Fusion splicing device and fusion splicing method

Abstract

According to the present disclosure, the positional relationship of a plurality of cores can be determined with high accuracy. A fusion splicing device (1) according to one embodiment comprises: a pair of discharge electrodes (15); a rotating mechanism (20A, 20B) that rotates a multicore fiber; a light source (19) that irradiates the multicore fiber with light; a camera (18) that receives light emitted from an end surface of the multicore fiber and captures an image of the end surface; and a core detection unit (31) that detects a plurality of cores (C) of the multicore fiber from the image of the end surface captured by the camera (18). The core detection unit (31) detects the positions of the plurality of cores (C) in the end surface, and applies distinguishing information for distinguishing the plurality of cores (C) to each of the plurality of cores (C) in accordance with specified rules set in advance. The core detection unit (31) performs the detection of the positions of the plurality of cores (C) with respect to a pair of multicore fibers, and communicates information regarding fusion splicing of the pair of multicore fibers.

Description

Fusion splicer and fusion splicing method

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-134286, filed August 9, 2024, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of said Japanese application.

[0002] Patent Literature 1 describes a method and device for fusion splicing optical fibers. This fusion splicing method and device splices two photonic crystal fibers (hereinafter referred to as PCFs), which are optical fibers made entirely of quartz and have a core and a plurality of holes extending parallel to the core. The splicing device includes two holding members for holding the two PCFs, a mirror positioned between first and second driving units for supporting and moving each holding member, a camera for capturing an image reflected in the mirror, and an image processing device for processing the image from the camera and outputting a signal. In this fusion splicing method and device, the end faces of the two opposing PCFs are observed by the camera, and the positions of the two PCFs are adjusted.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a method for connecting multicore fibers. In this connection method, two multicore fibers are arranged so that their end faces face each other, and a mirror is arranged between the two multicore fibers. The mirror has two reflective surfaces that form an angle of 45° with the end face of each multicore fiber. Light from the end face of each multicore fiber is reflected by the mirror onto a monitor. The monitor displays the end faces of the two multicore fibers, and in this state, the two multicore fibers are rotationally aligned.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes a fusion splicing device. The fusion splicing device measures the core positions and marker positions of a multicore fiber before fusion. The fusion splicing device moves each end of two multicore fibers between a light source and a photodetector. In this state, the light source irradiates light onto the ends of the two multicore fibers, and the photodetector detects the intensity of the light. The fusion splicing device measures the core positions and marker positions from the intensity of the light detected by the photodetector, and then performs an alignment process.

[0005] JP 2004-53625 A JP 2013-50695 A International Publication No. 2023 / 238648

[0006] A fusion splicer according to the present disclosure fusion-splices a pair of multi-core fibers having multiple cores to each other. The fusion splicer includes a pair of discharge electrodes, a rotation mechanism that rotates the multi-core fiber around its axis, a light source that irradiates the multi-core fiber with light, a camera that receives light emitted from an end face of the multi-core fiber and captures an image of the end face, and a core detection unit that detects the multiple cores of the multi-core fiber from the image of the end face captured by the camera. The core detection unit detects the positions of the multiple cores on the end face and assigns identification information to each of the multiple cores for identifying each core according to a specific predetermined rule. The core detection unit detects the positions of the multiple cores in the pair of multi-core fibers and notifies information related to the fusion splicing of the pair of multi-core fibers.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fusion splicer according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the fusion splicer of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of a rotation mechanism of the fusion splicer according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an image observation mechanism of the fusion splicer according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining functions of the fusion splicer according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of adding identification information in the fusion splicer according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of adding identification information in the fusion splicer according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of adding identification information in the fusion splicer according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of adding identification information in the fusion splicer according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of adding identification information in the fusion splicer according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of adding identification information in the fusion splicer according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of adding identification information in the fusion splicer according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of adding identification information in the fusion splicer according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of adding identification information in the fusion splicer according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of adding identification information in the fusion splicer according to an embodiment. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of how identification information is assigned in a fusion splicer according to an embodiment. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of how identification information is assigned in a fusion splicer according to an embodiment. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of how identification information is assigned in a fusion splicer according to an embodiment. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of how identification information is assigned in a fusion splicer according to an embodiment. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of how identification information is assigned in a fusion splicer according to an embodiment. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of how identification information is assigned in a fusion splicer according to an embodiment. Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of steps in a fusion splicing method according to an embodiment.

[0008] At the end face of a multicore fiber, the corresponding relationships between cores may not be known, which may prevent proper rotation alignment and fusion splicing. To improve the accuracy of rotation alignment and fusion splicing of multicore fibers, it is necessary to grasp the positional relationships of the multiple cores of the multicore fiber with higher accuracy.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fusion splicer and a fusion splicing method that can grasp the positional relationship of multiple cores with high accuracy.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the positional relationship between multiple cores can be determined with high accuracy.

[0011] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. (1) A fusion splicer according to one embodiment fusion-splices a pair of multi-core fibers having multiple cores to each other. The fusion splicer includes a pair of discharge electrodes, a rotation mechanism that rotates the multi-core fiber around the axis of the multi-core fiber, a light source that irradiates light onto the multi-core fiber, a camera that receives light emitted from an end face of the multi-core fiber and captures an image of the end face, and a core detection unit that detects the multiple cores of the multi-core fiber from the image of the end face captured by the camera. The core detection unit detects the positions of the multiple cores on the end face and assigns identification information to each of the multiple cores for identifying the multiple cores according to a specific predetermined rule. The core detection unit detects the positions of the multiple cores in the pair of multi-core fibers and notifies information related to the fusion splicing of the pair of multi-core fibers.

[0012] This fusion splicer includes a pair of discharge electrodes, a rotation mechanism, a light source, a camera, and a core detection unit. The core detection unit detects the multiple cores of the multicore fiber from an image of the end face of the multicore fiber captured by the camera. The core detection unit detects the positions of the multiple cores on the end face and assigns identification information to each of the multiple cores for identifying the multiple cores according to a specific predetermined rule. The core detection unit detects the positions of the cores and assigns the identification information to each core for the pair of multicore fibers. Thus, the position of each core and the positional relationship of the multiple cores can be detected with high accuracy. The core detection unit detects the positions of the multiple cores for the pair of multicore fibers and notifies information related to the fusion splicing of the pair of multicore fibers. By being notified of the positions of the multiple cores and information related to the fusion splicing of the pair of multicore fibers, not only the positions of the multiple cores but also information related to the fusion splicing can be grasped. Thus, the positional relationship of the multiple cores can be grasped with high accuracy.

