JP2002071999A - Mechanical splice connection tool - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] (Modified) [PROBLEMS] A tool used for connecting an optical fiber using a mechanical splice, which can shorten a connection surplus length of an optical fiber to be connected. Supply of splice connection tool. A mechanical splice connection tool is a tool for connecting an optical fiber using a mechanical splice. The mechanical splice connection tool has an operation button gripped with one hand, and the operation button is gripped and pressed with one hand. By moving the mechanical splice 1, the connection of the optical fiber 5 using the mechanical splice 1 is completed, and the connection of the optical fiber is completed by operating the mechanical splice installation unit 31 that detachably holds the mechanical splice 1. Of a wedge 33 that moves in conjunction with the movement of the button 35, and a pair of left and right optical fiber folders 34 that fix the optical fiber 5 and are inserted from both ends of the mechanical splice 1. .

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mechanical splice connection tool which is a tool used for connecting an optical fiber, and more particularly, to a mechanical splice which can be connected by a mechanical splice even if the length of the optical fiber is short. It relates to a connection tool.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a mechanical splice has been put to practical use as a technique for easily connecting an optical fiber. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a mechanical splice. Here, FIG. 15A is an overall perspective view of the mechanical splice, and FIG. 15B is an exploded perspective view of the mechanical splice.

The mechanical splice 1 includes a V-groove base 11 and a lid base 12, which are plastic bases provided on the upper and lower sides, and a U-shaped clamp spring 16 for gripping the V-groove base 11 and the lid base 12. Then, the optical fiber is sandwiched between the upper and lower plastic substrates along the V-groove 15 provided in the V-groove substrate 11 which is one of the plastic substrates, and this is gripped from one side by the clamp spring 16 to connect the optical fiber. It will be realized.

At present, mechanical splices for single-core connection and four-core connection have been put to practical use, but can be theoretically applied to a larger number of core wires. The mechanical splice shown in FIG. 15 is for single-core connection. In FIG. 15, 13 is a Taber type optical fiber insertion hole, and 14 is a slit.

When connecting an optical fiber, a wedge is inserted into a slit 14 provided on the other side of the boundary between the V-groove base 11 and the lid base 12 which are upper and lower plastic bases. A gap is provided between the V-groove base 11 and the lid base 12, and a gap is formed between the V-groove base 11 and the lid base 12.
An optical fiber is inserted into the V groove 15 of the groove base 11. Then, by pulling out the wedge, the optical fiber is moved between the upper and lower plastic substrates, that is, the V-groove substrate 11 and the lid substrate 1.
Between the two. As a dedicated tool for connecting an optical fiber using such a mechanical splice 1, there is a mechanical splice connection tool as shown in FIG.

FIG. 16A is a schematic perspective view of a conventional mechanical splice connection tool. In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes a mechanical splice installation portion on which the mechanical splice 1 is installed, 22 denotes a tool base, 23 denotes a wedge, 24 denotes an optical fiber folder, and 25 denotes a wedge operation handle. 16B is a partially enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the mechanical splice installation section 21 as viewed from the arrow.

[0007]

However, FIG.
In the conventional mechanical splice connection tool having the structure shown in FIG. 1, an arm / handle type wedge operation handle 25 is operated to pull out and insert the wedge 23, and the mechanical splice connection tool itself is large and heavy. Therefore, the mechanical splice connection tool must be placed on a horizontal workbench or the like to perform connection work.

Thus, the optical fiber to be connected must be routed to a mechanical splice connection tool placed on a workbench or the like, and the distance from the original optical fiber wiring position to the installation position of the mechanical splice connection tool must be extended. , A long connection length was needed.

The main objects to be solved by the present invention are as follows. That is, a first object of the present invention is a tool used when connecting an optical fiber using a mechanical splice, and provides a mechanical splice connection tool that can connect an optical fiber by a simple operation. It is something you want to do.

A second object of the present invention is a tool used for connecting an optical fiber using a mechanical splice, and a mechanical splice which enables the optical fiber to be connected by holding the tool with one hand. No connection tool will be provided.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a mechanical splice connection tool which can reduce the size of a tool used when connecting an optical fiber using a mechanical splice.

A fourth object of the present invention is a tool used for connecting an optical fiber by using a mechanical splice, which is capable of shortening an extra connection length of an optical fiber to be connected. No splice connection tool will be provided.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the specification, the drawings, and in particular, the description of each claim in the claims.

[0014]

According to the present invention, there is provided a tool for connecting an optical fiber using a mechanical splice, comprising a push button type operation button, Only by pressing
The present invention has a feature in that a constituent means which performs a series of operations for connecting an optical fiber using a mechanical splice is employed.

More specifically, in solving the problem, the present invention achieves the above object by adopting a novel characteristic configuration method or means ranging from a high-level concept to a low-level concept listed below. It is done as follows.

That is, a first feature of the apparatus of the present invention is a mechanical splice connection tool which is a tool for centering and connecting an optical fiber using a mechanical splice, and has an operation button which is held and pushed by one hand. Then, the operation button is gripped and pushed with one hand to simultaneously complete the alignment and butt connection of the optical fiber using the mechanical splice.

A second feature of the device of the present invention is that, in the first feature of the above-described device of the present invention, the structure for simultaneously completing the connection centering and the butting of the optical fiber is a mechanical mechanism for detachably holding the mechanical splice. A mechanical splice connection tool having a splice installation portion and a wedge that interlocks and moves orthogonally to one side of the mechanical splice in conjunction with the holding and pushing of the operation button.

A third feature of the device of the present invention is that the mechanical splice in the first or second feature of the above-described device of the present invention has a pair of V-groove bases and lid bases which vertically overlap with each other; A clamp spring for gripping the lid base from one side, and the connection target is connected to the V-groove base and the lid base along the V-groove provided on the V-groove base so as to be freely aligned. The present invention is directed to a mechanical splice connection tool having a configuration in which an optical fiber is butted and sandwiched, and the V-groove base and the lid base are elastically gripped by the clamp spring.

