CN115769115A - Lid position holding mechanism, reinforcing member, and optical fiber fusion splicer - Google Patents

Abstract

The lid position holding mechanism includes: a main body portion; a cover part which rotates relative to the main body part by taking the rotating shaft as a center to open/close; and an elastic member having a fixed end portion fixed to the body portion, a free end portion capable of elastic deformation, and a connecting portion connecting the fixed end portion and the free end portion. The free end portion is elastically deformable with the connecting portion as a fulcrum. When the lid portion is rotated by its own weight so as to change from the open state to the closed state, the lid portion and the free end portion contact each other, whereby the open state of the lid portion is maintained.

Description

Lid position holding mechanism, reinforcement, and optical fiber fusion splicer

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a cover position holding mechanism, a strength member, and an optical fiber fusion splicer.

The present application claims priority based on Japanese application No. 2020-134951 filed on 8/7/2020, and incorporates all the contents described in the above-mentioned Japanese application.

Background

Patent document 1 below discloses an optical fiber fusion splicing device including: a fusion splicer for forming a portion (fusion-spliced portion) where optical fibers are fusion-spliced to each other; and a heater for reinforcing the optical fiber, which sleeves the fusion-spliced portion with an upper tube. The optical fiber reinforcing heater comprises: a heater for heating and shrinking the tube; and a cover for protecting the heater.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2012-137543

Disclosure of Invention

A cover position holding mechanism according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a main body part; a cover part which rotates relative to the main body part by taking the rotating shaft as a center to open/close; and an elastic member having a fixed end portion fixed to the main body portion, a free end portion elastically deformable, and a connecting portion connecting the fixed end portion and the free end portion, the free end portion being elastically deformable with the connecting portion as a fulcrum, and the cover portion and the free end portion being in contact with each other when the cover portion is rotated from the open state to the closed state by its own weight, whereby the open state of the cover portion is maintained.

A strength member according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a strength member for reinforcing a fusion-spliced portion between optical fibers, the strength member including: the above-mentioned cover position holding mechanism; an accommodating portion accommodating the welding portion and the heat shrinkable tube covering the welding portion; a heater for heating the heat shrinkable tube accommodated in the accommodating portion; an optical fiber clamping member having a first cover portion for holding the optical fiber in the accommodating portion; and a second cover part that opens or closes the accommodation part, at least one of the first cover part and the second cover part being included in the cover part of the cover position holding mechanism.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a perspective view showing a welding apparatus according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 1B is a side view showing the welding apparatus according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the reinforcing member.

Fig. 3A is a side view showing the reinforcement when the cover is in the open state.

Fig. 3B is a side view showing the reinforcement when the cover is in the closed state.

Fig. 4 is a side view of a stiffener of a comparative example.

Fig. 5 is a plan view showing a welding apparatus according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a schematic rear perspective view showing a state where an accessory is attached to the welding device.

Fig. 7A is a plan view showing a state where the attachment is attached to the welding apparatus.

Fig. 7B is a plan view showing a state where the attachment is attached to the fusion-splicing device.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a multi clamp (multi clamp) in an open state.

Fig. 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the multiple clamp in an open state.

Fig. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the rotating multiple clamp.

Detailed Description

[ problems to be solved by the present disclosure ]

The optical fiber fusion splicer may not be used in a state of being left standing without inclination (normal state). For example, when performing a connection operation of an optical fiber provided on a utility pole, an operator uses the optical fiber fusion splicing device while riding on an aerial ladder car or the like. In this case, the optical fiber fusion splicer may be used in an inclined state (special state) due to a restriction of a working space or the like. In this case, for example, the lid of the optical fiber reinforcing heater is closed by its own weight, and the work efficiency of the connection work is lowered. When the device used in various states includes the cover portion, the cover portion is closed by its own weight. In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a cover position holding mechanism, a reinforcement, and an optical fiber fusion splicer that can prevent a cover from closing due to its own weight.

[ Effect of the present disclosure ]

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a cover position holding mechanism, a reinforcement, and an optical fiber fusion splicer that can prevent the cover from closing due to its own weight.

[ description of embodiments of the present disclosure ]

First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and explained. One embodiment of the present disclosure is a lid position holding mechanism including: a main body part; a lid section that opens and closes by rotating about a rotation axis with respect to the main body section; and an elastic member having a fixed end portion fixed to the main body portion, a free end portion elastically deformable, and a connecting portion connecting the fixed end portion and the free end portion, the free end portion being elastically deformable with the connecting portion as a fulcrum, and the cover portion and the free end portion being in contact with each other when the cover portion is rotated from the open state to the closed state by its own weight, whereby the open state of the cover portion is maintained.

In this lid position holding mechanism, when the lid portion is rotated by its own weight so as to change from the open state to the closed state, the free end portion and the lid portion come into contact with each other, whereby the open state of the lid portion is held. Therefore, the cover can be prevented from closing by its own weight.

In one embodiment, the elastic member may be a plate spring. In this case, the lid portion is easily locked to the free end portion, and thus the open state of the lid portion is favorably maintained.

In one embodiment, the cover portion may have a protruding portion that protrudes toward the free end portion when the cover portion is in the open state, and when the cover portion is rotated from the open state to the closed state by its own weight, the free end portion and the protruding portion may contact each other, whereby the open state of the cover portion is maintained.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a reinforcing device for reinforcing a fusion-spliced portion between optical fibers, the reinforcing device including: the above-mentioned cover position holding mechanism; an accommodating portion accommodating the welding portion and the heat shrinkable tube covering the welding portion; a heater for heating the heat shrinkable tube accommodated in the accommodating portion; an optical fiber clamping member having a first cover portion for holding the optical fiber in the accommodating portion; and a second cover part that opens or closes the accommodation part, at least one of the first cover part and the second cover part being included in the cover part of the cover position holding mechanism. In this reinforcing device, when at least one of the first lid portion and the second lid portion of the optical fiber clamping member is rotated by its own weight so as to change from the open state to the closed state, the open state of at least one of the first lid portion and the second lid portion is held by the elastic member. Therefore, according to the above-described reinforcing device, at least one of the first lid portion and the second lid portion of the optical fiber clamping member can be prevented from being closed by its own weight.

