JPH0921926A - Device for heating and reinforcing optical fiber - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device heating and reinforcing optical fibers which is capable of pulling the optical fibers by moving a first clamp by a simple method without using electrical driving means, such as motors. SOLUTION: This device for heating and reinforcing optical fibers has a heating member 1 having a base 2 for heating on which the optical fibers having a fusion spliced part and a reinforcing pipe for reinforcing the fusion spliced part of the optical fibers from outside are placed and an upper cap 3 which is pivotally supported on the base 2 and is freely openable and closable to the base 2 for heating. The heating member 1 heats the reinforcing pipe by holding the pipe between the base 2 for heating and the upper cap 3 for heating. The device described above has also a pair of the clamps 4, 5 which has clamping bases 6A, 6B and clamping upper arms 7A, 7B pivotally supported by these clamping bases 6A, 6B, so as to be made freely openable and closable with the clamping bases 6A, 6B, are disposed n both sides of the heating member 1 and hold the optical fibers extending from the heating member 1. The first clamp 4 which is one of a pair of the clamping bases 6A, 6B is movable back and forth in the extension direction of the optical fibers and the second clamp 5 which is the other thereof is held fixed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical fiber heating and reinforcing device for fitting a reinforcing tube for protecting a fusion splicing portion of an optical fiber from the outside.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIG. 3, when connecting optical fibers 12 to each other, the coating layers 14 and 14 of the optical fibers 12 and 12 are stripped by a predetermined length in advance to expose the optical fiber 12. After that, the exposed optical fibers 12 are butted against each other and fusion-spliced by discharge heating. here,
The optical fiber 12 in the fusion-spliced portion (hereinafter, simply referred to as the fusion-splicing portion 15) has a thermal effect of the fusion-splicing.
Usually, it has lower mechanical strength than other parts.

Therefore, in order to reinforce the fusion splicing portion 15, for example, a reinforcing pipe 16 as shown in FIG.
A method is adopted in which it is covered with the No. 5 material, heated, and fitted to the fusion splicing portion 15. In this reinforcing tube 16, an inner tube 19 made of a heat-fusible resin and a reinforcing member 20 made of a glass or stainless steel rod attached to the inner tube 19 are covered with an outer tube 21 made of a heat-shrinkable resin. Each of the coating layers 1 of both the optical fibers 12 in which the reinforcing tube 16 is fusion-spliced.
The reinforcing pipe 16 is heated to shrink the outer pipe 21 and the inner pipe 19 is fused to the optical fiber 12 after covering the portions indicated by A and B of Nos. 4 and 14.

Conventionally, an optical fiber heating and reinforcing device as shown in FIG. 5 has been used for such work. FIG. 5
In practice, as will be described later, the heating upper lid 3 is on the heating table 2, the clamp upper arm 7A of the first clamp 4 is on the clamp table 6A, and the clamp upper arm 7B is on the clamp table 6.
Each of the shafts is openably and closably supported by B, but this part is omitted for ease of explanation, and is shown in a schematic view.

As shown in FIG. 5, a heating body 1 for heating the reinforcing pipe 16 comprises a heating table 2 and a heating upper lid 3, and the heating upper lid 3 is arranged on the heating table 2. , Fig. 5
It is pivotally supported so that it can be opened and closed in the vertical direction toward.

A groove (not shown) having a U-shaped cross section, for example, is formed on the heating table 2 straightly to the left and right as viewed in FIG. 5, and the optical fiber 12 and the optical fiber are provided there. By placing the reinforcing pipe 16 covering the upper surface 12 and closing the heating upper lid 3, the reinforcing pipe 16 is gripped between the heating upper lid 3 and the heating base 2. In this state, the reinforcing tube 16 is heated by a heating unit 17 such as an electric heater provided at a position where the reinforcing tube 16 of the heating table 2 or the heating upper lid 3 is placed.

