Fusion splicer

Abstract

To provide a fusion machine that efficiently observes an end face of an optical fiber to achieve excellent aligning operations.SOLUTION: Light sources 23 being first light sources are arranged for a pair of holder mounting parts 11 at positions where the holder mounting parts 11 face each other (closer to electrodes 7). The light source 23 can irradiate a glass fiber 29a obtained by peeling off a resin coating 29b from an optical fiber 29 with light from a lateral side. A reflecting member 21 is arranged between the pair of electrodes. An imaging unit 25 can pick up an image reflected by the reflecting member 21. A rotation driving unit 19 rotates at least one of the optical fibers 19 held by the pair of holder mounting parts 11 with the facing direction of the pair of holder mounting parts 11 as an axis, and thereby rotation alignment of the pair of optical fibers 29 can be performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fusion splicer that is excellent in alignment workability. [Background technology]

[0002] A fusion splicer is used to connect optical fibers together. The fusion splicer places optical fibers held in a pair of holders, butts them together, places them between electrodes, and fuses the tips of the optical fibers together using an arc, thereby connecting the optical fibers together.

[0003] When fusing optical fibers together, alignment work is required to align the tip positions of the optical fibers. For this reason, conventionally, alignment was performed by placing the optical fibers opposite each other and capturing an image of the tip positions of the optical fibers from the side (perpendicular to the axial direction of the optical fibers) using an imaging unit.

[0004] On the other hand, when an optical fiber is not a typical single-core optical fiber but has a circumferential direction relative to its cross-sectional shape, such as a polarization-maintaining fiber or a multi-core fiber, alignment is required not only in the tip position but also in the rotational direction. In other words, not only alignment in the so-called XY directions at the tip position of the optical fiber but also rotational alignment in the circumferential direction around the axial direction of the optical fiber is required.

[0005] To perform such rotational alignment of an optical fiber, for example, a reflective member is placed between the opposing optical fibers, the end face of the optical fiber is reflected by an imaging unit to be imaged, and rotational alignment is performed by observing the end face (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-53625 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the method of Patent Document 1 uses epi-illumination, which means that light is irradiated onto the end face of the optical fiber and the reflected light is confirmed. This results in a complex structure due to the use of a half mirror, etc. Furthermore, there is a risk of halation, for example, where light reflection is strong in some areas, and it may not always be possible to clearly grasp the arrangement of cores at the end face of the optical fiber.

[0008] In contrast, there is a method in which light is incident on the end face of the optical fiber opposite to the observation end face. With this method, light passes through the optical fiber (core) and exits toward the observation end face, so the core appears uniformly bright on the observation surface. This makes it possible to reliably determine the core arrangement and the positions of the stress-applying parts (hereinafter simply referred to as core arrangement, etc.).

[0009] However, if the optical fiber to be connected is already connected to other equipment, it may be difficult to freely input light from the end face. In such cases, a method of inputting light from the side of the optical fiber can be considered. A portion of the light input from the side of the optical fiber propagates within the optical fiber and is output from the end face. This makes it possible to check the core arrangement, etc., at the end face of the optical fiber.

[0010] However, the inventors have found that simply irradiating light from the side of an optical fiber can make it difficult to observe the core arrangement, etc., depending on the size, type, etc. of the optical fiber. For this reason, a method that allows for efficient end face observation of various optical fibers is desired.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a fusion splicer that is excellent in alignment work by efficiently observing the end faces of optical fibers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a fusion splicer for connecting a pair of optical fibers, comprising: a pair of holder mounting sections on which holders for holding optical fibers are mounted; a reflecting member movable between the pair of holder mounting sections; an imaging section for capturing an image reflected by the reflecting member; a rotation drive section that can rotate at least one of the optical fibers held in the pair of holder mounting sections around an axis in the opposing direction of the pair of holder mounting sections, thereby rotationally aligning the pair of optical fibers; and a pair of first light sources that can irradiate light from the sides of each optical fiber. a pair of second light sources capable of irradiating light from the sides of the respective optical fibers; Equipped with a pair of electrodes is disposed between the pair of holder mounting portions disposed on the body of the fusion splicer; Each of the first light sources is provided with the holder mounting portion. electrode The optical fiber is placed next to the glass fiber, and light can be irradiated onto the glass fiber from which the resin coating of the optical fiber has been stripped. Each of the second light sources is disposed on the opposite side of the holder mounting portion from the electrode side and is capable of irradiating light onto the resin coating of the optical fiber, the first light source is a red light source having a wavelength of 500 to 600 nm, and the second light source is a white light source. The fusion splicer is characterized by the above.

