WO2022030403A1 - Lid position maintaining mechanism, reinforcement device, and optical fiber fusion splicer - Google Patents

Abstract

This lid position maintaining mechanism is provided with: a main body part; a lid part that is opened and closed while rotating about a rotation axis with respect to the main body part; and an elastic member comprising a fixed end part fixed to the main body part, an elastically deformable free end part, and a connection part connecting the fixed end part and the free end part. The free end part is elastically deformable using the connection part as a fulcrum. When the lid part rotates so as to be changed from an open state to a closed state by the self-weight thereof, the open state of the lid part is maintained by the lid part and the free end part coming into contact with each other.

Description

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

The present disclosure relates to a lid position holding mechanism, a reinforcing device, and an optical fiber fusion splicer.
This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2020-134951 filed on August 7, 2020, and incorporates all the contents described in the Japanese application.

The following Patent Document 1 describes a fusion splicer for forming a portion (fused connection portion) in which optical fibers are fused and connected to each other, and an optical fiber reinforcing heater for covering the fusion connection portion with a tube. The optical fiber fusion splicer having the above is disclosed. The optical fiber reinforcing heater has a heater for heating and shrinking the tube, and a lid portion for protecting the heater.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-137543

The lid position holding mechanism according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a main body, a lid that rotates and opens and closes with respect to the main body about a rotation axis, a fixed end fixed to the main body, and elastically deformable. A free end portion and an elastic member having a connecting portion connecting the fixed end portion and the free end portion are provided. The free end portion can be elastically deformed with the connecting portion as a fulcrum, and the lid portion opens by its own weight. When rotating so as to change from the closed state to the closed state, the lid portion and the free end portion come into contact with each other, so that the open state of the lid portion is maintained.

The reinforcing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a reinforcing device for reinforcing a fusion-bonded connection portion between optical fibers, and is a heat for covering the above-mentioned lid position holding mechanism, the fusion-bonded connection portion, and the fusion-bonded connection portion. The accommodating portion that accommodates the shrinkable tube, the heater that heats the heat-shrinkable tube accommodated in the accommodating portion, the optical fiber clamp that has the first lid and holds the optical fiber in the accommodating portion, and the accommodating portion are opened. Alternatively, a second lid portion to be closed is provided, and at least one of the first lid portion and the second lid portion is included in the lid portion of the lid position holding mechanism.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a fusion splicing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a side view showing a fusion splicing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a reinforcing device. FIG. 3A is a side view showing a reinforcing device with the cover open. FIG. 3B is a side view showing the reinforcing device when the cover is closed. FIG. 4 is a side view of the reinforcing device according to the comparative example. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the fusion splicing device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic rear perspective view showing a state in which accessories are attached to the fusion splicing device. FIG. 7A is a plan view showing a state in which accessories are attached to the fusion splicer. FIG. 7B is a plan view showing a state in which accessories are attached to the fusion splicer. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a multi-clamp in an open state. FIG. 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a multi-clamp in an open state. FIG. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a rotating multi-clamp.

[Problems to be solved by this disclosure]
The optical fiber fusion splicer may not be used in a stationary state (normal state) without tilting. For example, when the optical fiber connection work provided on the utility pole is carried out, the operator uses the optical fiber fusion splicing device while riding on a ladder truck or the like. In this case, the optical fiber fusion splicer may be used in a tilted state (special state) due to restrictions on the work space or the like. At this time, for example, the lid of the optical fiber reinforcing heater is closed by its own weight, and the work efficiency of the connection work is lowered. When the device used in various states is provided with a lid portion, there is a problem that the lid portion is closed by its own weight. An object of the present disclosure in view of such a problem is to provide a lid position holding mechanism, a reinforcing device, and an optical fiber fusion splicer capable of preventing the lid portion from closing due to its own weight.

[Effect of this disclosure]
According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a lid position holding mechanism, a reinforcing device, and an optical fiber fusion splicer capable of preventing the lid portion from closing due to its own weight.

[Explanation of Embodiments of the present disclosure]
First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main body, a lid that rotates and opens and closes with respect to the main body about a rotation axis, a fixed end fixed to the main body, an elastically deformable free end, and an elastically deformable free end. It is provided with an elastic member having a connecting portion for connecting the fixed end portion and the free end portion, and the free end portion can be elastically deformed with the connecting portion as a fulcrum, and the lid portion is changed from the open state to the closed state by its own weight. It is a lid position holding mechanism that keeps the open state of the lid portion by contacting the lid portion and the free end portion with each other when rotating so as to change.

In this lid position holding mechanism, when the lid portion rotates by its own weight so as to change from the open state to the closed state, the free end portion and the lid portion come into contact with each other to maintain the open state of the lid portion. .. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lid portion from closing due to its own weight.

In one embodiment, the elastic member may be a leaf spring. In this case, the lid portion is easily locked to the free end portion, so that the open state of the lid portion is well maintained.

In one embodiment, the lid has a protrusion that projects toward the free end when the lid is open and rotates so that the lid changes from the open state to the closed state under its own weight. At that time, the open state of the lid portion may be maintained by the free end portion and the protruding portion coming into contact with each other.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a reinforcing device for reinforcing a fusion-bonded connection portion between optical fibers, and is a heat-shrinkable tube that covers the lid position holding mechanism, the fusion-bonded connection portion, and the fusion-bonded connection portion. The accommodating portion, the heater that heats the heat-shrinkable tube accommodated in the accommodating portion, the optical fiber clamp having the first lid portion and holding the optical fiber in the accommodating portion, and the accommodating portion are opened or closed. A second lid portion is provided, and at least one of the first lid portion and the second lid portion is a reinforcing device included in the lid portion of the lid position holding mechanism. In this reinforcing device, when at least one of the first lid portion and the second lid portion of the optical fiber clamp is rotated so as to change from the open state to the closed state by its own weight, the first lid portion and the second lid portion are used. The open state of at least one of the above is held by the elastic member. Therefore, according to the above reinforcing device, it is possible to prevent at least one of the first lid portion and the second lid portion of the optical fiber clamp from closing due to its own weight.