A fourth feature of the device of the present invention resides in that the operation button, the wedge and the mechanical splice installation portion in the second or third feature of the above-mentioned device of the present invention can be gripped together with the operation button. The present invention resides in the configuration and adoption of a mechanical splice connection tool which is mounted and incorporated in a body so as to be freely retractable.

A fifth feature of the device of the present invention is that, in the second, third or fourth feature of the above-mentioned device of the present invention, the optical fiber alignment and the butt connection are simultaneously completed. A pair of upper and lower V-groove bases of a mechanical splice held by a portion and a wedge moving means for removing and inserting the wedge into a slit provided at the other side boundary of the lid base; and a pair of upper and lower V-grooves by the wedge V between the base and the lid base
A mechanical splice connection tool having a pair of left and right optical fiber moving means for holding each optical fiber to be connected in the gap above the groove and inserting the optical fiber from left and right sides, respectively.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the wedge moving means in the fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the other end of the driving link having the operation button pivotally connected to one end thereof is pivotally connected to a rotating disk. The wedge is pivotally connected to the other end of the driven link having one end pivotally connected to the rotating disk, and the operation button is squeezed and pushed to cause the wedge to move forward, thereby causing the mechanical splice installation portion to move. To the slit provided at the other side boundary of the V-groove base and the lid base of the mechanical splice held at
A mechanical splice connection tool comprising a wedge transmission mechanism for interrupting insertion of the wedge is employed.

A seventh feature of the present invention is that the wedge moving means in the fifth feature of the present invention is an elliptical cam pivotally connected to the other end of a driving link having the operation button pivotally connected to one end. When the operation button is squeezed and pressed by contacting the outer cam surface of the board with a cam follower to which the wedge is integrally fixed, the wedge advances to operate, and the mechanical splice is held by the mechanical splice installation portion. A mechanical splice connection tool comprising a wedge transmission mechanism for interrupting insertion into the slit provided at the other side boundary of the V-groove base and the lid base of the splice.

An eighth feature of the device of the present invention resides in that the pair of left and right optical fiber moving means in the fifth, sixth or seventh feature of the device of the present invention fixes the optical fiber which is appropriately clamped. One of a pair of left and right pinions meshing with a pair of left and right racks each having a fiber folder fixing device attached to one end thereof is meshed with one of the pair of left and right pinions and the other with one tooth of the relay double tooth rack. By meshing the relay pinion meshing with one tooth with the spur gear,
By squeezing and pushing the operation button, the optical fibers are moved closer to each other, and the V-groove base and the lid base between the V-groove base and the lid base of the mechanical splice held by the mechanical splice installation part are moved. A mechanical splice connection tool including an optical fiber transmission mechanism for moving an optical fiber to be connected is inserted into the gap above the groove.

A ninth feature of the device of the present invention is that the rotating disk, the elliptical cam disk and the spur gear in the sixth, seventh or eighth feature of the device of the present invention coaxially pass through their respective centers. The wedge is operated when the operation button is squeezed and pressed in a stepwise manner, and the V-groove base and the lid base of the mechanical splice held by the mechanical splice installation portion are worn. The wedge is inserted into the slit provided at the other side boundary, and a gap above the V groove is opened between the V groove base and the lid base against the gripping elastic force of the clamp spring. Further, the operation button is squeezed and pressed in a two-step manner, thereby causing the optical fibers to move closer to each other, thereby allowing the mechanical splice to move between the V-groove base and the lid base. The optical fiber is moved so that the optical fiber to be connected is inserted into the gap above the V-groove, and the operation button is squeezed and pushed in three steps to cause the wedge to retreat. Another aspect of the present invention is a mechanical splice connection tool, which is configured to sequentially transmit the wedge inserted into the slit so as to be able to be pulled out from the slit.

A tenth feature of the device of the present invention is that the pair of left and right optical fiber moving means in the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth or ninth feature of the above-described device of the present invention is an optical fiber to be connected. A pair of left and right optical fiber folders for detachably fixing the optical fiber folders and the pair of right and left optical fiber folders are detachably held, and the operation button is gripped and pushed to push the mechanical splice installation section. The mechanical splice is moved toward both left and right ends of the mechanical splice, and a V-shaped groove between the V-groove base and the lid base of the mechanical splice is moved.
An optical fiber fixing tool having an optical fiber fixing tool for inserting each optical fiber fixed to the pair of right and left optical fiber folders from both sides into a gap above the groove is adopted.

An eleventh feature of the device of the present invention resides in that, in the tenth feature of the device of the present invention, the optical fiber folder includes a holding lower base provided with a V-shaped groove, which is a V-shaped groove, over its entire length; A mechanical splice connection having an upper holding base, an optical fiber to be connected disposed in the V-groove, and the optical fiber being sandwiched and fixed between the lower holding base and the upper holding base. It is in the configuration adoption of the tool.

A twelfth feature of the device of the present invention resides in that the optical fiber folder according to the tenth or eleventh feature of the device of the present invention is used for setting an insertion length of an optical fiber to be connected to the mechanical splice. Another object of the present invention is to employ a mechanical splice connection tool having a length adjusting portion serving as a scale.

A thirteenth feature of the device of the present invention is that the device of the present invention is the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, or twelfth. The operation button according to the above feature, a gripping member is provided at an outer end of a button rod member mounted on the tool main body so as to be freely retractable, substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice installed in the mechanical splice installation portion. It is in the configuration adoption of a mechanical splice connection tool which is fixed.

A fourteenth feature of the device of the present invention resides in that the pair of left and right optical fiber folders in the tenth, eleventh, twelfth or thirteenth feature of the above device of the present invention is fixed on the center of the tool base. Left and right symmetrically with the fixed tool body interposed therebetween, removably held on the optical fiber folder fixing tool and arranged on the left and right of the tool base, while being installed on the mechanical splice installation section A straight line formed by the V-groove of the V-groove base of the mechanical splice, and a fixture slide groove, which is a pair of right and left grooves provided on the same straight line, is formed to extend right and left on the upper surface of the tool base plate, and When the operation button is squeezed and pushed, the optical fiber folder fixing tool is moved along the left and right fixing device slide grooves and toward both ends of the mechanical splice. Certain Gudai surface plate to the structure adopted for the mechanical splicing tool formed by slidably configuration.