[0014] An operation unit may be capable of selecting either the first light source or the second light source to irradiate the optical fiber with light.

[0015] The first light source is Light and the second light source Light may be simultaneously irradiated onto the optical fiber.

[0016] Each The holder mounting portion The electrode side It is preferable that the holder has a V-groove for holding the optical fiber exposed from the tip of each holder, and the first light source is disposed between the V-groove and the holder placement portion.

[0017] It is desirable that the light from the second light source be stronger than the light from the first light source.

[0018] The second light source may be a flat LED light source, and an elastic member may be arranged on a windshield that can be opened and closed relative to the main body, so that when the windshield is closed, the optical fiber can be sandwiched between the elastic member and the second light source.

[0019] It is desirable that the rotation drive unit is capable of rotating the holder mounting portion, and that the first light source is positioned in a position where it does not rotate together with the holder mounting portion when the holder mounting portion rotates.

[0020] It is desirable that the rotation drive unit is capable of rotating the holder mounting unit, and that the second light source is positioned in a position where it does not rotate together with the holder mounting unit when the holder mounting unit rotates.

[0021] It is desirable that the device has a windshield that can be opened and closed relative to the main body, and that the first light source and the second light source are both disposed on the main body side.

[0022] According to the present invention, by introducing light from the side of the optical fiber and observing the end face of the optical fiber using a reflecting member that can reflect the end face of the optical fiber, it is possible to easily grasp the core arrangement, etc. of the optical fiber and perform rotational alignment. In this case, by locating the first light source that introduces light from the side of the optical fiber at the position of the glass fiber where the resin of the optical fiber has been peeled off, it is possible to reliably grasp the core arrangement, etc. at the end face of the optical fiber even with a smaller amount of light.

[0023] For example, near the area where optical fibers are butted together and fused in a fusion splicer, many components, such as electrodes, positioning V-grooves, imaging devices, and reflecting members, are located, making it difficult to lay out devices such as light sources. Therefore, it is more efficient to introduce light from the side of the optical fiber exposed behind the holder. However, the inventors have found that introducing light from the side of the optical fiber in this way can make it difficult to grasp the core arrangement, depending on the size and shape of the optical fiber, and they believe that this is due to the influence of the resin coating of the optical fiber.

[0024] Therefore, the inventors discovered that although the degree of freedom in layout is reduced, by placing the first light source at the position of the glass fiber where the resin has been peeled off, it is easier to grasp the core arrangement, etc. compared to when light is introduced from the side of the resin coating. As a result, it has become possible to more efficiently perform rotational alignment for the core arrangement, etc. of optical fiber, which was previously difficult to grasp.

[0025] Furthermore, by further arranging a pair of second light sources capable of irradiating light from the side of the optical fiber on the opposite side of the holder mounting portions, it is possible to switch between introducing light from the side of the glass fiber using the first light source and introducing light from the side of the resin coating. For example, even if the first light source makes the core or the like too bright, the second light source may make it just easier to see. Therefore, by selecting an appropriate light source depending on the optical fiber, end faces of many sizes and types of optical fibers can be observed under appropriate conditions.

[0026] In this case, the first light source and the second light source can be used simultaneously. For example, even if the core arrangement is difficult to see clearly using only one of the light sources, using both light sources may provide a brighter image that makes it possible to grasp the core arrangement.

