JP4162983B2 - Fusion splicer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fusion splicer that supplies power to an operation unit main body and a fusion splicer of a fusion splicer when the oppositely disposed optical fibers are fusion spliced by discharge.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various fusion splicers have been proposed in which end portions of optical fibers are abutted and fusion spliced by electric discharge (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This fusion splicer includes an image observation mechanism for observing an end portion of an optical fiber, an image processing unit for measuring parameter data of a luminance distribution waveform of an optical fiber cross section from a captured image, and the measured parameter data in advance as data. A fuzzy operation unit that obtains the degree of attribution from the fuzzy data registered in the registration unit and fuzzifies to identify the optical fiber type, and the light that has been previously registered in the attachment connection condition registration unit. A collation unit that collates with the attachment connection condition for each fiber type, a display device that displays a collation result, a fusion splicing mechanism, and a control unit are provided. In this conventional fusion splicer, a nickel metal hydride battery is used as a battery, and power is supplied from the nickel metal hydride battery to operate each of the above-described devices.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-169050 A (page 3-4, FIG. 1)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since this conventional fusion splicer has high performance and many functions, an operating voltage of about 12 (V) ± 10% is required, and the voltage of one nickel metal hydride battery is an average. Since it is 1.2 (V), about 10 batteries are required. For this reason as well, the conventional fusion splicer is a large machine having a fusion splicing mechanism provided on the top of a box-shaped main body, and has a weight of several kg or more.
[0005]
In particular, in recent years, with the development of optical communication technology, FTTH (fiber to the home) that connects an optical fiber from a trunk line to each home is required as one of optical access systems in an optical fiber communication network. In this case, the work when connecting the optical fiber branched from the main line to the home optical fiber is mainly performed outdoors, especially in the vicinity of the utility pole, etc., and the work in the closure part that accommodates a large number of optical fibers terminated and accommodated It becomes. For this reason, in the conventional fusion splicer, it is necessary to ensure a sufficient extra length for connection, and it is too large and heavy, so that it is not easy to use and the work efficiency when connecting optical fibers is poor. there were.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fusion splicer that can perform a fusion work efficiently with a small size and light weight.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, fusion splicer of the present invention includes an operation portion main body for performing a predetermined operation instruction due to the fusion splicing of the optical fibers, to grip the optical fiber by opposed, the optical fiber In the fusion splicer having a fusion splicing part for fusion splicing the end part by electric discharge, the operation part main body is a component part that is held in a palm and performs a connection work, and is a battery adapter part or a communication adapter. as well as connect to the parts, the male terminal and the housing portion provided with a connector having a male terminal for data communication, a battery adapter which is detachably mounted on the housing part accommodating the lithium battery for power supply And when the battery adapter part is mounted in the storage part, power is supplied to the operation part main body and the fusion splicing part via the connector, and the communication adapter part is stored in the storage part. Dressed in the department Once, and it performs data communication with the outside through the connector.
[0008]
According to the present invention, in the fusion splicer having the operation unit main body and the fusion splicing unit, the battery adapter unit that stores the lithium ion battery whose voltage per unit is higher than that of the nickel metal hydride battery is provided on the operation unit main body. By attaching power to the operation unit body and fusion splicing part from this battery adapter part by attaching it to the storage part, the battery is composed of about 1/3 the number of conventional ones. -Reduce weight. Further, according to the present invention, the operation board in the operation unit main body, the battery adapter unit, and the communication adapter unit are connected via the connector only, and power is supplied to the operation unit main unit and the fusion splicing unit. In addition, the waterproofness of the fusion splicer is improved by performing data communication with the outside.
[0009]
In order to achieve the above object, fusion splicer of the present invention includes an operation portion main body for performing a predetermined operation instruction due to the fusion splicing of the optical fibers, to grip the optical fiber by opposed, the optical A fusion splicer having a fusion splicing portion for fusion splicing the end of the fiber by electric discharge, wherein the fusion splicing portion is arranged in a T-shape at one end in the longitudinal direction of the operation portion main body. The operation unit main body is a component that is held in the palm and performs connection work, and is connected to the battery adapter unit or the communication adapter unit, and has a male terminal for power supply and a male terminal for data communication. a storage unit having a connector, and housing a lithium battery and a battery adapter unit which is detachably attached to said housing portion, when the battery adapter unit is attached to the housing part, the connector Through the power supply said operation It is supplied to the body and the fusion-spliced portion, when the communication adapter unit is attached to the housing portion, and performs data communication with the outside through the connector.