Further, the first clamp 4 and the second clamp 5 are provided on both sides of the heating body 1 so that the optical fiber 12 extends from the heating body 1 (left-right direction toward FIG. 5, hereinafter simply referred to as optical fiber). 12), the second clamp 5, the heating element 1, and the first clamp 4 are arranged in this order from the left side in FIG. These first clamp 4 and second clamp 5 have clamp bases 6A, 6B and clamp upper arms 7A, 7B pivotally supported by the clamp bases 6A, 6B, and extend to both sides of the heating body 1. Optical fiber 1
Hold 2

In this way, the reinforcing tube 16 containing the fusion splicing portion 15 in the heating element 1 and the optical fiber 12 extending to both sides of the heating element 1 by the first clamp 4 and the second clamp 5.
The reinforcing body 1 is heated in a state of being respectively gripped. At this time, if the optical fiber 12 is slack, the reinforcing tube 16 will be fitted into the optical fiber 12 while the optical fiber 12 is bent inside the reinforcing tube 16, which increases the transmission loss of the optical fiber 12. It becomes a cause. Therefore, normally, the optical fiber 12 is lightly pulled in the extending direction by the first clamp 4 and the second clamp 5, and the reinforcing tube 16 is heated with a small tension (constant tension) being applied to the optical fiber 12. .

Therefore, for example, a guide or the like is provided on the clamp base 6A of the first clamp 4 in the extending direction of the optical fiber 12, and the first clamp 4 is used as a movable clamp.
2 Reciprocating movement is possible in the extension direction. On the other hand, the second clamp 5 is a fixed clamp and is fixed to, for example, the heating table 2.

While the reinforcing tube 16 is being heated, a drive means is provided in the first clamp 4, which is a movable clamp, in order to pull the optical fiber 12 with a constant tension, and the optical fiber 12 extending from the heating body 1 is shown in FIG. Pull to the right of.

Conventionally, as this driving means, for example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, an electric drive means such as a motor 22 is used to first hold the optical fiber 12 by the first clamp 4 and the second clamp 5 and close the heating upper lid 3 and then the motor 2
2 operates the gear part 23 to move the first clamp 4 to the heating element 1
The reinforcing tube 16 was heated in a direction away from (right side in FIG. 5) and the driving force of the motor 22 and the tension of the optical fiber 12 were balanced.

The reference numeral 8 in the drawing indicates that both ends thereof are the heating table 2.
This spring 8 is connected to the clamp base 6A and the spring 8 pulls the first clamp 4 toward the heating body 1 side when the power supply to the motor 22 is cut off after the heating of the reinforcing tube 16 is finished, and the first clamp 4 is removed. It is for returning the position to.

[0013]

However, when the electric driving means such as the motor 22 is used, an operating portion and a power supply portion are required in addition to the driving means main body, and the optical fiber heating and reinforcing device becomes large in size. It was dead. Also, since it is necessary to supply electric power for moving the driving means,
The usage cost was also high. Further, the optical fiber heating and reinforcing device itself becomes complicated, the assembling work is troublesome, and the driving means may be broken during use of the device.

[0014]

It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical fiber heating and reinforcing device capable of pulling an optical fiber by moving the first clamp by a simple method without using an electric drive means such as a motor. To provide.

[0015]

An optical fiber heating and reinforcing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present application mounts an optical fiber having a fusion splicing portion and a reinforcing tube for reinforcing the fusion splicing portion of the optical fiber from the outside. A heating body having a heating table to be placed and a heating upper lid that is pivotally supported by the heating table and can be opened and closed with respect to the heating table, wherein the reinforcing pipe is provided between the heating table and the heating upper lid. A heating body that is gripped and heated, a clamp base, and clamp upper arms that are pivotally supported by the clamp base and that can be opened and closed with respect to the clamp base, are provided on both sides of the heating body and extend from the heating body. A pair of clamps for holding the optical fiber, wherein one first clamp of the pair of clamps can reciprocate in the optical fiber extension direction, and the other second clamp has a clamp that is fixed. Optical fiber heating reinforcement device A side surface portion of the heating upper lid on the first clamp side, a side surface portion of the first clamp facing the side surface portion of the heating upper lid, or a side surface portion of the heating body on the first clamp side and the heating It is characterized in that magnets are provided on side surfaces of the clamp upper arm of the first clamp facing the side surfaces of the body so that the magnets face each other. The optical fiber heating and reinforcing apparatus according to claim 2 of the present application is the optical fiber heating and reinforcing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present application, in which both ends of the heating table and the first clamp are provided between the heating table and the first clamp. A spring mechanically connected to the clamp base is provided.