In one embodiment, the reinforcing device includes an optical fiber clamp having the lid position holding mechanism and a second lid portion fixed to the first lid portion. In this reinforcing device, when the first lid portion and the second lid portion rotate so as to change from the open state to the closed state by their own weight, the open state of the first lid portion and the second lid portion is held by the elastic member. The closure. Therefore, according to the above reinforcing device, it is possible to prevent the first lid portion and the second lid portion from closing due to their own weight.

One embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a reinforcing device for reinforcing a fusion-bonded connection portion between optical fibers having a lid position holding mechanism, and a fusion-bonded processing portion for forming the fusion-bonded connection portion. It is a fiber fusion splicer. When this optical fiber fusion splicer is used, for example, in an inclined state, it is possible to prevent the lid portion from closing due to its own weight. This optical fiber fusion splicer further includes a housing provided with a reinforcing device and a fusion processing unit, an expansion member mounted on the housing, and a multi-clamp mounted on the expansion member. , The second main body, the third lid that rotates and opens and closes with respect to the second main body around the second rotation axis, and the second fixed end fixed to the second main body, which can be elastically deformed. It includes a second free end portion and a second elastic member having a second connecting portion connecting the second fixed end portion and the second free end portion, and the second free end portion has a second connecting portion as a fulcrum. When the third lid is rotated by its own weight so as to change from the open state to the closed state, the third lid and the second free end are in contact with each other, so that the third lid is elastically deformable. The open state of the portion may be maintained. Since the multi-clamp has the same configuration as the lid position holding mechanism, it is possible to prevent the third lid portion from closing due to its own weight.

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

[Details of Embodiments of the present disclosure]
Specific examples of the lid position holding mechanism, the reinforcing device, and the optical fiber fusion splicer according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is shown by the scope of claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims. In the following description, the same elements will be designated by the same reference numerals in the description of the drawings, and duplicate description will be omitted.

(First Embodiment)
1A is a perspective view showing the fusion splicing device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a side view showing the fusion splicing device according to the first embodiment. The fusion splicing device 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is a device (optical fiber fusion splicer) for fusion-bonding a pair of optical fibers (not shown). In the first embodiment, an optical fiber holder (not shown) is attached near the welded portion which is the tip end portion of each optical fiber. In the following, in a plan view, the front side of the fusion splicing device 1 is the front side of the device, and the back side of the fusion splicing device 1 is the rear side of the device.

A fusion processing unit 3 for fusion-bonding optical fibers and a monitor 4 are provided on the upper portion of the housing 2 of the fusion-bonding device 1. Although not shown, the fusion treatment unit 3 is provided with a mounting unit on which an optical fiber holder can be mounted, a pair of fiber positioning units, and a pair of electrode rods. The welded portions fixed at the above-mentioned placement portion and positioned between the pair of electrode rods at the fiber positioning portion are fused and connected to each other by arc discharge. The monitor 4 is a part that displays the state of fusion splicing between optical fibers taken by a camera arranged inside the housing 2. The monitor 4 is located in front of the device from the fusion processing unit 3. The operator can carry out the fusion splicing work of the optical fiber while checking the monitor 4. The monitor 4 also functions as an operation unit for operating the fusion processing unit 3 and the like, and includes a touch panel. Therefore, the operator can operate the fusion splicing device 1 by touching the operation screen displayed on the monitor 4.

The fusion treatment section 3 is covered with the windshield cover 5. The windshield cover 5 is a lid connected to the housing 2 so as to openably cover the fusion-bonded processing portion 3. The connecting portion 5a between the windshield cover 5 and the housing 2 includes a rotation shaft RA1 located between the fusion processing unit 3 and the monitor 4, and the windshield cover 5 is opened and closed along the rotation of the rotation shaft RA1. To. When the fusion splicer 1 is observed from one side surface 2a side of the housing 2, the windshield cover 5 is opened by rotating counterclockwise and closed by rotating clockwise. Can be placed in a closed state. In other words, the windshield cover 5 can be arranged in the open state by rotating along one direction of the rotation direction of the rotation shaft RA1, and is closed by rotating along the other direction of the above rotation directions. Can be placed in a state. In the first embodiment, a state in which the lid of the windshield cover 5 or the like is opened by at least half or more is set as an open state, and a state in which the lid is completely closed is set as a closed state. The rotary shaft RA1 is rotatably supported with respect to the housing 2.

As shown in FIG. 1B, one side surface 2a of the housing 2 is provided with an insertion port 6 into which an external recording medium or the like can be inserted. The external recording medium is, for example, a USB memory, an SD card, or the like. In the first embodiment, the insertion slot 6 is covered with the cover 6a. A power switch 7 and a power port 8 into which a power cable can be inserted are provided on the other side surface 2b of the housing 2. The insertion port 6, the power switch 7, and the power port 8 are located below the fusion processing unit 3.

A reinforcing device 9 is provided at the upper part of the housing 2 and behind the device from the fusion processing unit 3. The reinforcing device 9 is a device for reinforcing a fusion-bonded connection portion between optical fibers. The reinforcing device 9 is a portion that heat-shrinks the heat-shrinkable tube that covers the fusion-bonded connection portion formed by the fusion-bonded processing portion 3. The reinforcing device 9 constitutes a part of the back surface of the fusion splicing device 1.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a reinforcing device. As shown in FIG. 2, the reinforcing device 9 has a main body portion 11 extending from one side surface 2a of the fusion splicing device 1 to the other side surface 2b, and a cover 12 attached to the main body portion 11. Each of the main body portion 11 and the cover 12 is a molded body of a resin, a metal, an alloy, or the like, and is a rigid body. A housing portion 13 is provided in the central portion 11a of the main body portion 11. A clamp portion 14 (optical fiber clamp) is provided on one side surface 2a side of the accommodating portion 13. A clamp portion 15 (optical fiber clamp) is provided on the other side surface 2b side of the accommodating portion 13. A support portion 11b that rotatably supports the rotary shaft RA2 on which the cover 12 is mounted is provided behind the device in the central portion 11a.

