JP7405656B2 - Holder jig, jig set and fusion splicing method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a holder jig, a jig set, and a fusion splicing method.

A fusion splicer (multi-core fusion splicer) that can connect a plurality of optical fibers at once is known. For example, FIG. 52 of Patent Document 1 describes fusion splicing a plurality of optical fibers at once.

Special Publication No. 2015-508188

When fusion splicing a plurality of optical fibers at once, a holder holding a plurality of optical fibers may be set in a fusion splicer. By holding the plurality of optical fibers in the holder, the positional relationship of the plurality of optical fibers is maintained. However, if multiple optical fibers are removed from the holder, for example when heating the heat shrink sleeve placed over the fusion splicing point in the post-process after fusion splicing, the positional relationship of the multiple optical fibers cannot be maintained. It disappears.

An object of the present invention is to maintain the positional relationship of optical fibers.

A first main invention for achieving the above object includes an engaging part that engages with a holder that holds a plurality of optical fibers placed in an alignment part, a pair of guide parts, and a pair of said guide parts. a connecting portion that connects the two guide portions while being separated from each other, and when the engaging portion is engaged with the holder, the separating portion between the pair of guide portions is disposed on the alignment portion. This is a jig for a holder.
Further, a second main invention for achieving the above object includes an engaging part that engages with a holder that holds a plurality of optical fibers in a state where they are placed on an alignment part, a pair of guide parts, and a pair of said guide parts. a connecting portion that connects the guide portions while being separated from each other, and the separating portion between the pair of guide portions is arranged on the alignment portion when the engaging portion is engaged with the holder. A jig set comprising: a jig; and an adhesive tape having a width narrower than the spacing section and capable of bonding the plurality of optical fibers placed on the alignment section.
Further, a third main invention for achieving the above object includes a step of holding a plurality of optical fibers in a holder while being placed on an alignment section, and a jig having a pair of spaced apart guide sections on the holder. a step of engaging the plurality of optical fibers placed on the alignment section by supplying an adhesive material to a spaced part between the pair of guide sections, and a step of fixing the plurality of optical fibers placed on the alignment section with the adhesive material; and the jig. The optical fiber fusion method includes the steps of removing the holder from the holder, and setting the holder holding the plurality of optical fibers in a fusion splicer.

Other features of the present invention will become clear from the description and drawings described below.

According to the present invention, the positional relationship of optical fibers can be maintained.

FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing how a plurality of optical fibers are bonded using the jig 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is an exploded explanatory diagram of the components of FIG. 1A. 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams of the holder 30. 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams of the jig 10. 4A to 4D are explanatory diagrams of a method of fixing an optical fiber using the holder 30 and the jig 10. 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams of the alignment tool 50. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the fiber alignment section 60. FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams showing how the fiber alignment unit 60 aligns a plurality of optical fibers. 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams showing how the fiber alignment section 60 aligns a plurality of optical fibers. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process for forming a plurality of optical fibers into ribbons using the alignment tool 50. FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of the assembly process of the optical connector 70. FIGS. 11A to 11C are explanatory diagrams showing how the coating of the optical fiber is removed by the coating removal device 80. FIG. FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of the ferrule holder 30'. FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram showing how the holder 30 and ferrule holder 30' are set in the fusion splicer 90. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of how the heat shrink sleeve 73 is moved. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector 70. FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram of the jig 10 of the second embodiment. FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram of the jig 10 of the third embodiment. FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram of the jig 10 of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram of the jig 10 of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 16C is an explanatory diagram of the jig 10 of the sixth embodiment.

At least the following matters will become clear from the description and drawings described below.

an engaging part that engages with a holder that holds a plurality of optical fibers in a state where they are placed on an alignment part; a pair of guide parts; and a connecting part that connects the pair of guide parts in a spaced manner; A jig for a holder, wherein when the engaging portion is engaged with the holder, a separating portion between the pair of guide portions is arranged on the alignment portion. According to such a holder jig, the positional relationship of the plurality of optical fibers can be maintained.

It is desirable that the guide part has a slope part whose height decreases toward the inside. This makes it easier to guide the adhesive material inward, making it easier to bond the plurality of optical fibers held in the holder.

It is preferable that the slope portion has a sub-slope portion whose height decreases toward the side opposite to the connection portion. This makes it easier to insert a finger into the spaced part.

It is preferable that the connecting portion has a slope portion whose height decreases toward the side where the guide portion is provided. This makes it easier to guide the adhesive material toward the spaced apart portion.

It is preferable that the pair of guide parts have a regulating part on a surface on the holder side for regulating the width of the plurality of optical fibers held by the holder. This makes it easier to bond a plurality of optical fibers in a state where the plurality of optical fibers are aligned with a predetermined width.

an engaging part that engages with a holder that holds a plurality of optical fibers in a state where they are placed on an alignment part; a pair of guide parts; and a connecting part that connects the pair of guide parts in a spaced manner; When the engaging portion is engaged with the holder, the spacing portion between the pair of guide portions is narrower than the holder jig disposed on the alignment portion, and the width of the spacing portion between the pair of guide portions is narrower than the spacing portion. and an adhesive tape capable of bonding a plurality of the optical fibers placed on the part. According to such a jig set, the positional relationship of a plurality of optical fibers can be maintained.

A step of holding a plurality of optical fibers in a holder while being placed on an alignment section, a step of engaging a jig having a pair of spaced apart guide sections with the holder, and a spaced part between the pair of guide sections. a step of supplying an adhesive material to fix the plurality of optical fibers placed on the alignment section with the adhesive material; a step of removing the jig from the holder; and a step of holding the plurality of optical fibers. and setting the holder in a fusion splicer. According to such an optical fiber fusion splicing method, a plurality of optical fibers can be fusion spliced while maintaining the positional relationship of the plurality of optical fibers.

It is preferable that the adhesive material is an adhesive tape that is narrower in width than the spaced apart portion and is capable of bonding the plurality of optical fibers held by the holder. Thereby, a plurality of optical fibers can be fixed by supplying the adhesive tape to the spaced apart portion.

The adhesive tape has an adhesive part capable of adhering a plurality of optical fibers, and a non-adhesive part, and the jig has a connecting part that connects the pair of guide parts, and the jig has a connecting part that connects the pair of guide parts. The connecting part has a slope part whose height decreases toward the side where the guide part is provided, and the adhesive tape is supplied to the separating part to connect the plurality of adhesive tapes placed on the alignment part. When fixing the optical fiber with the adhesive tape, it is preferable that the non-adhesive part is arranged on the slope part. This makes it easier to remove the jig from the holder with the adhesive tape attached to the plurality of optical fibers.

===First embodiment===
FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing how a plurality of optical fibers are bonded using the jig 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is an exploded explanatory diagram of the components of FIG. 1A.

In the following description, each direction is defined as shown in FIG. 1A. The longitudinal direction of the optical fiber when the holder 30 holds the optical fiber is referred to as the "back and forth direction", the end side of the optical fiber is referred to as the "front", and the opposite side (base end side of the optical fiber) is referred to as the "rear". do. Furthermore, when the holder 30 holds a plurality of optical fibers, the direction in which the plurality of optical fibers are lined up is referred to as the "left-right direction", the right side when looking from the rear side to the front side is referred to as the "right", and the opposite side is referred to as the "left". shall be. The left and right direction is sometimes referred to as the "width direction." The direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is referred to as the "up-down direction", and the side of the optical fiber viewed from the surface where the holder 30 places the optical fiber is referred to as the "upper" side, and the opposite side is referred to as the "lower".

