Fusion splicer
The fusion splicer addresses the challenge of accurate end face illumination with reduced power by positioning the bending section and light source near the optical fiber tip, enabling efficient core identification and contributing to the splicer's miniaturization.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-05-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-29
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
AI Technical Summary
Existing fusion splicers face challenges in accurately illuminating the end face of optical fibers without requiring high light source power, which can lead to difficulties in pinpointing the core position.
The fusion splicer design includes a bending section and a light source positioned close to the tip of the optical fiber, illuminating the end face from the side, allowing for accurate core identification with reduced light source power. This configuration also allows for detachable optical fiber holders and integrated power supply components to facilitate miniaturization and ease of use.
The design enables sufficient illumination of the optical fiber end face with lower power consumption, facilitating precise core identification and contributing to the miniaturization of the splicer while maintaining ease of optical fiber attachment and detachment.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fusion connection machine. This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2021-086222 filed on May 21, 2021, and incorporates all the descriptions described in the above Japanese application.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a fusion connection device. The fusion connection device includes a pair of V-groove bases on which each of a pair of optical fibers is placed, LED lamps arranged on the sides of each of the pair of optical fibers, and a first television camera and a second television camera for photographing the pair of optical fibers. The LED lamp irradiates light onto the optical fiber from the side. The light incident on the optical fiber from the side is radiated from the end face of the optical fiber. The first television camera and the second television camera image the image of the end face of the optical fiber that emits light.
[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a connection device for optical fibers. The connection device connects a pair of photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) to each other. The connection device includes two holding members that hold each of the two PCFs, and a first driving unit that supports and moves each holding member. Further, the connection device includes a mirror and a mirror driving member located between the two PCFs, and a camera that images the image reflected by the mirror. In the connection device, light is irradiated by epi-illumination from the side of the camera. By irradiating this light, the core of the end face is observed while the entire end face of the PCF is made to glow.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Summary of the Invention
[0005] The fusion splicer according to this disclosure comprises an optical fiber holder that holds an optical fiber with its tip protruding, a rotation mechanism positioned on the opposite side of the optical fiber holder from the tip and rotating the optical fiber holder about an axis extending along the optical fiber, a bending section for bending the optical fiber, a light source that emits light from the side of the optical fiber after it has been bent by the bending section, and a power supply section that supplies power to the light source. The bending section and the light source are positioned either on the tip side of the optical fiber relative to the optical fiber holder, on the optical fiber holder, or on the rotation mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]
[0006] According to this disclosure, the power of the light source can be reduced while also illuminating the end face of the optical fiber sufficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a fusion splicer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic side view showing the optical fiber holder, rotation mechanism, and clamp section of a fusion splicer according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the first and second electrodes of a fusion splicer according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic side view showing the optical fiber holder, rotation mechanism, and clamp section of a fusion splicer according to the first modified example. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic side view showing the optical fiber holder, rotation mechanism, and clamp section of a fusion splicer according to the second modified example. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic side view showing the optical fiber holder, rotation mechanism, and clamp section of a fusion splicer according to the third modified example. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic side view showing the optical fiber holder, rotation mechanism, and clamp section of a fusion splicer according to the fourth modified example. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a schematic side view showing the optical fiber holder, rotation mechanism, and clamp section of a fusion splicer according to the fifth modified example. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic side view showing the optical fiber holder, rotation mechanism, and clamp section of a fusion splicer according to the sixth modified example. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic side view showing the optical fiber holder, rotation mechanism, and clamp section of a fusion splicer according to the seventh modified example. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic side view showing the optical fiber holder, rotation mechanism, and clamp section of a fusion splicer according to the eighth modified example. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic side view showing the optical fiber holder, rotation mechanism, and clamp section of a fusion splicer according to the ninth modified example. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic side view showing the optical fiber holder, rotation mechanism, and clamp section of a fusion splicer according to the 10th modified example. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic side view showing the optical fiber holder, rotation mechanism, and clamp section of a fusion splicer according to the 11th modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0008] In the aforementioned method of illuminating an optical fiber by using a light source such as reflected light to illuminate the end face of the optical fiber, it can be difficult to accurately pinpoint the position of the core. When illuminating the end face of an optical fiber as described above, the power of the light source may need to be increased to adequately illuminate the end face of the optical fiber.
