Apparatus and method for reconnecting optical fibers

Abstract

One objective of the present disclosure is to enable a reduction in the number of equipment required in performing a series of operations to switch connection of optical fibers.　The present disclosure is an apparatus characterised by including a pair of electrode rods for fusing, to connect, glass portions of optical fibers, the pair of electrode rods being used to remove coatings provided on the optical fibers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device used when switching optical fibers.

Background Art

[0002] In an optical access network, Internet and telephone services are provided to users. When replacing equipment constituting the optical access network, optical fiber switching work is performed from the originally used equipment to new equipment. Although the optical fiber at the relocation source is being used for communication, in the optical fiber switching work, the coating of the optical fiber is removed, the optical fiber is cut, and fusion splicing is performed (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2).

[0003] The size of one optical fiber is thin, with an outer diameter of the glass part of 125 μm and an outer diameter of the coating of 250 μm. It is almost the same thickness as one strand of hair. An operator picks up such a tiny optical fiber by hand, sets it in a device, and performs work.

[0004] In current construction work, individual devices are used for removing the coating of the optical fiber, cutting the optical fiber, and fusion splicing. When replacing the device, the operator's attention may deviate from the optical fiber. Furthermore, the working time is not limited to bright daytime. Construction work may also be carried out in rain or snow. The working environment is not necessarily easy for the operator. Therefore, when replacing the device during construction work, the optical fiber may be damaged. In such an environment, it is a problem that the construction work cannot be completed without multiple devices.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

[0006] This disclosure aims to reduce the amount of equipment required when performing a series of tasks involving the switching and connection of optical fibers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The apparatus of the present disclosure is a device for reconnecting optical fibers, comprising a pair of electrode rods for fusion splicing the glass portion of an optical fiber, and characterized in that the coating on the optical fiber is removed using the pair of electrode rods. For example, in the apparatus of the present disclosure, the pair of electrode rods can be switched between a temperature of 1000°C or higher and a temperature of 200°C or higher but less than 1000°C.

[0008] The method of the present disclosure is a method performed by the apparatus of the present disclosure, comprising using the pair of electrode rods to remove the coating on a first optical fiber and using the pair of electrode rods to fusion splice the glass portion on the first optical fiber and the glass portion on the second optical fiber.

[0009] Here, the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber may be optical fibers extending from communication buildings located at different locations. In this way, the apparatus of the present disclosure can perform the operation of switching connection from the first optical fiber to the second optical fiber.

[0010] The apparatus of the present disclosure may include an electrode rod movable stand for moving the pair of electrode rods in the longitudinal direction of the first optical fiber. The apparatus of the present disclosure may also include an air blower for dissolving the coating with the pair of electrode rods and removing the soot generated by the dissolution of the coating. Furthermore, the apparatus of the present disclosure may include a camera for imaging the glass portion exposed by the pair of electrode rods so that it can be confirmed whether the soot has been removed.

[0011] The method of this disclosure involves discharging from the pair of electrode rods parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first optical fiber to remove the coating of the first optical fiber in the longitudinal direction of the first optical fiber, removing any remaining soot from the surface with an air blow after the removal of the coating of the first optical fiber, and further monitoring the glass portion of the first optical fiber that has been exposed by the removal of the coating with a camera.

[0012] The apparatus of this disclosure may include a pressing table for pressing the glass portion on the side of the glass portion opposite to the side on which the metal blade is located, and a metal blade movable part for moving the metal blade to the surface of the glass portion. This makes it possible to perform a series of operations for switching connection from the first optical fiber to the second optical fiber with a single apparatus.