[0016]

According to the optical fiber heating and reinforcing apparatus of the present invention, tension is applied to the optical fiber by the magnetic force.

That is, first, in the case where the magnets are provided on the side surface portion of the heating upper lid on the side of the first clamp and the side surface portion of the first clamp facing the side surface portion so as to face the same magnetic poles, respectively, The optical fiber and the reinforcing tube covered by the fusion splicing part of the optical fiber are placed on the heating table, and the optical fibers extending on both sides are held by the first clamp and the second clamp, and then the heating upper lid. Is closed on the heating table, the magnets provided on the heating upper lid and the clamp table of the first clamp face each other with the same magnetic poles, so that a repulsive force is generated between them.

Therefore, since the first clamp moves in the direction away from the heating body, the optical fiber held by the first clamp and the second clamp is pulled straight.

On the other hand, in the case where magnets are provided on the side surface portion of the heating body on the side of the first clamp and the side surface portion of the clamp upper arm of the first clamp that faces the heating body so that the same magnetic poles face each other, the optical fiber Place the reinforcing tube and the reinforcing tube on the heating table in the same manner as in the above case, close the heating upper lid, and then grasp one end of the optical fiber extended from the heating body with the second clamp,
After placing the other end of the optical fiber on the clamp base of the first clamp, close the clamp upper arm of the first clamp so that the magnets provided on the heating base and the upper arm of the first clamp face each other. Repulsing each other, the optical fiber is pulled straight, as in the above case.

If the reinforcing tube is heated while the optical fiber is pulled straight as described above, the reinforcing tube is fitted to the optical fiber while the optical fiber remains bent inside the reinforcing tube. Will disappear. Therefore, the optical fiber is not subjected to local bending inside the reinforcing tube, and an increase in optical transmission loss is prevented.

Further, in the optical fiber heating and reinforcing apparatus of the present invention, unlike the conventional apparatus, it is not necessary to provide the driving means for the electrically driven first clamp such as a motor.
Since the device itself is simplified and miniaturized, the manufacturing of the device is facilitated, the electric power for operating the driving means of the first clamp is not required, and further, the problem of failure of the driving means of the first clamp. Also disappears.

Further, in the optical fiber heating and reinforcing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the heating upper lid or the clamp upper arm of the first clamp is closed to generate a repulsive force between the magnets to move the first clamp, the spring is correspondingly moved. An elastic force is generated (that is, biased) in a direction in which the heating body and the first clamp approach each other.

Further, the repulsive force between the magnets, the elastic force of the spring,
And the first clamp stops at a position where the tensions of the optical fibers are balanced. At this time, the movement distance of the first clamp from the position before the optical fiber is pulled (hereinafter, referred to as the initial position) becomes shorter than that in the case without the spring. By thus providing the spring, the moving distance of the first clamp due to the repulsive force of the magnet can be suppressed to some extent, and therefore the optical fiber will not be pulled too much.

Further, if the heating upper lid or the clamp upper arm of the first clamp is opened, the repulsive force between the magnets disappears and the elastic force of the spring causes the first clamp to return to the initial position by itself. This is convenient because it eliminates the need for returning to the initial position.

In the present invention, the initial position of the first clamp should not be too far from the heating element.
This is because if the first clamp and the heating element are too far apart, the repulsive force between the magnets will be weakened and the first clamp cannot be moved. Therefore, the length and elastic force of the spring connecting the heating element and the first clamp must be determined with this in mind.

The structure of the heating table for mounting the optical fiber and the reinforcing tube in the present invention is not particularly limited, but, for example, a cross section whose longitudinal direction coincides with the extending direction of the optical fiber on this heating table. A groove having a V shape or a U shape in cross section may be provided.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the optical fiber heating reinforcement device of the present invention has a heating body 1, a first clamp 4 and a second clamp 5. Each of these is an assembly of parts such as metal and plastic. Incidentally, also in FIG.
Similarly to FIG. 5, a heating upper lid 3 to be described later is attached to the heating table 2 and clamp upper arms 7A and 7B of the first clamp 4 and the second clamp 5 are provided.
Are rotatably supported by the clamp bases 6A and 6B, respectively, but for the sake of easy explanation, this part is omitted and shown in a schematic view.

