Welding machine

Abstract

A fusion splicer (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with: an optical fiber holder (10) for holding an optical fiber (F); a rotation mechanism (20) that rotates the optical fiber holder (10) about an axis extending along the optical fiber (F) as a central axis; a clamping part (30) that is disposed on the opposite side from the rotation mechanism (20) when viewed from the optical fiber holder (10) and that presses the optical fiber (F) held by the optical fiber holder (10); a light source (50) that is disposed above the optical fiber holder (10) and that irradiates light (L) to a portion of the optical fiber (F) pressed by the pinched portion (30); and a power supply unit (62) that supplies power to the light source (50). The tip (F1) of the optical fiber (F) protrudes from the clip part (30), and at least a portion of the surface of the clip part (30) facing the optical fiber (F) is a highly reflective surface (39).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a welding machine.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-031376, filed on March 1, 2023, and incorporates by reference all the contents described in that Japanese Patent Application. Background Art

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a fusion splicing device. The fusion splicing device comprises: a pair of V-grooved stages, each holding a pair of optical fibers; LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps positioned to the sides of each pair of optical fibers; and first and second television cameras for capturing images of the pair of optical fibers. The LED lamps inject light into the optical fibers from the sides. The light entering the optical fibers from the sides is emitted from the end faces of the optical fibers. The first and second television cameras capture images of the end faces of the optical fibers emitting light.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes an optical fiber connection device. The device connects a pair of photonic crystal fibers (PCFs). The device comprises two retaining members, each retaining one PCF; a first drive unit that moves each retaining member; a mirror positioned between the two PCFs; and a camera that captures the image reflected in the mirror. In the device, light is irradiated from the camera onto the PCFs using epi-illumination. While the end face of the PCFs is illuminated by this light, the fiber core at that end face is observed.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2013 / 077002

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-53625 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The disclosed fusion splicer comprises: a fiber holder for holding an optical fiber; a rotation mechanism for rotating the fiber holder about an axis extending along the optical fiber; a clamping portion disposed on the side of the fiber holder opposite the rotation mechanism when viewed from the fiber holder, the clamping portion pressing the optical fiber held by the fiber holder; a light source disposed above the fiber holder for irradiating light onto the portion of the optical fiber pressed by the clamping portion; and a power supply unit for supplying power to the light source. The tip of the optical fiber protrudes from the clamping portion, and at least a portion of the surface of the clamping portion facing the optical fiber is a highly reflective surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a diagram schematically showing a welding machine according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a side view schematically showing the optical fiber holder, the rotation mechanism, and the clamping portion of the fusion splicer according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a perspective view schematically showing the optical fiber holder, the rotation mechanism, and the clamping portion of the fusion splicer according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a side view showing a light source, a stage of a clamping portion, and a cover of the welding machine according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a side view schematically showing the optical fiber holder, the rotation mechanism, and the clamping portion of the fusion splicer according to the first modification.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a perspective view schematically showing a fiber holder, a rotation mechanism, and a clamping portion of a fusion splicer according to a first modification.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a side view schematically showing the optical fiber holder, the rotation mechanism, and the clamping portion of the fusion splicer according to the second modified example.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a perspective view schematically showing a fiber holder, a rotation mechanism, and a clamping portion of a fusion splicer according to a second modified example.

[0018] Figure 9 It is a side view showing a clamping portion and a non-transparent member of a welding machine according to a third modified example.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a front view showing a clamping portion and a non-transparent member of a welding machine according to a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In the aforementioned method of illuminating an optical fiber with a light source, such as epi-illumination, to illuminate the end face of the optical fiber, it is sometimes difficult to accurately determine the position of the optical fiber core. A known method is to inject light into the optical fiber from an end face opposite the end face from which the optical fiber is to emit light. However, with this method, especially when the optical fiber is long, the light may not reach the end face from which it is intended to emit light. Consequently, the optical fiber end face may not be sufficiently illuminated.

[0021] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fusion splicer that can make the end face of an optical fiber fully illuminated.

[0022] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0023] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure are listed for explanation. One embodiment of the fusion splicer (1) comprises: an optical fiber holder for holding an optical fiber; a rotating mechanism for rotating the optical fiber holder about an axis extending along the optical fiber; a clamping portion arranged on the side opposite to the rotating mechanism when viewed from the optical fiber holder in the direction along the center axis, the clamping portion pressing the optical fiber held by the optical fiber holder; a light source arranged above the optical fiber holder for irradiating light to the portion of the optical fiber pressed by the clamping portion; and a power supply portion for supplying power to the light source. The tip of the optical fiber protrudes from the clamping portion, and at least a portion of the surface of the clamping portion facing the optical fiber is a high-reflection surface.

