JP2014219500A - Mechanical splice tool, optical fiber connection device, and optical fiber connection method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mechanical splice tool capable of being repeatedly used in the operation of connecting optical fibers using a mechanical splice tool with each other, and has a simple configuration.SOLUTION: The present mechanical splice tool includes: a first interposing member 10 having a first interposing piece 11 to be interposed into one end 40a side of a splice 40; a second interposing member 20 having a second interposing piece 21 to be interposed into the other end 40b side; and a tool main body 31 for holding these interposing members. The interposing members 10, 20 have rotation axes 13, 23 rotatably held at each end side of the splice 40, lever parts 14, 24 extending in toward the center part, and interlock mechanism parts 15, 25 contactable with the other interposing member at its top end part. The interposing pieces 11, 21 are supported by the lever parts 14, 24 of each interposing member, and when the first interposing member 10 is rotated, its interlock mechanism part 15 pushes the interlock mechanism part 25 of the second interposing member 20, and thereby, the interposing member 20 rotates through interlocking with the interlock mechanism part 25, and the interposing pieces 11, 21 are interposed into the splice 40.

Description

  The present invention relates to a mechanical splicing tool used for connecting optical fibers using a mechanical splice, an optical fiber connecting device using the same, and an optical fiber connecting method.

Patent Document 1 discloses an optical fiber connector for connecting ends of optical fiber cables gripped by a cable gripping member in a state of abutting each other along a certain direction. A pair of clamping members that clamp the ends of the optical fiber, a spring member that presses the pair of clamping members with elastic force, a guide that mounts and guides the cable gripping member, and a cable mounted on the guide A restraining cover that restrains the gripping member, a plurality of insertion units that hold the pair of sandwiching members in a separated state, and a lock unit that locks the guide to the housing when the cable gripping member is accommodated in the housing. An optical fiber connector is described.
If an insertion unit (wedge member) is attached to each pair of clamping members (mechanical splices) pressed by a spring member for each product, the wedge member becomes an unnecessary item (trash) after use, resulting in an increase in cost.

JP 2010-145951 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can be used repeatedly (multiple times) for connecting optical fibers using a mechanical splice, and a mechanical splicing tool having a simple structure, It is an object to provide an optical fiber connection device and an optical fiber connection method used.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an optical device using a mechanical splice capable of holding and fixing the end surfaces of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber by butting them between the half-divided elements. A first insertion piece that is used for connecting fibers and has a first insertion piece that is inserted so that the first optical fiber can be inserted between the half-divided elements at one longitudinal end of the mechanical splice; A second insertion piece that includes an insertion member and a second insertion piece that is inserted so that the second optical fiber can be inserted between the half-split elements on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice. An insertion member, and a tool body that holds the first insertion member and the second insertion member, and the first insertion member is arranged at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice. Said work A rotary shaft rotatably held by the main body, a flange extending from the rotary shaft toward the longitudinal center of the mechanical splice, and the second insertion member at the distal end of the flange The second insertion member includes a rotating shaft rotatably held by the tool body on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and the rotating shaft. A hook part extending toward a longitudinal central portion of the mechanical splice; and an interlocking mechanism part capable of contacting the first insertion member at a tip part of the hook part, wherein the first insertion The piece is supported by the flange portion of the first insertion member, the second insertion piece is supported by the flange portion of the second insertion member, and the first insertion piece is The first insertion member is rotated so as to be inserted between the half elements. When the interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member pushes the interlocking mechanism portion of the second insertion member, the second insertion member rotates in conjunction with the second intervention member. A mechanical splicing tool is provided in which an insert is inserted between the half elements.
The interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member is combined with a concave portion in which the flange portion of the second insertion member is notched on the side opposite to the side facing the mechanical splice, It is preferable that the interlocking mechanism portion of the insertion member is combined with a concave portion in which the flange portion of the first insertion member is notched on the side facing the mechanical splice.
The second insertion member has an operation unit for extracting the second insertion piece from between the half-divided elements, and the second insertion piece is extracted from between the half-elements. When the second insertion member is rotated as described above, the interlocking mechanism portion of the second insertion member pushes the interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member. It is preferable that the members rotate in conjunction with each other, and the first insertion piece is extracted from between the halved elements.
The operation portion is provided to extend outward from the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and the second insertion portion is provided between the operation portion and the interlocking mechanism portion of the second insertion member. It is preferable that the rotation axis of the member is arranged.
It is preferable that the tool body has a rail portion that guides an optical fiber holder that holds an optical fiber toward an end side in a longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice.
It is preferable that the tool main body includes an engagement piece that holds an optical fiber holder that holds an optical fiber in a state where a tip end portion of the optical fiber is inserted on an end side in a longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice.

The present invention also provides a cable gripping member for gripping an optical fiber cable and an extended optical fiber drawn from the end of the optical fiber cable with an insertion optical fiber, which is another optical fiber, between the halved elements. A mechanical splice that can be clamped and fixed, a unit base that integrates a gripping member holding portion that holds the cable gripping member and a splice holder that holds the mechanical splice, and the extension light using the mechanical splice A mechanical splicing tool used for connecting a fiber and the insertion optical fiber, and the mechanical splicing tool is inserted between the halved elements on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice. Either an optical fiber or the extended optical fiber A first insertion member having a first insertion piece to be inserted so that a first optical fiber which is the other side can be inserted, and the other half of the mechanical splice between the half element And a second insertion member having a second insertion piece for inserting a second optical fiber different from the first optical fiber of the insertion optical fiber or the extended optical fiber. And a tool body that holds the first insertion member and the second insertion member, and the first insertion member is attached to the tool body at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice. A rotating shaft that is rotatably held, a flange that extends from the rotating shaft toward a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and a contact with the second insertion member at the tip of the flange Possible interlocking mechanism The second insertion member includes a rotating shaft rotatably held by the tool body at the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice from the rotating shaft. And an interlocking mechanism portion that can come into contact with the first insertion member at the distal end portion of the flange portion, and the first insertion piece includes the first insertion piece. The second insertion piece is supported by the flange portion of the member, and the second insertion piece is supported by the flange portion of the second insertion member, and the first insertion piece is divided between the halved elements. When the first insertion member is rotated so as to be inserted, the interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member pushes the interlocking mechanism portion of the second insertion member, so that the second insertion member is inserted. An optical fiber in which a member rotates together and the second insertion piece is inserted between the half elements. A connection device is provided.
The gripping member holding portion rotates around a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, thereby holding the cable gripping member and restricting its retraction, and the cable gripping It is preferable to provide a lever member that can rotate between a standby position that does not restrict the backward movement of the member.
It is preferable that the splice holder has an engaging claw on a surface opposite to the side accommodating the mechanical splice.
The interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member is combined with a concave portion in which the flange portion of the second insertion member is notched on the side opposite to the side facing the mechanical splice, It is preferable that the interlocking mechanism portion of the insertion member is combined with a concave portion in which the flange portion of the first insertion member is notched on the side facing the mechanical splice.
The second insertion member has an operation unit for extracting the second insertion piece from between the half-divided elements, and the second insertion piece is extracted from between the half-elements. When the second insertion member is rotated as described above, the interlocking mechanism portion of the second insertion member pushes the interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member. It is preferable that the members rotate in conjunction with each other, and the first insertion piece is extracted from between the halved elements.
The operation portion is provided to extend outward from the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and the second insertion portion is provided between the operation portion and the interlocking mechanism portion of the second insertion member. It is preferable that the rotation axis of the member is arranged.
It is preferable that the tool body has a rail portion that guides an optical fiber holder that holds the insertion optical fiber toward an end side in a longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice.
The tool body has a locking piece for holding an optical fiber holder that holds the insertion optical fiber in a state in which a distal end portion of the insertion optical fiber is inserted into a longitudinal end of the mechanical splice. Is preferred.