[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a fusion splicer that can reduce the power of the light source while sufficiently illuminating the end face of an optical fiber.
[0010] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the contents of the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and explained. A fusion splicer according to one embodiment of this disclosure includes an optical fiber holder that holds an optical fiber with its tip protruding, a rotation mechanism located on the opposite side of the optical fiber holder from the tip and rotating the optical fiber holder about an axis extending along the optical fiber, a bending section for bending the optical fiber, a light source that emits light from the side of the optical fiber into the optical fiber bent by the bending section, and a power supply section that supplies power to the light source. The bending section and the light source are located either on the tip side of the optical fiber relative to the optical fiber holder, in the optical fiber holder, or in the rotation mechanism.
[0011] In this fusion splicer, the optical fiber holder holds the optical fiber with its tip protruding. A rotating mechanism for rotating the optical fiber holder is located on the opposite side of the tip of the optical fiber holder. The fusion splicer includes a bending section for bending the optical fiber and a light source that shines light onto the bent optical fiber from the side. By shining light onto the bent portion of the optical fiber from the side, the end face of the tip of the optical fiber can be illuminated. The bending section and the light source are located either closer to the tip of the optical fiber than the optical fiber holder, on the optical fiber holder, or on the rotating mechanism. Because the bending section and the light source are located close to the tip of the optical fiber, the end face of the optical fiber can be sufficiently illuminated even without strong light source power. As a result, the position of the core can be accurately determined.
[0012] The above-described fusion splicer may include a holder base on which an optical fiber holder is mounted. The optical fiber holder may be detachable from the holder base. The bending portion and the light source may be disposed on either the holder base or the optical fiber holder. In this case, the fusion splicer includes a holder base, and the optical fiber holder is detachable from the holder base. Since the optical fiber holder is detachable from the holder base, the attachment and detachment of the optical fiber to the rotation mechanism can be easily performed. The bending portion and the light source are disposed on either the holder base or the optical fiber holder. Therefore, the optical fiber holder and the holder base can be effectively used as the locations where the bending portion and the light source are disposed. By holding the bending portion and the light source by either the optical fiber holder or the holder base, there is no need to arrange another component for holding the bending portion and the light source, which contributes to the miniaturization of the fusion splicer.
[0013] The above-described fusion splicer includes a first electrode disposed on the optical fiber holder and a second electrode disposed on the holder base. The light source may receive power from a power supply unit when the optical fiber holder is mounted on the holder base and the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected to each other. The "power supply unit" refers to something that supplies power to the light source. For example, it refers to a part of the fusion splicer that is electrically connected to the light source. The "power supply unit" may be, for example, a wiring part of the fusion splicer connected to a power source (such as a household power source, a socket) when driven by an AC power source (when the fusion splicer does not have a battery or a cell). The "power supply unit" may be an internal wiring part of the fusion splicer connected to the battery or the cell when the fusion splicer has a battery or a cell. The fusion splicer may have a dedicated battery or cell to which a power supply unit for supplying power to the light source is connected. In the case of the above-described fusion splicer, the first electrode is disposed on the optical fiber holder and the second electrode is disposed on the holder base. Therefore, the optical fiber holder and the holder base can be effectively used as the locations for disposing the first electrode and the second electrode.
[0014] The above-described fusion splicer may include a power source disposed in either the optical fiber holder or the holder base. The light source may receive power from the power source via a power supply unit. In this case, the optical fiber holder and the holder base can be effectively utilized as the locations for disposing the power source.
[0015] The above-described fusion splicer may include a clamp portion that presses a portion on the tip side of the optical fiber held by the optical fiber holder. The bending portion and the light source may be disposed in the clamp portion. In this case, the bending portion and the light source are disposed in the clamp portion that presses the portion on the tip side of the optical fiber. Therefore, the clamp portion can be effectively utilized as the location for disposing the bending portion and the light source.
[0016] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Hereinafter, a specific example of a fusion splicer according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are appropriately omitted. The drawings may be drawn in a simplified or exaggerated manner for ease of understanding, and dimensional ratios and the like are not limited to those described in the drawings.