[0024] A fusion splicer (2) according to another embodiment includes: a fiber holder for holding an optical fiber; a rotating mechanism for rotating the fiber holder about an axis extending along the optical fiber; a clamping portion arranged along the center axis on the side opposite to the rotating mechanism when viewed from the fiber holder, for pressing the optical fiber held by the fiber holder; a light source arranged along the center axis between the fiber holder and the clamping portion, for irradiating light into the portion of the optical fiber pressed by the clamping portion; and a power supply portion for supplying power to the light source. The tip of the optical fiber protrudes from the clamping portion, and at least a portion of a surface of the clamping portion facing the optical fiber is a highly reflective surface.

[0025] In the fusion splicer of (1) or (2) above, the optical fiber holder holds the optical fiber, and the rotating mechanism rotates the optical fiber holder. The fusion splicer has a clamping portion that presses the optical fiber, and the clamping portion is arranged on the side opposite to the rotating mechanism when viewed from the optical fiber holder. The fusion splicer has a light source located above the optical fiber holder or between the optical fiber holder and the clamping portion. The light source irradiates light onto the portion of the optical fiber that is pressed by the clamping portion. The top end of the optical fiber protrudes from the clamping portion. The light source irradiates light onto the portion of the optical fiber that is pressed by the clamping portion, thereby causing the end face of the optical fiber located at the top end of the optical fiber to fully glow. "Fully glow" means to glow to the extent that it can be photographed by a camera. At least a portion of the surface of the clamping portion that is opposite to the optical fiber is a high-reflection surface. Therefore, the light irradiated from the light source to the optical fiber is reflected on the high-reflection surface and re-enters the optical fiber. Therefore, the light irradiated from the light source can be confined in the optical fiber, so that the end face of the optical fiber can be further illuminated.

[0026] (3) In (1) or (2) above, the clamping portion may include a base for placing the optical fiber and a cover for covering the optical fiber placed on the base. Alternatively, at least a portion of the upper surface of the base and at least a portion of the lower surface of the cover may be highly reflective surfaces. In this case, light can be reflected from the optical fiber at the highly reflective surfaces located above and below the optical fiber, respectively. Therefore, light can be more reliably confined within the optical fiber, thereby allowing the end face of the optical fiber to emit further light.

[0027] (4) In any of the above (1) to (3), the high-reflection surface may be a polished surface. In this case, at least a portion of the surface of the clamping portion facing the optical fiber can be polished to produce the polished surface, thereby easily forming the high-reflection surface.

[0028] (5) In any of the above (1) to (4), the clamping portion may include a table for placing the optical fiber and a cover for covering the optical fiber placed on the table. The table may also include a first surface facing opposite to the light source, and the cover may also include a second surface facing opposite to the light source. The fusion splicer may also include a non-transparent member that extends from the second surface toward the first surface and blocks the gap formed between the cover and the table. In this case, by blocking the gap formed between the cover and the table with the non-transparent member, light can be prevented from leaking from the gap to the top of the optical fiber. Therefore, the captured image of the end face of the optical fiber can be made clearer.

[0029] (6) In any of the above (1) to (5), the fusion splicer may include a holder base on which the optical fiber holder is mounted. Alternatively, the optical fiber holder may be detachable relative to the holder base. In this case, the fusion splicer includes a holder base, and the optical fiber holder is detachable relative to the holder base. Since the optical fiber holder can be attached to and detached from the holder base, the optical fiber can be easily attached to and detached from the rotating mechanism.

[0030] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure]

[0031] A specific example of a welding machine according to an embodiment will be described. In the description of the drawings, identical or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted as appropriate. In the drawings, portions may be simplified or exaggerated for ease of understanding, and dimensional ratios and the like are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0032] First, refer to Figure 1 , the structure of the welding machine of this embodiment is described. Figure 1 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the welding machine 1 of this embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, a fusion splicer 1 fuses a pair of optical fibers F. The fusion splicer 1 includes a fiber holder 10 having a V-groove 11 and a rotation mechanism 20 for rotating the fiber holder 10. The axes of the pair of optical fibers F are aligned. "Axis" refers to the centerline of an optical fiber, extending through the center of the fiber and along the direction in which the fiber extends.

