Ferrule Jig

Abstract

To provide a jig for ferrule capable of reducing twisting of a fusion-spliced optical fiber when the optical fiber is reinforced.SOLUTION: A jig 10 for ferrule comprises: a retention part 11 which retains at least a part of a ferrule 20 mounted with an optical fiber 31; a grip part 12 which is arranged at an interval with the retention part 11; and a flexible part 13 which has flexibility, and is arranged between the retention part 11 and grip part 12 to connect the retention part 11 and grip part 12 to each other. The retention part 11 retains the ferrule 20 so that the optical fiber 31 extends from the ferrule 20 in the opposite direction from the direction in which the flexible part 13 and grip part 12 are arranged side by side from the retention part 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a ferrule jig. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fusion splicer that fusion-splices an optical fiber (short optical fiber) attached to a ferrule with another optical fiber. In this type of fusion splicer, after fusion-splicing the optical fibers, the fusion-spliced ​​portion of the optical fibers may be reinforced by heating and shrinking a heat-shrink tube that is placed over the fusion-spliced ​​portion of the optical fibers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2008 / 059843 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, when reinforcing the fusion spliced ​​portion of the optical fiber, it is necessary to apply a predetermined amount of tension (tensile force) to the fusion spliced ​​optical fiber so that bending stress does not act on the fusion spliced ​​portion. In order to maintain the optical fiber after fusion splicing in a state in which tension is applied, it is necessary to clamp the optical fiber and the ferrule on both sides of the fusion spliced ​​portion with clamps or the like. However, there is a problem that the optical fiber is likely to be twisted when clamping both sides of the fusion spliced ​​portion. If the fusion spliced ​​portion is reinforced when the optical fiber is in a large twisted state, the stress caused by the twist acts on the fusion spliced ​​portion, and if the fusion spliced ​​portion is reinforced while the torsional stress is acting on the fusion spliced ​​portion, the stress will not be released, and the optical fiber may become brittle.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a ferrule jig that can reduce twisting of an optical fiber when reinforcing a fusion-spliced ​​optical fiber. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A ferrule jig according to one aspect of the present invention includes a holding portion that holds at least a portion of a ferrule having an optical fiber attached thereto, a grip portion that is spaced apart from the holding portion, and a flexible portion that is flexible and is disposed between the holding portion and the grip portion to connect the holding portion and the grip portion, and the holding portion holds the ferrule such that a direction in which the optical fiber extends from the ferrule is opposite to a direction in which the flexible portion and the grip portion are arranged relative to the holding portion. The flexible portion is formed in a string-like shape extending from the holding portion to the grip portion, and the dimension of the flexible portion in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the flexible portion is smaller than the dimension of the grip portion in a first orthogonal direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction in which the holding portion, the flexible portion and the grip portion are arranged, and smaller than the dimension of the grip portion in a second orthogonal direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction and the first orthogonal direction.

[0007] By using the above-mentioned ferrule jig, even if both sides of the fusion spliced ​​portion of the optical fiber (the portion on the ferrule side and the portion of the other optical fiber) of the optical fiber are pinched in order to reinforce the fusion spliced ​​optical fiber, the optical fiber can be prevented from twisting. This point will be described below.

[0008] Before reinforcing the fusion-spliced ​​optical fiber, the ferrule is held by the holding part. In this state, the ferrule jig is located on one side of the fusion-spliced ​​portion of the optical fiber. The holding part, flexible part, and grip part of the ferrule jig are arranged in this order in a direction away from the fusion-spliced ​​portion of the optical fiber.

[0009] When clamping both sides of the fusion spliced ​​portion to reinforce the optical fiber, the grip portion of the ferrule jig located on one side of the fusion spliced ​​portion is clamped. When the grip portion is clamped, a force (rotational force) that rotates the grip portion around the axis of the optical fiber acts on the grip portion, and the flexible portion is deformed so as to be twisted. This makes it possible to prevent the rotation of the grip portion from being transmitted to the fusion spliced ​​optical fiber.