In one embodiment, the above-described reinforcing device includes: and a second cover part fixed to the first cover part. In this reinforcement, when the first cover portion and the second cover portion are rotated by their own weights so as to change from the open state to the closed state, the open state of the first cover portion and the second cover portion is held by the elastic member. Therefore, according to the above-described reinforcing device, the first cover portion and the second cover portion can be prevented from closing by their own weight.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is an optical fiber fusion splicer, including: a reinforcing device having a cover position holding mechanism for reinforcing a fusion spliced portion between optical fibers; and a fusion processing portion for forming a fusion-bonded portion. When the optical fiber fusion splicer is used in, for example, a tilted state, the cover can be prevented from closing by its own weight. The optical fiber fusion splicer may further include: a box body for arranging the reinforcer and the fusion processing part; an expansion member attached to the case; and a multiple clamp attached to the expansion member, the multiple clamp including: a second main body portion; a third cover part which rotates around a second rotation shaft with respect to the second body part to open/close; and a second elastic member having a second fixed end portion fixed to the second body portion, a second free end portion elastically deformable, and a second connecting portion connecting the second fixed end portion and the second free end portion, the second free end portion being elastically deformable about the second connecting portion as a fulcrum, and the third cover portion being rotated by its own weight from the open state to the closed state, the third cover portion and the second free end portion being in contact with each other, whereby the open state of the third cover portion is maintained. Since the multiple clip has the same structure as the lid position holding mechanism, the third lid section can be prevented from closing by its own weight.

In one embodiment, the optical fiber fusion splicer has the above-described lid position holding mechanism.

[ details of embodiments of the present disclosure ]

Specific examples of the cover position holding mechanism, the stiffener, and the optical fiber fusion splicer according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In the following description, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in the description of the drawings, and redundant description is omitted.

(first embodiment)

Fig. 1A is a perspective view showing a welding apparatus according to a first embodiment, and fig. 1B is a side view showing the welding apparatus according to the first embodiment. The fusion splicing apparatus 1 shown in fig. 1A and 1B is an apparatus (optical fiber fusion splicer) for fusion splicing a pair of optical fibers (not shown). In the first embodiment, an optical fiber holder (not shown) is attached to the tip end portion of each optical fiber, that is, to the vicinity of the welded portion. In the following, the front side of welding apparatus 1 is set as the apparatus front side, and the back side of welding apparatus 1 is set as the apparatus back side, in a plan view.

A fusion processing unit 3 for fusing the optical fibers to each other and a monitor 4 are provided at an upper portion of a case 2 of the fusion splicing device 1. Although not shown, the fusion processing section 3 is provided with a placement section on which the optical fiber holder can be placed, a pair of optical fiber positioning sections, and a pair of electrode rods. The welded portions fixed by the mounting portion and positioned between the pair of electrode rods by the optical fiber positioning portion are welded to each other by arc discharge. The monitor 4 is a portion for displaying a fusion state of the optical fibers captured by a camera disposed inside the housing 2. The monitor 4 is positioned in front of the fusion processing section 3. The operator can perform the optical fiber fusion splicing operation while checking the monitor 4. The monitor 4 also functions as an operation unit for operating the fusion processing unit 3 and the like, and includes a touch panel. Therefore, the operator can operate the welding apparatus 1 by touching the operation screen displayed on the monitor 4.

The fusion processing part 3 is covered with a windshield 5. The windshield 5 is a cover connected to the case 2 so as to openably and closably cover the fusion processing section 3. The coupling portion 5a between the windshield cover 5 and the housing 2 includes a rotation shaft RA1 positioned between the fusion processing unit 3 and the monitor 4, and the windshield cover 5 opens and closes in accordance with the rotation of the rotation shaft RA 1. When the welding apparatus 1 is viewed from the side of the one side face 2a of the case 2, the windshield 5 can be configured into an open state opened by counterclockwise rotation and a closed state closed by clockwise rotation. In other words, the windshield cover 5 can be configured to be in the open state by being rotated in one of the rotational directions of the rotational shaft RA1, and can be configured to be in the closed state by being rotated in the other of the rotational directions. In the first embodiment, the state in which the cover such as the windshield cover 5 is opened at least half or more is an open state, and the state in which the cover is completely closed is a closed state. The rotary shaft RA1 is rotatably supported by the housing 2.

As shown in fig. 1B, an insertion port 6 into which an external recording medium or the like can be inserted is provided in one side surface 2a of the casing 2. The external recording medium is, for example, a USB (universal serial bus) memory, an SD (secure digital) card, or the like. In the first embodiment, the insertion port 6 is covered with the cover 6 a. The other side surface 2b of the case 2 is provided with a power switch 7 and a power port 8 into which a power cable can be inserted. The insertion port 6, the power switch 7, and the power port 8 are located below the fusion processing section 3.

A reinforcing member 9 is provided above the casing 2 and behind the fusion processing section 3. The strength member 9 is a device for reinforcing a fusion-spliced portion between optical fibers. The reinforcing member 9 is a portion where a heat-shrinkable tube covering the above-described welded portion formed by the fusion-processed portion 3 is heat-shrunk. The stiffener 9 constitutes a part of the back of the welding apparatus 1.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the reinforcing member. As shown in fig. 2, the stiffener 9 has: a body 11 extending from one side surface 2a to the other side surface 2b of the welding apparatus 1; and a cover 12 attached to the main body portion 11. The main body 11 and the cover 12 are each a molded body of resin, metal, alloy, or the like, and are rigid bodies. The main body 11 is provided with a receiving portion 13 at a central portion 11a thereof. A clamping portion 14 (optical fiber clamping member) is provided at a position closer to the side face 2a than the accommodating portion 13. A clamping portion 15 (optical fiber clamping member) is provided at a position closer to the other side surface 2b than the accommodating portion 13. A support portion 11b is provided behind the center portion 11a, and the support portion 11b rotatably supports the rotary shaft RA2 to which the cover 12 is attached.

