Apparatus for separating a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a ribbon-coated multicore optical fiber at a plurality of positions at once, which is excellent in separating operation. This apparatus is an apparatus for separating a ribbon-coated multicore optical fiber, in which a number of single-core fibers are arranged in parallel, into a plurality of fibers. This apparatus comprises a first cutting member in which a plurality of sets of arc faces opposed to each other by way of a through path for inserting the ribbon-coated multicore optical fiber are disposed along the through path, while the arc faces in the respective sets extend from one side section of the through path halfway through the width direction of the through path; a second cutting member having a plurality of arc faces which continuously extend to and are adapted to join with the respective arc faces of the first cutting member in the width direction of the through path; and guide members which are respectively disposed at both end positions of the through path so as to position the ribbon-coated multicore optical fiber inserted into the through path. The first and second cutting members are relatively movable to each other in the direction in which the arc faces are opposed to each other.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for separating a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon having a plurality of fiber strands into a plurality of fibers. Related Background Art As optical fiber cables have a larger number of cores therein, there has been increasing demand for a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon in which a plurality of fiber strands are arranged in a flat shape and integrated together. In order to improve its handling when being disposed within an optical fiber cable, for example, such a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon has an increased number of strands within the coated fiber and is branched at an end portion of the optical fiber cable and also at the middle of the cable so as to be used as being connected to a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon having a small number of strands or to a single-core fiber. For example, a plurality of conventional 4-core coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (in which 4 strands are arranged) or 12-core coated optical multi-fiber ribbon have been connected in parallel to each other to form 8-core or 24-core coated optical multi-fiber ribbon. When these 8-core or 24-core coated optical multi-fiber ribbon are employed, a separating apparatus is used for branching and connecting them. It is desirable for this separating apparatus to cause no damage to the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon and exert no influence (no increased loss) upon transmitted light even under active or actually transmitted state (in which light is transmitted therethrough). Known as such a separating apparatus is that disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-102303. Namely, this apparatus for separating (or tool for dividing) a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon is a tool for splitting the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon in a longitudinal direction so as to separate a predetermined length of a terminal section or middle section thereof into a single-core optical fiber or a plurality of multicore optical fibers. It is equipped with a cutting member composed of two sets of arc plates. While holding a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon , the cutting member is relatively moved so as to shear the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon. In this state, the apparatus is moved in the longitudinal direction of the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon so as to split the SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for separating a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon , which can separate the fiber at a plurality of positions at once and is excellent in its separating operation. This object is solved by means of the apparatus according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. The present invention provides an apparatus for separating a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon , in which a number of single-core fibers are arranged in parallel, into a plurality of fibers. This apparatus comprises a first cutting member in which a plurality of sets of arc faces opposed to each other by way of a through path for inserting the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon are disposed along the through path, while the arc faces in the respective sets extend from one side section of the through path to different positions halfway through the width direction of the through path; a second cutting member having a plurality of arc faces which continuously extend to the respective arc faces of the first cutting member in the width direction of the through path; and guide members which are respectively disposed at both end positions of the through path so as to position the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon inserted into the through path. The first and second cutting members are relatively movable to each other in the direction of thickness of the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon in which the arc faces are opposed to each other. In accordance with the present invention, when the first and second cutting members are relatively moved with respect to each other while a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon to be separated is inserted into the through path, the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon is sheared at the position of each arc face. When the separating apparatus is slid along the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon , the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon is separated into sets of a plurality of fibers along its longitudinal direction. Preferably, in another aspect of the present invention, the first and second cutting members are adapted to join together and separate from each other at least in each set of arc faces opposed to each other. In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, when the joining and separating states of the respective arc faces are changed, it can be arbitrarily set whether the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon is sheared or not at the respective shearing positions. Consequently, the mode of separation can be changed as required. In