[0010] In addition, when the optical fiber located on the other side of the fusion spliced ​​portion is clamped and a similar rotational force acts on the optical fiber, causing it to rotate, the entire optical fiber including the fusion spliced ​​portion, the ferrule and the holding portion rotate around the axis of the optical fiber, and the flexible portion is deformed in a twisted manner. As a result, the twisting that occurs when the two sides of the fusion spliced ​​portion are clamped can be absorbed by the flexible portion of the ferrule jig, thereby preventing the fusion spliced ​​optical fiber from being twisted.

[0011] In the above ferrule jig, the holding portion may have a flange portion that, when viewed from a direction in which the holding portion, the flexible portion, and the grip portion are arranged, protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction relative to the grip portion.

[0012] In the ferrule jig, the grip portion may be formed in a prismatic shape extending in the arrangement direction.

[0013] In the above-mentioned ferrule jig, the flexible portion may be formed in a string-like shape extending from the holding portion to the grip portion, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the flexible portion perpendicular to the extension direction of the flexible portion may be smaller than cross-sectional areas of the holding portion and the grip portion perpendicular to the arrangement direction.

[0014] In the ferrule jig, the flexible portion may include a meandering portion that meanders in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.

[0015] In the ferrule jig, the holding portion, the grip portion and the flexible portion may be integrally formed from the same material. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, twisting of optical fibers can be reduced when reinforcing fusion-spliced ​​optical fibers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a ferrule jig and a ferrule held therein according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of the ferrule jig and the ferrule in FIG. 1, seen from a different angle. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the ferrule jig holds a ferrule. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a ferrule jig, a ferrule, an optical fiber attached to the ferrule, another optical fiber fusion-spliced ​​to the optical fiber, a heat-shrink sleeve covering the fusion-spliced ​​portion of the optical fiber, and a reinforcing device for heat-treating the heat-shrink sleeve. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows VV in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2, the ferrule jig 10 is a jig that holds a ferrule 20. First, the ferrule 20 will be described.

[0019] The ferrule 20 held in the ferrule jig 10 is a ferrule for an optical connector to which an optical fiber 31 (hereinafter also referred to as a "short optical fiber 31") is attached. A fiber hole 21 for inserting the short optical fiber 31 is formed through the ferrule 20. The ferrule 20 has a connection end face 20s where the fiber hole 21 opens. In the illustrated example, a first end 23 of the ferrule 20 located on the connection end face 20s side in the longitudinal direction of the fiber hole 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the longitudinal direction of the fiber hole 21 as its axis, but this is not limited to this.

[0020] A first end in the longitudinal direction of the short optical fiber 31 inserted into the fiber hole 21 is exposed to the outside from the connection end face 20s. On the other hand, a second end (tip) side portion in the longitudinal direction of the short optical fiber 31 extends and protrudes outward from the ferrule 20. The portion of the short optical fiber 31 protruding outward from the ferrule 20 is exposed without being covered by an outer jacket or the like.

[0021] The ferrule jig 10 has a holding portion 11 (holding tool) that holds a ferrule 20, a grip portion 12 (handle) that is spaced apart from the holding portion 11, and a flexible portion 13 (flexible member) that is arranged between the holding portion 11 and the grip portion 12 and connects the holding portion 11 and the grip portion 12. The holding portion 11, flexible portion 13, and grip portion 12 are aligned in order in one direction. In the following description, the arrangement direction in which the holding portion 11, flexible portion 13, and grip portion 12 are aligned is referred to as the axial direction X.

[0022] The holding portion 11 holds the ferrule 20 so that the direction in which the short optical fiber 31 extends from the ferrule 20 is opposite to the direction in which the flexible portion 13 and the grip portion 12 are aligned relative to the holding portion 11 . The holding portion 11 of this embodiment is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction X, and has an insertion opening 11o that opens in the axial direction X. When an end of the holding portion 11 on which the flexible portion 13 and the grip portion 12 are arranged in the axial direction X is defined as a first end of the holding portion 11, the insertion opening 11o opens to a second end of the holding portion 11 located opposite the first end of the holding portion 11 in the axial direction X. Note that, in the axial direction X, the side of the holding portion 11 where the ferrule 20 is inserted into the holding portion 11 (second end side) is sometimes referred to as the base end side, and the opposite side, the grip portion 12 side (first end side), is sometimes referred to as the tip side.