The present invention also provides a cable gripping member for gripping an optical fiber cable and an extended optical fiber drawn from the end of the optical fiber cable with an insertion optical fiber, which is another optical fiber, between the halved elements. A mechanical splice that can be clamped and fixed, a unit base that integrates a gripping member holding portion that holds the cable gripping member and a splice holder that holds the mechanical splice, and the extension light using the mechanical splice A mechanical splicing tool used for connecting a fiber and the insertion optical fiber, and the mechanical splicing tool is inserted between the halved elements on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice. Either an optical fiber or the extended optical fiber A first insertion member having a first insertion piece to be inserted so that a first optical fiber which is the other side can be inserted, and the other half of the mechanical splice between the half element And a second insertion member having a second insertion piece for inserting a second optical fiber different from the first optical fiber of the insertion optical fiber or the extended optical fiber. And a tool body that holds the first insertion member and the second insertion member, and the first insertion member is attached to the tool body at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice. A rotating shaft that is rotatably held, a flange that extends from the rotating shaft toward a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and a contact with the second insertion member at the tip of the flange Possible interlocking mechanism The second insertion member includes a rotating shaft rotatably held by the tool body at the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice from the rotating shaft. And an interlocking mechanism portion that can come into contact with the first insertion member at the distal end portion of the flange portion, and the first insertion piece includes the first insertion piece. The second insertion piece is supported by the flange portion of the member, and the second insertion piece prepares an optical fiber connection device supported by the flange portion of the second insertion member, and the first insertion piece is When the first insertion member is rotated so as to be inserted between the half-divided elements, the interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member pushes the interlocking mechanism portion of the second insertion member. Accordingly, the second insertion member rotates in conjunction with each other, and the second insertion piece is located between the half elements. After that, the insertion optical fiber is inserted between the half-divided elements, and the cable gripping member for gripping the optical fiber cable is held by the gripping member holding portion, and the extended light An optical fiber connection method is provided in which a tip end portion of a fiber is inserted between the half-divided elements, and the inserted optical fiber and the extended optical fiber are brought into contact with each other and held and fixed.
The gripping member holding portion rotates around a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, thereby holding the cable gripping member and restricting its retraction, and the cable gripping It is preferable to provide a lever member that can rotate between a standby position that does not restrict the backward movement of the member.
It is preferable that the splice holder has an engaging claw on a surface opposite to the side accommodating the mechanical splice.
The interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member is combined with a concave portion in which the flange portion of the second insertion member is notched on the side opposite to the side facing the mechanical splice, It is preferable that the interlocking mechanism portion of the insertion member is combined with a concave portion in which the flange portion of the first insertion member is notched on the side facing the mechanical splice.
The second insertion member has an operation unit for extracting the second insertion piece from between the half-divided elements, and the second insertion piece is extracted from between the half-elements. When the second insertion member is rotated as described above, the interlocking mechanism portion of the second insertion member pushes the interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member. It is preferable that the members rotate in conjunction with each other, and the first insertion piece is extracted from between the halved elements.
The operation portion is provided to extend outward from the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and the second insertion portion is provided between the operation portion and the interlocking mechanism portion of the second insertion member. It is preferable that the rotation axis of the member is arranged.
It is preferable that the tool body has a rail portion that guides an optical fiber holder that holds the insertion optical fiber toward an end side in a longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice.
The tool body has a locking piece for holding an optical fiber holder that holds the insertion optical fiber in a state in which a distal end portion of the insertion optical fiber is inserted into a longitudinal end of the mechanical splice. Is preferred.

  According to the present invention, a mechanical splicing tool that can be used repeatedly (multiple times) for connecting optical fibers using a mechanical splice can be configured with a simple structure.

It is a perspective view which shows an example which combines the tool for mechanical splices of this invention with a mechanical splice and a splice holder. It is a perspective view which shows the positional relationship of the tool for mechanical splices of FIG. 1, and a mechanical splice. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the optical fiber connection apparatus using the tool for mechanical splices of FIG. It is a front view explaining operation | movement of the tool for mechanical splices of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which connected the optical fiber using the optical fiber connection apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the state which removed the optical fiber holder and the tool for mechanical splices from the unit for a connection. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of a mechanical splice. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode that the insertion member was inserted between the elements of the half of mechanical splice. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode that an insertion member is extracted from between the elements of the half of a mechanical splice.

The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the mechanical splicing tool of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the mechanical splicing tool 30 includes optical fibers using a mechanical splice 40 that can hold and fix the optical fibers 1 and 2 between the halved elements 41 and 42. Used for connection work. Hereinafter, the mechanical splice 40 is simply referred to as the splice 40.

  The mechanical splicing tool 30 shown in FIG. 1 includes a first insertion member 10 provided on one end 40 a side in the longitudinal direction of the splice 40 and a second insertion member 10 provided on the other end 40 b side in the longitudinal direction of the splice 40. The insertion member 20 is provided with a tool body 31 that holds the first insertion member 10 and the second insertion member 20. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the insertion members 10 and 20 include insertion pieces 11 and 21 that are inserted so that the optical fibers 1 and 2 can be inserted between the halved elements 41 and 42 of the splice 40. Have.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the splice 40 is a pressing lid 42 constituted by an elongated plate-like base element 41 and three lid elements 42 a, 42 b, 42 c arranged along the longitudinal direction of the base element 41. Are collectively held inside a long and narrow clamp spring 43 extending in a C-shaped or U-shaped cross section. This splice 40 has a half-grip member 44 composed of a base element 41 and a pressing lid 42 (lid elements 42a, 42b, 42c).
The clamp spring 43 has a configuration in which side plate portions 43b and 43c are projected from both sides of the back plate portion 43a. For example, the clamp spring 43 can be formed from a single metal plate. One side plate portion 43 b contacts the base element 41, and the other side plate portion 43 c contacts the holding lid 42. As a result, the base element 41 and the pressing lid 42 are urged in the direction of closing each other by the elasticity of the clamp spring 43.