[0033] The fiber holder 10 and the rotation mechanism 20 are arranged along the axial direction, which is the direction in which the axis of the optical fiber F extends. When an XYZ three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system is established, and the axis of the optical fiber F is set to the Z axis, the axial direction of the optical fiber F is the Z axis. The fusion splicer 1 includes: a pair of fiber holders 10 arranged along the Z axis, which is the direction in which each of the pair of optical fibers F extends; and a pair of rotation mechanisms 20 arranged along the Z axis. The optical fibers F to be fused are positioned in the V-grooves 11 of each fiber holder 10. As an example, the fiber holder 10 is made of metal. The fiber holder 10 holds, for example, the coated portion of the optical fiber F. The fiber holder 10 holds the tip F1 of the optical fiber F protruding in the Z axis direction. The rotation mechanism 20 is located on the side opposite to the tip F1 of the optical fiber F when viewed from the fiber holder 10.

[0034] A pair of discharge electrodes 2 are disposed at positions opposing the tips F1 of a pair of optical fibers F. The pair of discharge electrodes 2 are disposed at positions opposing each other along a direction intersecting the optical fibers F (e.g., the X-axis direction). The optical fiber holder 10 includes, for example, a table 12 having a V-shaped groove 11 extending in the Z-axis direction for mounting the optical fibers F, and a cover 13 mounted on the table 12. The table 12 and cover 13 are arranged, for example, along the Y-axis direction, which intersects both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0035] A pair of discharge electrodes 2 fuse the tips F1 of a pair of optical fibers F together by discharging. For example, the fusion splicer 1 includes a control unit 3 that controls various components of the fusion splicer 1. The control unit 3 controls the discharge current and discharge time of the discharge electrodes 2 to perform fusion splicing under fusion conditions appropriate for the type of optical fibers F. In the fusion splicer 1, the control unit 3 controls the position of the pair of optical fibers F.

[0036] The control unit 3 adjusts the position of each optical fiber F in the X- and Y-axis directions and aligns the pair of optical fibers F so that they are aligned in a straight line along the Z-axis. Specifically, the control unit 3 performs alignment of the pair of optical fibers F in the X-, Y-, and Z-axis directions. The control unit 3 controls the rotation mechanism 20 to rotate the optical fibers F about an axis extending along the center of the optical fibers F (identical to the Z-axis in the figure), thereby performing alignment in the θ direction.

[0037] The optical fibers F, for example, require rotational alignment in the fusion splicer 1. The cores, claddings, and markings of a pair of optical fibers F must be aligned in the θ direction. For example, the optical fibers F are multicore fibers (MCF) or polarization-maintaining fibers (PMF).

[0038] Figure 2It is a side view showing the structure of the periphery of the optical fiber holder 10 . Figure 3 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of the periphery of the optical fiber holder 10. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the fusion splicer 1 includes a clamping portion 30 for pressing the tip F1 of the optical fiber F held by the optical fiber holder 10, a holder base 40 fixed to the rotation mechanism 20, and a light source 50. For example, the base 12 of the optical fiber holder 10 protrudes in the Z-axis direction relative to the cover 13.

[0039] The portion of the optical fiber F pressed by the clamping portion 30 is, for example, the portion of the optical fiber F with the coating. Only the portion of the optical fiber F protruding from the clamping portion 30 is the portion from which the coating has been removed. However, the portion pressed by the clamping portion 30 may also be the portion from which the coating of the optical fiber F has been removed (for example, the portion of the optical fiber F where the glass is exposed). The length of the portion of the optical fiber F protruding from the clamping portion 30 is, for example, 5 mm or less.

[0040] The holder base 40 is made of, for example, metal. The holder base 40 has a mounting surface 41 on which the optical fiber holder 10 is mounted. For example, the optical fiber holder 10 can be removed from the holder base 40. In this case, the optical fiber F can be held by the optical fiber holder 10 removed from the holder base 40, and the optical fiber holder 10 holding the optical fiber F can be mounted on the holder base 40. Furthermore, the optical fiber holder 10 can be replaced with one having an appropriate V-groove 11 depending on the diameter of the optical fiber F (cover diameter or glass diameter).