[0023] The ferrule 20 is inserted into the holding portion 11 through the insertion opening 11o of the holding portion 11, whereby the holding portion 11 holds the ferrule 20. The holding portion 11 in the illustrated example is formed in a cylindrical shape corresponding to the first end portion 23 of the ferrule 20 described above. As shown in FIG. 3, the first end portion 23 of the ferrule 20, which is formed in a columnar shape, is inserted into the cylindrical holding portion 11. In this way, the ferrule 20 is held by the holding portion 11. With the ferrule 20 held in the holding portion 11 in this manner, the short optical fiber 31 attached to the ferrule 20 extends from the ferrule 20 in the axial direction X in a direction opposite to the direction in which the flexible portion 13 and the grip portion 12 are aligned relative to the holding portion 11.

[0024] Furthermore, by inserting the first end 23 of the ferrule 20 into the holding part 11, the holding part 11 covers the connection end face 20s of the ferrule 20 and the first end of the short optical fiber 31 exposed at the connection end face 20s. That is, the holding part 11 of the present embodiment also functions as a dust cap that protects the connection end face 20s of the ferrule 20 and the first end of the short optical fiber 31 from being contaminated or scratched.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the grip portion 12 is formed in a rod shape extending in the axial direction X. In the illustrated example, the length of the grip portion 12 in the axial direction X is longer than the lengths of the holding portion 11 and the flexible portion 13, but is not limited to this. The grip portion 12 may be formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape, but in this embodiment, it is formed in a prismatic shape. Specifically, the cross section of the grip portion 12 perpendicular to the axial direction X is formed in a rectangular shape (see Figure 6). In the following description, the direction in which the longer sides of the rectangular cross section of grip portion 12 extend may be referred to as width direction Y, and the direction in which the shorter sides of the rectangular cross section of grip portion 12 extend may be referred to as thickness direction Z.

[0026] A gripping portion 15 is provided at a longitudinal end (tip) of the gripping portion 12 located away from the holding portion 11 and the flexible portion 13 in the axial direction X, to be gripped by the fingers or the like of an operator handling the ferrule jig 10. The gripping portion 15 protrudes in the width direction Y relative to other portions of the gripping portion 12. The gripping portion 15 is also formed with a through hole 16 penetrating in the thickness direction Z. By forming the gripping portion 15 in this manner, it is easy for an operator to grip the gripping portion 15. The shape of the gripping portion 15 is not limited to that described above and may be any shape.

[0027] The flexible portion 13 has flexibility. The flexible portion 13 is more deformable than the holding portion 11 and the grip portion 12. Both ends of the flexible portion 13 in the axial direction X are connected to the holding portion 11 and the flexible portion 13, respectively. The flexible portion 13 may be formed, for example, from a material having superior flexibility to the holding portion 11 and the grip portion 12, and then connected to the holding portion 11 and the grip portion 12. The flexible portion 13 in this embodiment is integrally formed from the same material as the holding portion 11 and the grip portion 12. Since the shape of the flexible portion 13 is different from that of the holding portion 11 and the grip portion 12, the flexible portion 13 is more flexibly deformable than the holding portion 11 and the grip portion 12.

[0028] The flexible portion 13 in this embodiment is formed in a string-like (linear) shape extending from the holding portion 11 to the grip portion 12. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flexible portion 13 perpendicular to the extension direction of the string-like flexible portion 13 is smaller than the cross-sectional areas of the holding portion 11 and the grip portion 12 perpendicular to the axial direction X. Furthermore, the string-like flexible portion 13 includes a meandering portion 17 that meanders in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction X. In Figs. 1 to 3, the meandering portion 17 is a portion of the flexible portion 13 that is curved in a U-shape. The meandering portion 17 may meander in the thickness direction Z, for example, but in this embodiment, it meanders in the width direction Y. Note that the meandering portion 17 may include only one U-shaped curved portion as shown in the illustrated example, but may also include, for example, multiple U-shaped curved portions. That is, the meandering portion 17 may meander in an S-shape. By forming the flexible portion 13 in an elongated or serpentine shape in this way, the flexible portion 13 is more deformable than the holding portion 11 and the grip portion 12. In other words, the flexible portion 13 is configured to memorize a shape in a predetermined state, and when an external force is applied, it bends in response to the external force, but returns to the memorized predetermined shape when the external force is removed.