The first optical fiber 1 and the second optical fiber 2 inserted between the elements 41 and 42 are connected with their end faces butted at the center of the splice 40. The end of the first optical fiber 1 is inserted from the tapered opening 44a opened at one end 40a in the longitudinal direction of the half gripping member 44 of the splice 40 to the center in the longitudinal direction of the splice 40. The end of the second optical fiber 2 is inserted from the tapered opening 44b opened to the other end 40b in the longitudinal direction of the half gripping member 44 of the splice 40 to the center in the longitudinal direction of the splice 40.
FIG. 7 shows the state in which the second optical fiber 2 is inserted between the elements 41 and 42 first, and the first optical fiber 1 is subsequently inserted, but the optical fiber 1 to the splice 40 is shown. , 2 is not particularly limited, and any optical fiber may be inserted first.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the base element 41 has grooves (alignment grooves 46 and covering portion insertion grooves 46 a and 46 b) in which the optical fibers 1 and 2 are arranged on a surface 41 p facing the pressing lid 42. The lid element 42a, 42b, 42c may also have a groove on the surface 42p facing the base element 41. Examples of the cross-sectional shape of the grooves 46, 46a, and 46b include a V groove, a semicircular groove, a U groove, and the like.
A centering groove 46 for positioning and aligning the bare optical fibers 1a and 2a exposed at the tips of the optical fibers 1 and 2 with high accuracy so as to be optically connectable is provided at the center of the base element 41 in the longitudinal direction. Is formed. The alignment groove 46 is a groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the base element 41, and the bare optical fibers 1a and 2a are gripped between the base element 41 and the central lid element 42b.
At both ends in the longitudinal direction of the base element 41, coating portion insertion grooves 46a and 46b are formed in which portions having the coatings 1b and 2b of the optical fibers 1 and 2 are disposed. The covering portion insertion grooves 46 a and 46 b are grooves that continue to the alignment groove 46 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the base element 41. The portion having the coverings 1b and 2b is gripped between the base element 41 and the lid elements 42a and 42c at both ends. The covering portion insertion grooves 46 a and 46 b are wider than the alignment groove 46.

As shown in FIG. 8, by inserting the insertion pieces 11 and 21 between the half-divided elements 41 and 42, a gap into which the optical fibers 1 and 2 can be inserted is formed. Further, after the optical fibers 1 and 2 are inserted between the half-divided elements 41 and 42, as shown in FIG. The fibers 1 and 2 can be held and fixed between the halved elements 41 and 42.
An insertion member insertion port 45 for inserting the insertion members 10 and 20 is opened on a side surface of the half-split gripping member 44 of the splice 40 that is exposed to the side opposite to the back plate portion 43a of the clamp spring 43. Yes. The insertion member insertion port 45 is secured between the half-divided elements 41 and 42 by forming groove-like recesses at positions corresponding to each other on the opposing surfaces of the half-divided elements 41 and 42. The insertion member insertion port 45 is formed to a depth that does not reach the grooves (alignment grooves 46 and covering portion insertion grooves 46a and 46b) in which the optical fibers 1 and 2 are disposed. As the insertion member insertion port 45, a configuration secured by forming a groove-like recess only on one side of the base element 41 or the pressing lid 42 can also be employed.

  The side plate portions 43b and 43c of the clamp spring 43 are divided into three portions corresponding to the three lid elements 42a, 42b and 42c by slit-shaped cut portions 43d, respectively. As a result, the splice 40 has three portions (clamping portions) in which the half elements 41 and 42 can be opened and closed independently, and a portion for gripping and fixing the coating 1b of the optical fiber 1 by the base element 41 and the lid element 42a, A portion for holding and fixing the bare optical fibers 1a and 2a by the base element 41 and the lid element 42b and a portion for holding and fixing the coating 2b of the optical fiber 2 by the base element 41 and the lid element 42c are provided.

The mechanical splicing tool 30 according to the present embodiment includes insertion members 10 and 20 corresponding to the two optical fibers 1 and 2, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7 to 9.
The first insertion member 10 has a rotary shaft 13 rotatably held by the tool main body 31 on one end 40 a side in the longitudinal direction of the splice 40, and a direction from the rotary shaft 13 toward the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the splice 40. And an interlocking mechanism portion 15 that can come into contact with the second insertion member 20 at the distal end portion of the flange portion 14. The first insertion pieces 11 and 11 are inserted so that the first optical fiber 1 can be inserted between the halved elements 41 and 42.
The second insertion member 20 includes a rotary shaft 23 that is rotatably held by the tool main body 31 on the other end 40 b side in the longitudinal direction of the splice 40, and a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the splice 40 from the rotary shaft 23. There is a flange portion 24 extending toward the end, and an interlocking mechanism portion 25 that can contact the first insertion member 10 at the distal end portion of the flange portion 24. The second insertion pieces 21 and 21 are inserted so that the second optical fiber 2 can be inserted between the half elements 41 and 42.

  In FIGS. 1 and 2, the insertion member insertion port 45a (see FIGS. 8 and 9) into which the first insertion piece 11 is inserted is the insertion member insertion port 45a and the second insertion piece 21. What is inserted is identified as an insertion member insertion port 45b. The insertion member insertion ports 45a and 45b have one location corresponding to the lid element 42a on the one end 40a side (intermediation member insertion port 45a) and two locations corresponding to the central lid element 42b (interposition member insertion ports 45a and 45b). ), At one place corresponding to the lid element 42c on the other end 40b side (insertion member insertion port 45b).

The tool main body 31 has an accommodation hole 32 for accommodating the insertion members 10 and 20 on a surface 31a (see FIG. 1) opposite to the splice 40. On the surface 31b (see FIG. 6) on the splice 40 side of the tool body 31, a passage port 33 through which the insertion pieces 11, 21 can pass is opened. A shaft hole 32 a into which the rotation shaft 13 of the first insertion member 10 is inserted and a shaft hole 32 b into which the rotation shaft 23 of the second insertion member 20 is inserted are opened on the side surface 31 c of the tool body 31. .
Support portions 12 and 22 are formed on the flange portions 14 and 24 of the insertion members 10 and 20 toward the insertion member insertion ports 45 a and 45 b of the splice 40. The insertion pieces 11 and 21 are supported by the flange portions 14 and 24 by being formed at the tips of the support portions 12 and 22.

  The first insertion member 10 can be rotated in both directions around the rotation shaft 13, and the second insertion member 20 can be rotated in both directions around the rotation shaft 23. As shown in FIG. 4, at least the position where the insertion pieces 11 and 21 are separated from the splice 40 (the state shown in the upper part of FIG. 4) and the insertion pieces 11 and 21 are spliced 40 (FIG. 8). Between the half-divided elements 41 and 42) (the state shown in the lower part of FIG. 4), and at least within this range, each of the insertion members 10 and 20 can freely rotate.

  Before inserting the optical fiber into the splice 40, as shown in FIG. 4, the first insertion piece 11 is inserted into the splice 40 (between the half elements 41 and 42 in FIG. 8). The insertion member 10 is rotated, and the interlocking mechanism portion 15 of the first insertion member 10 pushes the interlocking mechanism portion 25 of the second insertion member 20, whereby the second insertion member 20 is interlocked. The second insertion piece 21 is inserted into the splice 40 (between the half elements 41 and 42 in FIG. 8). This operation is represented in FIG. 4 as a change from the state shown above the figure by the arrow A to the state shown below the figure. An arrow a shown on the upper side of FIG. 4 is added to indicate that the first insertion member 10 is pushed, but the pushing position is not particularly limited to that position. You may push both the insertion members 10 and 20 together.