[0041] The holder base 40 extends from the rotating mechanism 20 in the Z-axis direction. The rotating mechanism 20 is located on the side opposite the tip F1 (end face) of the optical fiber holder 10 when viewed from the rotating mechanism 20. The rotating mechanism 20 includes, for example, a recess 20b for inserting the optical fiber F. The recess 20b is in the shape of a slit recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating mechanism 20 in the Y-axis direction. The rotating mechanism 20 rotates, for example, the optical fiber F along with the holder base 40 and the optical fiber holder 10 about an axis extending along the center of the optical fiber F.

[0042] The rotating mechanism 20 includes, for example, a motor (not shown) and gears (not shown). In this case, the motor driving the rotating mechanism 20 transmits the motor's rotational driving force to the holder base 40 and the optical fiber holder 10 via the gears, thereby rotating the holder base 40 and the optical fiber holder 10. The optical fiber F is inserted into the recess 20b of the rotating mechanism 20 and is held by the optical fiber holder 10. Therefore, the clamping portion 30 and the optical fiber F rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the holder base 40 and the optical fiber holder 10 by the rotating mechanism 20.

[0043] The clamping portion 30 is provided to hold the optical fiber F protruding from the fiber holder 10. The clamping portion 30 includes, for example, a base 31 on which the optical fiber F is placed, and a cover 32 that covers the optical fiber F placed on the base 31. The clamping portion 30 holds the optical fiber F by clamping the optical fiber F protruding from the fiber holder 10 in the Z-axis direction between the base 31 and the cover 32.

[0044] For example, the table 31 is a portion protruding in the Z-axis direction on the table 12 of the optical fiber holder 10. The end surface 31c of the table 31 located on the side opposite to the rotating mechanism 20 protrudes in the Z-axis direction more than the end surface 13b of the cover 13 located on the side opposite to the rotating mechanism 20 and the end surface 40b of the holder table 40 located on the side opposite to the rotating mechanism 20. A V-shaped groove 31g for placing the optical fiber F is formed in a portion of the upper surface 31b of the table 31. The V-groove 31g is Figure 3 or Figure 5 The cross-sectional shape on the XY plane in the V-shaped groove 31g is a groove extending in the Z direction. The optical fiber F placed on the V-groove 31g is clamped between the upper surface of the V-groove 31g and the lower surface 32b of the cover 32. For example, the clamping portion 30 has: a first portion 33, which protrudes from the retainer base 40 in the Y-axis direction; a second portion 34, which extends from the first portion 33 in the X-axis direction and is located above the cover 13; and a third portion 35, which extends from the second portion 34 in the Z-axis direction. The cover 32 protrudes downward at the end of the third portion 35 on the side opposite to the second portion 34. "Downward" indicates the direction in which the clamping portion presses the optical fiber, and "upward" indicates the direction opposite to downward. "Upward and downward" indicate upward and downward.

[0045] Light source 50 is disposed adjacent to table 31 and cover 32. Light source 50 is disposed above table 12. Light source 50 is disposed between cover 13 of fiber holder 10 and cover 32 of clamping portion 30. In this embodiment, light source 50 is fixed to the lower surface of third portion 35. Figure 4 FIG is an enlarged side view of the clamping portion 30 and the light source 50. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the light source 50 is arranged to irradiate the optical fiber F with light L from the side. The light source 50 irradiates the portion of the optical fiber F pressed by the clamping portion 30 with light L. For example, the light source 50 irradiates the optical fiber F with light L obliquely downward.

[0046] As an example, the light source 50 is an LED light source. For example, the welding machine 1 includes a power supply 61, and the light source 50 receives power from the power supply 61 via a power supply unit 62 to emit light. The power supply unit 62 represents the portion that supplies power to the light source 50, and for example, represents the portion of the welding machine 1 electrically connected to the light source 50. For example, the power supply unit 62 may be the wiring portion of the welding machine 1 that is connected to a power source (for example, a household power supply or an outlet) when the welding machine 1 is driven by an AC power source (when the welding machine 1 does not include a battery or a battery). If the welding machine 1 includes a battery or a battery, the power supply unit 62 may also be the wiring portion inside the welding machine 1 that is connected to the battery or a battery. The welding machine 1 may also include a dedicated battery or a battery connected to the power supply unit 62 that supplies power to the light source 50.