[0029] Furthermore, in the ferrule jig 10 of this embodiment, the holding portion 11 has a flange portion 18. When viewed from the axial direction X as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the flange portion 18 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction X with respect to the grip portion 12 described later. For example, the flange portion 18 may protrude outward from the grip portion 12 in a portion of the circumferential direction about the axial direction X. The flange portion 18 of this embodiment protrudes outward from the grip portion 12 in the entire circumferential direction. In addition, the shape of the flange portion 18 as viewed from the axial direction X may be any shape such as a circle, but in this embodiment, it is a square. The sides of the square flange portion 18 extend in the width direction Y and the thickness direction Z.

[0030] 4 and 5, the ferrule jig 10 configured as above is used when fusion splicing the short optical fiber 31 attached to the ferrule 20 to another optical fiber 32 (hereinafter also referred to as the "free length optical fiber 32"), and when reinforcing the fusion spliced ​​portion 34 between the short optical fiber 31 and the free length optical fiber 32. The free length optical fiber 32 is covered with an outer jacket 33 except for the tip portion of the free length optical fiber 32 connected to the short optical fiber 31.

[0031] When the tips of the short optical fiber 31 and the free length optical fiber 32 are fusion spliced ​​together, the parts located on both sides of the fusion spliced ​​part 34 are clamped and fixed with clamps (not shown) or the like to fix the positions of the short optical fiber 31 and the free length optical fiber 32. In this embodiment, the grip part 12 of the ferrule jig 10 attached to the short optical fiber 31 is clamped. Also, the part of the free length optical fiber 32 that is covered with the outer jacket 33 (hereinafter referred to as the "covered part 32A of the free length optical fiber 32") is clamped. Then, with the positions of the short optical fiber 31 and the free length optical fiber 32 fixed, the tips of the short optical fiber 31 and the free length optical fiber 32 are fusion spliced ​​together.

[0032] After the fusion splicing of the short optical fiber 31 and the free length optical fiber 32 is completed, the short optical fiber 31 and the free length optical fiber 32 are transported to a reinforcing device 50 shown in Figs. 4 and 5. When transporting the short optical fiber 31 and the free length optical fiber 32, an operator may hold the holding portion 15 of the grip unit 12 and the coating portion 32A of the free length optical fiber 32, and apply tension (tensile force) to the fusion spliced ​​short optical fiber 31 and the free length optical fiber 32. This can suppress or prevent bending stress from acting on the fusion spliced ​​portion 34 of the fusion spliced ​​optical fibers 31, 32. The magnitude of the tension applied to the optical fibers 31, 32 is preferably set to a level that does not cause excessive tensile stress to act on the fusion spliced ​​portion 34.

[0033] In the reinforcing device 50, a cylindrical heat shrink sleeve 35 that is placed over the fusion spliced ​​portion 34 of the optical fibers 31 and 32 is heated and shrunk, thereby reinforcing the fusion spliced ​​portion 34. The reinforcing device 50 will be described below.

[0034] The reinforcing device 50 includes a heater unit 51 and a pair of clamp units 52 (a first clamp unit 52A and a second clamp unit 52B). As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, the heater unit 51 heats the heat shrink sleeve 35, and includes a heater body 53 and a lid unit 54. The heater body 53 is formed with a housing portion 531 penetrating in the axial direction X. The fusion-spliced ​​optical fibers 31, 32 and the heat-shrinkable sleeve 35 are housed in the housing portion 531. The housing portion 531 is also open on one side in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction X (thickness direction Z in FIG. 4). In the following description, the direction in which the housing portion 531 opens is referred to as the upward (+Z) or upper side, and the opposite side is referred to as the downward (-Z) or lower side.