The accommodating portion 13 is a portion that accommodates the heat-shrinkable tube, and includes a heater 13a attached to the central portion 11 a. The heater 13a is a member that heats the heat-shrinkable tube accommodated in the accommodating portion 13. The heater 13a is, for example, a planar heating element having a U-shaped cross section or a V-shaped cross section, and extends from one side surface 2a side of the welding apparatus 1 toward the other side surface 2b side. A groove G for accommodating the optical fiber is provided in the central portion 11 a. The groove G extends from the side of one side face 2a toward the side of the other side face 2b, and opens above the device. At least a part of the surface of the groove G is constituted by the heater 13a. The groove G accommodates a heat shrinkable tube fitted over and around a fusion-spliced portion between optical fibers. In the groove G, the heat shrinkable tube is in contact with the heater 13a. The heater 13a located in the accommodating portion 13 generates heat, whereby the heat-shrinkable tube is heat-shrunk. When the heat shrinkable tube is heated by the heater 13a, the cover 12 is closed.

The pair of clamps 14 and 15 are members for holding the optical fiber arranged in the strength member 9. The clamping portions 14 and 15 are provided so as to sandwich the accommodating portion 13. Referring to fig. 1A and 1B, the clamp portion 14 is located on one side surface 2a side of the welding apparatus 1, and the clamp portion 15 is located on the other side surface 2B side of the welding apparatus 1. The clamping portions 14 and 15 have substantially the same configuration. Therefore, the following description will mainly explain the structure of the clamp portion 14. Note that, only a portion different from the clamp portion 14 will be described with respect to the clamp portion 15.

Fig. 3A is a side view showing the reinforcement when the cover is in the open state, and fig. 3B is a side view showing the reinforcement when the cover is in the closed state. As shown in fig. 2, 3A, and 3B, the clamping portion 14 has a first end portion 11c of the main body portion 11, a cover portion 12a (first cover portion) as a part of the cover 12, and an elastic member 16 provided on the first end portion 11 c. In the first embodiment, the mechanism (cover position holding mechanism) capable of holding at least the cover portion 12a in the open state is constituted by the main body portion 11 including the first end portion 11c, the cover portion 12a, and the elastic member 16. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the clamp portion 14 includes the above-described cover position holding mechanism.

The first end portion 11c has: a guide 21 for accommodating an optical fiber or an optical fiber holder; and a magnet 22 located in front of the guide 21. The guide 21 and the magnet 22 are disposed so as to face the lid portion 12a when the lid portion 12a is in the closed state. The guide 21 and the magnet 22 are provided at positions that are visible in a plan view when the lid portion 12a is in the open state. The guide 21 includes a switch 21a protruding from a surface of the first end portion 11 c. It is determined that the optical fiber has been properly gripped by the gripping portion 14 by the switch 21a being pressed. The switch 21a is connected to a control unit of the heater 13a by, for example, a lead wire not shown. In this case, the heat treatment of the tube by the heater 13a may be automatically started in accordance with the state of the switch 21a, or may be executable in accordance with the state of the switch 21a. The magnet 22 is a member for maintaining the closed state of the cover 12.

The cover portion 12a is a member that opens and closes by rotating about the rotation axis RA2 with respect to the main body portion 11. In other words, the lid 12a is supported to be pivotable about the rotary shaft RA2 as a fulcrum. In the present embodiment, the cover 12a is fixed to the rotary shaft RA2 and can be opened and closed with the rotation of the rotary shaft RA 2. The cover portion 12a can be configured to be in an open state (see fig. 3A) in which the cover portion 12a is opened with respect to the first end portion 11c and a closed state (see fig. 3B) in which the cover portion 12a is closed with respect to the first end portion 11c by being rotated along the rotation axis RA 2. When welding device 1 is viewed from one side surface 2a side of case 2, lid 12a is closed by clockwise rotation and opened by counterclockwise rotation. The lid portion 12a is integrated with another lid portion 12b (second lid portion) of the cover 12 that covers the housing portion 13. Therefore, the cover portion 12b opens or closes the housing portion 13 including the heater 13a in conjunction with the cover portion 12a. For example, when the cover portion 12a is rotated to change from the open state to the closed state, the cover portion 12b is also rotated to change from the open state to the closed state about the rotation axis RA 2. The cover 12b is detachably fixed to the cover 12a.

The cover portion 12a has: a gripper (gripper) 31 for holding the optical fiber; a magnet 32 that can be attracted to the magnet 22; and a projection 33. The clamper 31 is provided to sandwich the guide 21 when the cover portion 12a is in the closed state. An elastic member such as a spring is provided inside the holder 31. Accordingly, the clamper 31 can apply a biasing force to the optical fiber disposed in the guide 21, and thus can hold the optical fiber well. When the lid 12a is in the closed state, the magnets 22, 32 attract each other. When the cover portion 12a is brought into a closed state in a state where the optical fiber is arranged on the guide 21, the optical fiber is held and held by the guide 21 and the clamper 31. At this time, the switch 21a is pressed by the optical fiber. Furthermore, the clamping of the optical fiber by the guide 21 and the clamper 31 is maintained by the magnets 22, 32. Therefore, the state in which the switch 21a is pressed by the optical fiber is maintained.