[0047] The table 31 has an upper surface 31b that faces the optical fiber F, and the cover 32 has a lower surface 32b that faces the optical fiber F. The optical fiber F is sandwiched between the upper surface 31b and the lower surface 32b. Alternatively, the optical fiber F is sandwiched between a V-groove 31g formed on the upper surface of the table 31 and the lower surface 32b of the cover 32. At least a portion of the surface of the clamping portion 30 that faces the optical fiber F is a high-reflection surface 39. A high-reflection surface is a surface that has been processed to increase the reflectivity of incident light or a surface to which a reflective film or the like has been affixed. For example, a high-reflection surface is a surface that has been polished and mirror-finished. Alternatively, the high-reflection surface may be a surface to which a reflective material has been affixed.

[0048] For example, the high-reflection surface 39 is a polished surface. A polished surface refers to a surface that has been polished. For example, the high-reflection surface 39 is a surface that has been polished using a polishing material. As an example, the upper surface 31b of the table 31 including the V-groove 31g and the lower surface 32b of the cover 32 are high-reflection surfaces 39. Light L is incident from the light source 50 on the portion of the optical fiber F that is sandwiched between the table 31 and the cover 32. At this time, the light L propagates inside the optical fiber F while being reflected at the V-groove 31g of the table 31 and the lower surface 32b of the cover 32. Therefore, the light L can be spread to the top F1 (end face) of the optical fiber F.

[0049] In the above description, an example is described in which the upper surface 31b of the stage 31 including the V-groove 31g and the lower surface 32b of the cover 32 serve as the high-reflection surface 39. However, a portion of the V-groove 31g and a portion of the lower surface 32b may serve as the high-reflection surface 39. Furthermore, either the V-groove 31g or the lower surface 32b may serve as the high-reflection surface 39. Alternatively, a portion of the upper surface 31b including the V-groove 31g may serve as the high-reflection surface 39.

[0050] Next, the effects achieved by the fusion splicer 1 of this embodiment will be described. In the fusion splicer 1, the fiber holder 10 holds the optical fiber F, and the rotation mechanism 20 rotates the fiber holder 10. The fusion splicer 1 includes a clamping portion 30 that presses the optical fiber F. The clamping portion 30 is located on the side opposite the rotation mechanism 20 when viewed from the optical fiber holder 10. Furthermore, the fusion splicer 1 includes a light source 50 located above the optical fiber holder 10. The light source 50 irradiates light L onto the portion of the optical fiber F pressed by the clamping portion 30. The tip F1 of the optical fiber F protrudes from the clamping portion 30. The light source 50 located above the optical fiber holder 10 irradiates light L onto the portion of the optical fiber F pressed by the clamping portion 30. This allows the end face of the optical fiber F located at the tip F1 of the optical fiber F to be fully illuminated. At least a portion of the surface of the clamping portion 30 that faces the optical fiber F is a highly reflective surface 39. Therefore, light L irradiated from the light source 50 onto the optical fiber F is reflected by the highly reflective surface 39 and re-enters the optical fiber F. Therefore, the light L emitted from the light source 50 can be confined in the optical fiber F, and thus the end face of the optical fiber F can be made to emit further light.

[0051] As described above, the clamping portion 30 may include a table 31 on which the optical fiber F is placed, and a cover 32 that covers the optical fiber F placed on the table 31. At least a portion of the upper surface 31b of the table 31 and at least a portion of the lower surface 32b of the cover 32 may be high-reflection surfaces 39. In this case, light L can be reflected from the high-reflection surfaces 39 located above and below the optical fiber F, respectively, toward the optical fiber F. Consequently, the light L can be more reliably confined within the optical fiber F, allowing the end face at the tip F1 of the optical fiber F to emit light.

[0052] As described above, the high-reflection surface 39 can be a polished surface. In this case, at least a portion of the surface of the clamping portion 30 that faces the optical fiber F can be polished to create a polished surface, making it easy to form the high-reflection surface 39. It should be noted that the high-reflection surface can also be formed by a reflective film attached to the clamping member, instead of the polished high-reflection surface 39.

[0053] As described above, the fusion splicer 1 may include a holder base 40 on which the optical fiber holder 10 is mounted. The optical fiber holder 10 may be detachable from the holder base 40. In this case, the fusion splicer 1 includes the holder base 40, and the optical fiber holder 10 is detachable from the holder base 40. Since the optical fiber holder 10 can be attached to and detached from the holder base 40, the optical fiber F can be easily attached to and detached from the rotating mechanism 20.