[0027] Furthermore, by disposing the first light source between the holder mounting portion and the V-groove, light can be irradiated onto an optical fiber (glass fiber) that is reliably positioned by the holder and the V-groove. This reduces the likelihood of variations in the irradiation position and the degree of light exposure. Furthermore, because a portion of the light from the first light source is blocked by the V-groove, it is possible to prevent direct light from the first light source from leaking onto the reflecting member or the imaging device.

[0028] Furthermore, by making the light from the second light source stronger than the light from the first light source, it is possible to introduce light directly into the glass fiber and reduce the size of the first light source, which is also close to the end face.

[0029] Furthermore, by using a flat LED light source as the second light source, the optical fiber can be sandwiched between the elastic member arranged on the windshield and the second light source when the windshield is closed. This allows light to be more reliably introduced from the second light source to the optical fiber, and also prevents light from leaking from the second light source to other components.

[0030] Furthermore, by arranging the first light source in a position that does not rotate with the holder mounting portion when the holder mounting portion is rotated, wiring etc. for the first light source will not move due to the rotation. Similarly, by arranging the second light source in a position that does not rotate with the holder mounting portion when the holder mounting portion is rotated, wiring etc. for the second light source will not move due to the rotation. This makes it possible to prevent wiring breakage etc. during rotation alignment.

[0031] Furthermore, by arranging both the first light source and the second light source on the main body side, when the windshield is opened or closed relative to the main body, the wiring to the first light source and the second light source will not move due to rotation, thereby preventing the wiring from breaking. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fusion splicer that is excellent in alignment work by efficiently observing the end faces of optical fibers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fusion splicer 1. [Figure 2] 1A is a schematic diagram of the inside of the fusion splicer 1, FIG. 1B is a view taken along line AA in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is a view taken along line BB in part C in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the fusion splicer 1 in use. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is another schematic diagram of the interior of the fusion splicer 1 in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a fusion splicer 1, and Fig. 2(a) is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each component in a main body 9. The fusion splicer 1 connects a pair of optical fibers by fusion splicing. Note that in the following figures, components that are not necessary for the explanation are omitted.

[0035] 1, the fusion splicer 1 has a windshield 3 that can be opened and closed relative to a main body 9. The main body 9 also has a holder placement section 11 on which a holder that holds an optical fiber is placed, a V-groove 5 in which the optical fiber is positioned, an operation section 15 for performing various settings of the fusion splicer 1 and an alignment operation and fusion operation, which will be described later, and a display section 17 for displaying various information and images. The operation section 15 and the display section 17 may be integrated by using a touch panel as the display section 17.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2(a), a pair of holder mounting portions 11 are disposed opposite each other, and a V-groove 5 and an electrode 7 are disposed in this order from the holder mounting portion 11 in the opposing direction. The holder mounting portion 11 is fixed to a rotation drive portion 19. FIG. 2(b) is a view taken along the arrow AA in FIG. 2(a) (a front view of the rotation drive portion 19). The rotation drive portion 19 can rotate the holder mounting portion 11 around the axis of rotation in the opposing direction of the holder mounting portions 11 (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2(b)). In other words, rotational alignment of the optical fiber can be performed.

[0037] 2(c) is a view taken along the line BB of part C in FIG. 2(a) (a front view of the V-groove 5). On the opposing sides of the pair of holder mounting parts 11 (i.e., on the electrode 7 side), V-grooves 5 are arranged to hold the optical fibers exposed from the tips of the respective holders. When splicing, the optical fibers can be positioned by placing them in the V-grooves 5.

[0038] At this time, clamp 13 is provided on the back surface of windshield 3, and when windshield 3 is closed, the tip of clamp 13 is located at a position corresponding to the position of the optical fibers on V-groove 5. In other words, clamp 13 provided on the back surface of windshield 3 can hold a pair of optical fibers facing each other in V-groove 5.

