Optical fiber cutting system

An optical fiber cutting system includes a pair of clamps disposed at an interval in a longitudinal direction of an optical fiber and that grasps the optical fiber; a disk-shaped blade member that passes between the pair of clamps, causes an outer circumferential edge to come into contact with the optical fiber, and scratches a surface of the optical fiber, where a position of the outer circumferential edge which is to be in contact with the optical fiber is changeable; a pressing member that press-bends a scratched portion of the optical fiber and cuts the optical fiber, and an acquirer that acquires position information of the outer circumferential edge which is to be in contact with the optical fiber.

TECHNICAL FIELD

One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to an optical fiber cutting system.

Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-214849, filed on Nov. 2, 2016, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

When cutting an optical fiber (an optical fiber core), first, a blade member is brought into contact with the optical fiber to make an initial scratch on a surface of the optical fiber. Thereafter, the optical fiber is cut by press-bending a region in which the initial scratch is made in the optical fiber. The blade member is worn each time it makes the initial scratch on the optical fiber. Therefore, conventionally, it has been considered to change the region of the blade member which is to be in contact with the optical fiber (see Patent Documents 1 to 3, for example).

In Patent Document 1, a method is disclosed which rotates the blade member bit by bit each time a disk-shaped blade member (a scratching blade) makes the initial scratch on the optical fiber.

In Patent Document 2, a method is disclosed which analyzes an end face of the optical fiber after being cut by an image analyzer, and automatically changes the contact region of the blade member with respect to the optical fiber when cutting performance of a predetermined region of the blade member is determined to be degraded according to the analysis result.

In Patent Document 3, a configuration is disclosed in which an image analyzer that analyzes an end face of the optical fiber after being cut (before being connected) is provided in a fusion splicer that is configured to connect the optical fibers to each other. In this configuration, when the predetermined region of the blade member is determined to be worn down according to the analysis result of the image analyzer, an instruction to change the region of the blade member which is to be in contact with the optical fiber is transmitted to a cutter including the blade member.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

Patent Documents

Since a blade member that is used to cut an optical fiber is expensive, all parts of the blade member making a scratch on the optical fiber may be used without waste. However, in the above-mentioned conventional configuration, a movement error of the blade member may occur when changing a position of the blade member. As a result, a part of the blade member is not used.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments of the invention provide an optical fiber cutting system capable of using the blade member without waste.

An optical fiber cutting system according to one or more embodiments of the invention includes a pair of clamps disposed at an interval in a longitudinal direction of an optical fiber and configured to grasp the optical fiber, a disk-shaped blade member configured to move so as to pass between the pair of clamps, cause an outer circumferential edge to come into contact with the optical fiber, and thereby scratch a surface of the optical fiber, wherein a position of the outer circumferential edge which is to be in contact with the optical fiber is changeable, a pressing member configured to press-bend a scratched portion of the optical fiber and thereby cut the optical fiber; and an acquirer configured to acquire position information of the outer circumferential edge which is to be in contact with the optical fiber.

In one or more embodiments of the optical fiber cutting system described above, the acquirer may include an outer edge position measuring sensor configured to measure a rotation angle of the blade member as the position information to be acquired.

Also, in one or more embodiments of the optical fiber cutting system described above, the blade member is configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a relative position between the optical fiber and the outer circumferential edge in a height direction perpendicular to a movement direction of the blade member and the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber may be changeable, and the acquirer may further acquire information on the relative position between the optical fiber and the outer circumferential edge in the height direction.

Further, in one or more embodiments of the optical fiber cutting system described above, the acquirer may further include a position measuring sensor configured to measure a position of the outer circumferential edge in the height direction as the relative position information.

Also, one or more embodiments of the optical fiber cutting system described above may further include a calculator configured to calculate maintenance information on the blade member according to the position information acquired by the acquirer.

In addition, one or more embodiments of the optical fiber cutting system described above may further include a storage configured to store at least one of the position information and the maintenance information.

Also, one or more embodiments of the optical fiber cutting system described above may further include a display configured to display at least one of the position information and the maintenance information.

Further, one or more embodiments of the optical fiber cutting system described above may further include a transmitter configured to transmit at least one of the position information and the maintenance information, from an optical fiber cutter to an external device which is separate from the optical fiber cutter, the optical fiber cutter including the pair of clamps, the blade member, the pressing member, and the acquirer.

Also, in one or more embodiments of the optical fiber cutting system described above, the calculator may be provided in the external device and the maintenance information calculated in the calculator of the external device may be transmitted to the optical fiber cutter and may be stored in a storage provided in the optical fiber cutter.

Further, in one or more embodiments of the optical fiber cutting system described above, the calculator may be provided in the external device and the maintenance information calculated in the calculator of the external device may be transmitted to the optical fiber cutter and may be displayed on a display provided in the optical fiber cutter.

Also, in one or more embodiments of the optical fiber cutting system described above, at least one of the position information and the maintenance information may be associated with connection data to be collected by a fusion splicer that is configured to connect the optical fibers to each other and may be stored in a storage provided in the external device.

Effects of the Invention

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a position of an outer circumferential edge of a blade member with respect to an optical fiber can be accurately ascertained by acquiring position information of the outer circumferential edge of the blade member which is to be in contact with the optical fiber. Therefore, it is possible to use the blade member without waste.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an optical fiber cutting system1according to the invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 6.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the optical fiber cutting system1of the embodiment includes an optical fiber cutter2having a blade member13that is used to cut (cleaving) an optical fiber100(an optical fiber core) and an acquirer10which acquires position information of the blade member13with respect to the optical fiber100.