[0013] (2) In the above (1), the fusion splicer may include a storage unit that stores the relationship between each of the multiple cores and the identification information assigned to the multiple cores. In this case, the stored relationship between each of the multiple cores and the identification information assigned to the multiple cores can be effectively used for detecting the positions of the cores of the multicore fiber, rotational alignment, and fusion splicing in the future.

[0014] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the fusion splicer may include a result notification unit that allows the user to select which cores to splice by viewing the results of the assigned identification information. In this case, the user can select which cores to splice based on the assigned identification information, making it possible to perform rotational alignment and fusion splicing easily and with high accuracy.

[0015] (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, the specific rule may include a rule that the core detection unit scans along the end face and sequentially assigns identification information to cores detected by the scan. In this case, the core detection unit can assign identification information to each core while scanning the cores along the end face.

[0016] (5) In any of (1) to (4) above, the specific rule may include a rule in which the core detection unit scans the end face either clockwise or counterclockwise and assigns identification information to the cores detected by the scan in order.

[0017] (6) In any of (1) to (5) above, the specific rule may include a rule that assigns identification information to each core according to the distance from a point set on the end face to each of the multiple cores.

[0018] (7) In any of the above (1) to (6), the fusion splicer may have a plurality of specific rules and may include a selection unit that allows selection of one of the plurality of specific rules. In this case, by selecting one of the plurality of specific rules, rotation alignment and fusion splicing can be performed more appropriately. Therefore, the accuracy of rotation alignment and fusion splicing can be improved.

[0019] (8) In any of the above (1) to (7), the fusion splicer may include an investigation unit that can investigate information about each core from the identification information. In this case, the information about each core can be investigated from the identification information assigned to each core. Therefore, the positional relationship of multiple cores can be determined with higher accuracy.

[0020] (9) In any of the above (1) to (8), the fusion splicer may include a splice feasibility notifying unit that notifies whether the pair of multi-core fibers can be fusion spliced. In this case, it is possible to grasp whether the pair of multi-core fibers can be fusion spliced.

[0021] (10) A fusion splicing method according to one embodiment fusion-splices a pair of multicore fibers having a plurality of cores to each other. The fusion splicing method includes the steps of irradiating the multicore fiber with light and capturing an image of an end face of the multicore fiber, detecting the plurality of cores of the multicore fiber from the captured image of the end face, aligning the multicore fiber by rotating the multicore fiber around an axis of the multicore fiber, and fusion-splicing the pair of multicore fibers to each other. In the core detecting step, positions of the plurality of cores on the end face are detected, and identification information for identifying the plurality of cores is assigned to each of the plurality of cores. In the core detecting step, positions of the plurality of cores are detected for the pair of multicore fibers, and information related to the fusion splicing of the pair of multicore fibers is notified.

[0022] In this fusion splicing method, multiple cores of a multicore fiber are detected from a captured image of an end face of the multicore fiber. In the core detecting step, the positions of the multiple cores on the end face are detected, and identification information for identifying the multiple cores is assigned to each of the multiple cores according to a specific predetermined rule. In the core detecting step, the detection of the core positions and the assignment of identification information to each core are performed for a pair of multicore fibers. Therefore, it is possible to detect the position of each core and the positional relationship of the multiple cores with high accuracy. In the core detecting step, the positions of the multiple cores are detected for the pair of multicore fibers, and information related to the fusion splicing of the pair of multicore fibers is notified. Information related to the fusion splicing of the pair of multicore fibers is notified together with the positions of the multiple cores. As a result, similar to the fusion splicer described above, not only the positions of the multiple cores but also information related to the fusion splicing can be determined. Therefore, the positional relationship of the multiple cores can be determined with high accuracy.

[0023] Specific examples of fusion splicers and fusion splicing methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. In the description of the drawings, identical or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. The drawings may be partially simplified or exaggerated for ease of understanding, and dimensional proportions and the like are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example fusion splicer 1. The fusion splicer 1 has a windshield cover 2 on its top. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fusion splicer 1 with the windshield cover 2 open. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the fusion splicer 1 includes a box-shaped housing 3. The top of the housing 3 is provided with a fusion splicer 4 that fuses optical fibers together, and a heater 5 that heats and shrinks a fiber reinforcement sleeve that covers the spliced ​​optical fibers at the fusion splicer 4. The windshield cover 2 is provided to prevent wind from entering the fusion splicer 4. The fusion splicer 1 includes a monitor 7 that displays the state of the fusion splicing of the optical fibers, as captured by a camera 18 (see FIG. 4 ) located inside the housing 3. The fusion splicer 1 also includes a power switch 8 that turns the power of the fusion splicer 1 on and off, and a splicing start switch 9 that fusion splices the optical fibers.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the fusion splicing unit 4. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the fusion splicing unit 4 fusion-splices a first optical fiber F1 and a second optical fiber F2 together. The fusion splicing unit 4 has a first optical fiber holder 10A that holds the first optical fiber F1, a second optical fiber holder 10B that holds the second optical fiber F2, a first rotation mechanism 20A that rotates the first optical fiber holder 10A, and a second rotation mechanism 20B that rotates the second optical fiber holder 10B.

[0026] The first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 are multicore fibers. Multicore fibers are optical fibers that require rotational alignment in the fusion splicer 1. The first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 are optical fibers that require alignment of their positions in the θ direction, which is the direction around the Z axis. A pair of discharge electrodes 15 are arranged at positions where the first end face E1 of the first optical fiber F1 and the second end face E2 of the second optical fiber F2 face each other.

[0027] The pair of discharge electrodes 15 fuse the first end face E1 of the first optical fiber F1 and the second end face E2 of the second optical fiber F2 to each other by electric discharge. The pair of discharge electrodes 15 are arranged at positions facing each other along a direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) intersecting the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2, they will be referred to as the multi-core fiber F, and when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first end face E1 and the second end face E2, they will be referred to as the end face E.

