JPS60108803A - Terminal forming device of optical fiber - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To perform the work at high speed, to reduce a failure rate independently of a degree of skill of a worker and to secure the safety of work environments by automating removal of a coating of an optical fiber core and its cutting work. CONSTITUTION:An optical fiber 1 is grasped between clamps 15a and 15b. Simultaneously, a secondary coating 4 of the fiber is cut by blades 24a and 24b. Thereafter, an internal base body 17 is moved, and the secondary coating 4 in the terminal part of the fiber which is cut by blades 24a and 24b is peeled right in accordance with this movement. A fiber clamp 23a is turned left, and the optical fiber 1 is grasped between this clamp 23a and a fiber clamp 23b, and a blade 34 is brought into contact with the optical fiber 1 to notch it. Thereafter, a guide 35 is brought into contact with the optical fiber 1 and bends the optical fiber 1 and cuts it.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for automatically removing and cutting optical fibers.

As is well known, in order to connect the original fibers with low loss, the overlap of the optical 7 eyer must be removed to prevent axis misalignment, and the optical 7 eyer must be connected mV orthogonal to its axis to form a mirror-like surface. need to be cut. No. 0111 shows the structure of a commonly used optical fiber core, where 1 is an optical fiber, 2 is a primary coating of plastic such as silicone, a is a plastic layer 11iN, and 4 is a layer of nylon. This is the secondary deposition of plastic.

Conventionally, such optical fiber cutting has been carried out as follows. First, Part 1! 21(a), remove the secondary coating 4 using a wire stripper 5, and then remove it using absorbent cotton or gauze 6 impregnated with a solvent such as ethyl alcohol (as shown in BLK). Use it to squeeze out the loose 1FJ8 and the primary target Nz.
is the worker's fingertip. During these five busy hours, the operator squeezes the optical fiber t about ten times in its axial direction until the primary coating 2 is completely removed. Next, the optical fiber is cut. Third (
(2) shows the cutting process. First, the same pXJ (
a) As shown in K, a secondary mm + "pt de-redded optical fiber butter is held on the temporary spring 9 by the clamp 8 and the fingertip 7, and then the optical 7 eyeper is scratched 11'2 by the blade 10. The -, As shown in the same subsection (1)), the leaf spring 9Z
The optical fiber 1 is bent to generate tensile stress and bending stress. As a result, the scratch 11 is enlarged and the optical fiber 1 is cut into a mirror-like shape.

All of the above operations are performed manually by an operator.

Therefore, the degree of coating removal and cutting largely depends on the skill level of the operator. For example, if the coating cannot be removed sufficiently or when cutting a single mode fiber that requires a highly precise y#j plane, However, there was a problem in that the cutting had to be done again. Furthermore, Tsu C
Since the fiber itself is made of glass with a very small diameter, there is also the problem that the original fiber χ is easily broken. Furthermore, since optical fiber is made of glass, it is extremely dangerous if it comes into contact with the human body, but in the conventional work process as described above, the disposal of cut waste from the original fiber is not considered at all, There is also the problem that as indoor work for subscribers expands, the level of danger increases further.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and by automating the work of removing the coat of optical fiber and cutting it, it is possible to speed up the work and reduce the failure rate without depending on the skill level of the operator. Achieved this and further prevents the scattering of cutting waste from the optical fiber! ! The purpose of the present invention is to provide a modified optical fiber terminal type that can ensure environmental safety.

The present invention will be explained below based on the embodiments shown in FIGS. V to FIG. 13.

Figures V to 1/1 show a first embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 12 in FIG. tI is a main body base, and this base 12 is provided with a fiber gripping tool 18 so as to rotate in a vertical plane about the base end portion Y:T# on the lower side in the figure. This gripper 18 is rotated by a motor 14. Gripping tool 1
8, there is a pair of clamps 15a on the tip side as shown in FIG.
, 15b are provided. These clamps 15a, 15
B grips the optical fibers inserted from the fiber insertion 016 when brought close to each other by a moving mechanism (not shown), and releases the grip K when separated from each other.

In one rotational state of the gripper '18, an internal base body 17 is provided at a position facing the clamps 15a, 15b. This internal base 17 reciprocates S in the direction opposite to the grip JL18 by rotating the screw 1B screwed therein by the motor 19 of the first internal base movement. 20.21 is R1 East. The internal base body 17 is provided with a fiber insertion port 22 into which the fiber gripped by the gripping tool 18 is inserted, and inside the internal base body 17 are a pair of seven Aiba clamps 28a, 28b and a pair of blades 24a.

