Fusion splice aid and method for optical fiber devices

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of optical fiber fusion, and discloses a fusion method and fusion equipment for an optical fiber device, wherein an ultra-short optical fiber is fused with a preset auxiliary optical fiber to generate an extended segment optical fiber of the ultra-short optical fiber located outside the body of the optical fiber device; a fusion point generated by the fusion is located in the extended segment optical fiber, and the optical fiber length of the extended segment optical fiber meets the requirement of standard cutting; standard cutting is performed on the extended segment optical fiber to obtain a reserved optical fiber segment connected with the body of the optical fiber device and a cut-off optical fiber segment separated from the body of the optical fiber device; the reserved optical fiber segment has a smooth end face obtained by standard cutting, and the fusion point is completely located in the cut-off optical fiber segment; and the reserved optical fiber segment is fused with a target optical fiber based on the smooth end face of the reserved optical fiber segment. The method has the beneficial effect that the smooth end face of the ultra-short optical fiber is cut under the condition of low loss, and normal fusion of the ultra-short optical fiber is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical fiber communication technology, and in particular to a fusion splicing auxiliary tooling and fusion splicing method for optical fiber devices. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous expansion and in-depth application of fiber optic technology in various fields such as fiber optic communication, laser transmission, and sensing, fiber optic devices, as key components for information transmission and processing, are being used more and more frequently and play an indispensable role in various complex systems.

[0003] Currently, fiber optic devices are mostly connected via fusion splicing. This fusion splicing technology involves six steps: fiber coating stripping, bare fiber cleaning, end face cleaving, connection processing, fusion point protection, and splice performance testing. During fusion splicing, the fiber optic device typically requires a fiber margin of ≥15cm.

[0004] However, with the use of fiber optic devices, when the fiber length on the device is less than 15cm, there is a problem that the fiber optic device cannot be spliced ​​with other fibers, thus requiring the replacement of the fiber optic device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a fusion splicing auxiliary tooling and fusion splicing method for optical fiber devices, which solves the technical problem that optical fiber devices with ultra-short fibers cannot be fused with other optical fibers, realizes the fusion splicing of ultra-short fibers on optical fiber devices with other optical fibers, and thus improves the service life of optical fiber devices with ultra-short fibers.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the main technical solutions adopted in this application include: In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a fusion splicing auxiliary fixture for an optical fiber device, wherein the optical fiber device has an ultra-short optical fiber connected to the main body, the ultra-short optical fiber being an optical fiber with a length less than a preset threshold; the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture includes: an arc-shaped bend; the arc-shaped bend is composed of an upper half-tube and a lower half-tube, the cross-sections of the upper half-tube and the lower half-tube are both semi-circular, and the contact surfaces of the upper half-tube and the lower half-tube are provided with a connection structure. When using a fusion splicer to splice ultrashort fibers on the optical fiber device, the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture is fitted over the ultrashort fiber so that the ultrashort fiber is led out from the cover of the fusion splicer after being bent by the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture.

[0007] In this example, by using this fusion splicing auxiliary fixture, the ultrashort fiber of the optical device with ultrashort fiber does not need to be led out from the preset position of the fusion splicer, but can be led out from the cover of the fusion splicer. This change in the lead-out method greatly reduces the length requirement of the fiber during the fusion splicing process, allowing ultrashort fibers to be placed inside the fusion splicer for splicing.

[0008] In one example, the curved bend includes: an optical fiber socket; The fiber optic splice is the end of the ultra-short fiber inserted when the ultra-short fiber is fitted; the fiber optic splice has a flared, large-diameter gradient structure; and the inner diameter of the flared, large-diameter gradient structure gradually decreases along the fiber insertion direction.

[0009] In this example, the flared, large-diameter, tapered structure design of the fiber optic splice end improves the insertion efficiency of ultra-short optical fibers into the curved bend and enhances the efficiency of the fusion splicing auxiliary tooling.

[0010] In one example, the arc-shaped bend includes: a welding positioning end; the welding positioning end is used to fix and limit the internal components of the welding machine.

[0011] In this example, by fixing the fusion splice positioning end to the fusion splicer, the problem of unstable fixation of the ultra-short fiber during the fusion splicing process is avoided. This setting can further improve the auxiliary effect of the fusion splicing tooling and increase the fusion success rate of ultra-short fibers.

[0012] In one example, the welding positioning end includes: a magnetic suction element; The magnetic suction component is located near the outlet of the arc-shaped bend tube and is used to attract and connect to the end of the fiber clamp inside the fusion splicer when the ultra-short fiber on the fiber device is fused using the fusion splicer. And / or, The magnetic suction component is located in the middle of the arc-shaped bend and is used to be attracted and connected to the bottom of the fusion splicer box cover when the ultra-short optical fiber on the optical fiber device is fused using the fusion splicer.

[0013] In this example, the use of the magnetic clamp can utilize the inherent characteristics of the components in the welding machine to fix the arc-shaped bend without requiring any modification to the welding machine, thus improving the adaptability of the welding auxiliary tooling.

[0014] In one example, the welding positioning end includes: a snap fastener; A slot is provided below the fusion splicer box cover; the buckle is provided in the middle of the arc-shaped bend and is used to snap into the bottom of the fusion splicer box cover when the fusion splicer is used to splice the ultra-short optical fiber on the optical fiber device.

[0015] In this example, the use of this clip can fix the curved tube, improving the splicing effect of ultra-short optical fibers during the fusion splicing process assisted by the fusion splicing auxiliary tool.

[0016] In one example, the curved bend includes: an optical fiber channel; The optical fiber channel is disposed between the optical fiber socket and the fusion splice positioning end, and the optical fiber channel has a smooth transition with the optical fiber socket and the fusion splice positioning end. The inner diameter of the optical fiber channel is determined based on the outer diameter of the standard optical fiber.

[0017] In this example, the fiber optic channel configuration ensures that the ultra-short fiber can be bent along the channel, thus maintaining the bending radius and preventing damage from excessive bending. Furthermore, the fiber optic channel's protection of the ultra-short fiber prevents damage to its coating, further ensuring splicing efficiency during the splicing process.

[0018] In one example, the inner wall of at least one of the fiber optic splice end, fiber optic channel, and fusion splice positioning end of the arc-shaped bend has a smooth flexible guide layer.

[0019] In this example, the flexible guide layer prevents the coating from being damaged due to friction or collision when the ultra-short optical fiber is inserted into the curved tube.

[0020] In one example, the outer wall of the curved pipe is provided with an anti-slip texture.

[0021] In this example, the anti-slip texture further prevents the curved bend from sliding inside the fusion splicer, thereby improving the splicing effect of the ultra-short fiber. Furthermore, the anti-slip texture increases the friction when the user pushes the curved bend 100 into the fusion splicer, preventing slippage and improving the tooling's maneuverability.

[0022] In one example, the overall length of the curved bend is 5-12 cm.

[0023] In this example, the overall length of the curved bend can be set in stages according to the length of the ultra-short fiber. The length of the curved bend is usually shorter than that of the ultra-short fiber. This setting ensures that one end of the ultra-short fiber can be fixed in the clamp inside the fusion splicer after passing through the curved bend, thus guaranteeing the fusion splicing effect of the ultra-short fiber.

[0024] In one example, the arc of the curved pipe is 110-130 degrees.

[0025] In this example, the arc design ensures that the ultra-short fiber can be led out of the fusion splicer from the cover, while also ensuring that the bending arc of the ultra-short fiber will not cause it to break, thus guaranteeing the fusion splicing effect of the ultra-short fiber.