[0013] Furthermore, the above disclosures can be combined as much as possible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] This disclosure can reduce the number of devices required when performing a series of tasks involving the switching and connection of optical fibers. Therefore, this disclosure can reduce the burden on workers and improve work efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is an example of an optical access network configuration. [Figure 2] This is an example of an optical fiber configuration. [Figure 3] This is an example of a tape fiber configuration. [Figure 4] An example of the switching connection of optical fibers in an optical access network is shown. [Figure 5] An example of the working process at the switching point is shown. [Figure 6] An example of the coating removal method at the switching point is shown. [Figure 7] An example of the optical fiber cutting method at the switching point is shown. [Figure 8] An example of the optical fiber fusion method at the switching point is shown. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram of coating removal by discharge performed by the device of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] It is a side view showing an example of the device configuration of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] It is a top view showing an example of the device configuration of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] It is an explanatory diagram of optical fiber cutting performed by the device of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] It is an explanatory diagram of the movement of the fiber at the relocation destination performed by the device of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] It is an explanatory diagram of fusion connection performed by the device of the present disclosure.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below. These examples are merely illustrative, and the present disclosure can be implemented in various modified forms based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. In the present specification and drawings, components having the same reference numerals indicate the same components as each other.

[0017] The optical access network provides users with internet and telephone services by providing the equipment shown in Figure 1. An optical line terminal (OLT) 81, which is a communication device, is installed in the communication building, and an optical network unit (ONU) 82 is installed in the user's home. The OLT 81 and ONU 82 are connected using an IDM 83, optical cable 84-1, and splitter 85. As communication light, the OLT 81 outputs wavelengths of 1490nm and 1550nm, and the ONU 82 outputs a wavelength of 1310nm, so that the OLT 81 and ONU 82 recognize each other and provide users with high-speed broadband services such as the internet and telephone.

[0018] Figure 2 shows the structure of the optical fiber 95 connecting the OLT 81 and the ONU 82. The optical fiber 95 has a three-layer structure consisting of a core glass 91, a clad glass 92 surrounding it, a glass portion 93, and a coating 94 to protect the glass portion 93. The core glass 91 is mainly composed of pure quartz glass with germanium dioxide used as an additive. The addition of germanium dioxide increases the refractive index. On the other hand, the clad glass 92 is composed only of pure quartz glass, so the clad glass 92 is designed to have a lower refractive index than the core glass 91. Because the refractive indices of the core glass 91 and the clad glass 92 are different, total internal reflection occurs at the interface and the communication light propagates through the core glass 91.

[0019] Figure 3 shows an example of a tape fiber 96. A tape fiber 96 is formed by bundling two or more optical fibers 95 together into a tape. In this embodiment, four optical fibers 95 are bundled together to form a tape fiber 96, which is then further bundled to form an optical cable 84-1. (Non-Patent Literature 1)

[0020] Telecommunications buildings deteriorate over time. For example, concrete cracks can form, allowing moisture to seep in. Telecommunications buildings house a large number of communication devices, such as those shown in OLT81. These devices are powered by electricity. If moisture enters the building and comes into contact with the communication devices, it can affect them and, in the worst case, cause them to shut down. This means that services cannot be provided to users.

[0021] Therefore, as a countermeasure, as shown in Figure 4, we would like to construct a new communication building, install a new OLT81#2 in that new communication building, and provide services using optical signals from OLT81#2. To do this, we must cut the optical cable 84-1 extending from OLT81#1 and switch to a new optical cable 84-2.

[0022] The procedure for switching from the old communications building (OLT81#1) to the new communications building (OLT81#2) is as follows: First, as preparation, identify the optical cable 84-1 to be cut. At this time, communication between OLT81#1 and ONU82 is maintained. The next step is to cut the optical cable 84-1 connecting OLT81#1 and ONU82. Naturally, communication will stop. Subsequently, optical cable 84-2 is fusion-spliced ​​with optical cable 84-1, and OLT81#2 and ONU82 are connected for communication. Finally, communication between OLT81#2 and ONU82 will begin, so confirm that communication has started.

[0023] Figure 5 shows the work process at the switching point PS. Switching involves cutting and reconnecting the optical fiber 95, and this process is shown in detail. (1) First step The optical fiber 95-1 is covered with a sheath 94-1 to protect the glass portion 93-1. Therefore, the sheath 94-1 of the optical fiber 95-1 is removed. A special tool, a sheath removal device, is required to remove the sheath 94-1. Once the sheath 94-1 is removed, the glass is exposed. (2) Second step Apply the blade to the glass portion 93-1 and cut. A special tool called a fiber cutter is required for cutting. (3) The third step The relocation of optical fiber 95-2 involves moving the optical fiber 95-2 of optical cable 84-2, which is extending from the new telecommunications building, to the optical fiber 95-1 of optical cable 84-1, which is being relocated. (4) The fourth step Then, optical fibers 95-1 and 95-2 are connected using a fusion splicing device, which is a specialized tool. (5) The fifth step After the connection is established, communication between OLT81#2 and ONU82 will begin. Thus, switching optical fibers requires multiple steps, including sheathing removal, cutting, relocation of the fiber to the new location, and fusion splicing, as well as sheathing removal equipment, fiber cutters, and fusion splicing equipment.

