WO2014157255A1 - 光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置 - Google Patents
光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置 Download PDFInfo
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- WO2014157255A1 WO2014157255A1 PCT/JP2014/058371 JP2014058371W WO2014157255A1 WO 2014157255 A1 WO2014157255 A1 WO 2014157255A1 JP 2014058371 W JP2014058371 W JP 2014058371W WO 2014157255 A1 WO2014157255 A1 WO 2014157255A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- optical fiber
- heater
- sleeve
- clamp
- tensile force
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/255—Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
- G02B6/2558—Reinforcement of splice joint
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/255—Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/255—Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
- G02B6/2553—Splicing machines, e.g. optical fibre fusion splicer
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/255—Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
- G02B6/2551—Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding using thermal methods, e.g. fusion welding by arc discharge, laser beam, plasma torch
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/255—Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
- G02B6/2555—Alignment or adjustment devices for aligning prior to splicing
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B1/00—Details of electric heating devices
- H05B1/02—Automatic switching arrangements specially adapted to apparatus ; Control of heating devices
- H05B1/0227—Applications
- H05B1/023—Industrial applications
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an optical fiber connection portion reinforcing heating device.
- the following operation procedure is generally performed.
- the optical fiber core wire is taken out from the optical fiber cable.
- the resin coating (tip portion) covering the optical fiber core taken out is removed with an optical fiber coating removal tool.
- the resin coating waste remaining on the glass (bare optical fiber) surface of the optical fiber core wire from which the coating at the tip is removed is removed with a cloth or paper moistened with alcohol.
- the cleaned optical fiber is cut by an optical fiber cutting machine.
- the cut optical fiber cores are fusion spliced by an optical fiber fusion splicer.
- a heat-shrinkable reinforcing sleeve is placed on the spliced optical fiber core wire, and is heated and reinforced by the heater of the fusion splicer.
- the heat-reinforced optical fiber core wire is stored in the storage tray of the connection portion storage case.
- the sleeve used to reinforce the connection part of the optical fiber consists of a heat-shrinkable tube on the outside and protects the connection point by molding the periphery of the optical fiber with hot melt arranged on the inside It is.
- the outer heat-shrinkable tube and the inner hot-melt sleeve can be heat-shrinked according to the coating diameter of various optical fibers.
- the air in the sleeve is molded while being pushed out from the center of the sleeve.
- the connection portion of the optical fiber reinforced with such a sleeve also serves to block substances from the outside such as moisture harmful to the optical fiber.
- a stainless steel tensile body is inserted in the sleeve in the case of single-core optical fiber, and a glass tensile body is inserted in the sleeve in the case of multi-core tape. And a structure that can withstand tension. Further, by using an optical fiber connection portion reinforcing heating device conventionally mounted on an optical fiber fusion splicer, it is possible to perform high-speed contraction in about 30 seconds.
- the reinforcing heating device has a clamp portion to prevent the sleeve and the optical fiber connecting portion from being displaced when an external tension is applied to the optical fiber before the sleeve is heated and contracted.
- a clamp portion there is one equipped with a tension applying mechanism, thereby preventing the optical fiber from loosening in the sleeve. If the sleeve contracts while the optical fiber is slackened, stress may remain in the optical fiber in the sleeve, which may reduce the long-term reliability of the optical fiber.
- the clamp portion is an important and essential configuration. If tension is not applied to the fiber, it contracts in a state where the adjacent optical fibers are in contact with each other and scratches both optical fibers, thereby reducing the long-term reliability of the optical fiber.
- clamp portions are arranged on both sides of the heater in the length direction of the optical fiber, and one of these clamp portions is the length of the optical fiber.
- the thing of the structure which can be slid in the direction and was provided with the compression coil spring is proposed (for example, refer patent document 4).
- patent document 4 it is set as the structure which applies a tensile force to an optical fiber using a clamp part in the procedure shown below.
- the contraction amount of the compression coil spring is designed to generate an optimum tensile force for the optical fiber at a position where the movable left clamp portion hits the right end of the movable range.
- the optimum tension is always applied.
- the compression coil spring The amount of shrinkage is designed to generate the optimum tensile force for the optical fiber.
- the fusion splicing time is within 10 seconds, but the heat shrinkage requires 25 seconds or more. For example, it is assumed that 40 seconds are required including the time for setting and taking out the optical fiber from the reinforcing heating device.
- 96 ⁇ 40 seconds 3840 seconds ⁇ 1 hour. In order to connect the cables of the book, it takes 1 hour only for the heat reinforcement work of the sleeve, and therefore it is important to shorten the heat shrinkage time.
- a contact time between the heater and the sleeve is increased by pressing the heater against the sleeve and deforming the sleeve, and heating is performed in a state in which heat is easily transferred, thereby heating time.
- Patent Document 6 describes a method of always obtaining contact by pressing a heater against a sleeve using a compression coil spring.
- the optical fiber is configured to be provided with a slack prevention tension by a left slide clamp portion and a compression coil spring as in a normal heating device.
- the left slide clamp portion has the backward movable range described above, but has no forward movable range.
- the allowable residual tension of the optical fiber is 10 to 100 gf
- the total pressing force by the heater needs to be 10 to 100 gf or less.
- the allowable tensile force needs to be about 30 gf or less, and the pressing force by the heater needs to be 30 gf or less.
- the sleeve cannot be sufficiently deformed at 30 gf. If a pressing force of several hundred gf is applied to the heater from the side, the compression coil spring that applies a tensile force of 30 gf is instantaneously contracted, and a strong tension of several hundred gf is applied to the optical fiber. There is a problem that the long-term reliability of the optical fiber is impaired. For this reason, in Patent Document 6, it is impossible to make the pressing force of the heater larger than the allowable residual tension of the optical fiber.
- Patent Document 7 a method has been proposed in which the contact between the heater and the sleeve is always obtained by bringing the core in the sleeve into close contact with a magnet (see, for example, Patent Document 7).
- the method described in Patent Document 7 has a problem that although the core inside the sleeve and the heater attract each other by a magnet or magnetic force, a pressing force that crushes and deforms the entire sleeve cannot be applied due to the structure of the sleeve. For this reason, although the contact between the heater and the sleeve can be maintained, there is almost no effect of increasing the contact area. If the core is glass, it will not function. Furthermore, when a permanent magnet is used, this magnet is disposed beside the heater, so that magnetic force deterioration due to high temperature becomes a problem.
- a reinforcing heating device for the optical fiber connecting portion it is provided with means for driving the heater with a motor or the like, and means for detecting that the heater has advanced to a predetermined position, that is, the position where the sleeve is contracted.
- a predetermined position that is, the position where the sleeve is contracted.
- Patent Document 8 There has been proposed a structure that moves forward and moves backward when the heater reaches a predetermined position.
- Patent Document 8 the sleeve is pressed by two heaters, the contact area between the sleeve and the heater is expanded, and the heat shrinkage of the sleeve can be accelerated. That is, the heat conduction efficiency from the heater is high, and the heat shrinkage time of the sleeve can be shortened. With this method, the sleeve can be sufficiently deformed.
- FIG. 30 is a graph in a case where a general single-core 60 mm sleeve is sandwiched between two heaters and the temperature of the two heaters on both sides is set to 230 ° C., one heater is fixed and the other heater is fixed.
- the technique described in Patent Document 8 has the following problems.
- the first problem is the pressing of the sleeve by heater movement control.
- the heater is advanced by a motor via a micrometer, and the advance amount and advance speed need to be controlled according to the contraction state of the sleeve.
- the advance amount and the advance speed differ depending on the diameter and the material.
- the contraction speed of the sleeve also varies depending on the outside air temperature and the voltage of the built-in battery. Further, the contraction speed of the sleeve is generally different between the central portion and the outer edge portion in the longitudinal direction. For this reason, if the heater advances excessively, excessive pressing reaches the internal optical fiber and damages the optical fiber. Alternatively, if the heater advances slowly, there is a problem that a gap is formed between the heater and the sleeve, and the sleeve does not contract in a short time.
- Patent Document 8 describes that the heater is pressed against the sleeve using an elastic member and a cam. Has been. That is, in Patent Document 8, cams are arranged between heaters arranged on the left and right, each heater is pressed by an elastic member such as a spring, and the cam is rotated by a motor to press the heater against the heat shrink sleeve. The configuration is also described.
- FIG. 32A shows a state immediately after the sleeve 312 is set between the two heaters 321 and 322 and before the start of heating.
- the optical fiber 311 in the sleeve 312 is located on a center line S indicated by a one-dot chain line. The position of the optical fiber 311 is held and fixed by a clamp unit (not shown) disposed in front of and behind the heaters 321 and 322.
- the cam 323 is rotated to press the two heaters 321 and 322 against the sleeve 312 with the force of the compression coil springs 324 and 325, and the heaters 321 and 322 start heating.
- the cam 323 and the heater movable bases 321A and 322A are not in contact with each other and are pressed against the sleeve 312 by the force of the compression coil springs 324 and 325.
- the sleeve 312 contracts as it is, and the heat reinforcement is completed after the sleeve 312 is completely contracted.
- the optical fiber is recovered. No excessive tension is applied to 311.
- the second problem in the technique described in Patent Document 8 is an excessive pressing force applied to the optical fiber.
- the force of about 500 gf that presses the sleeve is much larger than the tension of about 30 gf that can be applied to the optical fiber after the fusion splicing described above, and is a force that is twice or more the tension of 200 gf in the fracture confirmation test. Therefore, the optical fiber may be broken at the moment when the pressing force is applied. Even if it does not break, the long-term reliability of the reinforced optical fiber is impaired.
- the third problem with the technique described in Patent Document 8 is that a mechanism for applying tension to the optical fiber is necessary.
- the sleeve 312 needs to be suspended by the optical fiber 311 to which a tensile force is applied before being pressed by the heaters 321 and 322.
- FIGS. 33A and 33B when gripping (clamping) is performed by the clamp portions 326 and 327 without applying a tensile force to the optical fiber 311, the optical fiber 311 is immediately after clamping. The sleeve 312 is shifted to a lower position. In such a case, as shown in FIGS.
- the sleeve 312 is not pressed at an appropriate position of the heaters 321 and 322, and there is a possibility that the operation is finished in a state where the contraction is not completed.
- a countermeasure may be considered in which the heaters 321 and 322 are configured to be long in the vertical direction. There is a problem that the heating rate is slow.
- the fourth problem with the technique described in Patent Document 8 is the size of the apparatus. If a micrometer or a screw mechanism is used as a heater driving method, it is possible to exert a pressing force exceeding 500 gf. However, since the fusion splicer for connecting optical fibers is used in a narrow space such as on a utility pole or in a narrow manhole, it is necessary to connect even a short extra length optical fiber. There is a demand for downsizing of the apparatus. For this reason, when two motors and two micrometers or two screw mechanisms are installed in the fusion splicer, the equipment becomes large and is not suitable for the work environment, or a short extra length optical fiber is connected. The problem that it is not possible arises. As a result, a fusion splicer equipped with a drive mechanism capable of obtaining the pressing force has not been put into practical use.
- the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and prevents the optical fiber from being broken or deteriorated in long-term reliability by suppressing the application of excessive tension to the optical fiber.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber connection portion reinforcing heating device that is excellent in operability and capable of heat-shrinking a sleeve in a short time while preventing an increase in size.
- the present invention provides the optical fiber from which the covering portion has been removed fused and connected, and the sheath removing portion of the fused connection portion and the covering portion covered with a sleeve.
- a pair of left and right clamp portions for gripping one and the other of the covering portions exposed from the sleeve of the optical fiber, at least two or more heaters arranged to face each other with the optical fiber or the sleeve interposed therebetween, and at least the clamp portion At least one of the first urging member that urges one of the optical fibers so as to apply a tensile force to the optical fiber by an elastic member or a magnetic member, and at least one of the heaters disposed so as to sandwich the sleeve, A second urging member for applying a pressing force by an elastic member or a magnetic member across the sleeve according to control by a drive source, The pressing force to the sleeve by the urging member is set to be larger than the tensile force to the
- the one clamp portion to which the tensile force is applied has a movable backward range in a direction away from the heater in the length direction of the optical fiber, and can move toward the heater. By securing the range, the clamp portion moves in a direction to reduce the tensile force applied to the optical fiber added by pressing the sleeve with the heater by the second urging member.
- An optical fiber connection portion reinforcing heating device is provided.
- the said structure WHEREIN The structure by which the one side arrange
- a configuration in which the pressing force to the sleeve by the heater is a pressing force exceeding the tension in the fracture confirmation test of the fusion splicing portion of the optical fiber can be adopted.
- the heater has a pressing surface opposed to the sleeve in a substantially vertical direction, and always uses the weight of the strength body inserted in the sleeve to arrange the strength body in a substantially downward direction.
- the heater is immediately separated from the sleeve to cut off heat conduction to the sleeve, and external air is introduced around the sleeve to rapidly cool the sleeve.
- the one clamp portion is separated from the heater by the first urging member and abuts against a backward stopper before the optical fiber is gripped, and a movable range is secured only in the forward direction.
- the optical fiber is gripped by the pair of left and right clamp portions, and the optical fiber is not applied with the tensile force, or immediately after the optical fiber is gripped, or the heater is pressed against the sleeve.
- the one clamp portion moves forward from a state where it is separated from the heater by the first urging member and is in contact with the backward stopper before the optical fiber is gripped, until it comes into contact with the forward stopper.
- the optical fiber In a state where the optical fiber is held by being moved, the optical fiber is gripped by the pair of left and right clamp portions, and in a state where the tensile force is not applied to the optical fiber, immediately after gripping the optical fiber, or The tensile force is applied to the optical fiber by releasing the one clamp portion from a contact state with the advance stopper at the start or before and after the start of the press drive with respect to the sleeve of the heater, and further retracting the advance stopper.
- Structure that presses the sleeve over data can also be employed.
- the one clamp portion is in a state in which a biasing force in a backward direction that is separated from the heater is applied by the first biasing member before the one of the optical fibers is gripped, and In a state where the third biasing member made of an elastic member or a magnetic member for moving the clamp portion in the forward direction is stopped at a position away from the end portion in the movable range of the one clamp portion, the pair of left and right In a state where the optical fiber is gripped by the clamp portion and the tensile force is not applied to the optical fiber, immediately after gripping the optical fiber, or at the start of pressing or starting the pressing of the heater to the sleeve Before and after, the urging force in the forward direction of the one clamp part by the third urging member is weakened, or the first urging member is In the state where the pair of left and right clamp portions apply a tensile force to the optical fiber by increasing the urging force in the backward direction or by retracting the third urging member, the one clamp
- each of the pair of left and right clamp portions is movable back and forth in the length direction of the optical fiber, and before the one clamp portion grips the optical fiber, the first The biasing member is separated from the heater and abuts against the reverse stopper, and a movable range is ensured only in the forward direction, and before the other clamp portion grips the optical fiber, the heater side
- the other clamp portion is moved from the heater side in a state where the tensile force is not applied to the optical fiber.
- the movement is started in the retreating direction, and the one clamp part is moved in the advance direction by the tensile force via the optical fiber, and the movable range of the one clamp part is moved.
- the forward movable range is added in addition to the backward movable range of the one clamp unit by stopping the movement of the other clamp portion at a position away from the end portion of the optical fiber. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which the sleeve is pressed by the heater after ensuring the above.
- the one clamp portion is separated from the heater by the first biasing member and abuts against the backward stopper before the optical fiber is gripped, and a movable range is secured only in the forward direction.
- the tensile force applied to the optical fiber by the first urging member is larger than the tensile force applied to the optical fiber.
- the heater presses the sleeve by the pressing force of the second urging member, and the optical fiber is moved in the pressing direction by the movement of the sleeve after the start of pressing or the shape deformation of the sleeve.
- One clamp is pulled in the forward direction by the tensile force generated by the movement of the optical fiber, and the one clamp is within the movable range.
- the retractable movable range of the one clamp part in a state where the tensile force by the first urging member is applied to the optical fiber, It is also possible to employ a configuration in which the sleeve is heated by the heater after securing the forward movable range.
- the optical fibers from which the coating portions have been removed are fusion-bonded to each other, and the coating-removed portions of the fused connection portions are exposed from the sleeve of the optical fiber covered with the sleeve.
- a fifth biasing member that applies pressure, a first cam mechanism that is rotationally driven by the control of the motor, and a displacement of the first cam mechanism causes the pressing of the fifth biasing member of the clamp portion.
- a mechanism for controlling gripping of the optical fiber by pressure at least two or more heaters disposed opposite to each other with the optical fiber or the sleeve interposed therebetween, and opposed to each other with the sleeve interposed therebetween. Further, at least one of the heaters is disposed on the camshaft where a second urging member for applying a pressing force by an elastic member or a magnetic member across the sleeve and the first cam mechanism is provided.
- a third cam mechanism disposed on another cam shaft parallel to the cam shaft and driven to rotate by the control of the motor, and the displacement of the third cam mechanism is A mechanism for controlling the pressing of the sleeve by the pressing force of the second urging member, and the same motor is configured to attach the clamp part and the heater to the respective attachments by the first and third cam mechanisms.
- an optical fiber connecting portion reinforcing heating device controlled by the force of a biasing member.
- At least one of the clamp portions is urged so as to apply a tensile force to the optical fiber by an elastic member or a magnetic member, the first cam mechanism, A second cam mechanism disposed on the same camshaft as the third cam mechanism or disposed on another camshaft parallel to the camshaft and driven to rotate by the motor control;
- the displacement of the second cam mechanism includes a mechanism for controlling the tensile force of the optical fiber by the tensile force of the first urging member of the clamp portion, and the same motor is the first motor.
- a configuration in which the clamp portion, the tensile force mechanism, and the heater are controlled by the force of each urging member by a third cam mechanism may be employed.
- the position limit member including a forward stopper or a backward stopper for limiting the forward movable range or the backward movable range of at least one of the pair of left and right clamp portions, and the first to third cams.
- a fifth cam mechanism which is arranged on the same camshaft as the mechanism, or is arranged on another camshaft parallel to the camshaft and which is rotationally driven by the motor control;
- a configuration for controlling the heater and the position limiting member can also be employed.
- the first urging member for limiting the forward movable range or the backward movable range of at least one of the pair of left and right clamp portions, or a tensile force in a direction opposite to the first urging member.
- the third urging member for applying a force and the same camshaft as that of the first to third cam mechanisms, or on another camshaft parallel to the camshaft.
- the sixth cam mechanism that is rotationally driven by the motor control and the displacement of the sixth cam mechanism strengthen the biasing force of the first biasing member or the third biasing member.
- the same motor is controlled by the first to third and sixth cam mechanisms, and the clamp portion, the tension mechanism, and the heater.
- the first Or configured to control the third biasing member can also be employed.
- a lid for opening and closing the optical fiber connection portion reinforcing heating device a sixth urging member for applying a force for closing the lid by an elastic member or a magnetic member, and the first to third cams
- a fourth cam mechanism arranged on the same camshaft as the mechanism or on another camshaft parallel to the camshaft, and displacement of the fourth cam mechanism
- a mechanism for controlling opening and closing by the urging force of the sixth urging member of the portion, and the same motor is controlled by the first to fourth and sixth cam mechanisms, It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which each urging member is controlled by the mechanism, the heater, and the lid.
- At least one of the clamp part, the tensile force mechanism, the heater, and the lid part is composed of a lever-like member that rotates about a rotation fulcrum parallel to the optical fiber and the sleeve. Or the structure provided in the lever-shaped member is also employable.