[0026] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a fusion splicing method for an optical fiber device, applied to the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture described in any of the first aspects, wherein the optical fiber device has an ultrashort optical fiber connected to the body, comprising: Connect the upper and lower halves of the welding auxiliary tooling to obtain an arc-shaped bend. After the ultrashort optical fiber passes through the arc-shaped bend, one end of the ultrashort optical fiber is fixed to the optical fiber clamp inside the fusion splicer, and the other end of the ultrashort optical fiber is bent through the arc-shaped bend and led out from the cover of the fusion splicer. Start the fusion splicer to fuse the ultrashort optical fiber to another optical fiber fixed inside the fusion splicer; Open the upper and lower half of the fusion splicing auxiliary tool and take out the fused ultrashort optical fiber.

[0027] In this example, by fitting a fusion splicing auxiliary fixture onto the ultra-short fiber, the ultra-short fiber can be bent at a fixed angle and led out of the fusion splicer from the cover. This allows the ultra-short fiber optical equipment to be placed normally, and the ultra-short fiber to be fixed in the fiber clamp, thereby enabling the fusion splicing of the ultra-short fiber with other optical fibers. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fusion splicing auxiliary tooling for an optical fiber device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fusion splicing auxiliary tooling for an optical fiber device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fusion splicing auxiliary tooling for an optical fiber device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a fusion splicing method for an optical fiber device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a fusion splicing method for an optical fiber device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure Labels 100 - Curved bend; 110 - Upper half-pipe; 120 - Lower half-pipe; 130 - Connection structure; 140 - Fiber optic socket end; 150 - Fusion splice positioning end; 160 - Fiber optic channel. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] With the rapid development of fiber optic technology in fields such as fiber optic communication and laser transmission, fiber optic devices are being used more and more frequently in daily life. In the actual use of fiber optic devices, various factors often lead to fiber optic losses. Firstly, when replacing other fiber optic devices connected to the same device, the disassembly and installation processes inevitably cause some degree of pulling and bending of the fiber, thus damaging the fiber optic portion. Secondly, fiber itself has an aging problem; over time and due to the combined effects of the usage environment, the physical and transmission performance of the fiber gradually declines, which also contributes to fiber optic losses in fiber optic devices.

[0033] Currently, connections between fiber optic devices can be achieved by fusion splicing the fibers of two devices. This fiber optic fusion splicing technology generally involves six main steps: fiber coating stripping, bare fiber cleaning, end-face cleaving, connection processing, fusion point protection, and splice performance testing. Typically, this splicing process requires ensuring that the fiber optic devices have a fixed fiber length of ≥15cm. This fiber length is used to mitigate light loss during steps such as coating stripping and end-face cleaving. It also ensures that sufficient fiber can be inserted into the fusion splicer.

[0034] During coating stripping, approximately 1-2 cm of the fiber coating is typically removed to expose the bare fiber. Similarly, during end-face cleaving, 1-2 cm of fiber is usually removed to ensure a smooth cut end. This end-face cleaving avoids the problem of degraded overall fiber performance caused by performing fusion splices on uneven end faces.

[0035] However, as the fiber length in an optical fiber device decreases, the remaining fiber can be termed ultrashort fiber when the remaining fiber length is less than 15cm. Optical fiber devices with ultrashort fibers are often unusable because they cannot be fused with other optical fiber devices, and are therefore replaced. Replacing these ultrashort fiber devices not only increases system costs but also increases the workload of system maintenance.

[0036] Therefore, how to achieve fusion splicing between ultrashort optical fibers and other optical fibers, thereby improving the service life of devices with ultrashort optical fibers and reducing the frequency of equipment replacement, has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0037] To address the aforementioned issues, this application proposes a fusion splicing auxiliary fixture for optical fiber devices. This fusion splicing auxiliary fixture can be used in conjunction with a fusion splicer, allowing ultrashort optical fibers to be placed on the fusion splicer to achieve splicing with other optical fibers.

[0038] The fusion splicing auxiliary fixture for optical fiber devices disclosed in this application is an arc-shaped bend structure adaptable to an optical fiber fusion splicer. The two ends of the arc-shaped bend can be functionally named the fiber optic splice end and the fusion positioning end, respectively. The area between these two ends forms the optical fiber channel. The fusion positioning end features multiple types of limiting structures, allowing it to be fixed to the fusion splicer and precisely fitted with the fusion splicer housing cover to form a controllable gap. The fiber optic splice end has a flared, large-diameter, tapered inlet for easy insertion of ultra-short optical fibers. Furthermore, the arc-shaped bend structure can be divided into an upper half and a lower half. Both the upper and lower half have semi-circular cross-sections.

[0039] During the use of this fusion splicing auxiliary fixture for optical fiber devices, the upper and lower halves of the tube can be fixedly connected into an arc-shaped bend before fusion splicing, and this arc-shaped bend can be fitted over the ultra-short optical fiber. After fusion splicing is completed, the upper and lower halves of the tube can be opened to facilitate the removal of the fused ultra-short optical fiber.

[0040] The fusion splicing auxiliary fixture of this optical fiber device is equipped with multiple limiting structures to achieve precise and stable positioning with the fusion splicer. It also forms a controllable gap of 3-4mm under the fusion splicer box cover, allowing the optical fiber to be led out of the fusion splicer through the fusion splicer box cover, thus enabling the non-fusion spliced ​​part of the optical fiber device to be placed outside the fusion splicer over an ultra-short distance.

[0041] The fiber optic device's fusion splicing auxiliary fixture features a flared, large-aperture fiber optic sleeve with a flexible guide layer, facilitating rapid fiber insertion and effectively reducing wear during insertion and movement. The fixture's outer wall has an anti-slip texture, and its one-piece molded structure offers high strength. Manual operation is convenient and requires no specialized training.

[0042] This fiber optic device's fusion splicing auxiliary fixture is based on existing fiber optic fusion splicers, requiring no structural modifications to the splicer, thus offering high versatility and reducing operating costs. This fusion splicing auxiliary fixture is compatible with various fiber types, including SMF-28 fiber, polarization-maintaining fiber, and microstructure fiber, and has broad application prospects in fields such as fiber optic communication, laser transmission, and fiber optic sensing.

[0043] Furthermore, the fusion splicing auxiliary tooling for optical fiber devices based on this application enables the fusion splicing of optical fiber devices with ultra-short optical fibers with other optical fibers. This allows for the continued use of optical fiber devices, avoids the problem of optical fiber devices being scrapped due to insufficient fiber length, reduces the replacement frequency of optical fiber devices, significantly extends the service life of optical fiber devices, reduces resource waste and maintenance costs, and improves the overall reliability, efficiency, and stability of the system.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a fusion splicing auxiliary fixture for an optical fiber device provided in an embodiment of this application. This fusion splicing auxiliary fixture is designed for optical fiber devices with ultra-short optical fibers. The ultra-short optical fiber is an optical fiber with a length less than a preset threshold. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture includes an arc-shaped bend 100. The arc-shaped bend 100 is a hollow pipe structure. When splicing ultrashort fibers on an optical fiber device using a fusion splicer, the arc-shaped bend 100 of the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture is fitted over the ultrashort fiber, allowing the ultrashort fiber to be bent through the arc-shaped bend 100 and then led out from the fusion splicer's housing cover.

[0045] Optionally, the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture can create a controllable gap of 3-4 mm at the fusion splicer's housing cover. Based on this controllable gap, the ultrashort fiber can be led out from the housing cover, instead of from the fusion splicer's preset optical path. This change in the lead-out path can significantly shorten the required length of the ultrashort fiber, thereby further ensuring the fusion splicing effect of the ultrashort fiber, reducing the length of the fiber extending into the fusion cavity, and greatly increasing the operational margin for ultrashort fiber fusion splicing.

[0046] In this example, by using this fusion splicing auxiliary fixture, the ultrashort fiber of the optical device with ultrashort fiber does not need to be led out from the preset position of the fusion splicer, but can be led out from the cover of the fusion splicer. This change in the lead-out method greatly reduces the length requirement of the fiber during the fusion splicing process, allowing ultrashort fibers to be placed inside the fusion splicer for splicing.