24b and the rod 25 are arranged in a straight line. 7 One of the Aipak clamps 28a and 28bmgab
is fixed, and the other side 2Ra is rotatable about the pin 26.

A pin solenoid 29 is connected to the other 7-eye pack clamp 28aK, and the operation of this push-pull solenoid 29 causes the 7-eye pack clamp 28a to rotate. The lower surface of this seven-eye pack clamp 28a is curved, and this fiber clamp 28a itself has a third
As shown in the figure, when turned to the left (i), the fiber passes between the fiber clamp 28b and one of the fiber clamps 28b.
R spacing, while the optical fiber l is clamped at aC with one fiber clamp 28b when it is rotated to the right as shown in M7FWJ.
The pair of blades 24m and 9ab that are spaced apart by ◎1°' are attached to holders 8oa and 8ob, respectively, and the reverse threaded portions on both sides of the screw 81 are screwed into each of these holders 80a and 80b. , by turning this screw 81 by the motor 82, the blades 24a, 24
b move close to each other for 1 m.

These blades 24a, 24b cut only the secondary target N4 of the fiber when they are close to each other.

Further, the front rond 25 is connected to a push-pull solenoid 88.
8, the state shown in Fig. 5 is changed to the rightward retraction limit position,
The state χ in FIG. 9(b) reciprocates to the leftward extension limit position.

The blade 84 of the fiber 41JWfrm is attached to the support portions 12a and IQb on the main body base 12 side located in front of the internal base 17.
and a guide 85. The blade 84 is attached to the support portion 12
The fifth screw 86 is rotated by the motor 87 to reciprocate in the radial direction of the seventh eyeper. and,
This blade 84 comes into contact with the light 7 eyelid IJc and scratches the surface thereof, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, guide 85
The supporting portion 1QbK reciprocates in the radial direction of the fiber by turning the screw 88 screwed together by the motor 89. When the optical fiber 85 comes into contact with the optical fiber 7 as shown in the figure, it bends the optical fiber 1a and causes the optical fiber 7 to pass through the scratched part made by the blade 84.
Aipai IY amputated.

Further, in another rotational state of the gripping tool 18 (rotational state II shown in FIG. v), the clamp 15a thereof.

At a position opposite to 15b, a means for stripping the primary target Nz of the fiber is provided. This peeling means is occupied by a movable base (not shown), and due to the movement of this movable base, it reciprocates in the direction opposite to the gripper 18. The peeling means includes a pair of felt rollers 40a and 40bV, which are rotatably attached to the tips of roller holding parts 41a and 41b. The base ends of the roller holding parts 41a and 41b are rotatably supported, and pulleys 428 and 42b are provided at their bases HI. These pulleys 421, 43ilbK are crossed by belt metal 8, and when one of the pulleys 44a is rotated by the motor 44, the roller holding parts 41a and 41b are rotated in opposite directions, so that they are paired. felt roller 40a
, 40b are close to each other and separated by i.

The rotating shaft of one of the felt rollers 40a has a Boo'J-
41+L is attached, and this pulley 45 is linked to the drive pulley 17 by a belt 46. As the driving pulley 47 is loosened by the motor 48, one of the felt rollers 40a rotates to the left in FIG. 1θ. Further, a tube 49 is provided to open toward the felt roller 408. This tube 49 is moved by the operation of the pump 50.
The solvent in the solvent tank 51 is sprayed onto the felt roller 40a.

Next, the operation of the above-mentioned component device will be explained.

First, the gripper 1B is rotated so that it coincides with the 7-eye fiber insertion opening 22 of the internal base 17 of the fiber insertion slot 16Y. Is the positioning of the gripper 18 in this state 1IIC performed by a micro switch (not shown) or the like? Use it and do it. after that,
When the operator inserts the fiber into the insert 018 of the gripper 12, the clamp 15a.

15b crawls in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. 3 and grips the fiber. At the same time as this gripping of the fiber, the blade 2
4a and 24b are brought close to each other and cut the secondary cover alt4 of the rare fiber as shown in FIG.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG.
Move to the right by turning 9. This internal base body 17 moves along a guide (not shown), and along with this, the secondary target M14 at the end portion of the seven fibers cut by the blades 24a and 24b is peeled off to the right. Note that the internal base 17
The moving distance is determined to such an extent that the optical fiber 1 is not completely pulled out from within the secondary coating 6 to be peeled off, as shown in FIG.