A fifteenth feature of the device of the present invention is that the device of the present invention has a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth and a tenth feature.
The wedge according to the eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, or fourteenth feature is provided so as to freely advance and retreat along a horizontal position of the mechanical splice installed on the mechanical splice installation part on the side of the operation button, and the tool main body. The configuration of the mechanical splice connection tool is provided so that it can be freely moved in and out of the device.

As shown in FIG. 16, the conventional mechanical splice connection tool uses a handle-type operation handle 25 as a means for operating the wedge 23. Due to these, conventionally, the mechanical splice connection tool must be placed on a large and horizontal plate, etc., and work must be carried out with one hand holding the mechanical splice connection tool and connecting the optical fiber with only one hand. Could not be done.

Therefore, in the present invention, by adopting the above-described configuration, it is possible to 1) insert the wedge into the mechanical splice and 2) insert the optical fiber into the mechanical splice only by squeezing the operation button with one hand. A series of operations for connecting an optical fiber, such as insertion and 3) pulling out a wedge from a mechanical splice, are performed.

Further, in the present invention, by adopting the above-described configuration, the optical fiber folder for detachably fixing the optical fiber to be connected is moved toward the mechanical splice at the time of connection.

[0034]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to a tool example.

The present invention relates to a mechanical splice connection tool used for connecting an optical fiber using a mechanical splice, which has an operation button to be gripped with one hand, and presses the operation button. Only, a series of operations for connecting an optical fiber using a mechanical splice, but in this embodiment, a mechanical splice connection tool applied to a single-core mechanical splice The present invention is not limited to these, but the present invention is applicable to a mechanical splice for multiple cores.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mechanical splice connection tool according to the present embodiment. In the figure, 10 is a tool body, 31 is a mechanical splice installation section, 32 is a tool base, 33 is a wedge, 34 is an optical fiber folder, and 35 is an operation button.

The mechanical splice setting part 31 is formed in the tool body 10 by being recessed, fixedly fixed to the center of the tool base 32, and is disposed on the upper surface of the center of the mechanical splice connecting tool, and detachably holds the mechanical splice. Is what you do. Note that the mechanical splice installed in the mechanical splice installation section 31 is shown in FIG.
(A) It is the mechanical splice 1 shown in (b).

The tool base 32 slides the upper surface by suitably holding a pair of left and right optical fiber folders 34 symmetrically arranged on the left and right upper surfaces with the tool body 10 interposed therebetween, and detachably. The sliding operation of the optical fiber folder 34 moves the optical fiber folder 34 substantially toward the center of the mechanical splice installation section 31 by pushing the operation button 35 together with the tool body 10 together.

The wedge 33 is provided along the operation button 35 side of the mechanical splice installation unit 31 immediately along the side thereof.
The tool body 10 is disposed between the mechanical splice setting section 31 and the operation button 35 so as to be able to move in and out of the tool body 10. Further, the wedge 33 is advanced and moved toward substantially the center of the mechanical splice installation portion 31 by the operation button 35 attached to the tool main body 10 being slidably retracted and pushed, whereby the operation button 35 is further moved. By being squeezed and pushed, it retreats away from substantially the center of the mechanical splice installation section 31.

The optical fiber folders 34 are for fixing optical fibers to be connected in a detachable manner, and are arranged one by one on the left and right sides of the mechanical splice installation part 31, and two optical fibers are provided in total.

The operation button 35 has a gripping member in the form of a substantially quadrangular prism fixed to the outer end of a button rod member 35a mounted on the tool main body 10 so as to be freely retractable. The longitudinal direction is formed so as to be substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice 1 installed in the mechanical splice installation section 31. The operation button 35 is provided on the mechanical splice connection tool so that the operation button 35 and the tool body 10 can be gripped with one hand.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where the optical fiber folder 34 is removed in FIG. 1, that is, a state where the optical fiber folder 34 is removed in the mechanical splice connecting tool.

As shown in the figure, the tool base 32 is provided with a pair of left and right optical fiber folder fixing tools 321 and a fixing tool slide groove 322. The left and right optical fiber folder fixtures 321 detachably hold the left and right optical fiber folders 34, respectively. The optical fiber folder fixture 321 moves along the fixture slide groove 322, and reciprocates the held optical fiber folder 34 along the fixture slide groove 322.

That is, when the operation button 35 is squeezed and pushed, the left and right optical fiber folder fixtures 321 are respectively moved along the left and right fixture slide grooves 322 (and substantially toward the center of the mechanical splice installation section 31). The optical fiber folder 34 held by the optical fiber folder fixture 321 is moved along the fixture slide groove 322. Due to the movement of the optical fiber folder 34, the optical fiber 5 held by the optical fiber folder 34 moves during the connection operation toward substantially the center of the mechanical splice setting section 31.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the mechanical splice connection tool shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, optical fiber folders 34 are arranged symmetrically on the left and right on the tool base 32 in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice setting section 31, respectively.

The fixture slide groove 322 extending over the left and right sides of the tool base 32 is provided on the same straight line as the center line of the mechanical splice setting section 31. That is, the fixture slide groove 322 is provided on the same straight line as the straight line formed by the V groove 15 of the V groove base 11 of the mechanical splice 1 installed in the mechanical splice installation section 31.

Each of the optical fiber folders 34 is moved along the fixture slide groove 322 and at the center of the mechanical splice installation portion 31 (ie, at the center of the mechanical splice 1) by the operation button 35 being squeezed and pushed. Move towards. With this movement, the wedge 33 has also completed the movement in the direction orthogonal to the mechanical splice installation part 31.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing details of the optical fiber folder 34. The optical fiber folder 34 includes a lower holding base 341 and an upper holding base 342. V-grooves (not shown) dug along a straight line in the holding lower base 341
Is provided. The optical fiber 5 to be connected is set in the V-groove of the lower holding substrate 341, and the optical fiber 5 is fixed between the lower holding substrate 341 and the upper holding substrate 342.