[0035] The accommodation portion 531 is formed so as to be recessed downward from an upper surface 53s of the heater body 53. The heater body 53 is configured to heat the accommodation portion 531. The length dimension of the accommodation portion 531 (heater body 53) in the axial direction X is set so that, in a state in which the fusion-spliced ​​optical fibers 31, 32 and the heat-shrinkable sleeve 35 are accommodated in the accommodation portion 531, the ferrule 20, and the holding portion 11 and the flexible portion 13 of the ferrule jig 10 are also accommodated in the accommodation portion 531.

[0036] 4 and 7, the lid part 54 is attached to the heater body 53 so as to be movable between a position P11 where it covers the upper opening 531o of the accommodation part 531 and a position P12 where it opens the upper opening 531o. Specifically, the lid part 54 is attached to the heater body 53 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 55 extending in the axial direction X in the heater body 53. The rotation shaft 55 is located at one end of the heater body 53 in the width direction Y.

[0037] 4 and 5, the pair of clamp parts 52 are disposed on both sides of the heater part 51 in the axial direction X. When the heater part 51 heats the heat-shrinkable sleeve 35, the pair of clamp parts 52 sandwich both side portions of the fusion spliced ​​part 34 of the optical fibers 31, 32 (the portion on the short optical fiber 31 (ferrule 20) side and the portion on the free length optical fiber 32 side).

[0038] Each of the pair of clamp portions 52 has a lower clamp 56 and an upper clamp 57 . A pair of lower clamps 56 (first lower clamp 56A, second lower clamp 56B) are disposed on both sides of the heater body 53 in the axial direction X. The pair of lower clamps 56 may be formed integrally with the heater body 53 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, or may be formed separately from the heater body 53, for example. Each lower clamp 56 has a mounting surface 56s facing upward. The mounting surface 56s is formed as a flat surface perpendicular to the thickness direction Z. The mounting surface 56s is located above the bottom of the accommodation portion 531 of the heater body 53 and below the upper surface 53s of the heater body 53.

[0039] A pair of upper clamps 57 (first upper clamp 57A, second upper clamp 57B) are disposed on both sides of the cover portion 54 in the axial direction X. As shown in Figs. 6 and 8, each upper clamp 57 is attached to each lower clamp 56 so as to be movable between a clamping position P21 facing the mounting surface 56s of the lower clamp 56 and an open position P22 away from the mounting surface 56s. Specifically, each upper clamp 57 is attached to the upper clamp 57 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 58 extending in the axial direction X. The rotation shaft 58 is located at one end of the lower clamp 56 in the width direction Y. The rotation shaft 58 for the upper clamp 57 also serves as the rotation shaft 55 for the cover portion 54 described above.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and 8, each of the upper clamps 57 has a pressing surface 57s that faces the placement surface 56s of the lower clamp 56 when the upper clamp 57 is disposed at the clamping position P21. The pressing surface 57s is formed flat. The pair of upper clamps 57 may be formed separately from the lid portion 54, for example, but in this embodiment, they are formed integrally with the lid portion 54. Therefore, the clamping position P21 of the upper clamps 57 generally corresponds to a position P11 (see FIG. 7) where the lid portion 54 covers the upper opening of the storage portion 531. In addition, the opening position P22 of the upper clamps 57 generally corresponds to a position P12 (see FIG. 7) where the lid portion 54 opens the upper opening.

[0041] Each upper clamp 57 has a base portion 571 , a pressing portion 572 , and a spring 573 . The base portion 571 is attached to the lower clamp 56 so as to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 58. In addition, the base portion 571 is formed integrally with the lid portion 54. The pressing portion 572 constitutes a pressing surface 57s of the upper clamp 57. The pressing portion 572 is provided so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the pressing surface 57s relative to the base portion 571. Therefore, when the upper clamp 57 is disposed at the clamping position P21, the pressing portion 572 is movable in a direction (for example, in the thickness direction Z) in which it approaches or moves away from the mounting surface 56s of the lower clamp 56.