[0028] The first optical fiber holder 10A and the second optical fiber holder 10B are aligned along the Z-axis direction, which is the direction in which the axis of the first optical fiber F1 extends. The first rotation mechanism 20A and the second rotation mechanism 20B are aligned along the Z-axis direction. The first optical fiber holder 10A and the second optical fiber holder 10B each have a V-groove 11 in which the first optical fiber F1 or the second optical fiber F2 is placed. The first optical fiber F1 is positioned in the V-groove 11 of the first optical fiber holder 10A, and the second optical fiber F2 is positioned in the V-groove 11 of the second optical fiber holder 10B. The first optical fiber holder 10A and the second optical fiber holder 10B each have a base 12 in which the V-groove 11 is formed, and a lid 13 that is placed on the base 12. The base 12 and the lid 13 are arranged, for example, aligned along the Y-axis direction, which intersects both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0029] The fusion splicer 1 includes an image observation mechanism 16 that observes the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 arranged in the V-groove 11. Figure 4 shows the configuration of the image observation mechanism 16. The image observation mechanism 16 includes, for example, a mirror 17, a camera 18, and a light source 19. The mirror 17 has, for example, a triangular prism shape. The cross section of the mirror 17 in the YZ plane is an isosceles triangle, and the mirror 17 extends in the X-axis direction. The mirror 17 has two faces that are inclined, for example, at 45 degrees with respect to both the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Each of the two faces is a reflective surface. The mirror 17 is installed movably in, for example, the Y-axis direction at an intermediate position in the Z-axis direction when the central axes of the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 are substantially aligned.

[0030] The image observation mechanism 16 has a light source 19 that laterally inputs light into the first optical fiber F1 and a light source 19 that laterally inputs light into the second optical fiber F2. The light input from each light source 19 to the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 is emitted from a first end face E1 and a second end face E2 that face each other. The light emitted from the first end face E1 and the second end face E2 is reflected by the reflective surface of the mirror 17 toward the camera 18.

[0031] The camera 18 observes the end faces of the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 by receiving light reflected by the mirror 17 and traveling along the Y-axis direction. The camera 18 may include a first camera 18b for observing the end face of the first optical fiber F1 and a second camera 18c for observing the end face of the second optical fiber F2. The light source 19 that incidents light laterally onto the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 has been described above. However, instead of the light source 19, a light source that incidents light from end faces opposite the opposing end faces E1 and E2 may be used. The method of incident light onto the optical fibers is not particularly limited.

[0032] Fig. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between the mirror 17, the multicore fiber F, and the camera 18. As shown in Fig. 5, the mirror 17 and the end face E of the multicore fiber F, and the mirror 17 and the camera 18 are arranged so as to face each other. The camera 18 observes the end face E of the multicore fiber F by receiving light that is emitted from the multicore fiber F and reflected by the mirror 17. Although an example of a mirror having reflective surfaces on two sides has been described above, this is not limiting. A mirror having a reflective surface on only one side may be provided instead of the mirror 17.

[0033] The camera 18 is, for example, a charge-coupled device camera (CCD camera) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor camera (CMOS camera). The camera 18 captures an image of the multi-core fiber F. The image of the multi-core fiber F captured by the camera 18 is transmitted to the control unit 30 of the fusion splicer 1 as, for example, image data.

[0034] The fusion splicer 1 may be provided with a mechanism capable of observing the side surface of the multi-core fiber F, separate from or by using a part of the same as the image observation mechanism 16. Even when an image observation mechanism separate from the image observation mechanism 16 is provided, an image of the multi-core fiber F taken by a camera included in the image observation mechanism may be transmitted to the control unit 30 of the fusion splicer 1 as image data.

[0035] As the control unit 30, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) configured with one or more integrated circuits (ICs) is used. Functional elements of the control unit 30 (a core detection unit 31, a storage unit 32, a result notification unit 33, a selection unit 34, an investigation unit 35, and a connection possibility notification unit 36, which will be described later) are executed by the CPU. The fusion splicer 1 has a memory. The control unit 30 acquires the image capture results of the multi-core fiber F from the camera 18, and the image capture results of the multi-core fiber F are stored in the memory by the control unit 30.

[0036] For example, the control unit 30 has a core detection unit 31, a storage unit 32, a result notification unit 33, a selection unit 34, an investigation unit 35, and a connection feasibility notification unit 36. The core detection unit 31 detects multiple cores of the multi-core fiber F from an image of the end face E of the multi-core fiber F captured by the camera 18. The core detection unit 31 detects the positions of each of the multiple cores.

[0037] For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the core detection unit 31 detects the positions of multiple cores C on the end face E of the multi-core fiber F. The core detection unit 31 detects the multiple cores C in a pair of multi-core fibers F (a first optical fiber F1 and a second optical fiber F2), and notifies information related to the fusion splicing of the pair of multi-core fibers F. The "information related to fusion splicing" is information used when fusion splicing the pair of multi-core fibers F to each other. The "information related to fusion splicing" may be information that may be useful when performing fusion splicing, and may be, for example, the rotation angle of the multi-core fiber F that can be fusion spliced. The "information related to fusion splicing" may be information related to whether fusion splicing is possible. The content and type of the "information related to fusion splicing" are not particularly limited. The term "notification" refers to notifying the user of the fusion splicer 1, the worker performing the fusion splicing, or the like. The "notification" includes, for example, displaying information on the monitor 7 described above.

[0038] The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information to each of the multiple cores C. The "identification information" is information for identifying the multiple cores C of the multicore fiber F. FIG. 6(1) shows an example in which the core detection unit 31 assigns the numbers "1," "2," "3," and "4" to each of the four cores C as identification information. However, the core detection unit 31 may assign something other than numbers to each of the multiple cores C as identification information. For example, the core detection unit 31 may assign letters (alphabetical letters, as an example) to each of the multiple cores C as identification information.