[0047] In one example, the curved pipe 100 is composed of an upper pipe 110 and a lower pipe 120. The cross-sections of the upper pipe 110 and the lower pipe 120 are both semicircular, and a connecting structure 130 is provided on the contact surface of the upper pipe 110 and the lower pipe 120.

[0048] For example, when the upper pipe 110 and the lower pipe 120 are connected by the connecting structure 130, they form the arc-shaped bend 100. When the connecting structure 130 of the upper pipe 110 and the lower pipe 120 is opened, the upper pipe 110 and the lower pipe 120 are separated.

[0049] In one implementation, the upper half 110 and the lower half 120 of the arc-shaped bend 100 are both integrally formed structures.

[0050] Optionally, the upper half 110 and the lower half 120 of the curved tube 100 can be made of rigid insulating plastic or lightweight rust-resistant metal. This material selection can balance structural strength, lightweight, and insulation. Using this material ensures that the overall weight of the curved tube 100 is ≤20g, avoiding bending of ultra-short optical fibers.

[0051] In one implementation, the upper tube 110 and the lower tube 120 can be as follows: Figure 2 As shown.

[0052] In one implementation, at least one connecting structure 130 may be provided on the upper pipe 110 and the lower pipe 120. The connecting structures 130 provided on the upper pipe 110 and the lower pipe 120 may be positioned correspondingly. When the upper pipe 110 and the lower pipe 120 are connected, the connecting structures 130 at corresponding positions on the upper pipe 110 and the lower pipe 120 are fixedly connected.

[0053] Optionally, the fixing connection can be a pin connection. For example, the fixing structure 130 can be a plate-shaped fixing structure with through holes. When the upper half-pipe 110 and the lower half-pipe 120 are connected, the fixing structures 130 at corresponding positions on the upper half-pipe 110 and the lower half-pipe 120 overlap, and the through holes are connected. The pin can pass through the through holes of the fixing structures 130 at corresponding positions on the upper half-pipe 110 and the lower half-pipe 120, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the upper half-pipe 110 and the lower half-pipe 120.

[0054] Alternatively, the plate-like fixing structure with through holes and the pin can also be replaced with nuts and bolts.

[0055] Optionally, the fixing structures 130 at corresponding positions of the upper tube 110 and the lower tube 120 can also be fixedly connected by means of snap-fit, magnetic attraction, etc.

[0056] In this example, by splitting the curved tube into an upper and lower half, it is ensured that the connection between the upper and lower half can form a curved tube with a through hole, allowing ultra-short optical fibers to pass through the through hole. Furthermore, it ensures that after the ultra-short optical fiber splicing is completed, the spliced ​​ultra-short optical fiber can be removed by opening the upper and lower half, thereby improving the auxiliary effect of the splicing tooling.

[0057] In one example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the arc-shaped bend 100 includes: an optical fiber socket end 140, a fusion splice positioning end 150, and an optical fiber channel 160.

[0058] For example, an ultrashort optical fiber can be inserted into the arc-shaped bend 100 through the fiber optic socket 140, and then exit the arc-shaped bend 100 through the fiber optic channel 160 and the fusion positioning end 150.

[0059] In one example, the fiber optic splice 140 is the end into which the ultrashort fiber is inserted when it is spliced. The fiber optic splice 140 has a flared, large-diameter tapered structure. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the flared, large-diameter tapered structure gradually decreases along the fiber insertion direction.

[0060] For example, the flared, large-diameter, tapered structure facilitates the insertion of the ultrashort fiber from the fiber optic splice end 140 into the arc-shaped bend 100 during fiber insertion. The inner diameter of the fiber optic splice end 140 gradually decreases along the fiber insertion direction, ensuring that its inner diameter gradually matches the inner diameter of the fiber optic channel 160 between the two ends of the arc-shaped bend 100. This achieves a smooth connection without steps or jamming, enabling rapid and seamless insertion of the ultrashort fiber from the device connection end, significantly improving operational efficiency.

[0061] Optionally, the maximum inner diameter of the opening of the flared, large-diameter gradient structure is 10 mm.

[0062] In this example, the flared, large-diameter, tapered structure design of the fiber optic splice end improves the insertion efficiency of ultra-short optical fibers into the curved bend and enhances the efficiency of the fusion splicing auxiliary tooling.

[0063] In one example, the welding positioning end 150 is used to fix with an internal component of the welding machine to form a limit.

[0064] In one implementation, a magnetic element may be provided on the welding positioning end 150. By attracting the metal parts in the welding machine with the magnetic element, the arc-shaped bend 100 can be fixed inside the welding machine, thereby limiting the position of the arc-shaped bend 100.

[0065] Optionally, the magnetic attractor can be located at the outlet of the fusion positioning end 150 in the curved bend 100. This magnetic attractor located at the outlet can adhere to the end of the fiber optic clamp when it is near the end of the fiber optic clamp.

[0066] Optionally, the magnetic element is located in the middle of the curved bend 100. The magnetic element can be magnetically attached to the underside of the welding machine housing cover. Since the welding machine housing cover is typically a magnetic cover, the magnetic element in the curved bend 100 facilitates the attachment and fixation of the curved bend 100 to the underside of the welding machine housing cover.

[0067] Optionally, the curved bend 100 may also include a magnetic suction element disposed at the outlet and a magnetic suction element disposed in the middle. This arrangement allows the curved bend 100 to be attracted at two points inside the welding machine, thereby further ensuring the limiting effect.

[0068] In one implementation, a snap-fit ​​can be provided on the welding positioning end 150. A corresponding slot can be provided inside the welding machine. Through the snap-fit ​​and slot, the curved pipe 100 can be fixedly connected.

[0069] Optionally, a slot is provided below the welding machine housing cover. A clip is located in the middle of the curved bend. This design allows the curved bend 100 to be secured under the welding machine housing cover.

[0070] Optionally, the splice positioning end is provided with two symmetrical elastic plastic clips, and the corresponding position on the splice box cover is provided with two adapter slots. Positioning is achieved when the curved tube is pushed into the clip and engages with the slot. After positioning by the clip-limiting fixture in this embodiment, there is no magnetic interference from magnetic suction components, making it suitable for fiber optic splicing scenarios that are sensitive to magnetism. After splicing is completed, the fixture can be quickly removed by pressing the elastic clips.

[0071] In one implementation, an annular limiting step is provided on the outer periphery of the welding positioning end, which cooperates with the magnetic suction component or the snap-on positioning to form a double limiting, thereby improving the positioning stability.

[0072] Optionally, the step width can be 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, etc.

[0073] In this example, by fixing the fusion splice positioning end to the fusion splicer, the problem of unstable fixation of the ultra-short fiber during the fusion splicing process is avoided. This setting can further improve the auxiliary effect of the fusion splicing tooling and increase the fusion success rate of ultra-short fibers.

[0074] In one example, the fiber optic channel 160 is disposed between the fiber optic splice end and the fusion splice positioning end. The fiber optic channel 160 is the main body of the arc-shaped bend 100. The inner wall of the fiber optic channel 160 smoothly transitions between the fiber optic splice end 140 and the fusion splice positioning end 150, thereby ensuring that the ultra-short fiber can be smoothly inserted into the arc-shaped bend 100.

[0075] In one implementation, the inner diameter of the fiber optic channel is determined based on the outer diameter of a standard fiber. For example, the inner diameter of the fiber optic channel is precisely matched to the outer diameter of a standard fiber with a diameter of φ0.125 / 0.25mm.

[0076] In this example, the fiber optic channel configuration ensures that the ultra-short fiber can be bent along the channel, thus maintaining the bending radius and preventing damage from excessive bending. Furthermore, the fiber optic channel's protection of the ultra-short fiber prevents damage to its coating, further ensuring splicing efficiency during the splicing process.