[0042] The spring 573 is provided between the base portion 571 and the pressing portion 572. The spring 573 is elastically deformed according to the position of the pressing portion 572 relative to the base portion 571. By configuring the upper clamp 57 as described above, when a predetermined object (e.g., the grip portion 12 of the ferrule jig 10 or the coated portion 32A of the free length optical fiber 32) is clamped between the upper clamp 57 and the lower clamp 56 described above, the predetermined object can be pressed toward the lower clamp 56 by the elastic force of the spring 573.

[0043] Next, an example of a method for reinforcing the fusion spliced ​​portion 34 of the optical fibers 31, 32 using the reinforcing device 50 will be described. In order to reinforce the fusion spliced ​​portions 34 of the optical fibers 31 and 32, first, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the portions of the fusion spliced ​​optical fibers 31 and 32 that are exposed outside the ferrule 20 and the outer jacket 33 (hereinafter referred to as the exposed portions of the optical fibers 31 and 32) are inserted inside a heat shrink sleeve 35.

[0044] Next, with the lid 54 placed at position P12 to open the upper opening 531o of the housing 531 and with the pair of upper clamps 57 placed at open position P22, the exposed portions of the optical fibers 31, 32 and the heat shrink sleeve 35 covering them are housed in the housing 531 of the heater body 53. The ferrule 20 and the holding portion 11 and flexible portion 13 of the ferrule jig 10 are also housed in the housing 531.

[0045] When accommodating the exposed portions of the optical fibers 31, 32, the heat shrink sleeve 35, the ferrule 20, the holding portion 11 and the flexible portion 13 in the accommodating portion 531, both sides of the fusion spliced ​​portion 34 are placed on the mounting surfaces 56s of the pair of lower clamps 56. One side of the fusion spliced ​​portion 34 placed on the mounting surface 56s is the grip portion 12 of the ferrule jig 10. The other side of the fusion spliced ​​portion 34 placed on the mounting surface 56s is the coated portion 32A of the free length optical fiber 32.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the grip portion 12 is placed on the placement surface 56s of the first lower clamp 56A of the first clamp portion 52A. Here, the grip portion 12 is formed in a prismatic shape (rectangular in cross section), and therefore comes into surface contact with the flat placement surface 56s. Also, the surface of the grip portion 12 corresponding to the long side of the rectangular cross section comes into surface contact with the placement surface 56s. Therefore, the grip portion 12 can be placed on the placement surface 56s more stably than when the surface of the grip portion 12 corresponding to the short side of the rectangular cross section comes into surface contact with the placement surface 56s. By placing the grip portion 12 in this manner, the flexible portion 13 housed in the housing portion 531 meanders in the width direction Y of the housing portion 531.

[0047] 4, 5 and 8, the coated portion 32A of the free length optical fiber 32 is placed on the placement surface 56s of the second lower clamp 56B of the second clamp unit 52B. The cross section of the coated portion 32A of the free length optical fiber 32 perpendicular to the axial direction X is formed in a circular shape. Therefore, the coated portion 32A of the free length optical fiber 32 easily rolls on the placement surface 56s.

[0048] 4, 5 and 7, in a state where the grip portion 12 is placed on the placement surface 56s of the first lower clamp 56A and the coated portion 32A of the free length optical fiber 32 is placed on the placement surface 56s of the second lower clamp 56B, the exposed portions of the optical fibers 31, 32 housed in the housing portion 531, the heat shrink sleeve 35, the ferrule 20, the holding portion 11 and the flexible portion 13 do not contact the inner surface of the housing portion 531. However, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the flange portion 18 of the holding portion 11 is located closer to the inner surface of the housing portion 531 than the other portions housed in the housing portion 531.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, after the grip portion 12 is placed on the support surface 56s of the first lower clamp 56A, the first upper clamp 57A of the first clamp portion 52A is moved from the open position P22 to the clamping position P21 to clamp the grip portion 12 between the first lower clamp 56A and the first upper clamp 57A. Here, the first upper clamp 57A rotates about an axis extending in the axial direction X relative to the first lower clamp 56A, thereby sandwiching the grip portion 12 between itself and the first lower clamp 56A. As a result, a force (rotational force) acts on the grip portion 12 to rotate it about the axis of the optical fibers 31, 32 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) extending in the axial direction X. However, the grip portion 12 is in surface contact with the mounting surface 56s of the first lower clamp 56A. In addition, the grip portion 12 is stably mounted on the mounting surface 56s. As a result, the grip portion 12 is unlikely to rotate or does not rotate even when sandwiched by the first clamp portion 52A.