Here, the V-groove of the holding lower substrate 341 is formed so that the optical fiber folder 34 is
1, the mechanical splice setting part 3
The V-groove is provided on the same straight line as the straight line formed by the center line of the mechanical splice 1 installed in the mechanical splice 1.

The optical fiber folder 34 is provided with a length adjusting section 343 serving as a scale or a guide for setting an insertion length of the optical fiber 5 to be connected to the mechanical splice 1. The length d1 of the protruding portion of the length adjusting portion 343, the lower holding base 341 and the upper holding base 3
By making the length d2 of the optical fiber protruding from 42 the same length, the insertion length of the optical fiber 5 into the mechanical splice 1 is adjusted.

FIG. 5 is a plan view after setting the optical fiber 5 and the like in the present embodiment. That is, the optical fiber 5 to be connected is connected to the mechanical splice connection tool shown in FIG. 1 or FIG.
And a state where the mechanical splice 1 is set. In this state, one side of the grip member of the operation button 35, one side of the tool main body 10, which is a member for combining the components of the mechanical splice connection tool, and the protrusion interval of the button rod member 35a (hereinafter, referred to as "operation Button 3
5 and the tool body 10 ”. ) Are intervals L.

FIG. 6 is a plan view when the operation button 35 is pressed one step in the state of FIG. That is, the operation button 35 is squeezed together with the tool main body 10 with one hand, so that the operation button 35 is
This is a state in which it has advanced and moved in the direction orthogonal to the direction No. 1. Thereby, the interval between the operation button 35 and the tool body 10 becomes narrower than the interval L in the state of FIG. 5 and becomes the interval L1. Therefore,
Interval L> interval L1.

When the operation button 35 is squeezed and pushed, the distance between the operation button 35 and the tool body 10 is narrowed to the distance L1, so that the wedge 33 moves orthogonally toward the mechanical splice installation portion 31. . As a result, the wedge 33 is inserted into the slit 14 provided at the boundary between the V-groove base 11 and the lid base 12 of the mechanical splice 1 installed in the mechanical splice installation section 31.
Inserts an interrupt. By inserting the wedge 33 into the gap, a gap above the V-groove 15 is opened between the V-groove base 11 and the lid base 12 of the mechanical splice 1 against the gripping elastic force of the clamp spring 16 (see FIG. 15). .

FIG. 7 is a plan view when the operation button 35 is further pressed in the state of FIG. That is, in the state shown in FIG. 6, the operation button 35 is further squeezed and pushed in two steps together with the tool body 10 with one hand, whereby the operation button 3 is pressed.
5 toward the mechanical splice setting part 31,
It has been moved. Thereby, the operation button 35
The distance between the tool body 10 and the tool body 10 is further narrower than the distance L1 in the state of FIG. Therefore, interval L> interval L
1> interval L2.

Then, the operation button 35 and the tool body 10
Is reduced from the interval L1 to the interval L2, the optical fiber folder fixing tool 321 moves toward the mechanical splice installation section 31 in conjunction with the movement of the operation button 35, and the optical fiber folder 34 is moved to the mechanical splice. Move toward the installation part 31. The state after the movement of the optical fiber folder 34 is shown in FIG.

By the movement of the optical fiber folder 34, the optical fiber 5 fixed to the optical fiber folder 34 is placed in a gap above the V groove 15 between the V groove base 11 and the lid base 12 of the mechanical splice 1. It is inserted so that it can be centered and butted freely.

FIG. 8 is a plan view when the operation button 35 is further pressed in the state of FIG. That is, in the state of FIG. 7, the operation button 35 is further squeezed and pushed in three steps together with the tool main body 10 with one hand, whereby the operation button 3 is pressed.
5 toward the mechanical splice setting part 31,
It has been moved. Thereby, the operation button 35
The distance between the tool body 10 and the tool body 10 is further narrower than the distance L2 in the state of FIG. Therefore, interval L> interval L
1> interval L2> interval L3.

Then, the operation button 35 and the tool body 10
Is narrowed from the interval L2 to the interval L3, the wedge 33 moves so as to retreat away from the mechanical splice installation section 31. As a result, the wedge 33 inserted into the slit 14 provided at the boundary between the V-groove base 11 and the lid base 12 of the mechanical splice 1 is pulled out from the slit 14.

Thus, the optical fiber 5 is sandwiched between the V-groove 15 of the V-groove base 11 of the mechanical splice 1 and the lid base 12 in a centered and abutting manner by the action of the clamp spring 16. The optical fiber 5 is fixedly connected to the mechanical splice 1 and the connection of the optical fiber 5 is completed.

The optical fiber 5 fixedly connected to the mechanical splice 1 is taken out from the mechanical splice connection tool and arranged at a desired wiring position. And each component of this mechanical splice connection tool,
The tool is returned to the original position in the state (initial state) shown in FIG. 1 or 5 by a spring built in the tool body 10. This spring need not be provided.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the optical fiber 5 set in the mechanical splice connection tool is connected by the mechanical splice 1 only by reducing the distance L between the operation button 35 and the tool body 10. Becomes possible.

Here, the operation button 35 and the tool body 10
Can be reduced only by gripping the mechanical splice connection tool with one hand, so that the optical fiber 5 can be connected by an extremely simple operation.

Next, a specific transmission mechanism of the mechanical splice connection tool of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wedge transmission mechanism of a wedge moving unit in the present example of the apparatus. The wedge moving means is a part of the mechanical splice 1 held by the mechanical splice
And a wedge transmission mechanism α for inserting and removing the wedge 33 into and from the slit 14 provided at the boundary between the V-groove base 11 and the lid base 12.

Then, the wedge transmission mechanism α is
1, a driving link 42, and a driven link 43. The rotating disk 41 is rotatably attached to the rotating shaft O. The rotation axis O is rotatably supported in the tool body 10.

The driving link 42 is a member for converting the movement (linear movement) of the operation button 35 into the rotation movement of the rotating disk 41. One end 421 of the driving link 42 is rotatably attached to the operation button 35. Therefore, one end 421 of the driving link 42 is
A linear motion is performed in the direction of arrow A in conjunction with the motion of. The other end 422 of the driving link 42 is rotatably mounted near the circumference of the rotating disk 41.