As shown in FIG. 1A, the jig 10 of this embodiment is used by being attached to a holder 30. Therefore, first, the configuration of the holder 30 will be explained, and then the jig 10 of this embodiment will be explained.

<Reference: Holder 30>
2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams of the holder 30. FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram of the holder 30 with the lid 37 open. FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram of the holder 30 with the lid portion 37 closed.

The holder 30 is a member that holds a plurality of optical fibers. The plurality of optical fibers held by the holder 30 may be a plurality of optical fibers separated one by one, or may be an intermittently fixed tape core in which the optical fibers are intermittently connected and there are separation parts between the optical fibers. . The holder 30 is set in a fusion splicer while holding a plurality of optical fibers. In other words, the holder 30 is a fiber holder for a multi-core fusion splicer. However, the holder 30 can be set not only in a fusion splicer, but also in a sheath removal device or a fiber cutter (described later). The holder 30 has a base portion 31 and a lid portion 37.

The base portion 31 is a member on which a plurality of optical fibers are placed. The base portion 31 includes a holding portion 31A and a placing portion 31B. The clamping part 31A is a part that clamps the optical fiber between the clamping part 31A and the lid part 37. In other words, the holding portion 31A is a portion facing the lid portion 37 in a closed state. The mounting part 31B is a part located on a side farther from the holding part 31A when the fusion point side of the optical fiber is taken as a base point. In other words, the mounting portion 31B is a portion on the rear side of the holding portion 31A. The mounting portion 31B is a portion that does not face the lid portion 37 in the closed state. In other words, the mounting portion 31B is a portion having a surface that is not closed in all directions with respect to the plurality of optical fibers, but is open in one direction (upward in the drawing). The mounting portion 31B has a pair of inclined portions 31C. The inclined portion 31C is constituted by an inclined surface whose height decreases toward the inner side (the central portion where the optical fiber is placed). The pair of inclined portions 31C can guide a plurality of optical fibers to be placed to the center in the width direction of the base portion 31 (alignment portion 33).

The base portion 31 has a recess 32, an alignment portion 33, and a positioning hole 35. The recessed portion 32 is a concave portion on the upper surface of the base portion 31, and the recessed portion 32 is provided on the upper surface of the base portion 31 in the front-rear direction (the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber). In other words, the recessed portion 32 is provided across the upper surfaces of the holding portion 31A and the placing portion 31B in the front-rear direction. An alignment portion 33 and an edge portion 34 are provided on the bottom surface of the recess 32 . The alignment part 33 is a part that aligns a plurality of optical fibers. Here, the alignment section 33 is constituted by a plurality of V grooves. By placing the optical fiber on the V-groove, the optical fiber is fixed in place. The alignment portion 33 (V groove) is provided on the bottom surface of the recess 32 in the front-rear direction. The alignment section 33 is provided across the upper surfaces of the holding section 31A and the placing section 31B in the front-rear direction. The edge portion 34 is a planar portion provided on the bottom surface of the recessed portion 32 on the outer side in the width direction (both sides in the width direction) of the alignment portion 33. When the holder 30 holds a plurality of optical fibers, the optical fibers are arranged on the alignment part 33 (V groove) and not on the edge 34. The positioning hole 35 is a part (hole) for positioning the holder 30 with respect to the fusion splicer. When setting the holder 30 in the fusion splicer, the positioning hole 35 of the holder 30 is fitted into the positioning pin of the fusion splicer. This sets the holder 30 in a predetermined position relative to the fusion splicer.

The lid part 37 is a member that can be opened and closed with respect to the base part 31. The lid part 37 can be opened and closed about the hinge part 38. The lid part 37 can be fixed to the base part 31 in a closed state by a magnet (not shown) (the lid part 37 can be maintained in a closed state). When the lid part 37 is closed, the optical fiber is clamped between the clamping part 31A of the base part 31 and the lid part 37, thereby holding the optical fiber in the holder 30.

<Jig 10>
3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams of the jig 10. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the jig 10 viewed diagonally from above. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the jig 10 viewed diagonally from below.

The jig 10 is a member (holder jig) that is attached to the holder 30. As described later, after the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30 holding a plurality of optical fibers, the alignment state of the plurality of optical fibers is adjusted by bonding the plurality of optical fibers using the jig 10. (The positional relationship of the plurality of optical fibers will be maintained). The jig 10 includes an engaging portion 11, a pair of guide portions 12, and a connecting portion 14.

The engaging portion 11 is a portion that engages with the holder 30. By engaging the engaging portion 11 with the holder 30, the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30. Note that the engaging portion 11 has a function as a positioning portion for arranging the jig 10 at a predetermined position with respect to the holder 30. The engaging portion 11 is a portion that protrudes from the guide portion 12 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. However, the engaging portion 11 is not limited to this shape. The engaging portion 11 may have any other shape as long as the jig 10 can be attached to the holder 30.

The guide portion 12 is a portion that guides the adhesive material (here, the adhesive tape 20) to the plurality of optical fibers held in the holder 30. The guide portion 12 is a plate-shaped portion extending in the front-rear direction. The pair of guide portions 12 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon, and are arranged along the same direction (front-back direction) as the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. Here, the spaced apart portion (space) between the pair of guide portions 12 is referred to as a spaced apart portion 13. The guide section 12 includes a slope section 12A, a sub-slope section 12B, a first guide section 121, and a second guide section 122.

The slope portion 12A is a slope-shaped portion (inclined portion) on the upper surface of the guide portion 12. The slope portion 12A is configured such that its height decreases toward the inside (towards the center where the optical fiber is placed). In other words, the slope portion 12A is configured such that the height thereof becomes continuously lower toward the separation portion 13 side. Since each of the pair of guide parts 12 has the slope part 12A, the interval between the pair of guide parts 12 (distance in the direction in which a plurality of optical fibers are lined up) is directed inward (toward the central part where the optical fibers are placed). It is designed to be narrower. Since the guide portion 12 has the slope portion 12A, it becomes easier to guide the adhesive material (here, the adhesive tape 20) inward, and it becomes easier to bond the plurality of optical fibers held in the holder 30. Further, when the adhesive material is adhesive tape 20 as in this embodiment, the guide portion 12 has the slope portion 12A, so that the operator can insert his/her finger between the pair of guide portions 12 (separated portion 13). This makes it easier to attach the adhesive tape 20 to a plurality of optical fibers.

The slope portion 12A further includes a sub-slope portion 12B. The sub-slope portion 12B is a slope-shaped portion whose height decreases toward the rear side (the side in the direction in which the guide portion 12 extends from the connecting portion 14; the end portion side of the guide portion 12). In other words, the sub-slope portion 12B is configured such that the height decreases toward the inside, and the height decreases toward the rear side (the side in the direction in which the guide portion 12 extends from the connecting portion 14). It is composed of The height of the sub-slope portion 12B becomes lower toward the rear side (towards the end of the guide portion 12) compared to the extension surface of the slope portion 12A. By providing the sub-slope portion 12B, it becomes easier to insert a finger between the pair of guide portions 12 (separated portion 13) when applying the adhesive tape 20. Note that the sub-slope portion 12B may be provided on both of the pair of guide portions 12. Further, the sub-slope portion 12B may not be provided.