[0050] When the grip portion 12 rotates, the flexible portion 13 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is deformed so as to be twisted. The twisting deformation of the flexible portion 13 can prevent the rotation of the grip portion 12 from being transmitted to the fusion spliced ​​optical fibers 31, 32. This can prevent the fusion spliced ​​optical fibers 31, 32 from being twisted even if the grip portion 12 rotates.

[0051] As shown in Figure 8, after the coated portion 32A of the free length optical fiber 32 is placed on the mounting surface 56s of the second lower clamp 56B, the second upper clamp 57B of the second clamping portion 52B is moved from the open position P22 to the clamping position P21 to clamp the coated portion 32A of the free length optical fiber 32 between the second lower clamp 56B and the second upper clamp 57B. Here, the second upper clamp 57B rotates about an axis extending in the axial direction X relative to the second lower clamp 56B, thereby sandwiching the coated portion 32A of the free length optical fiber 32 between itself and the second lower clamp 56B. Therefore, a force (rotational force) acts on the coated portion 32A of the free length optical fiber 32 to rotate it about the axis of the optical fibers 31, 32 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) extending in the axial direction X. Since the coated portion 32A of the free length optical fiber 32 is formed to have a circular cross section, it is easy to rotate when sandwiched by the second clamp portion 52B.

[0052] When the coated portion 32A of the free length optical fiber 32 rotates, the entire fusion spliced ​​optical fibers 31, 32, the ferrule 20, and the holding portion 11 shown in Figures 4 and 5 also rotate, and the flexible portion 13 is accordingly deformed in a twisted manner. As a result, even if the coated portion 32A of the free length optical fiber 32 rotates, the optical fibers 31, 32 including the fusion spliced ​​portion 34 can be prevented from twisting.

[0053] 7, when the grip portion 12 is clamped by the first clamp portion 52A and the coated portion 32A of the free length optical fiber 32 is clamped by the second clamp portion 52B, the cover portion 54 is disposed at a position P11 covering the upper opening 531o of the housing portion 531. In this state, the heat shrink sleeve 35 is heated and shrunk by the heater body 53. This reinforces the fusion spliced ​​portion 34 between the short optical fiber 31 and the free length optical fiber 32. In this manner, the reinforcing method for reinforcing the fusion spliced ​​portion 34 of the optical fibers 31 and 32 is completed.

[0054] As described above, in the ferrule jig 10 of this embodiment, the flexible portion 13 having flexibility is provided between the holding portion 11 that holds the ferrule 20 and the grip portion 12 that is sandwiched by the first clamp portion 52A. In this way, in order to reinforce the fusion spliced ​​portion 34 between the short optical fiber 31 and the free length optical fiber 32 attached to the ferrule 20, the flexible portion 13 can absorb twisting that occurs when both sides of the fusion spliced ​​portion 34 (the grip portion 12 of the ferrule jig 10 that holds the ferrule 20 and the coated portion 32A of the free length optical fiber 32) are sandwiched. Therefore, it is possible to suppress twisting of the fusion spliced ​​optical fibers 31, 32. In other words, it is possible to reduce twisting of the optical fibers 31, 32 when reinforcing the fusion spliced ​​optical fibers 31, 32.

[0055] Moreover, in the ferrule jig 10 of this embodiment, the holding portion 11 housed in the housing portion 531 of the reinforcing device 50 has a flange portion 18 that protrudes from the grip portion 12 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction X. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7, when the holding portion 11 is housed in the housing portion 531, the flange portion 18 can be disposed close to the inner surface of the housing portion 531. As a result, even if the holding portion 11 tries to rotate due to the twisting deformation of the flexible portion 13, the flange portion 18 of the holding portion 11 is pressed against the inner surface of the housing portion 531, and the rotation of the holding portion 11 can be restricted. Therefore, the optical fibers 31, 32 can be more effectively prevented from being twisted.