The interlocking mechanism portion 15 of the first insertion member 10 is a convex portion that is combined with a concave portion 25a that is cut away on the side opposite to the side facing the splice 40 of the flange portion 24 of the second insertion member 20. The interlocking mechanism portion 25 of the second insertion member 20 is a convex portion that is combined with the concave portion 15a that is cut out on the side where the flange portion 14 of the first insertion member 10 faces the splice 40. Thereby, when the insertion pieces 11 and 21 are inserted into the splice 40, as shown in the lower side of FIG. 4, the surfaces 14a and 24a of the flange portions 14 and 24 of the insertion members 10 and 20 (insertion pieces). The surfaces on the side opposite to 11 and 21 are aligned, and the completion of pushing can be easily confirmed.
On the surfaces 14a and 24a of the flange portions 14 and 24, pressing protrusions 17 and 27 protrude from the opposite sides of the support portions 12 and 22 having the insertion pieces 11 and 21, respectively. Thereby, by pressing the pressing protrusions 17 and 27, it is possible to concentrate and apply a pressing force to the insertion pieces 11 and 21, and it becomes easy to insert between the insertion pieces 11 and 21.

The second insertion member 20 has a splice 40 (between the half elements 41 and 42 in FIG. 9).
The operation part 26 for extracting the 2nd insertion piece 21 from this is provided. After inserting the optical fibers 1 and 2 into the splice 40, when the second insertion member 20 is rotated so that the second insertion piece 21 is extracted from between the half elements 41 and 42, When the interlocking mechanism portion 25 of the second insertion member 20 pushes the interlocking mechanism portion 15 of the first insertion member 10, the first insertion member 10 rotates in conjunction with the first insertion member 10. The piece 11 is extracted from between the halved elements 41 and 42.
This operation is represented in FIG. 4 as a change from the state shown at the bottom of the figure by the arrow B to the state shown at the top of the figure. An arrow b shown on the lower side of FIG. 4 indicates that the operation unit 26 of the second insertion member 20 is pushed.

  According to the mechanical splicing tool 30 of the present embodiment, the second insertion member 20 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first insertion member 10, so that both insertions can be performed with only one operation. Since the pieces 11 and 21 can be inserted into the splice 40, the insertion pieces 11 and 21 necessary for preparation for inserting both optical fibers 1 and 2 can be reliably inserted. Further, when the first insertion member 10 is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the second insertion member 20, both the insertion pieces 11, 21 can be extracted from the splice 40 with only one operation. it can. That is, the insertion pieces 11 and 21 necessary for gripping and fixing both optical fibers 1 and 2 can be reliably extracted.

The operation portion 26 is provided to extend outward (left side in FIG. 4) from the other end 40 b side in the longitudinal direction of the splice 40. That is, in the second insertion member 20, the rotation shaft 23 is disposed between the operation unit 26 and the interlocking mechanism unit 25. As a result, the operation of pushing the operation unit 26 is converted into an operation of pulling the collar unit 24 using the rotation shaft 23 as a fulcrum, so that the operation unit 26 is more easily operated than a case where a pulling operation is provided on the collar unit 24. Even if it is small, it is easy to operate.
As shown in FIG. 1, since the operation part 26 protrudes to the outer side of the accommodation hole 32 of the insertion members 10 and 20, in this case, the rotation of the second insertion member 20 when the operation part 26 is pushed. Is restricted where the operating portion 26 abuts the peripheral edge of the accommodation hole 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the second intervention is performed so that the overlapping order of the interlocking mechanism portions 15 and 25 of the insertion members 10 and 20 (the interlocking mechanism portion 25 is closer to the splice 40 than the interlocking mechanism portion 15) is not reversed. It is also possible to restrict the rotation range of the insertion member 20.

  The flange portions 14 and 24 are inserted between the center lid element 42 b and the base element 41 of the insertion pieces 11 and 21 by rotating around the rotation shafts 13 and 23 on the end side of the splice 40. The thing (the insertion piece on the side far from the rotary shafts 13 and 23) is inserted between the lid elements 42a and 42c on the end side and the base element 41 (the insertion piece on the side close to the rotary shafts 13 and 23). As compared with the above, the distance from the splice 40 is increased first. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a time difference such that the bare optical fibers 1a and 2a shown in FIG. 7 are gripped first and the coatings 1b and 2b are gripped later.

  In order to attach the splice 40 to the tool body 31, the mechanical splicing tool 30 of the present embodiment has a splice accommodating portion 34 (see FIGS. 1 to 3 and 6) on the surface 31b on the splice side. As shown in FIG. 6, the splice accommodating portion 34 has a pair of holding wall portions 34 a and 34 b extending in the longitudinal direction of the splice 40. The holding wall portion 34 a has a locking portion 34 c on the one end 40 a side of the splice 40. Further, a stopper portion 34d is formed on the other end side of the holding wall portions 34a and 34b. In the present embodiment, the splice 40 is held by the splice holder 50, and the splice holder 50 is accommodated in the splice accommodating portion 34 of the tool body 31 as shown in FIGS. The corner portion 50d of the splice holder 50 comes into contact with the stopper portion 34d, and the notch portion 50c of the splice holder 50 is engaged with the locking portion 34c, whereby the positional deviation in the longitudinal direction is restricted.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the splice holder 50 has a bottom wall portion 51 and a pair of side wall portions 52 and 53. Protruding locking claws 52 a and 53 a are formed on the inner surfaces of the side walls 52 and 53. The splice 40 enters the lower side of the locking claws 52 a and 53 a by being pushed between the side wall portions 52 and 53 toward the bottom wall portion 51, and is accommodated in the splice holder 50. The lifting of the splice 40 can be restricted by the locking claws 52a and 53a. In FIG. 1 and the like, lid elements 42a, 42b, and 42c are disposed on the side of the side wall 52 having the notch 50c, and the base element 41 is disposed on the side of the side wall 53. However, the base element 41 and the lid elements 42a, 42b, Even if the direction of 42 c is changed, the splice 40 can be accommodated in the splice holder 50.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the mechanical splicing tool 30 of the present embodiment guides the optical fiber holder 80 that holds the first optical fiber 1 toward the one end 40 a in the longitudinal direction of the splice 40. A rail portion 35 is provided. The rail portion 35 is formed on the surface 31 b of the tool body 31 on the splice housing portion 34 side. The rail portion 35 includes a slide surface 35a that slides the optical fiber holder 80 and a pair of guide wall portions 35b and 35b that project on both sides in the width direction and guide the side surface 81c of the optical fiber holder 80. The guide wall portions 35b and 35b can contact the side surfaces 81c and 81c on both sides of the optical fiber holder 80 to position the optical fiber holder 80 in the width direction.

  The guide walls 35b and 35b are formed with protrusions 35c and 35c that are inserted into grooves 85 formed on the side surfaces 81c on both sides of the optical fiber holder 80. The protrusions 35c and 35c are formed in the sliding direction (front-rear direction) of the optical fiber holder 80, and can be guided in a direction in which the optical fiber holder 80 approaches the splice 40 or away from the splice 40. . Further, not only when the slide surface 35a is horizontal and the optical fiber holder 80 is placed on top, but also when the slide surface 35a is inclined or the optical fiber holder 80 moves under the slide surface 35a. In addition, the optical fiber holder 80 can be prevented from falling off the slide surface 35a.

