JP3288899B2 - Cutting failure detection mechanism for optical fiber - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic cutting apparatus for automatically cutting an optical fiber, and a cutting failure detecting mechanism for an optical fiber used in an automatic fusion splicer including an automatic cutting unit. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional automatic fusion splicer for an optical fiber is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-114809, which discloses a "coating removing step" for removing the coating of an optical fiber or an optical fiber tape. And, "cutting step" to cut the optical fiber exposed after coating removal to a predetermined length, and "discharge cleaning step" to clean the surface of the optical fiber,
"V" which is aligned in a line to connect optical fibers
A groove alignment step, a "fusion splicing step" for connecting end faces of optical fibers, and a "reinforcing step" for reinforcing a connected portion.

[0005] However, as shown in FIG. 17, in the cutting step, a sufficient cut may not be made in each optical fiber 100 by the cutting blade, and an excess portion B may remain. In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, when the optical fiber 100 is cut without sufficient coating removal, the optical fiber 100 is not cut at the original cutting position (shown by a broken line), and the optical fiber 100 is not cut.
A surplus portion B such as the coating 101 may remain at 0. Such a failure of the cutting is not detected in the cutting step, and as shown in FIG.
When the optical fibers 100A and 100B are aligned with the V-grooves 2 and 103, they are confirmed by image processing by the CCD camera 104.

However, the optical fibers 100A and 100A
When the failure of cutting is confirmed for the first time when 00B is aligned with the V-groove, the optical fiber 10
In some cases, the surplus portion B of 0A collides with the end face of the other optical fiber 100B and damages this end face. Also, due to the effect of the surplus portion B, the V-groove may not be aligned.

Therefore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-148456 discloses an automatic cutting device having a cutting failure detecting mechanism for detecting whether or not the cutting of the optical fiber has failed immediately after cutting. This device includes a pulling mechanism for holding the coated portion of the optical fiber tape, and a clamp mechanism for holding the surplus portion of the cut fiber, and when the pulling mechanism does not retract, the surplus portion is clamped by the clamp mechanism. If it is determined that the clamping is performed, the failure of the cutting is confirmed, and if the traction mechanism is retracted, it is determined that the clamp mechanism is not clamping the surplus portion, and the success of the cutting is confirmed. Therefore, the success or failure of cutting can be confirmed immediately after the cutting step,
Even if the optical fiber is not transported until the V-groove alignment step and the success or failure of the optical fiber is checked by image processing, the cutting operation can be performed again immediately after the cutting step.

[0006]

However, the conventional optical fiber cutting failure detecting mechanism has the following problems since it is configured as described above.

That is, the optical fiber is forcibly pulled by the pulling mechanism while the excess portion of the optical fiber is firmly clamped, and when the pulling force of the optical fiber is large, the optical fiber is forcibly pulled. However, there is a risk that the optical fiber may be damaged such as bending, and the control of the pulling force of the optical fiber becomes complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. In particular, the present invention provides an optical fiber cutting failure detecting mechanism which achieves a successful or unsuccessful cutting without damaging the optical fiber. The purpose is to provide.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided a mechanism for detecting a failure in cutting an optical fiber. In the optical fiber cutting failure detecting mechanism for detecting whether or not the optical fiber is cut, a pair of the optical fiber holding the remaining portion and being rotatably supported by the first and second support bases via the first and second support shafts. Holding member connected to at least one of the first and second holding members and the first and second support bases to move at least one of the first and second holding members in the holding direction and the separating direction. Driving means;
The configuration includes a pulling unit that pulls the optical fiber in a direction away from the first and second holding members, and a cutting failure detection sensor that detects rotation of at least one of the holding members.

In the case where a cutting failure detection mechanism is applied to an automatic cutting device or an automatic fusion splicing machine, the first and second support bases are configured as optical fiber cutting clamp members.

A spring for returning the first and second holding members rotated to the origin position by pulling the excess portion of the optical fiber, and a first and second holding member for returning the first and second holding members against the urging force of the spring. And a restricting portion to be held.

Note that the first and second holding members may be constituted by roller bodies.