The first guide portion 121 is a portion on the front side of the guide portion 12 (on the side of the connecting portion 14 ) that extends from the connecting portion 14 . Further, the second guide portion 122 is a rear portion of the guide portion 12 that extends from the first guide portion 121 . The first guide portion 121 is a portion disposed on the holder 30 (specifically, the mounting portion 31B) when the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30 (when the engaging portion 11 is engaged with the holder 30). It is. A slope portion 12A is provided on the upper surface of the first guide portion 121. Further, the first guide section 121 has a regulating section 121A.

The regulating portion 121A is a protruding portion along the front-rear direction on the lower surface of the guide portion 12 (see FIG. 3B). The pair of restriction portions 121A are spaced apart from each other in the width direction and are arranged along the front-rear direction, respectively. In other words, the spacing portion 13 is provided between the pair of restriction portions 121A. When the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30 (when the engaging portion 11 is engaged with the holder 30), the regulating portion 121A is arranged on the edge 34. Further, when the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30 (when the engaging portion 11 is engaged with the holder 30), the pair of restricting portions 121A are arranged on the outer side in the width direction than the alignment portion 33. Therefore, when the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30 (when the engaging portion 11 is engaged with the holder 30), the aligning portion 33 of the holder 30 is arranged between the pair of restricting portions 121A. That is, when the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30 with the holder 30 holding a plurality of optical fibers, the plurality of optical fibers are arranged between the pair of restriction parts 121A, so that the plurality of optical fibers are restricted. It is restricted from being wider than the width of the portion 121A (width of the spaced apart portion 13). Thereby, a plurality of optical fibers can be bonded together in a state where the plurality of optical fibers are aligned with a predetermined width.

The second guide part 122 is a part on the rear side of the first guide part 121, and when the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30 (when the engaging part 11 is engaged with the holder 30), the holder 30 ( This is a portion that protrudes to the rear side of the mounting portion 31B). By providing the second guide portion 122, it becomes possible to guide the adhesive material (here, the adhesive tape 20) over a long region in the front-rear direction. In addition, the guide part 12 may not have the part (here, the 2nd guide part 122) which protrudes from the holder 30, and the guide part 12 may be comprised only by the 1st guide part 121. In this embodiment, each of the pair of guide parts 12 has the second guide part 122, but only one guide part 12 may be provided with the second guide part 122. A slope portion 12A is provided on the upper surface of the second guide portion 122. Furthermore, a sub-slope portion 12B is provided on the upper surface of one of the second guide portions 122. However, the sub-slope portion 12B may not be provided on the upper surface of the second guide portion 122.

The second guide part 122 will be arranged on the upper surface of the second mounting part 612 of the alignment tool 50 (described later). Therefore, the lower surface of the second guide portion 122 has a shape that matches the surface of the second mounting portion 612 (more specifically, the ridge portion 612A) of the alignment tool 50 (described later).

The spacing portion 13 is a space (space) between the pair of guide portions 12 . Since the pair of guide portions 12 are portions along the front-back direction, the separating portion 13 has a shape along the front-back direction. Therefore, the separating portion 13 has a shape along the direction of the optical fiber held by the holder 30. When the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30 (when the engaging part 11 is engaged with the holder 30), the separating part 13 is arranged on the alignment part 33 of the holder 30. As a result, when the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30 with the holder 30 holding a plurality of optical fibers, the upper side of the plurality of optical fibers on the alignment section 33 of the mounting section 31B is opened by the spacing section 13. state.

The dimension in the width direction of the separating part 13 is slightly wider than the dimension in the width direction of the alignment part 33 of the holder 30. Here, the term "slightly" means about 3 mm or less, and by providing this gap, effects such as guiding during supply of the adhesive tape and simplification of the supply operation are achieved. Thereby, a plurality of optical fibers placed on the alignment section 33 (a plurality of optical fibers in an aligned state) can be arranged within the separation section 13. Further, the dimension in the width direction of the spacing portion 13 is slightly wider than the dimension in the width direction of the adhesive tape 20 (see FIG. 1B). As a result, the adhesive tape 20 can be supplied to the separation section 13, and the plurality of optical fibers on the alignment section 33 can be fixed with the adhesive tape 20. Note that, as already explained, since the regulating portion 121A (see FIG. 3B) is disposed on the edge 34, the widthwise dimension of the spacing portion 13 is narrower than the widthwise dimension of the recessed portion 32 of the holder 30. Become.

The connecting portion 14 is a portion that connects the pair of guide portions 12. The connecting portion 14 connects the pair of guide portions 12 apart from each other. Thereby, a spacing section 13 is provided between the pair of guide sections 12. That is, the connecting part 14 is a part for defining the dimensions of the separating part 13 by defining the positional relationship between the pair of guide parts 12. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 14 is arranged on the front side of the jig 10 and connects the front edges of the guide portions 12 to each other. However, the connecting portion 14 may connect the rear edge of the guide portion 12. Further, both front and rear edges of the guide portion 12 may be connected to each other by a pair of connecting portions 14 .

By the way, in this embodiment, by arranging the connecting part 14 on the front side of the jig 10, it becomes easier to arrange the non-adhesive part 22 of the adhesive tape 20 closer to the end of the optical fiber than the adhesive part 21. . By arranging the non-adhesive part 22 of the adhesive tape 20 closer to the end of the optical fiber than the adhesive part 21, the reinforcing sleeve (heat-shrinkable sleeve 73 shown in FIG. 13) can be fused and spliced as described later. When covering the point, the reinforcing sleeve can be moved from the adhesive part 21 side of the adhesive tape 20 toward the non-adhesive part 22 side, and it is possible to suppress the non-adhesive part 22 from rolling up. For this reason, it is desirable that the connecting portion 14 be disposed on the front side of the jig 10 (on the end side of the optical fiber). That is, when the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30 (when the engaging part 11 is engaged with the holder 30), it is desirable that the connecting part 14 be arranged on the front side (on the end side of the optical fiber).

The connecting portion 14 has a slope portion 14A and a restraining portion 14B.

The slope portion 14A is a slope-shaped portion (slope portion) on the upper surface of the connecting portion 14. The slope portion 14A is configured such that the height decreases toward the rear side (the side in the direction in which the guide portion 12 extends from the connecting portion 14; the end side of the guide portion 12; the side toward the separating portion 13). . By forming the slope portion 14A in the connecting portion 14, it becomes easier to guide the adhesive material (here, the adhesive tape 20) toward the separation portion 13, and it becomes easier to adhere the plurality of optical fibers held in the holder 30. Become. Further, when supplying the adhesive tape 20 to the separating portion 13 and fixing the plurality of optical fibers with the adhesive tape 20, it becomes possible to arrange one end of the adhesive tape 20 on the slope portion 14A (see FIG. 1A). This facilitates the work of peeling off the adhesive tape 20 (including the work of reapplying it). Moreover, when the non-adhesive part 22 is provided at the end of the adhesive tape 20, the adhesive tape 20 can be attached to a plurality of optical fibers by arranging the end on the side of the non-adhesive part 22 in the slope part 14A. In this state, the jig 10 can be easily removed from the holder 30. However, the slope portion 14A may not be provided in the connecting portion 14.