- a coil spring is used for the second biasing member that biases the heater, the biasing member that grips the optical fiber in the pair of left and right clamp portions, and the biasing member of the lid portion,
- a configuration in which the rotation fulcrum and the coil spring are arranged coaxially can also be employed.
- the configuration in which the camshaft is disposed between the rotation fulcrum disposed at the lower part of the apparatus and the pair of left and right clamp parts, the heater and the lid part disposed at the upper part of the apparatus is also employed.
- the present invention provides the optical fiber connecting portion reinforcing heating apparatus having the above-described configuration, wherein the pressing force to the sleeve by the second urging member is based on the tensile force to the optical fiber by the first urging member.
- the one clamp portion for applying the tensile force is separated from the heater in the length direction of the optical fiber in a state where a tensile force is applied to the optical fiber by the first biasing member.
- the reciprocating movable range in the direction to be moved is ensured, and the advancing movable range that can move to the heater side is secured, so that the second urging member is added by pressing the sleeve with the heater.
- the optical fibers from which the covering portions are removed are fusion-bonded to each other, and the sheath removal portion of the fusion-bonded connecting portions and the optical fiber in which the covering portions are covered with a sleeve Provided on at least one side of a pair of left and right clamps that grip one and the other of the exposed coating part and the clamp part that is opposed to the optical fiber, and sandwiches the optical fiber by an elastic member or a magnetic member
- a second urging member for applying a pressing force by an elastic member or a magnetic member across the sleeve to at least one of the heaters and the heaters arranged to face each other across the sleeve;
- a third cam mechanism arranged on a camshaft provided with a cam mechanism, or arranged on another camshaft parallel to the camshaft and driven to rotate by the control of the motor; 3, and a mechanism for controlling the pressing of the sleeve by the pressing force of the second urging member of the heater, and the same motor has the first motor
- the third cam mechanism to provide an optical fiber connecting portion reinforcing heating device for controlling the force of each biasing member of the said clamping portion heater.
- a first biasing member that biases at least one of the clamp portions so as to apply a tensile force to the optical fiber by an elastic member or a magnetic member, and the optical fiber by the clamp portion.
- the clamp unit or the heater is controlled by the force of each urging member by the first and third cam mechanisms, and the tension mechanism is controlled by the controlled operation of the clamp unit or the heater. It can be adopted.
- At least one of the clamp portions is biased so as to apply a tensile force to the optical fiber by an elastic member or a magnetic member, and at least one of the pair of left and right clamp portions.
- a forward stopper for restricting one forward movable range or the backward movable range, or a position limiting member comprising a backward stopper, and the first and third cam mechanisms are disposed on the same camshaft, or A second cam mechanism disposed on another camshaft parallel to the camshaft and driven to rotate by the motor control, and a displacement of the second cam mechanism is caused by the first cam of the clamp portion.
- the equipped, same of the motor, by the first to third cam mechanism, the clamp unit, and configured to control the heater can be adopted.
- a third urging member that urges to apply a tensile force in the opposite direction, and is disposed on the same camshaft as the first and third cam mechanisms, or parallel to the camshaft.
- a lid for opening and closing the optical fiber connection portion reinforcing heating device, a sixth urging member for applying a force for closing the lid by an elastic member or a magnetic member, and the first and third cams A fourth cam mechanism arranged on the same camshaft as the mechanism or on another camshaft parallel to the camshaft, and displacement of the fourth cam mechanism
- a mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the portion by the biasing force of the sixth biasing member, and the same motor is controlled by the first to fourth cam mechanisms, the clamp portion, the heater, and A configuration in which the lid is controlled by the force of each urging member can also be employed.
- At least one of the clamp part, the heater, and the lid part is made of a lever-like member that rotates around a rotation fulcrum parallel to the optical fiber and the sleeve, or a lever-like member.
- the structure provided in the member can also be adopted.
- a coil spring is used for the second biasing member that biases the heater, the biasing member that grips the optical fiber in the pair of left and right clamp portions, and the biasing member of the lid portion,
- a configuration in which the rotation fulcrum and the coil spring are arranged coaxially can also be employed.
- a pressing force to the sleeve by the second urging member is set to be larger than a tensile force to the optical fiber by the first urging member, and the first urging member
- the one clamp portion that applies the tensile force has a retractable movable range in a direction away from the heater in the length direction of the optical fiber, and Since the forward movable range that can move to the heater side is ensured, the tensile force applied to the optical fiber added by pressing the sleeve with the heater by the second biasing member is reduced in the direction.
- a configuration in which the clamp portion is configured to move can also be employed.
- the optical fiber connecting portion reinforcing heating device of the present invention when the sleeve is sandwiched by the heater to be heated and shrunk, the excessive tension applied to the optical fiber is released, and the optical fiber is broken or the long-term reliability is deteriorated. Can be prevented, and an increase in the size of the apparatus can be prevented. As a result, it is possible to realize an optical fiber connecting portion reinforcing heating device that is highly reliable, can heat-shrink the sleeve in a short time, and has excellent operability.
- FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the optical fiber connecting portion reinforcing heating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section AA in FIG. 23.
- FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the optical fiber connecting portion reinforcing heating apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the line BB in FIG. FIG.
- FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the optical fiber connection portion reinforcing heating device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing a CC cross section in FIG. 23.
- FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the optical fiber connection portion reinforcing heating device according to the embodiment of the invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing a DD cross section in FIG. 23.
- FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the optical fiber connecting portion reinforcing heating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line EE in FIG. 23.
- FIG. 1 an example of the fusion splicer provided with the optical fiber connection part reinforcement heating apparatus 1 which concerns on this invention is shown.
- the fusion splicer A shown in FIG. 1 is an optical fiber connection for heat-shrinking a fusion sleeve 110 for performing fusion splicing of optical fibers and a reinforcing sleeve coated on the optical fiber after fusion splicing.
- a partial reinforcement heating device (reinforcement heating device) 1 see also FIG. 2).
- the fusion splicer A includes a display 120 for displaying various information for an operator, an operation unit 130 used for condition setting, etc.
- the fusion splicer A in the illustrated example has a substantially cubic main body 101, a reinforcing heating device 1 and a fusion splicing part 110, and a built-in means for comprehensively driving them, a control part, and the like.
- a device (not shown) is arranged.
- a plurality of (four in the illustrated example) leg portions 102 (partially omitted) are provided in the lower portion of the main body portion 101.
- the display device 120 can employ various display methods such as liquid crystal, organic EL, and electric light.
- the fusion splicer A includes a movable panel unit 103 on the front side of the main body unit 101, and a display unit 120 and an operation unit 130 are arranged on the panel unit 103.
- the panel portion 103 is connected to the main body 101 via a horizontal rotation shaft 101a provided on the upper portion of the main body 101.
- the panel 103 is moved to a predetermined position. It is possible to orient the display device 120 in an arbitrary direction within the angle range. The operator can move the panel unit 103 in a direction in which the display device 120 is easy to see.
- the reinforcing heating device 1 is disposed at the rear side position in the fusion splicer A, and the fusion splicing portion 110 is in front of the reinforcing heating device 1.
- the front, rear, left, and right described in the present embodiment refers to the side (left side in FIG. 3) on which the operator faces when the operator uses the fusion splicer A provided with the reinforcing heating device 1.
- the front side is the rear side (the right side in FIG. 3) of the fusion splicer A as viewed from the operator, and the left and right sides of the operator are the left and right.
- ⁇ Sleeve for optical fiber connection reinforcement> As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the sleeve 12 that is heated and contracted in the reinforcing heating device 1 according to the present invention and reinforces the connection portion of the optical fiber is fusion-bonded to the cores of the optical fiber 11.
- the tensile strength members 13A and 13B and the optical fiber 11 (connecting portion 11A) are provided.
- Such a sleeve 12 is generally called by various names such as an optical fiber reinforcing member, a heat-shrinkable tube, a heat-shrinkable sleeve, and a reinforcing sleeve, all of which have a common function.
- FIGS. 5A and 5B for convenience, the same reference numerals are given to both sleeves.
- the sleeve 12 when the sleeve 12 is used for a connection portion of a single optical fiber, the sleeve 12 is formed of a cylindrical hot melt tube in an outer tube 12a formed of a heat shrinkable tube.
- the inner tube 12b in a state of covering the connection portion 11A of the optical fiber 11 and a tensile body 13A made of a cylindrical hard core such as SUS are arranged.
- FIG. 5B when the sleeve 12 is used for a connection portion of a multi-fiber optical fiber (multi-fiber tape), the optical fiber 11 is placed in the outer tube 12a formed of a heat-shrinkable tube.
- the inner tube 12b made of an elliptical cylindrical hot melt tube in a state of covering the connecting portion 11A and the tensile body 13B made of a semi-cylindrical hard core such as glass are arranged.
- the reason why the glass core is used as the strength member 13B to be inserted into the sleeve 12 in the reinforcement of the connection portion of the multi-fiber optical fiber is as follows. The reason is given. Generally, in a fusion splicer, a tensile test of an optical fiber is performed after the optical fiber is connected to confirm reliability (for example, whether there is a scratch on the glass). In the case of a single optical fiber, the reliability is confirmed by this tensile test. Therefore, it can be determined that there is no problem even when SUS, which is large in expansion and contraction and inexpensive, is used as the tensile strength member.
- the optical fibers 11 from which the covering portions have been removed are fusion-bonded and fused.
- a motor 6 that is a driving source is provided to at least one of a first urging member 41 that urges so as to apply a tensile force and a pair of heaters 3A and 3B that are disposed to face each other with the sleeve 12 interposed therebetween. According to the control by, and a second urging member 42 for adding the pressing force, the an elastic member or magnetic member across the sleeve 12.
- the pressing force to the sleeve 12 by the second urging member 42 is set larger than the tensile force to the optical fiber 11 by the first urging member 41, and the first urging member 1
- the backward movable range K in the direction in which the one clamp portion 2 ⁇ / b> A that applies the tensile force is separated from the heater 3 in the length direction of the optical fiber 11 is secured.
- a forward movable range Z that can move toward the heater 3 is secured.
- the clamp portion 2 ⁇ / b> A moves in a direction that reduces the tensile force applied to the optical fiber 11 that is applied by pressing the sleeve 12 with the heater 3 by the second urging member 42. It is configured.
- the reinforcing heating device 1 is provided with a lid portion 10 that opens and closes the inside of the device when the optical fiber 11 is set in the reinforcing heating device.
- a lid portion 10 that opens and closes the inside of the device when the optical fiber 11 is set in the reinforcing heating device.
- Each of the above components is attached to the housing 5 or accommodated in the housing 5.
- the sleeve 12 may cover the coating removal portion and the coating portion of the optical fiber 11, or may cover only the coating removal portion.
- the clamp unit 2 (2A, 2B) includes a pair of left and right clamps including a clamp unit 2A that holds one of the optical fibers 11 and a clamp unit 2B that holds the other of the optical fibers 11. Part.
- the clamp portion 2 is configured to be able to sandwich (clamp) the optical fiber 11 with an urging member (for example, the urging member 2a in FIG. 34) such as a torsion coil spring or a double torsion spring. Further, they are arranged on both sides of the heater 3 in the length direction of the optical fiber 11. Further, as shown in FIG.
- the clamp part 2 is configured such that one of the clamp parts 2A arranged in a pair of left and right is movable to be opened and closed, and the other clamp part 2B is similarly configured. ing.
- the clamp part 2 is configured such that one clamp part 2A is slidable in the length direction of the optical fiber 11, and in the example shown in FIG. A configuration in which a tensile force can be applied to the fiber 11 is adopted.
- the clamp portion 2 is provided to prevent the position of the sleeve 12 and the position of the connection portion 11A of the optical fiber 11 from being shifted when tension is applied to the optical fiber 11 before heat shrinkage. Usually, it arrange
- a gripping rubber for directly gripping the optical fiber 11 is provided on the surface of each of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B. (See FIG. 29).
- the heater 3 presses the sleeve 12 and heat-shrinks.
- each name such as a heater, a heating part, a heating source, a heating element, a heating source, a heating part, a heating source, and a heating body is used.
- the heater 3 is arranged as two heaters 3A and 3B so as to face each other with the optical fiber 11 or the sleeve 12 interposed therebetween, and one heater 3A can be opened and closed while the other heater 3B is fixed.
- the sleeve 12 can be sandwiched and pressed.
- one heater 3A that can be opened and closed is configured to be urged in a pressing direction by sandwiching the sleeve 12 by a second urging member 42 formed of a double torsion spring as shown in FIG. Yes. Further, as in the example illustrated in FIG. 6 and the like, the two heaters 3A and 3B are attached to the surfaces of the heater mounting bases 31A and 31B, respectively.
- the heater 3 is not shown in detail, it is generally preferable to use a heater having a plurality of heater circuit patterns.
- a ceramic plate bonded to a metal plate or a polyimide film heater bonded to a metal plate is preferably used because the entire surface can be bent.
- the circuit pattern of the polyimide film heater may be embedded in a flat metal plate with 2 or 3 or more.
- only one heater 3A is driven and the sleeve 12 is sandwiched.
- the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by driving both of the two heaters, a stronger pressing force can be achieved. Can also be generated. However, when both of the two heaters are driven, the mechanism is complicated and the cost may be increased. Further, even in the configuration in which only one heater 3A is driven as in the present embodiment, a sufficient pressing force can be obtained with respect to the sleeve 12, and there are also the following merits. It is preferable to adopt a configuration.
- the drive mechanism for the other heater 3B becomes unnecessary, and at this position, a heater mounting base, which will be described in detail later, and the sleeve 12 are urged.
- the amount of movement of the optical fiber 11 from the center line S when the sleeve 12 is pressed by the heater 3 can be reduced. This is because it is not necessary to balance the urging force of the elastic member as compared with the case where the other heater 3B is fixed and the heaters on both sides are movable, and in particular, the other heater 3B on the sleeve 12 is the fixed side. This is because the amount of movement of the optical fiber 11 can be suppressed to a minimum if set close to each other.
- the optical fiber 11 and the sleeve 12 as shown in FIG. 6 are brought close to, for example, the sleeve 12 touching the heater 3B on the fixed side, and the optical fiber 11 is gripped by the clamp portion 3 in this state, The amount of movement of the optical fiber 11 when pressed by the heater 3 can be minimized.
- the positions of the optical fiber 11 and the sleeve 12 gradually move toward the fixed heater 3B.
- the amount of movement of the optical fiber 11 in this case is approximately about half of the amount by which the diameter of the sleeve 12 is reduced by heat shrinkage.
- the pair of heaters 3 and the pair of left and right clamp portions 2 are made the same (coaxial) by the same drive source motor 6.
- opening and closing by driving one heater 3A and opening and closing by driving one clamp portion 2A can be performed.
- the optical fiber 11 is grasped and removed by opening and closing the pair of left and right clamps 3, the tensile force applied to the optical fiber 11 is controlled, and the sleeve 12 is heated and shrunk by pressing the pair of heaters 3.
- the effect that a series of controls such as this becomes easy is obtained.
- the first cam mechanism 71 provided in the camshaft 7 controls the opening / closing operation of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A, 2B, and the third The drive control of one heater 3A that can be opened and closed by the cam mechanism 73 is performed.
- the second cam mechanism 72 provided on the camshaft 7 restricts the movement of one clamp portion 2A, which is slidable in the length direction of the optical fiber 11, in the backward direction. It is set as the structure which functions as a backward stopper which carries out.
- the cam mechanism can be simply referred to as “cam” or “cam member”.
- the one clamp portion 2A is formed by the optical fiber 11 by the first urging member 41 made of an elastic member such as a spring, rubber, or sponge, or a magnetic member such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. It is configured such that a tensile force can be applied to the optical fiber 11.
- the tension The forward movable range Z can be absorbed.
- the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A, 2B and one heater 3A do not perform a grip opening / closing operation or a pressing operation by a driving force transmitted directly from the motor 6 or each cam mechanism.
- the optical fiber 11 and the sleeve 12 are pressed by elastic members such as springs, rubber and sponge, or biasing members made of magnetic members such as permanent magnets and electromagnets.
- a double torsion spring is used as the second biasing member 42 that biases one heater 3A.
- a pair of left and right clamp portions 2A a pair of left and right clamp portions 2A.
- a torsion coil spring is used as the fifth biasing member 45 that biases the open / close movable side of 2B.
- the urging force of the second urging member 42 that urges one heater 3A is generated by the second urging member 42 and the heater 3A.
- a large pressing force is set so as to displace the optical fiber 11 from the central axis S (see FIG. 12 and the like) of the optical fiber 11 pulled by the first biasing member 41 when the pressure 12 is pressed. .
- one clamp portion 2 ⁇ / b> A that applies the tensile force moves backward in a direction away from the heater 3 in the length direction of the optical fiber 11.
- a movable range K is secured, and a forward movable range Z that can move toward the heater 3 is secured.
- the clamp portion 2 ⁇ / b> A is configured to move in a direction in which the tensile force applied to the optical fiber 11 added by pressing the sleeve 12 with the heater 3 by the second urging member 42 is reduced.
- 6 to 11 are schematic views showing the reinforcing heating device 1 as viewed from above. 6 to 11, for the sake of easy understanding, some of the components are omitted from the cutaway view shown in FIG. 4, and the same applies to the following description.
- the optical fiber 11 is inserted into the sleeve 12, and the camshaft 7 is disposed below the optical fiber 11 (in the depth direction in the figure).
- two heaters 3A and 3B for pressing the sleeve 12 are arranged, and the rear side (upper side in FIG. 6) is driven as the heater 3A on the open / close movable side, and the front side ( The lower side in FIG. 6 is the fixed heater 3B.
- the rear side (upper side in FIG. 6) is driven as a clamp part on the open / close movable side
- the front side (lower side in FIG. 6) is a clamp part on the fixed side.
- One clamp part 2A is enabled to slide in the length direction of the optical fiber 11 by a slide mechanism 21 made of, for example, a bearing.
- a slide mechanism 21 is provided in the clamp portion on the front side of the clamp portion 2A, and the front and rear sides are configured to be slidable while interlocking.
- the first urging member 41 is provided by arranging a total of four magnets (magnetic force members) in the vicinity of the slide mechanism 21 provided in one clamp portion 2A.
- the clamp portion 2A is pulled in the left direction in the drawing, that is, in the backward direction in which a tensile force can be applied to the optical fiber 11.
- This tensile force is a weak force of about several tens of gf as described above.
- the open / close movable side of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B and the one heater 3A are each about several hundred gf by the fifth biasing member 45 (see FIG. 29) and the second biasing member 42.
- the first cam mechanism 71 and the third cam mechanism 73 provided on the camshaft 7 are respectively pushed open.
- the shapes of the respective cam mechanisms such as the first cam mechanism 71 and the third cam mechanism 73 are different.
- the clamp portions on the open / close movable side of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A, 2B are closed, and the first cam mechanism 71 and the pair of left and right clamps are closed.
- the clamp portions 2A and 2B are in a non-contact state.
- the first cam mechanism 71 and the pair of left and right clamp parts 2A and 2B are brought into a non-contact state, so that the pair of left and right clamp parts 2A and 2B has a fifth biasing force.
- the optical fiber 11 is gripped by the member 45 with a pressure of about several hundred gf.
- the second cam mechanism 72 disposed near the one clamp portion 2 ⁇ / b> A moves either the fixed side or the open / close movable side of the one clamp portion 2 ⁇ / b> A. Both of them are in a non-contact state, and the entire clamp portion 2A can move in the backward direction (left side in the figure), whereby a tensile force by the first biasing member 41 is applied to the optical fiber 11.