[0054] Next, various variations of the welding machine disclosed herein will be described. The configuration of the welding machine in each of the variations described below is partially identical to that of the welding machine 1 described above. Therefore, in the following description, identical reference numerals will be assigned to parts of the description that have already been made, and any elaboration will be omitted as appropriate. Figure 5It is a side view of a welding machine 1A according to a first modified example. Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the welding machine 1A.

[0055] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the configuration of the clamping section 30A and the surrounding area of ​​the light source 50 of the welding machine 1A differs from that of the welding machine 1. The clamping section 30A includes a table 31A and a cover 32. The table 31A has an end surface 31d located on the side opposite the rotating mechanism 20. The end surface 31d is aligned with the end surface 40b of the holder table 40 located on the side opposite the rotating mechanism 20 without any step. The clamping section 30A includes a first portion 33b protruding from the holder table 40 in the Y-axis direction and a second portion 34b extending from the first portion 33 in the X-axis direction and located above the table 31A. The cover 32 protrudes downward from the second portion 34b.

[0056] The light source 50A is held by a light source holding mechanism 51. The light source holding mechanism 51 includes a third portion 52 protruding from the holder stage 40 in the Y-axis direction, and a fourth portion 53 extending from the third portion 52 in the X-axis direction and positioned above the stage 12. The light source 50A is fixed to the lower surface of the fourth portion 53. As in the aforementioned embodiment, the light source 50A irradiates the portion of the optical fiber F pressed by the clamping portion 30A with light L. The light L is repeatedly reflected by the high-reflection surface 39 formed in the V-groove 31g of the stage 31A and the high-reflection surface 39 formed on the lower surface 32b of the cover 32.

[0057] Figure 7 It is a side view of a welding machine 1B according to a second modification. Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the welding machine 1B. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the fusion splicer 1B is different from the fusion splicer 1 in that it has a clamping portion 30B that is different from the clamping portion 30 and that the light source 50 does not rotate along with the optical fiber holder 10 .

[0058] The clamping portion 30B includes a stage 31B separate from the holder stage 40, and a cover 32B that covers the optical fiber F placed on the stage 31B. The cover 32B is held by a cover holding mechanism 36. The cover holding mechanism 36 includes a first portion 37 that protrudes in the Y-axis direction relative to the stage 31B, and a second portion 38 that extends from the first portion 37 in the X-axis direction. The cover 32B is held on the lower surface of the second portion 38.

[0059] The light source 50 is held by a light source holding mechanism 55 positioned adjacent to the cover holding mechanism 36. The light source 50 and the light source holding mechanism 55 are positioned between the optical fiber holder 10 and the clamping portion 30B. The light source holding mechanism 55 includes a third portion 56 extending parallel to the first portion 37 and a fourth portion 57 extending from the third portion 56 in the X-axis direction. The light source 50 is held on the lower surface of the fourth portion 57. The fusion splicer 1B includes the light source 50, which is positioned between the optical fiber holder 10 and the clamping portion 30B and directs light L into the portion of the optical fiber F pressed by the clamping portion 30B. The light L is repeatedly reflected by the high-reflection surface 39 formed in the V-groove 31g of the stage 31 and the high-reflection surface 39 formed on the lower surface 32b of the cover 32. Consequently, the fusion splicer 1B achieves the same effects as the fusion splicer 1 described above.

[0060] Figure 9 It is a side view showing a clamping portion 30C of a welding machine 1C according to a third modified example. Figure 10 This is a front view of the clamping unit 30C. The clamping unit 30C includes a base 31C and a cover 32C. The base 31C has a first surface 31f facing opposite to the light source 50. The cover 32C has a second surface 32f facing opposite to the light source 50. The welding machine 1C includes an opaque member 70 that closes the gap between the cover 32C and the base 31C.

[0061] The opaque member 70 blocks the portion of the gap formed between the cover 32C and the stage 31C, except for the portion where the optical fiber F protrudes. The opaque member 70 is fixed to the second surface 32f of the cover 32C. The opaque member 70 extends from the second surface 32f toward the first surface 31f of the stage 31C. As described above, blocking the gap formed between the cover 32C and the stage 31C with the opaque member 70 prevents light from leaking through the gap toward the tip F1 of the optical fiber F. This allows for a clearer image of the end face of the tip F1 of the optical fiber F.