Also, the optical fiber cutting system1of the embodiment includes a calculator3configured to process the position information of the blade member13, a storage4, and a display5.

The optical fiber cutter2includes a pair of clamps11and12, the blade member13, and a pressing member14. The pair of clamps11and12and the blade member13are disposed on a base17of the optical fiber cutter2. Although not particularly shown, the pressing member14is also disposed on the base17in the same manner.

The pair of clamps11and12are disposed at an interval in a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber100to grasp the optical fiber100. The clamps11and12respectively include lower clamps11A and12A and upper clamps11B and12B which sandwich the optical fiber100in a vertical direction (in a vertical direction inFIG. 2). Elastic pads18(seeFIGS. 5A to 5DandFIGS. 6A to 6D) such as rubber are provided at portions in which the lower clamps11A and12A and the upper clamps11B and12B face each other (portions at which the optical fiber100is sandwiched).

The blade member13is formed in a disc shape. The blade member13is disposed such that the plane of the disk is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber100(an arrangement direction of the pair of clamps11and12). The blade member13is movable between the pair of clamps11and12in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber100with respect to the pair of clamps11and12and the optical fiber100grasped thereby.

An outer circumferential edge19(a blade tip) of the blade member13comes into contact with the surface of the optical fiber100grasped by the pair of clamps11and12halfway through a movement path (during the course of the movement) and thus the blade member13scratches a surface of the optical fiber100.

The blade member13is rotatable about an axis of the blade member13above the base17.

Thus, a position of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13which comes into contact with the optical fiber100is changeable. Also, the blade member13is switchable between a non-rotatable state and a rotatable state by a holder such as a screw. Therefore, the position of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13which comes into contact with the optical fiber100can be appropriately held.

Also, in the optical fiber cutter2of the embodiment, a relative position between the optical fiber100and the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13is changeable in a height direction (an upward direction inFIG. 2) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber100and a movement direction of the blade member13. Thus, it is possible to change pressure (contact pressure) pushing the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13against a surface of the optical fiber100when the blade member13scratches the surface of the optical fiber100.

In the optical fiber cutter2described inFIG. 2as an example, the blade member13is rotatably provided about the axis of the blade member13with respect to a blade base20arranged to be movable in the movement direction of the blade member13described above on the base17.

Also, in the optical fiber cutter2described inFIG. 2as an example, a position (a height position) of the blade member13in the height direction described above is adjustable and a height position of the optical fiber100grasped by the pair of clamps11and12is fixed. Hereinafter, a mechanism of adjusting the height position of the blade member13will be specifically described.

In the optical fiber cutter2shown inFIG. 2as an example, the blade base20includes a base21and a swinger22swingably connected to the base21. A shaft (a connecting shaft) connecting the base21and the swinger22is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber100. The swinger22extends in a direction away from the connecting shaft. The blade member13is provided at an intermediate portion in an extending direction of the swinger22. An adjustment screw23that adjusts a height position of a distal end of the swinger22with respect to the base21is attached to the distal end in the extending direction of the swinger22. Therefore, the height position of the blade member13is adjustable.

In the embodiment, the rotation of the blade member13and the adjustment of the height position of the blade member13are manually adjusted by an operator handling the optical fiber cutter2.

In the optical fiber cutter2including the pair of clamps11and12and the blade member13described above, when scratching the surface of the optical fiber100(making an initial scratch on the surface of the optical fiber100), the movement of the blade member13in a direction perpendicular to the optical fiber100grasped by the pair of clamps11and12causes the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13to be pushed against the surface of the optical fiber100as shown inFIGS. 5B to 5DandFIGS. 6B to 6D.

At this time, the optical fiber100positioned between the pair of clamps11and12is bent due to the blade member13pushing thereagainst as shown inFIGS. 5A and 6A. Thus, a predetermined length in a circumferential direction of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13comes into contact with the surface of the optical fiber100. In the following description, this predetermined length is referred to as a “contact length” of the blade member13with respect to the optical fiber100.

The contact length of the blade member13with respect to the optical fiber100is indicated by reference signs CL1and CL2inFIGS. 5D and 6D.

The contact length of the blade member13changes according to the relative position between the optical fiber100and the blade member13in the height direction. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, when an upper end of the blade member13is positioned, with respect to the optical fiber100, relatively lower in the height direction, bending of the optical fiber100is small (the contact pressure is low) and a contact length CL1of the blade member13is short. On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 6, when the upper end of the blade member13is positioned higher in the height direction compared to the case ofFIG. 5, bending of the optical fiber100is large (the contact pressure is high) and the contact length CL2of the blade member13is long. When the cutting performance of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13is assumed to be the same, the longer the contact length of the blade member13is, the greater the extent to which the optical fiber100is scratched.

The pressing member14shown inFIG. 2press-bends a scratched portion of the optical fiber100and thereby cuts the optical fiber100after the surface of the optical fiber100is scratched by the blade member13.