[0039] For example, the core detection unit 31 may assign a color as identification information to each of the multiple cores C. As an example, the core detection unit 31 assigns the colors red, blue, yellow, and green to each of the four cores C as identification information. For example, the core detection unit 31 may assign a mark as identification information to each of the multiple cores C. As an example, the core detection unit 31 assigns the marks "circle," "triangle," "square," and "cross" to each of the four cores C as identification information.

[0040] The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information according to a predetermined specific rule. The memory has a plurality of specific rules. The plurality of specific rules are stored in the memory in advance. The specific rule may be changeable. Various examples of the specific rule will be described below. For example, the specific rule includes a rule in which the core detection unit 31 scans along the end face E and assigns identification information to the cores C detected by the scan in order.

[0041] FIG. 6A shows a rule by which the core detection unit 31 scans the end face E counterclockwise and sequentially assigns identification information to the cores C detected by the scan. The core detection unit 31 scans a line segment extending from the center of the end face E in the Y-axis direction (positive Y-axis direction) by rotating it counterclockwise around the center of the end face E, and assigns identification information "1" to the core C with which the line segment first contacts. The two-dot chain lines shown in each of FIGS. 6 to 21 represent the trajectory of the scan by the core detection unit 31. The core detection unit 31 further rotates the line segment counterclockwise and scans, and sequentially assigns identification information "2," "3," and "4" to the cores C with which the line segment contacts. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information to the multiple cores C in counterclockwise order.

[0042] 6(2) shows a rule by which the core detection unit 31 scans the end face E in a clockwise direction and sequentially assigns identification information to the cores C detected by the scan. The core detection unit 31 scans a line segment S extending from the center of the end face E in a direction inclined at a certain angle (e.g., less than 90°) with respect to the X-axis direction (positive direction of the X-axis) by rotating clockwise around the center of the end face E, and assigns identification information "1" to the core C with which the line segment S first contacts. The core detection unit 31 further scans the line segment S by rotating it clockwise, and assigns identification information "2," "3," "4," "5," and "6" to the cores C with which the line segment S contacts, in that order. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information to the multiple cores C in a clockwise direction.

[0043] Fig. 6(3) shows an example in which the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information to the cores C according to the same rule as in Fig. 6(1), but the number of cores C is different from that in Fig. 6(1). The number of cores C in the multicore fiber F is not particularly limited.

[0044] 7A shows a rule for assigning identification information to each core C according to the distance from a point set on the end face E to each of the multiple cores C. In FIG. 7A, the "set point" is the center of the end face E. The core detection unit 31 may detect the distance from the set point to each core C. For example, the core detection unit 31 detects the distance from the center of the end face E to each of the multiple cores C. As an example, the core detection unit 31 detects the distance from the center of the end face E to the center of the core C. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information to each of the multiple cores C according to the detected distance. The "set point," i.e., the position of the center of the end face E, may be detected and determined by the core detection unit 31, or may be determined by the core detection unit 31 based on a design value.

[0045] For example, the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "1" to the core C that is farthest from the center of the end face E by distance d1, and assigns identification information "2" to the core C that is second-farthest from the center of the end face E by distance d2. The core detection unit 31 may assign identification information "1" to the core C that is farthest from the center of the end face E, and may assign identification information "N" to the core C that is Nth farthest from the center of the end face E (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2).

[0046] The core detection unit 31 may assign identification information "1" to the core C that is closest to the center of the end face E, and may assign identification information "N" to the core C that is Nth closest to the center of the end face E. Figure 7 (2) shows an example in which the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "1" to the core C that is closest to the center of the end face E, assigns identification information "2" to the core C that is second closest to the center of the end face E, and assigns identification information "3" to the core C that is third closest to the center of the end face E.

[0047] 8(1), the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "1" to one of the multiple cores C, and assigns identification information "2" to the core C located below (in the negative Y-axis direction) the core C with identification information "1." The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "3" to the core C located diagonally above and to the right of the core C with identification information "2" (in a direction extending diagonally relative to the positive X-axis and positive Y-axis directions), and assigns identification information "4" to the core C located below the core C with identification information "3."

[0048] 8(2), the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "1" to one of the multiple cores C, and assigns identification information "2" to the core C located to the right (positive X-axis direction) of the core C with identification information "1." The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "3" to the core C located diagonally below and to the left of the core C with identification information "2" (in a direction extending diagonally relative to the negative X-axis direction and the negative Y-axis direction), and assigns identification information "4" to the core C located to the right of the core with identification information "3."

[0049] The core detection unit 31 may scan the end face E from top to bottom and diagonally upward to the right to assign identification information, or may scan the end face E from left to right and diagonally downward to the left to assign identification information. When a first direction, a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a third direction intersecting both the first and second directions are defined on the end face E, the core detection unit 31 may assign identification information to the multiple cores C from the first direction to the second direction and in a direction diagonal to the first and third directions on the end face E to assign identification information from the first direction to the second direction. (3) in Figure 8 shows an example in which the number of cores C in (1) in Figure 8 is changed from four to eight.

[0050] 9(1), the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "1" to one of the multiple cores C, then scans toward the center of the end face E, and assigns identification information "2" to the core C located on an imaginary line passing through the core C with identification information "1" and the center of the end face E. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "3" to the core C located to the left (negative X-axis direction) of the core C with identification information "2," then scans toward the center of the end face E, and assigns identification information "4" to the core C located on an imaginary line passing through the core C with identification information "3" and the center of the end face E.

[0051] 9(2) is the same as in FIG. 9(1) up to the point where the core detection unit 31 assigns the identification information "2." After assigning the identification information "2," the core detection unit 31 assigns the identification information "3" to the core C located above the core C with the identification information "2" (in the positive Y-axis direction), scans toward the center of the end face E, and assigns the identification information "4" to the core C located on an imaginary line passing through the core C with the identification information "3" and the center of the end face E.

[0052] 10 , the core detection unit 31 may distinguish between cores C located close to the center of the end face E and cores C located far from the center of the end face E. As shown in (1) of Fig. 10 , the core detection unit 31 detects cores C located at a first distance from the center of the end face E and cores C located at a second distance from the center of the end face E that is shorter than the first distance, and assigns identification information to the cores C located at the first distance in order.