still another aspect of the present invention, each of the above-mentioned guide members comprises a slit, which has a cross section substantially the same as that of the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon and opens at an extension of the through path, and a guide lid which opens and closes one side of the slit independently of the first and second cutting members. In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon to be separated is securely positioned within the slit, whereby its separating positions are prevented from shifting sidewise. Preferably, in a further aspect of the present invention, the first cutting member is attached to a frame so as to be movable toward the direction in which the arc faces are opposed to each other, while the second cutting member is pivotally attached to the frame by means of an axis so as to be adapted to join with and separate from the first cutting member as it swings around the axis. In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, the arc faces can easily be joined together and separated from each other in the first and second cutting members. In a still further aspect of the present invention, a pin is projected from one of the first and second cutting members, whereas a hole for inserting the pin when the first and second cutting members are joined together is bored in the other. In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, the first and second cutting members are joined together at a correct position when the pin is inserted into the hole, and the first and second cutting members joined together are prevented from shifting to each other when the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon is separated. The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not to be considered as limiting the present invention. Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a front view showing an apparatus for separating a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon ; Fig. 2 is a side view showing the apparatus for separating a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon ; Fig. 3 is an explanatory view showing a separating process according to the apparatus for separating a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon ; Fig. 4 is an explanatory view showing a separating process according to the apparatus for separating a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon ; Fig. 5 is an explanatory view showing a separating process according to the apparatus for separating a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon ; Fig. 6 is an explanatory view showing a separating process according to the apparatus for separating a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon ; Fig. 7 is a chart showing states of separation according to the apparatus for separating a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon ; and Fig. 8 is a chart showing a light transmission characteristics during a separating process according to the apparatus for separating a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the conventional apparatus for separating (or tool for dividing) a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon, since it can separate the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon only at one position, an additional separating apparatus or process is necessary for separating the fiber at a different position. Also, even in the case where the additional separating apparatus is prepared, when separating one coated optical multi-fiber ribbon into a plurality of fibers, only one position can be separated in a single separating operation. Accordingly, it is necessary for the separating operation to be repeated as many times as the number by which the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon is to be divided. Consequently, the operation for separating the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon is time-consuming, thereby yielding a very low working efficiency. In the following, embodiments in accordance with the present invention will be explained with reference to attached drawings. In the drawings, elements identical to each other will be referred to with marks identical to each other, without their overlapping explanations repeated. (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a front view showing an apparatus for separating a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon. , whereas Fig. 2 is a side view thereof. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a separating apparatus 1 for a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon comprises a first cutting member 2, a second cutting member 3, and guide members 4. The first cutting member 2 has a plurality of arc plates 22, 22 attached to one surface of a substrate 21. The arc plates 22, 22 are disposed such that their protruded arc faces 25, 25 are opposed to each other by way of a through path 71 for inserting a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 to be separated. A plurality of sets of arc plates 22, 22 are disposed in parallel along the through path 71. For example, three sets of arc plates 22a, 22b, and 22c each composed of two arc plates are attached to the substrate 21 along the longitudinal direction thereof, while pairs of arc faces 25a to 25c respectively formed at end faces of the corresponding arc plates 22a to 22c are opposed to each other. The through path 71 for inserting the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is formed between these opposed pairs of the arc faces 25a to 25c. Though the arc plates 22 each having an arc face are attached to the first cutting member 2 in this embodiment, plates having other kinds of curved faces may be attached thereto. Also, as the respective arc plates 22 have different sizes in terms of thickness, the respective arc faces 25 are formed at positions differently distanced from the substrate 21. As the respective pairs of opposed arc plates 22 have different thickness values, the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 can be sheared and separated along its longitudinal direction. For example, the thickness values of the arc plates 22a, 22b, and 22c are set to about 1/4, 2/4, and 3/4 of the width of the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6, whereby the arc faces 25a, 25b, and 25c are formed at positions respectively corresponding to about 1/4, 2/4, and 3/4 of the width of the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6. As the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is sheared by corner edge portions of the respective arc faces 25a to 25c, the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is divided into four. In cases where these arc plates 22a to 22c are detachably attached to the substrate 21 by means of screws or the like, they can be easily repaired, while allowing the separating width of the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 to be set variably. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the substrate 21 for the first cutting member 2 is disposed within a frame 5 having a C-shaped cross section so as to be movable along a direction connecting opposed walls 51 and 52 of the frame 5. Namely, the substrate 21 for the first cutting member 2 is disposed such that each arc plate 22 faces the open portion of the frame 5 while the through path 71 is exposed. A support axis 51a projecting from the wall 51 is inserted into the substrate 21 for the cutting member 2, while a stepped axis 23 projecting from a face of the substrate 21 opposed to the wall 52 penetrates into the latter, whereby the substrate 21 is movable along the axial direction of the support axis 51a and stepped axis 23. Also, a spring 51b is disposed around the support axis 51a as being contracted between the wall 51 and the substrate 21, thereby urging the substrate 21 toward the wall 52. Consequently, the substrate 21 is usually moved toward the wall 52 due to the urging force of the spring 51b. When a button 24 at the tip of the stepped axis 23 is pushed, the substrate 21 is moved toward the wall 51 by means of the stepped axis 23. Also, a stopper 51c inwardly projects from the wall 51 so as to limit the amount of movement of the substrate 21 toward the wall 51. Desirably, the stopper 51c is constituted by a screw or the like such that the amount of movement of the substrate 21 can be adjusted as the length of projection of the stopper 51c is changed. On the other hand, the second cutting member 3 is detachably attached to the first cutting member 2. For example, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the second cutting member 3 comprises a lid 31 pivotally attached to an end portion of the wall 51 of the frame 5 and a plurality of arc plates 32 attached to the inner face of the lid 31. As the lid 31 swings, the open portion of the frame 5 is opened and closed, whereby the arc plates 22 of the first cutting member 2 and the arc plates 32 join together or separate from each other. The lid 31 comprises a plurality of divisions each of which is pivotally attached to an axial pin 51d which is disposed along the end portion of the wall 51, whereby these divisions of the lid 31 can independently swing around the axial pin 51d. Though the arc plates 32 each having an arc face are attached to the second cutting member 3 in this embodiment, plates having other kinds of curved faces may be attached thereto. Also, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the lid 31 is divided into six lid members 31a to 31f such that two of them join with one arc plate 22 of the first cutting member 2 when the lid 31 swings toward the frame 5 to close the latter. As two lid members of the lid 31 join with one arc plate 22 of the first cutting member 2, when the lid 31 is moved toward the first cutting member 2 so as to join with the latter after the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 to be separated is inserted into the through path 71 in the first cutting member 2, the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is prevented from being jammed between the first cutting member 2 (arc plate 22) and the second cutting member 3 (arc plate 32). Also, pairs of arc plates 32a to 32f, each plate of which has a shape obtained when the arc plate 22 is divided into two, are attached to the respective lid members 31a to 31f so as to exactly overlap with the arc plates 22. Namely, in the arc plate pairs 32a to 32f, respective pairs of protruded arc faces 35a to 35f are opposed to each other. Between these pairs of the arc faces 35a to 35f, a through path 72 is formed. As the lid 31 is closed, the arc plates 32 join with the arc plates 22 of the first cutting member 2, whereby the through path 71 in the first cutting member 2 and the through path 72 in the second cutting member 3 continue to each other. As a result, a through path having a width substantially the same as that of the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is formed. Here, as shown in Fig. 3 or Figs. 4, 5 and 6, the thickness values of the arc plates 32a to 32f are selected such that, the same joined width is obtained when joined with the arc plates 22a to 22c. Namely, the arc plate 32 joining with the arc plate 22 becomes thicker as the latter is thinner. Also, a through hole 33 is bored at an end portion of each lid member 31 such that its corresponding pin 52a projecting from the end face of the wall 52 is inserted therein when the lid member 31 joins with the first cutting member 2. Accordingly, the closing position of the lid 31 is determined and precisely guided according to the position at which these through holes 33 are disposed and the position at which the pins 52a are formed. Also, as the pin 52a is inserted into the through hole 33, the lid 31 is prevented from fluctuating when the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is separated by the separating apparatus 1, whereby the arc plates 22 of the first cutting member 2 and the arc plates 32 of the second cutting member 3 are prevented from shifting with respect to each other. Here, a pin may project from the lid 31 of the second cutting member 3, while a through hole for inserting this pin may be bored in the wall 52 which faces to the first cutting member 2. Further, magnets 34 and 52b having polarities different from each other are respectively buried in the end faces of each lid member 31 and wall 52, thereby allowing the lid 31 to maintain its closed position. Here, the lid 31 may also be precisely guided by engaging members other than pins and through holes. On the other hand, the guide members 4 are respectively disposed at both ends of the through path for the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 formed by the first cutting member 2 and the second cutting member 3. Each of the guide members 4 is a part for positioning the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 inserted into this through path and is constituted by a guide body 41 and a guide lid 42. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the guide body 41 is fixed to a side face of the substrate 21, while a slit 41a opens at an extension of the through paths 71 and 72 for the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6. The slit 41a is a groove with an open side. For example, the side of the guide body 41 joining with the guide lid 42 is open such that the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 can be inserted into and taken out from this open portion. The opening of the slit 41a has a cross section substantially the same as that of the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 at the outer face position of the guide body 41, while only its size in the ribbon thickness direction is gradually divergent in the inner side (toward the arc plates 22 and 32). Because of this, the fiber path does not bend so sharp when slide substrate 21 moves downward. On the other hand, the guide lids 42, each of which is a part for closing the open portion of the slit 41a, are respectively disposed outside of the lid members 31a and 31f. An end portion of the guide lid 42 is fixedly attached to the axial pin 51b so as to swing with the latter. Accordingly, when the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 to be separated is inserted into the through paths 71 and 72 and the slits 41a, the guide lids 42 can abut to the guide body 41, independently of each lid member 31. Therefore, even when each lid body 31 does not close the frame 5, the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 can be securely accommodated along the through path. In the following, a method of using the separating apparatus for the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 will be explained. First, a case where a ribbon-coated 16-core optical fiber 6 ( coated optical multi-fiber ribbon in which 16 coated optical fibers are arranged in parallel and ribbon-coated) is divided into four at once will be explained. In Figs. 1 and 2, all of the lid members 31 and guide lids 42 are placed clear of the first cutting member 2 (frame 5). Then, the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 to be separated is inserted into thus opened through path 71 and slits 41a. Here, either end portion or middle portion of the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 may be inserted. After the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is accurately inserted into the gaps between curved plates 22, the respective lid members 31 are successively closed, and the guide lids 42 are closed. When closing the lid 31, since each arc plate 32 of the second cutting member 3 abutting to the corresponding arc plate 22 of the first cutting member 2 is divided at the position where the through paths 71 and 72 are narrowest, each lid member 31 can be safely closed because it is visually confirmed that the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is not jammed between the arc plates 22 and 32. Accordingly, the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is prevented from being jammed and damaged between the arc plates 22 and 32. Also, when each lid member 31 joins with the frame 5, the pin 52a of the wall 52 is inserted into the through hole 33 of the lid member 31, whereby the lid member 31 is guided to its correct position. Further, as each guide lid 42 is closed, the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 within the through paths 71 and 72 is positioned at both ends thereof. Then, in a state where all of the lid members 31 and guide lids 42 are closed, the button 24 is pushed into the frame 5. Due to this pushing operation, as shown in Fig. 3, the substrate 21 is moved toward the wall 51 by means of the stepped axis 23, whereby all of the arc plates 22a to 22c in the first cutting member 2 move toward the wall 51. Accordingly, as shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the arc faces 25a to 25c formed in the respective arc plates 22a to 22c gnaw into the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6. As the arc face 25 on the pressing side moves to a position exceeding its opposed arc face 35, the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is sheared. The shearing operations for the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 are simultaneously effected at the respective positions of the arc faces 25a to 25c. As the arc plates 22 formed with the arc faces 25 have different thickness values, the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is sheared at different positions in its width direction and its longitudinal direction. For example, when the thickness values of the arc plates 22a, 22b, and 22c are respectively 1/4, 2/4, and 3/4 of the width of the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6, the latter is sheared at positions equally divided in its width direction. Accordingly, for example, a ribbon-coated 16-core optical fiber can be equally separated into four sub-ribbons, each containing four optical fibers. Then, in a state where the button 24 has been pushed, while the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 extending from the separating apparatus 1 is kept straight, the separating apparatus 1 is caused to slide along the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6. Consequently, each of the arc faces 25 and 35 shearing the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 moves along the latter, whereby each sheared portion of the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is elongated along the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6. Accordingly, the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is separated into a plurality of strips in parallel to its longitudinal direction. Also, since the pin 52a is inserted into the through hole 33 when the separating apparatus 1 slides, the arc plates 32 in the second cutting member 3 are prevented from shifting from their corresponding arc plates 22 in the first cutting member 2, whereby the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is separated precisely and securely. Here, this sliding operation may also be effected as the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is moved, for example, such that the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is pulled in a state where the button 24 of the separating apparatus 1 is pushed, while the separating apparatus 1 is fixed. Here, it is needless to mention that the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 to be separated by the separating apparatus 1 may also have the number of cores other than 16 as long as its width and thickness of the curved plates