- the slack of the optical fiber 11, that is, the lowering of the position of the sleeve 12 in the vertical direction can be removed by sliding the one clamp portion 2A in the backward direction.
- the backward movable range K is generated and secured in the one clamp portion 2A.
- one clamp part 2A will be in the state which can move back and forth in the length direction of the optical fiber 11.
- FIG. Therefore, the tensile force can be controlled to be constant in a state where the optical fiber 11 is not slack.
- the third cam mechanism 73 and the heater mounting base 31A are not in contact with each other, and are disposed on the surfaces of the heater mounting bases 31A and 31B.
- the sleeve 12 is sandwiched between the two heaters 3A and 3B and is pressed by the second biasing member 42 with a pressing force of several hundred gf. In this state, the camshaft 7 stops rotating.
- the heat shrink operation of the sleeve 12 is started by the two heaters 3A and 3B.
- the contraction of the sleeve 12 is completed as shown in FIG.
- the sleeve 12 contracts and the sleeve 12 and the optical fiber 11 move while being pressed with a force of several hundred gf in the direction of the other heater 3B, but the one clamp portion 2A moves forward (see FIG. It is possible to keep the tensile force applied to the optical fiber 11 constant at about several tens of gf by sliding to the right in the middle.
- the time for heating the sleeve 12 in the pressed state as shown in FIG. 10 differs depending on the type of the sleeve 12. For this reason, the operator designates the type of sleeve in a heating control device (not shown) in advance.
- the heating control device controls the extension / shortening of the heating time according to the outside air temperature and battery voltage based on the specified sleeve type information, so that the sleeve can be operated at the optimum temperature (usually 200 to 240 ° C) and the heating time. Perform 12 contractions. This is a typical example of heating control. After the heating by the two heaters 3 is performed in the optimum time, the heater 3 stops heating.
- the sleeve 12 and the heater 3 are separated from each other, so that the heat conduction of the remaining heat of the heater 3 to the sleeve 12 is cut off, and further, cold cold air flows into the inside of the reinforcing heating device 1 so that the sleeve is heated to a high temperature. 12 can be rapidly cooled. Further, by adopting a configuration including a small fan or the like, the cooling time can be further shortened by efficiently introducing cool air from the outside.
- the optical fiber 11 is loosely set (gripped) by securing the backward movable range K of the one clamp part 2A on the slide movable side, A slack can be eliminated by applying a tensile force to the fiber 11.
- the sleeve 12 can be efficiently heated by being sandwiched in the vicinity of the approximate center of the heater 3A without the sleeve 12 being displaced vertically downward.
- the forward movable range Z of one clamp part 2A even if the optical fiber 11 receives a large pressure from the heater 3, the one clamp part 2A moves in the forward direction, so an excessive tensile force The optical fiber 11 can be protected without adding.
- the two heaters 3A and 3B may be ones in which a plurality of heater circuits made of ceramic heaters are embedded, or may be film heaters, and further, heat conduction of the metal to which these heater circuits are attached.
- the structure using a board may be sufficient.
- a configuration in which a plurality of heater circuits are provided in both of the two heaters 3A and 3B, or a configuration in which only one side is provided may be employed. Further, in the present embodiment, only one heater 3A is driven. However, both the two heaters 3A and 3B may be driven.
- the heater driving method is not particularly limited, and for example, a sliding drive unit may be used, or a rotating slide method in which a fulcrum is arranged at a position far from the heater portion as in the example shown in FIG. May be.
- a repulsive force by a magnet magnet (magnetic member) may be used, or a torsion as in the example shown in FIG.
- a coil spring or the like may be used.
- the current applied to the electromagnetic coil serves as a drive source, and the urging force of the electromagnet is controlled according to this applied current to energize one heater 3A. You may employ
- the slide part of the slide movable clamp part is not particularly limited. As shown in FIG. 6 and the like, only the left clamp part 2A may be configured to be slidable, or the pair of left and right clamp parts 2A, 2B Both may be configured to be slidable. Also, the slide mechanism of the slide movable clamp part is not particularly limited. For example, a slide type drive part using an expensive bearing as shown in FIG. 6 or the like as shown in FIG. A rotating slide system in which a fulcrum is arranged at a position far from the clamp portion may be used.
- the first biasing member 41 that biases the sliding movable clamp portion with a force for applying a tensile force to the optical fiber 11 is not particularly limited, and a magnet (magnetic force member) as shown in FIG. ) May be used, or an elastic member such as a compression coil spring may be used.
- the opening / closing movable part of the pair of left and right clamp parts 2A and 2B is not particularly limited, and only one of the front side and the rear side may be opened and closed, or both the front and rear sides may be opened and closed.
- the fifth biasing member 45 (see FIG. 29) for biasing the force for gripping the optical fiber 11 to the open / close movable side of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B is not particularly limited, and a magnet (magnetic force member). May be one using a repulsive force or the like, or one using a torsion coil spring as shown in FIG. 4 or the like.
- each cam mechanism is not particularly limited, and a configuration in which a plurality of cam mechanisms are provided coaxially on the same cam shaft 7 as described above, or a plurality of cam mechanisms using a plurality of cam shafts may be employed. It may be a shaft configuration. Further, instead of the cam mechanism as described above, for example, a front-rear drive mechanism using a screw mechanism (including a micrometer), a magnetic drive mechanism using ON / OFF of an electromagnet, a drive mechanism using a lever and a solenoid, or the like can be used. is there.
- FIGS. 12 and 13 show a modification of this embodiment.
- the shape of at least one of the two heaters is illustrated. It is also possible to configure an L-shaped cross section as shown in the example.
- the fixed heater 93B is L-shaped.
- FIG. 12 shows a case where a sleeve 12 having a large diameter is arranged
- FIG. 13 shows a case where a sleeve 12 having a small diameter is arranged. Shows the case.
- the heat capacity increases because the heater is enlarged, and the rate of temperature increase becomes slow.
- FIG. There is also a demerit that the position of 12 is lowered and cannot be heated at the center of the heater.
- the first cam mechanism 71 can be omitted in the configuration of the reinforcing heating device as described in FIGS. 4 and 6 to 11.
- the structure can be simplified.
- the above-described heater is formed in an L-shape but also, for example, an L-shaped metal plate may be installed.
- the L-shape is not necessarily a part of the heater, and may be a member independent of the heater.
- the reinforcement heating device shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 is a cam mechanism (second cam mechanism) that restricts the movement of one clamp portion 2A in the backward direction with respect to the reinforcement heating device shown in FIGS. 72) does not exist, and since this cam mechanism is not provided, one of the clamp portions 2A is in contact with the stopper 51 in the reverse direction in the initial state, and there is no reverse movable range.
- the L-shape of the heater is not shown for convenience of description (see FIGS. 12 and 13).
- the optical fiber 11 whose connecting portion is covered with the sleeve 12 is inserted between the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B.
- FIG. 15 when the rotation of the camshaft 7 is started, the clamp portions on the open / close movable side of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A, 2B are closed, and the first cam mechanism 71 and the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B will be in a non-contact state, and these clamp parts 2A and 2B will hold the optical fiber 11 by the press of about several hundred gf.
- the sleeve 12 is supported by a heater 93B on the fixed side configured in an L shape, and is generally held at a proper position for heating on the heater surface.
- slack remains in the optical fiber 11 in this state.
- the sleeve 12 is pressed by the heater 93A on the open / close movable side before heating and moves to the fixed heater 93B side. Also move.
- the sleeve 12 is deformed after the heating by the heaters 93A and 93B is started, and the optical fiber 11 is moved accordingly.
- the slack of the optical fiber 11 is removed, and the one clamp portion 2A slides in the forward direction in such a manner that the optical fiber 11 is pulled.
- the backward movable range K is secured in the one clamp portion 2A.
- the contraction of the sleeve 12 is completed, and the optical fiber 11 moves while being pressed against the fixed heater 93B with a force of several hundred gf.
- the tensile force applied to the optical fiber 11 can be kept constant at several tens of gf.
- the pressing force applied to the sleeve 12 by the two heaters 3A and 3B exceeds the tension in the fracture confirmation test of the connecting portion 11A where the optical fiber 11 is fused. It can be pressure.
- the strength of the fracture confirmation test of the fusion splicer part of the optical fiber is usually about 200 gf, while the pressing force of the second urging member is about 500 gf.
- it since it has the structure which can control the above tensile forces, it is possible to set the pressing force to the sleeve 12 to a pressing force exceeding the breaking tension of the connecting portion 11A of the optical fiber 11. It is. Thereby, the sleeve 12 can be pressed with sufficient force.
- the fracture confirmation test for the fused joint of the optical fiber described in the present invention is a method for measuring the fracture tension of the joint of the optical fiber, and is usually expressed as a proof test force. It is used as a general index representing the connection performance of the connection device. For example, even in a fusion splicer with a wide range of proof test force, the tension is in the range of 200 to 250 gf (Internet homepage; http://www.fuikuura.co.jp/products/tele/o_f_splicers/td70005.html Alternatively, see http://www.fujikura.co.jp/products/data/FSM-100-J.pdf, etc.).
- the two heaters 3 ⁇ / b> A and 3 ⁇ / b> B have the pressing surfaces facing each other with the sleeve 12 interposed therebetween in a substantially vertical direction, and the tensile body 13 inserted into the sleeve 12.
- the fact that the strength member 13 is always arranged in the substantially downward direction by utilizing the weight can make the orientation of the sleeve 12 constant, for example, in the posture shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b). To more preferable.
- substantially perpendicular means substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane.
- the pressing surface arranged in the substantially vertical direction may be a surface that intersects the horizontal plane at an angle of 90 ° ⁇ 10 °, for example.
- the pressing surface may be a surface that intersects the horizontal plane at an angle of 90 ° ⁇ 30 °, for example.
- a retreat stopper that restricts the movement of the clamp portion in the retreat direction, and this retreat stopper can be configured to be retractable.
- a reverse stopper 51 as shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 can be used.
- the heater mounting base 31B shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B has a rear wall portion 31Bb facing the rear surface of the clamp portion 2A (fixed side).
- the rear wall portion 31Bb is movable in the front-rear direction with respect to other portions of the heater mounting base 31B.
- the reverse stopper 51 is provided on the front surface of the rear wall portion 31Bb. As shown in FIG.
- the one clamp portion 2A is separated from the heater 3 by the first urging member 41 and contacts the retreat stopper 51 before the optical fiber 11 is gripped. Ensure a movable range only in the direction.
- the backward stopper 51 is retracted at the time or before and after the start of the pressing drive.
- the rear wall portion 31Bb may be moved in the retreat direction (a direction away from the clamp portion 2A).
- the sleeve 12 can be pressed by the heater 3 after securing the backward movable range in addition to the forward movable range of the one clamp portion 2 ⁇ / b> A.
- the structure that enables the retracting stopper to be retracted is not limited to the illustrated example.
- a forward stopper that restricts the movement of the clamp portion 2A in the forward direction may be provided, and the forward stopper may be configured to be retractable.
- reference numeral 52 is a forward stopper.
- the heater mounting base 31B shown in FIGS. 14A and 14C has a front wall portion 31Bc on the mounting base portion 31Ba facing the front surface of the clamp portion 2A (fixed side).
- the front wall portion 31Bc is movable in the front-rear direction with respect to other portions of the heater mounting base 31B.
- the advance stopper 52 is provided on the rear surface of the front wall portion 31Bc.
- one clamp part 2 ⁇ / b> A is moved forward from a state where it is separated from the heater 3 by the first urging member 41 and is in contact with the backward stopper until it is in contact with the forward stopper.
- the optical fiber 11 is gripped by the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A, 2B in a state where the optical fiber 11 is held, and the tensile force is not applied to the optical fiber 11, immediately after gripping the optical fiber 11, or the heater 3
- the one clamp portion 2A is released from the contact state with the advance stopper, and the advance stopper is further retracted.
- the front wall portion 31Bc may be moved in the advance direction (a direction away from the clamp portion 2A).
- the sleeve 12 is pressed by the heater 3 after securing the forward movable range in addition to the backward movable range of the one clamp portion 2 ⁇ / b> A.
- the advance stopper the same second cam mechanism 72 as described above can be used, and as the reverse stopper, the reverse stopper 51 formed on the housing 5 as shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 is used. It is possible to adopt the configuration used.
- Reference numeral 52 denotes a forward stopper.
- the advance stopper can be retracted by rotating the cam mechanism.
- the advance stopper 52 can be structured to be removable from other portions of the heater mounting base 31B. In this case, the retraction is possible by removing the advance stopper 52.
- the first biasing member 41 advances the one clamp part 2A in a state in which a biasing force in a backward direction away from the heater 3 is applied.
- One clamp part by a third urging member (not shown) made of an elastic member or a magnetic member for moving in the direction, or a third urging member for moving one clamp part 2A in the forward direction
- the optical fiber 11 is not applied with a tensile force.
- the one of the clans by the third urging member weaken the urging force of the advancing direction of the parts, or to augment the biasing force of the retracting direction by the first urging member, or retract the said third biasing member.
- a magnetic member for example, an electromagnet
- an elastic member for example, a method of moving one end side of a spring, which is an elastic member
- the one end of the spring is moved in a direction approaching the other end. If the spring is compressed, the biasing force can be increased. Further, if one end of the spring is moved away from the other end to reduce the compression, the urging force can be weakened.
- both of the pair of left and right clamps 2A and 2B are movable back and forth in the length direction of the optical fiber 11, and one clamp part 2A
- the first urging member 41 is separated from the heater 3 and abuts against a backward stopper (see reference numeral 51 in FIG. 14 and the like), and a movable range is secured only in the forward direction, and the other
- the clamp portion 2B is moved forward to the heater 3 side and stopped, and the optical fiber 11 is gripped by the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B. The force is not applied.
- the other clamp part 2B starts moving in a backward direction away from the heater 3, and one clamp part 2A is moved in the forward direction by the tensile force via the optical fiber 11, and the one clamp part 2A is movable.
- the movement of the other clamp part 2B is stopped at a position away from the end in the range, a tensile force is applied to the optical fiber 11, and in addition to the backward movable range K of the one clamp part 2A, the forward movement is possible.
- the sleeve 12 can be pressed by the heater 3.
- one clamp part 2A is separated from the heater 3 by the first urging member 41 and abuts against a backward stopper (see reference numeral 51 in FIG. 14 and the like) to move forward.
- the optical fiber 11 is gripped by the pair of left and right clamps 2A and 2B in a state where the movable range is secured only, and the light applied by the first biasing member 41 is in a state where no tensile force is applied to the optical fiber 11.
- the heater 3 starts to press the sleeve 12 by the pressing force of the second urging member 42 that is larger than the tensile force applied to the fiber 11.
- one clamp 2A When the optical fiber 11 is moved in the pressing direction by the movement of the sleeve 12 or the deformation of the sleeve 12 after the start of pressing, one clamp 2A is pulled in the forward direction by the tensile force generated by the movement of the optical fiber 11.
- the one clamp portion 2A is configured to stop at a position away from the end portion in the movable range, so that the one clamp portion 2A is applied with the tensile force applied by the first biasing member 41 to the optical fiber 11.
- a configuration in which the sleeve 12 is heated by the heater 3 after securing the forward movable range Z in addition to the backward movable range K of the portion 2A may be employed.
- the projecting portion 150 of the opening / closing movable side 2Ab includes an extending portion 152 extending from the rear end portion of the opening / closing movable side 2Ab to the heater mounting base 31B side, and a fitting protrusion protruding rearward from the rear surface of the front end portion of the extending portion 152.
- the upper surface 153a of the outer surface of the fitting convex portion 153 is an inclined surface that descends toward the rear (left side in the drawing).
- the control wall 151 is erected at the rear end of the heater mounting base 31B, and a receiving recess 155 capable of receiving the insertion protrusion 153 is formed on the front surface 151a thereof.
- the upper surface 155a of the inner surface of the receiving recess 155 is an inclined surface that descends toward the rear (left side in the figure). In the initial state (see FIG. 34) of the control wall 151, the front surface 151a abuts on the fitting convex portion 153 to restrict the retraction of the clamp portion 2A.
- the reinforcing heating device of this example includes an urging mechanism 41 (first urging member) that applies a tensile force to the optical fiber 11.
- the urging mechanism 41 includes a front urging mechanism 41A and a rear urging mechanism 41B.
- the front side urging mechanism 41A has urging members 41a and 41b provided on the front end surface of the fixed side 2Aa of the clamp part 2A and the attachment base part 31Ba of the heater attachment base 31B, respectively.
- the urging members 41a and 41b are magnetic members such as permanent magnets and electromagnets, and have the same magnetic pole. In the illustrated example, the urging members 41a and 41b are both N poles.
- the rear side urging mechanism 41B has urging members 41c and 41d provided on the rear end surface of the fixed side 2Aa of the clamp part 2A and the rear wall part 31Bb of the heater mounting base 31B, respectively.
- the urging members 41c and 41d are magnetic members having different magnetic poles. In the illustrated example, the urging member 41c is an N pole, and the urging member 41d is an S pole. Due to the repulsive force between the urging members 41a and 41b and the attractive force between the urging members 41c and 41d, a backward force is applied to the clamp portion 2A, and a tensile force is applied to the optical fiber 11.
- a control mechanism (a tension mechanism or a tension control mechanism) is configured.
- the motor 6 controls the clamp portion 2A by the force of the fifth urging member 45 by the first cam mechanism 71, and the tension mechanism is controlled by the operation of the clamp portion 2A.
- the open / close movable side 2Ab of the clamp portion 2A moves in a direction approaching the fixed side 2Aa, and the clamp bodies 2b and 2b grip the optical fiber 11.
- the opening / closing movable side 2Ab moves, the projecting portion 150 descends and the fitting convex portion 153 reaches a position where it can enter the receiving concave portion 155.
- the backward movable range K is secured, and the movable body can move forward and backward, and the tensile force by the biasing mechanism 41 is applied to the optical fiber 11.
- the heater mounting base 31A approaches the heater mounting base 31B, the sleeve 12 is sandwiched between the heaters 3A and 3B, and the sleeve 12 is heated and contracted.
- FIG. 38 as the sleeve 12 contracts, the sleeve 12 and the optical fiber 11 move toward the heater 3B. However, since the clamp portion 2A slides in the forward direction (right direction in the figure), the optical fiber is moved. The tensile force applied to 11 does not become excessive.
- the open / close movable side 2Ab is attached with the clamp body 2b sandwiching the optical fiber 11 facing the clamp body 2b on the fixed side 2Aa.
- a biasing member 2a is provided.
- the following configuration is also possible.
- the heater mounting base 31B is provided on the heater mounting base 31A, the point that the second cam mechanism 72 is not provided, the biasing mechanism 141 (first biasing member) is provided.
- 6 is different from the reinforcing heating device shown in FIGS. 6 to 11 in that a protruding portion 160 is formed to protrude in a direction approaching.
- the urging mechanism 141 applies a tensile force to the optical fiber 11, and includes a front urging mechanism 141A and a rear urging mechanism 141B.
- the front urging mechanism 141A includes urging members 141a and 141b provided on the front end surface of the fixed side 2Aa of the clamp portion 2A and the attachment base portion 31Ba of the heater attachment base 31B, respectively.
- the urging members 141a and 141b are magnetic members such as permanent magnets and electromagnets, and have the same magnetic pole. In the illustrated example, the urging members 141a and 141b are N poles.