[0024] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of a currently used coating removal device. As shown in Figure 6(a), the coating 94 is softened by applying a heater to its surface. Then, as shown in Figure 6(b), a metal blade 25 is applied to the softened coating 94 and moved parallel to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 95. This allows the coating 94 to be peeled off.

[0025] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of a fiber cutter currently in use. Both ends of the glass section 93-1 are placed on the fixing base 21. When the pressing base 22 is moved from bottom to top, the glass section 93-1 is sandwiched between the metal blade 23 and the pressing base 22. By moving the metal blade 23 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the glass section 93-1, the metal blade 23 is brought into contact with the glass section 93-1, scratching it. Due to the pressure from the pressing base 22, cracks appear in the scratched glass section 93-1, and the optical fiber 95-1 is cut.

[0026] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of a fusion splicing device currently in use. The glass sections 93-1 and 93-2 of the tape fiber are positioned opposite each other and aligned with high precision. Then, an electrical discharge is applied from the electrode rod 24, melting the glass sections 93-1 and 93-2 to connect the optical fibers.

[0027] Current construction methods involve using a sheathing removal device, fiber cutter, and fusion splicing device to connect optical fibers. However, the work is not always performed during daylight hours; it may take place in the rain or snow. The working environment is not always ideal for the workers. In such conditions, the challenge lies in having to switch between multiple devices, carefully installing thin optical fibers into the devices without damaging them, and operating the devices to complete the work. Therefore, this disclosure proposes a device that reduces the burden on workers during construction.

[0028] (Summary of this disclosure) In the example shown in Figure 6, a metal blade 25 is used to remove the coating 94-1. However, fusion splicing devices have a discharge function, and this discharge can be used to melt the coating 94-1. Therefore, in this disclosure, the removal of the coating 94 is performed by the discharge function and integrated into the fusion splicing device.

[0029] Furthermore, the metal blade 23 and pressing table 22 of the fiber cutter have a small number of parts and are small in size. Therefore, in this disclosure, the fiber cutter may be housed in the housing of the fusion splicing device. The specific functions and operations of the device described herein will be explained in detail below.

[0030] (Example of Embodiment 1) The apparatus of this embodiment uses an electrical discharge generated by an electrode rod to melt and remove the coating 94. A temperature of 1300 degrees Celsius or higher is required to melt the glass in fusion splicing.

[0031] On the other hand, the coating 94 is composed of organic materials, with ultraviolet-curing resin being a typical example. Ultraviolet-curing resin melts easily when heated to 200 degrees Celsius. Therefore, by applying coating removal using electrical discharge, the conventional coating removal equipment can be eliminated. By setting the temperature for coating removal between 200 and 1000 degrees Celsius, only the coating can be removed without melting the glass.

[0032] Figure 9 shows an example configuration for removing the coating 94 using electrical discharge. In the figure, the optical cable 84-1 is shown as a tape fiber 96-1 containing four glass sections 93-1-1 to 93-1-4. Figure 9(a) shows how the tape fiber 84-1 is fixed using two fixing members 31, and the electrode rod 34 is moved to the vicinity of the tape fiber. Next, while discharging the pole rod 32, the electrode rod 34 is moved along the optical cable 84-1 (Figure 9(c)). This allows the sheathing 94 to be removed from a portion of the optical cable 84-1 in the longitudinal direction.

[0033] Here, the high temperature removes only the coating 94, but some of the coating 94 may turn into soot and remain on the surface of the glass portion 93. To remove this soot, air is sprayed onto the exposed portion of the glass portion 93 to remove it (Figure 9(d)).

