JPH0477284B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to an apparatus for aligning a plurality of single-core optical fibers and a method for collectively fusion splicing a plurality of single-core optical fibers using this alignment apparatus.

[Conventional technology]

When fusion splicing single-core optical fibers, even in the case of a large number of fibers, conventionally, a fusion splicer for single-core optical fibers is used to fusion-splice each fiber. In other words, the coating of single optical fibers is removed one by one,
The exposed optical fibers are cleaned one by one, then cut one by one so as to have a predetermined cut end surface, and then fusion spliced one by one. However, when a large number of single optical fibers are fusion spliced one by one using a single optical fiber fusion splicer, the coating must be removed and the exposed optical fibers must be cleaned. , then cut to a predetermined cut end surface and fusion spliced.
There was a problem in that a series of operations for connection had to be performed for each connection, which took a very long time. Therefore, it takes about 15 to 30 minutes to connect one single optical fiber, and it takes about 15 to 30 minutes to connect all the single optical fibers of one cable (often 12 or more fibers). It took one to two days for this to happen. Therefore, conventionally, multiple single-core optical fibers are
By treating it in the same way as a multi-core tape-shaped optical fiber,
Attempts have been made to fusion splice them all at once. This is achieved by using a fiber holder for multi-core tape-shaped optical fibers and holding the connecting ends of multiple single-core optical fibers with this fiber holder.
It is intended to be installed in a batch splicing machine for multi-core tape-shaped optical fibers, and to connect them all at once in exactly the same way as multi-core tape-shaped optical fibers. In other words, by holding a fiber holder, multiple single-core optical fibers can be kept aligned at their tips, so after attaching the fiber holder in this way, it is possible to hold a multi-core tape-shaped optical fiber with a fiber holder. They can be handled in exactly the same way, and pretreatment work such as coating removal, cleaning, and cutting, as well as splicing work using a batch fusion splicer for multi-core optical fibers, can all be performed at once. Therefore, work efficiency is improved, and the time required to connect all the single-core optical fibers is significantly reduced. By the way, in order to hold the connection ends of a plurality of single-core optical fibers in a fiber holder for multi-core tape-like optical fibers, the plurality of single-core optical fibers must be flattened in advance in the same manner as the multi-core tape-like optical fibers. They need to be lined up in a straight line. Conventionally, this optical fiber alignment device has been considered to be one in which single-core optical fibers are stretched one by one between pins at a predetermined pitch, inserted into guide grooves, and aligned in parallel.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in the conventional optical fiber alignment device in which the single-core optical fibers are passed one by one between pins and inserted into the guide groove, a long extra length is required, and the device becomes large (especially for single-core optical fibers). There is a problem that the larger the number of optical fibers, the larger the size. Further, there are also problems such as the work of inserting the single-core optical fiber into the guide groove is troublesome, and the work as a whole is complicated. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber alignment device that can easily align a plurality of single-core optical fibers with a simple operation, requires only a short extra length, and can be downsized. A further object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber splicing method for collectively fusion splicing a plurality of single-core optical fibers using the optical fiber alignment device.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, an optical fiber alignment device according to the present invention includes a base, and is attached to the base in an openable and closable manner, and in a closed state, the optical fiber alignment device includes a base. a lid body forming a gap at a spacing substantially corresponding to the outer diameter of the optical fiber; and a plurality of optical fibers inserted into the gap and placed in the gap by moving within the gap. and an arm for pushing and gathering them to at least one side. Further, the optical fiber connection method according to the present invention includes a step of passing the ends of a plurality of single-core optical fibers on one side of a plurality of single-core optical fibers to be connected to each other through a reinforcing tube, and a step of passing the ends of a plurality of single-core optical fibers on one side through a reinforcing tube, and A step of setting each of the single-core optical fibers in the alignment device according to claim 1 and aligning them, and holding the ends of both sides in the fiber holders in the aligned state, respectively;
The fiber holders on both sides are both set in a bulk fusion splicing machine for multi-core tape optical fibers, and they are collectively fused and spliced.After that, the fiber holder is removed, and the reinforcing tube is attached to the fusion splicer as described above. The reinforcing tube is moved to the connecting portion, and the reinforcing tube is contracted and solidified to collectively reinforce each connecting portion of the plurality of single-core optical fibers.