In the above-described optical fiber cutter2, the blade member13is rotatable. Therefore, it is possible to repeat the performance of scratching the optical fiber100every time with the predetermined (identical) outer circumferential edge19(a portion of the outer circumferential edge19in the circumferential direction) of the blade member13and a predetermined (identical) contact pressure. It is also possible to repeat the performance of scratching the optical fiber100every time not only with the outer circumferential edge19fixed at a predetermined position but also with changing the position of the outer circumferential edge19, with the predetermined (identical) contact pressure. It is also possible to repeat the performance of scratching the optical fiber100every time not only with the contact pressure set to a predetermined pressure but also with changing the contact pressure, while the position of the outer circumferential edge19is fixed.

When abrasion of the predetermined outer circumferential edge19due to the scratching on the optical fiber100described as above (including degradation such as abrasion of or defects in the blade tip of the blade member13over time) causes the cutting performance for cutting the optical fiber100to be degraded, the blade member13is rotated to change the position of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13which comes into contact with the optical fiber100. Specifically, the blade member13is rotated so that another outer circumferential edge19adjacent to the predetermined outer circumferential edge19comes into contact with the optical fiber100at the time of scratching. Therefore, the above-described cutting performance is restored.

Also, in the optical fiber cutter2described above, the relative position between the optical fiber100and the blade member13in the height direction is changeable. Therefore, it is possible to repeat the performance of scratching the optical fiber100every time with the predetermined (identical) outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13and a predetermined (identical) contact pressure. It is also possible to repeat the performance of scratching the optical fiber100every time not only with the outer circumferential edge19fixed at a predetermined position but also with changing the position of the outer circumferential edge19, with the predetermined (identical) contact pressure. It is also possible to repeat the performance of scratching the optical fiber100every time not only with the contact pressure set to a predetermined pressure but also with changing the contact pressure, while the position of the outer circumferential edge19is fixed.

As described above, when the abrasion of the predetermined outer circumferential edge19due to the scratching on the optical fiber100causes the cutting performance for cutting the optical fiber100to be degraded, the relative position between the optical fiber100and the blade member13in the height direction is changed so that the contact pressure increases (so that the contact length increases). Therefore, the above-described cutting performance is restored.

In the above description, whether or not the cutting performance has degraded is determined when an end face condition of the optical fiber100is checked by the operator after cutting the optical fiber100, for example.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the acquirer10acquires position information of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13which is to be in contact with the optical fiber100.

The acquirer10of the embodiment includes an outer edge position measuring sensor15configured to measure a rotation angle (a rotational position) of the blade member13as the position information of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13with respect to the optical fiber100. In other words, the outer edge position measuring sensor15measures the position of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13which comes into contact with the optical fiber100. In the embodiment, the outer edge position measuring sensor15is provided in the optical fiber cutter2.

The outer edge position measuring sensor15may be configured to continuously measure the rotation angle of the blade member13, for example, but the rotation angle is discretely measured in the embodiment. The number of rotation angles of the blade member13(the positions of the outer circumferential edges19) to be measured may be appropriately set corresponding to a diameter dimension of the blade member13, but is set to 16 in this embodiment. That is, in the embodiment, the number of positions of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13, which are arranged in the circumferential direction of the blade member13and can be used to cut the optical fiber100, is set to 16 positions.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the outer edge position measuring sensor15is configured to detect one of a plurality (16) of markers24arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer edge of the blade member13and is configured to measure the rotation angle of the blade member13, for example.

The marker24may be detected by any means such as magnetism, but is detected using an optical method in the embodiment. The marker24of this type may be character information (numbers from 1 to 16, for example) that is recognizable by an image acquisition device, for example, and may be a code that indicates a position in a light and dark manner like a three-dimensional bar code.

The outer edge position measuring sensor15of this embodiment is an optical sensor having a light emitter25and a light receiver26. Therefore, the marker24may be a reflection plate which reflects light, for example, but in the embodiment, is a through hole which allows light from the light emitter25to pass through the blade member13in an axial direction thereof. The amount of the light reaching the light receiver26through the through hole can be different by making the sizes of a plurality of through holes different from each other. Therefore, the rotation angle of the blade member13can be measured.

The rotation angle (a measured value) of the blade member13measured by the outer edge position measuring sensor15is output from the outer edge position measuring sensor15as an electric signal, for example.

Also, the acquirer10of the embodiment acquires the relative position information between the optical fiber100and the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13in the height direction. Specifically, the acquirer10of the embodiment includes a contact length measuring sensor (a position measuring sensor)16which measures the position of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13(the height position of the blade member13) in the height direction as the above-described relative position information. In the embodiment, the contact length measuring sensor16is provided in the optical fiber cutter2.

The contact length measuring sensor16may continuously measure the height position of the blade member13but in the embodiment, it is measured discretely. The number of the height positions of the blade member13to be measured may be arbitrary, but in the embodiment, it is set to be three types of “low”, “middle”, and “high”. That is, in the embodiment, the number of height positions of the blade member13available to be used to cut the optical fiber100is set to be three at the same position of the outer circumferential edge19.

Therefore, in the embodiment, the total number of positions of the blade member13that can be used to cut the optical fiber100becomes 48 positions when the 16 positions of the outer circumferential edge19in the circumferential direction of the blade member13is multiplied by the three positions in the height positions of the blade member13.

As shown inFIG. 1, for example, the contact length measuring sensor16detects one of a plurality (three) of markers27arranged at intervals in a swinging direction (a height direction) of the swinger22at the distal end of the swinger22of the blade base20to measure the height position of the blade member13.

