shaped spring 101 can be elastically deformed almost independently of the right half. Therefore, only the separation grooves 115A and 115B (see FIG. 8) are pushed and widened by the tips of the wedge portions 40C and 40D, and the contact portion between the base 110 and the upper lids 111, 112 and 113 is left from the center of the mechanical splice 100. Only the area is separated. Thus, since a gap is generated between the base and the upper lid only in the left half region of the mechanical splice 100, the optical fiber inserted from the right end of the mechanical splice 100 is inserted from the left end while firmly sandwiching the optical fiber. The optical fiber can be pulled out.
[0069]
Then, the operator inserts a new optical fiber from the left end portion of the mechanical splice 100 and abuts the tip end portion of another optical fiber already in the mechanical splice. In this state, the handle 41 is released by lightly pressing and releasing the handle 41, and the wedge portions 40C and 40D are pulled out from the mechanical splice 100. As a result, the C-shaped spring 101 (see FIG. 10) of the mechanical splice 100 is reduced in diameter, and the two optical fibers in a state in which the tip portions are butted are sandwiched between the base 110 and the upper lids 111, 112, and 113. .
[0070]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation of replacing the optical fiber connected to one end of the mechanical splice 100 with another optical fiber can be performed very easily. The reason why the holding block 30 is configured to be slidable in the present embodiment is just to facilitate such work.
[0071]
【The invention's effect】
As explained above ,Book According to the invention, since the holding portion is slidable, the holding portion is positioned so that the wedge portion faces only, for example, the left half portion of the mechanical splice, and the handle is pressed, so that the pair of holding portions is held. Each clamping member can be separated about the left half part of a member. Therefore, the operation of replacing the optical fiber inserted in that portion with another optical fiber can be easily performed. Claim 2 According to the invention, since the mechanism for discharging the mechanical splice from the holder is provided, the use of this mechanism further facilitates the work.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a mechanical splice connection tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the connection tool for mechanical splice.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connection tool for mechanical splice.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the mechanical splice connection tool looking down onto the holding block 30 and the separating member 40. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a mechanical splice discharge mechanism in the connection tool for mechanical splice.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view and a front view showing a cam 420 in the mechanical splicing connection tool.
FIG. 7 is a view showing the movement of the cam 420 in accordance with the handle operation of the mechanical splice connecting tool.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a mechanical splice 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the mechanical splice 100. FIG.
10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the mechanical splice 100. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 ... Holding stand block, 30a ... Rail, 31R, 31L ... Holder, 41 ... Handle, 40 ... Separation member, 40A-40D ... Wedge part, 20L, 20R ... Optical fiber holding mechanism

Claims (2)

  A pair of sandwiching members that are integrated by abutting each other in the longitudinal direction and the pair of sandwiching members that are integrated with each other are accommodated in a state where at least a part of each contact portion is exposed, A mechanical splice connecting tool for connecting the ends of two optical fibers by using a mechanical splice composed of an elastic body that applies a pressure contact force between the contact surfaces of the plurality of contact surfaces. A separation member having a wedge portion and installed so as to be able to advance and retreat in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the wedge portions, and the mechanical splice having the longitudinal direction thereof coincided with the arrangement direction of the plurality of wedge portions According to the pressing operation of the handle, the holding portion that has a holding tool that holds in a posture, is installed so as to be slidable along the direction in which the plurality of wedge portions are arranged, a handle that is pressed, and The separating member A separation member driving mechanism that drives, causes the wedge portion of the separation member to be inserted into the contact portion exposed from the elastic body of each clamping member of the mechanical splice held by the holding portion, and separates each clamping member; A connection tool for mechanical splicing, comprising: Mechanical splice connection tool according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a mechanical splice discharge mechanism for discharging a mechanical splice which is held by the holder to the holder outside.

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