The driven link 43 is a member that converts the rotational movement of the rotating disk 41 into a linear reciprocating movement of the wedge 33.
One end 431 of the driven link 43 is rotatably attached to the wedge 33, and interlocks with the movement of the wedge 33.
Therefore, the one end 431 of the driven link 43 reciprocates linearly in the directions of the arrows E and F in conjunction with the movement of the wedge 33. The other end 432 of the driven link 43
Is rotatably mounted at a position from the center of the rotating disk 41. Next, the operation of the wedge transmission mechanism α of the wedge moving means will be described.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the wedge transmission mechanism α of the wedge moving means when the operation button 35 is at the interval L1. FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a state of the wedge transmission mechanism α of the wedge moving unit when the operation button 35 is at the interval L3.

First, in the initial state, the wedge transmission mechanism α of the wedge moving means is in the state shown in FIG. In this state, when the operation button 35 is squeezed together with the tool body 10, the operation button 35 moves in the direction of the mechanical splice installation section 31. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, the interval between the operation button 35 and the tool body 10 is
This is the interval L1.

Here, one end 421 of the driving link 42 is interlocked with the movement of the operation button 35, and the center of the rotating disk 41 is attached to the rotating shaft O mounted in the tool body 10. One end 421 of the driving link 42 moves in the direction of arrow A, and one end 422 of the driving link 42 moves in the direction of arrow B.
Move in the direction of. The movement of the one end 422 of the driving link 42 causes the rotating disk 41 to rotate in the direction of arrow C.
This rotation is, for example, 60 degrees.

Further, with the rotation of the rotating disk 41, one end 432 of the driven link 43 moves in the direction of arrow D. Then, when one end 432 of the driven link 43 moves in the direction of arrow D, one end 43 of the driven link 43 is moved.
1 is the direction of arrow E, that is, the mechanical splice installation portion 31
Move in the direction toward.

As a result, the wedge transmission mechanism α of the wedge moving means is in a state as shown in FIG. here,
Since the wedge 33 is interlocked with the movement of the one end 431 of the driven link 43, when the one end 431 of the driven link 43 moves in the direction of the arrow E, the wedge 33 moves in the direction orthogonal to the mechanical splice installation section 31, and the mechanical A wedge 33 is inserted into the slit 14 of the splice 1 by interruption.

When the operation button 35 is further squeezed together with the tool body 10 from the state shown in FIG. 10, the operation button 35 further moves in the direction of the mechanical splice installation section 31. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8, the interval between the operation button 35 and the tool body 10 becomes the interval L3.

At this time, when the operation button 35 further moves in the direction of the mechanical splice installation section 31, one end 421 of the driving link 42 further moves in the direction of arrow A ', and one end 422 of the driving link 42 Move in the direction of arrow B '. The movement of the one end 422 of the driving link 42 further rotates the rotating disk 41 in the direction of arrow C ′. This rotation is, for example, 60 degrees.

Further, with the rotation of the rotating disk 41, one end 432 of the driven link 43 moves in the direction of arrow D '. When the one end 432 of the driven link 43 moves in the direction of the arrow D ', the one end 431 of the driven link 43 moves in the direction of the arrow E', that is, the wedge 33 moves backward in the direction away from the mechanical splice installation portion 31.

As a result, the wedge transmission mechanism α of the wedge moving means is in a state as shown in FIG. here,
Since one end 431 of the driven link 43 is linked to the movement of the wedge 33, the one end 431 of the driven link 43 moves in the direction of the arrow E ', so that the wedge 33 moves in a direction away from the mechanical splice installation portion 31, The wedge 33 is pulled out of the slit 14 of the mechanical splice 1.

FIG. 12 is a schematic structural view of a wedge transmission mechanism β of a wedge moving means according to another embodiment. The wedge transmission mechanism β of the wedge moving means includes an elliptical cam disk 51, a driving link 53, and a cam follower 310 as a rectangular member.
It is composed of The center of the elliptical cam disk 51 is the rotation axis O
Is adhered to. The rotation axis O is rotatably mounted on the tool body 10.

The driving link 53 is a member for converting the movement (linear movement) of the operation button 35 into the rotation movement of the elliptical cam disk 51. One end 531 of the driving link 53 is rotatably attached to the operation button 35. Therefore, one end 531 of the driving link 53 is connected to the operation button 35.
A linear motion is performed in the direction of arrow A in conjunction with the motion of. The other end 532 of the driving link 53 is rotatably mounted near a circle 52 drawn on the elliptical cam disk 51.

The cam follower 310 is a member having a surface 311 circumscribing the outer peripheral cam surface of the elliptical cam disk 51 and a surface 312 contacting the wedge 33, and reciprocates linearly in the directions of arrows E and F. Note that the wedge 33 may be provided at the position of the cam follower 310 in FIG. 12 without providing the cam follower 310, and a surface similar to the surface 311 may be provided on the wedge 33.

Next, the operation of the wedge transmission mechanism β of the wedge moving means will be described. First, in the initial state, the wedge transmission mechanism β of the wedge moving means is in a state shown in FIG. In this state, when the operation button 35 is squeezed together with the tool body 10, the operation button 3
5 moves in the direction of the mechanical splice setting section 31. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, the interval between the operation button 35 and the tool main body 10 becomes the interval L1.

When the operation button 35 is moved in the direction of the mechanical splice installation section 31, one end 531 of the driving link 53 is moved in the direction of arrow A, and the driving link 53 is moved.
Moves in the direction of arrow G. The movement of the one end 532 of the driving link 53 causes the elliptical cam disk 51 to rotate in the direction of the arrow H.

As the elliptical cam disk 51 rotates, the outer peripheral cam surface of the elliptical cam disk 51 and the surface 31 of the cam follower 310
The point of contact with the elliptical cam disk 51 and the long axis of the elliptical cam disk 51
Approaching the point P, which is the intersection of the circumferences of. Therefore, the rotation of the elliptical cam disk 51 causes the surface 311 of the cam follower 310 to be pushed by the outer peripheral cam surface of the elliptical cam disk 51, and the cam follower 310 to rotate.
Moves in the direction of arrow E, that is, in the direction toward the mechanical splice installation section 31.