[0010]
According to the present invention, in the fusion splicer in which the operation unit main body and the fusion splicing part are arranged in a T shape, the battery adapter unit that stores the lithium ion battery whose voltage per unit is higher than that of the nickel hydrogen battery, By attaching power to the operation unit main body and the fusion splicing part from this battery adapter unit by attaching it to the storage unit of the operation unit main body, the battery is configured with about 1/3 the number of conventional batteries, and fused. To reduce the size and weight of connected devices. Further, according to the present invention, the operation board in the operation unit main body, the battery adapter unit, and the communication adapter unit are connected via the connector only, and power is supplied to the operation unit main unit and the fusion splicing unit. In addition, the waterproofness of the fusion splicer is improved by performing data communication with the outside.
[0011]
Further, fusion splicer of the present invention, in the above invention, the communication adapter unit, with detachably mounted to said housing part, is Ru connected adapter communicates cable power cable is connected It is accommodated and adapters before Symbol a adapter portion of the same shape battery, and performs data communication with the outside through the communication cable.
[0012]
According to the present invention, the communication adapter unit having the same shape as the battery adapter unit is attached to the storage unit, the communication device is provided in the operation unit main body, and the power supply from the outside and between the communication device and the outside are performed. Enable data communication.
[0015]
In the fusion splicer according to the present invention, in the above invention, the storage unit includes a convex fitting member, and the battery adapter unit and the communication adapter unit include the convex fitting unit. A concave fitting portion to be fitted, and the concave fitting portion is fitted to the convex fitting portion so that each adapter portion is attached to the storage portion. And
[0016]
According to the present invention, the adapter portion is fixed and attached to the storage portion by fitting the hook portion made of the convex fitting portion and the hole portion made of the concave fitting portion.
[0017]
The fusion splicer of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the battery adapter part and the communication adapter part are attached to the storage part in accordance with usage.
[0018]
According to the present invention, when the fusion connection of the optical fiber is performed, the battery adapter part is attached to the storage part, the power supply to the operation part main body and the fusion connection part is enabled, and the data communication is performed. When performing, the communication adapter part is attached to the storage part to enable data communication between the external communication means and the fusion splicer.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of a fusion splicer according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of FIGS.
[0020]
(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a fusion splicer for connecting single optical fibers according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a windshield cover is opened and a holder holding an optical fiber is installed on a holder base. It is the top view which looked at from the upper side. FIG. 2 is a side view having a partial cross section of the fusion splicer with the windshield cover open as viewed from the right side. FIG. 3 is a plan view having a partial cross-section indicated by arrows AB shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fusion splicer with the windshield cover closed as viewed from below. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fusion splicer with the windshield cover closed.
[0021]
The fusion splicer 1 is a small and lightweight splicer of about 1 kg, which has only the minimum functions necessary for fusion splicing of optical fibers, and is driven by a DC power source. As shown in FIGS. The main part 2 and the fusion splicing part 3 are arranged in a T shape. The fusion splicer 1 is used for fusion splicing of optical fibers while holding the operation unit main body 2, and a monitor mechanism 20 is provided inside.
[0022]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation unit main body 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape so that an operator having a standard body shape can hold it in the palm and connect it, and the upper surface is fused. It is molded into an inclined surface that rises toward the connection part 3 side, and the display part 21 and the input part 22 are arranged at one upper part in the longitudinal direction, and the fusion splicing part 3 is arranged in a T-shape at the other upper part for input. The width and thickness on the part 22 side are formed to be 10 cm or less. In addition, it is preferable to form the width and thickness on the input portion 22 side to be 7 cm or less because it is easier to hold in the palm.
[0023]
The display unit 21 is a liquid crystal display part arranged on the fusion splicing unit 3 side of the operation unit main body 2 and displays the progress status related to the optical fiber connection work and information such as input regarding the operation of the fusion splicer 1. Is displayed. The input unit 22 includes a power key 22a for turning on / off the power source, a cursor key 22b for starting up and moving the cursor on the display unit 21, a cursor key 22c for operating the cursor down, and a reset key 22d. In addition to various operation keys such as a selection / determination key 22e and an operation key 22f for inputting operation start or position stop, a monitor lamp 22g for displaying a power on / off state is provided.
[0024]
The operation unit body 2 is provided with an LCD board and a CPU board (not shown) connected to each other via a connector, and a power board 2a and a discharge board 2b as shown in FIG. Is provided with a communication device 2c and is supplied with power from the power board 2a. The LCD board, CPU board, power board 2a and discharge board 2b are connected to each other via a connector. A CPU for controlling the operation of the fusion splicer 1 is provided on the CPU board.