- the rear urging mechanism 141B has urging members 141c and 141d provided on the rear end surface of the fixed side 2Aa of the clamp portion 2A and the rear wall portion 31Bb of the heater mounting base 31B, respectively.
- the urging members 141c and 141d are magnetic members having the same magnetic pole. In the illustrated example, the urging members 141c and 141d are N poles.
- the clamp portion 2A In the initial state shown in FIG. 40, the clamp portion 2A is in a state in which the forward movable range Z and the backward movable range K are secured and can move back and forth, but the repulsive force between the biasing members 141a and 141b and the biasing member 141c. , 141d, the clamp portion 2A remains in that position.
- a biasing member 161 is provided at the tip of the protrusion 160.
- the urging member 161 is a magnetic member having the same magnetic pole as that of the urging member 141a.
- the urging member 161 has an N pole, like the urging member 141a.
- the protrusion 160 constitutes a mechanism (a tension mechanism or a tension control mechanism) that controls increase / decrease in the tension of the optical fiber 11 by the biasing mechanism 41 based on the pressing operation of the optical fiber 11 by the heater 3A.
- the motor 6 controls the heater 3A by the force of the second urging member 42 by the third cam mechanism 73, and the tension mechanism is controlled by the operation of the heater 3A.
- the sleeve 12 contracts, the sleeve 12 and the optical fiber 11 move toward the heater 3B. However, since the clamp portion 2A slides in the forward direction (right direction in the figure), the tensile force applied to the optical fiber 11 is increased. Will never be oversized.
- the heater mounting base 31A is moved away from the heater mounting base 31B by the third cam mechanism 73, the sleeve 12 is released, and the first cam mechanism 71 clamps the clamp portion.
- the opening / closing movable side 2Ab of 2A moves in a direction away from the fixed side 2Aa, and the holding of the optical fiber 11 is released.
- the sleeve 12 is added to the optical fiber 11 when the sleeve 12 is sandwiched between the two heaters 3A and 3B and contracted by heating.
- the sleeve 12 can be heated and shrunk in a short time with high reliability, and the optical fiber connection portion reinforcing heating device 1 excellent in operability can be realized.
- a pair of left and right clamp portions 2 (2A, 2B) that hold the optical fiber 11, and the optical fiber 11 are used.
- a second urging member 42 for applying a pressing force by an elastic member or a magnetic member across the sleeve 12 is provided.
- the first cam mechanism 71 that is rotationally driven by the motor 6 is displaced by being driven by the first cam mechanism 71, and the displacement causes the elastic First actuating the fifth biasing member 45 (see FIG. 29) made of a member or a magnetic member so as to bias the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A, 2B in the direction of gripping the optical fiber 11.
- the second urging member 42 is displaced in accordance with the displacement of the third cam mechanism 73 and urges the second urging member 42 in a direction in which the two heaters 3A and 3B press the sleeve 12 with the displacement.
- 3rd operation to make It is characterized in that it comprises a 83 (mechanism acts to sandwich the sleeve) wood, the.
- At least one of the clamp portions 2 is further biased in a direction in which a tensile force is applied to the optical fiber 11.
- a second cam mechanism 72 provided on the camshaft 7 coaxial with the biasing member 41 and the first cam mechanism 71 and driven to rotate by the motor 6 is displaced following the second cam mechanism 72.
- the first urging member 71 is operated by applying the tensile force to the optical fiber 11 by the displacement.
- the pressing force on the sleeve 12 by the second biasing member 42 is greater than the tensile force on the optical fiber 11 by the first biasing member 41.
- the forward movable range Z that can move toward the heater 3 is secured, and light added by pressing the sleeve 12 with the heater 3 by the second urging member 42 is secured.
- An example in which the clamp portion 2A is configured to move in a direction that reduces the tensile force applied to the fiber 11 will be described.
- each of the operating members (mechanisms to be described later) will be described with an example configured as a lever-shaped member. .
- the reinforcing heating device according to the second embodiment will be described mainly focusing on differences from the case of the first embodiment described above.
- each cam mechanism which will be described in detail later, is provided on a camshaft 7 that is rotationally driven by a motor 6, and left and right by each actuating member that is displaced by following each cam mechanism. Opening / closing operation of the pair of clamp parts 2A, 2B on the opening / closing movable side, opening / closing operation of one heater 3A, sliding movement in the length direction of the optical fiber 11 of one clamp part 2A (direction in which tensile force is adjusted), lid It differs from the said 1st Embodiment by the point which drives so that each operation
- the reinforcing heating device of the present embodiment is adopted with reference to the cutaway view of FIG. 4, the front view of FIG. 23, and FIGS. 24 (a), (b) to 28 (a), (b).
- Each cam mechanism is described.
- four types of seven cam mechanisms are mounted on one camshaft 7 and are arranged as follows from the left side in the figure. In the illustrated example, there is no auxiliary movement lever described later, and no drive torque reversing mechanism is provided.
- Fourth cam mechanism 74 (opening / closing of lid portion 10) (2) First cam mechanism 71 (opening / closing of one clamp portion 2A) (3) Second cam mechanism 72 (of one clamp portion 2A) (4) third cam mechanism 73 (opening / closing of one heater 3A) (5) third cam mechanism 73 (opening / closing of one heater 3A) (6) first cam Mechanism 71 (Opening / closing of the other clamp part 2B) (7) Fourth cam mechanism 74 (Opening / closing of the cover part 10)
- each cam mechanism provided on the camshaft 7 of the reinforcing heating device 1 described in the present embodiment is not limited to a rotating cam-like one as shown in the illustrated example.
- contact is made in the longitudinal direction of the camshaft.
- spiral shape whose surface changes is also included.
- the cam mechanism described in the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example, and includes, for example, a configuration in which a rotating lever-like member is provided on the camshaft.
- the camshaft 7 and each cam mechanism are configured to transmit the rotation from the motor 6 as a drive source via the gear mechanism 61.
- the two heaters 3A and 3B may be configured to be driven by the motor 6 so that only one side can be opened and closed as in the first embodiment. If either one of these two heaters 3A, 3B is driven to be movable and the other is fixed, the movable mechanism of the heater, the elastic member or magnetic member that presses the heater, and either heater side Therefore, the apparatus can be downsized.
- 4 is a cutaway view, the other heater 3B (fixed side) shown in FIG. 6 and the like is not shown, and only one heater 3A on the open / close movable side is shown, but two heaters are shown. The positional relationship between 3A and 3B may be appropriately selected and adopted on the back side and the near side in FIG.
- FIG. 29 and 30 are partial cutaway views showing in detail one clamp portion 2A of the reinforcing heating device 1 shown in FIG. 4 and its peripheral mechanism.
- one clamp portion 2A is attached to the first actuating member 81 on the open / close movable side, and attached to the second actuating member 82 that functions as a clamp mount on the open / close fixed side.
- the first actuating member 81 opens and closes one clamp part 2A around the rotation fulcrum 81a.
- the first actuating member 81 is driven by the first cam mechanism 71 and is energized by the fifth energizing member 45 made of a torsion coil spring, thereby opening and closing one clamp portion 2A.
- one clamp part 2A is provided with a gripping rubber 2b for directly gripping the optical fiber 11.
- the other clamp part 2B has been.
- the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B are configured to be slidable in the length direction of the optical fiber 11 around the slide fulcrum 82a.
- a first biasing member 41 made of a compression coil spring (elastic member) for moving the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A, 2B in the backward direction so as to apply a tensile force to the optical fiber 11 is provided.
- the second actuating member 82 (and the first actuating member 81) is provided to be urged.
- the first actuating member 81 has a retraction stopper 51 that restricts the movement of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B in the retreat direction when the optical fiber 11 is gripped by the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B. Is provided.
- the retraction stopper 51 is in contact with a second cam mechanism 72 provided on the camshaft 7 when the optical fiber 11 is gripped by opening and closing the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B. The movement of the clamp portions 2A and 2B in the backward direction is restricted.
- the optical fiber 11 is configured to be able to apply a tensile force by the first biasing member 41.
- the third operating member 83 functions as a heater mount on which one heater 3 ⁇ / b> A that can be opened and closed is installed, and rotates about the rotation fulcrum 83 a. It can be.
- the heater mounting base described with reference to FIG. 6 and the like is a slide movable system, but the heater 3A (heater mounting base) is driven as the first point of action where the heater 3 presses the sleeve 12.
- the balance of the second action point that pushes the body (third cam mechanism) and the force point that the second biasing member 42 pushes the heater 3A (heater mounting base) changes depending on the situation.
- the force tends to work in the direction in which the heater mount is tilted (twist).
- the heater mount does not move smoothly, and when such a mechanism or member is used, there is a problem that the size of the reinforcing heating device is increased.
- At least one of the operation members is used as shown in FIG. 4 or examples shown in FIGS. 24 (a), (b) to 28 (a), (b) described later.
- the optical fiber 11, the sleeve 12, and a lever-like member that rotates around each rotation fulcrum parallel to the rotation axis of each cam mechanism (camshaft 7) can be used, and the above effects can be easily obtained. It is preferable from the point.
- the first, third, and fourth actuating members 81, 83, and 84 are the first, third, and fourth cam mechanisms. It is comprised from the lever-like member which carries out rotational movement centering on each rotation fulcrum parallel to the rotating shaft of 71,73,74.
- the camshaft 7 includes the rotation fulcrums arranged at the lower part of the apparatus and a pair of left and right clamp portions 2A, 2B, two heaters 3A, 3B arranged at the upper part of the apparatus. It is preferable that the configuration is arranged between the lid portion 10 from the viewpoint of reducing the size of the entire apparatus.
- the second urging member 42 for pressing one of the heaters 3A may be constituted by a coil spring installed at the rotation fulcrum 83a of the third operating member 83 which is a heater mounting base shown in FIG. Is possible.
- the third actuating member 83 of the present embodiment is pressed by the second biasing member 42 made of an elastic member or a magnetic member.
- a compression coil spring having a long overall length as compared with the movable stroke as described above is required.
- a compression coil spring having a long overall length is used, there is a problem that the entire apparatus is enlarged.
- the second urging member 42 made of a coil spring is installed at the rotation fulcrum 83a, and by utilizing the rotation operation around the rotation fulcrum 83a, in a wide movable range, A constant pressing force can be obtained, and the size of the reinforcing heating device can be reduced.
- the second biasing member 42 that biases the two heater portions 3A and 3B, the gripping mechanism of the optical fiber 11 in the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B, and the lid It is preferable to use a coil spring for the urging member (not shown) of the portion 10 and arrange the rotation fulcrum and the coil spring coaxially from the viewpoint of further reducing the size of the reinforcing heating device.
- the driving of one clamp portion 2A can be the same mechanism as in the case of the one heater 3A. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the first cam mechanism 71 that accompanies the rotational drive of the camshaft 7 by the motor 6 causes the fifth urging force that is made of an elastic member or a magnetic member via the first operating member 81.
- the member 45 (see FIG. 29) may be configured to operate so as to urge the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B in a direction in which the optical fiber 11 is sandwiched therebetween.
- the opening and closing operation of the clamp portion which has been manually performed by an operator is automatic, so that it is possible to speed up the heat shrinking operation of the sleeve 12 using the reinforcing heating device.
- the clamp part Since it is not necessary to operate the clamp part with an operator's finger or the like, it is not necessary to design the clamp part in a shape suitable for opening and closing with a human finger.
- each clamp portion arranged on the left and right in the length direction of the optical fiber is provided with a projection (not shown) for facilitating catching of a finger, and a space for the finger to enter is provided in the vicinity thereof.
- the clamp has become larger and has a complicated shape.
- At least any two or more of the cam mechanisms provided on the coaxial cam shaft 7 and driven to rotate, specifically, the first cam The mechanism 71 and the third cam mechanism 73 are configured to reduce the rotational driving force by the motor 6 by setting the timing at which the positive driving that requires driving torque and the negative driving that receives the torque are combined and reduced. It is preferable.
- the pressing force for pressing one heater 3A is several hundred gf
- the pressing force of several hundred gf is also used to drive the open / close movable side of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A, 2B to grip the optical fiber 11.
- a compression coil represented by the following formula ⁇ heater: 500 gf + one clamp part 250 gf + the other clamp part 250 gf 1000 gf ⁇
- the spring force is working.
- each actuating member is driven by the rotational movement about each rotation fulcrum as described above, the required driving force is further increased.
- each cam mechanism has A force twice that of the compression coil spring is required.
- the total force driven by the camshaft is as high as 2000 gf, and there is a problem that the drive mechanism becomes large.
- 19 and 20 show a first cam mechanism 71 that grips and drives the open / close movable side of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B and a third cam mechanism 73 that drives one heater 3A in this embodiment. It is a timing chart (graph) for showing an operation timing and explaining an operation effect which cancels plus driving and minus driving.
- the horizontal axis indicates the angle of each cam mechanism
- the vertical axis indicates the amount of push-out from the rotation center of each cam mechanism in the direction of each biasing member (compression coil spring). That is, in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the example in the case where each actuating member performs a rotational motion around each rotation fulcrum as described above is graphed.
- the section in which the rotation of the second cam mechanism for driving one heater is 90 to 180 ° represents the operation. Thereafter, the second cam mechanism stops at the second 180 ° position, and heating of the sleeve by the two heaters is started. When the shrinkage of the sleeve is complete, heating stops.
- the opening and closing movable side of one heater and the pair of left and right clamp parts perform release operation all at once.
- the camshaft requires a driving force of 2000 gf. Become.
- the reinforcing heating device opens slowly with consideration given to reducing the load on the drive mechanism, but if this operation is too slow, the sleeve (optical fiber) cannot be taken out from the reinforcing heating device. There is a problem that the time becomes longer.
- the graph of FIG. 20 shows the timing (driving force) of the configuration in which the driving force of the heater is reversed in order to reduce the excessive driving force as shown in FIG.
- driving force driving force
- FIG. 20 in the portion in the range of 180 to 360 °, which is a problem in FIG.
- the total driving force on both sides cancels each other, and at least theoretically, torque is unnecessary (actually, the driving torque does not become zero due to friction between the members).
- the driving mechanism can be reduced and the driving mechanism can be reduced in size. Is possible.
- a configuration using an auxiliary movable lever can be employed for reversing the driving torque, as in the examples shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.
- the following description is an example in which each operating member performs a rotational movement around the rotation fulcrum as described above.
- the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to a slide drive system. Is possible.
- a compression coil spring 83D is fitted between the third operating member 83, which is a heater mounting base, and the auxiliary movement lever 83C in a compressed state.
- the compression coil spring 83D exerts a force for separating the third actuating member 83 and the auxiliary moving lever 83C, but the contact portion 83b serves as a stopper and is not separated beyond a set distance by contact. It is configured as follows. (2) That is, the third actuating member 83 and the auxiliary movement lever 83C are configured to move in conjunction with each other.
- the third actuating member 83 develops an action of contracting the compression coil spring 83D, and the force of the spring at this time generates a pressing force to the sleeve 12.
- the first cam mechanism 71 and the third cam mechanism 73 can be combined with plus driving and minus driving to reduce the number of kills. Thereby, it is not necessary to increase the driving force of the motor 6, and the entire apparatus can be reduced in size.
- a cam mechanism is used to drive one heater 3A on the open / close movable side, and as shown in FIGS. It is preferable that the cam mechanism 73 be driven. In such a configuration, the entire device can be further reduced in size by disposing the third cam mechanism 73 at a position between the rotation fulcrum and the one heater 3A.
- the open / close movable side of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A, 2B can be configured to rotate about a rotation fulcrum.
- the pair of left and right clamp parts 2A, 2B described with reference to FIG. 6 and the like is a slide movable system, but the first action point where the clamp part 2 pushes the optical fiber 11 is the clamp part 2.
- the balance of the second action point at which the drive body (first cam mechanism 71) pushes and the force point at which the fifth biasing member (see reference numeral 45 in FIG. 29) pushes the clamp portion changes depending on the situation. To do.
- the clamp mounting base is easy to act in a tilted (twisting) direction, and the movement of the mounting base is smooth if the clamp moving mechanism is not provided with a torsion-resistant slide guide function or a member such as a linear bearing.
- a torsion-resistant slide guide function or a member such as a linear bearing.
- the reinforcing heating device is enlarged.
- a cam mechanism is used for driving the open / close movable side of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B, and as shown in FIGS.
- the first cam mechanism 71 is preferably driven. Further, in such a configuration, the entire apparatus can be further reduced in size by arranging the first cam mechanism 71 at a position between the rotation fulcrum and the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A, 2B.
- the fifth urging member 45 for gripping the optical fiber 11 by the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B is used as a rotation fulcrum 81a of the first operating member 81 which is a clamp mounting base. It is also possible to comprise from elastic members, such as a coil spring installed in the. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 29, the first actuating member (clamp mounting base) 81 to which the open / close movable side of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B is attached is a fifth biasing member made of an elastic member or a magnetic member.
- the compression coil having a long overall length compared to the movable stroke as described above A spring is required.
- the fifth urging member 45 made of a coil spring is installed at the rotation fulcrum 81a, and by utilizing the rotation operation around the rotation fulcrum 81a, in a wide movable range, A constant pressing force can be obtained, and the size of the reinforcing heating device can be reduced.
- the structure which drives the opening-and-closing movable side of one pair of clamp parts 2A and 2B on either side, and one heater 3A with the motor 6 which is the same drive source is employable.
- the motor 6 that is a common drive source with the heater 3A and operating each clamp portion on the open / close movable side only one drive source is required to be mounted as a device.
- the size of the apparatus can be reduced.
- the first to third cam mechanisms 71, 72, 73 are driven by the motor 6 that is the same drive source, so that one clamp portion 2A is pulled with respect to the optical fiber 11. It is possible to adopt a configuration that operates so as to apply force.
- each cam mechanism in which the opening / closing movable side of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2 ⁇ / b> A and 2 ⁇ / b> B and one heater 3 ⁇ / b> A are coaxially provided on a common cam shaft 7 It can be set as the structure operated by.
- the first cam mechanism 71 for operating the open / close movable side of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A, 2B and the operation of one heater 3A are provided on one camshaft 7.
- the following effects can be obtained by disposing the third cam mechanisms 73 for use at two locations.
- the forward stopper or the backward stopper of one clamp portion 2A can be operated by the motor 6 that is a drive source.
- the motor 6 that is a drive source.
- at least one of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A, 2B is movable in the length direction of the optical fiber 11, and the second cam mechanism 72, which is a reverse stopper, is driven by the motor 6 via the cam shaft 7.
- the following effects can be obtained. (1) Since it is not necessary to operate the forward stopper or the backward stopper with the operator's finger, it is not necessary to design the shape suitable for opening and closing with the human finger. That is, since the retracting mechanism does not need to be put out on the surface of the apparatus and can be housed inside, the reinforcement heating apparatus can be downsized.
- the second cam mechanism 72 or the forward stopper (not shown), which is the reverse stopper
- the motor 6 that is the same drive source can be configured to be movable. In this way, by operating the stoppers using the motor 6 which is a drive source common to the open / close movable side of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B and one heater 3A, a single drive source can be mounted as a device. Since only one is required, the reinforcement heating device can be downsized.
- the open / close movable side of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A, 2B, one heater 3A, and each stopper are coaxially provided by a cam mechanism provided on a common cam shaft 7. It can be set as the structure operated.
- a cam mechanism provided on a common cam shaft 7.
- a configuration including the fourth actuating member 84 as a mechanism that causes the biasing force of the sixth biasing member 46 to close the lid 10 by the displacement of the mechanism 74 can also be adopted.