[0013]

The optical fiber cutting failure detecting mechanism according to the present invention positions the remaining portion of the optical fiber between the first holding member and the second holding member after the cutting of the optical fiber is completed. After that, at least one of the first and second holding members is moved in the holding direction by the holding member driving means,
An excess portion of the optical fiber is held between the first holding member and the second holding member. Thereafter, the optical fiber core wire is pulled by the pulling means in a direction away from the first and second holding members (retreating direction).

When the remaining portion of the optical fiber is sandwiched between the first holding member and the second holding member at the time of the pulling, the optical fiber is pulled by the pulling of the optical fiber without applying an excessive force to the optical fiber. The first and second holding members start rotating via the first and second support shafts. Then, following the traction of the optical fiber, the first and second holding members continue to rotate until a position where the first holding member and the second holding member are released from being held. At this time, the rotation of at least one of the first and second holding members is detected by the cutting failure detection sensor.
It is determined that the cutting has failed because the residual member exists in the optical fiber. Thereafter, based on this determination, the optical fiber is cut again.

When the remaining portion of the optical fiber is not sandwiched between the first holding member and the second holding member, the first and second holding members are stopped without rotating due to the pulling of the optical fiber. Maintained in state. Accordingly, since no detection signal is output from the disconnection failure detection sensor, it is determined that the optical fiber has no residual member and the disconnection has succeeded. Thereafter, based on this determination, fusion splicing of the optical fibers is performed.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the optical fiber cutting failure detecting mechanism according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an automatic cutting device for cutting an optical fiber exposed from the tip of an optical fiber core into a predetermined length. This automatic cutting device removes a coating of the optical fiber core. A coating removing mechanism 1 for cutting, and a cutting mechanism 2 for cutting the optical fiber exposed after removing the coating to a predetermined length;
Cutting failure detection mechanism 3 for confirming the success or failure of optical fiber cutting
And an optical fiber transport mechanism 4 (see FIG. 2) for transporting the optical fiber to a predetermined location.

As shown in FIG. 3, the above-described coating removing mechanism 1
Is a bed-shaped lower coating removing plate 6 fixed to the base 5 and extending in the horizontal direction;
A plate driving means 8 comprising a heater 7 housed therein, a rack and pinion structure 8a and a motor 8b, a bed-shaped upper coating removing plate 9 driven vertically by the plate driving means 8, and a lower coating removing plate 6 and an upper coating removing blade 1 provided at one end of an upper coating removing plate 9.
1 is provided.

Here, the operation of removing the tape-shaped or single-core optical fiber core wire 15 composed of the optical fiber A made of glass and the coating portion 15a for protecting the optical fiber A by the coating removing mechanism 2 will be described. explain.

First, an optical fiber core 15 is sandwiched by a chuck member 14 provided in an optical fiber transport mechanism 4 (see FIG. 2) described later, and the optical fiber core 15 extending from the chuck member 14 is connected to the upper coating removing plate 9. It is placed between the lower coating removing plate 6. Thereafter, the upper coating removing plate 9 is lowered by the plate driving means 8,
The pair of upper and lower coating removal blades 10 and 11 are
Into the covering portion 15a. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the covering portion 15a is heated by the heater 7 to facilitate the separation of the covering portion 15a and the optical fiber A, and then the chuck member 14 is moved by the optical fiber transport mechanism 4 (see FIG. 2). Is retracted in the direction of arrow K. At this time, the covering portion 15
The state in which the coating removing blades 10 and 11 are cut into a is maintained, so that only the optical fiber core 15 is exposed from the optical fiber 4.

The automatic cutting apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is configured so that the coating can be removed simultaneously on the left and right ends of the upper and lower coating removing plates 6 and 9. That is,
Lower coating removing blades 1 at both ends of lower coating removing plate 6
0 and 12 and the upper coating removing blades 11 and 13 at both ends of the upper coating removing plate 9, so that the coating removal of two optical fiber cores 15 aligned in a facing state can be performed simultaneously. Can improve work efficiency.