A method of detecting the marker27is the same as that of the outer edge position measuring sensor15. That is, the contact length measuring sensor16of the embodiment is an optical sensor having a light emitter28and a light receiver29(seeFIG. 2), and the marker27is a through hole through which light from the light emitter28is allowed to pass. Also, it is possible to measure the height position of the blade member13by making the sizes of a plurality of the marker27different from each other.

The height position (a measured value) of the blade member13measured by the contact length measuring sensor16is output from the outer edge position measuring sensor15as an electric signal, for example.

The above-described outer edge position measuring sensor15and the contact length measuring sensor16are provided in the optical fiber cutter2.

As shown inFIG. 2as an example, the outer edge position measuring sensor15and the contact length measuring sensor16are disposed on the base17to acquire the position information of the blade member13in a state in which the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13is positioned spaced apart, in the movement direction of the blade member13, from a position in which it comes into contact with the optical fiber100(a standby position, for example). In this case, an arrangement of electric wiring (not shown in figure) extending from the outer edge position measuring sensor15and the contact length measuring sensor16can be easily set.

Also, the outer edge position measuring sensor15and the contact length measuring sensor16may be disposed on the base21of the blade base20, for example. In this case, the position information of the blade member13can be acquired at an arbitrary position in the movement direction of the blade member13.

The outer edge position measuring sensor15and the contact length measuring sensor16may be configured such that the light emitters25and28and the light receivers26and29are separately provided as shown inFIG. 2as an example but may also be provided as a photo sensor in which the light emitters25and28and the light receivers26and29are integrally provided.

The calculator3shown inFIG. 1calculates maintenance information on the blade member13according to the position information acquired in the outer edge position measuring sensor15and the contact length measuring sensor16.

For example, when the cutting performance for cutting the optical fiber100is degraded due to the abrasion of the predetermined outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13, information indicating at least one of a next position of the outer circumferential edge19to be used to cut a next optical fiber100(another outer circumferential edge19different from the predetermined outer circumferential edge19) and the height position of the blade member13(hereinafter, referred to as “Next destination position of the blade member13”), that is, information for restoring the cutting performance may be included in the maintenance information.

Information indicating a correct order of use of the plurality of positions (48 positions) of the blade member13(hereinafter, referred to as “Correct order of use of the blade member13”) used to cut the optical fiber100is used in calculating the “Next destination position of the blade member13”. This information is stored in advance in the storage4to be described below.

In the embodiment, the information of the “Correct order of use of the blade member13” is set to include the following procedures A to E in order.

Procedure A: The position of the blade member13used for the first time (initial position) for cutting the optical fiber100is set such that the height position of the blade member13is “low” and the position of the outer circumferential edge19in the circumferential direction of the blade member13is “No.1” (“Height position of blade (Blade height): low, Position of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13(Blade angle): No.1”). The position of the outer circumferential edge19in the circumferential direction of the blade member13is assumed to be numbered as “No.1”→“No.2”, . . . “No.16” in the circumferential direction of the blade member13.

Procedure B: Based on the above description, each time the outer circumferential edge19of the predetermined number of the blade member13which is to be in contact with the optical fiber100is worn down, the blade member13is rotated in such a way that the position of the outer circumferential edge19in the circumferential direction of the blade member13is changed in a sequence of “No.1”→“No.2”→“No.3”→ . . . →“No.15”→“No.16”.

Procedure C: When the blade member13completes a full rotation and returns to “No.1”, the height position of the blade member13is changed from “low” to “middle”. That is, in the blade member13, the position of “Blade height: middle, Blade angle: No.1” is used after using the position of “Blade height: low, Blade angle: No.16”.

Procedure D: With the blade member13held at the height position of “middle”, as in Procedure B described above, the position of the outer circumferential edge19in the circumferential direction of the blade member13is changed in the sequence of “No.1”→“No.2”→“No.3”→ . . . →“No.15”→“No.16”.

Procedure E: When the blade member13completes a full rotation and returns to “No.1”, as in Procedure C described above, the position of the blade member13is changed from “Blade height: middle, Blade angle: No.16” to “Blade height: high, Blade angle: No.1”.

Procedure F: With the blade member13held at the height position of “high”, as in Procedure B described above, the position of the outer circumferential edge19in the circumferential direction of the blade member13is changed in the sequence of “No.1”→“No.2”→“No.3”→ . . . →“No.15”→“No.16” and then the use of the blade member13itself is terminated at a stage (in which cutting performance is deteriorated) when the use at “Blade height: high, Blade angle: No.16” is completed.

Therefore, in the embodiment, when the position of the blade member13currently used is “Blade height: middle, Blade angle: No.16”, the “Next destination position of the blade member13” calculated in the calculator3becomes “Blade height: high, Blade angle: No.1” according to the information of “Correct order of use of the blade member13” described above.

The maintenance information may also include information indicating a degree of consumption of the blade member13, for example. The degree of consumption of the blade member13refers to a ratio, for example, in which the total number of positions (48 positions) of the blade member13that can be used to cut the optical fiber100is set as a denominator and the current number of positions of the blade member13whose use for cutting the optical fiber100has been completed is set as a numerator. When the number of positions of the blade member13whose use for cutting the optical fiber100has been completed is 36 positions, the degree of consumption of the blade member13is 75%, for example.