correspond to each other. In the following, another method of using the separating apparatus 1 for the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 will be explained. The above-mentioned separating apparatus 1 can also be used for separating the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 in a mode other than that for separating it into four sub ribbons. Namely, when shearing and sliding operations are effected while a few of the lid members 31 is open, the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 can be separated into two or three with a predetermined width. For example, after the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 to be separated is inserted into the through path 71 of the first cutting member 2 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, only the lid members 31a and 31b are closed, the other lid members 31c to 31f are opened, and the guide lids 42 are caused to join with the corresponding guide bodies 41. In this state, the button 24 is pushed to effect shearing, and the separating apparatus 1 is moved along the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6. Then, in the state shown in Fig. 4, the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 can be separated such that the ribbon-coated 16-core optical fiber 6 is separated into a ribbon-coated 4-core optical fiber and a ribbon-coated 12-core optical fiber. Thus, since the respective lid members 31 and guide lids 42 are adapted to independently open and close, the mode of separation of the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 can be arbitrarily changed when selecting the open and close states of the lid members 31. Also, even in cases where the lid members 31a and 31f at both ends are open, the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is positioned at least by means of the guide lids 42, 42 at two points. Accordingly, the separating positions can securely be prevented from shifting during a shearing or sliding operation. Here, the respective pairs of the lid members 31a and 31b, 31c and 31d, and 31e and 31f can form arcs functioning as shearing members only when their corresponding pairs of arc faces 35 become continuous. Accordingly, each pair of these lid members are used as being simultaneously closed. Also, assuming the lid members 31a and 31b to be A, the lid members 31c and 31d to be B, and the lid members 31e and 31f to be C in the separating apparatus 1, as shown in Fig. 7, there are 7 (2 3 - 1) combinations of open and close states of A to C excluding the state where all of A to C are open, whereby the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 can be separated in 7 modes. Accordingly, when the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 has 16 cores, it can be separated into any of 4, 8, and 12 cores. Thus, the single separating apparatus 1 can separate the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 into plurality of sub-ribbons in a single operation. Accordingly, it is excellent in utility. In the following, a light transmission characteristic within the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 during a separating operation by means of the separating apparatus 1 will be explained. The coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 may be separated while the coated optical multi-fiber, ribbon 6 is active (where light is actually transmitted therethrough). Accordingly, it is required for the separating apparatus 1 to exert no influence upon the transmission characteristic of the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 during its separating operation. In the above-mentioned separating apparatus 1, when the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 is being separated, the mildly curved arc faces 25 and 35 abut to the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6, without curving the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 in excess. Accordingly, there is hardly any influence on the transmission state of light before and after the operation for separating the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 by carefully designing its curvature of the plates e.g. larger than 30 mm in radius. Therefore, the separating apparatus 1 can be used for separating the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 online. Fig. 8 shows a transmission characteristic of the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 actually separated online by the separating apparatus 1. This transmission characteristic was obtained when, while light having a wavelength of 1.55 µm was transmitted through a fiber located near the position at which the coated optical multi-fiber. ribbon 6 was to be separated, received light levels before and after the separation were measured. According to the results of measurement, the influence due to the separating operation was 0.1 dB or less, which was not problematic at all when transmitting light signal. (Embodiment 2) In the following, various kinds of other embodiments of the apparatus for separating a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon will be explained. In the above-mentioned separating apparatus 1 for a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon , joining and separating means for the first cutting member 2 and second cutting member 3 may not be the frame 5 and lid members 31. Namely, the joining and separating means may have other configurations as long as the arc faces 25 of the first cutting member 2 and their corresponding arc faces 35 of the second cutting member 3 can be joined together and separated from each other thereby. In this case, effects similar to those of the separating apparatus 1 can be obtained as well. Also, in the above-mentioned separating apparatus 1 for a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon , the second cutting member 3 may move with respect to the first cutting member 2. In this case, effects similar to those of the separating apparatus 1 can be obtained as well. Further, in the above-mentioned separating apparatus for a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon the respective arc faces 25 and 35 of the first and second cutting member 2 and 3 may not oppose and come close to each other at three positions. Namely, these arc faces 25 and 35 may oppose and come close to each other at two or not less than four positions, thereby dividing the coated optical multi-fiber ribbon 6 into three or not less than five. In these cases, effects similar to those of the separating apparatus 1 can be obtained as well.