First, the heating element 1 is composed of a heating table 2 and a heating upper lid 3, and the heating upper lid 3 is rotatably supported on the heating table 2 by a shaft rod (not shown). It can be opened and closed freely with respect to the table 2. Further, a straight groove having a U-shaped cross section for mounting an optical fiber 12 described later is formed on the heating table 2, and in the center of the heating table 2, this groove forms a reinforcing pipe 16 described later. The heating part 1 is formed to be wide enough to be placed and has an electric heater or the like.
7 are provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a pair of clamps, a first clamp 4 and a second clamp 5, are provided on both sides of the heating body 1. The body 1 and the first clamp 4 are arranged in this order.

The first clamp 4 and the second clamp 5 are respectively clamp bases 6A and 6B and the clamp bases 6A and 6A.
6B has a clamp upper arm 7A, 7B which is pivotally supported by 6B and which can be opened and closed with respect to the clamp base 6A, 6B. The optical fiber 12 is clamped by the clamp base 6A, 6B and the clamp upper arm 7A, 7B.
It can be sandwiched and gripped. Here, when the optical fiber 12 is sandwiched, the clamp upper arms 7A, 7B and the clamp base 6A are sandwiched between the clamp base 6A and the clamp upper arm 7A of the first clamp 4 and the clamp base 6B and the clamp upper arm 7B of the second clamp 5, respectively. , The rubber plate 18 so that the optical fiber 12 is not damaged by the metal part of 6B.
Is pasted.

Of these clamps, the second clamp 5
Is fixed to the side surface of the heating table 2. A through hole 13 is provided in the clamp base 6A of the first clamp 4, and the guide rod 9 supported by the heating base 2 is provided in the through hole 1.
It is inserted in 3. Guided by the guide rod 9, the first clamp 4 can reciprocate in the extending direction of the optical fiber 12 (that is, the left-right direction in FIG. 1) with respect to the heating table 2. Here, a stopper 10 for limiting the moving range of the first clamp 4 is attached to the tip of the guide rod 9. Further, a spring 8 is provided between the heating table 2 and the first clamp 4, and both ends of the spring 8 are mechanically attached to the heating table 2 and the clamp table 6 of the first clamp 4 with a clasp (not shown) or the like. It is connected to and provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the side surface of the heating upper lid 3 and the clamp base 6A of the first clamp 4 facing the side portion.
Magnets 11a and 11b (permanent magnets) on the side surfaces of the
When the upper lid 3 for heating is closed, the magnets 11a and 11b are positioned so that the same magnetic poles (for example, N poles) face each other.

Further, the magnet 1 is provided on the upper surface of the heating table 2.
A magnet 11c (for example, an S pole) is provided at a position opposed to 1a, and after the heating upper lid 3 is closed, both magnets 1c
A suction force acts between 1a and 11c so that the heating upper lid 3 cannot be opened by itself. However, if the magnet 11c is too close to the magnet 11b, the magnets 11b and 11c
An attractive force is generated between the first clamp 4 and the magnet 1
The repulsive force acting between the magnet 1a and the magnet 11c prevents the magnet 1c from moving in the right direction in FIG. 1. Therefore, pay attention to the mounting position of the magnet 11c.

A procedure for reinforcing the fusion splicing portion 15 of the optical fiber 12 with the reinforcing pipe 16 by using such an optical fiber heating and reinforcing apparatus will be described below. First, the optical fiber 12,
Before fusion-splicing the two 12 with each other, one optical fiber 12 is passed through the inner tube 19 shown in FIG. 4, and a set of the reinforcing tube 16 including the inner tube 19, the reinforcing member 20, and the outer tube 21 is attached to the optical fiber 12. Put it on a position slightly away from the connection end. In this state, the optical fibers 12, 12 are fusion-spliced to each other, and when this is completed, the reinforcing tube 16 is moved onto the fusion-splicing portion 15,
The end portions A and B of the coating layer 14 of both optical fibers 12 shown in FIG.