[0053] For example, the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "1" to one of the multiple cores C that is a first distance from the center of the end face E, and performs scanning counterclockwise starting from the core C that was assigned the identification information "1." The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "2," "3," "4," "5," "6," "7," and "8" in sequence counterclockwise. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "9" to one of the multiple cores C that is a second distance from the center of the end face E, and performs scanning counterclockwise starting from the core C that was assigned the identification information "9." The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "10," "11," and "12" in sequence counterclockwise. In the example of (1) in FIG. 10 , the core detection unit 31 may perform scanning clockwise instead of counterclockwise.

[0054] As shown in (2) of FIG. 10 , the core detection unit 31 may detect a core C that is a first distance from the center of the end face E and a core C that is a second distance from the center of the end face E that is shorter than the first distance, and assign identification information to the core C that is the second distance in order, starting with the core C that is the second distance. For example, the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "1" to the core C that is the second distance (for example, 0) from the center of the end face E, and assigns identification information "2" to one of the multiple cores C that is the first distance from the center of the end face E. The core detection unit 31 scans clockwise, starting with the core C that was assigned identification information "2," and assigns identification information "3," "4," and "5" in clockwise order. In the example of (2) of FIG. 10 , scanning may be performed counterclockwise instead of clockwise.

[0055] 11 , the core detection unit 31 may perform scanning along a predetermined line segment on the end face E. The core detection unit 31 may sequentially assign identification information to multiple cores C lined up along the predetermined line segment on the end face E. In the example of (1) in FIG. 11 , the core detection unit 31 scans along a line segment extending in the X-axis direction, and assigns identification information "1" to the core C located at the leftmost position (negative direction of the X-axis) among the multiple cores C lined up along the line segment, and sequentially assigns identification information "2," "3," and "4" to the multiple cores C lined up along the line segment.

[0056] In the example of (2) in Fig. 11, the core detection unit 31 scans along a line extending in the Y-axis direction. Of the multiple cores C lined up along the line extending in the Y-axis direction, the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "1" to the core C located at the top (in the positive direction of the Y-axis), and assigns identification information "2" and "3" in order to the multiple cores C lined up along that line. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "4" to the core C located diagonally above and to the right of the core C with identification information "3," and assigns identification information "5" and "6" in order to the multiple cores C lined up along a line that passes through the core C with identification information "4" and extends parallel to the Y-axis.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 12 , the multicore fiber F may have a marker M. Fig. 12 shows an example of a rule for assigning identification information to each core C according to the distance from a point set on the end face E to each of the multiple cores C, where the "set point" is the marker M. The core detection unit 31 may assign identification information to the multiple cores C according to a specific rule based on the position of the marker M. For example, the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "1" to the core C that is the shortest distance from the marker M among the multiple cores C, and assigns identification information "N" to the core C that is the Nth shortest distance from the marker M on the end face E. The "set point," i.e., the position of the marker M, may be detected and determined by the core detection unit 31, or may be determined by the core detection unit 31 based on a design value.

[0058] In the example of FIG. 12(1), the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "1" to the core C that is the shortest distance from the marker M, assigns identification information "2" to the second smallest core C, assigns identification information "3" to the third smallest core C, and assigns identification information "4" to the fourth smallest core C. The example of FIG. 12(2) is the same as the example of FIG. 12(1) except that the number of cores C is eight. Unlike the above example, the core detection unit 31 may assign identification information "1" to the core C that is the farthest from the marker M on the end face E among the multiple cores C, and assign identification information "N" to the core C that is the Nth farthest from the marker M on the end face E.

[0059] In the example of FIG. 13 (1), the core detection unit 31 performs a scan by rotating a line segment passing through the center of the end face E and the marker M counterclockwise around the center of the end face E as the center of rotation, and assigns identification information "1" to the core C with which the line segment first contacts. The core detection unit 31 further rotates the line segment counterclockwise and assigns identification information "2," "3," and "4" to the cores C with which the line segment first contacts. In the example of FIG. 13 (2), the core detection unit 31 performs a scan by rotating a line segment passing through the center of the end face E and the marker M clockwise around the center of the end face E as the center of rotation, and assigns identification information "1" to the core C with which the line segment first contacts. The core detection unit 31 further rotates the line segment clockwise and assigns identification information "2," "3," and "4" to the cores C with which the line segment first contacts.

[0060] 14(1), the core detection unit 31 may detect, for each core C, the angle θ formed between a line segment passing through the center of the end face E and the marker M and a line segment passing through the center of the end face E and the core C. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "1" to the core C among the multiple cores C that has the smallest angle θ. The core detection unit 31 scans counterclockwise starting from the core C to which the identification information "1" has been assigned, and assigns identification information "2," "3," and "4" to each core C.

[0061] As shown in (2) of FIG. 14 , the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "1" to the core C with the smallest angle θ among the multiple cores C, and scans clockwise from the core C with the identification information "1" to assign identification information "2," "3," and "4" to each core C. As shown in (3) of FIG. 14 , the core detection unit 31 may assign identification information "1" to the core C closest to the marker M, and assign identification information "2" to the core C second closest to the marker M. The core detection unit 31 scans counterclockwise from the core C with the identification information "2" to assign identification information "3," "4," "5," "6," "7," and "8" to each core C.

[0062] 15 , the core detection unit 31 may distinguish between a core C located in a first direction as viewed from an axis extending at the end face E and a core C located in a second direction from the axis that is opposite to the first direction. For example, the core detection unit 31 may detect a core C located to the right as viewed from the Y axis and a core C located to the left as viewed from the Y axis, and assign identification information to each of the core C located to the right and the core C located to the left. Alternatively, the core detection unit 31 may detect a core C located above as viewed from the X axis and a core C located below as viewed from the X axis, and assign identification information to each of the core C located above and the core C located below.

[0063] 15(1), for example, the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "R1" to one of two cores C located to the right as viewed from the Y axis, and assigns identification information "R2" to the core C to which the identification information "R1" has not been assigned. The core detection unit 31 may assign identification information "L1" to one of two cores C located to the left as viewed from the Y axis, and assign identification information "L2" to the core C to which the identification information "L1" has not been assigned.