Next, the cutting mechanism 2 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the cutting mechanism 2 includes a lower clamp member 20 fixed to the base 5 side for holding the optical fiber A exposed after the coating is removed, a rack and pinion structure 21a, and a motor. 21b, and an upper clamp member 22 that is vertically driven by the clamp member driving means 21 and cooperates with the lower clamp member 20 to clamp the optical fiber A back and forth. ing. Here, by dividing the upper and lower clamp members 22 and 20 back and forth, the distal end and the proximal end of the optical fiber A can be securely clamped.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the cutting mechanism 2
A rotatable circular cutting blade 23 which is located between the lower clamp members 20 and 20 and cuts the lower surface of the optical fiber A.
And a holder 24 which holds the cutting blade 23 and slides laterally (in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber A) between the lower clamp members 20 by driving means (not shown). And a pressing member 25 which is located between the upper clamp members 22 and 22 and presses the optical fiber A from above while facing the cutting blade 23, and the pressing member 25 fixed to the base 5 and moved vertically. And a solenoid (pressing member driving means) 26 to be driven.

Here, the operation of cutting the optical fiber A having the coating removed by the coating removing mechanism 1 to a predetermined length by the cutting mechanism 2 will be described.

First, a state after the completion of the coating removal (ie, a state in which the optical fiber core wire 15 is sandwiched by the chuck member 14).
While maintaining the above, the chuck member 14 is moved by the optical fiber transport mechanism 4 (see FIG. 2), and as shown in FIG.
The optical fiber A is located between the upper clamp member 22 and the lower clamp member 20. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, the distal end and the proximal end of the optical fiber A are held between the upper clamp member 22 and the lower clamp member 20. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the holder 24 provided with the cutting blade 23 is slid sideways while the cutting blade 23 is in contact with the optical fiber A. As a result, the lower surface of the plurality of optical fibers A arranged in parallel with the tape-shaped optical fiber core 15 can be sequentially cut.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG.
The upper surface of the optical fiber A is pressed by the pressing member 25 while the pressing member 25 is driven to lower the pressing member 25 fixed to the tip of the plunger 26a. As a result, the optical fiber A
Will be folded at the cut position.

The automatic cutting device shown in FIG. 1 includes two cutting mechanisms 2 and 2A symmetrically positioned with the coating removing mechanism 1 interposed therebetween, and two optical fiber cores aligned in a facing state. It is configured so that the lines 15 can be cut at the same time.
Since the other cutting mechanism 2A has the same configuration as the above-described cutting mechanism 2, the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and description thereof is omitted.

Next, the optical fiber transport mechanism 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the optical fiber transport mechanism 4 includes a chuck member 14 that holds the optical fiber core wire 15 in a horizontal direction, a moving block 29 located below the chuck member 14, and a moving block 29. A first linear guide rail 30 (a first ball screw axis) extending through the optical fiber A in the longitudinal direction (X direction) while penetrating the optical fiber A;
A second linear guide rail 31 (second guide shaft) penetrating the moving block 29 and extending parallel to the first linear guide rail 30; a longitudinal direction (X direction) of the optical fiber A penetrating the moving block 29 and A third linear guide rail 32 (second ball screw shaft) extending in a horizontal direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the
And a fourth linear guide rail (third ball screw shaft) 33 penetrating through the chuck member 14 and extending in a vertical direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the X direction.

Here, the first and second ball screw shafts 30, 3
2 is screwed into the moving block 29, the third ball screw shaft 33 is screwed into the chuck member 14, and each ball screw shaft 3
By rotating 0, 32, and 33 by a motor (not shown), the chuck member 14 can be three-dimensionally moved.

The automatic cutting apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is configured so that two optical fiber cores 15 aligned in a facing state can be simultaneously subjected to the coating removal processing and the cutting processing. 4 requires two. That is, one optical fiber transport mechanism 4 is opposed to the cutting mechanism 2,
The other optical fiber transport mechanism 4 faces the cutting mechanism 2A. At this time, in order to achieve a quick coating removal process and a cutting process of the optical fiber core 15, a cutting mechanism 2, 2A is used.
The extension direction (X direction) of the first ball screw shaft 30 matches the arrangement direction of the clamp members 20 and 20 and the arrangement direction of the coating removal blades 10 and 12 of the coating removal mechanism 1 (that is, the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber A). Further, the extending direction (Y direction) of the second ball screw shaft 32 is made to coincide with the carrying-in direction of transferring the optical fiber core 15 from the coating removing mechanism 1 to the cutting mechanism 2.