After that, as shown in FIG. 7, the fiber clamp 28a
rotates to the left and grips the optical 7-eyeper 1χ between it and the 7-eyeper clamp 28b, and then the blade 84 clamps the optical fiber 1
It comes into contact with the object and causes damage there.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5, the guide 85 comes into contact with the optical fiber 7 and bends and cuts the optical fiber 1. The precision of the end face of the optical fiber 1 cut in this way is equivalent to the precision obtained when the end face is cut by a skilled worker. Experimentally, a refined end face angle of t0 or less was obtained.

In this way, the optical fiber 1 is cut at fM (~1 m), and then the gripping tool 18 is held at the first end at J:5.
(See Figure 9 To)). At the same time, the fiber clamp 28a rotates to the right to release the grip on the optical fiber 1, as shown in FIG. The debris 52 is forced out of the inner substrate 17. This pushed-out cutting waste 52 enters a waste receptacle (not shown).

Thereafter, the peeling means for the primary coating 2 that relieves the felt rollers 40a, 40b moves close to the gripper 18 side together with its movable base, and between the felt rollers 40a, 40b, the secondary coating M4 is peeled off. 7 Aipa terminal (see W/θ diagram).

Then, as shown in FIG. 1θ, they rotate in opposite directions to each other as shown in FIG. remove. The primary coat and buffer coat are completely removed in about io seconds or less.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 1(a), the stripping means for the primary coating 2 having felt rollers 40a, 40b is separated from the gripper 18 together with its movable base, and then as shown in FIG. Then, the gripper 18 rotates out of the base 13 while gripping the fiber. Then, the same figure (0
), the clamps 15a and 15b are connected to each other at 1.
1! ! After a while, release the grip on the fiber. In this state, take out the optical fiber core IRyj-.

As described above, the stripping of the secondary coating at the end of the fiber, the cutting, and the stripping of the secondary coating N2 are automatically and successively performed.

By the way, in the above embodiment, in order to damage the optical fiber 7, the optical fiber 1 is supported in the air and the blade 84 is pressed against it, but as shown in FIG. A KtN spring 58 may be attached, the optical fiber l' may be supported thereon, and then the blade 84+ may be used to apply pressure so as to damage it. In this case, as shown in Figure 1), as the button and guide 85 are pressed against the optical fiber IK, the temporary spring 58 gradually bends and the optical fiber 1
Since the zero curvature increases, even if the initial scratch size of the optical fiber l varies, the optical fiber 1 will be cut when the curvature reaches the size corresponding to the scratch size. It has the advantage that cutting can be performed under optimal conditions. Also, as shown in Figure 11; E/3 (a), a 7-shaped leaf spring fs4ya? May be used. In this case,
After the optical fiber 1 is supported by the plate spring 54, is the optical fiber 1 damaged by the blade 84? wear. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12(b), by pressing the leaf spring 54 against the optical fiber 1 and increasing the curvature χ of the temporary spring 54, the same condition as shown in FIG. Cut the optical fiber 1.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, a solvent such as alcohol is dripped onto the felt roller, but the felt roller may be immersed in the solvent. Further, as the blade 84 for damaging the optical fiber 1, for example, a circular blade whose cutting edge is arcuate to match the IN surface of the optical fiber 10 is used, and this circular blade cuts the surface of the optical fiber 1 in the circumferential direction. You can also add gII to it by scratching along it.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the movable base body provided with a means for peeling off the secondary coating 2 and the internal base body 17 move in proximity 111M8 with respect to the grip n18.

On the other hand, it is also possible to use a reverse button so that the gripping tool 18 side moves toward and away from the movable base and the internal base 17Vc.

Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the gripping tool 18 is attached to the internal base 1.
When the fiber is moved to the position IfK facing 7, the secondary coating is removed at the same position χ as the cutting position so that the secondary coating N4 of the 7 eyer is stripped and the optical fiber 1 is cut. However, these same positions f may be set to S++, and the gripping tool 18 may move 7 eye per each position IfK. In such a case, in addition to the secondary coating removal position and cutting position, the primary coating 2 of the fiber
A total of three positions are determined, including the primary coating peeling position where the primary coating is peeled off. In addition, by appropriately combining the means that perform predetermined functions in the third position 1tl, that is, the secondary coating peeling means, the cutting means, and the secondary coating peeling means, it is possible to You can also keep yourself busy. Furthermore, the order in which the fiber terminals are processed by these three means can be changed as appropriate. For example, after stripping the secondary fiber and the primary fiber N2, the optical fiber 1
'J¥: Can also be cut. In addition, by changing the arrangement of these three means, it is possible to change the design as appropriate so that the optical fibers can be sequentially transferred by means of the grip button that moves in accordance with the arrangement of the sleds. A computer is used to control the movement of components, the order of operation, for example, the movement of the internal substrate, the drive of the push-pull solenoid, the movement of the cutting blade, the movement of the fiber, the drive timing of the rollers, etc. Another advantage is that the number of mechanical and pneumatic sensors can be significantly reduced.

As explained above, according to the original fiber end forming apparatus according to the present invention, the process from fiber coating removal to cutting can be performed automatically, so that the operator's skill level for the work can be reduced. It is not necessary at all, and even beginners can easily form a good terminal. In addition, redundancy in work due to cutting failures, etc. is eliminated, and good end face accuracy can be repeatedly obtained on average.Furthermore, cutting waste from the Hikari 7 Eyeper is not scattered, reducing the risk of damage to the operator and the surrounding environment. Effects such as being able to ensure the safety χ if
*do.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The first (branch) is the Mi diagram of the optical 7 Aipa core line, the first diagram (-1
(b) is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the coating removal work of a conventional 7-eyeper, FIG. One embodiment χ is shown, FIG. Figure 7 shows scratches on the optical fiber.
Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the state of the cutting process of the 7-eyeper.
(1o) is an explanatory diagram of the state of waste disposal after fiber cutting and movement to the primary coating removal section, Figure 1O is an explanatory diagram of the state of primary coating removal work, and Figure 11''' (a) + (b
) + (o) is an explanatory diagram of the state of the extraction work of the 7-eyeper, FIG. 12 (aL) is an explanatory diagram of the fiber cutting state according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 (&) b)
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a fiber cutting state according to another embodiment of the present invention. 1...Original fiber, 2...-Second coating,
4... Secondary coating, 12... Main body base,
18...Gripper, 15a. 15b...Clamp, 1? ...Internal base, 24a +24b...Blade, 84...
...Blade, 85...Guide, 40a, 40b...
...Felt roller, 5B...Saka spring.
54...T-shaped leaf spring. Applicant Japan'RE Telephone and Telecommunications Corporation Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 8 Figure 8 1.1) D Figure 12 (b) 7 Figure 13 (0) (b

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] +11 A gripping tool that grips the front end of the optical fiber and moves the end to the outer coating removal position of the original fiber, 1, the I inner coating removal position, and the cutting position. death,
At the outer wave m separation position *, a cutter is provided that cuts the outer coating of the end portion of the optical 7 eyeper and is movable away from the gripper in the 1[11M direction of the 7 eyer,
At the inner coating peeling position, a fibrous roll is provided at the cutting position, which rotates while pinching the end portion of the optical fiber impregnated with a solvent χ of the inner coating of the optical fiber and after the outer coating is peeled off. A clamp that clamps the end of the original fiber, a blade that scratches the end of the optical fiber between this clamp and the gripping tool, and a blade that presses and bends the end of the optical fiber that has been scratched by the blade. An optical fiber cutting guide that cuts the fiber at the end? 1. An optical fiber terminal forming device comprising: (The optical fiber terminal forming device described in the Patent Claim Box VB Item 1 Button No. 21, characterized in that the fibrous roller is immersed in a solvent.fa+ Patent Purpose Scope In the optical fiber terminal forming device according to item 1 or item 1, Hikari 7 Eyeva 4JJWf
Optical fiber terminal type fixing rR, 1 (41 Patent Claims @ Optical 7 eyer terminal according to claim 1 or 2) characterized in that a flat spring spring is attached to the guide for the optical fiber. An optical fiber terminal forming device of the type Fgd@tL in which the guide for cutting the optical fiber is composed of a 7-shaped temporary spring. In the optical fiber terminal forming device described in Section 1 or Section G,
Optical fiber terminal type fixed rF/10 whose operation of each part is entirely under computer control with v'MP characteristics