The protruding portion 33 is a rigid body portion that comes into contact with the elastic member 16 when the lid portion 12a is opened/closed, and moves within a fixed range in conjunction with the rotation of the lid portion 12a. The protruding portion 33 protrudes toward the elastic member 16 (particularly, a free end portion 42 described later) when the lid portion 12a is in the open state, and the protruding portion 33 protrudes toward the device rear side when the lid portion 12a is in the closed state. As shown in fig. 3A, when the cover portion 12a is in the open state, at least a part of the protruding portion 33 is located on the device lower side than the highest portion of the elastic member 16. In other words, when the cover portion 12a is in the open state, the protruding portion 33 protrudes closer to the apparatus lower side than the highest portion of the elastic member 16. When the cover portion 12a is in the open state, the protruding portion 33 is positioned in front of the apparatus with respect to the rotation axis RA 2. When the cover 12a is in the closed state, the protruding portion 33 is located further to the rear of the apparatus than the rotation axis RA 2. The protruding portion 33 has: a first surface 33a that comes into contact with the elastic member 16 when the lid portion 12a is rotated from the open state to the closed state; and a second surface 33b that comes into contact with the elastic member 16 when the lid portion 12a is rotated from the closed state to the open state. As shown in fig. 3B, when the cover portion 12a is in the closed state, the first surface 33a is positioned above the second surface 33B. At least one of the first face 33a and the second face 33b may be inclined with respect to the apparatus back face when the cover portion 12a is in the closed state. In this case, the angle formed by the device back surface and the second surface 33b (the inclination angle of the second surface 33 b) may be smaller than the angle formed by the device back surface and the first surface 33a (the inclination angle of the first surface 33 a). The "rigid body portion" refers to a portion that does not deform or a portion that does not substantially deform under the environment in which the welding apparatus 1 is normally used.

The elastic member 16 is a member for preventing at least the cover portion 12a from changing from the open state to the closed state by its own weight. The elastic member 16 is provided on the first end portion 11c at a position further toward the device rear than the guide 21. Further, the elastic member 16 is located below the rotation axis RA 2. In the first embodiment, the elastic member 16 is a processed product of a plate-shaped member such as a plate spring, for example, but is not limited thereto. The elastic member 16 may be a torsion spring, for example. The elastic member 16 has: a fixed end portion 41 fixed to the main body portion 11 (first end portion 11 c); a free end portion 42 capable of elastic deformation; and a connecting portion 43 connecting the fixed end portion 41 and the free end portion 42.

The fixed end portion 41 is a plate-like portion fixed to the first end portion 11c, and extends from the rear of the apparatus toward the front of the apparatus. One end 41a of the fixed end portion 41 is a portion of the fixed end portion 41 located most forward of the apparatus. The one end 41a is located, for example, in the front of the apparatus with respect to the rotation axis RA2, and may be included in the connection portion 43. The other end 41b of the fixed end portion 41 is a portion of the fixed end portion 41 located most behind the apparatus. The other end 41b is located, for example, behind the rotation axis RA 2. At least a part of the fixed end portion 41 may be inserted into the first end portion 11 c.

The free end portion 42 is a portion of the elastic member 16 that exhibits elasticity, and extends upward from the connecting portion 43. In the first embodiment, the free end portion 42 extends upward of the apparatus and extends from the front of the apparatus toward the rear of the apparatus. At least a part of the free end portion 42 is located above the tip of the protrusion 33 and behind the rotation axis RA 2. Further, when the cover portion 12a is in the open state, the free end portion 42 extends toward the cover portion 12a. The free end portion 42 is separated with respect to the cover portion 12a when the cover portion 12a is in the open state and the closed state, but is not limited thereto. The free end portion 42 is elastically deformed so as to rotate about the connecting portion 43 as a fulcrum. For example, when a force (pressing force) directed downward of the apparatus is applied to the free end portion 42, at least a part of the free end portion 42 is elastically deformed so as to be close to the fixed end portion 41. By stopping the above-described pressing force applied to the free end portion 42, at least a part of the free end portion 42 can be returned to the original position.

In the first embodiment, the pressing force for elastically deforming the free end portion 42 is larger than the force corresponding to the total weight of the lid portions 12a, 12 b. In other words, in the first embodiment, when the pressing force corresponding to the total weight of the covers 12a and 12b is applied to the free end portion 42, the free end portion 42 is not elastically deformed or is not substantially elastically deformed. When the lid portions 12a and 12b are rotated from the open state to the closed state by the self-weight of the integrated lid portions 12a and 12b, the first surface 33a of the protruding portion 33 is locked to the free end portion 42. Thereby, the rotation of the lid portions 12a, 12b is stopped. In other words, the free end portion 42 supports the lid portions 12a, 12b via the protruding portion 33, and thus maintains the open state of the lid portions 12a, 12 b.

When a pressing force significantly larger than the force corresponding to the total weight of the cover portions 12a, 12b is applied to the free end portion 42 via the protruding portion 33, the elastic member 16 is elastically deformed. Specifically, the free end 42 rotates to be close to the fixed end 41 with the connection portion 43 as a fulcrum. By this rotation, the free end portion 42 is pushed out by the protruding portion 33. Thus, for example, when the welding device 1 is at rest, the free end portion 42 is all positioned below the protrusion 33, and the engagement of the protrusion 33 by the free end portion 42 is released. The lid portions 12a and 12b are rotated to be in a closed state. At this time, since the pressing force applied to the free end portion 42 by the protruding portion 33 is low, the free end portion 42 returns to the original position.

The free end portion 42 has: a base end portion 42a that may be included in the connection portion 43; a body 42b extending from the base end 42a upward and rearward of the device; at least a part of the distal end portion 42c is located at the device rear side of the body portion 42 b; and a bent portion 42d connecting the body portion 42b and the distal end portion 42 c. A part of the body portion 42b, the distal end portion 42c, and the bent portion 42d are positioned on the track of the protruding portion 33. The body portion 42b is a plate-like portion that comes into contact with the first surface 33a of the protruding portion 33 when the lid portion 12a is rotated from the open state to the closed state. When no force is applied to the free end portion 42, the main body portion 42b is inclined with respect to the fixed end portion 41, and an angle formed by the main body portion 42b and the fixed end portion 41 is, for example, 45 ° or more and 90 ° or less. The tip end portion 42c is a plate-like portion that comes into contact with the second surface 33b of the protrusion 33 when the lid portion 12a is rotated to change from the closed state to the open state. From the viewpoint of increasing the contact area with the second surface 33b, the tip portion 42c extends rearward and downward of the apparatus. Thereby, the free end portion 42 is easily forced from the second face 33 b. When the cover portion 12a is rotated to change from the closed state to the open state, the free end portion 42 does not easily hinder the rotation.