Claims: Apparatus (1) for separating a coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) in which a number of single-core fibers are arranged in parallel; said apparatus (1) comprising: a frame (5); a first cutting member (2) held by that frame (5), said first cutting member (2) comprising a pair of first curved faces (25a) and a pair of second curved faces (25b), said pair of first curved faces (25a) being opposed to each other to form a part of a through path (71), which is a space for inserting said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) and extending in the longitudinal direction of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) to be separated, said pair of second curved faces (25b) being opposed to each other to form a part of said through path (71) and extending in the longitudinal direction of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) to be separated, said first and second pairs of curved faces (25a, 25b, 25c)being disposed at positions different from each other with respect to a longitudinal direction of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6)to be separated; a second cutting member (3) held by said frame (5), said first cutting member (2) being relatively moveable in a thickness direction of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) to be separated with respect to said second cutting member (3); said second cutting member (3) having a pair of third curved faces (35a, 35b) and a pair of fourth curved faces (35c, 35d), said pair of third curved faces (35a, 35b) being opposed to each other to form a part of a through path (72)and disposed in close - with regard to a width direction of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) to be separated - to said first curved faces (25a), such that movement of the first cutting member (2) relative to the second cutting member (3) causes shearing of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) at a position intermediate to said first (25a) and said third (35a, 35b) curved faces, said pair of fourth curved faces (35c, 35d) being opposed to each other to form a part of said through path (72) and disposed in close - with regard to a width direction of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) to be separated - to said second curved faces (25b), such that movement of the first cutting member (2) relative to the second cutting member (3) causes shearing of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) at a position intermediate to said second (25b) and said fourth curved faces (35c, 35d), said first cutting member (2) being sufficiently moveable with respect to said second cutting member (3) to effect shearing of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) at the positions intermediate to the first (25a) and third (35a, 35b) as well as the second (25b) and fourth (35c, 35d) curved faces, these positions being different with respect to the width direction of said optical multi-fiber ribbon; guide members (41, 42) respectively disposed at both ends of said frame (5) in a length direction of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) to be separated. An apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first (25a) and third curved faces (35a, 35b) are adapted to attain a state in which said first (25a) and said third curved faces (35a, 35b) join with each other in a width direction of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) to be separated and a state in which said first curved faces (25a) and third curved faces (35a, 35b) separate from each other other in a width direction of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) to be separated. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said second (25b) and fourth curved faces (35c, 35d) are adapted to attain a state in which said second (25b) and said fourth curved faces (35c, 35d) join with each other in a width direction of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) to be separated and a state in which said second curved faces (25b) and fourth curved faces (35c, 35d) separate from each other other in a width direction of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) to be separated, said states being attainable independently of the states being attained by said first (25a) and said third curved faces (35a, 35b). An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of said guide members (41, 42) has a slit (41a) and a guide lid (42) for closing one side of that slit (41a), said slit (41a) opening at an extension of said through path (71, 72) and having a cross-sectional form substantially the same as that of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6). An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said guide lid (42) opens and closes the one side of said slit (41a) independently of movement of said first (2) and said second (3) cutting members. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first cutting member (2) is attached to said frame (5) so as to be moveable in the thickness direction of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) to be separated. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second cutting member (3) is swingingly attached to said frame (5) and is adapted to attain states in which said second cutting member (3) respectively comes close to and separates from said first cutting member (2) as said second cutting member (3) swings with respect to said frame (5). An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a first engaging member (52a, 33) is attached to one of said frame (5) and said second cutting member (3) while a second engaging member (52a, 33) is attached to the other, the state in which that first (2) and the second (3) cutting members are close to each other being maintained as said first and second engaging members (52a, 33) engage with each other. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said first and second engaging members are constituted by a pin (52a) and a hole (33) into which said pin (52a) is inserted. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first to fourth curved faces (25a, 25b; 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d) are arc faces. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein adjacent ones of said pairs of third curved faces (35a, 35b) and said fourth curved faces (35c, 35d) are disposed close to each other with regard to a longitudinal direction of said coated optical multi-fiber ribbon (6) to be separated.

Inventors: IWATA HIDEYUKI, OSAKA KEIJI, IWATA, HIDEYUKI, OSAKA, KEIJI, Osaka, Keiji, c/o Yokohama Works
Applicants: NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE, SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION, SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: G02B6
IPC codes: G02B6