The accommodating portion 13 is a portion accommodating a heat-shrinkable tube and includes a heater 13a mounted on the central portion 11a. The heater 13a is a member that heats the heat-shrinkable tube housed in the housing portion 13. The heater 13a is, for example, a planar heating element having a U-shaped cross section or a V-shaped cross section, and extends from one side surface 2a side of the fusion splicing device 1 toward the other side surface 2b side. The central portion 11a is provided with a groove G for accommodating the optical fiber. The groove G extends from the one side surface 2a side toward the other side surface 2b side, and is open above the device. The surface of at least a part of the groove G is formed by the heater 13a. The groove G accommodates a fusion-bonded connection portion between optical fibers and a heat-shrinkable tube placed around the fusion-bonded connection portion. In the groove G, the heat shrinkable tube comes into contact with the heater 13a. When the heater 13a in the accommodating portion 13 generates heat, the heat-shrinkable tube heat-shrinks. When the heat shrinkable tube is heated by the heater 13a, the cover 12 is closed.

Each of the pair of clamp portions 14 and 15 is a member for holding an optical fiber arranged in the reinforcing device 9. The clamp portions 14 and 15 are provided so as to sandwich the accommodating portion 13. According to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the clamp portion 14 is located on one side surface 2a side of the fusion splicing device 1, and the clamp portion 15 is located on the other side surface 2b side of the fusion splicing device 1. The clamp portions 14 and 15 have substantially the same configuration as each other. Therefore, in the following, the configuration of the clamp portion 14 will be mainly described. Further, regarding the clamp portion 15, only the portion different from the clamp portion 14 will be described.

FIG. 3A is a side view showing the reinforcing device in the open state of the cover, and FIG. 3B is a side view showing the reinforcing device in the closed state of the cover. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A and 3B, the clamp portion 14 has a first end portion 11c of the main body portion 11, a lid portion 12a (first lid portion) which is a part of the cover 12, and a first end. It has an elastic member 16 provided on the portion 11c. In the first embodiment, a mechanism (cover position holding mechanism) capable of holding at least the lid portion 12a in an open state is configured by the main body portion 11 including the first end portion 11c, the lid portion 12a, and the elastic member 16. The closure. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the clamp portion 14 includes the lid position holding mechanism.

The first end portion 11c has a guide 21 for accommodating an optical fiber or an optical fiber holder, and a magnet 22 located in front of the guide 21. The guide 21 and the magnet 22 are arranged so as to face the lid portion 12a when the lid portion 12a is in the closed state. The guide 21 and the magnet 22 are provided at positions that can be visually recognized in a plan view when the lid portion 12a is in the open state. The guide 21 includes a switch 21a projecting from the surface of the first end portion 11c. When the switch 21a is pressed, it is determined that the optical fiber is properly clamped by the clamp portion 14. The switch 21a is connected to the control unit of the heater 13a, for example, through a conductor (not shown). In this case, depending on the state of the switch 21a, the heat treatment of the tube by the heater 13a may be automatically started, or the heat treatment may be feasible. The magnet 22 is a member for holding the closed state of the cover 12.

The lid portion 12a is a member that rotates around the rotation shaft RA2 with respect to the main body portion 11 to open and close. In other words, the lid portion 12a is rotatably supported with the rotation shaft RA2 as a fulcrum. In the present embodiment, the lid portion 12a is fixed to the rotating shaft RA2 and can be opened and closed along the rotation of the rotating shaft RA2. By rotating the lid portion 12a along the rotation axis RA2, the lid portion 12a is open to the first end portion 11c (see FIG. 3A) and closed to the first end portion 11c. It can be placed in a closed state (see FIG. 3B). When the fusion splicer 1 is observed from one side surface 2a side of the housing 2, the lid portion 12a is closed by rotating clockwise and opened by rotating counterclockwise. The lid portion 12a is integrated with another lid portion 12b (second lid portion) that covers the accommodating portion 13 of the cover 12. Therefore, the lid portion 12b opens or closes the accommodating portion 13 including the heater 13a in conjunction with the lid portion 12a. For example, when the lid portion 12a rotates so as to change from the open state to the closed state, the lid portion 12b also rotates about the rotation shaft RA2 so as to change from the open state to the closed state. The lid portion 12b is detachably fixed to the lid portion 12a.

The lid portion 12a has a clamper 31 for holding an optical fiber, a magnet 32 that can be attracted to the magnet 22, and a protruding portion 33. The clamper 31 is provided so as to sandwich the guide 21 when the lid portion 12a is in the closed state. An elastic member such as a spring is provided inside the clamper 31. As a result, the clamper 31 can apply an urging force to the optical fiber arranged on the guide 21, so that the optical fiber can be held satisfactorily. When the lid portion 12a is in the closed state, the magnets 22 and 32 are attracted to each other. When the lid portion 12a is closed with the optical fiber arranged on the guide 21, the optical fiber is sandwiched and held by the guide 21 and the clamper 31. At this time, the switch 21a is pressed by the optical fiber. In addition, the magnets 22 and 32 maintain the pinching of the optical fiber between the guide 21 and the clamper 31. Therefore, the state in which the switch 21a is pressed by the optical fiber is maintained.