[0039] Furthermore, a pair of electrodes 7 are arranged facing each other in a direction approximately perpendicular to the facing direction of the pair of optical fibers. With the windshield 3 closed and the tips of the optical fibers butted together, an arc is generated between the pair of electrodes 7, melting and joining the tips of the optical fibers.

[0040] Furthermore, a reflective member 21 is disposed between the pair of electrodes 7. The reflective member 21 can move up and down, and is retracted from between the electrodes 7 during fusion bonding, and can be raised and disposed between the electrodes 7 during rotation alignment work. That is, FIG. 2(a) shows the reflective member 21 in a raised state, and the reflective member 21 is movably disposed between the pair of holder mounting portions 11.

[0041] Light sources 23, which are the first light sources of each of the pair of holder mounting portions 11, are arranged on the opposing sides (electrode 7 sides) of the pair of holder mounting portions 11. More specifically, the light sources 23 are each arranged between the V-groove 5 and the holder mounting portion 11. Each light source 23 can irradiate light from the side of the optical fiber.

[0042] Next, a method for aligning an optical fiber will be described. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the state when aligning is performed. Note that Fig. 3 only shows the configuration on one side of the holder mounting portion 11, but the other side will be described as being symmetrical. As described above, an optical fiber 29 is held by a pair of holders 27, and each holder 27 is mounted on the holder mounting portion 11. The optical fiber 29 is configured by coating the outer periphery of a glass fiber 29a with a resin coating 29b. At this time, the resin coating 29b of the optical fiber 29 exposed at the tip side of the holder 27 is removed, exposing the glass fiber 29a.

[0043] As described above, the vicinity of the tip of the optical fiber 29 (glass fiber 29a) is held in the V-groove 5, and the optical fiber 29 is held facing each other in the V-groove 5 and positioned by the clamp 13 provided on the back surface of the windshield 3.

[0044] A reflecting member 21 is disposed between the pair of optical fibers 29. The reflecting member 21 has a reflecting surface on the side of each optical fiber 29, and is capable of reflecting an image of the tip of each optical fiber 29 in a direction at 90 degrees (upward in the figure). An imaging unit 25 is also built in between the clamps 13 of the windshield 3, and is disposed in a position where it can capture an image of the vicinity of the tips of the pair of optical fibers 29 when the windshield 3 is closed. In other words, the imaging unit 25 can capture an image reflected by the reflecting member 21.

[0045] As described above, the light sources 23 are disposed between the V-groove 5 and the holder mounting portion 11. The glass fiber 29a of the optical fiber 29 is exposed between the holder 27 and the V-groove 5. Therefore, the light source 23 can irradiate light from the side onto the glass fiber 29a from which the resin coating 29b of the optical fiber 29 has been peeled off. A portion of the light introduced from the side of the optical fiber 29 is guided through the core (or further a portion thereof is guided into the cladding) and is emitted to the end face. The imaging unit 25 captures an image of the end face of the optical fiber 29 using the reflecting member 21 and displays the image on the display unit 17, thereby making it possible to grasp the core arrangement of the optical fiber 29, etc.

[0046] In this state, the rotation drive unit 19 is operated by operating the operation unit 15, etc. The rotation drive unit 19 rotates at least one of the optical fibers 29 held by the pair of holder mounting units 11 around an axis in the opposing direction of the pair of holder mounting units 11, thereby enabling the pair of optical fibers 29 to be rotationally aligned with each other.

[0047] The light source 23 is disposed in a position where it does not rotate together with the holder mounting portion 11 when the holder mounting portion 11 rotates. Therefore, the wiring of the light source 23 does not move when performing alignment work. Therefore, there is no risk of the wiring being broken during rotation alignment, and reliability can be improved.

[0048] The alignment of the tip position (X and Y directions) of the optical fiber 29 can be performed by a conventional method. For example, another pair of imaging devices is placed in different directions on the side of the optical fiber 29, and images of the tip position of the optical fiber 29 are captured from each direction and displayed on the display unit 17. The operation unit 15 is used to operate the positions and orientations of the V-groove 5 and the holder placement unit 11 so that the positions of the optical fibers 29 are aligned, and by aligning the X and Y positions with each other, the optical fiber 29 can be aligned in the X and Y directions.