[0056] Furthermore, in the ferrule jig 10 of this embodiment, the grip portion 12 is formed in a prismatic shape. Therefore, when the grip portion 12 is clamped by the first clamp portion 52A, the grip portion 12 can be brought into surface contact with the mounting surface 56s of the first clamp portion 52A. This makes it possible to prevent the grip portion 12 from rotating when clamped by the first clamp portion 52A. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the optical fibers 31, 32 from being twisted.

[0057] Furthermore, in the ferrule jig 10 of this embodiment, the flexible portion 13 is formed in a string-like shape extending from the holding portion 11 to the grip portion 12. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flexible portion 13 perpendicular to the extension direction of the flexible portion 13 is smaller than the cross-sectional areas of the holding portion 11 and the grip portion 12 perpendicular to the axial direction X. This makes it easier to twist and deform the flexible portion 13 compared to the holding portion 11 and the grip portion 12, even though the holding portion 11, the grip portion 12, and the flexible portion 13 are integrally formed from the same material.

[0058] Furthermore, in the ferrule jig 10 of this embodiment, the string-like flexible portion 13 meanders in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction X. Therefore, even if the distance between the holding portion 11 and the grip portion 12 in the axial direction X is small, the flexible portion 13 can be formed to be elongated. This allows the string-like flexible portion 13 to be easily twisted and deformed.

[0059] In the ferrule jig 10 of this embodiment, the holding portion 11, the grip portion 12, and the flexible portion 13 are integrally formed from the same material. This allows the ferrule jig 10 including the holding portion 11, the grip portion 12, and the flexible portion 13 to be easily manufactured by resin molding.

[0060] Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0061] In the ferrule jig of the present invention, the configuration in which the holding portion 11 holds the ferrule 20 is not limited to a configuration in which the ferrule 20 is inserted inside the holding portion 11, and may be any configuration. The holding portion 11 may be configured to grip a part of the ferrule 20, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 10... ferrule jig, 11... holding portion, 12... grip portion, 13... flexible portion, 17... meandering portion, 18... flange portion, 20... ferrule, 31... short optical fiber (optical fiber), X... axial direction (arrangement direction)

Claims

1. a holding portion that holds at least a portion of the ferrule to which the optical fiber is attached; a grip portion disposed at a distance from the holding portion; a flexible portion that is flexible and is disposed between the holding portion and the grip portion to connect the holding portion and the grip portion; the holding portion holds the ferrule such that a direction in which the optical fiber extends from the ferrule is opposite to a direction in which the flexible portion and the grip portion are arranged relative to the holding portion, The flexible portion is formed in a string shape extending from the holding portion to the grip portion, A jig for a ferrule, in which the dimension of the flexible portion in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the flexible portion is smaller than the dimension of the grip portion in a first orthogonal direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction in which the holding portion, the flexible portion, and the grip portion are arranged, and the dimension of the grip portion in a second orthogonal direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction and the first orthogonal direction.

2. 2. The ferrule jig according to claim 1, wherein the holding portion has a flange portion that, when viewed from a direction in which the holding portion, the flexible portion, and the grip portion are arranged, protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction relative to the grip portion.

3. 3. The ferrule jig according to claim 1, wherein the grip portion is formed in a prismatic shape extending in a direction in which the holding portion, the flexible portion, and the grip portion are arranged.

4. The flexible portion is formed in a string shape extending from the holding portion to the grip portion, 4. The ferrule jig according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the flexible portion perpendicular to an extension direction of the flexible portion is smaller than cross-sectional areas of the holding portion and the grip portion perpendicular to an arrangement direction in which the holding portion, the flexible portion, and the grip portion are arranged.

5. The ferrule jig according to claim 4 , wherein the flexible portion includes a meandering portion that meanders in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.

6. The ferrule jig according to claim 1 , wherein the holding portion, the grip portion and the flexible portion are integrally formed from the same material.

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