The connecting portion 43 is a portion located at the boundary between the fixed end portion 41 and the free end portion 42. In the first embodiment, the connection portion 43 is a bent portion formed by bending a plate-shaped member that is a raw material of the elastic member 16.

The clamp portion 15 includes the second end portion 11d of the body portion 11, a lid portion 12c (first lid portion) as a part of the cover 12, and an elastic member (not shown) provided on the second end portion 11d, similarly to the clamp portion 14. Unlike the first end portion 11c, the second end portion 11d does not have the guide 21. The lid portion 12c is a member that opens and closes by rotating about the rotation axis RA2 with respect to the main body portion 11, as in the case of the lid portion 12a. The lid 12c and the lid 12b are not integrated. Therefore, the cover 12c is independent of the covers 12a and 12b, and therefore does not interlock with the opening/closing operation of the covers 12a and 12 b. The elastic member included in the clamping portion 15 is the same member as the elastic member 16 of the clamping portion 14. Therefore, when the lid portion 12c is rotated by its own weight so as to change from the open state to the closed state, the elastic member and the lid portion 12c contact each other, whereby the open state of the lid portion 12c is maintained. That is, in the first embodiment, the clamp portion 15 includes a mechanism (cover position holding mechanism) capable of holding the cover portion 12c in an open state.

Next, the operational effects of the welding apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to a comparative example shown in fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a side view of a stiffener of a comparative example. As shown in fig. 4, unlike the stiffener 9, the stiffener 109 of the comparative example does not have an elastic member for holding the cover portion 12a. When the welding apparatus including such a stiffener 109 is used in an inclined state (special state), the cover portion 12a rotates by its own weight. Further, the lid portion 12a may be in the closed state at an unexpected timing. In this case, the operator needs to move the fusion spliced portion of the optical fiber from the fusion-splicing section to the strength member 109 while supporting the lid section 12a. Therefore, in the special state, there is a problem that the efficiency of the reinforcing work of the welded portion is lowered.

In contrast, the reinforcing member 9 of the welding apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is provided with a cover position holding mechanism formed of an elastic member 16 or the like. For example, when the welding operation is performed in a special state in which the welding apparatus 1 is arranged at the lower side in front of the apparatus, the lid 12a may be rotated so as to be closed by its own weight in the reinforcing member 9. At this time, the free end portion 42 of the elastic member 16 and the cover portion 12a contact each other, whereby the open state of the cover portion 12a is maintained. Moreover, the lid 12a is integrated with a lid 12b that opens or closes the housing 13 including the heater 13a. Therefore, the lid portions 12a and 12b can be prevented from closing by their own weight. Thus, the operator can move the fusion spliced portion of the optical fiber from the housing portion 13 to the strength member 9 without interfering with the cover portion 12a. Therefore, by using the welding apparatus 1, even in the above-described special state, the efficiency of the reinforcing work of the welded portion can be favorably suppressed from decreasing.

Further, in the first embodiment, the stiffener 9 includes the cover portion 12c, the cover portion 12c is included in the cover 12 and is independent from the cover portions 12a, 12b, and the open state of the cover portion 12c can also be maintained by an elastic member. Therefore, even when the fusion splicing device 1 is used in the above-described special state, the operator can move the fusion spliced portion of the optical fiber from the housing portion 13 to the strength member 9 in a state where the cover 12 including the lid portions 12a to 12c is easily held in an open state.

In the first embodiment, the elastic member 16 may be a plate spring. In this case, the lid 12a is easily locked to the free end 42, and thus the open state of the lid 12a is maintained satisfactorily.

In the first embodiment, the cover portion 12a has the protruding portion 33 protruding toward the free end portion 42 when the cover portion 12a is in the open state, and when the cover portion 12a is rotated by its own weight so as to change from the open state to the closed state, the free end portion 42 and the protruding portion 33 contact each other, whereby the open state of the cover portion 12a is maintained.

In the first embodiment, the example in which the mechanism (cover position holding mechanism) capable of holding the cover portion 12a in the open state is provided has been described, but a mechanism (cover position holding mechanism) capable of holding the cover portion 12b in the open state may be provided instead of or in addition to this.

(second embodiment)

The welding apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described below. In the description of the second embodiment, redundant description with the first embodiment is omitted, and portions different from the first embodiment are described. That is, the description of the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment as appropriate within the technical scope.

Fig. 5 is a plan view showing a fusion apparatus according to a second embodiment. Fig. 6 is a schematic rear perspective view showing a state in which an accessory is attached to the welding apparatus of the second embodiment. As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the welding apparatus 1A is provided with an expanding member 50 attached to the case 2. The extension member 50 is a member for attaching an accessory (details will be described later) for the welding apparatus 1A. The expanding member 50 has: a first portion 51 provided on one side surface 2a of the welding apparatus 1A; a second portion 52 provided on the other side surface 2b of the welding apparatus 1A; and a connecting portion 53 provided on the back surface of the welding apparatus 1A. The first portion 51 and the second portion 52 are respectively joined to the joining portion 53. Therefore, the first portion 51, the second portion 52, and the coupling portion 53 are integrated, respectively.

Slots (slots) 54, 55 are provided in the first portion 51. The slots 54 and 55 each function as an accessory insertion port and have a substantially rectangular recess or opening in a plan view. The insertion groove 54 is provided in parallel with the fusion processing part 3, and the insertion groove 55 is provided in parallel with the reinforcing member 9. Like the first part 51, the second part 52 is provided with slots 56 and 57. The slots 56 and 57 are portions functioning as insertion ports for accessories, and each have a substantially rectangular recess or opening in a plan view. The insertion groove 56 is provided in parallel with the fusion processing part 3, and the insertion groove 57 is provided in parallel with the reinforcing member 9. Therefore, the fusion-processed part 3 is positioned between the insertion grooves 54 and 56, and the reinforcing member 9 is positioned between the insertion grooves 55 and 57 in a plan view.