[0062] The above describes the welding machine according to the embodiment and various modified examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment or modified examples. That is, it is easy for a person skilled in the art to recognize that the present invention can be variously modified and changed within the scope of the subject matter described in the claims. The configuration of each part of the welding machine can be appropriately changed within the scope of the above-mentioned subject matter. That is, the shape, size, number, material and configuration of each part of the welding machine disclosed in the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment or modified examples, and can be appropriately changed. In addition, the welding machine disclosed in the present invention can also be a welding machine formed by combining multiple of the above-mentioned embodiment, first modified example, second modified example and third modified example.

[0063] For example, in the above embodiment, the optical fiber holder 10 is described as being attachable to and detachable from the holder base 40. However, the optical fiber holder may not be attachable to and detachable from the holder base. Furthermore, the fusion splicer may not include the holder base 40. In this case, the fusion splicer may also be one in which the optical fiber holder 10 is fixed to the rotating mechanism 20.

[0064] Description of Reference Numerals

[0065] 1. 1A, 1B, 1C: welding machine;

[0066] 2: discharge electrode;

[0067] 3: Control department;

[0068] 10: Fiber optic holder;

[0069] 11: V-groove;

[0070] 12: Taiwan;

[0071] 13: cover;

[0072] 13b: end face;

[0073] 20: Rotating mechanism;

[0074] 20b: concave part;

[0075] 30, 30A, 30B, 30C: clamping part;

[0076] 31, 31A, 31B, 31C: Taiwan;

[0077] 31b: upper surface;

[0078] 31c, 31d: end faces;

[0079] 31f: first side;

[0080] 31g: V-groove;

[0081] 32, 32B, 32C: cover;

[0082] 32b: lower surface;

[0083] 32f: second side;

[0084] 33, 33b: Part I;

[0085] 34, 34b: Part II;

[0086] 35: Part III;

[0087] 36: cover holding mechanism;

[0088] 37: Part I;

[0089] 38: Part II;

[0090] 39: Highly reflective surface;

[0091] 40: retainer platform;

[0092] 40b: end face;

[0093] 41: mounting surface;

[0094] 50: light source;

[0095] 51: light source holding mechanism;

[0096] 52: Part III;

[0097] 53: Part IV;

[0098] 55: light source holding mechanism;

[0099] 56: Part III;

[0100] 57: Part IV;

[0101] 61: Power supply;

[0102] 62: Power supply unit;

[0103] 70: non-transparent parts;

[0104] F: optical fiber;

[0105] F1: top;

[0106] L: Light.

Claims

1. A welding machine comprising: Fiber optic holder, used to hold the optical fiber; a rotating mechanism for rotating the optical fiber holder about an axis extending along the optical fiber as a central axis; a clamping portion arranged on a side opposite to the rotating mechanism when viewed from the optical fiber holder in a direction along the central axis, the clamping portion pressing the optical fiber held by the optical fiber holder; a light source disposed above the optical fiber holder and irradiating light toward a portion of the optical fiber pressed by the clamping portion; as well as a power supply unit for supplying power to the light source; The tip of the optical fiber protrudes from the clamping portion, At least a portion of a surface of the clamping portion that faces the optical fiber is a high-reflection surface.

2. A welding machine comprising: Fiber optic holder, used to hold the optical fiber; a rotating mechanism for rotating the optical fiber holder about an axis extending along the optical fiber as a central axis; a clamping portion arranged on a side opposite to the rotating mechanism when viewed from the optical fiber holder in a direction along the central axis, the clamping portion pressing the optical fiber held by the optical fiber holder; a light source disposed between the optical fiber holder and the clamping portion in a direction along the central axis and configured to emit light into a portion of the optical fiber pressed by the clamping portion; as well as a power supply unit for supplying power to the light source; The tip of the optical fiber protrudes from the clamping portion, At least a portion of a surface of the clamping portion that faces the optical fiber is a high-reflection surface.

3. The welding machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The clamping portion includes a base on which the optical fiber is placed and a cover for covering the optical fiber placed on the base. At least a portion of the upper surface of the stage and at least a portion of the lower surface of the cover are the highly reflective surfaces.

4. The welding machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The high-reflection surface is a polished surface.

5. The welding machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The clamping portion includes a base on which the optical fiber is placed and a cover for covering the optical fiber placed on the base. The stage has a first surface facing opposite to the light source, The cover has a second surface facing opposite to the light source, The welding machine further includes a non-transparent member extending from the second surface toward the first surface and closing a gap formed between the cover and the stage.

6. The welding machine according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a holder stage carrying the optical fiber holder, The optical fiber holder is detachable relative to the holder stage.

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