The maintenance information may also include information indicating a remaining life of the blade member13, for example. The remaining life of the blade member13refers to a ratio, for example, in which the total number of positions (48 positions) of the blade member13that can be used to cut the optical fiber100is set as a denominator and the current number of positions of the blade member13whose use for cutting the optical fiber100has not been completed is set as a numerator. When the number of positions of the blade member13whose use for cutting the optical fiber100has not been completed is 12 positions, the remaining life of the blade member13is 25%, for example.

The maintenance information may also include information indicating an estimated replacement time (42 days from now, for example) of the blade member13, for example. In this case, the information indicating the estimated replacement time of the blade member13may be calculated based on an estimated value of the number of positions of the blade member13used per day, for example.

The storage4stores the position information of the blade member13with respect to the optical fiber100and the above-described maintenance information. Also, the storage4stores the above-described information such as “Correct order of use of the blade member13” and the total number of positions (48 positions) of the blade member13that can be used to cut the optical fiber100. The calculator3may appropriately read out various types of information stored in the storage4.

The display5displays the position information and the maintenance information of the blade member13as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, for example. Hereinafter, an example of information displayed on the display5will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4.

On the display5(a display screen) shown inFIG. 3as an example, current position information (the information displayed at “Current position” inFIG. 3) of the blade member13is displayed. The information of the “current position” is the position information of the blade member13acquired by the outer edge position measuring sensor15and the contact length measuring sensor16.

The display5ofFIG. 3also displays information of the current normal position of the blade member13(the information displayed at “This time·Normal Position” inFIG. 3) calculated by the calculator3according to the information of the “Correct order of use of the blade member13” stored in the storage4. For example, in a state immediately after the unused blade member13is mounted, “Blade height: low, Blade angle:1(degree)” is displayed at the “This time·Normal Position”.

The display5ofFIG. 3also displays the information of the “Next destination position of the blade member13” (the information displayed at “Next time·Normal Position” inFIG. 3) calculated by the calculator3. The information at the “Next time·Normal Position” is the information calculated by the calculator3according to the information of the “This time·Normal Position” and the information of the “Correct order of use of the blade member13” which is stored in the storage. When “Blade height: middle, Blade angle:16)” is displayed as information of the “This time·Normal Position”, “Blade height: high, Blade angle:1” is displayed as information of the “Next time·Normal Position”, for example.

When the information of the “Next time·Normal Position” is displayed on the display5, the operator handling the optical fiber cutter2may rotate the blade member13or adjust the height position of the blade member13in accordance with the displayed information of the “Next time·Normal Position”. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately reduce the occurrence of a movement error of the blade member13when the operator changes the position of the blade member13.

Three types of information described above including the “Current position”, the “This time·Normal Position”, and the “Next time·Normal Position” may be simultaneously displayed as shown inFIG. 3but may also be displayed in sequence by the operator manipulating an operation button (not shown in figure) for the display5or the like.

The display5ofFIG. 3also displays information for warning the operator that a movement error has occurred (information displayed at “Error when turned on” inFIG. 3) when the position change of the blade member13by the operator causes a movement error of the blade member13, that is, when the position change of the blade member13by the operator does not follow the “Correct order of use of the blade member13”.

The determination of the movement error of the blade member13is carried out by the calculator3comparing the information of the “Current position” with the information of the “This time·Normal Position”, for example. In the example ofFIG. 3, the information of the “Error when turned on” is displayed because “Current position” is displayed as “Blade height: middle, Blade angle:15)”, which is different from “Blade height: middle, Blade angle:16)” being displayed at the “This time·Normal Position”.

As described above, since the operator is warned (notified) of the movement error of the blade member13, the operator can correct the position of the blade member13. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the occurrence of a movement error of the blade member13.

On the display5ofFIG. 3, information on the remaining life of the blade member13(information displayed as “Residual amount of blade” inFIG. 3) calculated by the calculator3is also displayed. The information of the “Residual amount of blade” may be displayed only by numerals, for example, but it may be displayed in a graphic form (a visual representation) such as a circular graph or bar graph as in the shown example so that the operator can easily recognize it. For example, when the residual amount of blade is 0%, information for notifying the operator that the blade member13may be replaced may be displayed on the display5ofFIG. 3.

On the display5(display screen) shown inFIG. 4as an example, the current position information of the blade member13(current position information of the blade member13indicated by reference sign50inFIG. 4) is displayed. The information itself displayed inFIG. 4is the same as the information of the “Current position” inFIG. 3. However, on the display5ofFIG. 4, the current position information50of the blade member13is displayed in a graphic form.

Specifically, the current position information50of the blade member13includes a circular shape51shaped like the blade member13, a plurality of numbers displayed side by side in an outer edge of the circular shape51to indicate the position of the outer circumferential edge19in the circumferential direction of the blade member13, and a triangle-shaped arrow indicating the number of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13which is currently in contact with the optical fiber100among the plurality of numbers.

On the display5ofFIG. 4, only the number of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13which is to be in contact with the optical fiber100(“15” inFIG. 4) and two numbers adjacent to this number (“14” and “16” inFIG. 4) are displayed among the plurality of numbers for indicating the position of the outer circumferential edge19in the circumferential direction of the blade member13, but the invention is not limited thereto.

The current position information50of the blade member13also includes character information and lines (gradations) indicating three height positions of the blade member13(“low”, “middle”, and “high”). A line indicating the height position of the blade member13is displayed to correspond to the circular shape51(the blade member13). Specifically, the line indicating “low” in which the height position of the blade member13is at the lowest is displayed to correspond to an outer circumferential edge of the circular shape51, and the line indicating “middle” in which the height position of the blade member13is in the middle or so and the line indicating “high” in which the height position is at the highest are displayed on a radial inner side of the circular shape51sequentially from the line indicating “low”.