The suppressing portion 14B is a planar portion on the lower surface of the connecting portion 14 (see FIG. 3B). The suppressing portion 14B is a portion where a plurality of optical fibers are sandwiched between the holding portion 14B and the holder 30. When the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30 (when the engaging portion 11 is engaged with the holder 30), the suppressing portion 14B faces the aligning portion 33 of the holder 30.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, adhesive tape 20 is a member (adhesive material) for bonding a plurality of optical fibers. The adhesive tape 20 is an elongated tape-like member. As shown in FIG. 1A, the adhesive tape 20 is attached to a plurality of optical fibers with the longitudinal direction of the adhesive tape 20 along the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers. By bonding the adhesive tape 20 to the plurality of optical fibers, the plurality of optical fibers can be fixed with the adhesive tape 20. In this embodiment, by supplying the adhesive tape 20 to the spacing section 13, the plurality of optical fibers placed on the alignment section 33 can be fixed with the adhesive tape 20. As a result, the alignment state of the plurality of optical fibers is maintained (the positional relationship of the plurality of optical fibers is maintained).

In this embodiment, the adhesive tape 20 is configured to have a width narrower than the spacing portion 13 . This makes it easier to supply the adhesive tape 20 to the spacing section 13. Further, the adhesive tape 20 has a width capable of bonding a plurality of optical fibers placed on the alignment section 33. Specifically, the adhesive tape 20 has a width that is wider than the dimension of the alignment portion 33 in the width direction. Further, the adhesive tape 20 has a width wider than the widthwise dimension of the plurality of optical fibers placed on the alignment section 33.

As will be described later, the adhesive tape 20 has a width that allows it to be inserted into a reinforcing sleeve (a cylindrical sleeve that protects the fusion splice points; a heat shrink sleeve 73 shown in FIG. 13). In other words, the width of the adhesive tape 20 is narrower than the inner diameter (maximum inner diameter) of the reinforcing sleeve. This makes it possible to move the reinforcing sleeve (for example, the heat shrinkable sleeve 73 shown in FIG. 13) to the fusion splicing point while the plurality of optical fibers are fixed with the adhesive tape 20. On the other hand, since the adhesive tape 20 has a width that allows it to be inserted into the reinforcing sleeve, the adhesive tape 20 becomes a narrow member. Normally, it is difficult to bond a plurality of optical fibers together using the narrow adhesive tape 20. However, in this embodiment, the plurality of optical fibers are bonded together with the adhesive tape 20 by supplying the adhesive tape 20 to the spacing section 13 of the jig 10 while the plurality of optical fibers are placed on the alignment section 33. Therefore, the work of bonding a plurality of optical fibers using the narrow adhesive tape 20 becomes easy.

Note that the adhesive material for bonding the plurality of optical fibers is not limited to the adhesive tape 20. For example, by supplying a liquid adhesive to the spacing section 13, it is also possible to adhesively fix the plurality of optical fibers placed on the alignment section 33. On the other hand, if a plurality of optical fibers were to be fixed with an adhesive, it would be necessary to control the amount of adhesive applied, and a waiting time would be required from the time the adhesive was applied until it solidified. On the other hand, if the adhesive material is the adhesive tape 20 as in this embodiment, there is no need to manage the supply amount of the adhesive material and there is no need for standby time, which improves work efficiency. Further, as in this embodiment, since the adhesive material is the adhesive tape 20, it becomes possible to peel off the adhesive tape 20 after adhering a plurality of optical fibers (that is, since the adhesive material is the adhesive tape 20, , multiple optical fibers can be temporarily fixed). In addition, since the adhesive tape 20 has the non-adhesive portion 22 as in this embodiment, the work of removing the adhesive tape 20 becomes easier.

The jig 10 described above, which is an example of a holder jig, includes an engaging portion 11, a pair of guide portions 12, and a connecting portion 14. The connecting portion 14 connects the pair of guide portions 12 apart from each other. Thereby, a spacing section 13 is provided between the pair of guide sections 12. In this embodiment, when the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30 (when the engaging part 11 is engaged with the holder 30), the separating part 13 is arranged on the alignment part 33 of the holder 30. As a result, when the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30 with the holder 30 holding a plurality of optical fibers, the upper side of the plurality of optical fibers on the alignment section 33 of the mounting section 31B is opened by the spacing section 13. state. Therefore, when an adhesive material (for example, adhesive tape 20) is supplied to the separation section 13, the adhesive material adheres to the upper side of the plurality of optical fibers on the alignment section 33 of the placement section 31B, and the optical fibers are placed on the alignment section 33. A plurality of optical fibers (a plurality of aligned optical fibers) can be fixed with an adhesive material. According to the jig 10 of this embodiment, it becomes possible to maintain the aligned state of the plurality of optical fibers (it becomes possible to maintain the positional relationship of the plurality of optical fibers). Furthermore, even after removing the plurality of optical fibers from the holder 30, the adhesive material fixes the plurality of optical fibers in an aligned state, so it is possible to maintain the alignment state of the plurality of optical fibers. .

<How to use jig 10 1>
4A to 4D are explanatory diagrams of a method of fixing an optical fiber using the holder 30 and the jig 10.

When fixing an optical fiber using the holder 30 and the jig 10, an operator first prepares the holder 30 and the jig set. The jig set includes the jig 10 described above and adhesive tape 20.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the operator aligns and places the optical fibers on the alignment section 33 of the holder 30 (see FIG. 2A). At this time, the operator aligns each optical fiber at a predetermined position by arranging the optical fiber on each V-groove of the alignment section 33.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, the operator closes the lid 37 of the holder 30 and causes the holder 30 to hold the optical fiber. Note that when the operator closes the lid section 37 of the holder 30, the optical fibers are held between the clamping section 31A and the lid section 37, and the holder 30 is thereby held with the plurality of optical fibers aligned at predetermined positions. is maintained.

After holding the optical fiber in the holder 30, the operator attaches the jig 10 to the holder 30, as shown in FIG. 4C. At this time, the operator attaches the jig 10 to the holder 30 by engaging the engaging portion 11 of the jig 10 with the holder 30 . When the engaging part 11 is engaged with the holder 30, the separating part 13 of the jig 10 is placed on the alignment part 33 of the holder 30, and as a result, the plurality of optical fibers on the alignment part 33 of the mounting part 31B are placed on top of. That is, as shown in FIG. 4C, the upper side of the plurality of optical fibers on the alignment section 33 of the mounting section 31B is brought into an open state by the spacing section 13. Note that in this embodiment, when the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30 with the holder 30 holding a plurality of optical fibers, the plurality of optical fibers are arranged between the pair of restriction parts 121A (see FIG. 3B). Ru. This restricts the plurality of optical fibers from expanding beyond the width of the restriction portion 121A (width of the separation portion 13).

After attaching the jig 10 to the holder 30, as shown in FIG. 4C, the operator removes the release sheet of the adhesive tape 20 and prepares to apply the adhesive tape 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, the operator turns the adhesive surface of the adhesive tape 20 downward (optical fiber side) and turns the non-adhesive part 22 to the front side of the adhesive part 21.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4D, the operator supplies adhesive material between the pair of guide parts 12 (separated part 13) to fix the plurality of optical fibers placed on the alignment part 33. . In this embodiment, the adhesive material is the adhesive tape 20, and the operator places the adhesive tape 20 between the pair of guide parts 12 while aligning the longitudinal direction of the adhesive tape 20 along the separating part 13 and the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. supply. In this embodiment, in order to bond the plurality of optical fibers with the adhesive tape 20 by supplying the adhesive tape 20 to the spacing section 13 of the jig 10 with the plurality of optical fibers placed on the alignment section 33, It is easy to bond a plurality of optical fibers together using the narrow adhesive tape 20. Note that fixing a plurality of optical fibers in an aligned state is sometimes called "ribbonization."