  A locking piece 36 for locking the optical fiber holder 80 is formed in the tool body 31. The engaging piece 36 is configured such that an engaging recess 36a into which the engaging protrusion 86 of the optical fiber holder 80 enters is formed at the tip of the tool body 31 protruding from the surface 31b on the splice housing portion 34 side. . The locking piece 36 can be formed integrally with the tool body 31 or may be attached separately. It is preferable that the pair of locking pieces 36 and 36 be configured to be elastically closed by a spring or the like, because the optical fiber holder 80 can be locked easily and reliably. When the locking protrusion 86 of the optical fiber holder 80 is inserted between the locking pieces 36, 36, the locking protrusion 86 engages with the engaging recess 36 a, so that the front and rear of the optical fiber holder 80 with respect to the rail portion 35. Directional movement can be restricted. The shape of the locking projection 86 in plan view is preferably a tapered shape (for example, a triangular shape) in which the front-rear dimension increases from the outer side to the inner side in the width direction.

The optical fiber holder 80 is a holder that holds the optical fiber 1, and includes a base portion 81 and a lid 84 that is rotatably coupled to the base portion 81 by a hinge portion 87. The optical fiber 1 can be held and fixed by being pressed by the lid 84. FIG. 3 shows a state where the lid 84 is closed, and FIG. 6 shows a state where the lid 84 is opened.
On the upper surface 81a of the base portion 81, holding wall portions 82a, 82b, and 82c having positioning recesses 83a, 83b, and 83c for accommodating the first optical fiber 1 are formed apart from each other. A linear positioning groove 83 that passes through the positioning recesses 83a, 83b, and 83c is formed on the upper surface 81a of the base portion 81. The positioning groove 83 is a groove portion for positioning the optical fiber 1 and may have, for example, a substantially V-shaped cross section, a substantially U-shaped cross section, a semicircular cross section, or the like. The positioning groove 83 is a thin groove that can position the optical fiber 1, and the positioning recesses 83 a, 83 b, and 83 c have a wide opening for guiding the optical fiber 1 to the positioning groove 83.
Accordingly, when the optical fiber 1 is placed on the base portion 81 from the state in which the lid 84 is open (see FIG. 6), the optical fiber 1 is easily placed in the positioning groove 83 and the lid 84 is closed. It can be held and fixed (see FIG. 3).

  The lid body 84 includes a flat plate-shaped pressing portion 84 a that holds the optical fiber 1 and a locking portion 84 b that is inserted into the hole 81 b of the base portion 81 and locked. For example, the hinge portion 87 can be configured by inserting a shaft formed on the lid 84 into a hole formed on the holding wall portion 82b. In a state where the lid 84 is placed on the upper surface 81a of the base 81, the lid 84 is disposed between the holding wall portions 82a and 82b.

  The front side of the base portion 81 (the side facing the splice 40 when the optical fiber 1 is inserted into the splice 40) is engaged with the outer surface of the splice accommodating portion 34 (specifically, the holding wall portions 34a and 34b) of the tool body 31. A pair of protruding wall portions 88 and 88 protruding so as to be inserted between the pieces 36 are formed. The locking projections 86 and 86 are formed on the outer surfaces of the protruding wall portions 88 and 88.

  The optical fiber connection device 100 shown in FIG. 3 includes a cable gripping member 70 that grips the optical fiber cable 3, and the extended optical fiber 2 drawn from the end of the optical fiber cable 3, and the insertion optical fiber 1 that is another optical fiber. A splice 40 that can be held and fixed by gripping, a unit base 54 (see FIG. 1) in which the holding member holding portion 60 and the splice holder 50 are integrated, and a mechanical unit used for optical fiber connection work using the splice 40. A splicing tool 30 (see FIG. 4) is provided. In the present embodiment, the first optical fiber 1 described above corresponds to the insertion optical fiber 1, and the second optical fiber 2 described above corresponds to the extended optical fiber 2.

  The optical fiber cable 3 shown in FIG. 3 has a cross-sectional configuration in which, for example, the optical fiber 2 is embedded and integrated in a resin coating material (also referred to as a jacket 3a) together with a pair of linear strength members vertically attached thereto. It is a rectangular optical fiber cable. These are used as optical drop cables, optical indoor cables, and the like. The extension optical fiber 2 and the insertion optical fiber 1 are coated optical fibers such as an optical fiber core and an optical fiber. The butt connection between the extension optical fiber 2 and the insertion optical fiber 1 at the splice 40 is realized by a butt between the bare optical fiber 1a exposed at the tip of the insertion optical fiber 1 and the bare optical fiber 2a at the tip of the extension optical fiber 2. The

  The cable gripping member 70 includes a grip base 71 and a lid member 72, and the optical fiber cable 3 can be gripped between them. A specific configuration of the grip base 71 includes, for example, a structure in which a fitting groove that surrounds the jacket of the optical fiber cable 3 from three sides is formed by a bottom wall portion and a pair of side wall portions. It is preferable that a plurality of gripping projections provided on the surfaces of the pair of side wall portions that are opposed to each other are bitten into the outer sheath of the optical fiber cable because the retention performance is good. The gripping protrusion may be a protrusion having a triangular cross section. In this case, the base of the triangle can be directed to the inner surface of the side wall, and the edge corresponding to the apex of the triangle can be bitten into the jacket of the optical fiber cable.

The cable gripping member 70 has a front protruding portion 73 protruding forward in order to place the extended optical fiber 2 exposed by removing a part of the jacket 3 a of the optical fiber cable 3. The front protrusion 73 has an optical fiber holding groove 74 in order to prevent the extended optical fiber 2 from falling off.
The cable gripping member 70 shown in FIG. 3 is an integrally molded product made of plastic. The lid member 72 is connected to the grip base 71 by a thin hinge. The front protrusion 73 is integrated so that the positional relationship with the grip base 71 is not changed even when the lid member 72 is opened.

  The unit base 54 shown in FIG. 1 has a configuration in which a gripping member holding portion 60 that holds the cable gripping member 70 is integrated with the splice holder 50. The unit base 54 is preferably formed integrally with the holding member holding portion 60 and the splice holder 50. For example, the unit base 54 can be an integrally molded product made of plastic.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the gripping member holding portion 60 includes a receiving portion 61 on which the grip base 71 of the cable gripping member 70 is placed, and an insertion portion 62 in which the front protrusion 73 of the cable gripping member 70 can be fitted. As shown in FIG. 5, by inserting the front protruding portion 73 into the insertion portion 62, the front protruding portion 73 of the cable gripping member 70 can be fitted and held by the gripping member holding portion 60.

  Between the holding member holding portion 60 and the splice holder 50, the tip of the extended optical fiber 2 protruding from the front protruding portion 73 of the cable holding member 70 is formed in a tapered shape on the splice 40 (specifically, the other end 40b side shown in FIG. 7). An optical fiber guide 63 is provided for guiding towards the opening 44b). As a result, when the cable gripping member 70 is inserted into the gripping member holding portion 60, even if the tip of the extended optical fiber 2 becomes difficult to see inside the gripping member holding portion 60, it is reliably guided into the splice 40. can do. The optical fiber guiding portion 63 can be configured by a slope that is tapered so as to narrow the width toward the splice 40.