- the same motor 6 is configured to cause the biasing members described above to act on the pair of clamp portions 2A, 2B, the heater 3, and the lid portion 10 by the first to fourth cam mechanisms 71 to 74.
- the lid 10 having the above-described configuration is preferably made of a transparent material so that the progress of contraction of the sleeve 12 can be visually confirmed during heating.
- the rotation fulcrum shaft of each operation member described above does not need to be common (coaxial) to all operation members. Further, it is not necessary for all the operating members to have a rotational movement around the rotation fulcrum, and they can be appropriately selected and acted on.
- the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B, the one heater 3A described above, the reverse stopper or the forward stopper, the lid portion 10 and the like are used as a common drive source for one cam. It can be driven by each cam mechanism provided on the shaft 7. That is, the motor 6 as a common drive source operates the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B so as to grip the optical fiber 11, and applies a tensile force to the optical fiber 11 with one clamp portion 2A.
- the heater 3A may be operated so as to be pressed with the sleeve 12 interposed therebetween, and the lid 10 may be opened and closed.
- the entire motor can be reduced in size by fulfilling all functions with one motor 6. Further, since each mechanism is driven by a single camshaft 7, a driving member disposed in each driving mechanism and a connecting member for connecting the driving members of each mechanism are not required. Can be miniaturized.
- a semicircular plate 91A and a photosensor 91B for detecting the rotational position of the camshaft 7 are provided in the vicinity of the third cam mechanism 73. Yes.
- all the operation members are comprised from the lever-shaped member which carries out rotational movement centering on each rotation fulcrum.
- a torsion coil spring is used as the elastic member 46 used to open and close the lid 10 and the fifth biasing member 45 (see FIG. 29) used to open and close the pair of left and right clamp parts 2A and 2B.
- the second biasing member 42 used for opening and closing 3A uses a double torsion spring, and the first biasing member 41 that applies a tensile force in the length direction of the optical fiber 11 of one clamp portion 2A includes A compression coil spring is used.
- FIG. 23 is a front view of the reinforcing heating device 1 of the present embodiment, and the cross-sectional instruction lines AA to EE shown in FIG. 23 are respectively shown in FIGS. 24 (a) and 24 (b).
- FIGS. 28A and 28B show broken positions in the cross-sectional views shown in FIGS. 24 to 28 show states in which the respective operations are performed at the positions of the following parts.
- (2) BB FIGGS. 25A and 25B): Operation when one clamp unit 2A is opened and closed by the first cam mechanism 71.
- one clamp part 2A is the structure which can be slid in the length direction of the optical fiber 11, in the example shown in FIG. 25 (a), (b), the position of the rotation fulcrum 81a is high.
- EE FIGS. 28A and 28B: Operation when one heater 3A is opened and closed by the third cam mechanism 73.
- 28A and 28B, a semicircular plate 91A and a photosensor 91B for detecting the rotational position of the camshaft 7 are arranged on the front side of the third cam mechanism 73.
- each actuating member is driven by each cam mechanism provided on the camshaft 7, whereby a pair of left and right clamp portions It can be seen that the opening / closing movable side of 2A and 2B, one heater 3A, the lid 10 and the like are each driven at a predetermined timing.
- the forward movable range Z (see FIG. 6) or the backward movable range K (see FIG. 6) of at least one of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B is limited. Therefore, it is possible to employ a configuration including a position limiting member including a forward stopper or a backward stopper.
- the position limiting member limits the forward movable range or the backward movable range of the clamp portion on the fixed side. This position limiting member has a function of setting the tensile force applied to the optical fiber 11 within an appropriate range.
- the motor 6 is disposed on the same cam shaft 7 as the first to third cam mechanisms 71 to 73 or on another cam shaft (not shown) parallel to the cam shaft 7.
- a fifth cam mechanism (not shown) that is rotationally driven by the above control, and a mechanism that controls the displacement of the fifth cam mechanism to move the position limiting member including the forward stopper or the backward stopper.
- the same motor 6 is clamped by the first to third cam mechanisms 71 to 73 and the fifth cam mechanism (not shown), including the clamp portions 2A and 2B (including a mechanism that acts to pull), a heater 3 and the above-described position limiting member may be configured to act.
- the second cam is disposed on the same cam shaft 7 as the first and third cam mechanisms 71 and 73 or on another cam shaft parallel to the cam shaft 7. It is good also as a structure provided with the mechanism and the mechanism which controls so that the displacement of this 2nd cam mechanism may move the position limit member which consists of said advance stopper or reverse stopper.
- the second cam mechanism is rotationally driven by the control of the motor 6, for example.
- the same motor 6 uses the first cam mechanism 71, the third cam mechanism 73, and the second cam mechanism to move the clamp portions 2A, 2B and the heater 3 to the fifth and fifth.
- the same motor controls the movement of the tension mechanism (mechanism for applying a tensile force to the optical fiber) by the second cam mechanism using the position limiting member. Also good.
- the first biasing member 41 for limiting the forward movable range Z or the backward movable range K of at least one of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A, 2B, or the first biasing member.
- a sixth cam mechanism (not shown) disposed on another camshaft (not shown) parallel to 7 and rotated by the control of the motor 6 and the displacement of the sixth cam mechanism are the first And a mechanism (biasing force control mechanism) that controls the urging force of the urging member 41 or the third urging member to be increased or decreased.
- the same motor 6 includes the first to third urging members.
- Cam mechanisms 71 to 73 and a sixth cam mechanism It is good also as a structure which controls the mechanism (biasing force control mechanism) which controls clamp part 2A, 2B (including the mechanism to pull), the heater 3, and the 1st or 3rd biasing members 41 and 43 by omission. .
- the urging force control mechanism that controls to increase the urging force of the first urging member or the third urging member, or the urging force control mechanism that controls to weaken may be adopted.
- the reinforcing heating device shown in FIG. 45 includes a point where a sixth cam mechanism 76 is provided, an urging mechanism 41 (first urging member), and an urging mechanism 43 (third urging member). This is different from the reinforcing heating device shown in FIGS. 6 to 11 in that it has a movable rear wall 131.
- the sixth cam mechanism 76 is formed in a disc shape and is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the camshaft 7. For example, the sixth cam mechanism 76 is inclined at an angle of more than 0 ° and less than 90 ° with respect to a plane perpendicular to the camshaft 7.
- the movable rear wall portion 131 is provided at a position facing the rear surface of the clamp portion 2A (fixed side), and is movable in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in the figure).
- the movable rear wall 131 may be configured to be movable by the slide mechanism 21 or the like.
- the upper surface 131a of the movable rear wall 131 is formed with a recess 131b into which the lower portion 76a of the sixth cam mechanism 76 is inserted. For this reason, the movable rear wall 131 is disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the lower portion 76a of the sixth cam mechanism 76 in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in the figure).
- the movable rear wall portion 131 is also close to the clamp portion 2A (see FIG. 45), and the lower portion 76a of the sixth cam mechanism 76 is the clamp portion.
- the movable rear wall 131 is also located far away from the clamp 2A (see FIG. 46).
- the urging mechanism 43 (third urging member) includes urging members 43a and 43b provided on the rear end surface of the fixed side 2Aa of the clamp portion 2A and the front surface of the movable rear wall portion 131, respectively.
- the urging members 43a and 43b are magnetic members such as permanent magnets and electromagnets, and have the same magnetic pole. In the illustrated example, the urging members 43a and 43b are both S poles.
- the urging mechanism 43 urges the clamp portion 2 ⁇ / b> A by the repulsive force between the urging members 43 a and 43 b and adjusts the tensile force applied to the optical fiber 11.
- the urging mechanism 41 (first urging member) includes urging members 41a and 41b provided on the front end surface of the fixed side 2Aa of the clamp portion 2A and the heater mounting base 31B, respectively.
- the urging members 41a and 41b have the same magnetic pole.
- the urging members 41a and 41b in the illustrated example are both N poles.
- the first cam mechanism 71 As shown in FIG. 46, as the camshaft 7 rotates, the first cam mechanism 71 is displaced, the opening / closing movable side 2Ab of the clamp portion 2A moves in a direction approaching the fixed side 2Aa, and the opening / closing movable side 2Ab. And the fixed side 2 ⁇ / b> Aa hold the optical fiber 11. Further, as the third cam mechanism 73 is displaced, the heater mounting base 31A approaches the heater mounting base 31B, the sleeve 12 is sandwiched between the heaters 3A and 3B, and the sleeve 12 is heated and contracted.
- the third cam mechanism 73 moves the heater mounting base 31A away from the heater mounting base 31B, releasing the sleeve 12 and the first cam.
- the opening / closing movable side 2Ab of the clamp part 2A moves in a direction away from the fixed side 2Aa, and the gripping of the optical fiber 11 is released.
- the first urging member 41 has a function of limiting the forward movable range Z or the backward movable range K of the clamp portion on at least one fixed side (or open / close movable side) of the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B, for example. It may be.
- the second cam mechanism is disposed on the same cam shaft 7 as the first and third cam mechanisms 71 and 73, or on another cam shaft (not shown) parallel to the cam shaft 7. It may be arranged.
- the second cam mechanism can be structured to be rotated by the control of the motor 6. In the present embodiment, the same motor 6 uses the first and third cam mechanisms 71 and 73 and the second cam mechanism to move the clamp portions 2A and 2B and the heater 3 to the fifth and second cam mechanisms.
- the same motor 6 controls the movement of the tension mechanism (mechanism for applying a tensile force to the optical fiber) by the second cam mechanism by the first biasing member or the third biasing member. It is good also as a structure controlled by a urging member.