The current position information50of the blade member13also includes a “□ (square)” which surrounds the character information indicating the current height position of the blade member13. On the display5ofFIG. 4, the character information of “middle” is surrounded by the “□”, which indicates current height position of the blade member13is “middle”.

When the current position information50of the blade member13is displayed in a graphic form as described above, the operator can easily ascertain the current position of the blade member13.

The current position information50of the blade member13shown inFIG. 4as an example also includes arrows52A and52B indicating a direction (a correct direction) to change the height position of the blade member13. Since the arrows52A and52B are displayed, a change to a wrong direction (from “middle” to “low”, for example) can be reduced when the operator changes the height position of the blade member13.

On the display5ofFIG. 4, the current normal position information of the blade member13(information corresponding to the “This time·Normal Position” inFIG. 3) and the information of the “Next destination position of the blade member13” (information corresponding to the “Next time·Normal Position” inFIG. 3) may be displayed in a graphic form similar to the case of the current position information50of the blade member13described above. Also, the three types of information by graphic display may be simultaneously displayed on the display5or may be displayed in sequence by the operator manipulating the operation button (not shown in figure) for the display5or the like.

Also, on the display5ofFIG. 4, information on the degree of consumption of the blade member13(“Used amount of blade” inFIG. 4) calculated by the calculator3is displayed. The information of the “Used amount of blade” may be displayed only by numerals, for example, but it may be displayed in a graphic form such as a bar graph or circular graph as in the shown example so that the operator can easily recognize it. On the display5ofFIG. 4, information for notifying the operator that the blade member13may be replaced may also be displayed when the used amount of the blade is 100%, for example.

A method of displaying various types of information (a numerical display, a graphic display, or the like) being displayed on the display5is not limited to those shown inFIGS. 3 and 4or the like as an example, and may be arbitrary.

As described above, according to the optical fiber cutting system1of the embodiment, since the position information of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13which is to be in contact with the optical fiber100is acquired by the acquirer10, the position of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13with respect to the optical fiber100can be accurately ascertained. Therefore, the occurrence of a movement error of the blade member13due to a human error of the operator can be appropriately reduced. As a result, it is possible to use the blade member13without waste.

Particularly, in the optical fiber cutting system1of the embodiment, the acquirer10includes the outer edge position measuring sensor15configured to measure the rotation angle of the blade member13as the position information of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13. Therefore, the rotation angle of the blade member13(the position of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13which is to be in contact with the optical fiber100) can be accurately ascertained.

Also, in the optical fiber cutting system1of the embodiment, the acquirer10acquires the relative position between the optical fiber100and the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13in the height direction. Particularly, the acquirer10includes the contact length measuring sensor16configured to measure the position of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13in the height direction as information on the relative position. Therefore, the relative position between the optical fiber100and the blade member13in the height direction (the height position of the blade member13) can be accurately ascertained.

Also, according to the optical fiber cutting system1of the embodiment, since the calculator3, the storage4, and the display5are provided in addition to the acquirer10configured to acquire the position information of the outer circumferential edge19of the blade member13with respect to the optical fiber100, the operator can also be notified of the “Next destination position of the blade member13”. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately reduce the occurrence of a movement error of the blade member13due to the operator.

Also, even when a movement error of the blade member13occurs due to the operator, it is also possible to notify (warn) the operator of an indication of the movement error. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the occurrence of a movement error of the blade member13due to the operator.

Also, according to the optical fiber cutting system1of the embodiment, since the acquirer10, the calculator3, the storage4, and the display5are provided, the operator can also be notified of the maintenance information of the blade member13such as the degree of consumption, the remaining life, the estimated replacement time, and replacement instructions. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately prepare for the replacement of the blade member13. For example, an unused blade member13can be prepared in advance when the degree of consumption of the blade member13is close to 100% (the remaining life is close to 0%) or when it nears the expected replacement time of the blade member13. In order words, it is not necessary to always carry the unused blade member13and handling of the optical fiber cutter2is facilitated.

Also, according to the optical fiber cutting system1of the embodiment, the calculator3configured to process the position information of the blade member13acquired by the acquirer10or the maintenance information calculated according thereto, the storage4, and the display5are provided in the optical fiber cutter2. Therefore, a movement of the operator (a movement of a visual line, for example) can be minimized compared with the case in which the calculator3, the storage4, and the display5are provided separately from the optical fiber cutter2. That is, the operator can easily handle the optical fiber cutting system1.

Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be described mainly focusing on differences from the first embodiment with reference toFIG. 7. Also, components common to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference signs and a description thereof will be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 7, similar to the first embodiment, an optical fiber cutting system1A of the embodiment includes an optical fiber cutter2A, an outer edge position measuring sensor15, a contact length measuring sensor16, a calculator3, a storage4, and a display5. A configuration of the optical fiber cutter2A may be the same as that of the optical fiber cutter2of the first embodiment. The outer edge position measuring sensor15and the contact length measuring sensor16are provided in the optical fiber cutter2A as in the first embodiment. Also, the functions of the calculator3, the storage4, and the display5are the same as those of the first embodiment.