[Effect]

In the optical fiber alignment device, a plurality of single-core optical fibers are appropriately arranged in a predetermined order on a base, and then the lid is closed. Then, the plurality of optical fibers are located within the gap between the lid and the base, but since the interval of this gap substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the optical fibers, the optical fibers are The fiber can be moved within this gap. Therefore, by moving an arm that moves within this gap, a plurality of optical fibers can be gathered together by this arm. In addition, since the spacing of the gaps substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the optical fibers as described above, the multiple optical fibers gathered together in this way do not ride on top of other optical fibers. , this gathering results in parallel alignment in a predetermined order. As a result, a plurality of single-core optical fibers can be easily held in an aligned state by the fiber holder. Furthermore, the ends of the plurality of single-core optical fibers on one side of the plurality of single-core optical fibers to be connected to each other can be connected to the fibers before or after setting them in the alignment device. Pass it through the reinforcing tube before holding it in the holder. Then, the plurality of single optical fibers on both the side through which the reinforcing tube passes and the side where it does not pass are aligned using the alignment device,
Each is held in a fiber holder. The fiber holders on both sides are set in a batch fusion splicer for multi-fiber tape optical fibers to collectively fusion splice them, and then, after removing the fiber holders,
When the reinforcing tube is moved to the fusion joint and the reinforcing tube is shrunk and solidified,
Each connection portion of the plurality of single-core optical fibers can be reinforced at once.