[0077] In one example, at least one of the fiber optic splice end 140, fiber optic channel 160, and fusion splice positioning end 150 of the arc-shaped bend 100 has a smooth, flexible guide layer on its inner wall bonding surface. A guide path for the ultra-short optical fiber is formed inside the arc-shaped bend 100. The flexible guide layer ensures the smoothness of the inner wall surface of the arc-shaped bend 100. During fiber insertion and movement, the flexible guide layer effectively protects the fiber coating, completely avoiding scratches and damage during fiber insertion in traditional methods, and ensuring the original performance of the optical fiber.

[0078] Alternatively, the flexible guide layer can be made of silicone or rubber.

[0079] Optionally, the thickness of the flexible guide layer can be 1 mm.

[0080] In this example, the flexible guide layer prevents the coating from being damaged due to friction or collision when the ultra-short optical fiber is inserted into the curved tube.

[0081] In one example, the inner walls of the fiber optic splice end 140, fiber optic channel 160, and fusion splice positioning end 150 of the arc-shaped bend 100 can also be subjected to high-precision smooth polishing to minimize wear and resistance during the movement and positioning of the fiber in the channel, ensure the stability of the fiber attitude, and avoid damage to the fiber coating and fiber misalignment caused by channel friction.

[0082] In one example, the outer wall of the curved bend 100 is provided with an anti-slip texture.

[0083] In this example, the anti-slip texture further prevents the curved bend from sliding inside the fusion splicer, thereby improving the splicing effect of the ultra-short fiber. Furthermore, the anti-slip texture increases the friction when the user pushes the curved bend 100 into the fusion splicer, preventing slippage and improving the tooling's maneuverability.

[0084] In one example, the overall length of the curved bend 100 is 5-12 cm. This length is suitable for most ultra-short optical fibers up to 15 cm. When an ultra-short optical fiber can pass through the curved bend 100 of the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture, it can be considered that the ultra-short optical fiber can be fused through the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture.

[0085] Optionally, the width of the curved bend 100 is 30-50 mm. This width can be determined based on the wall thickness of the curved bend after determining its inner diameter.

[0086] Optionally, the edges of the curved bend 100 are chamfered to remove burrs and prevent scratches to operators and optical fibers.

[0087] In one implementation, based on ultra-short optical fibers of 4-6cm, 6-8cm, 8-10cm, and >10cm, curved bends of length 3cm, 5cm, 7cm, and 9cm can be set respectively.

[0088] In this example, the overall length of the curved bend can be set in stages according to the length of the ultra-short fiber. The length of the curved bend is usually shorter than that of the ultra-short fiber. This setting ensures that one end of the ultra-short fiber can be fixed in the clamp inside the fusion splicer after passing through the curved bend, thus guaranteeing the fusion splicing effect of the ultra-short fiber.

[0089] In one example, the curvature of the curved bend 100 is 110-130 degrees. The curvature of the curved bend 100 can be determined based on its length. Based on the curvature of the curved bend 100, it is necessary to ensure that one end of the ultrashort optical fiber passing through the curved bend 100 can be fixed to the fiber optic clamp of the fusion splicer. When the ultrashort optical fiber is led out from the cover, the bending curvature of the ultrashort optical fiber conforms to the characteristics of the optical fiber, thus preventing abnormalities such as fiber breakage.

[0090] Optionally, depending on the ultra-short optical fiber lengths of 4-6cm, 6-8cm, 8-10cm, and >10cm, different lengths of curved tubes 100 can be set, and different curvatures can be corresponding to achieve differentiated bending curvature settings, thereby achieving precise adaptation of ultra-short optical fibers of different lengths.

[0091] In this example, the arc design ensures that the ultra-short fiber can be led out of the fusion splicer from the cover, while also ensuring that the bending arc of the ultra-short fiber will not cause it to break, thus guaranteeing the fusion splicing effect of the ultra-short fiber.

[0092] In one example, this application can adapt to SMF-28 optical fibers of 4cm and above, polarization-maintaining optical fibers, and microstructure optical fibers, and can achieve low-loss fusion splicing of various types of ultrashort optical fibers without modifying existing fusion splicers.

[0093] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a fusion splicing method for an optical fiber device provided in an embodiment of this application. The optical fiber device has an ultrashort optical fiber connected to the main body, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the process includes the following steps: S201. Connect the upper and lower halves of the welding auxiliary tool to obtain an arc-shaped bend.

[0094] For example, when it is determined that fusion splicing is required for an optical device with ultra-short optical fibers, the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture to be used can be determined based on the length of the ultra-short optical fiber. Then, the upper and lower halves of the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture can be connected to obtain an arc-shaped bend.

[0095] S202. After the ultra-short optical fiber passes through the arc-shaped bend, fix one end of the ultra-short optical fiber to the optical fiber clamp inside the fusion splicer, and then bend the other end of the ultra-short optical fiber through the arc-shaped bend and lead it out from the cover of the fusion splicer.

[0096] For example, an ultrashort optical fiber can be passed through an arc-shaped bend, causing the ultrashort fiber to bend along the arc-shaped bend. The ultrashort fiber exiting from one end of the arc-shaped bend can be fixed to a fiber clamp inside the fusion splicer. This exiting ultrashort fiber can be the end of the ultrashort fiber furthest from the optical device. The end of the ultrashort fiber closest to the optical device, after being bent along the arc-shaped bend, is led out from the cover of the fusion splicer.

[0097] This method ensures that the ultra-short fiber distance is sufficient to lead out of the fusion splicer, thus guaranteeing enough space for optical devices. Because the optical path for fixing the internal components of the fusion splicer is relatively long, in the case of an ultra-short fiber, it may not be able to be secured to the fiber optic clamp and led out of the fusion splicer. Consequently, under normal circumstances, optical devices connected to this ultra-short fiber may have nowhere to be placed because the ultra-short fiber cannot be led out of the fusion splicer.

[0098] In one implementation, when the ultrashort optical fiber passes through the arc-shaped bend, it can enter from the fiber optic splice end, bend along the fiber optic channel, and finally exit from the fusion splice positioning end.

[0099] In one implementation, the curved bend through which the ultrashort optical fiber is inserted can be slowly extended into the fusion splicer from its housing cover. The curved bend is fixed inside the fusion splicer once the splice positioning end is secured to the splice. Subsequently, an optical fiber clamp is used to secure the end of the ultrashort optical fiber that protrudes from the curved bend.

[0100] Optionally, the fusion splice positioning end can be fixed to the end of the optical fiber clamp using a magnetic attachment. In this case, the fixed curved tube can extend out of the fusion splicer's housing cover. Alternatively, the fusion splice positioning end can be fixed to the bottom of the fusion splicer's housing cover using a magnetic attachment. In this case, the fixed curved tube can be secured at the fusion splicer's housing cover. This configuration ensures that the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture can wrap the ultra-short optical fiber as it passes through the housing cover.

[0101] In one implementation, the outer surface of the curved bend may be provided with an anti-slip texture. This anti-slip texture can better control the position of the curved bend and prevent slippage during the process of inserting it into the welding machine.

[0102] S203. Start the fusion splicer and fuse the ultra-short fiber to another fiber fixed inside the fusion splicer.

[0103] For example, once the ultrashort fiber has been secured, a fusion splicer can be started to fuse the ultrashort fiber to another fiber.

[0104] S204. Open the upper and lower half of the fusion splicing auxiliary tool and take out the spliced ​​ultra-short optical fiber.

[0105] For example, since the other fiber is typically connected to another fiber device, the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture needs to be opened and removed after the fusion splicing is completed.

[0106] In this example, by fitting a fusion splicing auxiliary fixture onto the ultra-short fiber, the ultra-short fiber can be bent at a fixed angle and led out of the fusion splicer from the cover. This allows the ultra-short fiber optical equipment to be placed normally, and the ultra-short fiber to be fixed in the fiber clamp, thereby enabling the fusion splicing of the ultra-short fiber with other optical fibers.