[0049] In this way, after XY alignment and rotational alignment of the pair of optical fibers 29, the reflecting member 21 is retracted (lowered), the ends of the optical fibers 29 are butted together, and an arc is generated between the electrodes 7, thereby fusing the optical fibers 29 together.

[0050] As described above, according to this embodiment, by introducing light from the side of the pair of optical fibers 29, it is possible to grasp the core arrangement, etc. on the end face, even when it is not possible to introduce light from the other end side of the optical fiber 29, thereby facilitating the alignment work. In this case, by introducing light from the side of the glass fiber 29a using the light source 23, the distance from the light introduction part to the end face is short and there is no influence from the resin coating 29b, so it is possible to grasp the core arrangement, etc. more clearly.

[0051] Furthermore, since the light source 23 is disposed closer to the holder placement portion 11 than the V-groove 5 (i.e., on the opposite side from the reflecting member 21), the light is blocked by the V-groove 5, and it is possible to prevent the light from the light source 23 from directly entering the reflecting member 21 or the imaging unit 25. Note that the material of the V-groove 5 may be colored black or the like to further reduce light reflection.

[0052] Furthermore, the optical fiber 29 (glass fiber 29a) is reliably positioned by the holder 27 and the V-groove 5 on both sides of the light source 23, so that light can always be introduced from a fixed position into the optical fiber 29. This improves reproducibility.

[0053] It should be noted that, for example, a so-called bullet-shaped LED light source can be used as the light source 23. The bullet-shaped LED has high directivity, so it can efficiently irradiate light onto the optical fiber 29 and suppress light leakage due to the spread of light.

[0054] Furthermore, in observing the end face of the optical fiber 29, it may be possible to grasp the state of the end face of the optical fiber 29. For example, it may be possible to grasp from the image of the end face whether there is a break or a crack in part of the end face.

[0055] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of each part according to the second embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0056] The second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first embodiment, but differs in that a second light source, a light source 31, is provided. Like the light source 23, the pair of light sources 31 can irradiate light from the side of each optical fiber 29. Each light source 31 is disposed on the rear side of the holder mounting portion 11 (the opposite side from the opposing direction of the pair of holder mounting portions 11), and can irradiate light onto the resin coating 29b of the optical fiber 29. Note that, as described above, the optical fiber 29 is coated with the resin coating 29b on the rear side of the holder 27. Therefore, the light source 31 can introduce light into the optical fiber 29 from outside the resin coating 29b.

[0057] The light source 31 is, for example, a flat LED light source. An elastic member 33 is arranged on the windshield 3, which can be opened and closed relative to the main body 9, and when the windshield 3 is closed, the optical fiber 29 can be sandwiched between the elastic member 33 and the light source 31. This ensures that light from the light source 31 is introduced into the optical fiber 29 and also prevents light from leaking to other parts.

[0058] In this case, the operation unit 15 can be used to select either the light source 23 or the light source 31 to irradiate the optical fiber 29 with light. As mentioned above, even if the same light is introduced, the appearance at the end face will differ depending on the size and type of the optical fiber 29. For this reason, by comparing the case where light is introduced from the light source 23 with the case where light is introduced from the light source 31, and selecting and using the one that allows the end face to be grasped more clearly, rotational alignment can be performed with greater precision.

[0059] Furthermore, the operation unit 15 may be configured to simultaneously irradiate light from the light source 23 and the light source 31 onto the optical fiber 29. By comparing the case where light is introduced from the light source 23 or the light source 31 with the case where light is introduced from both the light sources 23 and 31, and selecting and using conditions that allow a clearer grasp of the end face, rotational alignment can be performed with greater precision.