【Example】

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view of an optical fiber alignment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the - line in FIG. 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrow. As shown in these figures, a spring 2, an alignment table 3, a lifting table 6, and a table 1 are arranged from the right on a main frame 8 (left and right are as shown in the figures, the same applies below), and stand 3
A space 9 is provided between the platform and the elevator platform 6. A plurality of single-core optical fibers (not shown) to be aligned are placed in the left-right direction with the connection ends on the left side. A fiber holder 7 is placed on the lifting platform 6. The spring 2 clamps and fixes the single-core optical fiber. The alignment table 3 includes a base 31 as shown in FIG.
and a lid 32 attached to the base 31 so as to be openable and closable. When the lid 32 is closed, there is a predetermined gap 33 between the lid 32 and the base 31.
is beginning to form. The spacing of this gap 33 substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the single optical fibers to be aligned. In this embodiment, since the outer diameter of the single-core optical fiber is 0.25 mm, the distance between the gaps 33 is approximately 0.3 mm. Two alignment arms 4, 4 are inserted into this gap 33. The arms 4, 4 are made slightly thinner than the gap 33 so that they can move freely within the gap 33. The arms 4, 4 are rotatably held by shafts 41, 41, respectively, and links 42, 42 are attached to the other ends. The links 42, 42 are connected by a shaft 43, and rotate about this shaft 43 as a fulcrum. This shaft 43 is rotatably attached to a moving block 45, and this moving block 45 is urged rightward by a spring 46. A shaft 47 is fixed to the moving block 45, and a handle 5 is rotatably attached to the tip of the shaft 47.
An engagement plate 51 is provided on the handle 5, and the engagement plate 51 is configured to detachably engage with a hook 52 fixed to the right end position of the main frame 8. The lifting table 6 is used to position the fiber holder 7, and is initially in the lowered state, and later the lever 61
is tilted to the left and placed in a raised position. The table 1 is used to hold the tips of the plurality of single-core optical fibers aligned on the alignment table 3 with your fingers, and its left end position is approximately 40 mm from the left end of the fiber holder 7 on the lifting table 6. It is said that By aligning the tip of each single-core optical fiber with the left end of the table 1, the length (excess length) of the portion protruding from the fiber holder 7 can be made constant. This also means that the length of each single-core optical fiber protruding from the left end of the alignment table 3 is constant, which makes it easier to insert the fibers into the reinforcing tube as described later. (If the protrusion length from the left end is not constant for each single optical fiber, it will be difficult to insert it into the reinforcing tube.) In addition, the space 9 is a reinforcement tube (see Figure 6).
This is the space for arranging the equipment, with an interval of 40 mm or more in the left and right direction. First, before aligning a plurality of single-core optical fibers, the handle 5 is pushed to the right and rotated so that the engagement plate 51 is engaged with the hook 52. Then, the moving block 45 and the shaft 43 are moved to the left, so the links 42, 42
As a result, the alignment arms 4, 4 are in an open state. Furthermore, the lid 32 of the alignment table 3 is also kept open. Therefore, a plurality of single-core optical fibers are arranged so that the single-core optical fibers are sandwiched between the springs 2. At this time, the tip of each single-core optical fiber is aligned with the left end of the table 1 so that each single-core optical fiber protrudes from the left end surface of the fiber holder 7 by about 40 mm. In this way, each single optical fiber is placed on the base 31 of the alignment table 3 between the open alignment arms 4,4. Since the plurality of single-core optical fibers are fixed by the spring 2, they are prevented from intersecting with each other. Next, after closing the lid 32 of the alignment table 3, the handle 5 is rotated to release the engagement between the engagement plate 51 and the hook 52. Then, the moving block 45 is pushed by the spring 46 and moves to the right, and the shaft 4
3 also moves to the right, the links 42, 42 rotate the alignment arms 4, 4 in a direction in which their tips approach each other. Therefore, the open alignment arm 4,
The plurality of single-core optical fibers placed between the alignment arms 4 and 4 are pushed within the gap 33 by the tips of the alignment arms 4, 4 and gathered together at the center. At this time, since the interval of the gap 33 corresponds to the outer diameter of the single-core optical fibers, the gathered single-core optical fibers do not climb on top of others and intersect with each other.
They will line up parallel. Since the plurality of single-core optical fibers are thus aligned, the space 9 is used to pass these single-core optical fibers through a reinforcing tube 10 as shown in FIG. 6, for example. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the state in which five single-core optical fibers 15 are passed through. In the example shown in this figure, the reinforcing tube 10 is composed of double heat-shrinkable tubes 11 and 12 and a crescent-shaped reinforcing plate 13 made of ceramic or the like.
Such a reinforcing tube 10 is arranged in the space 9, and the single-core optical fiber protruding from the alignment table 3 is passed through from the left end of the reinforcing tube 10.
In this space 9, a plurality of single-core optical fibers are fixed to each other near the left end of the alignment table 3 with tape, resin, or the like, before being passed through the fibers. This is done after fusion splicing.
This is to prevent the single-core optical fibers from coming apart when they are removed from the fiber holder 7. These plural single-core optical fibers protrude from the left side of the alignment table 3 and reach the table 1 through the reinforcing tube in the space 9, so hold them with your fingers and pull them to the left on the table 1. Hold it with your fingers to maintain the aligned state, and then tilt the lever 61 to the left. Then, the fiber holder 7 positioned on the upper surface of the lifting table 6 rises, so that a plurality of single-core optical fibers can be housed in an aligned state in a groove 74 (described later) of this fiber holder 7. . The fiber holder 7 has the same structure as that for multi-core tape-shaped optical fibers. For example, as shown in FIG.
It is made of a material that is held closed by adsorption. The main body 71 is provided with a groove 74 having a width equal to the width of, for example, five single-core optical fibers, and a guide pin 75. A crimp protrusion 76 is provided on the holding lid 72, and the protrusion 76 is adapted to crimp, for example, five single-core optical fibers within the groove 74. The reason why the groove 74 and the crimping protrusion 76 are curved in the depth direction is to increase the frictional force in the longitudinal direction against the plurality of single optical fibers to be crimped. The width and depth of the groove 74 are determined depending on the number and outer diameter of the single optical fibers. Such a fiber holder 7 is initially
2, 72 are opened and after receiving a plurality of single optical fibers aligned in the groove 74 as described above,
It is closed by the presser lids 72,7. In this way, the plurality of single-core optical fibers are held in an aligned state within the groove 74. This state is exactly the same as the state in which a normal multi-core tape-shaped optical fiber is held by the fiber holder 7. Then, the lid 32 of the alignment table 3 is opened and the plurality of single optical fibers are removed from the spring 2. Then, these plurality of single-core optical fibers are held at their tips by the fiber holder 7 to maintain the above-mentioned aligned state. It will be exactly the same if you do. Therefore, from now on, the tip of a normal multi-core tape-like optical fiber can be handled in exactly the same way as one held by the fiber holder 7, and the coating can be removed by using the stripper for the multi-core tape-like optical fiber as is. , which cleans the exposed optical fiber,
Then, use an optical fiber cutter for multi-core tape-shaped optical fibers (for example, "CT-03" manufactured by Fujikura Electric Wire Co., Ltd.).
A pretreatment operation prior to fusion splicing, in which multiple pieces are cut to have a predetermined cut end surface using a can be performed at once on a plurality of pieces. In this way, two fibers whose tips are held by the fiber holder 7 and which have been pretreated are made, and the fiber holders 7
is set in a batch fusion splicer for multi-fiber tape-shaped optical fibers (for example, "FSM-20R" manufactured by Fujikura Electric Wire Co., Ltd.), and the single-fiber optical fibers to be fusion-spliced are placed facing each other and spliced at once. Fusion splice. That is, when performing bulk fusion splicing of ordinary multi-core tape-shaped optical fibers, fiber holders are attached to the ends of the multi-core optical fibers on both sides to be spliced, and after pretreatment, these fiber holders are connected to the multi-core optical fibers. It is set in a batch fusion splicer for batch fusion splicing, but
Bulk fusion splicing can be performed in exactly the same way. After the batch fusion splicing is completed, the two fiber holders are removed from the fusion splicer, and the fiber holder is also removed. At this time, since the plurality of single-core optical fibers are no longer held by the fiber holder, they tend to fall apart, but since they are fixed to each other with tape or the like as described above, they remain aligned for the time being. Therefore, in this state, reinforcing tube 1
0 to the connection part, set it in a reinforcing device (not shown), apply heat, shrink and harden the heat-shrinkable tubes 11 and 12, and connect each connection part of the plurality of single optical fibers. Reinforce all at once. In this case, the five single-core optical fibers 15 are reinforced by the reinforcing tube 10 so as to maintain an aligned state. In this manner, a series of operations for connection, including reinforcing the connection portion, can all be performed for a plurality of single optical fibers at once. Therefore, the convenience of fusion splicing multi-fiber tape optical fibers at once using a batch fusion splicer for multi-fiber tape optical fibers is advantageous when fusion splicing multiple single-fiber optical fibers. It will be done. As a result, the inconvenience that has conventionally been a problem when fusion splicing a plurality of single-core optical fibers is eliminated, the efficiency of the splicing work is improved, and the time required for the splicing work is also significantly shortened. Further, the protrusion length of the plurality of single-core optical fibers from the left end of the fiber holder 7 is arbitrary, and in the above embodiment, it is set to about 40 mm, which is the minimum required length for removing and cutting the coating. in this way,
In addition to the extra length for coating removal and cutting, there is no need for extra length for alignment, and the minimum extra length required for coating removal and cutting is sufficient. Furthermore, regardless of the number of single-core optical fibers to be connected, any number of single-core optical fibers can be easily and easily aligned by the same operation. Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in this embodiment, the spring 2 is used to fix the single-core optical fiber, but instead of the spring 2, a base 21 as shown in FIG.
Using the brush 22 planted above, this brush 2
It can also be fixed by sandwiching a single-core optical fiber between the two.