[0107] Based on the above embodiments, taking the fusion splicing of a 10cm length PM1550 polarization-maintaining fiber ultrashort device as an example, a magnetically clamping auxiliary fixture is adopted. The structure of this fusion splicing auxiliary fixture may include: Select a fusion splicing auxiliary fixture suitable for 8-10cm ultrashort optical fibers. This fixture is made of rigid insulating plastic. The upper and lower halves can be integrally molded. The inner diameter of the fiber optic channel inside the curved bend of the fixture matches the outer diameter of the polarization-maintaining fiber, and the inner wall is polished, smooth and burr-free. The main body of the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture is 8cm long with a bending arc of 120°, forming a bending angle suitable for the fusion splicer housing cover.

[0108] The fiber optic splice has a flared opening. The maximum inner diameter of the splice is 1 cm, gradually decreasing along the insertion direction to connect with the fiber optic channel. A 1 mm thick flexible silicone guide layer is bonded to the inner wall. The surface of the silicone layer is smooth to avoid scratching the fiber coating.

[0109] The welding positioning end features a circular neodymium iron boron first magnetic element embedded on its outer side. This first magnetic element is a magnet with a diameter of 5mm and a thickness of 2mm. A ferrous magnetic metal sheet is attached to the corresponding position on the welding machine housing cover. This ferrous magnetic metal sheet can serve as a second magnetic element. When the welding auxiliary fixture is pushed to the preset position, the first magnetic element and the magnetic metal sheet are attracted to each other, achieving precise positioning. An annular limiting step with a width of 3mm is provided on the outer periphery of the welding positioning end, forming a double limiting mechanism in conjunction with the magnetic positioning to improve positioning stability.

[0110] The fusion splicing auxiliary fixture features a grid-like anti-slip texture on its outer wall to increase friction. The fixture weighs ≤50g, a lightweight design that avoids bending ultra-short optical fibers.

[0111] After the fusion splicing auxiliary tool is inserted into the polarization-maintaining fiber, it can become a gasket for the fusion splicer box cover, forming a 3.5mm gap. This allows the non-fusion spliced ​​portion of the fiber to be placed outside the fusion splice cavity, reducing the length of the fiber extending into the fusion splice cavity and increasing the operating margin.

[0112] Based on the above embodiments, the specific process of splicing the 10cm long PM1550 polarization-maintaining fiber ultrashort device can be as follows: Figure 5 As shown, near-lossless splicing of the PM1550 polarization-maintaining fiber is achieved through one pre-splicing and one splicing. This process may include: S301. Prepare a bare 10cm PM1550 polarization-maintaining fiber as a splice extension.

[0113] S302. Strip the 1.5cm coating layer from the bare polarization-maintaining fiber, wipe the surface of the bare fiber with anhydrous ethanol to remove impurities and oil, and use a high-precision fiber optic cleaver to cut the end face to ensure that the end face is flat, without tilting, and without burrs.

[0114] S303: The ultrashort fiber end already has a 2cm coating stripping zone. Simply clean the stripped zone with anhydrous ethanol. At this point, the ultrashort fiber end can be uneven. Directly splicing this uneven end may reduce fiber connectivity.

[0115] S304. Fusion Splicer Parameter Adjustment: Switch the fiber optic fusion splicer to manual fusion mode, and disable the automatic fusion function and fiber angle limiting function. For PM1550 polarization-maintaining fiber, set the arc discharge parameters: main discharge power 2000 bits, arc discharge time 1000ms. Adjust the alignment method to axis alignment mode, disable one side, and switch the other side to manual adjustment, retaining manual alignment space to ensure fiber end face alignment accuracy.

[0116] S305. Attach the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture to the outside of the ultra-short optical fiber, ensuring the fiber enters the fiber channel smoothly without bending or compression. Pinch the anti-slip texture on the outer wall of the fixture with your fingers and slowly push it along the ultra-short optical fiber towards the splice end until the first magnetic chuck at the splice positioning end engages with the iron magnetic metal plate on the fusion splicer cover, thus fixing the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture to the fusion splicer via the magnetic chuck. The limiting step should also fit against the inner abutment surface of the fusion splicer cover, achieving dual positioning of the fixture. Create a 3.5mm gap at the cover to guide the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture out.

[0117] Secure one end of the ultrashort optical fiber extending from the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture using the fusion splicer's optical fiber clamp. The non-fusion-splicing portion of the ultrashort optical fiber should be placed outside the fusion splice chamber of the fusion splicer.

[0118] S306. Secure the bare polarization-maintaining fiber using another fiber clamp on the fusion splicer. Slowly tighten the clamp to ensure the fiber is securely fixed and that the fiber axis is aligned with the axis of the fusion splice cavity.

[0119] S307. Through the observation window of the fusion splicer, manually adjust the positions of the left and right clamps to precisely align the end faces of the ultrashort fiber device and the bare polarization-maintaining fiber, controlling the end face gap to within 0.05mm. After confirming alignment, manually trigger the arc discharge of the fusion splicer to complete the first fusion splice. Turn off the discharge and wait for the fiber to cool down. Use fiber strippers to remove any remaining coating layer from the bare polarization-maintaining fiber, and clean the fusion splice area and fiber surface again with anhydrous ethanol.

[0120] S308. Cutting the ultrashort fiber after the first fusion splice. Use a high-precision fiber cleaver to cut the fiber end face, cutting as close as possible to the fusion point and ensuring the fusion point is within the cut section. The distance between the fusion point and the cut surface should be ≤0.5cm. After cutting, a flat, vertical fiber end face is obtained. At this point, the effective length of the ultrashort fiber device remains at 9.5cm, achieving minimum loss over the effective length.

[0121] S309. Select the PM1550 polarization-maintaining fiber device to be connected to the fiber optic system, and perform pretreatment such as 1.5cm coating stripping, cleaning, and end face cutting on its end.

[0122] S3010. Insert the diced ultrashort fiber into the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture and fix the fixture to the fusion splicer, so that the ultrashort fiber and the polarization-maintaining fiber device to be connected are placed in the fusion splicer fixture and clamped. Switch the fusion splicer to automatic fusion mode, start the standard fusion program, and complete the connection fusion of the ultrashort fiber device and the fiber optic system.

[0123] S3011. Insertion loss tester was used to test the splice insertion loss. The test results showed that the splice insertion loss was 0.05dB, the splice was free of deformation and bubbles, the polarization-maintaining fiber axis was consistent, and the splicing performance met the requirements of the fiber optic system. Heat shrink tubing was applied to the splice for protection, and the entire splicing operation was completed.

[0124] In this example, by using a fusion splicing auxiliary fixture to perform two auxiliary fusion splices on the ultra-short fiber, the ultra-short fiber can be spliced ​​with other fibers with minimal loss, thereby improving the service life of optical devices with ultra-short fibers.

[0125] Based on the above embodiments, the fusion splicing process of optical devices with ultrashort optical fibers may include the following steps: S401. The ultrashort optical fiber is fused with a pre-set auxiliary optical fiber to generate an extension section of the ultrashort optical fiber located outside the optical fiber device body. The fusion point is located within the extension section of the optical fiber, and the length of the extension section meets the requirements of standard dicing.

[0126] For example, an ultrashort optical fiber is fused with a pre-defined auxiliary optical fiber, making the auxiliary optical fiber an extension of the ultrashort optical fiber. The length of this extension optical fiber meets the standard cutting requirements of the end-face cutting step during the fiber fusion splicing operation. The fusion point formed by splicing the ultrashort optical fiber and the auxiliary optical fiber can be located on this extension optical fiber.