[0017] First, the configuration of the fusion splicer according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the fusion splicer according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the fusion splicer 1 fusion-spliced a pair of optical fibers F to each other. The fusion splicer 1 includes an optical fiber holder 10 having a V-groove 11 and a rotation mechanism 20 that rotates the optical fiber holder 10.
[0018] The fusion splicer 1 includes a pair of optical fiber holders 10 arranged along the Z-axis direction, which is the direction in which the optical fiber F extends, and a pair of rotation mechanisms 20 arranged along the Z-axis direction. In the V-groove 11 of each optical fiber holder 10, the optical fiber F to be fusion-spliced is positioned. The optical fiber holder 10 is made of resin, for example. The optical fiber holder 10 holds, for example, a portion of the optical fiber F having a coating. The optical fiber holder 10 holds the tip F1 of the optical fiber F in a state of protruding in the Z-axis direction.
[0019] A pair of discharge electrodes 2 are positioned where the tips F1 of a pair of optical fibers F face each other. The pair of discharge electrodes 2 are positioned facing each other along a direction intersecting the optical fibers F (for example, the X-axis direction). The optical fiber holder 10 has, for example, a base 12 on which the optical fibers F are placed, which has a V-groove 11 extending along the Z-axis direction, and a cover 13 which is placed on the base 12. The base 12 and the cover 13 are arranged, for example, along the Y-axis direction which intersects both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.
[0020] A pair of discharge electrodes 2 fusion splice the ends F1 of a pair of optical fibers F together by discharge. For example, a fusion splicer 1 has a control unit 3 that controls various parts of the fusion splicer 1. The control unit 3 controls the discharge current and discharge time of the discharge electrodes 2 so that fusion splicing is performed under fusion splicing conditions appropriate to the type of optical fiber F. In the fusion splicer 1, the control unit 3 performs alignment of the pair of optical fibers F.
[0021] The control unit 3 adjusts the position of each optical fiber F in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and aligns the pair of optical fibers F so that they are aligned in a straight line along the Z-axis direction. In other words, the control unit 3 aligns the pair of optical fibers F in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions. The control unit 3 aligns the optical fibers F in the θ direction by controlling the rotation mechanism 20 to rotate the optical fibers F about the Z-axis.
[0022] Optical fiber F is, for example, an optical fiber that requires rotational alignment in a fusion splicer 1. That is, optical fiber F is an optical fiber in which the positions of a pair of optical fibers F in the θ direction must be aligned. For example, optical fiber F is a multi-core optical fiber (MCF) or a polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF).
[0023] Figure 2 is a side view showing the optical fiber holder 10 and the rotating mechanism 20 of the fusion splicer 1. As shown in Figure 2, the fusion splicer 1 according to this embodiment includes a clamping portion 30 that holds the tip F1 side portion of the optical fiber F held in the optical fiber holder 10. Furthermore, the fusion splicer 1 includes a holder base 40 fixed to the rotating mechanism 20, a bending portion 50 for bending the optical fiber F, and a light source 60.
[0024] The portion of the optical fiber F held by the clamp portion 30 is, for example, the coated portion of the optical fiber F. In this case, only the portion of the optical fiber F protruding from the clamp portion 30 is the portion from which the coating has been removed. However, the portion held by the clamp portion 30 may also be the portion of the optical fiber F from which the coating has been removed (for example, the portion of the optical fiber F where the glass is exposed). The length of the portion of the optical fiber F protruding from the clamp portion 30 is, for example, 5 mm or less. In this case, the force with which the clamp portion 30 holds the optical fiber F is such that it does not hinder the rotation of the optical fiber F.
[0025] The holder base 40 is made of metal, for example. The holder base 40 has a mounting surface 41 on which the optical fiber holder 10 is mounted. For example, the optical fiber holder 10 is detachable from the holder base 40. In this case, it is possible to hold the optical fiber F in the optical fiber holder 10 that has been removed from the holder base 40, and to mount the optical fiber holder 10 holding the optical fiber F onto the holder base 40. Furthermore, it is possible to replace the optical fiber holder 10 with one having an appropriate V-groove 11 depending on the diameter (coating diameter or glass diameter) of the optical fiber F.