- each biasing member for adjusting the tensile force applied to the optical fiber 11 can be moved, the tensile force can be appropriately optimized with a small configuration. Further, in the above configuration, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which at least one forward movable range or backward movable range of the pair of left and right clamp portions is limited.
- the pair of left and right clamp portions 2A and 2B, one heater 3A, the lid portion 10 and the like are connected to the same drive source. Since the motor 6 is used and is driven by each cam mechanism provided coaxially, the entire reinforcing heating device can be reduced in size.
- the optical fiber 11 is released by releasing the excessive tension applied to the optical fiber 11 when the sleeve 12 is sandwiched between the two heaters 3A and 3B and heated and contracted. Can be prevented from being broken and long-term reliability can be lowered, and the apparatus can be prevented from being enlarged. As a result, the sleeve 12 can be heated and shrunk in a short time with high reliability, and the optical fiber connection portion reinforcing heating device 1 excellent in operability can be realized.
- this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change can be added in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.
- the fifth urging member 45 is used for both the pair of clamp portions 2A and 2B, but the fifth urging member is provided only on one (that is, one side) of the clamp portions 2A and 2B. 45 may be used.
- two heaters 3 (3A, 3B) are used, but the number of heaters may be three or more.
- a ... Fusion splicer (optical fiber fusion splicer), 1 ...
- Optical fiber joint reinforcement heating device 2 (2A, 2B) ...
- Clamp part (a pair of left and right clamp parts), 2A ... One clamp part, 2B ... the other clamp part, 3 (3A, 3B) ... heater (two heaters), 3A ... one heater, 3B ... the other heater, 41 ... first biasing member, 42 ... second biasing member 45 ... 5th urging member, 46 ... 6th urging member, 6 ... motor (drive source), 7 ... cam shaft, 71 ... first cam mechanism, 72 ... second cam mechanism, 73 ... 3rd cam mechanism, 74 ... 4th cam mechanism, 81 ...
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Abstract
Description
本願は、2013年3月25日に、日本に出願された特願2013-063014号に基づき優先権を主張し、その内容をここに援用する。
(1)光ファイバケーブルから光ファイバ心線を取り出す。
(2)取り出された光ファイバ心線を覆う樹脂被覆(先端部)を光ファイバ被覆除去工具によって除去する。
(3)先端部の被覆が除去された光ファイバ心線のガラス(裸光ファイバ)表面に残る樹脂被覆屑をアルコールで湿らせた布や紙で除去する。
(4)清掃された光ファイバ心線を光ファイバ切断機によって切断する。
(5)切断された光ファイバ心線を光ファイバ融着接続機によって融着接続する。
(6)融着接続された光ファイバ心線に熱収縮性の補強スリーブを被せ、融着接続機の加熱器によって加熱補強する。
(7)加熱補強された光ファイバ心線を接続部収納ケースの収納トレイに収納する。
まず、一つ目の方法として、左右のクランプ部が開いた状態で光ファイバをセットし、可動とされた左側のクランプ部のみを閉じ、次いで、光ファイバを右方向に引っ張ることで、圧縮コイルばねを縮めた状態で右側のクランプ部を閉じる。この際、可動の左側クランプ部が可動範囲の右端に突き当たった位置において、圧縮コイルばねの収縮量は、光ファイバに最適な引張力を発生させるよう設計され、光ファイバには、圧縮コイルばねの最適張力が常に印加されるようになる。
また、二つ目の方法として、左右のクランプ部が開いた状態で可動側のクランプ部の左側面を指で右方向に押し付け、この左側クランプ部が右方向へ突き当たった位置において、圧縮コイルばねの収縮量は、光ファイバに最適な引張力を発生させるよう設計されている。その後、指で押し付けた状態で光ファイバをクランプ部にセットし、可動の左側クランプ部と固定の右側クランプ部を閉じる。そして、可動の左側クランプ部から指を離せば、光ファイバには、圧縮コイルばねの最適な引張力が常に印加されるようになる。
図30のグラフに示すように、ヒータによるスリーブの押圧力が高いほど、ヒータとスリーブとの接触面積が増加しスリーブの収縮時間は短くなる。図30は、一般的な単心用60mmスリーブを2枚のヒータで挟み、両側2枚のヒータの温度を230℃として加熱した場合のグラフであり、一方のヒータは固定とし、他方のヒータは可動とした場合である。このグラフからは、押圧力が500gfを超えると、押圧の効果は減少し、スリーブの収縮時間はあまり短縮しないことがわかる。なお、上記の押圧力略500gfという変化点は、スリーブの構造によって変化するものであり、押圧力が略500gfを超えると収縮時間の変化が小さくなるのは、あくまで一般的な単心用60mmスリーブの場合である。
図32(a)は、スリーブ312を、2つのヒータ321、322間にセットした直後であって加熱開始前の状態である。図中において、スリーブ312内にある光ファイバ311は、一点鎖線で示される中心線Sの上に位置している。また、この光ファイバ311の位置は、ヒータ321、322の手前と奥側に配置される、図示略のクランプ部によって把持固定されている。
この際、光ファイバ311の位置が、一点鎖線で示される中心線Sの上に位置していれば、光ファイバ311に過大な張力が付加されることはない。
そして、このままスリーブ312が収縮してゆき、完全に収縮した後、加熱補強が終了するが、この際、上記のように、光ファイバ311の位置が中心線Sからずれることがなければ、光ファイバ311に過大な張力がかかることはない。
上述のようなスリーブ312を両側から押圧する方法では、ヒータ321、322によって押圧する前に、引張力を付加した光ファイバ311によってスリーブ312が懸吊された状態としておく必要がある。しかしながら、図33(a)、(b)に示すように、光ファイバ311に引張力を付加しない状態でクランプ部326、327による把持(クランプ)を行った場合には、クランプ直後に光ファイバ311に弛みが生じ、スリーブ312が下方の位置にずれてしまう。このような場合、図33(a)、(b)に示すように、スリーブ312がヒータ321、322の適切な位置で押圧されず、収縮未完了の状態で作業が終了となるおそれがある。
この場合、スリーブ312が下方の位置にずれてしまう場合を考慮し、ヒータ321、322を上下方向に長く構成するという対策も考えられるが、ヒータ321、322が大型化することで熱容量が増加し、昇温スピードが遅くなるという問題がある。
上記構成において、前記ヒータによる前記スリーブへの押圧力は、前記光ファイバの融着接続部の破断確認試験の張力を上回る押圧力である構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、前記ヒータは、前記スリーブを挟んで対向する押圧面が略垂直方向に配置され、前記スリーブ中に挿通された抗張力体の重量を利用して常に前記抗張力体を略下方向に配置することで、前記スリーブの向きを一定化させる構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、前記ヒータは、前記スリーブの加熱が終了した後、直ちに前記スリーブから離間させて該スリーブへの熱伝導を遮断し、前記スリーブの周囲に外気を導入して該スリーブを急冷する構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、前記第1のカム機構および前記第3のカム機構で用いられる2以上のカム機構の少なくとも一部のカム機構において、前記カムシャフトを挟んで前記各作動部材の反対側に補助可動部材を配置し、前記各作動部材と前記補助可動部材を弾性部材または磁力部材で連結し、前記作動部材に代わって前記補助可動部材を前記各カム機構によって従動して変位させることで、前記各カム機構の回転駆動トルクをプラス駆動からマイナス駆動へ反転させることにより、前記2以上のカム機構において、前記プラス駆動と前記マイナス駆動を組み合わせて減殺する構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、前記左右一対のクランプ部、および、前記ヒータは、それぞれ、一方の側が可動とされるとともに、他方の側が固定とされている構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、前記クランプ部の少なくとも一方を、前記光ファイバに対して弾性部材あるいは磁力部材によって引張力を付加するように付勢する第1の付勢部材と、前記第1のカム機構および前記第3のカム機構と同一の前記カムシャフト上に配置されるか、あるいは、前記カムシャフトに平行な他のカムシャフト上に配置された、前記モータ制御によって回転駆動される第2のカム機構と、前記第2のカム機構の変位が、前記クランプ部の前記第1の付勢部材の引張力による前記光ファイバの引張力を制御する機構と、を備え、同一の前記モータが、前記第1~第3のカム機構によって、前記クランプ部、前記引張力機構、および、前記ヒータを前記各付勢部材の力で制御する構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、さらに、前記左右一対のクランプ部の少なくとも一方の前進可動範囲または後退可動範囲を制限するための前進ストッパ、あるいは、後退ストッパからなる位置制限部材と、前記第1~第3のカム機構と同一のカムシャフト上に配置されるか、あるいは、前記カムシャフトに平行な他のカムシャフト上に配置された、前記モータ制御によって回転駆動される第5のカム機構と、該第5のカム機構の変位が前記位置制限部材の移動を制御する機構と、を備え、同一の前記モータが、前記第1~第3および第5のカム機構によって、前記クランプ部、前記引張力機構、前記ヒータ、および、前記位置制限部材を制御する構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、さらに、前記左右一対のクランプ部の少なくとも一方の前進可動範囲または後退可動範囲を制限するための前記第1の付勢部材、あるいは、該第1の付勢部材と反対方向の引張力を付加する前記第3の付勢部材と、前記第1~第3のカム機構と同一の前記カムシャフト上に配置されるか、あるいは、前記カムシャフトに平行な他のカムシャフト上に配置された、前記モータ制御によって回転駆動される第6のカム機構と、該第6のカム機構の変位が、前記第1の付勢部材、あるいは、前記第3の付勢部材の付勢力を強めるように制御する機構、あるいは、弱めるように制御する機構と、を備え、同一の前記モータが、前記第1~第3および前記第6のカム機構により、前記クランプ部、前記引張機構、前記ヒータ、前記第1または前記第3の付勢部材を制御する構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、当該光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置を開閉する蓋部と、弾性部材あるいは磁力部材によって前記蓋部を閉める力を付加する第6の付勢部材と、前記第1~第3のカム機構と同一の前記カムシャフト上に配置されるか、あるいは、前記カムシャフトに平行な他のカムシャフト上に配置された第4のカム機構と、前記第4のカム機構の変位が、前記蓋部の前記第6の付勢部材の付勢力による開閉するよう制御する機構と、を備え、同一の前記モータが、前記第1~第4および第6のカム機構により、前記クランプ部、前記引張機構、前記ヒータ、および、前記蓋部に前記各付勢部材を制御する構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、前記クランプ部、前記引張力機構、前記ヒータ、前記蓋部の内の少なくとも何れかが、前記光ファイバおよび前記スリーブと平行な回転支点を中心に回動運動するレバー状部材からなるか、あるいはレバー状部材に設けられている構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、前記ヒータを付勢する前記第2の付勢部材、前記左右一対のクランプ部における前記光ファイバを把持する付勢部材、および、前記蓋部の付勢部材にコイルばねを用い、前記回転支点と前記コイルばねとを同軸で配置する構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、前記カムシャフトが、装置下部に配置される前記回転支点と、装置上部に配置される前記左右一対のクランプ部、前記ヒータおよび前記蓋部との間に配置されてなる構成も採用可能である。
さらに、本発明は、上記構成の光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置において、前記第2の付勢部材による前記スリーブへの押圧力は、前記第1の付勢部材による前記光ファイバへの引張力よりも大きく設定され、前記第1の付勢部材によって前記光ファイバに引張力を加えた状態において、前記引張力を付加する前記一方のクランプ部が、前記光ファイバの長さ方向において前記ヒータから離間する方向の後退可動範囲が確保されているとともに、前記ヒータ側に移動できる前進可動範囲が確保されていることにより、前記第2の付勢部材によって前記ヒータで前記スリーブを押圧することで付加される前記光ファイバへの引張力を減殺する方向へ前記クランプ部が移動するよう構成されていることを特徴とする光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置を提供する。
該第1のカム機構の変位が、前記クランプ部の前記第5の付勢部材の押圧力による前記光ファイバの把持を制御する機構と、前記光ファイバまたはスリーブを挟んで対向配置された少なくとも2以上のヒータと、前記スリーブを挟んで対向配置された前記ヒータの少なくとも1以上に、前記スリーブを挟んで弾性部材あるいは磁力部材によって押圧力を付加する第2の付勢部材と、前記第1のカム機構が設けられるカムシャフト上に配置されるか、あるいは、前記カムシャフトに平行な他のカムシャフト上に配置された、前記モータの制御によって回転駆動される第3のカム機構と、該第3のカム機構の変位が、前記ヒータの前記第2の付勢部材の押圧力による前記スリーブの押圧を制御する機構と、を備え、同一の前記モータが、前記第1と第3のカム機構によって、前記クランプ部と前記ヒータの前記各付勢部材の力を制御する光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置を提供する。
上記構成において、前記第1のカム機構および前記第3のカム機構で用いられる2以上のカム機構の少なくとも一部のカム機構において、前記カムシャフトを挟んで前記各作動部材の反対側に補助可動部材を配置し、前記各作動部材と前記補助可動部材を弾性部材または磁力部材で連結し、前記各作動部材に代わって前記補助可動部材を前記各カム機構によって従動して変位させることで、前記各カム機構の回転駆動トルクをプラス駆動からマイナス駆動へ反転させることにより、前記2以上のカム機構において、前記プラス駆動と前記マイナス駆動を組み合わせて減殺する構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、前記左右一対のクランプ部、および、前記ヒータは、それぞれ、一方の側が可動とされるとともに、他方の側が固定とされている構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、前記クランプ部の少なくとも一方を、前記光ファイバに対して弾性部材あるいは磁力部材によって引張力を付加するように付勢する第1の付勢部材と、前記左右一対のクランプ部の少なくとも一方の前進可動範囲または後退可動範囲を制限するための前進ストッパ、あるいは、後退ストッパからなる位置制限部材と、前記第1および第3のカム機構と同一のカムシャフト上に配置されるか、あるいは、前記カムシャフトに平行な他のカムシャフト上に配置された、前記モータ制御によって回転駆動される第2のカム機構と、前記第2のカム機構の変位が、前記クランプ部の前記第1の付勢部材の引張力による前記光ファイバの引張を制御する機構と、該第2のカム機構の変位が、前記位置制限部材の移動を制御する機構と、を備え、同一の前記モータが、前記第1~第3のカム機構によって、前記クランプ部、および前記ヒータを制御する構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、前記クランプ部の少なくとも一方を、前記光ファイバに対して弾性部材あるいは磁力部材によって引張力を付加するように付勢する第1の付勢部材と、該第1の付勢部材と反対方向の引張力を付加するように付勢する第3の付勢部材と、前記第1および第3のカム機構と同一の前記カムシャフト上に配置されるか、あるいは、前記カムシャフトに平行な他のカムシャフト上に配置された、前記モータ制御によって回転駆動される第6のカム機構と、該第6のカム機構の変位が、前記第1の付勢部材、あるいは、前記第3の付勢部材の付勢力を制御する機構と、を備え、前記第1および第3の付勢部材のそれぞれは、前記クランプ部の少なくとも一方を、前記光ファイバに対して弾性部材あるいは磁力部材によって引張力を付加するように付勢し、同一の前記モータが、前記第1、第3、および第6のカム機構により、前記クランプ部、前記ヒータ、および前記付勢力制御機構を制御する構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、前記クランプ部、前記ヒータ、前記蓋部の内の少なくとも何れかが、前記光ファイバおよび前記スリーブと平行な回転支点を中心に回動運動するレバー状部材からなるか、あるいはレバー状部材に設けられている構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、前記ヒータを付勢する前記第2の付勢部材、前記左右一対のクランプ部における前記光ファイバを把持する付勢部材、および、前記蓋部の付勢部材にコイルばねを用い、前記回転支点と前記コイルばねとを同軸で配置する構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、前記カムシャフトが、装置下部に配置される前記回転支点と、装置上部に配置される前記左右一対のクランプ部、前記ヒータおよび前記蓋部との間に配置されてなる構成も採用可能である。
上記構成において、前記第2の付勢部材による前記スリーブへの押圧力は、前記第1の付勢部材による前記光ファイバへの引張力よりも大きく設定され、前記第1の付勢部材によって前記光ファイバに引張力を加えた状態において、前記引張力を付加する前記一方のクランプ部が、前記光ファイバの長さ方向において前記ヒータから離間する方向の後退可動範囲が確保されているとともに、前記ヒータ側に移動できる前進可動範囲が確保されていることにより、前記第2の付勢部材によって前記ヒータで前記スリーブを押圧することで付加される前記光ファイバへの引張力を減殺する方向へ前記クランプ部が移動するよう構成されている構成も採用可能である。
図1に、本発明に係る光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置1を備える融着接続機の一例を示す。
図1に示す融着接続機Aは、光ファイバの融着接続を行う融着接続部110と、融着接続後の光ファイバに被覆させた補強用のスリーブを加熱収縮させるための光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置(補強加熱装置)1(図2も参照)とを備える。また、この融着接続機Aは、上記の補強加熱装置1および融着接続部110に加え、作業者向けに種々の情報等を表示する表示器120、条件設定等に用いる操作部130などを備える。さらに、図示例の融着接続機Aは、略立方体状の本体部101に、補強加熱装置1や融着接続部110に加え、これらを総合的に駆動するための手段や制御部等の内蔵装置(図示せず)が配されている。また、本体部101の下部に複数(図示例では4箇所)の脚部102(一部、図示略)を有する。表示器120には、液晶、有機EL、電光式等、各種の表示方式を採用可能である。
図5(a)、(b)に示すように、本発明に係る補強加熱装置1において加熱収縮され、光ファイバの接続部を補強するスリーブ12は、光ファイバ11の心線同士を融着接続した接続部11Aの位置において、抗張力体13A、13Bと光ファイバ11(接続部11A)を被覆するように設けられる。このようなスリーブ12は、一般に、光ファイバ補強部材、熱収縮チューブ、熱収縮スリーブ、補強スリーブなど、様々な名称で呼ばれているが、いずれも共通の機能を有したものである。なお、図5(a)、(b)においては、便宜上、いずれのスリーブにも同じ符号を付与している。
また、図5(b)に示すように、スリーブ12を、多心の光ファイバ(多心テープ)の接続部に用いる場合には、熱収縮チューブからなる外側チューブ12aの中に、光ファイバ11の接続部11Aを被覆した状態の楕円筒形のホットメルトチューブからなる内側チューブ12bと、ガラスなどの半円柱状硬心からなる抗張力体13Bとが配置された状態とされる。
以下、本発明の第1の実施形態の光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置について、主に図5~図17の模式図を用いて詳しく説明する。なお、図5~図17の模式図において示されていない構成については、本発明に係る第2の実施形態で説明する図4の破断図などを用いて説明する。また、本実施形態では、詳細を後述する第2の実施形態の補強加熱装置と共通の構成については、適宜、図4などを参照しながら説明し、また、各実施形態において構成の配置位置などが異なっている場合であっても、機能が同じものについては同一の符号を付して説明することがある。
また、以下の説明で参照する各図面は、補強加熱装置を模式的に説明するものであることから、図中における左右方向あるいは上下方向の位置関係が、それぞれの図面間で異なる場合がある。
また、補強加熱装置1は、第2の付勢部材42によるスリーブ12への押圧力が、第1の付勢部材41による光ファイバへ11の引張力よりも大きく設定され、第1の付勢部材41によって光ファイバ11に引張力を加えた状態において、引張力を付加する一方のクランプ部2Aが、光ファイバ11の長さ方向においてヒータ3から離間する方向の後退可動範囲Kが確保されているとともに、ヒータ3側に移動できる前進可動範囲Zが確保されている。
そして、補強加熱装置1においては、第2の付勢部材42によってヒータ3でスリーブ12を押圧することで付加される光ファイバ11への引張力を減殺する方向へクランプ部2Aが移動するように構成されている。
また、上記各構成は、筐体5に取り付けられるか、あるいは筐体5の内部に収容されている。
なお、スリーブ12は、光ファイバ11の被覆除去部分および被覆部を覆っていてもよいし、被覆除去部分のみを覆っていてもよい。
また、図6などに示すように、クランプ部2は、左右一対で配置された一方のクランプ部2Aのうちの一方が開閉可動に構成されており、他方のクランプ部2Bについても同様に構成されている。
また、クランプ部2は、一方のクランプ部2Aが、光ファイバ11の長さ方向でスライド移動可能とされ、図6などに示す例では、永久磁石からなる第1の付勢部材41により、光ファイバ11に引張力を付加できる構成とされている。
(図29参照)。