The protruding portion 33 is a rigid body portion that comes into contact with the elastic member 16 when the lid portion 12a is opened and closed, and moves within a certain range in conjunction with the rotation of the lid portion 12a. The protruding portion 33 projects toward the elastic member 16 (particularly, the free end portion 42 described later) when the lid portion 12a is in the open state, and protrudes toward the rear of the device when the lid portion 12a is in the closed state. .. As shown in FIG. 3A, when the lid 12a is open, at least a portion of the protrusion 33 is located below the device above the highest portion of the elastic member 16. In other words, the protruding portion 33 projects so as to be closer to the lower side of the device than the highest portion of the elastic member 16 when the lid portion 12a is in the open state. When the lid portion 12a is in the open state, the protruding portion 33 is located in front of the device with respect to the rotation shaft RA2. When the lid portion 12a is in the closed state, the protruding portion 33 is located behind the device with respect to the rotation shaft RA2. The protrusion 33 has a first surface 33a that comes into contact with the elastic member 16 when the lid portion 12a rotates so as to change from the open state to the closed state, and the lid portion 12a rotates so as to change from the closed state to the open state. It has a second surface 33b that comes into contact with the elastic member 16 when it is used. As shown in FIG. 3B, when the lid portion 12a is in the closed state, the first surface 33a is located on the upper side of the device with respect to the second surface 33b. When the lid portion 12a is in the closed state, at least one of the first surface 33a and the second surface 33b may be inclined with respect to the back surface of the device. In this case, the angle formed by the back surface of the device and the second surface 33b (inclination angle of the second surface 33b) may be smaller than the angle formed by the back surface of the device and the first surface 33a (inclination angle of the first surface 33a). .. The "rigid body portion" means a portion that does not deform or substantially does not deform under the normally used environment of the fusion splicer 1.

The elastic member 16 is a member for preventing at least the lid portion 12a from changing from the open state to the closed state due to its own weight. The elastic member 16 is provided on the first end portion 11c and behind the device 21. Further, the elastic member 16 is located below the rotation shaft RA2. In the first embodiment, the elastic member 16 is a work piece of a plate-shaped member such as a leaf spring, but the elastic member 16 is not limited to this. The elastic member 16 may be, for example, a torsion spring or the like. The elastic member 16 includes a fixed end portion 41 fixed to the main body portion 11 (first end portion 11c), an elastically deformable free end portion 42, and a connecting portion connecting the fixed end portion 41 and the free end portion 42. Has 43.

The fixed end portion 41 is a plate-shaped portion fixed on the first end portion 11c, and extends from the rear of the device toward the front of the device. One end 41a of the fixed end 41 is a portion of the fixed end 41 located most in front of the device. One end 41a may be located in front of the device, for example, the rotation shaft RA2, and may be included in the connection portion 43. The other end 41b of the fixed end 41 is the portion of the fixed end 41 located most rearward of the device. The other end 41b is located behind the device, for example, the rotation shaft RA2. At least a part of the fixed end portion 41 may be inserted inside the first end portion 11c.

The free end portion 42 is a portion of the elastic member 16 that exhibits elasticity, and extends from the connecting portion 43 toward the upper side of the device. In the first embodiment, the free end portion 42 extends above the device and extends from the front of the device to the rear of the device. At least a part of the free end portion 42 is located above the tip of the protrusion 33 and is located behind the device from the rotation shaft RA2. Further, the free end portion 42 extends toward the lid portion 12a when the lid portion 12a is in the open state. The free end portion 42 is separated from the lid portion 12a when the lid portion 12a is in the open state and the closed state, but the free end portion 42 is not limited to this. The free end portion 42 is elastically deformed so as to rotate with the connecting portion 43 as a fulcrum. For example, when a downward force (pushing pressure) is applied to the free end portion 42, at least a part of the free end portion 42 is elastically deformed so as to approach the fixed end portion 41. By eliminating the pressing force applied to the free end portion 42, at least a part of the free end portion 42 can be restored to its original position.

In the first embodiment, the pressing force for elastically deforming the free end portion 42 is larger than the force corresponding to the total weight of the lid portions 12a and 12b. In other words, in the first embodiment, when a pressing force corresponding to the total weight of the lid portions 12a and 12b is applied to the free end portion 42, the free end portion 42 does not elastically deform or substantially does not elastically deform. When the lids 12a and 12b rotate so as to change from the open state to the closed state due to the weight of the integrated lids 12a and 12b, the first surface 33a of the protrusion 33 is locked to the free end 42. .. As a result, the rotation of the lid portions 12a and 12b is stopped. In other words, since the free end portion 42 supports the lid portions 12a and 12b via the protruding portion 33, the open state of the lid portions 12a and 12b is maintained.

When a pressing force significantly larger than the force corresponding to the total weight of the lid portions 12a and 12b is applied to the free end portion 42 via the protruding portion 33, the elastic member 16 is elastically deformed. As a specific example, the free end portion 42 rotates so as to approach the fixed end portion 41 with the connecting portion 43 as a fulcrum. The rotation causes the free end 42 to be pushed out by the protrusion 33. As a result, for example, when the fusion splicer 1 is stationary, all of the free end portions 42 are located below the protrusion 33, so that the protrusion 33 is released from being locked by the free end portion 42. To. The lids 12a and 12b rotate so as to be in the closed state. At this time, since the pressing force applied from the protruding portion 33 to the free end portion 42 is reduced, the free end portion 42 is restored to the original position.