[0026] The holder base 40 extends from the rotating mechanism 20 in the Z-axis direction. The rotating mechanism 20 is located on the opposite side of the tip F1 of the optical fiber holder 10. The rotating mechanism 20 includes, for example, a recess (not shown) into which the optical fiber F is inserted. The recess is slit-shaped, extending in the Y-axis direction from the outer circumferential surface 20b of the rotating mechanism 20. The rotating mechanism 20 rotates the optical fiber F together with the holder base 40 and the optical fiber holder 10 about an axis extending along the center of the optical fiber F.
[0027] The rotating mechanism 20 includes, for example, a motor (not shown) and a gear (not shown). In this case, the motor of the rotating mechanism 20 is driven, and the rotational driving force of the motor is transmitted to the holder base 40 and the optical fiber holder 10 via the gear, causing the holder base 40 and the optical fiber holder 10 to rotate. The optical fiber F is inserted into a recess of the rotating mechanism 20 and held by the optical fiber holder 10. Therefore, the optical fiber F also rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the optical fiber holder 10 by the rotating mechanism 20.
[0028] The clamp section 30 is provided, for example, to stabilize the optical fiber F protruding from the optical fiber holder 10. The clamp section 30 comprises, for example, a base 31 on which the optical fiber F rests, and a cover 32 that covers the optical fiber F resting on the base 31. The clamp section 30 holds the optical fiber F by clamping the optical fiber F, which extends from the optical fiber holder 10 in the Z-axis direction, between the base 31 and the cover 32.
[0029] The fusion splicer 1 includes a bending section 50 for bending the optical fiber F, and a light source 60 for injecting light into the optical fiber F bent by the bending section 50 from the side of the optical fiber F (for example, in a direction intersecting the Z-axis direction). In this embodiment, the bending section 50 and the light source 60 are located in the clamp section 30. The bending section 50, for example, presses the optical fiber F to bend the surface of the optical fiber F. The bending section 50 may also be a part that bends the optical fiber F itself.
[0030] The light source 60 is a light source for observing the end face F1 of the optical fiber F. The light source 60 incidents light from the side (for example, in a direction intersecting the Z-axis direction) onto the optical fiber F bent by the bending portion 50. By incidenting light from the light source 60 from the side onto the bent portion of the optical fiber F, it becomes possible to observe the core at the end face of the optical fiber F. As an example, the light source 60 is an LED light source.
[0031] In this embodiment, the bending portion 50 and the light source 60 are arranged on the base 31 of the clamp portion 30. For example, the fusion splicer 1 is equipped with a power supply 61, and the light source 60 receives power from the power supply 61 via a power supply unit and emits light. The power supply 61 is, for example, a battery located on the base 31. As shown in Figure 3, the fusion splicer 1 may also be equipped with a first electrode 62 located on the lid 32 and a second electrode 63 located on the base 31. In this case, the light source 60 receives power from a power source located elsewhere than the base 31 via a power supply unit, the first electrode 62, and the second electrode 63 when the lid 32 is placed on the base 31, as the first electrode 62 and the second electrode 63 are electrically connected to each other.
[0032] Next, the effects and advantages obtained from the fusion splicer 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the fusion splicer 1, the optical fiber holder 10 holds the optical fiber F with its tip F1 protruding. A rotating mechanism 20 for rotating the optical fiber holder 10 is arranged on the opposite side of the tip F1 of the optical fiber holder 10. The fusion splicer 1 includes a bending section 50 for bending the optical fiber F and a light source 60 for injecting light into the optical fiber F bent by the bending section 50 from the side of the optical fiber F. By injecting light into the bent portion of the optical fiber F from the side of the optical fiber F, the end face (tip F1) of the optical fiber F can be illuminated. The bending section 50 and the light source 60 are located closer to the tip F1 of the optical fiber F than the optical fiber holder 10. Because the bending section 50 and the light source 60 are located close to the tip F1 of the optical fiber F, the end face of the optical fiber F can be sufficiently illuminated even if the power of the light source 60 is not strong. As a result, the position of the core can be accurately identified.