[0034] Finally, a camera is used to confirm whether the coating 94 has been removed. If any coating 94 remains, discharge and air blow again, and repeat until the soot is removed.

[0035] Figures 10 and 11 show an example of the apparatus configuration of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a side view, and Figure 11 is a top view. The apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a fixing member 31, a metal blade 33, a pressing table 32, an electrode rod 34, an air blower 35, a camera 36, ​​and a control unit 37. The apparatus of the present disclosure also comprises motors M31-1A, M31-1B, M33, M32, and M34 which function as movable parts of the fixing members 31-1, 31-2, the metal blade 33 and camera 36, ​​the pressing table 32, and the electrode rod 34, respectively. Motor M32 functions as a movable part of the pressing table that moves the pressing table 32 to the surface of the glass portion 93-1. Motor M33 functions as a movable part of the metal blade that moves the metal blade 33 to the surface of the glass portion 93-1. Motor M34 functions as a movable part of the electrode rod that moves the electrode rod 34 in the longitudinal direction of the tape fiber 96-1.

[0036] The control unit 37 controls any operation in the apparatus of this disclosure. For example, the control unit 37 switches the temperature of the electrode rod 34 between a temperature of 1000°C or higher for fusion splicing and a temperature of 200°C or higher but less than 1000°C for coating removal. The temperature switching may be performed manually by the user, or it may be performed automatically by the control unit 37.

[0037] The apparatus of this disclosure is capable of automatically switching from tape fiber 96-1 to tape fiber 96-2. When performed automatically, the user places tape fibers 96-1 and 96-2 in the apparatus of this disclosure and presses the start button provided in the apparatus of this disclosure. The control unit 37 then controls any functional unit provided in the apparatus of this disclosure to automatically perform the following in order: removal of the coating from tape fiber 96-1, cutting of tape fiber 96-1, movement of tape fiber 96-1 or 96-2, and fusion splicing of tape fibers 96-1 and 96-2.

[0038] (Installation of optical fibers in the apparatus of this disclosure) Fixing member 31-1 fixes the tape fiber 96-1 in a straight line at the center of the device. Both ends of this straight tape fiber 96-1 are connected to the ONU 82 and OLT 81#1 shown. Fixing member 31-2, located below fixing member 31-1, fixes the tape fiber 96-2 to be reconnected. The tip of the tape fiber 96-2 has already had its covering 94-2 removed, exposing the glass portion 93-2-1 to 93-2-4. The tape fiber 96-2 extends to OLT 81#2.

[0039] (Cutting of optical fiber) Figure 12 shows how the apparatus of this disclosure cuts an optical fiber. Figures 12(a) and 12(c) show cross-sectional views, and Figures 12(b) and 12(d) show top views. The metal blade 33 and the pressing table 32 are equipped with motors M33 and M32 for adjusting their positions. After the coating 94-1 is removed by the discharge, the position of the metal blade 33 is adjusted using motors M33 and M32, as shown in Figures 12(a) and (b), so that the metal blade 33 contacts the upper surface of the glass part 93-1. Next, the metal blade 33 comes into contact with the surface of the glass part 93 and scratches it. At this time, by moving the metal blade 33 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the glass part 93-1 (Figure 12(b)), scratches are made on the surfaces of the glass parts 93-1-1 to 93-1-4. Subsequently, the pressing platform 32 located below the tape fiber 96-1 is moved upward by the motor M32, pressing down on the tape fiber 96-1. Since there are already scratches on the surface of the glass sections 93-1-1 to 93-1-4, the glass sections 93-1-1 to 93-1-4, i.e., the tape fiber 96-1, are cut at these scratches.

[0040] (Moving of optical fiber at the new location) After tape fiber 96-1 is cut, the switch is made from OLT81#1 to OLT81#2, as shown in Figure 13. First, as shown in Figure 13(a), motor M31-2 positions tape fiber 96-2 of OLT82-#2, which extends from the new communications building, below tape fiber 96-1B of OLT82#1, which extends from the old communications building. Next, in order to connect the tape fiber 96-2 on the OLT82#2 side to the optical fiber 96-1A of the ONU82, motor M31-1B moves the tape fiber 96-1B on the OLT81#1 side backward, as shown in Figure 13(b). This creates space at the position of tape fiber 96-1B, as shown in Figure 13(c). Next, as shown in Figure 13(d), motor M31-2 moves tape fiber 96-2 extending from OLT81#2 into that space. Furthermore, motor M31-2 precisely aligns tape fiber 96-2 extending from OLT81#2 with tape fiber 96-1B.