Then, the fusion splicing portion 15 of the optical fiber 12 covered with the reinforcing tube 16 is placed in the groove formed on the heating table 2 of the optical fiber heating and reinforcing device, and the fusion of the optical fiber 12 is performed. Both ends of the connecting connection portion 15 are held by the first clamp 4 and the second clamp 5. In this state, the optical fiber 12 has some slack, and the inside of the reinforcing tube 16 is also bent.

Thereafter, the heating upper lid 3 is closed and the reinforcing tube 16 is held by the heating upper lid 3 and the heating table 2. At this time, the magnet 11 a attached to the heating upper lid 3 and the magnet 11 b attached to the clamp base 6 A of the first clamp 4.
Since the and magnetic poles face each other and generate a repulsive force, the first clamp 4 slides along the guide rod 9 and moves in the direction away from the heating body 1, that is, in the rightward direction in FIG. Along with this, a tension that is not too strong is applied to the optical fiber 12, and the optical fiber 12 is pulled straight. At the same time, the spring 8 is also stretched by being pulled, and acts to bring the heating body 1 and the first clamp 4 closer to each other.

Next, while maintaining this state, the heating unit 17
When the reinforcing pipe 16 is heated by, as shown in FIG.
The inner tube 19 of 6 is fused to the optical fiber 12, and the outer tube 21 is thermally contracted. In this manner, the reinforcing tube 16 is connected to the coating layer 14 of each of the optical fibers 12 and 12 and the optical fiber 1.
It can be fitted on the outside of 2. After that, when the heating upper lid 3 is opened after the heat inside the heating element 1 is cooled to some extent, the magnets 11a and 11b are no longer facing each other, so the elastic force of the spring 8 pulls the heating element 1 toward the heating element 1 side. 4 returns to the initial position before closing the heating upper lid 3.

When the reinforcing tube 16 is fitted to the fusion splicing portion 15 of the optical fiber 12 in this manner, the reinforcing tube 16
The optical fiber 12 remains in a completely stretched state inside, and an increase in optical transmission loss due to bending of the optical fiber 12 inside the reinforcing tube 16 does not occur. Further, reference numeral 20 in FIG. 6 is a reinforcing member made of stainless steel, glass, ceramics, or the like, which is incorporated in the reinforcing tube 16 so that a large tension is applied to the optical fiber 12 inside the reinforcing tube 16. Is being prevented.

Here, the structure of the reinforcing pipe 16 in the present embodiment is not limited to that described above, and for example, the reinforcing member 20 may be omitted.

The optical fiber 12 protected by one reinforcing tube 16 may be a single core or a multi-core.

The magnets 11a and 11b in the optical fiber heating and reinforcing apparatus of this embodiment were provided on the heating upper lid 3 and the clamp base 6 of the first clamp 4, but, for example, as shown in FIG. The heating table 2 and the clamp upper arm 7A of the first clamp 4 may be provided with magnets 11a and 11b. In short, either the heating upper lid 3 or the clamp upper arm 7A of the first clamp 4 is provided with the magnet 11. When the closed side is closed, the heating element 1 or the first clamp 4 that faces it
It suffices that the other magnet 11 provided on the side surface of the above-mentioned magnet 11 faces the same magnetic pole as the former magnet 11.

Similarly, the clamp upper arm 7 of the first clamp 4
When the magnet 11 is provided on A, the magnet 11c may be provided on the clamp base 6A of the first clamp 4 as shown in FIG.

However, in the case shown in FIG. 2, if the clamp upper arm 7A of the first clamp 4 is completely closed, the magnet 1
When the repulsive force of 1a, 11b occurs, the first clamp 4
Before holding the optical fiber 12, the first clamp 4 moves in a direction away from the heating body 1. Therefore, it is preferable that the optical fiber 12 is preliminarily fixed on the clamp base 6A and then the clamp upper arm 7A is closed, whereby the temporary fixation is released and the first clamp is moved from the heating body 1.