[0025]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in the operation unit main body 2, a storage unit 23 to which the battery adapter unit 24 or the communication adapter unit 25 is attached is formed at one lower part in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a battery connector having a plurality of male connection pins 2 d 1 to 2 d 6 projecting outward from the adapter insertion side is provided in the inner portion 23 a of the storage portion 23. A battery connector board 2e connected to these connection pins 2d1 to 2d6 is provided inside the operation unit body 2 on the back side of the storage unit 23. Of these connection pins 2d1 to 2d6, the connection pins 2d1 to 2d4 are communication connection pins, the connection pin 2d5 is a GND connection pin, and the connection pin 2d6 is a 12 (V) power supply connection pin.
[0026]
The battery connector board 2e is provided with a power connector 2e1 and a communication connector 2e2. The power connector 2e1 is connected to a power connector provided on the power board 2a by a power cable 2f, and a communication connector 2e2. Are connected to the communication device 2c by a communication cable 2g.
[0027]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, two L-shaped hooks 23 b are suspended at predetermined positions at both ends in the width direction of the storage portion 23, and are inserted into the storage portion 23. Each of the adapter sections 24 and 25 thus fixed is fixed and attached to the operation section main body 2.
[0028]
The battery adapter unit 24 is a battery pack in which a plurality of lithium ion batteries are packaged. Normally, the voltage of one lithium ion battery is 3.6 (V) on average, and the operating voltage of the fusion splicer 1 is about 12 (V) ± 10%. Three lithium ion batteries will be accommodated. The battery adapter section 24 includes a connector (not shown) having a female power supply connection pin. When the battery adapter section 24 is inserted into the storage section 23, the female power supply connection pin The male power connection pin 2d6 of the battery connector 2d is connected, and the power supply voltage is supplied from the battery adapter unit 24 via these engaged connectors to the LCD board, CPU board, power board 2a, It is supplied to the discharge substrate and the fusion splicing part 3.
[0029]
The communication adapter unit 25 is a battery pack that houses a power adapter (not shown) provided at the end of the power cord 25a connected to the AC power source and a communication adapter (not shown) provided at the end of the communication cable 25b. It is. The communication adapter section 25 includes a connector (not shown) having a plurality of female communication connection pins (four in the embodiment), a female GND connection pin, and a female power supply connection pin. When the communication adapter section 25 is inserted into the storage section 23, the female communication connection pins, the male communication connection pins 2d1 to 2d4 of the battery connector 2d, and the female GND connection pins A male GND connection pin 2d5 of the battery connector 2d, a female power supply connection pin, and a male power supply connection pin 2d6 of the battery connector 2d are connected to each other. In this embodiment, data communication is possible between the outside and the communication device via these engaged connectors, and the power supply voltage is supplied from the battery adapter unit 24 via these engaged connectors. 2 LCD substrate, CPU substrate, power board 2a, discharge substrate, fusion splicer 3 and the like.
[0030]
The battery adapter part 24 and the communication adapter part 25 are formed of the same rectangular shape, and the width is 7 cm or less, the thickness is 1.5 cm or less, and the length is 8 cm or less. As shown in FIG. 4, the same number of holes 26a as the hooks 23b, for example, two, are provided at both ends in the width direction. When the battery adapter unit 24 or the communication adapter unit 25 is inserted into the storage unit 23, the L-shaped hook 23b and the hole 26a of the storage unit 23 are fitted, and the adapter unit 24 or By engaging the 25 connectors with the connector 2 d of the storage portion 23, the adapter portion 24 or 25 is attached and fixed to the lower portion of the operation portion main body 2. In this way, the battery adapter unit 24 and the communication adapter unit 25 can be connected to the operation unit main body 2 in a replaceable manner (see FIGS. 4 and 5).