[0033] The fusion splicer 1 may include a holder base 40 on which the optical fiber holder 10 is mounted. The optical fiber holder 10 may be detachable from the holder base 40. In this case, the fusion splicer 1 includes a holder base 40, and the optical fiber holder 10 is detachable from the holder base 40. Since the optical fiber holder 10 is detachable from the holder base 40, the optical fiber F can be easily attached to and detached from the rotating mechanism 20.
[0034] As mentioned above, the fusion splicer 1 may include a clamp portion 30 that holds the tip F1 end of the optical fiber F held in the optical fiber holder 10. The bending portion 50 and the light source 60 may be located on the clamp portion 30. In this case, the bending portion 50 and the light source 60 are located on the clamp portion 30 that holds the tip F1 end of the optical fiber F. Therefore, the clamp portion 30 can be effectively utilized as a location for the bending portion 50 and the light source 60.
[0035] Next, various modified examples of the fusion splicer according to this disclosure will be described. Some of the configurations of the fusion splicers in each of the modified examples described later overlap with some of the configurations of the fusion splicer 1 described above. In the following, explanations that overlap with the configuration of the fusion splicer 1 described above will be omitted as appropriate, and the same reference numerals will be used.
[0036] Figure 4 is a side view showing a fusion splicer 1A according to the first modified example. As shown in Figure 4, the arrangement of the bending section 50 and the light source 60 in the fusion splicer 1A differs from that of the fusion splicer 1 described above. In the first modified example, the bending section 50 and the light source 60 are located on the cover 32 of the clamp section 30. The fusion splicer 1A is equipped with a power supply 61 that supplies power to the light source 60 via a power supply unit, and the power supply 61 is located on the cover 32.
[0037] As described above, the first electrode 62 and the second electrode 63 are arranged, and power may be supplied to the light source 60 from a power source located elsewhere via the power supply unit, the first electrode 62, and the second electrode 63. In the case of the modified fusion splicer 1A, since the bending portion 50 and the light source 60 are located close to the tip F1 of the optical fiber F, the end face of the optical fiber F can be sufficiently illuminated even if the power of the light source 60 is not strong. Therefore, the same effect as the fusion splicer 1 can be obtained.
[0038] Figure 5 is a side view showing a fusion splicer 1B according to a second modified example. As shown in Figure 5, in the fusion splicer 1B, the bending section 50, the light source 60, and the power supply 61 are located on the base 12 of the optical fiber holder 10. The fusion splicer 1B may also include a first electrode 62 located on the optical fiber holder 10 and a second electrode 63 located on the holder base 40. In this case, the light source 60 emits light when the first electrode 62 and the second electrode 63 come into contact with each other when the optical fiber holder 10 is mounted on the holder base 40, receiving power from a power source located elsewhere via the power supply unit, the first electrode 62, and the second electrode 63. In another example, the first electrode 62 may be located on the lid 13 of the optical fiber holder 10, and the second electrode 63 may be located on the base 12 of the optical fiber holder 10. The bending section 50 and the light source 60 may be located on the holder base 40.
[0039] As described above, in the fusion splicer 1B according to the second modified example, the bending section 50 and the light source 60 are positioned close to the tip F1 of the optical fiber F. Therefore, the same effects as in the examples described above can be obtained. In the fusion splicer 1B, the bending section 50 and the light source 60 are positioned on either the holder base 40 or the optical fiber holder 10. Therefore, the optical fiber holder 10 and the holder base 40 can be effectively utilized as locations for positioning the bending section 50 and the light source 60. Since either the optical fiber holder 10 or the holder base 40 holds the bending section 50 and the light source 60, there is no need to position another part to hold the bending section 50 and the light source 60. Therefore, this contributes to the miniaturization of the fusion splicer 1B.
[0040] The fusion splicer 1B may include a first electrode 62 positioned on the optical fiber holder 10 and a second electrode 63 positioned on the holder base 40. The light source 60 may receive power generated when the first electrode 62 and the second electrode 63 come into contact with each other when the optical fiber holder 10 is mounted on the holder base 40. In this case, the first electrode 62 is positioned on the optical fiber holder 10 and the second electrode 63 is positioned on the holder base 40. Therefore, the optical fiber holder 10 and the holder base 40 can be effectively utilized as locations for positioning the first electrode 62 and the second electrode 63 that supply power to the light source 60.