[0060] It is desirable that the light from light source 31 be stronger than the light from light source 23. As mentioned above, light source 23 introduces light directly into glass fiber 29a and is close to the end face, so a small light source can be used. On the other hand, light source 31 introduces light from the outer surface of resin coating 29b and is located a long distance from the end face, so a light source with stronger light is desirable.

[0061] For example, the light source 23 is preferably a light source having a wavelength of about 500 to 600 nm (for example, a red light source) to which the CMOS of the imaging unit 25 has high sensitivity. On the other hand, the light source 31 is preferably a white light source since it requires a certain amount of light.

[0062] Like the light source 23, the light source 31 is also arranged in a position where it does not rotate with the holder mounting portion 11 when the holder mounting portion 11 rotates. This prevents the wiring of the light source 23 from moving when performing alignment work, improving reliability. Although the light source 23 and the light source 31 can also be arranged on the windshield 3 side, it is preferable that they are both arranged on the main body 9 side. In this way, the wiring will not move when the windshield 3 is opened or closed.

[0063] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1...Fusion machine 3. Windshield 5……V groove 7……Electrode 9...Main unit 11...Holder placement portion 13...Clamp 15……Operation unit 17……Display section 19...Rotation drive unit 21...Reflective member 23……Light source 25....Imaging unit 27...Holder 29...Optical fiber 29a………Glass fiber 29b...Resin coating 31……Light source 33...Elastic member

Claims

1. A fusion splicer for connecting a pair of optical fibers, a pair of holder placement sections on which holders for holding optical fibers are placed; a reflecting member movable between the pair of holder placement portions; an imaging unit that captures an image reflected by the reflecting member; a rotation drive unit that can rotate at least one of the optical fibers held by the pair of holder mounting units around an axis that is the opposing direction of the pair of holder mounting units, thereby rotationally aligning the pair of optical fibers with each other; a pair of first light sources capable of irradiating light from the sides of the respective optical fibers; a pair of second light sources capable of irradiating light from the sides of the respective optical fibers; Equipped with a pair of electrodes is disposed between the pair of holder mounting portions disposed on the body of the fusion splicer; Each of the first light sources is disposed on the electrode side with respect to the holder mounting portion and is capable of irradiating light onto a glass fiber from which a resin coating of the optical fiber has been stripped, Each of the second light sources is disposed on an opposite side of the holder mounting portion from the electrode side and is capable of irradiating light onto a resin coating of an optical fiber, the first light source is a red light source having a wavelength of 500 to 600 nm; The fusion splicer is characterized in that the second light source is a white light source.

2. 2. The fusion splicer according to claim 1, wherein an operation unit is capable of selecting either the first light source or the second light source to irradiate the optical fiber with light.

3. 2. The fusion splicer according to claim 1, wherein an operating section is operable to simultaneously irradiate the optical fiber with the light from the first light source and the light from the second light source.

4. The electrode side of each of the holder mounting portions has a V-groove for holding an optical fiber exposed from the tip of each of the holders, 2. The fusion splicer according to claim 1, wherein the first light source is disposed between the V-groove and the holder placement portion.

5. 2. The fusion splicer according to claim 1, wherein the light from said second light source is stronger than the light from said first light source.

6. the second light source is a flat LED light source, an elastic member is disposed on the windshield that can be opened and closed relative to the main body; 2. The fusion splicer according to claim 1, wherein when the windshield is closed, the optical fiber can be sandwiched between the elastic member and the second light source.

7. the rotation drive unit is capable of rotating the holder placement unit, 2. The fusion splicer according to claim 1, wherein the first light source is disposed at a position where it does not rotate together with the holder placement portion when the holder placement portion rotates.

8. the rotation drive unit is capable of rotating the holder placement unit, 2. The fusion splicer according to claim 1, wherein the second light source is disposed at a position where it does not rotate together with the holder placement portion when the holder placement portion rotates.

9. A windshield that can be opened and closed relative to the main body, The fusion splicer according to claim 1 , wherein the first light source and the second light source are both disposed on the main body side.

Images