Here, the wedge 33 is linked to the movement of the cam follower 310, so that the movement of the cam follower 310 in the direction of the arrow E causes the wedge 33 to move in the direction of the mechanical splice installation section 31 and the mechanical splice 1 A wedge 33 is inserted into the slit 14 by interruption.

Further, when the operation button 35 is squeezed together with the tool body 10, the operation button 35 is further moved in the direction of the mechanical splice installation section 31. As a result, as shown in FIG.
The interval of 0 is the interval L3.

At this time, when the operation button 35 further moves in the direction of the mechanical splice setting section 31, one end 531 of the driving link 53 further moves in the direction of arrow A, and one end 532 of the driving link 53 moves in the direction of arrow A. Move further in the direction of G. The movement of the one end 532 of the driving link 53 further rotates the elliptical cam disk 51 in the direction of the arrow H.

When the rotation of the elliptical cam disk 51 further rotates by more than 90 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 12, the contact point between the circumference of the elliptical cam disk 51 and the surface 311 of the cam follower 310 passes through the point P. Go. Therefore, by the rotation of the elliptical cam disk 51, the surface 311 of the cam follower 310 moves while being in contact with the outer peripheral cam surface of the elliptical cam disk 51, and the cam follower 310 moves.
Moves in the direction of arrow F, that is, in the direction away from the mechanical splice installation unit 31.

Here, since the wedge 33 is interlocked with the movement of the cam follower 310, the wedge 33 moves in the direction away from the mechanical splice installation part 31 by moving the cam follower 310 in the direction of arrow F, and the mechanical splice 1 is moved. The wedge 33 is pulled out from the slit 14 of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber transmission mechanism γ of the optical fiber moving means. The optical fiber transmission mechanism γ of the optical fiber moving means uses the wedge 33 to move the V-groove base 11 and the lid base 1 in the mechanical splice 1.
This is a mechanism for inserting the optical fiber 5 to be connected into the gap above the V-groove 15 provided between the two. Therefore, the optical fiber transmission mechanism γ of the optical fiber moving means is a mechanism for moving the optical fiber folder 34 holding the optical fiber 5 toward the mechanical splice 1 by intermediate movement of the operation button 35.

The optical fiber transmission mechanism γ of the optical fiber moving means includes a spur gear 60, a pinion 61, a rack 62,
The relay pinion 63, the relay double tooth rack 64, the pinion 65, and the rack 66 are provided. The spur gear 6
Numeral 0 is provided on a rotating shaft O coaxial with the rotating disk 41 of the wedge moving means shown in FIG.

The pinion 61 is rotatably mounted on a shaft suspended in the tool body 10. Pinion 61
Are externally meshed with the external teeth of the spur gear 60, and are also meshed with the teeth of the rack 62.

The rack 62 is mounted in the tool base 32 so as to be linearly movable in the direction of arrow K. The direction of the arrow K is a direction toward the mechanical splice installation section 31. At the base end of the rack 62, an optical fiber folder 34 is held by an optical fiber folder fixture 321. Therefore, when the pinion 61 rotates in the direction of the arrow J, the rack 62 moves in the direction of the arrow K, and the optical fiber folder 34 integrally fixed to the rack 62 also moves in the direction of the arrow K.

The relay pinion 63 is rotatably mounted on a shaft fixed to the tool body 10. The external teeth of the relay pinion 63 are externally meshed with the external teeth of the spur gear 60, and are also meshed with the lower teeth of the relay double tooth rack 64.

The relay double-tooth rack 64 is mounted in the tool body 10 and the tool base 32 so as to be linearly movable in the longitudinal direction of the relay double-tooth rack 64. Note that the external teeth of the relay pinion 63 and the external teeth of the pinion 65 may be directly circumscribed without providing the relay double-tooth rack 64.

The pinion 65 is rotatably mounted on a shaft fixed in the tool base 32. Pinion 65
Are meshed with the upper teeth of the relay double-tooth rack 64 and are also meshed with the teeth of the rack 66.

The rack 66 is mounted in the tool base 32 so as to be linearly movable in the direction of arrow Q. The direction of the arrow Q is a direction toward the mechanical splice installation section 31. At the base end of the rack 66, an optical fiber folder 34 is held by an optical fiber folder fixture 321. Therefore, when the pinion 65 rotates in the direction of the arrow N, the rack 66 moves in the direction of the arrow Q, and the optical fiber folder 34 integrally fixed to the rack 66 also moves in the direction of the arrow Q.
Move in the direction of.

Next, the operation of the optical fiber transmission mechanism γ of the optical fiber moving means will be described. The operation of the spur gear 60 rotates synchronously with the rotation operation of the rotating disk 41 shown in FIG. Then, when the operation button 35 is squeezed together with the tool body 10, the operation button 35 moves in the direction of the mechanical splice installation section 31. As a result, FIG.
And the operation button 35 and the tool body 10 as shown in FIG.
Is reduced from the interval L1 to the interval L2.

The movement of the operation button 35 in the direction of the mechanical splice installation section 31 causes the spur gear 60 to rotate in the direction of arrow I, similarly to the rotating disk 41.

The rotation of the spur gear 60 causes the pinion 6
1 rotates in the direction of arrow J. Due to the rotation of the pinion 61, the rack 62 moves in the direction of arrow K,
The optical fiber folder 34 connected to 2 also moves in the direction of arrow K, that is, in the direction of mechanical splice 1.

[0098] By the rotation of the spur gear 60, the relay pinion 63 rotates in the direction of arrow M. The rotation of the relay pinion 63 causes the relay double-tooth rack 64 to move in the right-hand direction in the drawing (the direction opposite to the arrow Q). By the movement of the relay double-tooth rack 64, the pinion 65 rotates in the direction of the arrow N. The rotation of the pinion 65 causes the rack 6
6 moves in the direction of arrow Q, and the optical fiber folder 34 fixed to the rack 66 also moves in the direction of arrow Q, that is, in the direction of the mechanical splice 1.