As shown in fig. 6, a mounting portion 58 for mounting a strap (strap) S as an example of the above-described attachment is provided on the coupling portion 53. The fitting portion 58 is fixed to the coupling portion 53 via a fastening member, for example. The hanging strap S is used for an operator to hang the welding apparatus 1A around the neck, for example. When the welding apparatus 1A with the hanging strap S is hung around the neck of the operator, the apparatus front surface is located on the lower side, and the apparatus back surface is located on the upper side.

Fig. 7A and 7B are plan views each showing a state in which an accessory is attached to the welding apparatus 1A. As shown in fig. 7A and 7B, the multi-clinchers 61 and 62 as another example of the above-described attachment are attached to the fusion apparatus 1A. The multifold grippers 61, 62 are members for assisting the transport of the optical fiber, respectively. By using the multifold clamps 61 and 62, the operator can easily carry out the feeding of the optical fiber from the fusion processing section 3 to the strength member 9. This makes it difficult to break the optical fiber during the conveyance.

In fig. 7A, multiple clamp 61 is attached to expansion member 50 via slot 54, and multiple clamp 62 is attached to expansion member 50 via slot 56. At this time, the fusion processing section 3 is disposed between the multi-nip members 61 and 62. In fig. 7B, the multiple clamp 61 is attached to the expansion member 50 via the slot 55, and the multiple clamp 62 is attached to the expansion member 50 via the slot 57. At this time, the reinforcing unit 9 is disposed between the multiple clamps 61 and 62. The multifold clips 61 and 62 have long sides and short sides, respectively, in a plan view. When the multifold grippers 61, 62 are attached to the welding apparatus 1A, the long side extends in a direction from one side face 2a toward the other side face 2b in the welding apparatus 1A, and the short side extends in the front-rear direction of the welding apparatus 1A. Hereinafter, in the description of the multifold clips 61 and 62, the longitudinal direction and the short direction may be used.

Next, the structure of the multi-clip 61, 62 will be described with reference to fig. 8, 9A, and 9B. Since the multifold clips 61 and 62 have the same shape, only the multifold clip 61 will be described below. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the opened multi-clip, fig. 9A is a schematic sectional view showing the opened multi-clip, and fig. 9B is a schematic sectional view showing the rotated multi-clip. As shown in fig. 8 and 9A, the multiple clamp 61 has: a rotation axis RA3; a main body 63 rotatably supporting the rotary shaft RA3; a cover 64 fixed to the rotary shaft RA3; and an elastic member 65 fixed to the main body 63. When the multiple clamp 61 is attached to the expanding member 50, the rotation axis RA3 is located at the rear of the apparatus. In the second embodiment, the mechanism (cover position holding mechanism) capable of holding the cover 64 in the open state is constituted by the main body portion 63, the cover 64, and the elastic member 65.

The main body 63 has: a base 71; a first support portion 72 provided on the base portion 71 and supporting one end of the rotary shaft RA3; a second support portion 73 provided on the base portion 71 and supporting the other end of the rotation shaft RA3; a first convex portion 74 located on the opposite side of the first support portion 72 with the base portion 71 interposed therebetween; a second convex portion 75 located on the opposite side of the second support portion 73 with the base portion 71 interposed therebetween; and a magnet 76 embedded in the base portion 71.

The base 71 is a portion of the body 63 on which the optical fiber is placed. The base portion 71 is provided with a mounting portion 71a for mounting an optical fiber. The mount portion 71a is a portion recessed from the surface SU1 of the base portion 71. When the cover 64 is in the closed state, the placement portion 71a faces the cover 64. In a plan view, the placement portion 71a is located between the first support portion 72 and the second support portion 73 in the longitudinal direction.

The first support portion 72 is located closer to the placement portion 71a in the longitudinal direction, and the first support portion 72 protrudes from the surface SU1 of the base portion 71. The first support portion 72 is provided with a groove 72a extending in the longitudinal direction. The groove 72a is a portion for accommodating an optical fiber, and overlaps the mounting portion 71a in the longitudinal direction. Second supporting portion 73 is located on the other side of mounting portion 71a in the longitudinal direction, and second supporting portion 73 protrudes from surface SU 1. Second support portion 73 is provided with a groove 73a extending in the longitudinal direction. The groove 73a is a portion for accommodating the optical fiber, like the groove 72a, and overlaps the mounting portion 71a in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when the optical fiber is placed on the multiple clamp 61, the optical fiber is placed on the placing portion 71a and is accommodated in the grooves 72a and 73a.

The first projection 74 and the second projection 75 are each a male (male) portion that can be inserted into the slots 54 to 57 (see fig. 5) of the extension member 50, and project from the bottom surface SU2 of the base portion 71. The first convex portion 74 extends along one end of the base portion 71 in the longitudinal direction, and the second convex portion 75 extends along the other end of the base portion 71 in the longitudinal direction. From the viewpoint of facilitating insertion into the slots 54 to 57, the distal ends 74a and 75a of the first and second convex portions 74 and 75 are tapered. The magnet 76 is a member for holding the lid portion 64 in the closed state, and is located on the opposite side of the rotation axis RA3 with the placement portion 71a interposed therebetween.

The cover portion 64 is a member that can be opened and closed in accordance with the rotation of the rotation shaft RA 3. The lid portion 64 can be configured to be in an open state of being opened with respect to the body portion 63 and a closed state of being closed with respect to the body portion 63 by being rotated with the rotation shaft RA 3. When the multiple-grip 61 is attached to the expanding member 50, the cover portion 64 rotates similarly to the cover 12 of the stiffener 9. In other words, when the multiple clamp 61 is attached to the expansion member 50, the cover portion 64 is closed by being turned in one of the rotational directions of the rotational shaft RA1, and is opened by being turned in the other of the rotational directions. The cover portion 64 has: a holder 81 holding the optical fiber; a magnet 82 contactable with the magnet 76; and a projection 83.