As shown in FIG. 10, the cutting failure detecting mechanism 3 for confirming the success or failure of the cutting of the optical fiber A is provided with a lower support as a first support base located inside the pair of lower clamp members 20. A block-shaped first holding member 35 provided on the side surface 20a of the clamp member 20 and a side surface 22a of the upper clamp member 22 serving as a second support located inside the pair of upper clamp members 22 are provided. And a second holding member 36 in the form of a block. The first and second holding members 35 and 36 are disposed rotatably about first and second support shafts 37 and 38 fixed to the side surfaces 20a and 20b. Further, each of the distal ends of the first and second holding members 35 and 36 has rubber catching portions 39 and 40 for securely holding the remaining portion B of the optical fiber A.

Further, the cutting failure detecting mechanism 3 includes a first spring 41 for returning the first holding member 35 rotated in the direction of arrow D to the home position, and one end of the first spring 41 is connected to a side surface of the clamp member 20. The other end is fixed to the end of the first holding member 35. Also, this side surface 20a
The first holding member 35 against the urging force of the first spring 41.
Is held upright at the origin position. Further, the first holding member 35 is provided with a first receiving recess 44 cut out in a U-shape, and the receiving recess 44 is located below the first support shaft 37 and pulls the optical fiber A. It is opened in the direction C. Therefore, after the optical fiber A is released, the first holding member 35 can be promptly returned to the home position by the spring force, and the first holding concave portion 44 and the first regulating portion 43 cooperate with each other. The holding member 35 can be held at the origin position.

Similarly, the cutting failure detecting mechanism 3 includes a second spring 45 for returning the second holding member 36 to the home position. One end of the second spring 45 is fixed to the side surface 22 a of the clamp member 22. The end is fixed to the end of the second holding member 36. Also, the second spring 4 is provided on the side surface 22a.
A pin-shaped first restricting portion 46 for holding the second holding member 36 at the origin position against the urging force of No. 5 is provided upright. Further, the second holding member 36 has a second U-shaped cutout.
A receiving recess 47 is provided. The receiving recess 47 is located above the second support shaft 38 and is opened in the pulling direction C of the optical fiber A. Therefore, the second holding member 36 is cooperated with the second receiving concave portion 47 and the second regulating portion 46.
Is held at the origin position against the spring force.

Here, near the end of the first holding member 35, a cutting failure detection sensor 50 composed of a Hall IC element or the like is provided.
Is arranged. The disconnection failure detection sensor 50 is fixed to the base 5 via the leg 51 and faces the magnet 52 provided at the end of the first holding member 35. Therefore, when the first holding member 35 is rotated in the direction of arrow D,
For the cutting failure detection sensor 50 whose position is fixed, the first
The position of the magnet 52 of the holding member 35 changes, and the rotation of the first holding member 35 can be detected by the cutting failure detection sensor 50 by a change in magnetism.

The first and second holding members 35, 36
To the lower and upper clamp members 20, 22 of the cutting mechanism 2.
The clamping member driving means 21 is used as the holding member driving means, and the first ball screw shaft 30 of the optical fiber conveying means 4 is used as the pulling means.

Next, the operation of the disconnection failure detecting mechanism 3 will be described.

First, the optical fiber A cut by the cutting mechanism 2 is moved by the optical fiber conveying means 4 so that the remaining portion B of the optical fiber A is disposed between the catching portions 39 and 40 (see FIG. 11). ). Thereafter, the second holding member 36 is lowered together with the upper clamp member 22 by the clamp member driving means (holding member driving means) 21 (see FIG. 12). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the remaining portion B of the optical fiber A can be firmly held between the first and second capturing portions 39 and 40 made of rubber. Thereafter, the optical fiber A is pulled in the pulling direction C with a pulling force of about 7N using the first ball screw shaft (traction means) 30 of the optical fiber transport means 4 shown in FIG. Then, the first and second holding members 35 and 36 are connected to the first and second holding members.
It can be rotated in the directions of arrows D and E against the springs 41 and 45 (see FIG. 14).