As described above, the optical fiber fixing method of this embodiment includes the step of holding a plurality of optical fibers in the holder 30 while being placed on the alignment section 33 (see FIG. 4B), and the step of holding a plurality of optical fibers in the holder 30 while placing them on the alignment section 33 (see FIG. 4B). A process of engaging the jig 10 with the holder 30 (see FIG. 4C), supplying an adhesive material (in this case, adhesive tape) to the spaced part 13 between the pair of guide parts 12, and placing it on the alignment part 33. and fixing the plurality of optical fibers with an adhesive material (see FIG. 4D). According to this embodiment, since the plurality of optical fibers are fixed with the adhesive material, the plurality of optical fibers can be maintained in an aligned state (the positional relationship of the plurality of optical fibers can be maintained). Furthermore, even after removing the plurality of optical fibers from the holder 30, the adhesive material fixes the plurality of optical fibers in an aligned state, so it is possible to maintain the alignment state of the plurality of optical fibers. .

In this embodiment, since the slope portion 12A is provided inside the pair of guide portions 12, the operator can easily insert his or her fingers between the pair of guide portions 12 (separated portion 13). Therefore, it is easy to bond a plurality of optical fibers together using the adhesive tape 20. In addition, in this embodiment, since the slope portion 12A has the sub-slope portion 12B, it is easier to bond a plurality of optical fibers together using the adhesive tape 20.

Further, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 14 is provided with the slope portion 14A, and when the operator supplies the adhesive tape 20 to the separating portion 13 and fixes the plurality of optical fibers with the adhesive tape 20, the operator One end of the tape 20 is placed on the sloped portion 14A (see FIG. 1A). This facilitates the work of peeling off the adhesive tape 20. In addition, in this embodiment, the adhesive tape 20 has an adhesive part 21 capable of adhering a plurality of optical fibers and a non-adhesive part 22, and the operator supplies the adhesive tape 20 to the separating part 13. When fixing a plurality of optical fibers with the adhesive tape 20, the non-adhesive portion 22 is arranged on the slope portion 14A (see FIGS. 1A and 4D). In this embodiment, since the adhesive tape 20 has the non-adhesive portion 22, it becomes easier for the operator to remove the adhesive tape 20. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by arranging the non-adhesive part 22 on the slope part 14A (see FIGS. 1A and 4C), the jig 10 is removed from the holder 30 while the adhesive tape 20 is attached to the plurality of optical fibers. It becomes easier to remove.

<How to use jig 10 2>
Here, a case where the holder 30 and the jig 10 are used together with the alignment tool 50 will be described. First, the configuration of the alignment tool 50 will be explained, and then a method of forming optical fibers into ribbons using the alignment tool 50 will be explained. Note that the method of forming optical fibers into ribbons also includes a method of fixing optical fibers using the holder 30 and jig 10, and a method of aligning optical fibers.

・Alignment tool 50
5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams of the alignment tool 50. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the alignment tool 50. FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the holder 30 to which the jig 10 is attached and set in the alignment tool 50.

The alignment tool 50 is an instrument that allows the holder 30 to hold a plurality of optical fibers in an aligned state. The alignment tool 50 includes a main body portion 51, a holder holding portion 52, and a fiber alignment portion 60.

The main body portion 51 is a member that constitutes the main body of the alignment tool 50. The main body portion 51 includes a groove portion 51A, a lid portion 51B, and the like. The groove portion 51A is a concave portion for guiding an optical fiber (including an optical cable) along the front-rear direction. The lid portion 51B is a member for sandwiching an optical fiber (including an optical cable) between the lid portion 51B and the main body portion 51, and is a member that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body portion 51.

The holder holding part 52 is a part that holds the holder 30. As will be described later, it is possible to hold the optical fiber in the holder 30 while holding the holder 30 in the holder holding part 52, and it is also possible to attach the jig 10 to the holder 30.

6A and 6B are perspective views of the fiber alignment section 60. FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams showing how the fiber alignment unit 60 aligns a plurality of optical fibers. 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams showing how the fiber alignment section 60 aligns a plurality of optical fibers. Note that FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of the state of FIG. 7A. FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of the state of FIG. 7B.

The fiber alignment unit 60 is a member that aligns a plurality of optical fibers. The fiber alignment section 60 includes a mounting section 61 , a lid section 62 , a separation section 64 , and a slide section 65 .

The mounting section 61 is a part on which the optical fiber is mounted. In this embodiment, the mounting section 61 is capable of mounting a plurality of optical fibers side by side in the width direction. The placing portion 61 includes a first placing portion 611 , a second placing portion 612 , and a stepped portion 613 . The first placing portion 611 is a portion on the rear side of the placing portion 61 . The second placement section 612 is a portion on the front side of the placement section 61. The second mounting portion 612 has a peak portion 612A formed therein. The peak portion 612A is a convex portion disposed on the right side with respect to the center of the main body portion 51 in the width direction, and has an inclined surface whose height decreases toward the center of the main body portion 51 in the width direction. The mountain portion 612A has a function of making it easier to move the plurality of optical fibers placed on the placement portion 61 to the left side (see FIG. 7B). The step portion 613 is a step-shaped portion arranged at the edge (left edge in this embodiment) of the placement surface of the placement portion 61. The stepped portion 613 is a portion that defines the position of the end (left end in this embodiment) of the optical fiber when aligning a plurality of optical fibers.

The lid part 62 is a member that can be opened and closed with respect to the mounting part 61. The lid part 62 is a member for sandwiching the optical fiber between it and the mounting part 61. The lid part 62 and the mounting part 61 sandwich the optical fiber from above and below. When the lid part 62 is closed, a gap is formed between the mounting part 61 and the lid part 62 through which the optical fiber can be inserted. The height dimension of this gap is less than twice the diameter of the optical fiber. Therefore, when a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in a predetermined order between the mounting section 61 and the lid section 62, the order of the optical fibers is prevented from being changed.

Note that the placing section 61 and the lid section 62 are each provided with a marker section 63. The marker portion 63 is a portion where a plurality of color-coded markers of a predetermined width are lined up in the width direction. The operator places the optical fibers on the mounting section 61 in a predetermined order while referring to the color of the marking section 63 and the color of the optical fiber (the color of the colored layer of the optical fiber). It will be inserted into the gap between the cover part 62 and the cover part 62.

The separating section 64 is a part that separates the optical fibers from each other in the width direction. The separation section 64 has a plurality of partition walls 64A. The partition wall 64A is a part for separating the optical fibers. The plurality of partition walls 64A are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction, and an optical fiber can be inserted between the partition walls 64A. The separating section 64 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction. When the separating section 64 is located on the upper side, the partition wall 64A is in a state of protruding upward from the mounting section 61 (mounting surface). Therefore, when the separating section 64 is located on the upper side, the partition wall 64A prevents the optical fiber from moving in the width direction. When the separation part 64 is located on the lower side, the partition wall 64A does not protrude from the mounting part 61. Therefore, when the separating section 64 is located on the lower side, movement of the optical fiber in the width direction is allowed. The separation section 64 is configured to move in the vertical direction in conjunction with the movement of the slide section 65 in the width direction.