[0064] 15(2), for example, the core detection unit 31 may assign identification information "R1" to the core C located to the right of the Y axis and at the top (positive direction of the Y axis), and may scan the multiple cores C located to the right of the Y axis in a clockwise direction, starting with the core C to which the identification information "R1" has been assigned, to assign identification information "R2," "R3," and "R4." For example, the core detection unit 31 may assign identification information "L1" to the core C located to the left of the Y axis and at the top, and may scan the multiple cores C located to the left of the Y axis in a counterclockwise direction, starting with the core C to which the identification information "L1" has been assigned, to assign identification information "L2," "L3," and "L4."

[0065] 16(1), the core detection unit 31 may distinguish between a core C located in a first direction as viewed from an axis extending at the end face E and a core C located in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the axis, and may also distinguish between a core C located near the center of the end face E and a core C located far from the center of the end face E. In the example of FIG. 16(1), the core detection unit 31 detects a core C located to the right as viewed from the Y axis and a core C located to the left as viewed from the Y axis.

[0066] The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "R1" to the core C located to the right of the Y axis, the core C being a second distance from the center of the end face E that is shorter than the first distance and that is located above the X axis. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "R2" to the core C being the second distance from the center of the end face E and located below the X axis. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "R3" to the core C located to the right of the Y axis, the core C being the first distance from the center of the end face E, located above the X axis, and closest to the Y axis. The core detection unit 31 scans clockwise starting from the core C assigned identification information "R3," and assigns identification information "R4," "R5," and "R6," in order, to each of the cores C located to the right of the Y axis.

[0067] The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "L1" to the core C located to the left of the Y axis, the core C being a second distance from the center of the end face E that is shorter than the first distance and that is located above the X axis. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "L2" to the core C being the second distance from the center of the end face E and located below the X axis. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "L3" to the core C located to the left of the Y axis, the core C being the first distance from the center of the end face E, located above the X axis, and closest to the Y axis. The core detection unit 31 scans counterclockwise starting from the core C assigned identification information "L3" and assigns identification information "L4," "L5," and "L6," in order, to each of the cores C located to the left of the Y axis.

[0068] In the example of (2) in FIG. 16 , the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "R1" to the core C located at the rightmost position as viewed from the Y axis and located above the X axis. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "R2" to the core C located at the rightmost position as viewed from the Y axis and located below the X axis. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "R3" to the uppermost core C located at the right as viewed from the Y axis and closer to the Y axis than the core C assigned identification information "R1". The core detection unit 31 scans downward from the core C assigned identification information "R3" and assigns identification information "R4", "R5", and "R6" to each of the cores C located to the right as viewed from the Y axis, in that order.

[0069] The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "L1" to the core C that is located at the leftmost position and above the X axis among the cores C located to the left as viewed from the Y axis. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "L2" to the core C that is located at the leftmost position and below the X axis among the cores C located to the left as viewed from the Y axis. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "L3" to the core C that is located at the top among the cores C located to the left as viewed from the Y axis and closer to the Y axis than the core C assigned identification information "L1". The core detection unit 31 scans downward from the core C assigned identification information "L3" and assigns identification information "L4", "L5", and "L6" to each of the cores C located to the left as viewed from the Y axis, in that order.

[0070] In the example of (1) in FIG. 17, the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "A" to a core C located above the X axis and to the left of the Y axis, the core C being closer to the Y axis than to the X axis. The core detection unit 31 compares the distances dB and dC to the cores C on either side of the core C to which the identification information "A" has been assigned, and if dB is greater than dC, assigns identification information "1" to the core C to which the identification information "A" has been assigned. The core detection unit 31 determines that the core C is the core located at the top and the left of the multiple cores C arranged in a # shape, and assigns identification information "1" to the core C. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information in the same manner as in (1) in FIG. 10.

[0071] In the examples of (2) and (3) in Figure 17, the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "A" to the core C that is above the X axis, to the left of the Y axis, and closest to the Y axis, and compares the distances dB and dC to the cores C located on either side of the core C assigned with identification information "A." If dB is smaller than dC, the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "1" to one of the cores C located on either side of the core C assigned with identification information "A." The core detection unit 31 determines that the core C assigned with identification information "A" is the core located highest and to the right of the multiple cores C arranged in a # shape, and assigns identification information "1" to either of the cores C on either side of that core C.

[0072] The core detection unit 31 may compare the rotation angles θB and θC from the core C to which the identification information "A" has been assigned to the core C on both sides of the adjacent core C, and assign the identification information "1" to the core C adjacent to the core C to which the identification information "A" has been assigned according to the values ​​of the rotation angles θB and θC. The core detection unit 31 may assign the identification information in the same manner as in (3) of Fig. 6. By assigning the identification information, the rotation angle during rotational alignment of the multi-core fiber F can be reduced.

[0073] In the examples of (1) and (2) of Figure 18, the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "A" to the core C located at the top and left of the #-shaped arrangement of multiple cores C. The core detection unit 31 compares the distances d1, d2, d3, and d4 between two adjacent cores C at positions close to the outer periphery of the end face E among the multiple cores C arranged in the #-shaped arrangement. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "1" to one of the two cores C with the largest distance among the distances d1, d2, d3, and d4. Figure 18 shows an example in which the distance d4 is the largest distance. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information in the same manner as in (1) of Figure 10.

[0074] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 facing each other. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the assignment of identification information by the core detector 31. In Figs. 19, 20, and Fig. 21, which will be described later, "L" indicates left and "R" indicates right. As shown in Figs. 19 and 20, the identification information assigned to the multiple cores C of the first optical fiber F1 may be the inverse of the identification information assigned to the multiple cores C of the second optical fiber F2.

[0075] 20 , for the first optical fiber F1(F), which is the optical fiber L on the left side, the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "1" to the core C located above the X axis, to the left of the Y axis, and closest to the Y axis at the end face E1(E), and scans counterclockwise from the core C to which the identification information "1" has been assigned to assign identification information "2," "3," "4," "5," "6," "7," and "8." For the second optical fiber F2(F), which is the optical fiber R on the right side, the core detection unit 31 assigns identification information "1" to the core C located above the X axis, to the right of the Y axis, and closest to the Y axis at the end face E2(E), and scans clockwise from the core C to which the identification information "1" has been assigned to assign identification information "2," "3," "4," "5," "6," "7," and "8."