[0127] In one implementation, the auxiliary fiber is an optical fiber that is spliced ​​onto the ultrashort fiber during the fusion splicing process. Optionally, the auxiliary fiber can be of the same type as the ultrashort fiber. Optionally, the length of the auxiliary fiber can be greater than or equal to a preset length. Optionally, the preset length can be determined according to standard cutting requirements.

[0128] In one implementation, fusion splicing pretreatment involves a series of preparatory steps for the optical fiber, typically including coating stripping, fiber cleaning, and end-face cleaving. The aim is to ensure a smooth fiber end face and a clean fiber body, thereby meeting standard fusion splicing requirements.

[0129] In one implementation, the fusion splicing equipment is a specialized instrument used to perform optical fiber fusion splicing. It can fuse and connect the end faces of two optical fibers together through specific methods such as electric arc discharge.

[0130] In one implementation, ultrashort fiber refers to the fiber remaining on the fiber optic device when the fiber length is less than a preset threshold after the fiber on the fiber optic device has been lost.

[0131] Optionally, the preset threshold can be a shorter length such as 15cm or 10cm. Typically, when the fiber length on the fiber optic device is less than the preset threshold, the fiber optic device will not be able to perform normal fusion splicing operations, thus preventing the fiber optic device from splicing with other fiber optic devices.

[0132] Alternatively, normal fusion splicing operations that cannot be performed on ultrashort fibers may include the inability to perform standard end-face cleaving. Standard cleaving requires a significant amount of fiber, which ultrashort fibers cannot handle due to their inherent losses.

[0133] It should be noted that the ultrashort fiber spliced ​​with the auxiliary fiber in this step is an ultrashort fiber that has not been end-face cleaved and does not have a smooth end face.

[0134] S402. Perform a standard cleaving on the extended optical fiber to obtain a retained optical fiber segment connected to the optical fiber device body and a cut-off optical fiber segment separated from the optical fiber device body. The retained optical fiber segment has a smooth end face obtained from the standard cleaving, and the melting point is entirely located within the cut-off optical fiber segment.

[0135] For example, the generated extended fiber section is cut according to standard cutting requirements, resulting in a retained fiber segment connected to the fiber optic device body and a cut fiber segment separated from the fiber optic device body. The cut surface obtained by standard cutting is a smooth end face, and the melting point is entirely located within the cut fiber segment.

[0136] In one implementation, the retained fiber segment is a portion of the original ultrashort fiber. The cut-off fiber segment serves as the auxiliary fiber and the fusion splice.

[0137] In one implementation, the fusion splice is the connection point formed by fusing the auxiliary optical fiber and the ultrashort optical fiber together using a fusion splicing device.

[0138] In one implementation, a smooth end face refers to an optical fiber end face that is flat and free of burrs and defects, obtained after the optical fiber is cut with a cleaving tool. This type of optical fiber end face is beneficial for subsequent high-quality fusion splicing with the target optical fiber.

[0139] In one implementation, the cutting operation can be completed using a manual fiber optic cleaver after the cutting position is manually determined. Alternatively, the cutting operation can use an automatic fiber optic cleaver, which automatically detects the splice point and determines the cutting position based on that splice point, thereby achieving the cutting.

[0140] In one implementation, during the standard dicing process, the cutter head is aligned with the cutter face. In this standard dicing process, the cutter head is aligned with the position of the ultrashort optical fiber near the splice point.

[0141] S403. Based on the smooth end face of the retained fiber segment, the retained fiber segment is fused to the target fiber.

[0142] For example, based on the smooth end face obtained by standard cutting of the retained fiber segment, the retained fiber segment is fused with the target fiber to connect the two fibers together, thereby realizing the connection between the ultrashort fiber and the target fiber.

[0143] In one implementation, the target optical fiber is the fiber that will ultimately be fusion spliced ​​to the ultrashort optical fiber. After the connection is completed, the fiber optic equipment containing the target optical fiber and the fiber optic equipment containing the ultrashort optical fiber can communicate.

[0144] In one implementation, the fusion splicing in this step can be achieved through the automatic fusion splicing function of a fusion splicing device. This automatic fusion splicing typically requires that the two optical fibers to be fused have smooth end faces. Therefore, the retained fiber segment obtained through standard dicing meets the requirements, enabling automatic fusion splicing.

[0145] In this embodiment, an extension fiber is obtained by fusing an auxiliary fiber to an ultra-short fiber. The length of the extension fiber is then used to perform a standard cut to obtain a retained fiber segment with a smooth end face. This retained fiber segment is then fused with the target fiber. This method achieves the cutting of the smooth end face of the ultra-short fiber with minimal loss, thereby achieving a high-quality and stable connection between the ultra-short fiber and the target fiber.

[0146] This application employs a "first extend, then fusion" splicing scheme, enabling ultra-short optical fibers to obtain extended sections suitable for standard cleaving. This allows the cleaver to cut close to the fusion point during standard cleaving, requiring only ultra-short optical fibers with minimal loss. Smooth end faces can be obtained from ultra-short optical fibers, significantly reducing loss during standard cleaving and increasing the number of reusable fusion splices. This achieves the effect of reusable fusion splicing even for optical fiber devices only 5 cm in length, significantly improving the maintainability of ultra-short devices in system integration.

[0147] In one example, before splicing the ultrashort optical fiber to the preset auxiliary optical fiber in step S401 above, the ultrashort optical fiber needs to be pre-processed. This process includes: S4011. Perform coating stripping and fiber cleaning on ultrashort optical fibers.

[0148] For example, it is necessary to perform coating stripping on the ultrashort optical fiber to remove the coating layer covering the outside of the fiber and expose the pure fiber body. The stripped fiber is then thoroughly cleaned to remove any impurities, oil, or other contaminants that may be attached to the fiber surface, providing a good foundation for subsequent operations such as splicing.

[0149] In one implementation, if the coating of the ultrashort fiber has been stripped, the surface of the ultrashort fiber can be cleaned directly.

[0150] In one implementation, the coating layer is a protective material wrapped around the outside of the optical fiber. Its main function is to protect the optical fiber from physical damage and chemical corrosion from the external environment, while also reducing the micro-bending loss on the surface of the optical fiber.

[0151] In one implementation, fiber cleaning is a process of cleaning the fiber after the coating has been stripped. The purpose is to remove the residual coating and residual coating cleaning solution to ensure that the fiber surface is clean and tidy, and to avoid impurities from being mixed in during subsequent fusion splicing.

[0152] In one implementation, the coating removal can be accomplished using a chemical method. That is, the optical fiber can be immersed in a specific chemical solvent to soften the coating, which can then be gently wiped away with a clean cloth or cotton ball.

[0153] In another implementation, the coating stripping can be accomplished using specialized fiber optic coating stripping tools. That is, the coating can be stripped off mechanically.

[0154] In one implementation, high-purity alcohol swabs can be used to gently wipe the surface of the optical fiber to achieve fiber cleaning.

[0155] In another approach, a professional fiber optic cleaning pen containing cleaning liquid can be used. The cleaning liquid is released onto the fiber optic surface for cleaning by rotating or squeezing.

[0156] It is important to note that the ultrashort fiber is not end-face cleaved when fusion splicing with the auxiliary fiber. That is, the pretreatment of the ultrashort fiber before fusion splicing with the auxiliary fiber only includes coating stripping and fiber cleaning in this step, and does not include conventional end-face cleaving.

[0157] In this example, by stripping the coating and cleaning the ultrashort fiber, the surface of the ultrashort fiber can be kept clean and free of impurities, providing a good foundation for the subsequent splicing of the ultrashort fiber.

[0158] In one example, in step S403 above, before splicing the retained fiber segment to the target fiber based on the smooth end face of the retained fiber segment, the retained fiber segment also needs to be pre-processed. This process includes: S4031. Clean the retained fiber segment.

[0159] For example, since the retained fiber segment has already undergone coating stripping and fiber cleaning in step S4011, it is not necessary to strip the coating again in this step. Furthermore, since the retained fiber segment underwent cutting or other processing in S402, to ensure the splicing effect in this step, fiber cleaning can be performed on the retained fiber segment before splicing to ensure no impurities are introduced during the splicing process.

