JP2005049388A - Electric discharge machining method and device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric discharge machining method and device that can uniformly heat a desired position by electric discharge in an easy and simple control method and that can also reduce machining cost. <P>SOLUTION: Oppositely facing parts of two objects to be joined are fusion-welded by melt-heating through electric discharge produced between two discharge electrodes. The two discharge electrodes are set in a chevron shape so as to form a spreading angle θ, with the tip ends arranged close to the end face of one of the objects. A heat resistant insulation rod is arranged between the discharge electrodes, with the tip end of the rod disposed in a manner projecting by a prescribed length from the line connecting between the tip ends of the discharge electrodes. After an electric discharge is generated between the discharge electrodes, the melt-heated part of one object is pressurized with the end face of the other object to perform fusion-welding. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electric discharge machining method and apparatus for melting and welding an insulator, and more particularly to an electric discharge machining method and an electric discharge machining apparatus for fusion-connecting a substrate waveguide and an optical fiber.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the development of an optical communication network, there is an increasing demand for an electric discharge machining method and an electric discharge machining apparatus for melting and connecting an optical fiber and an optical fiber, or a substrate waveguide and an optical fiber.
[0003]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conventional fusion splicing method. In this fusion connection method, the end surfaces of the objects 102 to be connected are opposed to each other, and the discharge electrode rod 103 is disposed at a position parallel to the opposed surface and opposed to each other with the butted portion interposed therebetween. The electric discharge 104 is generated between the rods 103 so as to face each other and the butt portion is melt-connected.
[0004]
Such a fusion splicing method is an effective method when the end area of the object 102 has substantially the same area. However, as shown in FIG. 10, when the end area of one object 105 is large, if the fusion connection is performed with the same configuration as in FIG. 9, the end surface of the object 105 cannot be sufficiently heated, and the high-strength fusion connection is performed. Cannot be realized.
[0005]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, two discharge electrode rods 103 are set with a predetermined divergence angle with respect to the end surface of the target object 105, and the discharge 104 is caused to be as close to the end surface as possible. By doing so, a desired position is discharge-heated even on an end face having a large area.
[0006]
The discharge heating method of FIG. 11 can discharge-heat a desired position as described above, but cannot discharge-heat the desired position on the end face uniformly. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, an inert gas 106 is caused to flow around the outer periphery of the discharge electrode rod 103, and the discharge shape is made arcuate by blowing out the inert gas 106, and uniform discharge heating is performed at a desired position of the target object 105. Has realized. By pressing the end surface of the target object 102 to the desired position heated by discharge, the target objects can be fusion-connected. The fusion splicing method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-134130.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-134130
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The melt connection method shown in FIG. 12 has the advantage that the desired position can be uniformly heated, but on the other hand, since the discharge shape is controlled by blowing out the inert gas 106, precise control of the gas flow rate is required. There is a problem that.
[0009]
Moreover, since it is necessary to always flow inert gas at the time of electric discharge machining, there also exists a problem that manufacturing cost becomes high.
[0010]
Further, when the shape of the end face of the object changes, the gas flow direction and gas spread change, so the position and density of the plasma (ion) generation part change, and as a result, the heating region and heating temperature change. There is. As an example of this, the gas flow does not become the same at the center and end portions of the substrate waveguide, and therefore the same range cannot be heated with the same amount of heat.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of the above. As an object of the present invention, there is provided an electric discharge machining method and apparatus capable of uniformly discharging and heating a desired position by an easy and simple control method and further reducing machining costs. It is to provide.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned object, the present invention according to claim 1 is an electric discharge machining method in which opposing portions of two objects to be connected are melted and heated by electric discharge generated between two discharge electrode rods and fusion-bonded. Then, the discharge formed between the pair of discharge electrode rods is deformed into an arc shape so as to form an arcuate shape toward one object end surface by a discharge deformation member disposed in the discharge, and the object It is characterized by having a fusion splicing step of performing fusion splicing by pressing the other object end surface to the melted and heated portion of the object end surface after heat softening the end surface.