The slide portion 65 is a member that is movable in the width direction with respect to the main body portion 51. The slide section 65 has a function of moving the separating section 64 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, when the sliding part 65 is located on the right side, the separating part 64 is located on the upper side (the partition wall 64A is in a state of protruding upward from the mounting part 61). Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the slide portion 65 is located on the left side, the separation portion 64 is located on the lower side (the partition wall 64A does not protrude from the mounting portion 61).

The slide portion 65 has a protrusion 65A. The protruding portion 65A is a portion that protrudes above the placing portion 61 (placing surface). As the slide portion 65 moves, the protruding portion 65A moves in the width direction while protruding upward from the placing portion 61 (placing surface). The protrusion 65A has a function of gathering the plurality of optical fibers in the width direction. In this embodiment, when the sliding part 65 is located on the right side, the protruding part 65A is located in the retracted position (right side of the part of the mounting part 61 on which the optical fiber is placed), and the protruding part 65A is located between the stepped part 613 and the protruding part 65A. The optical fiber can be placed over the entire width of the placing section 61 between the two. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the slide portion 65 is located on the left side, the space between the step portion 613 and the protrusion 65A becomes narrower, and a plurality of optical fibers are aligned between the step portion 613 and the protrusion 65A. That is, by moving the slide portion 65, it is possible to align the plurality of optical fibers with narrower intervals.

The slide portion 65 has a latch portion 65B. The latch portion 65B is a portion that fixes the slide portion 65. If the sliding portion 65 moves with the gap between the stepped portion 613 and the protruding portion 65A narrowed and a plurality of optical fibers aligned between the stepped portion 613 and the protruding portion 65A, the partition wall 64A will move upward. There is a risk of damaging the optical fiber. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the slider portion is located on the left side (the gap between the step portion 613 and the protrusion 65A is narrowed, and the plurality of optical fibers are aligned between the step portion 613 and the protrusion 65A). Since the latch portion 65B fixes the slide portion 65 in the state), damage to the optical fiber can be suppressed.

- Method of forming optical fibers into ribbons using the alignment tool 50 FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process of forming a plurality of optical fibers into ribbons using the alignment tool 50. Note that the ribbon forming process is a process of fixing a plurality of optical fibers in an aligned state.

First, the operator prepares the holder 30, the jig set (the jig 10 and the adhesive tape 20), and the alignment tool 50 (S101). Next, the operator sets the holder 30 on the alignment tool 50 (S102). Specifically, the operator causes the holder holder 52 of the alignment tool 50 to hold the holder 30. At this time, the lid portion 37 of the holder 30 is kept open.

Next, the operator aligns the plurality of optical fibers using the fiber alignment section 60 of the alignment tool 50 (S103). At this time, the operator inserts a plurality of optical fibers into the gap between the mounting section 61 and the lid section 62 of the fiber alignment section 60, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 8A. Further, the operator inserts a plurality of optical fibers into the gap between the mounting part 61 and the lid part 62 in a predetermined order while referring to the color of the marking part 63 and the color of the optical fibers. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 8A, the operator inserts the optical fibers into the gap between the mounting section 61 and the lid section 62 while leaving an interval between the optical fibers using the partition wall 64A of the separation section 64. At this time, since the intervals between the optical fibers are relatively wide, it is easy to arrange the optical fibers in a predetermined order.

Next, the operator slides the slide portion 65 to align the plurality of optical fibers at predetermined intervals (S104). When the slide portion 65 is slid, the plurality of optical fibers are aligned at relatively narrow intervals, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 8B, and are aligned at approximately the same intervals as the intervals between the V grooves in the alignment section 33 of the holder 30. Ru.

Next, the operator aligns and places the optical fibers on the alignment section 33 of the holder 30 (S105). Note that this work is almost the same as the work shown in FIG. 4A. However, since the plurality of optical fibers are already aligned at approximately the same intervals as the V-grooves of the holder 30 by the process of S104, it is easy to arrange the optical fibers on the respective V-grooves.

Next, the operator closes the lid portion 37 of the holder 30 and causes the holder 30 to hold the optical fiber (S106). Note that this work is almost the same as the work shown in FIG. 4B.

After holding the optical fiber in the holder 30, the operator attaches the jig 10 to the holder 30 (S107). This operation is almost the same as the operation shown in FIG. 4C. In this embodiment, when the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30, the second guide part 122 of the holder 30 is arranged on the upper surface of the second mounting part 612 of the alignment tool 50. Thereby, the second guide part 122 of the holder 30 can be supported on the upper surface of the second mounting part 612 of the alignment tool 50.

By the way, as already explained, in this embodiment, since the second guide part 122 of the holder 30 is arranged on the upper surface of the second mounting part 612 of the alignment tool 50, the lower surface of the second guide part 122 is The shape is adapted to the surface of the second mounting portion 612 of the alignment tool 50. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the second mounting portion 612 of the alignment tool 50 is provided with a peak portion 612A on the right side with respect to the center in the width direction. Since the lower surface of the second guide section 122 on the right side has a shape that matches the peak portion 612A, in this embodiment, the sub-slope section 12B is not provided on the upper surface of the second guide section 122 on the right side. On the other hand, since there is no convex portion such as the mountain portion 612A on the lower side of the second guide portion 122 on the left side, in this embodiment, the sub-slope portion 12B is provided on the upper surface of the second guide portion 122 on the left side. is possible.

Next, the operator supplies adhesive material (here, adhesive tape 20) between the pair of guide parts 12 to fix the plurality of optical fibers placed on the alignment part 33 (S108). Note that this work is almost the same as the work shown in FIG. 4D. By fixing the plurality of optical fibers in an aligned state, the plurality of optical fibers are formed into a ribbon.

Next, the operator removes the jig 10 from the holder 30 (S109). In this embodiment, when the adhesive tape 20 is supplied to the separation part 13 and a plurality of optical fibers are fixed with the adhesive tape 20, the non-adhesive part 22 is arranged in the slope part 14A (FIGS. 1A and 4D). ), the jig 10 can be easily removed from the holder 30 with the adhesive tape 20 attached to a plurality of optical fibers.

Next, the operator removes the holder 30 holding the optical fiber from the alignment tool 50 (S110). Note that the operator may remove the holder 30 from the alignment tool 50 with the jig 10 attached, and then remove the jig 10 from the holder 30.

<How to use jig 10 3>
Here, a method for assembling (manufacturing) the optical connector 70 will be described. Note that the following explanation also includes explanations of a method for fixing an optical fiber, a method for removing coating from an optical fiber, a method for cutting an optical fiber, and a method for fusing an optical fiber.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of the optical connector assembly process. Here, it is assumed that a fusion splicing type optical connector 70 (see FIG. 14) is assembled at the end of an optical cable.

First, an operator prepares a connector assembly kit (S201). The connector assembly kit includes a connector kit and the aforementioned jig set (jig 10 and adhesive tape 20). The connector kit is a collection of parts that make up the optical connector 70. The connector kit of this embodiment includes a ferrule 71 with an optical fiber, a housing 72, a heat shrinkable sleeve 73, a spring 74, a spring push 75, and a boot 76 (see FIG. 14). However, the configuration of the connector kit is not limited to this.

Next, the operator pre-processes the optical cable (S202). Specifically, the operator inserts the boot 76 into the optical cable in advance. Additionally, the worker pulls out a plurality of optical fibers from the optical cable. Further, the operator inserts the spring push 75 (see FIG. 14), the spring 74, and the heat shrink sleeve 73 into the plurality of exposed optical fibers in advance. Note that the parts that are inserted into the optical cable or optical fiber in advance differ depending on the structure of the optical connector 70, and are not limited thereto.