ヒータ3は、光ファイバ11またはスリーブ12を挟んで対向するように、2つのヒータ3A、3Bとして配置され、一方のヒータ3Aが開閉可動とされるとともに、他方のヒータ3Bが固定とされることで、スリーブ12を挟み込んで押圧できる構成とされている。また、開閉可動とされた一方のヒータ3Aは、図4中に示すようなダブルトーションばねからなる第2の付勢部材42により、スリーブ12を挟んで押圧する方向に付勢する構成とされている。また、図6などに示す例のように、2つのヒータ3A、3Bは、それぞれ、ヒータ取付台31A、31Bの表面に取り付けられている。
また、ヒータ3でスリーブ12を押圧した際の、光ファイバ11の中心線Sからの移動量を低減することができる。これは、他方のヒータ3Bが固定であり、両側のヒータを開閉可動とした場合に較べて、弾性部材の付勢力を均衡させる必要が無く、特に、スリーブ12を固定側である他方のヒータ3Bに寄せてセットすれば、光ファイバ11の移動量を最小限に抑制することが可能になるためである。
この際、スリーブ12の熱収縮が始まると、光ファイバ11およびスリーブ12の位置は徐々に固定側のヒータ3B側へ移動する。そして、スリーブ12が完全に熱収縮すると、光ファイバ11の位置は中心線Sよりも他方のヒータ3B側にずれることは回避できない。しかしながら、この場合の光ファイバ11の移動量は、概ね、スリーブ12の直径が熱収縮で減少した分の、約半分程度である。
本発明において、カム機構は、単に「カム」または「カム部材」ということもできる。
なお、図4に示す例においては、一方のヒータ3Aを付勢する第2の付勢部材42としてダブルトーションばねを用いており、また、図29に示す例においては、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bの開閉可動側を付勢する第5の付勢部材45としてねじりコイルばねを用いている。
上述したように、本実施形態で説明する補強加熱装置1は、一方のヒータ3Aを付勢する第2の付勢部材42の付勢力が、この第2の付勢部材42およびヒータ3Aによってスリーブ12を押圧した時に、第1の付勢部材41によって引張された光ファイバ11の中心軸線S(図12等参照)から、該光ファイバ11を変位させるような、大きな押圧力に設定されている。また、第1の付勢部材41によって光ファイバ11に引張力を加えた状態において、引張力を付加する一方のクランプ部2Aが、光ファイバ11の長さ方向においてヒータ3から離間する方向の後退可動範囲Kが確保されているとともに、ヒータ3側に移動できる前進可動範囲Zが確保されている。そして、第2の付勢部材42によってヒータ3でスリーブ12を押圧することで付加される光ファイバ11への引張力を減殺する方向へクランプ部2Aが移動するように構成されている。
図6~図11は、補強加熱装置1を上方から見た状態を示す模式図である。なお、図6~図11においては、説明を分かりやすくするために、図4に示す破断図に対して、一部の構成を省略して記載しており、以下の説明においても同様とする。
さらに、小型のファン等を備えた構成を採用することで、外部から冷気を効率的に導入することで、冷却時間のさらなる短縮も可能である。
また、一方のクランプ部2Aの前進可動範囲Zを確保することにより、光ファイバ11がヒータ3から大きな押圧を受けたとしても、一方のクランプ部2Aが前進方向に移動するので、過大な引張力を付加することなく、光ファイバ11を保護することが可能となる。
例えば、2つのヒータ3A、3Bとしては、セラミックヒータからなる複数のヒータ回路が埋め込まれたものでもよいし、あるいは、フィルムヒータでもよく、さらに、それらのヒータ回路が貼り付けられた金属の熱伝導板を用いた構成であっても良い。
また、2つのヒータ3A、3Bの両方に複数のヒータ回路が設けられた構成であってもよいし、あるいは、片側のみに設けられた構成であってもよい。
また、本実施形態では、一方のヒータ3Aのみが駆動される構成とされているが、2つのヒータ3A、3Bの両方が駆動される構成であってもよい。
また、ヒータ駆動方法としても特に限定されず、例えば、スライド式の駆動部としてもよいし、図4などに示す例のような、ヒータ部分から遠い位置に支点を配置した回動スライド方式であってもよい。
また、一方のヒータ3Aを付勢する第2の付勢部材42としては、磁石(磁力部材)による反発力などを用いたものであってもよいし、図4などに示す例のようなねじりコイルばねなどを用いたものであってもよい。また、第2の付勢部材42として電磁石を用いた場合には、その電磁コイルに印加する電流が駆動源となり、この印加電流に従って電磁石による付勢力を制御して、一方のヒータ3Aを付勢する構成を採用しても良い。
また、スライド可動クランプ部のスライド機構としても特に限定されず、例えば、図6などに示すような高価なベアリングを用いたスライド式駆動部としてもよいし、図4などに示す例のような、クランプ部から遠い位置に支点を配置した回動スライド方式であってもよい。
またさらに、スライド可動クランプ部に、光ファイバ11に引張力を付加するための力を付勢する第1の付勢部材41としても特に限定されず、図6等に示すような磁石(磁力部材)を用いたものであってもよいし、圧縮コイルばねなどの弾性部材を用いたものであってもよい。
また、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bの開閉可動側に光ファイバ11を把持する力を付勢する第5の付勢部材45(図29参照)としても特に限定されず、磁石(磁力部材)による反発力などを用いたものであってもよいし、図4などに示す例のようなねじりコイルばねなどを用いたものであってもよい。
また、上述のようなカム機構の代わりに、例えば、ねじ機構(マイクロメータ含む)による前後駆動機構や、電磁石のON/OFFによる磁力駆動機構、レバーとソレノイドによる駆動機構などを用いることも可能である。
次に、本実施形態の一変形例について説明する。
本実施形態においては、図12および図13に示す例のように、光ファイバ11の弛みによるスリーブ12の鉛直下方への下降を防止するため、2つのヒータのうちの少なくとも一方の形状を、図示例のような断面L字形に構成することも可能である。図示例では、2つのヒータ93A、93Bのうち、固定側のヒータ93BがL字形とされており、図12は径の大きなスリーブ12を配置した場合、図13は径の小さなスリーブ12を配置した場合を示している。このような構成とした場合、ヒータが大型化するために熱容量が増加し、昇温速度が遅くなる、あるいは、図13に例示するように、径の小さなスリーブ12を配置した場合には、スリーブ12の位置が下がり、ヒータ中央で加熱できないというデメリットもある。しかしながら、図12および図13に例示するヒータ構造を採用することで、図4および図6~図11で説明したような補強加熱装置の構成において、第1のカム機構71を省略することも可能となり、構造の簡略化が実現できる。
次いで、図15に示すように、カムシャフト7の回転が開始されると、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bの開閉可動側のクランプ部が閉じ、第1のカム機構71と左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bとが非接触の状態となり、これらクランプ部2A、2Bは、数百gf程度の押圧で光ファイバ11を把持する。この際、詳細な図示を省略するが、スリーブ12はL字形に構成された固定側のヒータ93Bによって支えられ、ヒータ表面において概ね加熱に適正な位置に保持されている。一方、この状態においては、光ファイバ11には弛みが残っている。
上記動作により、光ファイバ11の弛みが除去され、光ファイバ11が引っ張られる形で一方のクランプ部2Aが前進方向へスライド移動する。すると、一方のクランプ部2Aには、図中に示すような前進可動範囲Zに加えて後退可動範囲Kが確保される。これにより、一方のクランプ部2Aは、光ファイバ11の長さ方向において前後に移動可能な状態となるので、光ファイバ11に弛みが無い状態で、引張力を一定に制御することが可能となる。
この後の手順については、上記の図6~図11を用いた説明の場合同様であり、ヒータ93A、93Bの加熱によってスリーブ12の収縮動作が行われる。
なお、本変形例においては、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bのうちの開閉可動側のクランプと、開閉可動側であるヒータ93Aの駆動、解放手順や、加熱後の冷却手順などについては、上記同様であり、省略する。
以下、本実施形態のその他の変形例について説明する。なお、以下の説明においては、上記した図4~図17を参照して説明するものとする。
これにより、スリーブ12を十分な力で押圧できる。
なお、略垂直とは水平面に対して略垂直であることをいう。前記略垂直方向に配置された前記押圧面は、例えば水平面に対して90°±10°の角度で交差する面であってよい。前記押圧面は、例えば水平面に対して90°±30°の角度で交差する面とすることもできる。
図14(a)、(b)に示すヒータ取付台31Bは、クランプ部2A(固定側)の後面に対面する後壁部31Bbを有する。後壁部31Bbは、ヒータ取付台31Bの他の部分に対して前後方向に移動可能である。後退ストッパ51は後壁部31Bbの前面に設けられている。
図14(a)に示すように、まず、一方のクランプ部2Aは、光ファイバ11を把持する前に、第1の付勢部材41によってヒータ3から離間して後退ストッパ51に当接し、前進方向にのみ可動範囲を確保する。
左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bで光ファイバ11を把持し、光ファイバ11へは引張力が付加されていない状態において、光ファイバ11を把持した直後、あるいは、ヒータ3のスリーブ12に対する押圧駆動開始時又は押圧駆動開始前後に、後退ストッパ51を退避させる。後退ストッパ51を退避させるには、後壁部31Bbを後退方向(クランプ部2Aから離間する方向)に移動させればよい。
これにより、光ファイバ11に前記引張力を付加した状態で、一方のクランプ部2Aの前進可動範囲に加えて後退可動範囲を確保した後、ヒータ3でスリーブ12を押圧することができる。
なお、後退ストッパを退避可能とする構造は図示例に限らない。例えば、後退ストッパ51をヒータ取付台31Bの他の部分から取り外し可能な構造を採用してもよい。この場合には、後退ストッパ51を取り外すことによって前記退避が可能となる。
図14(a)、(c)に示すヒータ取付台31Bは、クランプ部2A(固定側)の前面に対面する取付台部31Baに、前壁部31Bcを有する。前壁部31Bcは、ヒータ取付台31Bの他の部分に対して前後方向に移動可能である。前進ストッパ52は前壁部31Bcの後面に設けられている。
まず、一方のクランプ部2Aは、光ファイバ11を把持する前に、第1の付勢部材41によってヒータ3から離間して後退ストッパに当接した状態から、前進ストッパに当接するまで前進移動させて保持された状態において、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bで光ファイバ11を把持し、光ファイバ11へは引張力が付加されていない状態において、光ファイバ11を把持した直後、あるいは、ヒータ3のスリーブ12に対する押圧駆動開始時又は押圧駆動開始前後に、一方のクランプ部2Aを前進ストッパに対する当接状態から開放し、さらに前進ストッパを退避させる。
図示例において、前進ストッパ52を退避させるには、前壁部31Bcを前進方向(クランプ部2Aから離間する方向)に移動させればよい。
これにより、光ファイバ11に前記引張力を付加した状態で、一方のクランプ部2Aの後退可動範囲に加えて前進可動範囲を確保した後、ヒータ3でスリーブ12を押圧する構成とすることができる。
なお、前進ストッパとしては、上記同様の第2のカム機構72を用いることができ、また、後退ストッパとしては、図14~図17に示すような、筐体5に形成された後退ストッパ51を用いた構成とすることが可能である。符号52は前進ストッパである。
前進ストッパとしてカム機構を用いる場合には、カム機構を回転駆動させることにより前記前進ストッパを退避させることができる。また、前進ストッパ52は、ヒータ取付台31Bの他の部分から取り外し可能な構造とすることもできる。この場合には、前進ストッパ52を取り外すことによって、前記退避が可能である。
まず、一方のクランプ部2Aが、光ファイバ11を把持する前に、第1の付勢部材41によってヒータ3から離間する後退方向の付勢力が付加された状態において、一方のクランプ部2Aを前進方向に移動させるための弾性部材または磁力部材からなる第3の付勢部材(図示略)か、あるいは、一方のクランプ部2Aを前進方向に移動させる第3の付勢部材によって、一方のクランプ部2Aの可動範囲における端部から離れた位置で停止した状態において、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bで光ファイバ11を把持し、光ファイバ11へは引張力が付加されていない状態において、光ファイバ11を把持した直後、あるいは、ヒータ3のスリーブ12に対する押圧駆動開始時又は押圧駆動開始前後に、第3の付勢部材による前記一方のクランプ部の前進方向の付勢力を弱めるか、あるいは、前記第1の付勢部材による後退方向の付勢力を強めるか、あるいは、前記第3の付勢部材を退避させる。これにより、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bが光ファイバ11に対して引張力を付加した状態で、一方のクランプ部2Aの後退可動範囲Kに加えて前進可動範囲Zを確保した後、ヒータ3でスリーブ12を押圧する構成とすることもできる。
また、各付勢部材に弾性部材を用いた場合には、例えば、弾性部材であるばねの一端側を移動する方法が挙げられる。例えば、ばねの一端を固定端とし、他端を前記クランプ部に当接させて、圧縮されたばねの弾性力によりクランプ部を付勢する場合に、前記ばねの一端を他端に近づく方向に移動させて前記ばねを圧縮すれば、前記付勢力を強めることができる。また、前記ばねの一端を他端から離れる方向に移動させて圧縮を緩和すれば、付勢力を弱めることができる。
詳細な図示を省略するが、まず、左右一対のクランプ2A、2B部の何れもが、光ファイバ11の長さ方向において前後に可動とされており、一方のクランプ部2Aが、光ファイバ11を把持する前に、第1の付勢部材41によってヒータ3から離間して後退ストッパ(図14などの符号51を参照)に当接し、前進方向にのみ可動範囲を確保した状態において、かつ、他方のクランプ部2Bが、光ファイバ11を把持する前に、ヒータ3側へ前進して停止させた状態において、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bで光ファイバ11を把持し、光ファイバ11へは引張力が付加されていない状態とする。その後、他方のクランプ部2Bがヒータ3側から離間する後退方向に移動を開始し、光ファイバ11を介した引張力によって一方のクランプ部2Aが前進方向に移動し、一方のクランプ部2Aの可動範囲における端部から離れた位置で他方のクランプ部2Bの移動が停止されることにより、光ファイバ11に引張力を付加した状態で、一方のクランプ部2Aの後退可動範囲Kに加えて前進可動範囲Zを確保した後、ヒータ3でスリーブ12を押圧する構成とすることができる。
まず、一方のクランプ部2Aが、光ファイバ11を把持する前に、第1の付勢部材41によってヒータ3から離間して後退ストッパ(図14などの符号51を参照)に当接し、前進方向にのみ可動範囲を確保した状態において、左右一対のクランプ2A、2B部で光ファイバ11を把持し、光ファイバ11へは引張力が付加されていない状態において、第1の付勢部材41による光ファイバ11への引張力よりも大きな第2の付勢部材42による押圧力によって、ヒータ3がスリーブ12の押圧を開始する。そして、押圧開始後のスリーブ12の移動あるいはスリーブ12の形状変形によって、光ファイバ11が押圧方向に移動されることにより、一方のクランプ2Aが光ファイバ11の移動による引張力によって前進方向に引き寄せられ、一方のクランプ部2Aは可動範囲における端部から離れた位置で停止するよう構成されることで、光ファイバ11に第1の付勢部材41による引張力が付加された状態で、一方のクランプ部2Aの後退可動範囲Kに加えて前進可動範囲Zを確保した後に、ヒータ3でスリーブ12を加熱する構成とすることもできる。
図34に示す補強加熱装置は、クランプ部2Aが後退方向へ移動するのを規制するカム機構(第2のカム機構72)がない点と、クランプ部2Aの開閉可動側2Abに突出部150が形成されている点と、ヒータ取付台31Bに制御壁部151が設けられている点とで、図6~図11に示す補強加熱装置と異なる。
嵌入凸部153の外面の上面153aは、後方(図中の左側)に行くほど下降する傾斜面である。
制御壁部151は、初期状態(図34参照)においては、前面151aが嵌入凸部153に当接し、クランプ部2Aの後退を規制している。
前側付勢機構41Aは、クランプ部2Aの固定側2Aaの前端面、およびヒータ取付台31Bの取付台部31Baにそれぞれ設けられた付勢部材41a、41bを有する。
付勢部材41a、41bは、永久磁石や電磁石などの磁力部材であって、互いに同じ磁極をもつ。図示例では、付勢部材41a、41bはいずれもN極である。
後側付勢機構41Bは、クランプ部2Aの固定側2Aaの後端面およびヒータ取付台31Bの後壁部31Bbに、それぞれ設けられた付勢部材41c、41dを有する。
付勢部材41c、41dは、互いに異なる磁極をもつ磁力部材である。図示例では、付勢部材41cはN極であり、付勢部材41dはS極である。
付勢部材41a、41b間の斥力と付勢部材41c、41d間の引力により、クランプ部2Aには後方への力が加えられ、光ファイバ11には引張力が付与される。
この例の補強加熱装置は、モータ6が、第1のカム機構71により、クランプ部2Aを第5の付勢部材45の力で制御し、クランプ部2Aの動作により、前記引張機構が制御される。
図36に示すように、開閉可動側2Abの移動に伴い、突出部150が下降し、嵌入凸部153が受け凹部155に進入可能な位置に至ることによって、クランプ部2Aは、前進可動範囲Zだけでなく後退可動範囲Kが確保されて前後に移動可能な状態になり、付勢機構41による引張力が光ファイバ11に付加される。
図38に示すように、スリーブ12の収縮とともに、スリーブ12と光ファイバ11はヒータ3Bに向けて移動するが、クランプ部2Aが前進方向(図中の右方向)へスライド移動するため、光ファイバ11に付加される引張力が過大になることはない。
開閉可動側2Abの移動に伴って突出部150が上昇し、嵌入凸部153は制御壁部151によって後退が規制された位置に戻る。
この際、嵌入凸部153は、上面153aが受け凹部155の上面155aの傾斜に沿って上昇するため、スムーズに受け凹部155から外れる。
図40に示す補強加熱装置は、第2のカム機構72がない点と、付勢機構141(第1の付勢部材)が設けられている点と、ヒータ取付台31Aに、ヒータ取付台31Bに近づく方向に突出する突出部160が形成されている点で、図6~図11に示す補強加熱装置と異なる。
前側付勢機構141Aは、クランプ部2Aの固定側2Aaの前端面、およびヒータ取付台31Bの取付台部31Baにそれぞれ設けられた付勢部材141a、141bを有する。
付勢部材141a、141bは、永久磁石や電磁石などの磁力部材であって、互いに同じ磁極をもつ。図示例では、付勢部材141a、141bはN極である。
後側付勢機構141Bは、クランプ部2Aの固定側2Aaの後端面およびヒータ取付台31Bの後壁部31Bbに、それぞれ設けられた付勢部材141c、141dを有する。
付勢部材141c、141dは、互いに同じ磁極をもつ磁力部材である。図示例では、付勢部材141c、141dはN極である。
図40に示す初期状態では、クランプ部2Aは、前進可動範囲Zおよび後退可動範囲Kが確保されて前後に移動可能な状態であるが、付勢部材141a、141b間の斥力と付勢部材141c、141d間の斥力により、クランプ部2Aはその位置に留まる。
突出部160の先端部には付勢部材161が設けられている。付勢部材161は、付勢部材141aと互いに同じ磁極をもつ磁力部材である。図示例では、付勢部材161は、付勢部材141aと同じくN極である。
この例の補強加熱装置は、モータ6が、第3のカム機構73により、ヒータ3Aを第2の付勢部材42の力で制御し、ヒータ3Aの動作により、前記引張機構が制御される。
この図に示す状態では、ヒータ取付台31Aはヒータ取付台31Bから離れているため、突出部160の付勢部材161はクランプ部2Aの付勢部材141aから離れた位置にある。この状態では、光ファイバ11に加えられる引張力は小さい。
付勢部材161は付勢部材141aと同じ磁極をもつため、付勢部材141aには後方(図中の左側)への斥力が作用する。これによって、光ファイバ11に付与される引張力が増大する。
図43に示すように、ヒータ3A、3Bによってスリーブ12が挟まれ、スリーブ12が加熱収縮する。
スリーブ12の収縮とともに、スリーブ12と光ファイバ11はヒータ3Bに向けて移動するが、クランプ部2Aが前進方向(図中の右方向)へスライド移動するため、光ファイバ11に付加される引張力が過大になることはない。
以上説明したような本発明の第1の実施形態の光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置1によれば、スリーブ12を2つのヒータ3A、3Bで挟んで加熱収縮させる際に、光ファイバ11に付加される過剰な張力を解放することで光ファイバ11の破断や長期信頼性の低下が生じるのを防止し、また、装置が大型化することを防止できる。これにより、信頼性が高く、短時間でスリーブ12を加熱収縮させることができるとともに、操作性に優れた光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置1が実現できる。
以下、本発明の第2の実施形態について、各図面で示した一例を挙げて説明する。なお、本実施形態においては、一部、上記の第1実施形態と同じ図面を参照しながら説明するとともに、既出である共通の構成、例えば、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2B、2つのヒータ3A、3Bなどについては同じ符号を付し、その詳細な説明を省略する。
また、以下の説明においては、第2の実施形態の補強加熱装置に関して、主に、上述した第1の実施形態の場合と異なる点を中心に説明するものとする。
本実施形態の補強加熱装置1は、モータ6によって回転駆動されるカムシャフト7に、各々詳細を後述する各カム機構が設けられ、これら各カム機構に従動して変位する各作動部材により、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bの開閉可動側の開閉動作、一方のヒータ3Aの開閉動作、一方のクランプ部2Aの光ファイバ11の長さ方向(引張力を調整する方向)でのスライド移動、蓋部10の開閉動作の各動作が、各付勢部材によって行われるように駆動する点で、上記第1の実施形態とは異なる。
図4に示すように、1本のカムシャフト7には4種類7箇所のカム機構が搭載されており、図中左側から以下のように配置されている。なお、図示例においては、後述する補助移動レバーを有しておらず、駆動トルクの反転機構は備えられていない構成とされている。
(1)第4のカム機構74(蓋部10の開閉)(2)第1のカム機構71(一方のクランプ部2Aの開閉)(3)第2のカム機構72(一方のクランプ部2Aの引張力の付加用の後退ストッパ)(4)第3のカム機構73(一方のヒータ3Aの開閉)(5)第3のカム機構73(一方のヒータ3Aの開閉)(6)第1のカム機構71(他方のクランプ部2Bの開閉)(7)第4のカム機構74(蓋部10の開閉)
本実施形態においては、2つのヒータ3A、3Bに関し、第1の実施形態と同様、片側のみを開閉可動としてモータ6で駆動する構成とすればよい。これら2つのヒータ3A、3Bのうち、いずれか一方を可動として駆動し、他方を固定として構成すれば、ヒータの可動機構や、ヒータを押圧する弾性部材あるいは磁力部材を、いずれか一方のヒータ側にのみ設けることで済むため、装置の小型化が可能となる。
なお、図4は破断図であるため、図6などに示す他方のヒータ3B(固定側)は示されておらず、開閉可動側である一方のヒータ3Aのみを示しているが、2つのヒータ3A、3Bの位置関係は、図4中における奥側と手前側で、適宜選択して採用すればよい。
図29および図30は、図4に示す補強加熱装置1の一方のクランプ部2Aと、その周辺機構を詳細に示す部分破断図である。
図29に示すように、一方のクランプ部2Aは、開閉可動側が第1の作動部材81に取り付けられ、また、開閉固定側がクランプ取付台として機能する第2の作動部材82に取り付けられている。
また、第1の作動部材81は、回動支点81aを中心として一方のクランプ部2Aの開閉動作を行う。第1の作動部材81は、第1のカム機構71によって駆動されるとともに、ねじりコイルばねからなる第5の付勢部材45によって付勢されることで、一方のクランプ部2Aの開閉動作を行う。
また、一方のクランプ部2Aには、光ファイバ11を直接把持するための把持用ゴム2bが設けられており、図29においては図示を省略しているが、他方のクランプ部2Bにおいても同様とされている。
また、第1の作動部材81には、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bによって光ファイバ11を把持する際に、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bの後退方向への移動を規制する後退ストッパ51が設けられている。この後退ストッパ51は、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bの開閉動作によって光ファイバ11を把持する際には、カムシャフト7に設けられた第2のカム機構72と当接することで、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bの後退方向への移動を規制する。そして、光ファイバ11を把持した後、第2のカム機構72と後退ストッパ51との当接状態が解かれ、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bを、後退方向へ移動可能に解放することで、光ファイバ11に対して第1の付勢部材41による引張力を付加できる構成とされている。