The free end portion 42 is located behind the base end portion 42a which may be included in the connection portion 43, the main body portion 42b which is above the base end portion 42a and extends to the rear of the device, and the main body portion 42b. It has at least a part of the tip portion 42c and a bent portion 42d connecting the main body portion 42b and the tip portion 42c. A part of the main body portion 42b, the tip portion 42c, and the bent portion 42d are located on the orbit of the protruding portion 33. The main body portion 42b is a plate-shaped portion that comes into contact with the first surface 33a of the protruding portion 33 when the lid portion 12a rotates so as to change from the open state to the closed state. When no force is applied to the free end portion 42, the main body portion 42b is inclined with respect to the fixed end portion 41, and the angle formed by the main body portion 42b and the fixed end portion 41 is, for example, 45 ° or more and 90 °. It is as follows. The tip portion 42c is a plate-shaped portion that comes into contact with the second surface 33b of the protruding portion 33 when the lid portion 12a rotates so as to change from the closed state to the open state. From the viewpoint of increasing the contact area with the second surface 33b, the tip portion 42c extends to the rear of the device and below the device. This makes it easier for the free end portion 42 to receive a force from the second surface 33b. When the lid portion 12a rotates so as to change from the closed state to the open state, the free end portion 42 is less likely to hinder the rotation.

The connecting portion 43 is a portion located at the boundary between the fixed end portion 41 and the free end portion 42. In the first embodiment, the connecting portion 43 is a bent portion in which a plate-shaped member that is the source of the elastic member 16 is bent.

The clamp portion 15 is provided on the second end portion 11d of the main body portion 11, the lid portion 12c (first lid portion) which is a part of the cover 12, and the second end portion 11d, similarly to the clamp portion 14. It has an elastic member (not shown). The second end portion 11d, unlike the first end portion 11c, does not have a guide 21. Like the lid portion 12a, the lid portion 12c is a member that rotates around the rotation shaft RA2 and opens and closes with respect to the main body portion 11. Further, the lid portion 12c is not integrated with the lid portion 12b. Therefore, the lid portion 12c is independent of the lid portions 12a and 12b, and therefore is not interlocked with the opening / closing operation of the lid portions 12a and 12b. The elastic member included in the clamp portion 15 is the same member as the elastic member 16 of the clamp portion 14. Therefore, when the lid portion 12c rotates so as to change from the open state to the closed state due to its own weight, the elastic member and the lid portion 12c come into contact with each other, so that the open state of the lid portion 12c is maintained. That is, in the first embodiment, the clamp portion 15 includes a mechanism (cover position holding mechanism) capable of holding the lid portion 12c in the open state.

Next, the effects of the fusion splicing device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the comparative example shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view of the reinforcing device according to the comparative example. As shown in FIG. 4, unlike the reinforcing device 9, the reinforcing device 109 according to the comparative example does not have an elastic member for holding the lid portion 12a. When the fusion splicer including the reinforcing device 109 is used in a tilted state (special state), the lid portion 12a rotates by its own weight. Then, the lid portion 12a may be closed at an unintended timing. In this case, the operator needs to move the fusion-bonded connection portion of the optical fiber from the fusion-bonded processing portion to the reinforcing device 109 while supporting the lid portion 12a. Therefore, in the special state, there is a problem that the efficiency of the reinforcement work of the fusion splicing portion is lowered.

On the other hand, the reinforcing device 9 of the fusion splicing device 1 according to the first embodiment is provided with a lid position holding mechanism composed of an elastic member 16 and the like. For example, when the fusion splicing operation is performed in a special state in which the fusion splicing device 1 is arranged so that the front side of the device is on the lower side, the reinforcing device 9 is rotated so that the lid portion 12a is closed by its own weight. It may move. At this time, the free end portion 42 of the elastic member 16 and the lid portion 12a come into contact with each other, so that the open state of the lid portion 12a is maintained. In addition, the lid portion 12a is integrated with the lid portion 12b that opens or closes the accommodating portion 13 including the heater 13a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lid portions 12a and 12b from closing due to their own weight. As a result, the operator can move the fusion spliced portion of the optical fiber from the accommodating portion 13 to the reinforcing device 9 without interfering with the lid portion 12a. Therefore, by using the fusion splicing device 1, it is possible to satisfactorily suppress a decrease in efficiency of the reinforcement work of the fusion splicing portion even in the above special state.

Further, in the first embodiment, the reinforcing device 9 is included in the cover 12, and also includes the lid portion 12c that is independent of the lid portions 12a and 12b, and the open state of the lid portion 12c can also be held by the elastic member. be. Therefore, even when the fusion splicing device 1 is used in the above special state, the operator can easily keep the cover 12 including the lids 12a to 12c in the open state for the fusion splicing of the optical fiber. The portion can be moved from the accommodating portion 13 to the reinforcing device 9.

In the first embodiment, the elastic member 16 may be a leaf spring. In this case, the lid portion 12a is easily locked to the free end portion 42, so that the open state of the lid portion 12a is well maintained.

In the first embodiment, the lid portion 12a has a protruding portion 33 that protrudes toward the free end portion 42 when the lid portion 12a is in the open state, and the lid portion 12a is changed from the open state to the closed state by its own weight. When the free end portion 42 and the protruding portion 33 come into contact with each other when rotating so as to change, the open state of the lid portion 12a is maintained.

In the first embodiment, an example including a mechanism (cover position holding mechanism) capable of holding the lid portion 12a in the open state has been described, but instead of or in addition to the mechanism, the lid portion 12b is opened in the open state. It may be provided with a mechanism that can be held (a lid position holding mechanism).

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the fusion splicing device according to the second embodiment will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the description overlapping with the first embodiment is omitted, and the part different from the first embodiment is described. That is, the description of the first embodiment may be appropriately used for the second embodiment to the extent technically possible.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the fusion splicing device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic rear perspective view showing a state in which accessories are attached to the fusion splicing device according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the fusion splicing device 1A includes an expansion member 50 mounted on the housing 2. The expansion member 50 is a member for mounting accessories (details will be described later) for the fusion splicer 1A. The expansion member 50 is provided on the back surface of the first portion 51 provided on one side surface 2a of the fusion splicing device 1A, the second portion 52 provided on the other side surface 2b of the fusion splicing device 1A, and the fusion splicing device 1A. It has a connecting portion 53 to be attached. Each of the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 is connected to the connecting portion 53. Therefore, each of the first portion 51, the second portion 52, and the connecting portion 53 is integrated.