[0031]
The fusion splicing part 3 has a pair of holder bases 4, a discharge electrode 5, and a windshield cover 6 attached to the front upper part of the main body 2 as shown in FIGS. ing. Here, the pair of holder bases 4 and the discharge electrodes 5 are installed on an internal support substrate 3a, and the support substrate 3a is formed from a magnetic metal.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 1, the holder base 4 is a base on which holders 46 made of magnetic metal holding the optical fiber 45 are opposed to each other, and both sides of the support member 7 disposed in the center of the fusion splicing portion 3. Are arranged one by one.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 1, the discharge electrode 5 is disposed to face the optical fiber 45 so as to be orthogonal to each other, and the ends of the opposed optical fibers 45 are fusion-bonded by discharge. The discharge electrode 5 is supported by the support member 7 and generates an arc discharge between the electrodes by the power supply voltage supplied from the battery adapter unit 24 inserted in the storage unit 23. The two arranged optical fibers 45 are fusion-connected at the tip portion. The state of this series of fusion splicing is displayed on the display unit 21 of the operation unit body 2 driven by the power supply voltage supplied from the battery adapter unit 24.
[0034]
The monitor mechanism 20 includes a light source, a dove prism, a lens member, and an image sensor (not shown). The light source and the image sensor are driven by a power supply voltage supplied from a battery adapter unit 24 inserted into the storage unit 23. The end of the optical fiber 45 to be spliced is monitored.
[0035]
The communication device 2c is mainly used for repairing a fusion splicer. For example, when rewriting a program such as a CPU board of the operation unit main body 2 or upgrading a program, the communication device 2c is inserted into the storage unit 23. Driven by the power supply voltage supplied from the attached communication adapter unit 25, for example, data communication is performed with the personal computer connected to the communication cable 2g via the communication adapter unit 25.
[0036]
As described above, in this embodiment, a lithium ion battery that can obtain a voltage value three times that of a nickel metal hydride battery per battery is used for the battery of the fusion splicer. In the case of using 10 batteries, only one third of the battery is required, so the volume occupied by the battery in the fusion splicer can be greatly reduced. Can be achieved.
[0037]
That is, in the fusion splicer 1 according to this embodiment, the main body 2 and the fusion splicing portion 3 are arranged in a T shape, the width and thickness at the approximate center of the main body 2 are about 7 cm, and the overall weight is about 7 cm. It is considered to be a small and lightweight connection machine of about 1 kg. For this reason, for example, when a single-core optical fiber branched from a trunk line is connected to a home-use single-core optical fiber in an access system such as FTTH, the fusion splicer 1 exhibits excellent characteristics in use. . That is, as shown in FIG. 6, an operator who has entered the work bucket 9 supported at the tip of the boom 8 of the aerial work vehicle can easily handle the fusion splicer 1 while holding the main body 2. Since it is small in size, the fusion splicing part 3 can be inserted into the closure C disposed in the vicinity of the utility pole P, so that the fusion splicing operation of the optical fiber can be easily performed in the closure C.
[0038]
Also, the fusion splicing according to this embodiment is often used in an emergency such as the disconnection of the optical fiber in the closure, has no memory effect, and can be used for mining more than 500 times. By using a lithium-ion battery with a long cycle life, quick charging in a short time, and good storage characteristics, it can sufficiently cope with emergency use in a state where the use frequency is low, and efficiently A fusing operation can be performed.
[0039]
Further, in the fusion splicer according to this embodiment, since a high output can be taken out by using a lithium ion battery, a booster circuit or the like becomes unnecessary, and a double or triple safety mechanism is incorporated inside the battery. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a protective circuit in the welding splicer, the number of parts can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0040]
Further, in this embodiment, the battery adapter unit and the communication adapter unit having the same appearance shape are interchangeably connected to the operation unit main body according to the use, so that the operation of normal fusion bonding of optical fibers is performed. At the same time, data communication can also be performed for repairs such as program upgrades, so that a highly versatile fusion splicer can be provided.
[0041]
In this embodiment, the operation board in the operation unit main body, the battery adapter unit, and the communication adapter unit are connected only via a connector having a male connection pin, and the operation unit main unit and the fusion adapter unit are connected. Since power supply to the landing connection part and data communication with the outside are performed, the waterproofness of the fusion splicer used outdoors can be further enhanced.
[0042]
Further, in this embodiment, since the battery adapter unit and the communication adapter unit are directly fitted to the operation unit main body using the hook mechanism, the adapter unit can be easily fixed and attached to the operation unit main body. This eliminates the need for a holding member such as a holder for holding the adapter portion.
[0043]
Further, in this embodiment, by attaching a battery to the operation unit main body, the weight balance between the operation unit main body and the fusion splicing part provided with each device for performing the fusion splicing is improved, and it is easy to hold. By doing so, workability | operativity can be improved further.
[0044]
The present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the battery adapter unit that houses the high-voltage lithium ion battery is attached to the operation unit body, and the power is supplied from the battery adapter unit to the operation unit body and the fusion splicing unit. Since it is supplied, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the fusion splicer.