The gripping member holding portion 60 is rotated around a rotation axis 64 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the splice 40, thereby holding the cable gripping member 70 and restricting its retreat (see FIGS. 5 and 5). 6) and a lever member 65 that is rotatable between a standby position (position shown in FIG. 3) that does not restrict the backward movement of the cable gripping member 70.
As shown in FIG. 1, the lever member 65 is provided with elongated rotary arms 67 and 67 in parallel with each other on both sides of a cover plate 66 that covers the cable gripping member 70 held by the gripping member holding portion 60. It has a configuration. A retraction restricting piece 67 a is formed at the end of the rotating arm 67. Further, the rotating arm 67 has a bearing hole 67 b into which the rotating shaft 64 protruding from both sides of the holding member holding part 60 is inserted. When the rotating shaft 64 is inserted into the bearing hole 67b, the lever member 65 is pivotally attached to the gripping member holding portion 60.
Here, the bearing hole 67b is a through hole penetrating the rotating arm 67 in the thickness direction, but may be a hole with a bottom. Further, the specific structure of the pivoting portion is not particularly limited, and a configuration in which a bearing hole is formed in the gripping member holding portion 60 and a rotation shaft protrusion is formed in the rotating arm 67 can be adopted.

When the lever member 65 is placed in the restricting position (the position shown in FIGS. 5 and 6), the retraction restricting piece 67a is disposed behind the rear end portion 75 of the cable gripping member 70, and the cable gripping member 70 is retracted. Be regulated. At this time, the optical fiber cable 3 protruding from the rear side of the cable gripping member 70 is disposed in the notch 68 between the retreat restricting pieces 67a.
The rotation arm 67 of the lever member 65 has an engagement hole 67 c that engages with an engagement protrusion 60 a that protrudes from the outer surface of the gripping member holding portion 60. By engaging the engaging protrusion 60a with the engaging hole 67c, the lever member 65 can be maintained at the restricted position with respect to the gripping member holding portion 60.
By arranging the lever member 65 at the restricting position, it is possible to perform a pulling operation for restricting the retraction of the cable gripping member 70 with respect to the unit base 54. Thereby, the state in which the cable gripping member 70 and the unit base 54 are integrated is maintained.

Next, an example of an optical fiber connection method using the optical fiber connection device 100 of FIG. 3 will be described.
3, the mechanical splicing tool 30 and the unit base 54 store the splice 40 in the splice holder 50 in advance as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the splice holder 50 is accommodated in the splice accommodating portion of the mechanical splicing tool 30. 34. Further, the lever member 65 of the gripping member holding portion 60 is in an open state (the above-described standby position) so as to receive the cable gripping member 70.

  In order to allow the optical fiber to be inserted into the splice 40, the operator rotates the first insertion member 10 so that the first insertion piece 11 is inserted into the splice 40. As shown by an arrow A in FIG. 4, when the interlocking mechanism portion 15 of the first insertion member 10 pushes the interlocking mechanism portion 25 of the second insertion member 20, the second insertion member 20 is interlocked. And the second insertion piece 21 is inserted into the splice 40. Thereby, a gap in which both optical fibers 1 and 2 can be inserted into the splice 40 is secured between the halved elements 41 and 42 (see FIGS. 7 to 9).

  Either one of the optical fibers 1 and 2 can be inserted into the splice 40 first. For example, when the extra length of the insertion optical fiber 1 is short, the insertion optical fiber 1 may be inserted first. In this case, the optical fiber holder 80 holding and fixing the insertion optical fiber 1 is brought close to the splice 40 by the guide of the rail portion 35 of the tool body 31, and the insertion optical fiber 1 is inserted into the splice 40 from the one end 40a side, and further locked. The optical fiber holder 80 is locked to the tool body 31 by the piece 36. At this time, instead of moving the optical fiber holder 80, the unit base 54 held by the mechanical splicing tool 30 may be moved toward the optical fiber holder 80 without changing the position of the optical fiber holder 80 as much as possible. .

  Further, the cable gripping member 70 gripping the optical fiber cable 3 is inserted into the gripping member holding portion 60, and the extended optical fiber 2 is inserted into the other end 40b side (see FIG. 7) of the splice 40. When the distal end of the extended optical fiber 2 abuts against the distal end of the insertion optical fiber 1, the portion having the coating 2 b of the extended optical fiber 2 bends to obtain a butting force for bringing the end faces of the optical fibers 1 and 2 into close contact with each other. It is done. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the holding member holding portion 60 has an insertion portion 62 for inserting the cable holding member 70 and an optical fiber guide portion 63 for guiding the extended optical fiber 2 visible from the outside of the apparatus (lever member 65). Therefore, the occurrence of deflection deformation in the extended optical fiber 2 can be visually confirmed. By closing the lever member 65 and restricting the backward movement of the cable gripping member 70, the bending deformation is maintained thereafter.

  As shown by the arrow B in FIG. 4, when the second insertion member 20 is rotated so that the second insertion piece 21 is extracted from the splice 40, the interlocking mechanism portion of the second insertion member 20. When 25 pushes the interlocking mechanism portion 15 of the first insertion member 10, the first insertion member 10 rotates in conjunction with each other, and the first insertion piece 11 is extracted from the splice 40. As a result, the optical fibers 1 and 2 are held and fixed to the splice 40, and the optical connection between the extended optical fiber 2 and the insertion optical fiber 1 is realized. An example of the appearance at this time is shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, the mechanical splicing tool 30 and the optical fiber holder 80 are separated. For example, after opening the lid 84 of the optical fiber holder 80 to release the inserted optical fiber 1, the optical fiber holder 80 can be slid on the rail portion 35 and extracted. Further, the side surface of the splice holder 50 is picked up and pulled out from between the holding wall portions 34 a and 34 b of the tool body 31. Cutout portions 34e and 34e are formed in the central portions of the holding wall portions 34a and 34b to expose the side surfaces of the splice holder 50 more widely. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, the insertion optical fiber 1 and the optical fiber cable 3 are optically connected by the splice 40, and the splice 40 and the cable gripping member 70 are held by the splice holder 50 and the gripping member holding portion 60, respectively. The unit 55 can be assembled.

  Since the splice holder 50 has an engaging claw 56 on the surface 50a opposite to the side where the splice 40 is accommodated, the engaging claw 56 is attached to a wall surface of a storage box or the like (not shown), a side edge of a hole, or the like. The connection unit 55 can be easily attached to the storage box by engaging with the storage box.

In the connecting unit 55, since the splice holder 50 and the cable gripping member 70 are integrated, the relative position between the end of the optical fiber cable 3 and the splice 40 is always constant. For this reason, an excessive force is not applied to the extended optical fiber 2 during a storing operation in an optical fiber connection box or the like, and damage can be prevented. Therefore, the handleability is improved.
Further, since the connection unit 55 is simple in structure and can be reduced in size, it can be used by being stored in an optical connection box (optical termination box or the like) as it is.