Slots 54 and 55 are provided in the first portion 51. Each of the slots 54 and 55 is a portion that functions as an insertion port for accessories, and is a recess or an opening having a substantially square shape in a plan view. The slots 54 are provided so as to line up with the fusion splicer 3, and the slots 55 are provided so as to line up with the reinforcing device 9. The second portion 52 is provided with slots 56 and 57 in the same manner as the first portion 51. Each of the slots 56 and 57 is a portion that functions as an insertion port for accessories, and is a recess or an opening having a substantially square shape in a plan view. The slots 56 are provided so as to be lined up with the fusion splicer 3, and the slots 57 are provided so as to be lined up with the reinforcing device 9. Therefore, in a plan view, the fusion treatment unit 3 is located between the slots 54 and 56, and the reinforcing device 9 is located between the slots 55 and 57.

As shown in FIG. 6, a mounting portion 58 for mounting the strap S, which is an example of the above accessories, is provided on the connecting portion 53. The mounting portion 58 is fixed to the connecting portion 53 via, for example, a fastening member. The strap S is used, for example, for an operator to hang the fusion splicing device 1A around his neck. When the fusion splicing device 1A with the strap S is hung on the operator's neck, the front surface of the device is located on the lower side and the back surface of the device is located on the upper side.

Each of FIGS. 7A and 7B is a plan view showing a state in which accessories are attached to the fusion splicing device 1A. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the fusion splicing device 1A is equipped with the multi-clamps 61 and 62, which are another examples of the above accessories. Each of the multi-clamps 61 and 62 is a member for assisting the transportation of the optical fiber. By using the multi-clamps 61 and 62, the operator can easily carry the optical fiber from the fusion-bonding processing unit 3 to the reinforcing device 9. As a result, the optical fiber is less likely to be damaged during the transportation.

In FIG. 7A, the multi-clamp 61 is mounted on the expansion member 50 via the slot 54, and the multi-clamp 62 is mounted on the expansion member 50 via the slot 56. At this time, the fusion treatment unit 3 is arranged between the multi-clamps 61 and 62. In FIG. 7B, the multi-clamp 61 is mounted on the expansion member 50 via the slot 55, and the multi-clamp 62 is mounted on the expansion member 50 via the slot 57. At this time, the reinforcing device 9 is arranged between the multi-clamps 61 and 62. Each of the multi-clamps 61 and 62 has a long side and a short side in a plan view. When the multi-clamps 61 and 62 are mounted on the fusion splicer 1A, the long side extends along the direction from one side surface 2a to the other side surface 2b in the fusion splicer 1A, and the short side extends. It extends along the front-rear direction of the fusion splicer 1A. In the following, in the description of the multi-clamps 61 and 62, the long side direction and the short side direction may be used.

Next, the configurations of the multi-clamps 61 and 62 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9A and 9B. Since the multi-clamps 61 and 62 have the same shape as each other, only the multi-clamp 61 will be described below. 8 is a perspective view showing the multi-clamp in the open state, FIG. 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the multi-clamp in the open state, and FIG. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the rotating multi-clamp. .. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9A, the multi-clamp 61 includes a rotary shaft RA3, a main body portion 63 that rotatably supports the rotary shaft RA3, a lid portion 64 fixed to the rotary shaft RA3, and a main body portion 63. It has an elastic member 65 fixed to the. When the multi-clamp 61 is mounted on the expansion member 50, the rotary shaft RA3 is located at the rear of the device. In the second embodiment, the main body portion 63, the lid portion 64, and the elastic member 65 form a mechanism (cover position holding mechanism) capable of holding the lid portion 64 in the open state.

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

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

The first support portion 72 is located on one side of the mounting portion 71a in the long side direction, and protrudes from the surface SU1 of the base portion 71. The first support portion 72 is provided with a groove 72a extending in the long side direction. The groove 72a is a portion in which the optical fiber is housed, and overlaps the mounting portion 71a in the long side direction. The second support portion 73 is located on the opposite side of the mounting portion 71a in the long side direction and protrudes from the surface SU1. The second support portion 73 is provided with a groove 73a extending in the long side direction. The groove 73a is a portion in which the optical fiber is housed like the groove 72a, and overlaps the mounting portion 71a in the long side direction. Therefore, when the optical fiber is mounted on the multi-clamp 61, the optical fiber is mounted on the mounting portion 71a and is accommodated in the grooves 72a and 73a.

Each of the first convex portion 74 and the second convex portion 75 is a male portion that can be inserted into slots 54 to 57 (see FIG. 5) of the expansion member 50, and protrudes from the bottom surface SU2 of the base portion 71. The first convex portion 74 extends along one end of the base portion 71 in the long side direction, and the second convex portion 75 extends along the other end of the base portion 71 in the long side direction. From the viewpoint of facilitating insertion into the slots 54 to 57, each of the tip 74a of the first convex portion 74 and the tip 75a of the second convex portion 75 has a tapered shape. The magnet 76 is a member for holding the closed state of the lid portion 64, and is located on the opposite side of the rotation shaft RA3 with the mounting portion 71a interposed therebetween.

The lid portion 64 is a member that can be opened and closed along the rotation of the rotation shaft RA3. By rotating the lid portion 64 along the rotation shaft RA3, the lid portion 64 can be arranged in an open state open with respect to the main body portion 63 and a closed state closed with respect to the main body portion 63. When the multi-clamp 61 is attached to the expansion member 50, the lid portion 64 rotates in the same manner as the cover 12 of the reinforcing device 9. In other words, when the multi-clamp 61 is attached to the expansion member 50, the lid portion 64 is closed by rotating along one of the rotation directions of the rotation shaft RA1 and is closed along the other direction of the rotation direction. It is released by rotating. The lid portion 64 has a clamper 81 for holding an optical fiber, a magnet 82 that can contact the magnet 76, and a protruding portion 83.