When the operation button 35 is squeezed together with the tool body 10, the optical fiber folder 34 fixed to the rack 62 and the optical fiber folder 34 fixed to the rack 66 are moved toward the mechanical splice 1. As it moves, each optical fiber 5 held in the optical fiber folder 34 is inserted into the gap above the V-groove 15 provided between the V-groove base 11 and the lid base 12 in the mechanical splice 1.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged schematic configuration diagram of a meshing portion between the pinion and the rack and the spur gear and the pinion in the optical fiber transmission mechanism γ of the optical fiber moving means. FIG.
(A) shows the engagement portion of the pinion 61 and the rack 62 in FIG. FIG. 14B shows a circumscribed meshing portion between the spur gear 60 and the pinion 61 in FIG. As shown in the figure, the amount of rotation of the pinion 61 is accurately converted into the amount of linear movement of the rack 62 by meshing the gear teeth.

The teeth of the spur gear 60 and the teeth of the pinion 61 mesh with each other. Thus, the rotation amount of the spur gear 60 is accurately converted into the rotation amount of the pinion 61. Further, by meshing the teeth of the relay pinions 63 and the pinions 65 with the relay double-tooth racks 64 and 66, the accuracy of the operation amount of the optical fiber moving means can be improved.

Although the representative example of the tool of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above items. Modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention and achieving the following effects.

For example, in this embodiment, the operation button 3
5 describes that the gripping member having the shape of a quadrangular prism always moves orthogonally in a posture parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice 1 installed in the mechanical splice installation portion 31, but the mechanical splice connection tool of the present invention is described. The operation button 35 is arranged so that it can be gripped and operated with one hand, and one end of a long grip member to be gripped is rotatably fixed (for example, in a bicycle). (A structure such as a brake operation section).

In this embodiment, the operation buttons 35
Although the wedge 33 and the optical fiber folder 34 are moved by using the linear motion as a power source, a small motor may be built in and the operation of the small motor may be controlled by the operation button 35.

[0105]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Only by squeezing the operation button with one hand, a series of operations for connecting optical fibers, such as inserting a wedge into the mechanical splice, inserting an optical fiber into the mechanical splice, and pulling out a wedge from the mechanical splice, are performed. With this configuration, it is possible to connect the optical fiber with a very simple one-handed operation, and it is possible to reduce the size of the mechanical splice connection tool.

Further, the mechanical splice connection tool according to the present invention is small and can be operated with one hand only by holding it with one hand, so that the mechanical splice connection tool is held at the original optical fiber on-site wiring position. And the connection of the optical fiber can be performed at that position.

Accordingly, it is not necessary to install a mechanical splice connection tool on a separately prepared work table or the like and to route the optical fiber to the mechanical splice connection tool on the work table as in the related art. It is possible to significantly reduce the extra connection length of the optical fiber as compared with the splice connection tool.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mechanical splice connection tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where the optical fiber folder 34 is removed in the same.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the mechanical splice connection tool according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective view of the optical fiber folder 34 in the above.

FIG. 5 is a plan view after setting the optical fiber 5 and the mechanical splice 1 in the same.

FIG. 6 is a plan view when the operation button 35 is pressed to set an interval L1.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the operation button 35 is further pressed to change the interval L2.
FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a state in which the operation button 35 is further pressed to change the interval L3.
FIG.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a wedge transmission mechanism α of the wedge moving unit in the same.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the wedge transmission mechanism α of the wedge moving means when the operation button 35 is at an interval L1.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the wedge transmission mechanism α of the wedge moving means when the operation button 35 is at the interval L3.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a wedge transmission mechanism β of another wedge moving means.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber transmission mechanism γ of the optical fiber moving unit in the above.

FIG. 14 shows an optical fiber transmission mechanism γ of the optical fiber moving means.
3A is a schematic diagram of an enlarged schematic view of a meshing portion of a pinion and a rack, and FIG. 3B is an enlarged schematic diagram of a meshing portion of a spur gear and a relay pinion.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a mechanical splice.

16 (a) is a schematic perspective view of a conventional mechanical splice connection tool, and FIG. 16 (b) is a partially enlarged perspective view of the periphery of a mechanical splice installation section 21 as seen from an arrow.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Mechanical splice 5 ... Optical fiber 10 ... Tool main body 11 ... V groove base 12 ... Lid base 13 ... Optical fiber insertion hole 14 ... Slit 15 ... V groove 16 ... Clamp spring 21 ... Mechanical splice installation part 22, 32 ... Tool stand Panel 23 ... Wedge 24 ... Optical fiber folder 25 ... Wedge operation handle 31 ... Mechanical splice installation part 33 ... Wedge 34 ... Optical fiber folder 35 ... Operation button 35a ... Button rod member 41 ... Rotating disk 42 ... Driving link 43 ... Driving Link 51: Elliptical cam disc 53 ... Driving link 60: Spur gear 61, 65 ... Pinion 62, 66 ... Rack 63 ... Relay pinion 64 ... Relay both teeth rack 321 ... Optical fiber folder fixture 322 ... Fixture slide groove 341 ... Nipping Lower base 342: clamping upper base 343: length adjustment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, A ', B', C ',
D ', E': Arrow I, J, K, M, N, Q ... Arrow L: Spacing O: Rotation axis P: Point α, β: Wedge transmission mechanism γ: Optical fiber transmission mechanism