[0076] In Fig. 21, the number of cores C in the first optical fiber F1 and the number of cores C in the second optical fiber F2 are different from those in Fig. 20, but the rules for assigning identification information by the core detection unit 31 are the same as those in Fig. 20. By assigning the identification information by the core detection unit 31, the identification information assigned to the multiple cores C of the first optical fiber F1 and the identification information assigned to the multiple cores C of the second optical fiber F2 can be reversed with respect to each other.

[0077] Various examples of specific rules for assigning identification information have been described. The core detection unit 31 may use one of the specific rules shown in Figs. 6 to 21 described above, or may use a combination of multiple specific rules. The storage unit 32 stores the relationship between each of the multiple cores C and the identification information assigned to the multiple cores C. The storage unit 32 stores the identification information assigned to the multiple cores C of the multicore fiber F in memory, and, for example, the relationship between the multiple cores C and the identification information is accumulated in the memory.

[0078] The result notifying unit 33 notifies the result of the assignment of the identification information. The result notifying unit 33 notifies, for example, the possibility of splicing loss occurring when fusion splicing is performed. For example, the result notifying unit 33 displays an image of the end face E of the multicore fiber F together with the identification information assigned to the cores C on the monitor 7. As an example, the result notifying unit 33 may display, on the monitor 7, the identification information assigned to each core C along with the first end face E1 of the first optical fiber F1 and the second end face E2 of the second optical fiber F2 shown in FIG. 21 . By the result notifying unit 33 displaying the identification information together with the cores C on the monitor 7, the result notifying unit 33 can select which cores C to splice together. In FIG. 21 , the result notifying unit 33 can select, for example, cores C assigned the same number as identification information as cores C to be spliced ​​together.

[0079] The selection unit 34 allows the user to select one of a plurality of specific rules. For example, the memory stores a plurality of scanning patterns as the plurality of specific rules, such as clockwise scanning by the core detection unit 31, counterclockwise scanning by the core detection unit 31, scanning along the X-axis direction by the core detection unit 31, and scanning along the Y-axis direction by the core detection unit 31. For example, the selection unit 34 displays the plurality of specific rules on the monitor 7, and the user of the fusion splicer 1 can select one of the plurality of specific rules displayed on the monitor 7.

[0080] The investigation unit 35 makes it possible to check information about each core C from the identification information. For example, when one of the multiple cores C displayed on the monitor 7 is selected, the investigation unit 35 displays position information about the selected core C. The position information is, for example, the X and Y coordinates of the core C. The investigation unit 35 may also display the mode field diameter of the selected core C. The investigation unit 35 displays various information about the selected core C.

[0081] The connection feasibility notifying unit 36 ​​notifies whether the pair of multi-core fibers F can be fusion spliced. For example, the connection feasibility notifying unit 36 ​​determines whether the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 can be fusion spliced ​​from the positions of the cores C of the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 detected by the core detecting unit 31. The connection feasibility notifying unit 36 ​​notifies the result of this determination. For example, the connection feasibility notifying unit 36 ​​displays the result of this determination on the monitor 7.

[0082] An example of a fusion splicing method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 22. Below, a method for fusion splicing a pair of multicore fibers F (a first optical fiber F1 and a second optical fiber F2) to each other will be described. With the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 arranged so as to be aligned along the Z-axis direction, light is irradiated onto the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 (step S1).

[0083] The camera 18 receives light emitted from the end face E and captures an image of the end face E (step of capturing an image of the end face, step S2). The light emitted from the end face E is light that passes through the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 and is emitted from the end face E, or light that is irradiated onto and reflected from the end face E of the first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2. The core detection unit 31 detects cores C of the multicore fiber F from the image of the end face E captured by the camera 18 (step of detecting multiple cores, step S3). At this time, the core detection unit 31 detects the positions of the multiple cores C on the end face E. The core detection unit 31 assigns identification information for identifying the multiple cores C to each of the multiple cores C.

[0084] The core detection unit 31 assigns the identification information according to, for example, at least one of the rules (specific rules) shown in Fig. 6 to Fig. 21 described above. The core detection unit 31 detects the positions of the multiple cores C in the pair of multi-core fibers F, and notifies information related to the fusion splicing of the pair of multi-core fibers F. For example, the core detection unit 31 may display on the monitor 7 how much the first optical fiber F1 needs to be rotated to enable fusion splicing to the second optical fiber F2.

[0085] After the core detection unit 31 detects the cores C, alignment is performed (aligning step, step S4). At this time, the multi-core fiber F is aligned by rotating the multi-core fiber F around the axis of the multi-core fiber F. For example, rotational alignment is performed by the first rotation mechanism 20A rotating the first optical fiber F1 and the second rotation mechanism 20B rotating the second optical fiber F2. Thereafter, the pair of multi-core fibers F are fusion-spliced ​​to each other (fusion-splicing step, step S5). The first optical fiber F1 and the second optical fiber F2 are fusion-spliced ​​to each other by discharge heating using the pair of discharge electrodes 15. Thereafter, a series of steps in the fusion splicing method according to this embodiment is completed.

[0086] The effects obtained from the fusion splicer 1 and fusion splicing method according to this embodiment will be described. The fusion splicer 1 and fusion splicing method according to this embodiment include a pair of discharge electrodes 15, a rotation mechanism (a first rotation mechanism 20A and a second rotation mechanism 20B), a light source 19, a camera 18, and a core detection unit 31. The core detection unit 31 detects the multiple cores C of the multi-core fiber F from an image of the end face E of the multi-core fiber F captured by the camera 18. The core detection unit 31 detects the positions of the multiple cores C on the end face E and assigns identification information to each of the multiple cores C for identifying the multiple cores C according to a specific predetermined rule. The core detection unit 31 detects the positions of the cores C and assigns the identification information to each core C for the pair of multi-core fibers F. Thus, the position of each core C and the positional relationship of the multiple cores C can be detected with high accuracy. The core detection unit 31 detects the positions of the multiple cores C for the pair of multi-core fibers F and notifies information related to the fusion splicing of the pair of multi-core fibers F. By being notified of information related to the fusion splicing of a pair of multi-core fibers F along with the positions of the multiple cores C, it is possible to grasp not only the positions of the multiple cores C but also information related to the fusion splicing. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the positional relationship of the multiple cores C with higher accuracy.