The clamper 81 is a member that faces the placement portion 71a when the cover portion 64 is in the closed state, and functions similarly to the clamper 31 included in the cover portion 12a of the stiffener 9. Therefore, an elastic member such as a spring is provided inside the holder 81. Thus, the clamper 81 can apply a biasing force to the optical fiber placed on the placement portion 71a, and thus can hold the optical fiber well. When the cover portion 64 is in the closed state, the magnets 76, 82 attract each other. Thus, the cover 64 is closed in a state where the optical fiber is disposed on the mounting portion 71a, and the optical fiber is held and held by the mounting portion 71a and the clamper 81.

The protrusion 83 is a rigid portion that comes into contact with the elastic member 65 when the cover portion 64 is opened and closed, and functions similarly to the protrusion 33 included in the cover portion 12a of the stiffener 9. The projection 83 is linked with the rotation of the cover portion 64. When the lid portion 64 is in the open state, the protruding portion 83 protrudes toward the elastic member 65. As shown in fig. 9A, when the cover portion 64 is in the open state, at least a part of the protrusion 83 is positioned closer to the bottom surface SU2 of the base portion 71 than the highest part of the elastic member 65. In other words, when the cover 64 is in the open state, the protrusion 83 protrudes to reach a position below the highest portion of the elastic member 65. The protruding portion 83 has: a first surface 83a that comes into contact with the elastic member 65 when the lid portion 64 is rotated so as to change from the open state to the closed state; and a second surface 83b that comes into contact with the elastic member 65 when the lid portion 64 is rotated from the closed state to the open state. When the lid portion 64 is in the closed state, the first surface 83a is located on the device upper side than the second surface 83 b.

The elastic member 65 is a member for preventing the cover portion 64 from changing from the open state to the closed state by its own weight, and functions similarly to the elastic member 16 included in the reinforcing unit 9. A portion of the elastic member 65 is located on the bottom surface SU2 of the base 71 and another portion of the elastic member 65 is located on the surface SU1 of the base 71. The elastic member 65 is a processed product of a plate-shaped member such as a plate spring, like the elastic member 16, but is not limited thereto. The elastic member 65 has: a fixed end portion 91 fixed in the base portion 71; a free end portion 92 capable of elastic deformation; and a connecting portion 93 connecting the fixed end portion 91 and the free end portion 92.

The fixed end 91 is a plate-like portion fixed to the bottom surface SU2 of the base 71, and extends from the magnet 76 side toward the rotary shaft RA3 side in the short-side direction. One end 91a of the fixed end 91 is positioned closest to the rotation axis RA3 in the short-side direction. The other end 91b of the fixed end 91 is located closer to the magnet 76 than the one end 91a in the lateral direction.

The free end portion 92 is a portion of the elastic member 65 that exhibits elasticity, and extends from the connecting portion 93 toward the surface SU1 of the base portion 71. The free end portion 92 is separated relative to the cover portion 64 when the cover portion 64 is in the open state and the closed state, but is not limited thereto. The free end portion 92 is elastically deformed so as to rotate about the connecting portion 93 as a fulcrum. For example, by applying a force (pressing force) to the free end portion 92, at least a part of the free end portion 42 is elastically deformed. By stopping the application of the pressing force to the free end portion 92, at least a part of the free end portion 92 returns to the original position.

In the second embodiment, the pressing force for elastically deforming the free end portion 92 is larger than the force corresponding to the weight of the cover portion 64. In other words, in the second embodiment, when the pressing force corresponding to the weight of the cover portion 64 is applied to the free end portion 92, the free end portion 92 is not elastically deformed or is not substantially elastically deformed. When the cover portion 64 is rotated by the self weight of the cover portion 64 so as to change from the open state to the closed state, the protruding portion 83 of the cover portion 64 and the free end portion 92 contact each other. In this case, the first surface 83a of the protruding portion 83 is locked to the free end portion 92, and the rotation of the lid portion 64 is stopped. In other words, the free end portion 92 supports the lid portion 64 via the protruding portion 83, and thus maintains the open state of the lid portion 64. On the other hand, when a pressing force significantly larger than the force corresponding to the total weight of the cover portion 64 is applied to the free end portion 92 via the protruding portion 83, the elastic member 65 is elastically deformed. Specifically, the free end portion 92 rotates so as to approach the fixed end portion 91 with the connecting portion 93 as a fulcrum. By this rotation, the free end portion 92 is all located below the protrusion 83, and the engagement of the protrusion 83 by the free end portion 92 is released. Thereby, the lid portion 64 is rotated so as to be in the closed state. At this time, the pressing force applied to the free end portion 92 by the protrusion 83 is reduced, and therefore the free end portion 92 returns to the original position.

The free end portion 92 has: a base end portion 92a that may be included in the connection portion 93; a body 92b extending from the base end 92a toward the rotation axis RA3; a distal end portion 92c extending away from the rotation axis RA3; and a bent portion 92d connecting the body portion 92b and the distal end portion 92 c. When the free end portion 92 is not subjected to any force, a part of the main body portion 92b, the tip end portion 92c, and the bent portion 92d are positioned on the surface SU1 of the base portion 71 and on the trajectory of the protrusion 83. The body portion 92b is a plate-like portion that comes into contact with the first surface 83a of the protruding portion 83 when the lid portion 64 is rotated from the open state to the closed state. When no force is applied to the free end portion 92, the main body portion 92b is inclined with respect to the fixed end portion 91, and an angle formed by the main body portion 92b and the fixed end portion 91 is, for example, 90 ° or more and 135 ° or less. The tip portion 92c is a plate-like portion that comes into contact with the second surface 83b of the protrusion 83 when the cover portion 64 is rotated to change from the closed state to the open state. Since the contact area between the free end portion 92 and the second surface 83b can be increased by providing the tip portion 92c, the free end portion 92 is easily urged from the second surface 83 b. Therefore, when the cover portion 64 is rotated to change from the closed state to the open state, the free end portion 92 does not easily hinder the rotation.