At this time, since the magnet 52 continues to move away from the disconnection failure detection sensor 50, the rotation of the first and second holding members 35 and 36 is detected by the disconnection failure detection sensor 50. Therefore, it can be detected that the residual member B exists in the optical fiber A and the cutting has failed. Further, following the pulling of the optical fiber A, the first and second holding members 35,
Since the rotating member 36 also rotates, no excessive force is applied to the optical fiber A.

Then, by further pulling the optical fiber A, the holding of the remaining member B by the first and second capturing portions 39 and 40 is released. As a result, the remaining member B is pulled out from the first and second holding members 35 and 36, so that the first and second holding members 35 and 36
The rotation is reversed by 45 and held at the origin position by the first and second restricting portions 43 and 46, and the system enters a standby state for the next failure detection.

As described above, the disconnection failure detection mechanism 3
When the failure of cutting the optical fiber A is detected, the optical fiber transport mechanism 4 is driven, and the coating removing process and the cutting process are restarted from the beginning.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG.
When the remaining portion B is not sandwiched between the first holding member 35 and the second holding member 36, the first and second holding members 35 and 36 are kept stationary without rotating due to the pulling of the optical fiber A. Will be maintained. Accordingly, since the detection signal from the disconnection failure detection sensor 50 is not output, the remaining portion B
It is determined that the disconnection was successful due to the absence. Thereafter, based on this determination, fusion splicing of the optical fibers is performed.

Here, the automatic cutting apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is configured so that the two optical fiber cores 15 aligned in the facing state can be simultaneously subjected to the coating removal processing and the cutting processing. Two mechanisms 3 are required. That is, one cutting failure detection mechanism 3 is arranged on the side of the cutting mechanism 2, and the other cutting failure detection mechanism 3 is arranged on the side of the cutting mechanism 2A.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. As shown in FIG.
The first support shaft 53 is fixed to the side surface 20a of the
The first holding member 3 forming a rubber roller body is attached to the support shaft 53.
5A is rotatably mounted. Further, a first winding spring 54 for returning the first holding member 35A to the home position is provided around the support shaft 53.
Is fixed to the first support shaft 53, and the other end is fixed to the first holding member 35A. Then, the first holding member 35A
A magnet 52 is provided on the side surface of the sensor.
Is arranged. The disconnection failure detection sensor 50 is fixed to the side surface 20 a of the lower clamp member 20 via the leg 55.

On the other hand, similarly to the first holding member 35A, a second support shaft 56 is fixed to the side surface 22a of the upper clamp member 22, and the second support shaft 56 is provided with a second roller forming a rubber roller body. The holding member 36A is rotatably mounted. Further, a second winding spring 57 for returning the second holding member 36A to the home position is provided around the second support shaft 56,
One end of the second winding spring 57 is fixed to the second support shaft 56,
The other end is fixed to the second holding member 36A.

Then, the upper clamp member 22 is lowered, and the roller-like first holding member 35A and the second holding member 36
After holding the remaining portion B with A, the optical fiber A is pulled in the direction of arrow C. As a result, the first and second grip portions 3
5A and 36A follow the traction of the optical fiber A,
It turns against the urging force of the winding springs 54 and 57. At this time, the first holding member 3
The position of the magnet 52 of 5A changes, and the disconnection failure detection sensor 5
With 0, the rotation of the first holding member 35A can be detected by a change in magnetism, and a failure in cutting can be detected.

Further, by further pulling the optical fiber A, the remaining member B is separated from the first and second holding members 35 and 36.
Is pulled out, the first and second holding members 35, 36
Is reversed by the first and second winding springs 54 and 57 to return to the home position, and is in a standby state for the next failure detection.