[0087] The fusion splicer 1 may include a storage unit 32 that stores the relationship between each of the multiple cores C and the identification information assigned to the multiple cores C. In this case, the stored relationship between each of the multiple cores C and the assigned identification information can be effectively used for future detection of the positions of the cores C of the multicore fiber F, rotational alignment, and fusion splicing.

[0088] The fusion splicer 1 may include a result notification unit 33 that allows the user to select which cores C to splice together by viewing the results of the assigned identification information. In this case, the user can select which cores C to splice together based on the assigned identification information, which allows rotational alignment and fusion splicing to be performed easily and with high precision.

[0089] The specific rule may include a rule in which the core detection unit 31 scans along the end face E and sequentially assigns identification information to the cores C detected by the scan. In this case, the core detection unit 31 can assign identification information to each core C while scanning the cores C along the end face E.

[0090] The specific rule may include a rule in which the core detection unit 31 scans the end face E either clockwise or counterclockwise, and assigns identification information to the cores C detected by the scan in order.

[0091] The specific rule may include a rule for assigning identification information to each of the plurality of cores C according to the distance from a point set on the end face E to each of the cores C.

[0092] The fusion splicer 1 may have a selection unit 34 that has a plurality of specific rules and allows selection of one of the plurality of specific rules. In this case, by selecting one of the plurality of specific rules, rotation alignment and fusion splicing can be performed more appropriately, thereby improving the accuracy of rotation alignment and fusion splicing.

[0093] The fusion splicer 1 may include an investigation unit 35 that can investigate information about each core C from the identification information. In this case, the information about each core C can be investigated from the identification information assigned to each core C, so that the positional relationship between the multiple cores C can be grasped with higher accuracy.

[0094] The fusion splicer 1 may include a spliceability notifying unit 36 ​​that notifies whether the pair of multi-core fibers F can be fusion spliced ​​or not. In this case, it is possible to know whether the pair of multi-core fibers F can be fusion spliced ​​or not.

[0095] The present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments of a fusion splicer and a fusion splicing method. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. In other words, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible within the spirit and scope of the claims. The shape, size, number, materials, and arrangement of each part of the fusion splicer, as well as the content and order of the steps of the fusion splicing method, can be modified as appropriate within the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0096] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the core detection unit 31 recognizes all the cores C of the multi-core fiber F and assigns identification information to all the cores C. However, the core detection unit 31 may recognize only some of the cores C of the multi-core fiber F, or may assign identification information to only some of the cores C. There is no particular limitation on the number of cores targeted by the core detection unit 31.

[0097] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Fusion splicer 2...Windshield cover 3...Housing 4...Fusion splicer 5...Heater 7...Monitor 8...Power switch 9...Connection start switch 10A...First optical fiber holder 10B...Second optical fiber holder 11...V-groove 12...Base 13...Cover 15...Discharge electrode 16...Image observation mechanism 17...Mirror 18...Camera 18b...First camera 18c...Second camera 19...Light source 20A...First rotation mechanism (rotation mechanism) 20B...Second rotation mechanism (rotation mechanism) 30...Control unit 31...Core detection unit 32...Storage unit 33...Result notification unit 34...Selection unit 35...Investigation unit 36...Connection feasibility notification unit C...Core E...End face E1...First end face E2...Second end face F...Multicore fiber F1...First optical fiber F2...Second optical fiber

Claims

1. A fusion splicer that fusion-splices a pair of multi-core fibers having a plurality of cores to each other, comprising: a pair of discharge electrodes; a rotation mechanism that rotates the multi-core fiber around an axis of the multi-core fiber; a light source that irradiates the multi-core fiber with light; a camera that receives light emitted from an end face of the multi-core fiber and takes an image of the end face; and a core detection unit that detects the plurality of cores of the multi-core fiber from the image of the end face taken by the camera, wherein the core detection unit detects positions of the plurality of cores on the end face and assigns identification information to each of the plurality of cores for identifying the plurality of cores according to a specific rule that is set in advance, and the core detection unit detects the positions of the plurality of cores for the pair of multi-core fibers and notifies information related to the fusion splicing of the pair of multi-core fibers.

2. The fusion splicer according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores the relationship between each of the plurality of cores and the identification information assigned to the plurality of cores.

3. A fusion splicer according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a result notification unit that notifies the result of the identification information being assigned, thereby enabling selection of which cores to splice together.

4. A fusion splicer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the specific rule includes a rule in which the core detection unit scans along the end face and assigns the identification information to the cores detected by the scan in order.

5. A fusion splicer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the specific rule includes a rule that the core detection unit scans the end face either clockwise or counterclockwise and assigns the identification information to the cores detected by the scan in order.

6. A fusion splicer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the specific rule includes a rule for assigning the identification information to each of the plurality of cores according to the distance from a point set on the end face to each of the cores.

7. The fusion splicer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a selection unit that has a plurality of the specific rules and that enables selection of one of the plurality of specific rules.

8. A fusion splicer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an investigation unit that makes it possible to investigate information about each of the cores from the identification information.

9. A fusion splicer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a splice possibility notifying unit that notifies whether the pair of multi-core fibers can be fusion spliced ​​or not.

10. A fusion splicing method for fusion-splicing a pair of multi-core fibers having a plurality of cores to each other, comprising: a step of irradiating the multi-core fiber with light and photographing an end face of the multi-core fiber; a step of detecting the plurality of cores of the multi-core fiber from the photographed image of the end face; a step of aligning the multi-core fiber by rotating the multi-core fiber around an axis of the multi-core fiber; and a step of fusion-splicing the pair of multi-core fibers to each other, wherein in the step of detecting cores, positions of the plurality of cores on the end face are detected and identification information for identifying the plurality of cores is assigned to each of the plurality of cores, and in the step of detecting cores, positions of the plurality of cores are detected for the pair of multi-core fibers and information related to the fusion splicing of the pair of multi-core fibers is notified.

Images