The connecting portion 93 is a portion located at the boundary between the fixed end portion 91 and the free end portion 92. In the second embodiment, the connection portion 93 is a bent portion formed by bending a plate-shaped member that is a raw material of the elastic member 65.

The welding apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment described above has the same operational advantages as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the multi-clips 61 and 62 are each provided with a cover position holding mechanism similar to the reinforcing unit 9 in the first embodiment. For example, when the welding apparatus 1A with the strap S and the multi-clip 61 is hung from the neck of the operator, the lid portion 64 of the multi-clip 61 is rotated by its own weight so as to automatically be in the closed state. At this time, since the cover portion 64 is supported by the elastic member 65, the cover portion 64 can be prevented from automatically becoming the closed state. Moreover, the cover 12 of the reinforcement unit 9 can be prevented from automatically being closed.

The cover position holding mechanism, the stiffener, and the optical fiber fusion splicer according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above embodiments, and may be modified in various ways. For example, in the above embodiment, the elastic member is elastically deformed so as to rotate about the connecting portion as a fulcrum, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the elastic member may be elastically deformed in a compression manner instead of being rotated, or may be elastically deformed in a rotation and compression manner. In the above embodiment, the connection portion of the elastic member is a bent portion, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The optical fiber fusion splicer of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be modified in various ways. For example, the optical fiber fusion splicer may have various cover portions in addition to the cover portions described in the above embodiments, and each of the cover portions may include the cover position holding mechanism of the present disclosure. For example, in an optical fiber fusion splicer, a portion other than the strength member may be provided with the cover position holding mechanism of the present disclosure.

Description of the reference numerals

1. 1A: a welding device; 2: a box body; 2a: a side surface; 2b: the other side surface; 3: a fusion processing part; 4: a monitor; 5: a windshield; 5a: a connecting portion; 6: an insertion opening; 6a: a cover; 7: a power switch; 8: a power port; 9: a stiffener; 11: a main body portion; 11a: a central portion; 11b: a support portion; 11c: a first end portion; 11d: a second end portion; 12: a cover; 12a: a cover portion (first cover portion); 12b: a cover portion (second cover portion); 12c: a cover portion (first cover portion); 13: an accommodating portion; 13a: a heater; 14. 15: a clamping portion (optical fiber clamping member); 16: an elastic member; 21: a guide member; 21a: a switch; 22. 32, 76, 82: a magnet; 31. 81: a holder; 33. 83: a protrusion; 33a, 83a: a first side; 33b, 83b: a second face; 41. 91: a fixed end portion; 41a, 91a: one end; 41b, 91b: the other end; 42. 92: a free end portion; 42a, 92a: a base end portion; 42b, 92b: a main body part; 42c, 92c: a tip portion; 42d, 92d: a curved portion; 43. 93: a connecting portion; 50: an expansion member; 51: a first portion; 52: a second portion; 53: a connecting portion; 54. 55, 56, 57: a slot; 58: an assembling portion; 61. 62: a multiple clamping member; 63: a main body portion; 64: a lid portion; 65: an elastic member; 71: a base; 71a: a placement part; 72: a first support part; 72a, 73a, G: a groove; 73: a second support portion; 74: a first convex portion; 74a, 75a: a top end; 75: a second convex portion; RA1, RA2, RA3: a rotating shaft; s: hanging a belt; SU1: a surface; SU2: a bottom surface.

Claims (8)

1. A cover position holding mechanism includes:

a main body portion;

a cover portion that opens and closes by rotating about a rotation axis with respect to the main body portion; and

an elastic member having a fixed end portion fixed to the main body portion, a free end portion capable of elastic deformation, and a connecting portion connecting the fixed end portion and the free end portion,

the free end portion is elastically deformable with the connecting portion as a fulcrum,

when the lid portion is rotated by its own weight so as to change from the open state to the closed state, the lid portion and the free end portion contact each other, whereby the open state of the lid portion is maintained.

2. The cover position maintaining mechanism according to claim 1,

the elastic member is a plate spring.

3. The cover position retaining mechanism according to claim 1 or 2,

the lid portion has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the free end portion when the lid portion is in the open state,

when the lid portion is rotated by its own weight so as to change from the open state to the closed state, the protruding portion and the free end portion contact each other, whereby the open state of the lid portion is maintained.

4. A strength member for reinforcing a fusion spliced portion between optical fibers, wherein the strength member comprises:

the lid position retaining mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 3;

an accommodating portion accommodating the welding portion and a heat shrinkable tube covering the welding portion;

a heater that heats the heat-shrinkable tube accommodated in the accommodating portion;

a fiber clamping member having a first cover portion for holding the optical fiber in the accommodating portion; and

a second cover part for opening or closing the accommodation part,

at least one of the first cover part and the second cover part is included in the cover part of the cover position holding mechanism.

5. The strength member according to claim 4,

the reinforcing device is provided with: the optical fiber clamping member having the cover position holding mechanism and the second cover portion fixed to the first cover portion.

6. An optical fiber fusion splicer comprising:

a stiffener according to claim 4 or 5; and

a fusion processing portion for forming the fusion-spliced portion.

7. The optical fiber fusion splicer according to claim 6, further comprising:

a case for the reinforcement and the fusion processing part;

an expansion member attached to the case; and

a multiple clamp attached to the expansion member,

the multiple clamp includes:

a second main body portion;

a third cover part that opens and closes by rotating about a second rotation axis with respect to the second body part; and

a second elastic member having a second fixed end portion fixed to the second body portion, a second free end portion elastically deformable, and a second connecting portion connecting the second fixed end portion and the second free end portion,

the second free end portion is elastically deformable with the second connecting portion as a fulcrum,

when the third cover portion is rotated by its own weight so as to change from the open state to the closed state, the third cover portion and the second free end portion contact each other, whereby the open state of the third cover portion is maintained.

8. An optical fiber fusion splicer having the cover position holding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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