However, in the optical fiber cutting system1A of the embodiment, position information of a blade member13(a rotation angle of the blade member13and a height position of the blade member13) measured by the outer edge position measuring sensor15and the contact length measuring sensor16is transmitted to an external device6A which is separate from the optical fiber cutter2A. That is, the optical fiber cutter2A of the embodiment includes a transmitter31A configured to transmit the position information of the blade member13output from the outer edge position measuring sensor15and the contact length measuring sensor16to the external device6A.

The external device6A may be, for example, a fusion splicer that is configured to connect the optical fibers100(optical fiber cores) to each other or may be an arbitrary device such as a mobile phone, a personal computer, or a cloud data server which can process the position information of the blade member13.

When the external device6A is the fusion splicer, one optical fiber100cut in the optical fiber cutter2A may be connected to another optical fiber100different from said one optical fiber100, for example. The other optical fiber100may be an optical fiber100cut separately from said one optical fiber100in the optical fiber cutter2A, but the invention is not limited thereto.

The external device6A includes a receiver (not shown in figure) which receives the position information of the blade member13transmitted from the optical fiber cutter2A. A communication line transmitting the information from the optical fiber cutter2A to the external device6A may be wireless or wired line.

Also, in the optical fiber cutting system1A of the embodiment, the calculator3, the storage4, and the display5are provided in the above-described external device6A. Therefore, the calculation, storage, and display of the maintenance information or the like based on the position information of the blade member13are performed by the external device6A.

Also, in the above-described fusion splicer, connection data of the optical fiber100may be collected, for example. For example, the connection data includes information such as an end face condition of the optical fiber100(an end face condition of the optical fiber100after being cut in the optical fiber cutter2A) or an estimated connection loss of the optical fiber100(a connection loss of the optical fiber100estimated from the end face condition of the optical fiber100) which is acquired by an image processing device before the optical fibers100are connected to each other in the fusion splicer.

In this case, the position information or the maintenance information of the blade member13associated with the above-described connection data may be stored in the storage4of the external device6A. The external device6A including the storage4may be the fusion splicer, for example, but the invention is not limited thereto. When the external device6A including the storage4is separate from the fusion splicer, the above-described connection data may be transmitted from the fusion splicer to the external device6A through a wireless or wired line.

The optical fiber cutting system1A of the embodiment achieves the same effect as the first embodiment.

In addition, according to the optical fiber cutting system1A of the embodiment, the calculator3, the storage4, and the display5are provided in the above-described external device6A. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size and cost of the optical fiber cutter2A compared to the optical fiber cutting system1A of the first embodiment. Also, since the optical fiber cutter2A is reduced in size, the optical fiber cutter2A is easily carried and it is particularly effective in the outdoor use of the optical fiber cutter2A.

Also, in the optical fiber cutting system1A of the embodiment, when the position information or the maintenance information of the blade member13is associated with the connection data to be collected in the fusion splicer and is stored in the storage4of the external device6A, the following effect is achieved, for example.

According to the information in which the position information or the maintenance information of the blade member13is associated with the connection data, it is possible to calculate valid data for handling the blade member13in the calculator3or display it on the display5. As valid data includes, for example, a timing at which the position of the blade member13with respect to the optical fiber100is to be changed, a timing at which the blade member13(a remaining life of the blade member13) should be replaced, or the like. It is also possible to accurately calculate these timings.

Next, a third embodiment of the invention will be described mainly focusing on differences from the first and second embodiments with reference toFIG. 8. Also, components common to the first and second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference signs and a description thereof will be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 8, similar to the first embodiment, an optical fiber cutting system1B of the embodiment includes an optical fiber cutter2B, an outer edge position measuring sensor15, a contact length measuring sensor16, a calculator3, a storage4, and a display5. A configuration of the optical fiber cutter2B may be the same as that of the optical fiber cutter2of the first embodiment. The outer edge position measuring sensor15and the contact length measuring sensor16are provided in the optical fiber cutter2B as in the first embodiment. Also, the functions of the calculator3, the storage4, and the display5are the same as those of the first embodiment.

However, in the optical fiber cutting system1B of the embodiment, position information of a blade member13measured by the outer edge position measuring sensor15and the contact length measuring sensor16or maintenance information calculated in accordance with the position information of the blade member13is transmitted to an external device6B which is separate from the optical fiber cutter2B. That is, the optical fiber cutter2B of the embodiment includes a transmitter31A similar to the second embodiment.

A specific example of the external device6B may be the same as the example described in the second embodiment.

Also, in the optical fiber cutting system1B of the embodiment, the calculator3and the storage4are provided in the optical fiber cutter2B, and the display5is provided in the external device6B. Therefore, only the information to be displayed on the display5among the position information or the maintenance information of the blade member13is transmitted from the optical fiber cutter2B to the external device6B.

The optical fiber cutting system1B of the embodiment achieves the same effect as the first and second embodiments.

In addition, according to the optical fiber cutting system1B of the embodiment, since the display5is provided in the external device6B, it is possible to reduce the size and cost of the optical fiber cutter2B compared to the optical fiber cutting system1B of the first embodiment.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the invention will be described mainly focusing on differences from the first and second embodiments with reference toFIG. 9. Also, components common to the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference signs and a description thereof will be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 9, similar to the first embodiment, an optical fiber cutting system1C of the embodiment includes an optical fiber cutter2C, an outer edge position measuring sensor15, a contact length measuring sensor16, a calculator3, a storage4, and a display5. A configuration of the optical fiber cutter2C may be the same as that of the optical fiber cutter2of the first embodiment. The outer edge position measuring sensor15and the contact length measuring sensor16are provided in the optical fiber cutter2C as in the first embodiment. Also, the functions of the calculator3, the storage4, and the display5are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Also, in the optical fiber cutting system1C of the embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, position information of a blade member13measured by the outer edge position measuring sensor15and the contact length measuring sensor16is transmitted to an external device6C which is separate from the optical fiber cutter2C. That is, the optical fiber cutter2C of the embodiment includes a transmitter31A similar to the second embodiment.