The clamper 81 is a member facing the mounting portion 71a when the lid portion 64 is in the closed state, and exhibits the same function as the clamper 31 included in the lid portion 12a of the reinforcing device 9. Therefore, an elastic member such as a spring is provided inside the clamper 81. As a result, the clamper 81 can apply an urging force to the optical fiber mounted on the mounting portion 71a, so that the optical fiber can be held satisfactorily. When the lid portion 64 is in the closed state, the magnets 76 and 82 are attracted to each other. As a result, by closing the lid portion 64 with the optical fiber arranged in the mounting portion 71a, the optical fiber is sandwiched and held by the mounting portion 71a and the clamper 81.

The protruding portion 83 is a rigid body portion that comes into contact with the elastic member 65 when the lid portion 64 is opened and closed, and exhibits the same function as the protruding portion 33 included in the lid portion 12a of the reinforcing device 9. The protruding portion 83 is interlocked with the rotation of the lid portion 64. The protrusion 83 projects toward the elastic member 65 when the lid 64 is in the open state. As shown in FIG. 9A, when the lid portion 64 is in the open state, at least a part of the protruding portion 83 is located on the bottom surface SU2 side of the base portion 71 with respect to the highest portion of the elastic member 65. In other words, the projecting portion 83 projects so as to reach the lower side of the device with respect to the highest portion of the elastic member 65 when the lid portion 64 is in the open state. The protrusion 83 has a first surface 83a that comes into contact with the elastic member 65 when the lid portion 64 rotates from the open state to the closed state, and the lid portion 64 rotates so as to change from the closed state to the open state. It has a second surface 83b that comes into contact with the elastic member 65. When the lid portion 64 is in the closed state, the first surface 83a is located on the upper side of the device with respect to the second surface 83b.

The elastic member 65 is a member for preventing the lid portion 64 from changing from the open state to the closed state due to its own weight, and exhibits the same function as the elastic member 16 included in the reinforcing device 9. A part of the elastic member 65 is located on the bottom surface SU2 of the base portion 71, and the other portion of the elastic member 65 is located on the surface SU1 of the base portion 71. The elastic member 65 is a work piece of a plate-shaped member such as a leaf spring like the elastic member 16, but is not limited to this. The elastic member 65 has a fixed end portion 91 fixed in the base portion 71, an elastically deformable free end portion 92, and a connecting portion 93 connecting the fixed end portion 91 and the free end portion 92.

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

The free end portion 92 is a portion of the elastic member 65 that exhibits elasticity, and extends from the connecting portion 93 toward the surface SU1 of the base portion 71. The free end portion 92 is separated from the lid portion 64 when the lid portion 64 is in the open state and the closed state, but the free end portion 92 is not limited to this. The free end portion 92 is elastically deformed so as to rotate with the connecting portion 93 as a fulcrum. For example, when a force (pushing pressure) is applied to the free end portion 92, at least a part of the free end portion 42 is elastically deformed. By not applying the pressing force to the free end portion 92, at least a part of the free end portion 92 is restored to the original position.

In the second embodiment, the pressing force for elastically deforming the free end portion 92 is larger than the force corresponding to the weight of the lid portion 64. In other words, in the second embodiment, when a pressing force corresponding to the weight of the lid portion 64 is applied to the free end portion 92, the free end portion 92 does not elastically deform or substantially does not elastically deform. When the lid portion 64 is rotated so as to change from the open state to the closed state due to the weight of the lid portion 64, the protruding portion 83 and the free end portion 92 of the lid portion 64 come into contact with each other. In this case, the rotation of the lid portion 64 is stopped by locking the first surface 83a of the protruding portion 83 to the free end portion 92. In other words, since the free end portion 92 supports the lid portion 64 via the protruding portion 83, the open state of the lid portion 64 is maintained. On the other hand, when a pressing force significantly larger than the force corresponding to the total weight of the lid portion 64 is applied to the free end portion 92 via the protruding portion 83, the elastic member 65 is elastically deformed. Specifically, the free end portion 92 rotates so as to approach the fixed end portion 91 with the connecting portion 93 as a fulcrum. By the rotation, all of the free end portions 92 are located below the protrusions 83, so that the protrusions 83 are released from being locked by the free end portions 92. As a result, the lid portion 64 is rotated so as to be in the closed state. At this time, since the pressing force applied from the protruding portion 83 to the free end portion 92 is reduced, the free end portion 92 is restored to the original position.

The free end portion 92 includes a base end portion 92a that may be included in the connection portion 93, a main body portion 92b that extends from the base end portion 92a toward the rotation shaft RA3, and a tip portion that extends away from the rotation shaft RA3. It has a 92c and a bent portion 92d connecting the main body portion 92b and the tip portion 92c. When the free end portion 92 receives no force, a part of the main body portion 92b, the tip portion 92c, and the bent portion 92d are located on the surface SU1 of the base portion 71, and the trajectory of the protruding portion 83. Located on top. The main body portion 92b is a plate-shaped portion that comes into contact with the first surface 83a of the protruding portion 83 when the lid portion 64 is rotated so as to change from the open state to the closed state. When no force is applied to the free end portion 92, the main body portion 92b is inclined with respect to the fixed end portion 91, and the angle formed by the main body portion 92b and the fixed end portion 91 is, for example, 90 ° or more and 135 °. It is as follows. The tip portion 92c is a plate-shaped portion that comes into contact with the second surface 83b of the protruding portion 83 when the lid portion 64 is rotated so as to change from the closed state to the open state. By providing the tip portion 92c, the contact area between the free end portion 92 and the second surface 83b can be increased, so that the free end portion 92 is more likely to receive a force from the second surface 83b. Therefore, when the lid portion 64 rotates so as to change from the closed state to the open state, the free end portion 92 is less likely to hinder the rotation.