However, the disconnection failure detection mechanism 3 described above
In order to simplify the drive structure, the cutting mechanism is linked to the clamp members 20 and 22 of the cutting mechanism 2 and 2A in the automatic cutting device. However, the cutting mechanism may be configured to be driven independently without linking to the cutting mechanism 2 and 2A. it can. In this case, the first and second
The holding members 35 and 36 are connected to the lower and upper clamp members 2.
0, 22 and the first and second holding members 3
5 and 36 may be directly fixed to the first and second support bases, and one of the first and second support bases may be moved up and down by a holding member driving unit such as a solenoid. . Further, the cutting failure detection mechanism 3 of the present invention may be applied to a part of an automatic fusion splicer that continuously performs from the removal of the coating of the optical fiber to the fusion splicing of the optical fiber. Needless to say.

[0048]

Since the optical fiber cutting failure detecting mechanism according to the present invention is constructed as described above, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, after the remaining portion of the optical fiber is sandwiched between the pair of first and second holding members rotatably held with respect to the first and second support tables, the optical fiber is moved in the longitudinal direction. By adopting a configuration in which the rotation of the holding member is detected by the failure detection sensor by pulling the optical fiber, the optical fiber is not damaged and the success or failure of the cutting can be achieved with a simple structure.

Further, by holding the holding member rotatably by the clamp member for cutting the optical fiber, the cutting failure detecting mechanism of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the automatic cutting device. In addition, since the first and second holding members are formed by rollers, a failure detection mechanism having a very simple structure can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an automatic cutting apparatus to which a cutting failure detection mechanism according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an optical fiber transport mechanism used in the automatic cutting device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state in which the optical fiber is disposed between the coating removing plates of the coating removing mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a state where an optical fiber core is sandwiched by a coating removing plate.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state where an optical fiber is arranged between clamp members of the cutting mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state where an optical fiber is held between clamp members.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state where a cut is made on the lower surface of the optical fiber with a cutting blade.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a state in which a cut is sequentially made on the lower surface of the tape-shaped optical fiber with a cutting blade.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state in which the upper surface of the optical fiber is pressed by a pressing member to cut the optical fiber.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a cutting failure detection mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state where the remaining portion of the optical fiber is arranged between the holding members of the cutting failure mechanism.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing a state where the remaining portion of the optical fiber is held by the holding member.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the remaining portion of the optical fiber is held by the capturing section.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing a state where the holding member is rotated by pulling the optical fiber.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state where the optical fiber has no remaining portion.

FIG. 16 is a side view showing another embodiment of the disconnection failure detection mechanism.

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing an example in which the cutting of the optical fiber has failed.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing an example in which the cutting of the optical fiber has failed.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a conventional optical fiber fusion splicing step.

[Explanation of symbols]

A: optical fiber, B: remaining portion, 3: cutting failure detection mechanism, 15: optical fiber core, 20: first support base (lower clamp member), 21: clamp member driving means (holding member driving means) 22 ... second support base (upper clamp member),
Reference numeral 30: first ball screw shaft (traction means), 35: first holding member, 35A: roller body, 36: second holding member, 36A
... Roller body, 37,53 ... First support shaft, 38,56 ... Second
Support shafts, 41, 45, 54 ... springs, 43, 46, 57 ... regulating parts, 50 ... cutting failure detection sensors.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-6-148456 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G02B 6/00 G02B 6/25 C03B 37 / 16

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. An optical fiber core stripping is performed,
In an optical fiber cutting failure detection mechanism for detecting whether or not a residual portion is present in an optical fiber cut to a predetermined length, while clamping the residual portion of the optical fiber, the first and second support shafts A pair of first and second holding members rotatably supported by the first and second support bases via the first and second support bases, and the first and second support bases are connected to at least one of the first and second support bases; Holding member driving means for moving at least one of the second holding members in the sandwiching direction and in the separating direction; pulling means for pulling the optical fiber in a direction away from the first and second holding members; A cutting failure detection mechanism for an optical fiber, comprising: a cutting failure detection sensor that detects rotation of at least one of the holding members. 2. The optical fiber cutting failure detecting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first and second support bases are the optical fiber cutting clamp members. 3. A spring for returning the first and second holding members, which have been rotated by pulling the surplus portion of the optical fiber, to an origin position, and the first spring against a biasing force of the spring.
3. The optical fiber cutting failure detecting mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a restricting portion for holding the second holding member at the origin position. 4. The optical fiber cutting failure detecting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said first and second holding members are constituted by rollers.