Next, the operator uses the fiber alignment section 60 to form a plurality of optical fibers (a plurality of optical fibers pulled out from the optical cable) into ribbons (S203). Note that this work is similar to the process shown in the flow diagram of FIG. However, without using the fiber alignment section 60, a plurality of optical fibers may be formed into ribbons as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D. Through the process of S203, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 4D, the plurality of optical fibers are fixed in an aligned state (the plurality of optical fibers are formed into a ribbon).

Next, the operator sets the holder 30 in the coating removing device 80 and removes the coating from the optical fiber (S204). FIGS. 11A to 11C are explanatory diagrams showing how the coating of the optical fiber is removed by the coating removal device 80. FIG.

The sheath removal device 80 is a device that removes the sheaths of a plurality of optical fibers. The coating removal device 80 of this embodiment is sometimes called a hot jacket stripper. The coating removal device 80 includes a main body portion 81 having a pair of blades 81A (see FIG. 11C), and a grip portion 82 that grips the holder 30.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the operator sets the holder 30 on the grip part 82. After setting the holder 30, the operator closes the lids of the main body part 81 and the grip part 82, as shown in FIG. 11B. At this time, the pair of blades 81A of the main body portion 81 sandwich the optical fiber and cut into the coating of the optical fiber. After closing the lid, the operator separates the main body part 81 and the grip part 82, as shown in FIG. 11C. At this time, the pair of blades 81A pull out the coating of the optical fiber, thereby removing the coating of the optical fiber. By the way, when separating the main body part 81 and the grip part 82, the pair of blades 81A pull out the coating along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, so there is a risk that the optical fiber will shift in the longitudinal direction. However, in this embodiment, since the plurality of optical fibers are held in the holder 30 in a ribbon state, it is possible to suppress the optical fibers from shifting in the longitudinal direction when removing the coating from the optical fibers. Note that it is desirable for the operator to perform a cleaning process (for example, wiping using absolute ethanol) as necessary to remove coating debris adhering to the bare optical fiber.

Next, the operator sets the holder 30 in a fiber cutter and cuts the end of the optical fiber (bare optical fiber) (S205). In this embodiment, since a plurality of optical fibers are held in the holder 30 in a ribbon state, it is possible to suppress displacement of the optical fibers in the longitudinal direction even when cutting the optical fibers.

Next, the operator sets the holder 30 in the fusion splicer 90 and fusion splices the plurality of optical fibers together (S206).

FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of the ferrule holder 30'. The operator sets the optical fiber-equipped ferrule 71 in the ferrule holder 30', as shown in FIG. 12A. When the lid 37' of the ferrule holder 30' is closed, the ferrule 71 with an optical fiber is held in the ferrule holder 30'. Note that the operator removes the coating from the optical fiber extending from the ferrule 71 and cuts the end portion of the optical fiber while the ferrule 71 with the optical fiber is held in the ferrule holder 30'.

FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram showing how the holder 30 and ferrule holder 30' are set in the fusion splicer 90. The fusion splicer 90 has an electrode section 91 and a pair of holder placement sections 92 . The electrode section 91 has a pair of electrodes. The holder placement part 92 is a part where the holder 30 is set. The holder placement part 92 has a positioning pin (not shown), and by fitting the positioning pin into the positioning holes of the holder 30 and the ferrule holder 30', the holder 30 and the ferrule holder 30' are fused. It is set in a predetermined position relative to the destination/connector. When the holder 30 and the ferrule holder 30' are set on the holder placement part 92, the end faces of the plurality of optical fibers (optical fibers taken out from the optical cable) held in the holder 30 and the ferrule holder 30' extending from the ferrule holder 30' are exposed. The end faces of a plurality of optical fibers (a plurality of optical fibers extending from the ferrule 71 shown in FIG. 12A) are arranged to face each other near the electrode portion 91. When the electrode section 91 generates an arc discharge, the tip of the optical fiber is heated and melted, thereby fusion-splicing the optical fibers together. In this embodiment, a plurality of optical fibers are fusion spliced together. In this embodiment, a plurality of optical fibers are held in a ribbon state in the holder 30, and the optical fibers are prevented from shifting in the longitudinal direction, so that tension is not applied to a specific optical fiber after fusion splicing. It is possible to prevent tension from being concentrated (or it is possible to prevent tension from being applied to a specific optical fiber).

Next, the operator takes out the optical fiber from the holder 30 while applying tension to the optical fiber, and covers the fusion splice point with the heat shrink sleeve 73 (S207). At this time, the operator moves the heat-shrinkable sleeve 73, which has been inserted into the optical fiber (the optical fiber protruded from the optical cable) in advance, toward the fusion splicing point.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of how the heat shrink sleeve 73 is moved.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 4D, a plurality of optical fibers are fixed with adhesive tape 20. Since the width of the adhesive tape 20 is narrower than the inner diameter (maximum inner diameter) of the heat-shrinkable sleeve 73, it is not possible to move the heat-shrinkable sleeve 73 to the fusion splicing point with the plurality of optical fibers fixed with the adhesive tape 20. It becomes possible.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 4D, when the adhesive tape 20 fixes a plurality of optical fibers, the non-adhesive part 22 of the adhesive tape 20 is closer to the end of the optical fiber than the adhesive part 21. placed on the side of Therefore, after the fusion splicing, the non-bonded portion 22 of the adhesive tape 20 is located closer to the fusion splicing point than the adhesive portion 21 is. After fusion splicing, when moving the heat-shrinkable sleeve 73 that has been inserted into the optical fiber in advance toward the fusion-splicing point, the operator moves the heat-shrinkable sleeve 73 past the adhesive tape 20 as shown in FIG. It is moved from the side of the part 21 toward the side of the non-adhesive part 22. If the heat-shrinkable sleeve 73 were to move from the side of the non-adhesive part 22 toward the side of the adhesive part 21, the non-adhesive part 22 would be rolled up when the adhesive tape 20 passes through the inside of the heat-shrinkable sleeve 73. As a result, the adhesive tape 20 may come off. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the heat-shrinkable sleeve 73 moves from the bonded portion 21 side of the adhesive tape 20 toward the non-bonded portion 22 side, so that it is possible to suppress the adhesive tape 20 from coming off.

After covering the fusion splicing point with the heat shrink sleeve 73, the operator moves the heat shrink sleeve 73 to the heating section (not shown) of the fusion splicer 90 while applying tension to the optical fiber. The heat shrinkable sleeve 73 is heated (S208). Thereby, the fusion splice points are protected by the heat shrink sleeve 73. In this embodiment, since the plurality of optical fibers are in a ribbon state when the heat shrinkable sleeve 73 is heated (because the plurality of optical fibers are maintained in an aligned state by the adhesive tape 20), Displacement of the optical fiber in the longitudinal direction is suppressed. Therefore, concentration of tension on a specific optical fiber can be suppressed when the heat-shrinkable sleeve 73 is applied.