[0041] The above example shows moving the tape fiber 96-1B backward, but the same effect can be obtained by shifting it sideways. Furthermore, installing motor M31-1A on the ONU82 side and moving the tape fiber 96-1A up and down will also produce the same effect.

[0042] Finally, the motor M34 moves the electrode rod 34 to align with the tape fibers 96-1B and 96-2 in Figure 13(d). Then, the electrode rod 34 discharges. This allows the end faces of the glass portions 93-1-1 to 93-1-4 of the tape fiber 96-1B and the glass portions 93-2-1 to 93-2-4 of the tape fiber 96-2 to be fused together.

[0043] (Removal of the coating from optical fibers and fusion splicing) The electrode rod 34 has two functions: coating removal and fusion splicing. The method of coating removal is as described in Figure 9. In this embodiment, the electrode rod 34 discharges from the horizontal direction of the glass sections 93-1-1 to 93-1-4 and 93-2-1 to 93-2-4.

[0044] Similar to coating removal, fusion splicing is performed by discharging from the horizontal direction, as shown in Figure 14, to fusion splice the glass sections 93-1-1 to 93-1-4 and 93-2-1 to 93-2-4. At this time, the motor M34 moves the electrode rod 34 to the connection position of the glass sections 93-1-1 to 93-1-4 and 93-2-1 to 93-2-4.

[0045] Here, the apparatus of the present disclosure includes a motor M34 that moves the electrode rod 34 in the longitudinal direction of the tape fiber 96-1 in order to remove the coating, as shown in Figure 9(b). By discharging from the electrode rod 34 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tape fiber 94-1, a portion of the coating 94-1 can be removed in the longitudinal direction of the tape fiber 94-1. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the motor M34 is positioned downstream of the electrode rod 34.

[0046] Furthermore, the system includes an air blower 35 for removing soot from the coating 94-1 after discharge, and a camera 36 for checking the condition of the glass portion 93-1. The camera 36 may be fixed to the same motor M33 as the metal blade 33, as capturing images from the top surface of the coating 94-1 provides a wider field of view. Also, by positioning the camera 36 at the top, the alignment of the tape fibers 96-1A and 96-2, as described in Figure 13, can be visually confirmed by the camera 36.

[0047] As described above, the present disclosure allows for the integration of the functions of sheathing removal, cutting, relocation of the destination fiber, and fusion splicing into a single device. Furthermore, the device of the present disclosure includes a control unit 37 that sequentially executes the operations of sheathing removal, cutting, relocation of the destination fiber, and fusion splicing. This allows the device of the present disclosure to fix the tape fiber 96-1 to the fixing unit 31-1 and the tape fiber 96-2 to the fixing unit 31-2, and then perform a series of optical fiber switching operations with a single switch.

[0048] (Effects obtained) By consolidating the functions into a single device, switching optical fibers can be done easily with just the simple action of pressing a switch. As mentioned in the background, this work is performed outdoors in the dark, cold, and rain, and because multiple devices are used, workers require skills. With the method according to this invention, the number of devices is reduced to one, and since the device is operated with a single switch, the skill level required of workers can be reduced (anyone can do the work). Japan's population is declining, and there is a shortage of manpower in all industries, but this can also contribute to solving that problem. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 21:Fixed stand 22: Pressing platform 23, 25: Blade 24: Electrode rod 31-1, 31-2: Fixing members 32: Pressing platform 33: Metal blade 34: Electrode rod 35: Air blow 36: Camera 37: Control Unit 81:OLT 82:ONU 83: IDM 84-1, 84-2: Optical cable 85: Splitter 91: Core Glass 92: Clad glass 93, 93-1, 93-1-1, 93-1-2, 93-1-3, 93-1-4, 93-2, 93-2-1, 93-2-2, 93-2-3, 93-2-4: Glass part 94, 94-1, 94-2: Covering 95, 95-1, 95-2: Optical fiber 96, 96-1, 96-2: Tape fiber