[0046]
In the present invention, the communication adapter unit having the same shape as the battery adapter unit is mounted in the storage unit, and the communication device is provided in the operation unit body and connected to the communication adapter. Data communication is possible between the communication device and the outside, and a highly versatile fusion splicer can be obtained.
[0047]
Further, according to the present invention, the operation board and the battery adapter unit in the operation unit main body are connected only through connectors each having a female terminal and a male terminal, so that the waterproofness of the fusion splicer is improved. be able to.
[0048]
Further, according to the present invention, the hook portion including the convex fitting portion is provided in the storage portion, the hole portion including the concave fitting portion is provided in the adapter portion, and when the adapter is attached, the hook portion and the hole portion are provided. Since it fits, an adapter part can be easily fixed to a storage part.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows a fusion splicer for connecting single optical fibers according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a windshield cover is opened and a holder holding an optical fiber is installed on a holder base. It is the top view which looked at from the upper side.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing a partial cross section of the fusion splicer with the windshield cover open as viewed from the right side.
FIG. 3 is a plan view having a partial cross section indicated by arrows A-B shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fusion splicer with the windshield cover closed as viewed from below.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fusion splicer with the windshield cover closed.
6 is a schematic view showing a usage state of the fusion splicer shown in FIG. 1 at a work site.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fusion splicer 2 Operation part main body 2a Power board 2b Discharge board 2c Communication apparatus 2d Battery connector 2d1-2d4 Communication connection pin 2d5 GND connection pin 2d6 Power supply connection pin 2e Battery connector board 2e1 Power supply connector 2e2 Communication connector 2f Power cable 2g Communication cable 3 Fusion splicer 3a Support substrate 4 Holder base 5 Discharge electrode 6 Windshield cover 7 Support member 8 Boom 9 Work bucket 20 Monitor mechanism 21 Display unit 22 Input unit 22a Power key 22b, 22c Cursor key 22d Reset key 22e Selection determination key 22f Operation key 22g Monitor lamp 23 Storage part 23a Back part 23b Hook 24 Battery adapter part 25 Communication adapter part 25a Power cord 25b Communication cable 26a Hole part 45 Optical fiber 46 Holder C Closure Telephone pole

Claims (5)

An operation unit main body that performs a predetermined operation instruction associated with the fusion splicing of the optical fiber, and a fusion splicing unit that holds the optical fiber oppositely and holds the end of the optical fiber by fusion. In fusion splicer,
The operation unit main body is a component part that is held in the palm and performs connection work,
A storage unit including a connector having a male terminal for power supply and a male terminal for data communication, connected to the battery adapter unit or the communication adapter unit ,
A battery adapter unit that is removably attached to the housing part accommodating the lithium battery,
When the battery adapter part is attached to the storage part, power is supplied to the operation part main body and the fusion splicing part via the connector, and the communication adapter part is attached to the storage part. Then , the fusion splicer performs data communication with the outside through the connector . An operation unit main body for giving a predetermined operation instruction in splicing of the optical fiber, and a fusion splicing unit that holds the optical fiber facing each other and fusion-connects the ends of the optical fiber by discharge. In the fusion splicer in which the fusion splicing part is arranged in a T shape at one end in the longitudinal direction of the operation part main body,
The operation unit main body is a component part that is held in the palm and performs connection work,
A storage unit including a connector having a male terminal for power supply and a male terminal for data communication, connected to the battery adapter unit or the communication adapter unit ,
A battery adapter unit that is removably attached to the housing part accommodating the lithium battery,
When the battery adapter part is attached to the storage part, power is supplied to the operation part main body and the fusion splicing part via the connector, and the communication adapter part is attached to the storage part. Then , the fusion splicer performs data communication with the outside through the connector . The communication adapter unit, with detachably mounted on the housing part, the power cable is housed and adapters are adapters communicate cable connected Ru is connected, the same shape as before Symbol battery adapter portion The fusion splicer according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein data communication is performed with the outside via the communication cable. The storage part has a convex fitting part,
The battery adapter part and the communication adapter part have a concave fitting part fitted with the convex fitting member,
Wherein by fitting a concave fitting portion into the fitting portion of the convex shape, according to the respective adapter unit to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that allowed to attached to the housing part Fusion splicer. Wherein the A communication adapter unit battery adapter unit, depending on the intended use, fusion splicer according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that mounted on the housing portion.

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