After heating the heat shrinkable sleeve 73, the operator removes the adhesive tape 20 (S209). After the heat-shrink sleeve 73 is heat-shrinked, the plurality of optical fibers are maintained in an aligned state by the heat-shrink sleeve 73 even if the adhesive tape 20 is removed from the optical fibers. Therefore, it is permissible to remove the adhesive tape 20 at this stage. In this embodiment, since the adhesive tape 20 has the non-adhesive portion 22, it is easy to remove the adhesive tape 20. Note that if an adhesive is used as the adhesive material instead of the adhesive tape 20, the adhesive material cannot be removed, so the solidified adhesive material will be housed inside the optical connector 70. On the other hand, when the adhesive tape 20 is used as the adhesive material as in this embodiment, the adhesive tape 20 can be removed before the optical connector 70 is assembled. Thereby, the number of members accommodated in the optical connector 70 can be reduced, so the optical connector 70 can be made smaller.

Finally, the operator assembles the optical connector 70 (S210). FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector 70. The operator installs the spring pusher 75 while housing the ferrule 71, heat shrinkable sleeve 73, and spring 74 in the housing 72. When the spring push 75 is attached to the housing 72, the spring 74 is compressed, and the ferrule 71 is housed in the housing 72 in a pressed state so as to be retractable. The operator also attaches a boot 76 to the housing 72 to protect the optical fiber (optical cable). This completes the assembly process of the optical connector 70.

===Another embodiment===
FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram of the jig 10 of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the guide portion 12 is not provided with the slope portion 12A. FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram of the jig 10 of the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the connecting portion 14 is not provided with the slope portion 14A. Also in the second embodiment and the third embodiment, when the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30 (when the engaging part 11 is engaged with the holder 30), the separating part 13 is placed on the alignment part 33 of the holder 30. Placed. Therefore, in the second embodiment and the third embodiment as well, when the adhesive material (for example, adhesive tape 20) is supplied to the separation part 13, the upper side of the plurality of optical fibers on the alignment part 33 of the mounting part 31B is The adhesive material is attached, and the plurality of optical fibers placed on the alignment section 33 (the plurality of optical fibers in an aligned state) can be fixed with the adhesive material. Note that it is not necessary to provide both the guide portion 12 and the connecting portion 14 with a slope portion or an inclined portion.

FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram of the jig 10 of the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the guide section 12 includes a first guide section 121 and does not include a second guide section 122. Further, in the fourth embodiment, the slope portion 12A of the guide portion 12 does not have the sub-slope portion 12B. FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram of the jig 10 of the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the connecting portion 14 is arranged on the rear side of the jig 10. FIG. 16C is an explanatory diagram of the jig 10 of the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the connecting portions 14 are provided on both the front and rear sides of the jig 10. Also in the fourth to sixth embodiments, when the jig 10 is attached to the holder 30 (when the engaging part 11 is engaged with the holder 30), the separating part 13 is arranged on the alignment part 33 of the holder 30. Ru. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment as well, when the adhesive material (for example, adhesive tape 20) is supplied to the separation part 13, the upper side of the plurality of optical fibers on the alignment part 33 of the mounting part 31B is The adhesive material is attached, and the plurality of optical fibers (the plurality of optical fibers in an aligned state) placed on the alignment section 33 can be fixed with the adhesive material.

Note that the ribbon processing (optical fiber fixing method) shown in FIG. 9 can be performed using the jig 10 of the second to sixth embodiments. Furthermore, using the jig 10 of the second to sixth embodiments, the connector assembly process shown in FIG. It is also possible to perform the following method.

===Other embodiments===
The above-described embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to be interpreted as limiting the present invention. It goes without saying that the present invention may be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and that equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

10 Jig, 11 Engagement part,
12 guide part, 12A slope part, 12B sub slope part,
121 first guide part, 121A regulation part, 122 second guide part,
13 separation part, 14 connection part,
14A slope part, 14B suppressing part,
20 adhesive tape, 21 adhesive part, 22 non-adhesive part,
30 holder, 30' ferrule holder,
31 base part, 31A holding part, 31B placing part, 31C inclined part,
32 recessed part, 33 alignment part, 34 edge part,
35 positioning hole, 37 lid part, 38 hinge part,
50 alignment tool, 51 main body part,
51A groove part, 51B lid part, 52 holder holding part,
60 fiber alignment section, 61 mounting section,
611 first mounting part, 612 second mounting part, 612A mountain part,
613 Step part,
62 lid part, 63 sign part,
64 Separation part, 64A Partition wall,
65 slide part, 65A protrusion part, 65B latch part,
70 optical connector, 71 ferrule,
72 housing, 73 heat shrink sleeve,
74 spring, 75 spring push, 76 boots,
80 coating removal device, 81 main body, 81A blade,
82 gripping part,
90 fusion splicer, 91 electrode section, 92 holder placement section

Claims (8)

an engaging part that engages with a holder that holds the plurality of optical fibers in a state where they are placed on the alignment part;
a pair of guide parts arranged along the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers and guiding adhesive material to the plurality of optical fibers ;
a connecting portion that connects the pair of guide portions at a distance in the width direction of the plurality of optical fibers ;
Equipped with
When the engaging part is engaged with the holder, a separating part between the pair of guide parts is arranged on the alignment part ,
The guide portion has a slope portion whose height decreases toward the inside.
A holder jig characterized by: The holder jig according to claim 1 ,
The holder jig is characterized in that the slope portion has a sub-slope portion whose height decreases toward the side opposite to the connection portion. The holder jig according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The holder jig is characterized in that the connecting portion has a slope portion whose height decreases toward the side where the guide portion is provided. The holder jig according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
A jig for a holder, wherein the pair of guide parts have a regulating part on a surface on the holder side for regulating widths of the plurality of optical fibers held by the holder. an engaging portion that engages with a holder that holds the plurality of optical fibers in a state where they are placed on the alignment portion; and a pair of engaging portions that are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers and that guide adhesive material to the plurality of optical fibers. a guide portion; and a connecting portion that connects the pair of guide portions at a distance in the width direction of the plurality of optical fibers , and when the engaging portion is engaged with the holder, the pair of guide portions are connected. a holder jig, in which a separating part between the parts is disposed on the alignment part , and a guide part has a slope part whose height decreases as it goes inward ;
A jig set comprising: an adhesive tape having a width narrower than the spacing section and capable of bonding the plurality of optical fibers placed on the alignment section. a step of holding a plurality of optical fibers in a holder while being placed on an alignment section;
A pair of guide parts that are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers and guide the adhesive material to the plurality of optical fibers, and are spaced apart in the width direction of the plurality of optical fibers and become smaller in height toward the inside. a step of engaging a jig having a pair of guide parts each having a slope part with the holder;
supplying an adhesive material to a spaced part between the pair of guide parts, and fixing the plurality of optical fibers placed on the alignment part with the adhesive material;
removing the jig from the holder;
An optical fiber fusion splicing method comprising the step of setting the holder holding a plurality of the optical fibers in a fusion splicer. The optical fiber fusion method according to claim 6 ,
The method for fusing optical fibers, wherein the adhesive material is an adhesive tape that is narrower in width than the separation portion and is capable of bonding the plurality of optical fibers held in the holder. The optical fiber fusion method according to claim 7 ,
The adhesive tape has an adhesive part capable of adhering the plurality of optical fibers and a non-adhesive part,
The jig has a connecting part that connects the pair of guide parts,
The connecting portion has a slope portion whose height decreases toward the side where the guide portion is provided,
When the adhesive tape is supplied to the separation part and the plurality of optical fibers placed in the alignment part are fixed with the adhesive tape, the non-adhesive part is arranged in the slope part. Optical fiber fusion method.

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