[0160] In one implementation, the fiber cleaning process can remove various impurities such as dust, oil, and fingerprints, ensuring that the fiber surface is clean and uncontaminated, thus creating favorable conditions for subsequent splicing, connection, or other processing procedures.

[0161] In one implementation, high-purity alcohol can be used. The alcohol is poured onto a clean cloth or cotton ball and then gently wiped along the surface of the optical fiber to clean the retained optical fiber segment.

[0162] In another approach, a professional fiber optic cleaning pen can be used. The pen typically contains cleaning fluid and a cleaning head. The cleaning head is gently brought into contact with the fiber surface, and the cleaning fluid is evenly applied to the fiber surface and removed by rotating or moving the pen, thus cleaning the fiber segment to be retained.

[0163] Another implementation method is to use gas purging. A compressed air tank or air compressor is used to blow clean, dry air at an appropriate pressure onto the surface of the optical fiber to remove dust and other impurities, thereby cleaning the retained optical fiber segment.

[0164] In this example, by cleaning the retained fiber segment, the surface of the retained fiber segment is ensured to be clean and free of impurities, thus providing a good foundation for subsequent standard fusion splicing.

[0165] In one example, during the splicing process in steps S401 and S403 above, the ultra-short optical fiber may be too short to be properly inserted into the splicing equipment for splicing. To address this, taking step S401 as an example, splicing can be completed by adding a spacer. This method can also be used in step S403. The process may include: S4013. Place the ultrashort optical fiber and the auxiliary optical fiber into the fixing assembly of the fusion splicer for fixation.

[0166] For example, the ultrashort fiber and the auxiliary fiber are each accurately placed into a specially designed fixing component of the fusion splicing equipment. The fixing component firmly fixes the two fibers, ensuring that the fibers will not shift or shake during subsequent fusion splicing operations, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy and quality of the fusion splicing.

[0167] In one implementation, the fixing component is a part of the fusion splicing equipment used to fix the optical fiber. The fixing component may include mechanical structures for fixing. Typically, these mechanical structures are provided on both sides of the fusion splicing equipment. One mechanical structure on each side is used to fix one optical fiber.

[0168] Alternatively, the mechanical structure can be a snap-fit, a retaining clip, a magnetic plate, etc.

[0169] S4014. Place a gasket at the top cover of the welding equipment to maintain a preset gap between the top cover and the main body of the welding equipment after the cover is closed.

[0170] For example, a appropriately sized gasket is placed at the closing position of the top cover of the welding equipment. After the gasket is placed, the welding equipment will be held in place by the gasket when the top cover is closed, so that the top cover and the body of the welding equipment will not be completely tightly fitted, but a certain gap will remain.

[0171] In one implementation, the top cover is an openable and closable component of the welding equipment, used to seal the welding cavity during the welding process to isolate the welding cavity from the outside.

[0172] In one implementation, the gasket is a thin sheet-like part. Optionally, when both the upper cover and the main body of the welding equipment are magnetic, the gasket can be an iron sheet. Optionally, the gasket can also be an adhesive rubber sheet. Optionally, the gasket can also be a magnetic sheet.

[0173] In one implementation, once the gasket is placed in the closed position of the top cover, the gasket will be fixed in that position and will not move.

[0174] In one implementation, since the top cover is large and the gasket is small, the position where the gasket is placed when the top cover is closed can be located on the center line of the top cover. Alternatively, the gasket can be placed at a position where the center of the top cover is offset towards the side of the ultra-short optical fiber.

[0175] In one implementation, the preset gap is the gap formed after the gasket is placed. The size of the preset gap is denoted as the thickness of the gasket.

[0176] S4015, The bent ultra-short optical fiber is led out through a preset gap.

[0177] For example, after the ultra-short optical fiber is fixed by the fixing component, it can be bent into a certain arc by bending, so that the ultra-short optical fiber does not have to come out from one side of the fusion splicing device, but can be led out from the preset gap.

[0178] In one implementation, during the bending process of the ultrashort optical fiber, excessive bending or twisting should be avoided to prevent damage to the fiber and affect its transmission performance. A certain bending radius and shape can be maintained for the ultrashort optical fiber.

[0179] Optionally, the bending radius refers to the radius of the arc formed when the optical fiber is bent. This bending radius can be determined based on the mechanical strength of the optical fiber.

[0180] In this example, the ultrashort fiber is stably fixed inside the fusion splicing device by fixing it inside and placing a shim at the top cover to form a preset gap. The bent ultrashort fiber is then led out from this preset gap, thus achieving stable fixation. By bending the ultrashort fiber, its length within the fusion splicing device is shortened, thereby improving its utilization rate, reducing the frequency of fiber optic device replacement, and increasing the fusion splicing success rate. This application, without altering the fusion splicing device structure, reduces the length of the fiber entering the fusion cavity by setting a metal shim at the fusion splice cover to create a controllable gap. While ensuring stable fixation of the ultrashort fiber, it effectively expands the operable space of the ultrashort fiber within existing fusion splicing devices, freeing fiber optic splicing from the fixed length requirements of the fusion splicing device.

[0181] In one example, the spacer used in step S4014 above can be an iron sheet. Furthermore, the thickness of the spacer is slightly larger than the diameter of the ultrashort optical fiber.

[0182] For example, since the top cover and body of the current welding equipment are fixed together by magnetic attraction, the gasket can be an iron sheet when the top cover and body are magnetically attached. For example, the gasket can be a coin, an iron block, etc.

[0183] Since the ultrashort optical fiber needs to be led out through the preset gap formed by the gasket, in order to avoid the ultrashort optical fiber being compressed by the top cover during the lead-out process, a gasket with a thickness greater than the diameter of the ultrashort optical fiber can be selected.

[0184] In one example, in step S401 above, since the ultrashort fiber is not cut in the standard cleaving step, the uneven end face of the ultrashort fiber is not removed. That is, the ultrashort fiber still has an uneven end face during splicing. Therefore, the following operations are required during the splicing process of the ultrashort fiber with the preset auxiliary fiber: S4016. Disable the fiber optic angle limiting function of the fusion splicer.

[0185] For example, after the fusion splicing equipment is turned on, the fiber angle limiting function, which was originally on, can be turned off by operating specific control buttons, menu options, or relevant settings in the software interface on the fusion splicing equipment. This will allow the fiber angle to be limited by this function during subsequent fiber fusion splicing operations, enabling more flexible fiber connection and splicing.

[0186] In one implementation, the fiber angle limiting function is a feature of the fusion splicing equipment. It limits and adjusts the angle of the optical fibers placed in the equipment for fusion splicing, ensuring that the two optical fibers are in the appropriate angle position during fusion splicing to guarantee the fusion quality.

[0187] Bending ultrashort optical fibers may cause changes in their angle. Therefore, it is necessary to disable the fiber angle limiting function to avoid splicing failures due to the angle of the ultrashort fiber during the splicing process.

[0188] S4017. Turn off automatic fusion splicing mode and set the arc discharge intensity and duration according to the fiber type and diameter of the ultra-short fiber. Manually trigger the arc discharge.

[0189] For example, locate the automatic fusion splicing mode switch on the fusion splicing equipment's operating interface or control panel, and turn it off to exit automatic fusion splicing mode. Next, depending on the specific type of ultrashort optical fiber used, find the arc discharge intensity and duration setting options in the equipment's settings menu and manually set them. After completing the parameter settings, manually start the arc discharge process by pressing the specific trigger button on the equipment, causing the end faces of the two optical fibers to melt and connect together under the high temperature of the arc.