Although the present invention has been described based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.
For example, the specific configurations of the mechanical splice, splice holder, insertion member, and optical fiber holder are not limited as long as they conform to the technical idea of the present invention.

  In the case of the optical fiber connecting device 100 shown in FIG. 3, the first insertion piece is inserted into the side of the splice 40 where the insertion optical fiber 1 is inserted, and the second insertion piece is inserted into the side where the extension optical fiber 2 is inserted. (For this reason, the rail part 35 is arrange | positioned at the 1st insertion member side), However It is not limited to this in particular. The first insertion piece may be inserted into the side of the splice 40 where the extended optical fiber 2 is inserted, and the second insertion piece may be inserted into the side where the insertion optical fiber 1 is inserted. In this case, the rail portion is disposed on the second insertion member side. In the case of the optical fiber connection device 100 of FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 4, the rail portion 35 for guiding the optical fiber holder holding the insertion optical fiber is opposite to the operation portion 26 of the second insertion member 20. Placed in. For this reason, there is no possibility of touching the operation unit 26 by mistake when holding the vicinity of the rail unit 35 with one hand.

As in the illustrated example, one of the two rotating insertion members that rotates is the first insertion member (the drive side at the time of insertion and the driven side at the time of removal), and the other is the second insertion member. Although the role of the insertion member (the driven side at the time of cutting and the driving side at the time of removal) may be fixed, in the present invention, the two insertion members are the first insertion member and the second insertion member. It is also possible to configure so as to also serve as an insertion member.
For example, in the case of FIG. 4, the flange portion 14 of the right insertion member 10 has a recess 15 a cut out on the side facing the splice 40, and the flange portion 24 of the left insertion member 20 faces the splice 40. It has a recess 25a cut out on the side opposite to the side to be operated. 4 is configured in the same manner as in FIG. 4 only on the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 4 (about half the width of the flanges 14 and 24), and on the back side of the paper surface of FIG. The flange 14 of the insertion member 10 has a recess cut out on the side opposite to the side facing the splice 40, and the flange 24 of the left insertion member 20 is cut off on the side facing the splice 40. A configuration having a recess is conceivable.
In this case, the right insertion member 10 is the first insertion member and the left insertion member 20 is the second insertion member on the front side of the sheet of FIG. 4, whereas the sheet of FIG. On the rear side, the right insertion member 10 is the second insertion member, and the left insertion member 20 is the first insertion member.

When the two insertion members are configured to serve as both the first insertion member and the second insertion member, both insertion members rotate even if only one of the flanges of the insertion member is pressed. Each insertion piece can be inserted into the mechanical splice.
When the two insertion members are configured to serve as both the first insertion member and the second insertion member, an operation unit (for example, the operation unit 26 in FIG. 4) can be provided on both of the insertion members. Even if only one of the operation parts of the insertion members is pressed, both of the insertion members rotate and each insertion piece can be extracted from the mechanical splice.

The tool body may include a first rail portion that guides the optical fiber holder that grips the first optical fiber toward one end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and grips the second optical fiber. You may have a 2nd rail part which guides an optical fiber holder toward the other end side of the longitudinal direction of a mechanical splice.
The tool body has a first locking piece for holding an optical fiber holder that holds the first optical fiber in a state where the tip of the first optical fiber is inserted into one end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice. The second locking piece that holds the optical fiber holder that holds the second optical fiber in a state in which the distal end portion of the second optical fiber is inserted into the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice. You may have.
The insertion member is not limited to one having a plate-like tip portion (insertion piece) that is inserted between the half-spliced elements. As the insertion piece of the insertion member, for example, a sheet-shaped member, a rod-shaped member, or the like can be employed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... 1st optical fiber (insertion optical fiber), 2 ... 2nd optical fiber (extension optical fiber), 3 ... Optical fiber cable 10, 20 ... Insertion member 11, 21, ... Insertion piece, 12, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 ... Support part, 13, 23 ... Rotary shaft, 14, 24 ... Gutter part, 15, 25 ... Interlocking mechanism part, 26 ... Operation part, 30 ... Tool for mechanical splicing, 31 ... Tool main body, 35 ... Rail part, 36 ... locking piece, 40 ... mechanical splice (splice), 41 ... base element (half-split element), 42 ... presser lid (half-split element), 42a, 42b, 42c ... lid element, 43 ... clamp spring, 44 ... Half-split gripping member, 50 ... Splice holder, 54 ... Unit base, 60 ... Holding member holding part, 65 ... Lever member, 70 ... Cable gripping member, 80 ... Optical fiber holder.

Claims (22)