A specific example of the external device6C may be the same as the example described in the second embodiment.

Also, in the optical fiber cutting system1C of the embodiment, the calculator3and the storage4are provided in the external device6C and the display5is provided in the optical fiber cutter2C. Therefore, calculation and storage of maintenance information or the like based on the position information of the blade member13is performed in the external device6C.

Also, information to be displayed on the display5among the position information or the maintenance information of the blade member13is transmitted from the external device6C to the optical fiber cutter2C. That is, a transmitter (not shown in figure) configured to transmit the information to be displayed on the display5to the optical fiber cutter2C is provided in the external device6C. In addition, a receiver (not shown in figure) for receiving the information to be displayed on the display5is provided in the optical fiber cutter2C.

The optical fiber cutting system1C of the embodiment achieves the same effect as the first and second embodiments.

In addition, according to the optical fiber cutting system1C of the embodiment, since the calculator3and the storage4are provided in the above-described external device6C, it is possible to reduce the size and cost of the optical fiber cutter2C compared to the optical fiber cutting system1C of the first embodiment.

While details of the invention have been described above, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, the storage4may be provided in the optical fiber cutters2A and2C in the optical fiber cutting systems1A and1C of the second and fourth embodiments in which the calculator3is provided in the external device. That is, the maintenance information calculated in the calculator3of the external devices6A and6C may be transmitted to the optical fiber cutters2A and2C to be stored in the storage4of the optical fiber cutters2A and2C.

Also, for example, the calculator3, the storage4, and the display5may be provided in both the optical fiber cutters2A to2C and the external devices6A to6C in the optical fiber cutting systems1A to1C of the second to fourth embodiments in which the optical fiber cutters2A to2C and the external devices6A to6C are included.

In the optical fiber cutting system of one or more embodiments of the invention, the information of the “Correct order of use of the blade member” to be stored in the storage in advance is not limited to the descriptions of the embodiments described above and may be arbitrarily set. The information of the “Correct order of use of the blade member” may include the following procedures A1 to E1 in sequence.

Procedure A1: An initial position of the blade member used to cut the optical fiber is set to “Blade height: low, Blade angle: No.1”.

Procedure B1: Thereafter, each time the position (Blade angle: No.1) of the outer circumferential edge of the blade member which is to be in contact with the optical fiber is worn down, the blade height is changed in a sequence of “low”→“middle”→“high”.

Procedure C1: After the position of “Blade height: high, Blade angle: No.1” is worn down, the position is changed to “Blade height: low, Blade angle: No.2”.

Procedure D1: Thereafter, similar to “Procedure B1”, each time the position at the “Blade angle: No.2” is worn down, the blade height is changed in a sequence of “low”→“middle”→“high”.

Procedure E1: Sequentially, the blade member is used as in “Procedure B1” and “Procedure D1” while changing the position to “Blade angle: No.16”.

In the optical fiber cutting system of one or more embodiments of the invention, when a movement error of the blade member occurs due to an operator or the like in changing the position of the blade member, the warning to the operator is not limited to being displayed on the display and may also be performed by generating a sound using a speaker or the like, for example.

In the optical fiber cutting system of one or more embodiments of the invention, for example, the number of times the optical fiber has been scratched by the same outer circumferential edge and the same height position may be counted. In this case, the calculator can calculate the degree of consumption and the remaining life of the blade member in accordance with the acquired position information and the number of times of having scratched the optical fiber, for example. As a result, the information on the degree of consumption and the remaining life of the blade member can provide more precise information to the operator, compared with the cases of the above-described embodiments.

In the optical fiber cutting system of one or more embodiments of the invention, the height position of the optical fiber grasped by the pair of clamps may be adjustable, for example. In this case, the height position of the blade member may be adjustable as in the above-described embodiments, but it may also be fixed, for example.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, an image analyzer for analyzing the end face condition of the optical fiber after being cut may be provided in the optical fiber cutter, for example. In this case, when it is determined that the cutting performance of the predetermined outer circumferential edge of the blade member is degraded according to the analysis result of the end face of the optical fiber obtained by the image analyzer, for example, an instruction to change the position of the blade member with respect to the optical fiber can be displayed on the display. In addition, with the analysis result of the end face of the optical fiber obtained by the image analyzer, an appropriate timing at which the position of the blade member with respect to the optical fiber is to be changed can be calculated in the calculator or the like in accordance with the position information of the blade member, for example.

In addition, the invention is not limited to the optical fiber cutter in which the position change of the blade member with respect to the optical fiber is manually performed by an operator or the like, and can also be applied to an optical fiber cutter in which the position change of the blade member with respect to the optical fiber is automatically performed by a motor or the like, for example.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERAL

1,1A,1B,1C optical fiber cutting system

2,2A,2B,2C optical fiber cutter

6A,6B,6C external device

15outer edge position measuring sensor