[0041] The fusion splicer 1B may be equipped with a power supply 61 located in either the optical fiber holder 10 or the holder base 40. The light source 60 may receive power from the power supply 61. In this case, the optical fiber holder 10 and the holder base 40 can be effectively utilized as locations for the power supply 61.
[0042] Figure 6 is a side view showing a fusion splicer 1C according to the third modified example. As shown in Figure 6, in the fusion splicer 1C, the bending section 50, the light source 60, and the power supply 61 are located on the lid 13 of the optical fiber holder 10. In the fusion splicer 1C as well, the bending section 50 and the light source 60 are located close to the tip F1 of the optical fiber F, so the same effect as the fusion splicer 1B can be obtained. In the third modified example and the modified examples described later, it is also possible to supply power from a power source located elsewhere via the power supply unit, the first electrode 62, and the second electrode 63. In the following description, the explanation and illustration of the first electrode 62 and the second electrode 63 are omitted as appropriate.
[0043] Figure 7 is a side view showing a fusion splicer 1D according to the fourth modification. Figure 8 is a side view showing a fusion splicer 1E according to the fifth modification. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in the fusion splicers 1D and 1E, the bending section 50, light source 60, and power supply 61 are arranged on the rotating mechanism 20. The bending section 50 is, for example, a clamping mechanism built into the rotating mechanism 20. In the fusion splicer 1D, the bending section 50 and light source 60 are positioned to sandwich the optical fiber F. In contrast, in the fusion splicer 1E, the bending section 50 and light source 60 are positioned on the same side (upper side in Figure 7) as viewed from the optical fiber F. In the fusion splicer 1D according to the fourth modification and the fusion splicer 1E according to the fifth modification, the bending section 50 and light source 60 are positioned close to the tip F1 of the optical fiber F, so the same effects as in the examples described above can be obtained.
[0044] Figure 9 is a side view showing a fusion splicer 1F according to the sixth modified example. In the fusion splicer 1F, the configuration of the optical fiber holder 10 and the clamping section 30 differs from that of the fusion splicer 1 described above. The length of the base 12 of the optical fiber holder 10 in the Z-axis direction is longer than the length of the cover 13 of the optical fiber holder 10 in the Z-axis direction. For example, the base 12 extends beyond the cover 13 to the opposite side of the rotating mechanism 20. In this case, the base 12 has an exposed portion 12b on the side opposite to the rotating mechanism 20 where a part of the V-groove 11 is exposed. The optical fiber F placed on the V-groove 11 exposed in the exposed portion 12b is held in place by the clamping section 30.
[0045] The rotation mechanism 20 rotates the optical fiber F together with the holder base 40, the optical fiber holder 10, and the clamping part 30, for example, around an axis extending along the center of the optical fiber F. The clamping part 30 includes, for example, a fixing part 33 fixed to the holder base 40 and a cover 34 placed on the fixing part 33. The fixing part 33 is positioned such that the V-groove on which the optical fiber F is placed is located on the extension of the V-groove 11 of the base 12. The optical fiber F, which extends from the V-groove 11 along the Z-axis direction, is placed in the V-groove of the fixing part 33.
[0046] In the fusion splicer 1F, the bending section 50, light source 60, and power supply 61 are located on the fixing section 33 of the clamp section 30. In the fusion splicer 1F, the bending section 50 and light source 60 are also located close to the tip F1 of the optical fiber F, so the same effects as in the examples described above can be obtained. Furthermore, in the fusion splicer 1F, the rotation mechanism 20 rotates the clamp section 30 that holds the optical fiber F together with the optical fiber holder 10. Since the clamp section 30 that holds the optical fiber F rotates together with the optical fiber holder 10 when the optical fiber F rotates, damage to the optical fiber F during rotation can be suppressed.
[0047] Figure 10 is a side view showing a fusion splicer 1G according to the seventh modified example. In the fusion splicer 1G, the bending section 50, the light source 60, and the power supply 61 are located on the cover 34 of the clamp section 30. In the fusion splicer 1G as well, the clamp section 30 that holds the optical fiber F when the optical fiber F rotates rotates together with the optical fiber holder 10, so that damage to the optical fiber F during rotation can be suppressed. Therefore, the same effect as the fusion splicer 1F can be obtained.