The connecting portion 93 is a portion located at the boundary between the fixed end portion 91 and the free end portion 92. In the second embodiment, the connecting portion 93 is a bent portion in which the plate-shaped member that is the source of the elastic member 65 is bent.

In the fusion splicer 1A according to the second embodiment described above, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment are exhibited. In addition, each of the multi-clamps 61 and 62 includes a lid position holding mechanism similar to that of the reinforcing device 9 in the first embodiment. For example, when the operator hangs the fusion splicing device 1A with the strap S and the multi-clamp 61 from the neck, the lid portion 64 of the multi-clamp 61 automatically rotates so as to be closed by its own weight. At this time, since the lid portion 64 is supported by the elastic member 65, it is possible to prevent the lid portion 64 from being automatically closed. In addition, it is also possible to prevent the cover 12 of the reinforcing device 9 from being automatically closed.

The lid position holding mechanism, the reinforcing device, and the optical fiber fusion splicer according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various other modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, the elastic member is elastically deformed so as to rotate with the connecting portion as a fulcrum, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the elastic member may be elastically deformed to be compressed instead of rotated, or may be elastically deformed to be rotated and compressed. In the above embodiment, the connecting portion of the elastic member is a bent portion, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The optical fiber fusion splicer according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various other modifications are possible. For example, the optical fiber fusion splicer has various lids other than those described in the above embodiment, and any of these lids can be provided with the lid position holding mechanism according to the present disclosure. For example, the optical fiber fusion splicer may be provided with the lid position holding mechanism according to the present disclosure in addition to the reinforcing device.

1,1A ... Fusion connection device, 2 ... Housing, 2a ... One side, 2b ... Other side, 3 ... Fusion processing unit, 4 ... Monitor, 5 ... Windshield cover, 5a ... Connection part, 6 ... Insertion port, 6a ... cover, 7 ... power switch, 8 ... power port, 9 ... reinforcement, 11 ... main body part, 11a ... central part, 11b ... support part, 11c ... first end part, 11d ... second end part, 12 ... Cover, 12a ... lid (first lid), 12b ... lid (second lid), 12c ... lid (first lid), 13 ... accommodating, 13a ... heater, 14, 15 ... clamp (Optical fiber clamp), 16 ... Elastic member, 21 ... Guide, 21a ... Switch, 22, 32, 76, 82 ... Magnet, 31, 81 ... Clamper, 33, 83 ... Projection, 33a, 83a ... First surface, 33b, 83b ... Second surface, 41,91 ... Fixed end, 41a, 91a ... One end, 41b, 91b ... End, 42,92 ... Free end, 42a, 92a ... Base end, 42b, 92b ... Main body Part, 42c, 92c ... Tip part, 42d, 92d ... Bending part, 43, 93 ... Connection part, 50 ... Expansion member, 51 ... First part, 52 ... Second part, 53 ... Connecting part, 54, 55, 56 , 57 ... slot, 58 ... mounting part, 61, 62 ... multi-clamp, 63 ... main body part, 64 ... lid part, 65 ... elastic member, 71 ... base part, 71a ... mounting part, 72 ... first support part, 72a, 73a, G ... Groove, 73 ... Second support, 74 ... First convex part, 74a, 75a ... Tip, 75 ... Second convex part, RA1, RA2, RA3 ... Rotating shaft, S ... Strap, SU1 ... Surface, SU2 ... Bottom.

Claims (8)

With the main body
A lid that rotates around the axis of rotation and opens and closes with respect to the main body,
An elastic member having a fixed end portion fixed to the main body portion, an elastically deformable free end portion, and a connecting portion connecting the fixed end portion and the free end portion.
Equipped with
The free end portion can be elastically deformed with the connection portion as a fulcrum.
When the lid portion rotates so as to change from the open state to the closed state due to its own weight, the lid portion and the free end portion come into contact with each other, so that the open state of the lid portion is maintained.
Cover position holding mechanism. The lid position holding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a leaf spring. The lid has a protrusion that projects toward the free end when the lid is open.
The open state of the lid portion is maintained by the contact between the protruding portion and the free end portion when the lid portion rotates so as to change from the open state to the closed state by its own weight. 1 or the lid position holding mechanism according to claim 2. It is a reinforcing device for reinforcing the fusional connection part between optical fibers.
The lid position holding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An accommodating portion for accommodating the fusion-bonded connection portion and a heat-shrinkable tube covering the fusion-bonded connection portion,
A heater that heats the heat-shrinkable tube housed in the housing portion,
An optical fiber clamp having a first lid portion and holding the optical fiber in the housing portion,
A second lid portion for opening or closing the accommodating portion is provided.
At least one of the first lid portion and the second lid portion is included in the lid portion of the lid position holding mechanism.
Reinforcing device. The reinforcing device according to claim 4, further comprising the optical fiber clamp having the lid position holding mechanism and the second lid portion fixed to the first lid portion. The reinforcing device according to claim 4 or 5,
A fusion treatment unit for forming the fusion connection portion,
Equipped with an optical fiber fusion splicer. A housing provided with the reinforcing device and the fusion treatment unit, and
The expansion member mounted on the housing and
Further equipped with a multi-clamp mounted on the expansion member,
The multi-clamp is
The second main body and
A third lid that rotates around the second rotation axis and opens and closes with respect to the second main body,
A second having a second fixed end portion fixed to the second main body portion, an elastically deformable second free end portion, and a second connecting portion connecting the second fixed end portion and the second free end portion. With 2 elastic members,
The second free end portion can be elastically deformed with the second connecting portion as a fulcrum.
When the third lid portion rotates so as to change from the open state to the closed state by its own weight, the third lid portion and the second free end portion come into contact with each other to open the third lid portion. The optical fiber fusion splicer according to claim 6, wherein the state is maintained. An optical fiber fusion splicer having the lid position holding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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