【Effect of the invention】

According to the optical fiber alignment device of the present invention, it is possible to align a plurality of single-core optical fibers in parallel regardless of the number with a very simple operation, and as a result, in this aligned state, a plurality of single-core optical fibers can be aligned in parallel. The core optical fiber can be held in a conventional fiber holder for multi-core tape-like optical fibers. In this way, it is easy to hold a plurality of single-core optical fibers in an aligned state. Furthermore, there is no need to increase the extra length of the single-core optical fiber to be connected, and the entire device can be made smaller. Since multiple single-core optical fibers are held in an aligned state by the fiber holder, they can be handled in the same way as ordinary tape-shaped optical fibers as long as they are held by the fiber holder. This makes work such as fusion splicing easier. Furthermore, according to the optical fiber connection method of this invention,
The above-mentioned optical fiber alignment device is used to align multiple single-core optical fibers, and by holding them with a fiber holder, the aligned state is maintained so that they can be handled in the same way as ordinary tape-shaped optical fibers. , it has become possible to fusion splice these multiple single-core optical fibers at once, and the reinforcing work using the reinforcing tube can also be done all at once, making the splicing work, including the reinforcing process, extremely easy. becomes easier.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an optical fiber alignment device according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from above, and FIG.
A sectional view taken along the - line in the figure and seen in the direction of the arrow,
3 is a sectional view taken along the - line in FIG. 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrow; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fiber holder;
FIG. 5 is a front view of a modified example, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the reinforcing tube. 1...Table, 2...Fixing spring, 3
... Aligning table, 4... Aligning arm, 5... Handle, 6... Elevating table, 7... Fiber holder, 8...
...Main frame, 9...Space, 10...Reinforcement tube.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A base, which is attached to the base so as to be openable and closable, and in a closed state forms a gap between the base and the base at a distance substantially corresponding to the outer diameter of the optical fiber. An optical fiber alignment device comprising a lid and an arm that is inserted into the gap and moves within the gap to push a plurality of optical fibers placed in the gap and gather them to at least one side. 2. The process of passing the ends of a plurality of single-core optical fibers on one side of a plurality of single-core optical fibers to be connected to each other through a reinforcing tube, and the multiple single-core optical fibers on both sides are claimed respectively. Steps of setting and aligning the optical fibers in the alignment device described in 1 above and holding the ends of both sides in the fiber holders in the aligned state, and batch fusion splicing of the fiber holders on both sides for multi-core tape-shaped optical fibers. A process of setting the reinforcing tube on a machine and fusion splicing them all at once, and then removing the fiber holder, moving the reinforcing tube to the fusion splicing part, shrinking and solidifying the reinforcing tube, and bonding the plurality of fibers together. 1. An optical fiber splicing method comprising the step of collectively reinforcing each joint of a single-core optical fiber.