本実施形態では、図18に例示するように、第3の作動部材83が、開閉可動である一方のヒータ3Aが設置されるヒータ取付台として機能し、回転支点83aを中心に回転作動する構成とすることができる。第1の実施形態において、図6などを用いて説明したヒータ取付台はスライド可動方式であるが、ヒータ3がスリーブ12を押圧する一つ目の作用点、ヒータ3A(ヒータ取付台)が駆動体(第3のカム機構)を押す二つ目の作用点、第2の付勢部材42がヒータ3A(ヒータ取付台)を押す力点の各々のバランスが状況によって変化する。このため、スライド可動方式では、ヒータ取付台が傾いた方向(捩り)に力が働きやすく、ヒータ可動機構には、捩りに強いスライドガイド機構、あるいは、リニアベアリングのような部材を設けなければ、ヒータ取付台の動きがスムーズにならず、このような機構、部材を用いた場合には、補強加熱装置を大型化させるという問題があった。
本実施形態においては、一方のヒータ3Aが設置される第3の作動部材83を、回転支点83aを中心に回動作動するレバー状部材から構成することにより、装置全体を小型化することが可能となる。
本実施形態の第3の作動部材83は、弾性部材あるいは磁力部材からなる第2の付勢部材42によって押圧されるが、第3の作動部材83の位置によって押圧力の変動が少ない状態を得るためには、上述のような、可動ストロークと比較して全長の長い圧縮コイルばねが必要となる。しかしながら、全長の長い圧縮コイルばねを用いた場合、装置全体が大型化するという問題がある。
これに対し、上述のように、コイルばねからなる第2の付勢部材42を回転支点83aに設置し、この回転支点83aを中心とした回動作動を利用することで、広い可動範囲において、一定の押圧力を得ることが可能になり、補強加熱装置の小型化が可能となる。
(1)従来、作業者が手動で行っていたクランプ部の開閉動作が自動になることで、補強加熱装置を用いたスリーブ12の加熱収縮作業の高速化が可能になる。
(2)クランプ部を作業者の指などで操作する必要がなくなるため、クランプ部を人の指で開閉するのに適した形状に設計する必要が無い。従来は、例えば、光ファイバの長さ方向で左右に配された各クランプ部には、指を引っ掛かり易くするための図示略の突起が設けられるとともに、その近傍には指が入るスペースが設けられることから、クランプが大型化するとともに複雑な形状となっていた。本実施形態の如く、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bの把持開閉動作を自動化することにより、各クランプ部の小型化が可能となる。
(3)補強加熱装置を用いて作業を行うためには、光ファイバをセットしてからクランプ部を閉め、光ファイバにテンションを掛けて前進可動範囲と後退可動範囲を確保し、ヒータを押圧して熱収縮させるという順序で作業を行う必要がある。しかしながら、習熟度が低い作業者では、操作ミスが発生する可能性がある。本実施形態のように、一方のヒータ3Aの押圧動作、および、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bの把持開閉動作を自動化することで、操作ミスの防止が可能となる。
クランプ部が閉じて光ファイバを把持すると、次に、一方のヒータが閉じる。図19のグラフ中において、一方のヒータを駆動する第2のカム機構の回転が90~180°の区間が、その動作を表している。
その後、第2の180°の位置で第2のカム機構が停止し、スリーブに対して2つのヒータによる加熱が開始される。スリーブの収縮が完了すると、加熱が停止する。
また、補強加熱装置においては、駆動機構への負担軽減を考慮し、ゆっくりとした動作で開くことになるが、この動作が遅すぎると、補強加熱装置からスリーブ(光ファイバ)を取り出すことができない時間が長くなってしまうという問題がある。
図20に示すように、図19において問題となっていた180~360°の範囲の部分では、一方のヒータ3A(第3のカム機構73)と、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bの開閉可動側の合計駆動力が打ち消し合い、少なくとも理論的にはトルクが不要となっている(実際には、各部材間の摩擦などにより、駆動トルクはゼロにはならない)。
(1)ヒータ取付台である第3の作動部材83と補助移動レバー83Cとの間には、圧縮コイルばね83Dが圧縮された状態ではめ込まれている。この圧縮コイルばね83Dは、第3の作動部材83と補助移動レバー83Cとを引き離そうとする力を発揮するが、接触部83bの部分がストッパの役割を果たし、接触によって設定距離以上は引き離されないように構成されている。
(2)すなわち、第3の作動部材83と補助移動レバー83Cは連動して動くように構成されている。
(3)なお、図示例においては、圧縮コイルばね83Dと補助圧縮コイルばね83Eの2つのばねがあるが、補助圧縮コイルばね83Eのばね力は、圧縮コイルばね83Dと比較して十分に弱く、補助移動レバー83Cを第3のカム機構73に押し付けるためだけの役割を有する。
(4)第3のカム機構73によって補助移動レバー83Cが駆動されると、ヒータ取付台である第3の作動部材83も連動して駆動される。
(5)一方、2つのヒータ3A、3Bがスリーブ12に接触した後は、第3の作動部材83はそれ以上移動できない。その結果、第3の作動部材83が圧縮コイルばね83Dを縮める作用を発現し、この際のばねの力が、スリーブ12への押圧力を発生させる。
以上の動作により、一方のヒータ3Aを閉じる動作を行う際は、押圧するための駆動トルクが必要になり、一方のヒータ3Aを開く際は、駆動トルクが不要になる(解放される)ことから、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bとは反対の駆動トルクを発生させることが可能となる。
本実施形態においては、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bの開閉可動側を、回転支点を中心に回動運動するレバー状部材から構成することにより、装置全体を小型化することが可能となる。
図4や図29に示すような、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2Bの開閉可動側が取り付けられる第1の作動部材(クランプ取付台)81は、弾性部材あるいは磁力部材からなる第5の付勢部材45によって押圧されるが、クランプ取付台である第1の作動部材81の位置によって押圧力の変動が少ない状態を得るためには、上述のような、可動ストロークと比較して全長の長い圧縮コイルばねが必要となる。しかしながら、全長の長い圧縮コイルばねを用いた場合、装置全体が大型化するという問題がある。
これに対し、上述のように、コイルばねからなる第5の付勢部材45を回転支点81aに設置し、この回転支点81aを中心とした回動作動を利用することで、広い可動範囲において、一定の押圧力を得ることが可能になり、補強加熱装置の小型化が可能となる。
さらに、本実施形態では、第1~第3のカム機構71、72、73が同一の駆動源であるモータ6によって駆動されることにより、一方のクランプ部2Aを、光ファイバ11に対して引張力を付加するように動作させる構成とすることが可能である。
(1)1本のカムシャフトで全ての可動体を駆動できるため、各駆動ユニット内に配置する駆動用部材、あるいは各ユニットの駆動用部材を連結する連結用部材が不要となる。これにより、補強加熱装置の小型化が可能となる。
(2)それぞれのカム機構の位相をずらずことで、クランプ部開閉の順序を、わずか一部材で制御することが可能となる。これにより、補強加熱装置の小型化が可能となる。
(1)前進ストッパあるいは後退ストッパの退避を作業者の指で操作する必要がなくなるため、人の指で開閉するのに適した形状に設計する必要が無い。すなわち、退避機構を装置の表面に出す必要がなく内部に収納できるため、補強加熱装置の小型化が可能となる。
(2)補強加熱装置を用いて作業を行うためには、光ファイバをセットしてからクランプ部を閉め、光ファイバにテンションを掛けて前進可動範囲と後退可動範囲を確保し、ヒータを押圧して熱収縮させるという順序で作業を行う必要がある。しかしながら、習熟度が低い作業者では、操作ミスが発生する可能性がある。本実施形態のように、前進ストッパあるいは後退ストッパの退避動作を自動化することで、操作ミスの防止が可能となる。
(1)1本のカムシャフトで全ての可動体を駆動できるため、各駆動ユニット内に配置する駆動用部材、あるいは各ユニットの駆動用部材を連結する連結用部材が不要となる。これにより、補強加熱装置の小型化が可能となる。
(2)それぞれのカム機構の位相をずらずことで、クランプ部開閉の順序を、わずか一部材で制御することが可能となる。これにより、補強加熱装置の小型化が可能となる。
この場合、第4のカム機構74を、第4の作動部材84に対して、例えば、ばねやゴム、スポンジなどの弾性部材や、永久磁石、電磁石などの磁力部材を介して変位させることで、蓋部10の開閉動作を行う構成も採用できる。
(1)補強加熱装置を一定時間使用しない場合であっても、蓋部が閉じることで、雨水などが装置内部に浸入することがない。
(2)補強加熱装置を一定時間使用しない場合であっても、蓋部が閉じることで、ごみや粉塵などが装置内部に浸入することがない。
(3)加熱開始とともに蓋部が閉じることで、誤って、内部のヒータに作業者の指が接触して火傷するのを防止できる。
また、上記各機構を1本のカムシャフト7で駆動することにより、各駆動機構内に配置する駆動用部材や、各機構の駆動用部材を連結する連結用部材が不要となるので、装置全体を小型化することが可能となる。
(1)A-A(図24(a)、(b)):一方のヒータ3Aを第3のカム機構73で開閉する際の動作。
(2)B-B(図25(a)、(b)):一方のクランプ部2Aを第1のカム機構71で開閉する際の動作。一方のクランプ部2Aは、光ファイバ11の長さ方向でスライド移動できる構成であるため、図25(a)、(b)中に示す例においては、回転支点81aの位置が高くなっている。
(3)C-C(図26(a)、(b)):他方のクランプ部2Bを第1のカム機構71で開閉する際の動作。
(4)D-D(図27(a)、(b)):蓋部10を第4のカム機構74で開閉する際の動作。
(5)E-E(図28(a)、(b)):一方のヒータ3Aを第3のカム機構73で開閉する際の動作。図28(a)、(b)中においては、第3のカム機構73の手前側に、カムシャフト7の回転位置を検出するための半円板91Aおよびフォトセンサ91Bが配置されている。
以下、本実施形態のその他の変形例について説明する。
そして、第1~第3のカム機構71~73と同一のカムシャフト7上に配置されるか、あるいは、カムシャフト7に平行な他のカムシャフト(図示略)上に配置された、モータ6の制御によって回転駆動される第5のカム機構(図示略)と、該第5のカム機構の変位が、上記の前進ストッパあるいは、後退ストッパからなる位置制限部材を移動させるように制御する機構とを備え、同一のモータ6が、第1~第3のカム機構71~73および第5のカム機構(図示略)により、クランプ部2A、2B(引張するように作用させる機構も含む)、ヒータ3、および、上記の位置制限部材を作用させる構成としてもよい。
本実施形態においては、同一のモータ6が、第1のカム機構71、第3のカム機構73、および第2のカム機構により、クランプ部2A、2Bとヒータ3の移動を、第5および第2の付勢部材により制御し、さらに、同一のモータが、第2のカム機構によって、引張機構(光ファイバに引張力を付加する機構)の移動を、上記の位置制限部材で制御する構成としてもよい。
この場合、同一のモータ6が、前記第1~第3のカム機構および前記第6のカム機構により、前記クランプ部、前記引張機構、前記ヒータ、および前記付勢力制御機構を制御することが望ましい。
第6のカム機構76は、円板状に形成され、カムシャフト7に垂直な面に対して傾いて形成されている。第6のカム機構76は、例えば、カムシャフト7に垂直な面に対して0°を越え、90°未満の角度で傾斜している。
可動後壁部131の上面131aには、第6のカム機構76の下部76aが挿入される凹部131bが形成されている。このため、可動後壁部131は、第6のカム機構76の下部76aの前後方向(図中左右方向)の位置に応じた位置に配置される。
例えば、第6のカム機構76の下部76aがクランプ部2Aに近い場合には可動後壁部131もクランプ部2Aに近接し(図45参照)、第6のカム機構76の下部76aがクランプ部2Aから遠い場合には可動後壁部131もクランプ部2Aから大きく離れて位置する(図46参照)。
付勢部材43a、43bは、永久磁石や電磁石などの磁力部材であって、互いに同じ磁極をもつ。図示例では、付勢部材43a、43bはいずれもS極である。
付勢機構43は、付勢部材43a、43b間の斥力によってクランプ部2Aを付勢し、光ファイバ11に加えられる引張力を調整する。
第6のカム機構76は、可動後壁部131に近づくほどクランプ部2Aに近づくように傾斜した姿勢であるため、下部76aはクランプ部2Aに近い位置にある。そのため、可動後壁部131はクランプ部2Aに近接した位置にある。
可動後壁部131がクランプ部2Aに近いため、付勢部材43a、43b間の斥力により、クランプ部2Aには、ヒータ取付台31Bに近づく方向(図中右方)の力が作用する。
クランプ部2Aには、付勢部材41a、41b間の斥力により、ヒータ取付台31Bから離れる方向(図中左方)の力も作用する。
また、第3のカム機構73が変位するのに伴って、ヒータ取付台31Aがヒータ取付台31Bに近づき、ヒータ3A、3Bによってスリーブ12が挟まれ、スリーブ12が加熱収縮する。
これによって、付勢部材43a、43bによる斥力が弱くなる一方、付勢部材41a、41bによる斥力に大きな変化はないため、クランプ部2Aによって光ファイバ11に付与される引張力は増大する。
第2のカム機構は、例えば第1および第3のカム機構71、73と同一のカムシャフト7上に配置されるか、あるいは、カムシャフト7に平行な他のカムシャフト(図示略)上に配置されていてよい。第2のカム機構は、モータ6の制御によって回転駆動される構造とすることができる。
本実施形態においては、同一のモータ6が、第1および第3のカム機構71、73、および第2のカム機構により、クランプ部2A、2B、ヒータ3の移動を、第5および第2の付勢部材により制御し、さらに、同一のモータ6が、第2のカム機構によって、引張機構(光ファイバに引張力を付加する機構)の移動を、第1の付勢部材または第3の付勢部材で制御する構成としてもよい。
また、上記構成において、さらに、前記左右一対のクランプ部の少なくとも一方の前進可動範囲または後退可動範囲を制限する構成も採用可能である。
以上説明したような本発明に係る第2の実施形態の光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置によれば、左右一対のクランプ部2A、2B、一方のヒータ3A、蓋部10などを、同一の駆動源であるモータ6を使用して、同軸で設けられた各カム機構によって駆動する構成なので、補強加熱装置全体を小型化することが可能となる。
また、上記の第1の実施形態の場合と同様、スリーブ12を2つのヒータ3A、3Bで挟んで加熱収縮させる際に、光ファイバ11に付加される過剰な張力を解放することで光ファイバ11の破断や長期信頼性の低下が生じるのを防止し、また、装置が大型化することを防止できる。
これにより、信頼性が高く、短時間でスリーブ12を加熱収縮させることができるとともに、操作性に優れた光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置1が実現できる。
例えば、上記実施形態では、第5の付勢部材45は一対のクランプ部2A、2Bの両方に使用されているが、クランプ部2A、2Bの一方(すなわち片側)にのみ第5の付勢部材45を使用してもよい。
また、上記実施形態では、2つのヒータ3(3A、3B)が用いられているが、ヒータの数は3以上でもよい。
Claims (10)
- 被覆部が除去された光ファイバ同士が融着接続され、かつ、該融着させた接続部の被覆除去部分および前記被覆部がスリーブで覆われた前記光ファイバの、前記スリーブから露出した前記被覆部の一方および他方を把持する左右一対のクランプ部と、
前記光ファイバまたはスリーブを挟んで対向配置された少なくとも2以上のヒータと、
前記クランプ部の少なくとも一方を、前記光ファイバに対して弾性部材あるいは磁力部材によって引張力を付加するように付勢する第1の付勢部材と、
前記スリーブを挟んで対向配置された前記ヒータの少なくとも1以上に、駆動源による制御に従って、前記スリーブを挟んで弾性部材あるいは磁力部材によって押圧力を付加する第2の付勢部材と、を備え、
前記第2の付勢部材による前記スリーブへの押圧力は、前記第1の付勢部材による前記光ファイバへの引張力よりも大きく設定され、
前記第1の付勢部材によって前記光ファイバに引張力を加えた状態において、前記引張力を付加する前記一方のクランプ部が、前記光ファイバの長さ方向において前記ヒータから離間する方向の後退可動範囲が確保されているとともに、前記ヒータ側に移動できる前進可動範囲が確保されていることにより、前記第2の付勢部材によって前記ヒータで前記スリーブを押圧することで付加される前記光ファイバへの引張力を減殺する方向へ前記クランプ部が移動するように構成されていることを特徴とする光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置。 - 前記ヒータは、前記スリーブを挟んで対向配置された一方の側が可動とされ、他方の側が固定とされていることを特徴とする請求項1に記載の光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置。
- 前記ヒータによる前記スリーブへの押圧力は、前記光ファイバの融着接続部の破断確認試験の張力を上回る押圧力であることを特徴とする請求項1又は請求項2に記載の光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置。
- 前記スリーブを挟んで対向する前記ヒータの押圧面が略垂直方向に配置され、前記スリーブ中に挿通された抗張力体の重量を利用して常に前記抗張力体を略下方向に配置することで、前記スリーブの向きを一定化させることを特徴とする請求項1~請求項3の何れか一項に記載の光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置。
- 前記スリーブの加熱が終了した後、前記ヒータを直ちに前記スリーブから離間させて該スリーブへの熱伝導を遮断し、前記スリーブの周囲に外気を導入して該スリーブを急冷することを特徴とする請求項1~請求項4の何れか一項に記載の光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置。
- 前記一方のクランプ部は、前記光ファイバを把持する前に、前記第1の付勢部材によって前記ヒータから離間して後退ストッパに当接し、前進方向にのみ可動範囲を確保した状態において、
前記左右一対のクランプ部で前記光ファイバを把持し、前記光ファイバへは前記引張力が付加されていない状態において、前記光ファイバを把持した直後、あるいは、前記ヒータの前記スリーブに対する押圧駆動開始時又は押圧駆動開始前後に、前記後退ストッパを退避させることにより、前記光ファイバに前記引張力を付加した状態で、前記一方のクランプ部の後退可動範囲に加えて前進可動範囲を確保した後、前記ヒータで前記スリーブを押圧することを特徴とする請求項1~請求項5の何れか一項に記載の光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置。 - 前記一方のクランプ部は、前記光ファイバを把持する前に、前記第1の付勢部材によって前記ヒータから離間して後退ストッパに当接した状態から、前進ストッパに当接するまで前進移動させて保持された状態において、
前記左右一対のクランプ部で前記光ファイバを把持し、前記光ファイバへは前記引張力が付加されていない状態において、前記光ファイバを把持した直後、あるいは、前記ヒータの前記スリーブに対する押圧駆動開始時又は押圧駆動開始前後に、前記一方のクランプ部を前記前進ストッパに対する当接状態から開放し、さらに前記前進ストッパを退避させることにより、前記光ファイバに前記引張力を付加した状態で、前記一方のクランプ部の後退可動範囲に加えて前進可動範囲を確保した後、前記ヒータで前記スリーブを押圧することを特徴とする請求項1~請求項5の何れか一項に記載の光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置。 - 前記一方のクランプ部は、前記光ファイバを把持する前に、前記第1の付勢部材によって前記ヒータから離間する後退方向の付勢力が付加された状態で、かつ、前記一方のクランプ部を前進方向に移動させるための弾性部材または磁力部材からなる第3の付勢部材によって、前記一方のクランプ部の可動範囲における端部から離れた位置で停止した状態において、
前記左右一対のクランプ部で前記光ファイバを把持し、前記光ファイバへは前記引張力が付加されていない状態において、前記光ファイバを把持した直後、あるいは、前記ヒータの前記スリーブに対する押圧駆動開始時又は押圧駆動開始前後に、第3の付勢部材による前記一方のクランプ部の前進方向の付勢力を弱めるか、あるいは、前記第1の付勢部材による後退方向の付勢力を強めるか、あるいは、前記第3の付勢部材を退避させることにより、前記左右一対のクランプ部が前記光ファイバに対して引張力を付加した状態で、前記一方のクランプ部の後退可動範囲に加えて前進可動範囲を確保した後、前記ヒータで前記スリーブを押圧することを特徴とする請求項1~請求項5の何れか一項に記載の光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置。 - 前記左右一対のクランプ部の何れもが、前記光ファイバの長さ方向において前後に可動とされており、
前記一方のクランプ部が、前記光ファイバを把持する前に、前記第1の付勢部材によって前記ヒータから離間して後退ストッパに当接し、前進方向にのみ可動範囲を確保した状態で、かつ、前記他方のクランプ部が、前記光ファイバを把持する前に、前記ヒータ側へ前進して停止させた状態において、
前記左右一対のクランプ部で前記光ファイバを把持し、前記光ファイバへは前記引張力が付加されていない状態において、前記他方のクランプ部が前記ヒータ側から離間する後退方向に移動を開始し、前記光ファイバを介した引張力によって前記一方のクランプ部が前進方向に移動し、前記一方のクランプ部の可動範囲における端部から離れた位置で前記他方のクランプ部の移動が停止されることにより、前記光ファイバに前記引張力を付加した状態で、前記一方のクランプ部の後退可動範囲に加えて前進可動範囲を確保した後、前記ヒータで前記スリーブを押圧することを特徴とする請求項1~請求項5の何れか一項に記載の光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置。 - 前記一方のクランプ部が、前記光ファイバを把持する前に、前記第1の付勢部材によって前記ヒータから離間して後退ストッパに当接し、前進方向にのみ可動範囲を確保した状態で、かつ、前記左右一対のクランプ部で前記光ファイバを把持し、前記光ファイバへは引張力が付加されていない状態において、
前記第1の付勢部材による前記光ファイバへの引張力よりも大きな前記第2の付勢部材による押圧力によって、前記ヒータが前記スリーブを押圧し、押圧開始後の前記スリーブの移動あるいは前記スリーブの形状変形によって、前記光ファイバが押圧方向に移動されることにより、前記一方のクランプが前記光ファイバの移動による引張力によって前進方向に引き寄せられ、前記一方のクランプ部は可動範囲における端部から離れた位置で停止するよう構成されることで、前記光ファイバに前記第1の付勢部材による引張力が付加された状態で、前記一方のクランプ部の後退可動範囲に加えて前進可動範囲を確保した後に、前記ヒータで前記スリーブを加熱することを特徴とする請求項1~請求項9の何れか一項に記載の光ファイバ接続部補強加熱装置。
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US20150185419A1 (en) | 2015-07-02 |
CN104428705B (zh) | 2016-01-20 |
EP2884318B1 (en) | 2017-05-31 |
JP5663702B1 (ja) | 2015-02-04 |
EP2866066A1 (en) | 2015-04-29 |
US20160202416A1 (en) | 2016-07-14 |
CN104718477B (zh) | 2018-10-26 |
CN104718477A (zh) | 2015-06-17 |
EP2866066A4 (en) | 2016-03-23 |
KR20150018893A (ko) | 2015-02-24 |
KR20150046314A (ko) | 2015-04-29 |
JPWO2014157255A1 (ja) | 2017-02-16 |
WO2014157254A1 (ja) | 2014-10-02 |
EP2884318A1 (en) | 2015-06-17 |
US9448362B2 (en) | 2016-09-20 |
US20160131840A1 (en) | 2016-05-12 |
US9274281B2 (en) | 2016-03-01 |
US20150198765A1 (en) | 2015-07-16 |
CN104428705A (zh) | 2015-03-18 |
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