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A mechanical splice connection tool, which is a tool for centering and connecting optical fibers using a mechanical splice, comprising an operation button that is gripped and pushed by one hand, and gripping the operation button with one hand. A mechanical splice connection tool comprising: a configuration in which the centering and the butt connection of an optical fiber using the mechanical splice are simultaneously completed by pushing. 2. A structure for simultaneously completing connection centering and butting of the optical fiber, comprising: a mechanical splice installation section for detachably holding the mechanical splice; and The mechanical splice connection tool according to claim 1, further comprising: a wedge that interrupts and moves orthogonally to one side of the mechanical splice. 3. The mechanical splice comprises: a pair of V-groove bases and a lid base that are vertically overlapped; and a clamp spring that grips the V-groove base and the lid base from one side. Along the V-groove provided on the base, the optical fiber to be connected is butt-inserted between the V-groove base and the lid base so as to be freely aligned, and the V-groove base and the lid base are elastically moved by the clamp spring. The mechanical splice connection tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mechanical splice connection tool is configured to be gripped. 4. The operation button, the wedge, and the mechanical splice installation portion, wherein the operation button and the mechanical button are integrally mounted and incorporated in a tool body that can be grasped together. 4. The mechanical splice connection tool according to 2 or 3. 5. A structure for simultaneously completing centering and butt connection of said optical fiber, comprising: a pair of upper and lower V-groove bases of a mechanical splice held by said mechanical splice installation portion; Wedge moving means for pulling the wedge into and out of the slit provided in the base, and holding each optical fiber to be connected in a gap above the V groove provided between the pair of upper and lower V groove bases and the lid base by the wedge. The mechanical splice connection tool according to claim 2, further comprising: a pair of left and right optical fiber moving means to be inserted from both right and left sides, respectively. 6. The wedge moving means, wherein the other end of a driving link having the operation button pivotally connected to one end thereof is pivotally connected to a rotating disk, and the other end of a driven link having one end pivotally connected to the rotating disk. The wedge is pivoted, and the operation button is squeezed and pushed to cause the wedge to move forward, so that the V-groove base and the lid base of the mechanical splice held by the mechanical splice installation portion are moved. The mechanical splice connection tool according to claim 5, comprising a wedge transmission mechanism for interrupting insertion of the wedge into the slit provided at the other side boundary. 7. The wedge moving means contacts an outer cam surface of an elliptical cam disk pivotally connected to the other end of a driving link having the operation button pivotally connected to one end thereof to a cam follower integrally fixed with the wedge. The operation button is squeezed and pushed to cause the wedge to advance, and to be provided at the other side of the V-groove base and the lid base of the mechanical splice held by the mechanical splice installation part. The mechanical splice connection tool according to claim 5, further comprising a wedge transmission mechanism that inserts the slit into the slit. 8. The pair of left and right optical fiber moving means includes one of a pair of left and right pinions which mesh with a pair of right and left racks each having an optical fiber folder fixing device for fixing the optical fiber, which is appropriately clamped, attached to one end. The relay pinion meshes with the spur gear and the other tooth of the relay double-tooth rack respectively, and the relay pinion that meshes with the other tooth of the relay double-tooth rack meshes with the spur gear. By moving the optical fibers closer to each other, the light to be connected is formed in the gap above the V-groove between the V-groove base and the lid base of the mechanical splice held by the mechanical splice installation portion. The optical fiber transmission mechanism for moving the optical fiber so that the fiber is inserted therein, The optical fiber transmission mechanism comprises: Mechanical splicing tool. 9. The wedge is actuated by the rotary disk, the elliptical cam disk, and the spur gear being coaxially attached at their respective centers and the operating button being pressed in a stepwise manner. Then, to the slit provided at the other side of the V-groove base and the lid base of the mechanical splice held by the mechanical splice installation portion,
The wedge is inserted by interruption, and a gap above the V-groove is opened between the V-groove base and the lid base in opposition to the gripping elastic force of the clamp spring. By being squeezed and pushed, the optical fibers are moved closer to each other so that the optical fiber to be connected is inserted into the gap on the V groove between the V groove base and the lid base of the mechanical splice. The optical fiber is moved, and furthermore, the wedge inserted in the slit is pulled out from the slit by retreating the wedge by the operation button being squeezed and pressed in three steps. The mechanical splice connection tool according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the mechanical splice connection tool is arranged so as to transmit freely and sequentially. 10. The pair of left and right optical fiber moving means includes: a pair of left and right optical fiber folders for detachably fixing optical fibers to be connected; and a pair of left and right optical fiber folders for detachably holding the pair of optical fiber folders. The operation button is squeezed and pushed to move toward the left and right ends of the mechanical splice held by the mechanical splice installation part, and the V-groove base and the lid base of the mechanical splice And an optical fiber fixture for inserting each optical fiber fixed to the pair of left and right optical fiber folders from both sides in a gap above the V-groove therebetween. 10. The mechanical splice connection tool according to 8 or 9. 11. The optical fiber folder has a holding lower base and a holding upper base in which a V-shaped groove, which is a V-shaped groove, is provided over the entire length, and an optical fiber to be connected to the V-shaped groove. The mechanical splice connection tool according to claim 10, wherein the optical fiber is sandwiched and fixed between the lower holding base and the upper holding base. 12. The optical fiber folder according to claim 10, wherein the optical fiber folder has a length adjusting unit serving as a scale for setting an insertion length of the optical fiber to be connected to the mechanical splice. The described mechanical splice connection tool. 13. The operating button is gripped at an outer end of a button rod member mounted on the tool main body so as to be able to protrude and retract so as to be substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice installed in the mechanical splice installation portion. A hand member is fixedly provided, wherein the hand member is fixed.
The mechanical splice connection tool according to 9, 10, 11 or 12. 14. A pair of left and right optical fiber folders are detachably held on the optical fiber folder fixing tool symmetrically with respect to the tool body fixedly mounted on the center of a tool base plate. And a pair of left and right sides provided on the same straight line as a straight line formed by the V-groove of the V-groove base of the mechanical splice installed in the mechanical splice installation part. A fixture slide groove, which is a groove, is formed to extend right and left on the upper surface of the tool base plate. 14. A tool according to claim 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the tool base is slidably arranged along each of the two sides and toward both ends of the mechanical splice. Mechanical splice connection tool. 15. The wedge is provided so as to freely advance and retreat along a lateral side of the mechanical splice installed on the mechanical splice installation portion on the side of the operation button, and is attached to the tool body so as to be movable in and out. Claims 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1
The mechanical splice connection tool according to 0, 11, 12, 13 or 14.