[0048] Figure 11 is a side view showing a fusion splicer 1H according to the eighth modified example. Figure 12 is a side view showing a fusion splicer 1J according to the ninth modified example. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the fusion splicer 1H, the bending section 50, light source 60, and power supply 61 are arranged on the base 12 of the optical fiber holder 10, and in the fusion splicer 1J, the bending section 50, light source 60, and power supply 61 are arranged on the lid 13 of the optical fiber holder 10. In the fusion splicers 1H and 1J described above, the clamp section 30 that holds the optical fiber F rotates together with the optical fiber holder 10, so that damage to the optical fiber F during rotation can be suppressed. Therefore, the same effect as in the fusion splicer 1F can be obtained.
[0049] Figure 13 is a side view showing a fusion splicer 1K according to the 10th modified example. Figure 14 is a side view showing a fusion splicer 1L according to the 11th modified example. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, in fusion splicers 1K and 1L, the bending section 50, light source 60, and power supply 61 are arranged on the rotating mechanism 20. In fusion splicer 1K, the bending section 50 and light source 60 are positioned to sandwich the optical fiber F, while in fusion splicer 1L, the bending section 50 and light source 60 are positioned on the same side as the optical fiber F. In these fusion splicers 1K and 1L as well, the clamp section 30 rotates together with the optical fiber holder 10, and damage to the optical fiber F during rotation can be suppressed, thus achieving the same effect as fusion splicer 1F.
[0050] The embodiments and various modifications of the fusion splicer according to this disclosure have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments or modifications described above. That is, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be modified and altered in various ways within the scope of the gist described in the claims. The configuration of each part of the fusion splicer can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the gist described above. The shape, size, number, material and arrangement of each part of the fusion splicer according to this disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified as appropriate.
[0051] For example, in the embodiment described above, an example was described in which the optical fiber holder 10 is detachable from the holder base 40. However, the optical fiber holder does not have to be detachable from the holder base. Also, the fusion splicer does not have to have a holder base 40. In this case, it may be a fusion splicer in which the optical fiber holder 10 is fixed to the rotating mechanism 20.
[0052] For example, in the embodiments and various modifications described above, examples were given in which the bending portion 50 and the light source 60 are arranged one each on the tip side of the optical fiber F, the optical fiber holder 10, and the rotating mechanism 20. However, the number of bending portions 50 and light sources 60 may be multiple and is not particularly limited. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0053] 1, 1A,1B, 1C,1D,1E,1F,1G,1H,1J,1K,1L…Fusion splicer 2...Discharge electrode 3…Control Unit 10… Fiber optic holder 11...V groove 12…units 12b...Exposed part 13…Lid 20... Rotation mechanism 20b…Outer surface 30... Clamp part 31…units 32…Lid 33…Fixed part 34…Lid 40... Holder base 41… Mounting surface 50...Bending section 60...Light source 61…Power supply 62...1st electrode 63…Second electrode F... Optical fiber F1...Tip
Claims
1. An optical fiber holder that holds the optical fiber with its tip protruding, A rotation mechanism is provided which is located on the opposite side of the tip of the optical fiber holder and rotates the optical fiber holder about an axis extending along the optical fiber, The bending portion for bending the optical fiber, A light source that incidents light from the side of the optical fiber into the optical fiber bent by the aforementioned bending portion, A power supply unit that supplies power to the aforementioned light source, It comprises a clamp portion that holds the tip portion of the optical fiber held in the optical fiber holder, The bending portion and the light source are positioned on either the clamp portion that holds the tip end portion of the optical fiber closer to the optical fiber holder, or on the optical fiber holder. Fusion splicer.
2. The holder base is equipped with the aforementioned optical fiber holder, The optical fiber holder is removable from the holder base. The bent portion and the light source are arranged on the holder base. The fusion splicer according to claim 1.
3. The first electrode is placed in the optical fiber holder, The second electrode is positioned on the holder base, Equipped with, The light source receives power from the power supply unit when the optical fiber holder is mounted on the holder base, by the first electrode and the second electrode being electrically connected to each other. The fusion splicer according to claim 2.
4. The system includes a power supply located in either the optical fiber holder or the holder base, The light source receives power from the power source via the power supply unit. The fusion splicer according to claim 2.