[0190] In one implementation, automatic fusion splicing mode is a working mode of the fusion splicing equipment. In this mode, the equipment automatically completes a series of operations such as fiber alignment and discharge splicing, without much manual intervention. Automatic fusion splicing mode typically requires both fiber segments to have smooth cross-sections.

[0191] Because the ultrashort fiber was not cleaved during splicing with the auxiliary fiber, it lacks a smooth cut surface. Selecting automatic splicing in this case may prevent it from starting. Therefore, manual splicing ensures successful splicing between the ultrashort fiber and the auxiliary fiber, allowing the auxiliary fiber to be continued onto the ultrashort fiber.

[0192] In one implementation, the parameters of the ultrashort fiber and the auxiliary fiber can be manually selected in the fusion splicing equipment, thereby enabling the fusion splicing equipment to automatically calculate the arc discharge intensity and duration based on these parameters.

[0193] In one implementation, the arc discharge intensity and duration can be calculated directly in the welding equipment after being obtained through other software or calculation methods.

[0194] In one implementation, the arc discharge intensity refers to the amount of energy possessed when the arc is generated, which affects the degree of melting at the fiber end face.

[0195] In one implementation, the arc discharge duration refers to the time interval from the generation of the arc to its extinction, which also affects the welding quality.

[0196] In this example, by disabling the fiber angle limitation function and automatic fusion splicing mode of the fusion splicing equipment, and by setting the arc discharge intensity and duration according to the characteristics of the ultra-short fiber before triggering the discharge, the success rate of splicing ultra-short fiber to auxiliary fiber is improved, thus increasing the splicing efficiency. Furthermore, by disabling the automatic fusion splicing function and adjusting the main discharge power, discharge time, and alignment method, the ultra-short fiber is fused in an untreated end-face state, enabling continuation with the auxiliary fiber. This effectively avoids the problem in traditional automatic modes where only smooth fiber end-faces can be successfully spliced, achieving control over the end-face characteristics of uncut fibers and improving the splicing effect of ultra-short fibers.

[0197] In one example, the auxiliary optical fiber used in step S401 above is the same type of optical fiber as the ultrashort optical fiber. This selection of the auxiliary optical fiber ensures the splicing effect of the ultrashort optical fiber and improves the splicing success rate.

[0198] The length of the auxiliary optical fiber can be greater than or equal to 4 cm. Setting this length can improve the success rate of standard dicing after successful splicing.

[0199] In one example, after step S401, which involves fusion splicing the ultrashort optical fiber with a preset auxiliary optical fiber to generate an extension section of the ultrashort optical fiber located outside the optical fiber device body, the method further includes: S4018. Remove the unstripped coating layer from the extended optical fiber; and clean the extended optical fiber.

[0200] For example, if there is an unstripped coating on the extension fiber after it has been spliced ​​to the ultrashort fiber, it needs to be removed from the surface of the extension fiber. Furthermore, after stripping the coating, the surface of the extension fiber can be cleaned to ensure it is free of residue.

[0201] Since the extension fiber spliced ​​to the ultrashort fiber can be considered part of the ultrashort fiber, the subsequent step is a fusion splicing pretreatment step. Before end-face cleaving, coating stripping and fiber cleaning are typically performed. This step is equivalent to these two steps in the fusion splicing pretreatment.

[0202] Furthermore, since the extension fiber has already undergone coating stripping and fiber cleaning before being spliced ​​to the ultrashort fiber, this step only needs to strip the coating that has not yet been stripped from the extension fiber. Cleaning is then performed after the stripping is complete.

[0203] In this example, the surface of the extended fiber is treated by removing the unstripped coating layer and cleaning it, thus preparing for the subsequent end-face cutting of the ultrashort fiber.

[0204] In one example, before performing step S401 above, the auxiliary optical fiber can be pre-treated based on a conventional fusion splicing pre-treatment process. This pre-treatment may include coating stripping, fiber cleaning, and end-face cleaving. Similarly, before performing step S403 above, the target optical fiber can be pre-treated based on a conventional fusion splicing pre-treatment process. This pre-treatment may also include coating stripping, fiber cleaning, and end-face cleaving.

[0205] For ease of description, the above fusion welding equipment is described separately by function as various components. Of course, in implementing this application, the functions of each component can be implemented in one or more software and / or hardware.

[0206] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0207] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the device embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0208] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

[0209] Although embodiments of this application have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fusion splicing auxiliary fixture for optical fiber devices, characterized in that, The optical fiber device has an ultra-short optical fiber connected to the main body, wherein the ultra-short optical fiber is an optical fiber with a length less than a preset threshold. The welding auxiliary tooling includes: an arc-shaped bend; the arc-shaped bend is composed of an upper half and a lower half, both of which have semi-circular cross-sections, and the contact surfaces of the upper half and the lower half are provided with a connecting structure; the preset threshold is 15cm. When using a fusion splicer to splice ultrashort fibers on the optical fiber device, the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture is fitted over the ultrashort fiber so that the ultrashort fiber is led out from the cover of the fusion splicer after being bent by the fusion splicing auxiliary fixture.

2. The welding auxiliary tooling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc-shaped bend includes: an optical fiber socket end; The fiber optic splice is the end of the ultra-short fiber inserted when the ultra-short fiber is fitted; the fiber optic splice has a flared, large-diameter gradient structure; and the inner diameter of the flared, large-diameter gradient structure gradually decreases along the fiber insertion direction.

3. The welding auxiliary tooling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc-shaped bend includes a welding positioning end; the welding positioning end is used to fix and limit the internal components of the welding machine.

4. The welding auxiliary tooling according to claim 3, characterized in that, The welding positioning end includes: a magnetic suction element; The magnetic suction component is located near the outlet of the arc-shaped bend tube and is used to attract and connect to the end of the fiber clamp inside the fusion splicer when the ultra-short fiber on the fiber device is fused using the fusion splicer. And / or, The magnetic suction component is located in the middle of the arc-shaped bend and is used to be attracted and connected to the bottom of the fusion splicer box cover when the ultra-short optical fiber on the optical fiber device is fused using the fusion splicer.

5. The welding auxiliary tooling according to claim 3, characterized in that, The welding positioning end includes: a snap fastener; A slot is provided below the fusion splicer box cover; the buckle is provided in the middle of the arc-shaped bend and is used to snap into the bottom of the fusion splicer box cover when the fusion splicer is used to splice the ultra-short optical fiber on the optical fiber device.

6. The welding auxiliary tooling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The curved tube includes: an optical fiber channel; The optical fiber channel is disposed between the optical fiber socket and the fusion splice positioning end, and the optical fiber channel has a smooth transition with the optical fiber socket and the fusion splice positioning end. The inner diameter of the optical fiber channel is determined based on the outer diameter of the standard optical fiber.

7. The welding auxiliary tooling according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The inner wall of at least one of the optical fiber socket, optical fiber channel, and fusion splice positioning end of the arc-shaped bend has a smooth flexible guide layer.

8. The welding auxiliary tooling according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The outer wall of the curved pipe is provided with anti-slip texture.

9. The welding auxiliary tooling according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The overall length of the curved bend is 5-12cm.

10. The welding auxiliary tooling according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The arc of the curved pipe is 110-130 degrees.

11. A fusion splicing method for optical fiber devices, characterized in that, The fusion splicing auxiliary fixture applied to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the optical fiber device has an ultrashort optical fiber connected to the body, the method comprising: Connect the upper and lower halves of the welding auxiliary tooling to obtain an arc-shaped bend. After the ultrashort optical fiber passes through the arc-shaped bend, one end of the ultrashort optical fiber is fixed to the optical fiber clamp inside the fusion splicer, and the other end of the ultrashort optical fiber is bent through the arc-shaped bend and led out from the cover of the fusion splicer. Start the fusion splicer to fuse the ultrashort optical fiber to another optical fiber fixed inside the fusion splicer; Open the upper and lower half of the fusion splicing auxiliary tool and take out the fused ultrashort optical fiber.

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