Used to connect optical fibers using a mechanical splice capable of holding and fixing the end faces of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber by butting them between halved elements,
A first insertion member having a first insertion piece that is inserted so that the first optical fiber can be inserted between the half-split elements on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice;
A second insertion member having a second insertion piece that is inserted so that the second optical fiber can be inserted between the half-split elements on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice;
A tool body for holding the first insertion member and the second insertion member;
With
The first insertion member has a rotating shaft rotatably held by the tool body at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and from the rotating shaft toward a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice. An extending hook and an interlocking mechanism that can contact the second insertion member at the tip of the hook;
The second insertion member has a rotating shaft rotatably held by the tool body on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and extends from the rotating shaft toward a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice. And an interlocking mechanism portion that can contact the first insertion member at the distal end portion of the flange portion,
The first insertion piece is supported by the flange portion of the first insertion member,
The second insertion piece is supported by the flange portion of the second insertion member,
When the first insertion member is rotated so that the first insertion piece is inserted between the half-divided elements, the interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member becomes the second insertion member. By pushing the interlocking mechanism portion of the insertion member, the second insertion member rotates in conjunction with each other, and the second insertion piece is inserted between the halved elements.
Mechanical splicing tool. The interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member is combined with a concave portion in which the flange portion of the second insertion member is notched on the side opposite to the side facing the mechanical splice, The interlocking mechanism portion of the insertion member is combined with a concave portion in which the flange portion of the first insertion member is notched on the side facing the mechanical splice,
The tool for mechanical splicing according to claim 1. The second insertion member has an operation unit for extracting the second insertion piece from between the half-divided elements, and the second insertion piece is extracted from between the half-elements. When the second insertion member is rotated as described above, the interlocking mechanism portion of the second insertion member pushes the interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member. The member rotates in conjunction with each other, and the first insertion piece is extracted from between the half elements.
The tool for mechanical splicing according to claim 1 or 2. The operation portion is provided to extend outward from the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and the second insertion portion is provided between the operation portion and the interlocking mechanism portion of the second insertion member. The rotation axis of the member is arranged,
The mechanical splicing tool according to claim 3. The tool body includes a rail portion that guides an optical fiber holder that holds an optical fiber toward an end in a longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice.
The tool for mechanical splicing in any one of Claims 1-4. The tool body has a locking piece that holds an optical fiber holder that holds an optical fiber in a state in which a distal end portion of the optical fiber is inserted in an end side in a longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice.
The tool for mechanical splicing in any one of Claims 1-5. A cable gripping member for gripping the optical fiber cable;
A mechanical splice capable of gripping and fixing the extended optical fiber drawn out from the end of the optical fiber cable, butting it with an insertion optical fiber that is another optical fiber, and being sandwiched between halved elements;
A unit base integrated with a gripping member holding portion for holding the cable gripping member and a splice holder for holding the mechanical splice;
A mechanical splicing tool used for connecting the extension optical fiber and the insertion optical fiber using the mechanical splice;
With
The mechanical splicing tool is:
A first optical fiber is inserted so that the first optical fiber, which is either the insertion optical fiber or the extension optical fiber, can be inserted between the half-split elements on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice. A first insertion member having an insertion piece;
On the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, a second optical fiber that is different from the first optical fiber of the insertion optical fiber or the extended optical fiber is inserted between the halved elements. A second insertion member having a second insertion piece to be inserted so that it can
A tool body for holding the first insertion member and the second insertion member;
With
The first insertion member has a rotating shaft rotatably held by the tool body at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and from the rotating shaft toward a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice. An extending hook and an interlocking mechanism that can contact the second insertion member at the tip of the hook;
The second insertion member has a rotating shaft rotatably held by the tool body on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and extends from the rotating shaft toward a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice. And an interlocking mechanism portion that can contact the first insertion member at the distal end portion of the flange portion,
The first insertion piece is supported by the flange portion of the first insertion member,
The second insertion piece is supported by the flange portion of the second insertion member,
When the first insertion member is rotated so that the first insertion piece is inserted between the half-divided elements, the interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member becomes the second insertion member. By pushing the interlocking mechanism portion of the insertion member, the second insertion member rotates in conjunction with each other, and the second insertion piece is inserted between the halved elements.
Optical fiber connection device. The gripping member holding portion rotates around a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, thereby holding the cable gripping member and restricting its retraction, and the cable gripping A lever member that can rotate between a standby position that does not restrict the backward movement of the member,
The optical fiber connection device according to claim 7. The splice holder has an engaging claw on a surface opposite to a side accommodating the mechanical splice.
The optical fiber connection device according to claim 7 or 8. The interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member is combined with a concave portion in which the flange portion of the second insertion member is notched on the side opposite to the side facing the mechanical splice, The interlocking mechanism portion of the insertion member is combined with a concave portion in which the flange portion of the first insertion member is notched on the side facing the mechanical splice,
The optical fiber connecting device according to any one of claims 7 to 9. The second insertion member has an operation unit for extracting the second insertion piece from between the half-divided elements, and the second insertion piece is extracted from between the half-elements. When the second insertion member is rotated as described above, the interlocking mechanism portion of the second insertion member pushes the interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member. The member rotates in conjunction with each other, and the first insertion piece is extracted from between the half elements.
The optical fiber connecting device according to claim 7. The operation portion is provided to extend outward from the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and the second insertion portion is provided between the operation portion and the interlocking mechanism portion of the second insertion member. The rotation axis of the member is arranged,
The optical fiber connecting device according to claim 11. The tool body includes a rail portion that guides an optical fiber holder that holds the insertion optical fiber toward an end in a longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice.
The optical fiber connecting device according to any one of claims 7 to 12. The tool body has a locking piece that holds an optical fiber holder that holds the insertion optical fiber in a state in which a distal end portion of the insertion optical fiber is inserted into a longitudinal end of the mechanical splice.
The optical fiber connecting device according to any one of claims 7 to 13. A cable gripping member for gripping the optical fiber cable;
A mechanical splice capable of gripping and fixing the extended optical fiber drawn out from the end of the optical fiber cable, butting it with an insertion optical fiber that is another optical fiber, and being sandwiched between halved elements;
A unit base integrated with a gripping member holding portion for holding the cable gripping member and a splice holder for holding the mechanical splice;
A mechanical splicing tool used for connecting the extension optical fiber and the insertion optical fiber using the mechanical splice;
With
The mechanical splicing tool is:
A first optical fiber is inserted so that the first optical fiber, which is either the insertion optical fiber or the extension optical fiber, can be inserted between the half-split elements on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice. A first insertion member having an insertion piece;
On the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, a second optical fiber that is different from the first optical fiber of the insertion optical fiber or the extended optical fiber is inserted between the halved elements. A second insertion member having a second insertion piece to be inserted so that it can
A tool body for holding the first insertion member and the second insertion member;
With
The first insertion member has a rotating shaft rotatably held by the tool body at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and from the rotating shaft toward a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice. An extending hook and an interlocking mechanism that can contact the second insertion member at the tip of the hook;
The second insertion member has a rotating shaft rotatably held by the tool body on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and extends from the rotating shaft toward a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice. And an interlocking mechanism portion that can contact the first insertion member at the distal end portion of the flange portion,
The first insertion piece is supported by the flange portion of the first insertion member,
The second insertion piece prepares an optical fiber connection device supported by the flange portion of the second insertion member,
When the first insertion member is rotated so that the first insertion piece is inserted between the half-divided elements, the interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member becomes the second insertion member. By pushing the interlocking mechanism portion of the insertion member, the second insertion member rotates in conjunction with each other, and the second insertion piece is inserted between the half-divided elements,
Thereafter, the insertion optical fiber is inserted between the halved elements, the cable gripping member for gripping the optical fiber cable is held by the gripping member holding portion, and the distal end portion of the extended optical fiber is Inserting between the half-divided elements, butting and fixing the insertion optical fiber and the extension optical fiber abutting,
Optical fiber connection method. The gripping member holding portion rotates around a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, thereby holding the cable gripping member and restricting its retraction, and the cable gripping A lever member that can rotate between a standby position that does not restrict the backward movement of the member,
The optical fiber connection method according to claim 15. The splice holder has an engaging claw on a surface opposite to a side accommodating the mechanical splice.
The optical fiber connection method according to claim 15 or 16. The interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member is combined with a concave portion in which the flange portion of the second insertion member is notched on the side opposite to the side facing the mechanical splice, The interlocking mechanism portion of the insertion member is combined with a concave portion in which the flange portion of the first insertion member is notched on the side facing the mechanical splice,
The optical fiber connection method in any one of Claims 15-17. The second insertion member has an operation unit for extracting the second insertion piece from between the half-divided elements, and the second insertion piece is extracted from between the half-elements. When the second insertion member is rotated as described above, the interlocking mechanism portion of the second insertion member pushes the interlocking mechanism portion of the first insertion member. The member rotates in conjunction with each other, and the first insertion piece is extracted from between the half elements.
The optical fiber connection method according to claim 15. The operation portion is provided to extend outward from the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice, and the second insertion portion is provided between the operation portion and the interlocking mechanism portion of the second insertion member. The rotation axis of the member is arranged,
The optical fiber connection method according to claim 19. The tool body includes a rail portion that guides an optical fiber holder that holds the insertion optical fiber toward an end in a longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice.
The optical fiber connection method according to any one of claims 15 to 20. The tool body has a locking piece that holds an optical fiber holder that holds the insertion optical fiber in a state in which a distal end portion of the insertion optical fiber is inserted into a longitudinal end of the mechanical splice.
The optical fiber connection method according to any one of claims 15 to 21.

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