Further, although the first clamp 4 in this embodiment is supported on the heating table 2 by the guide rod 9 so as to be reciprocally movable, the present invention is not limited to this.

Further, in this embodiment, the means for making the first clamp 4 movable is the clamp base 6 of the first clamp 4.
A through hole 13 is provided in the through hole 13, and the heating table 2 is provided in the through hole 13.
Although the guide rod 9 supported by the first clamp 4 is passed through, the means for making the first clamp 4 movable is not limited to the above.

Further, in this embodiment, the first clamp 4 and the second clamp 5 are provided with the rubber plate 18, but this material has elasticity to some extent even if it is not rubber, and does not damage the optical fiber 12 or the coating layer 14. Any material can be used.

[0047]

According to the optical fiber heating and reinforcing device of the present invention, since the reinforcing tube can be heated while the optical fiber is pulled straight, the optical fiber inside the reinforcing tube is bent and The reinforcing pipe is not fitted. Therefore, an increase in the optical transmission loss of the optical fiber inside the reinforcing tube is prevented. Further, in the optical fiber heating and reinforcing apparatus of the present invention, unlike the conventional apparatus, it is not necessary to provide a driving means for the first clamp such as a motor. Therefore, the device itself is downsized, and the device is easily manufactured. In addition, electric power for operating the driving means of the first clamp is not needed, and the problem of failure of the driving means of the first clamp is eliminated. In addition, claim 2 of the present application
In the described optical fiber heating and reinforcing device, it is possible to appropriately weaken the tension applied to the optical fiber by the magnet. Also,
If the magnets are not facing each other by opening the heating upper lid or the clamp upper arm of the first clamp after the heat-fitting of the reinforcing tube, the repulsive force between the magnets disappears, so the elastic force of the spring alone The first clamp returns to the position before the optical fiber was pulled. Therefore, it is convenient to save the trouble of manually returning the first clamp to the position.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of an optical fiber heating and reinforcing apparatus of the present invention from the side.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing another example of the optical fiber heating and reinforcing apparatus of the present invention from the side.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a fusion splicing portion of an optical fiber.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a reinforcing tube that covers a fusion splicing portion of an optical fiber.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an example of a conventional optical fiber heating and reinforcing apparatus from the side.

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which a fusion spliced portion of an optical fiber is reinforced by a reinforcing tube.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Heating body 2 Heating base 3 Heating upper lid 4 First clamp 5 Second clamp 6A, 6B Clamping base 7A, 7B Clamping upper arm 8 Spring 9 Guide rod 10 Stopper 11a, 11b, 11c Magnet 12 Optical fiber 13 Through hole 14 Coating Layer 15 Fusion spliced part 16 Reinforcement pipe 17 Heating part 18 Rubber plate 19 Inner pipe 20 Reinforcing member 21 External pipe 22 Motor 23 Gear part

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A heating table on which an optical fiber having a fusion splicing portion and a reinforcing tube for reinforcing the fusion splicing portion from the outside are placed, and a heating table pivotally supported by the heating table. A heating body having a heating upper lid that can be opened and closed freely, and a heating body that holds the reinforcing tube between the heating table and the heating upper lid to heat it, and a clamp table and a shaft supported by the clamp table. A pair of clamps that have clamp upper arms that can be opened and closed with respect to a clamp base and that are provided on both sides of the heating body and that grip the optical fiber extending from the heating body. The first clamp is capable of reciprocating in the optical fiber extending direction, and the other second clamp is an optical fiber heating and reinforcing device having a clamp that is fixed, wherein a side surface portion of the heating upper lid on the first clamp side. And on the side of the heating top lid A magnet is provided on the side surface of the first clamp facing each other, or on the side surface of the heating body facing the first clamp and the side surface of the clamp upper arm of the first clamp facing the side surface of the heating body. An optical fiber heating and reinforcing device, wherein the magnetic poles are provided so as to face each other. 2. A spring having both ends mechanically connected to the heating table and the clamp table of the first clamp is provided between the heating table and the first clamp. The optical fiber heating and reinforcing device according to claim 1.