Claims

1. A pair of electrode rods arranged to sandwich a tape fiber in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in parallel from the direction in which the optical fibers are arranged in parallel, and which fuse-connect the glass portions provided on the optical fibers by discharge in the direction in which the optical fibers are arranged in parallel, The pair of electrode rods are moved in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber by an electrode rod movable part, The longitudinal direction of the cutting edge is in the direction in which the optical fibers are parallel, and the metal blade scratches the glass portion from one side of the tape fiber, A motor for adjusting the position of the aforementioned metal blade, A pressing platform that presses the glass portion on the other side of the tape fiber, A motor for moving the aforementioned pressing platform, Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit, The movable electrode rod portion is used to move the pair of electrode rods to remove a portion of the coating on the first tape fiber. Using the metal blade and the pressing table, cut the portion of the optical fiber parallel to the first tape fiber where the coating has been removed from the glass portion. The cut portion of the optical fiber parallel to the first tape fiber and the end portion of the optical fiber parallel to the second tape fiber are arranged to face each other. Using the pair of electrode rods, the glass portion at the cut end of the optical fiber parallel to the first tape fiber and the glass portion at the end of the optical fiber parallel to the second tape fiber are fusion spliced ​​together. It is characterized by, When cutting the optical fiber parallel to the first tape fiber Using the aforementioned motor for metal blades, the metal blade is brought into contact with the surface of the glass portion and moved in the direction in which the optical fibers are parallel, thereby scratching the surface of each of the glass portions, and Using the motor for the pressing platform, the pressing platform is pressed against the glass portion. A device that performs this task.

2. An air blower is used to remove soot generated by the dissolution of the coating due to the discharge of the pair of electrode rods. A camera for imaging the glass portion exposed by the pair of electrode rods, The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The pair of electrode rods can be switched between a temperature of 1000°C or higher and a temperature of 200°C or higher but less than 1000°C. The apparatus according to claim 1.

4. A pair of electrode rods arranged to sandwich a tape fiber in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in parallel from the direction in which the optical fibers are arranged in parallel, and which fuse-connect the glass portions provided on the optical fibers by discharge in the direction in which the optical fibers are arranged in parallel, The pair of electrode rods are moved in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber by an electrode rod movable part, The longitudinal direction of the cutting edge is in the direction in which the optical fibers are parallel, and the metal blade scratches the glass portion from one side of the tape fiber, A motor for adjusting the position of the aforementioned metal blade, A pressing platform that presses the glass portion on the other side of the tape fiber, A motor for moving the aforementioned pressing platform, A method performed by an apparatus comprising: The movable electrode rod portion is used to move the pair of electrode rods to remove a portion of the coating on the first tape fiber. Using the metal blade and the pressing table, cut the portion of the optical fiber parallel to the first tape fiber where the coating has been removed from the glass portion. The cut portion of the optical fiber parallel to the first tape fiber and the end portion of the optical fiber parallel to the second tape fiber are arranged to face each other. Using the pair of electrode rods, the glass portion at the cut end of the optical fiber parallel to the first tape fiber and the glass portion at the end of the optical fiber parallel to the second tape fiber are fusion spliced ​​together. It is characterized by, When cutting the optical fiber parallel to the first tape fiber Using the aforementioned motor for metal blades, the metal blade is brought into contact with the surface of the glass portion and moved in the direction in which the optical fibers are parallel, thereby scratching the surface of each of the glass portions, and Using the motor for the pressing platform, the pressing platform is pressed against the glass portion. A method for doing so.

5. The soot generated by the dissolution of the coating due to the discharge of the pair of electrode rods is removed by air blowing. Furthermore, the glass portion of the optical fiber parallel to the first tape fiber, which is exposed when the coating is removed, is monitored with a camera. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that

6. The other severed first tape fiber and the second tape fiber are tape fibers extending from optical subscriber line termination equipment installed in buildings located at different locations. The method according to claim 4.

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