[0013]
The present invention described in claim 2 is summarized in that, in the electric discharge machining method according to claim 1, the fusion splicing step sets the sandwiching angle between the pair of discharge electrode rods within a range of 20 to 160 °.
[0014]
The gist of the present invention described in claim 3 is that in the electric discharge machining method according to claim 1 or 2, the sandwiching angle between the pair of discharge electrode rods is adjusted.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electric discharge machining method according to the first aspect, the fusion splicing step corresponds to the length L of the connection from the connection formed by connecting the tips of the discharge electrode rods to the end face of the object. The gist is to dispose the discharge deformation member within the range of the distance to be performed.
[0016]
The gist of the present invention described in claim 5 is that, in the electric discharge machining method according to claim 4, the arrangement of the electric discharge deformation member is adjusted within a range.
[0017]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electric discharge machining method according to the first to fifth aspects, one of the objects is a substrate waveguide mainly composed of quartz glass, and the other object is composed mainly of quartz glass. The gist of the present invention is that the discharge deformation member is made of a material mainly composed of zirconia, silicon nitride or boron nitride having a melting point higher than that of quartz glass.
[0018]
The present invention as set forth in claim 7 is an electric discharge machining method in which opposing portions of two objects to be connected are melt-heated and fusion-bonded by discharge generated between the two discharge electrode rods, and a pair of discharge electrode rods The electric discharge formed between them is deformed into an arc shape so as to form an arc toward one object end surface by a discharge deformation member arranged in the discharge, and after heat-softening the object end surface, The gist of the present invention is to have a fusion splicing step of performing fusion splicing by pressing the other object end face against the melt heating portion of the object end face through a through hole opened in the axial direction of the discharge deformable member.
[0019]
The present invention according to claim 8 is an electric discharge machining apparatus for melting and heating and fusion-connecting opposing portions of two objects to be connected by electric discharge generated between two electric discharge electrode rods. A discharge deformation member arranged between the discharge electrode rods, the discharge deformation member projecting toward the end surface of the object in a state where the discharge deformation member is disposed between the discharge electrode rods. The object is to heat and soften the end face of the object, and then press the other end face of the object to the fusion-heated portion of the end face of the object to make a fusion connection.
[0020]
The gist of the present invention according to claim 9 is that, in the electric discharge machining apparatus according to claim 8, the sandwiching angle between the pair of discharge electrode rods is set in a range of 20 to 160 °.
[0021]
The gist of the present invention according to claim 10 is the electric discharge machining apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising driving means for adjusting a sandwiching angle between the pair of discharge electrode rods.
[0022]
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the electric discharge machining apparatus according to the eighth aspect, a distance corresponding to the length L of the connection from the connection formed by connecting the tips of the discharge electrode rods to the end face of the object. The gist is to dispose the discharge deformation member.
[0023]
The gist of the present invention according to claim 12 is the electric discharge machining apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a driving means for adjusting the arrangement of the electric discharge deformation member.
[0024]
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electric discharge machining apparatus according to any one of the eighth, eleventh and twelfth aspects, the electric discharge deformation member is a temperature for detecting the tip temperature of the electric discharge deformation member inside the electric discharge deformation member. The gist of the present invention is that it comprises a detecting means.
[0025]
A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the electric discharge machining apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, further comprising control means for controlling the amount of power supplied to the discharge electrode rod based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means. And
[0026]
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electric discharge machining apparatus according to the eighth to thirteenth aspects, one object is a substrate waveguide mainly composed of quartz glass, and the other object is mainly composed of quartz glass. When it is an optical fiber, the gist is that the discharge deformable member is made of a material mainly composed of zirconia, silicon nitride, or boron nitride having a melting point higher than that of quartz glass.
[0027]
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electric discharge machining apparatus according to the eighth to thirteenth or fifteenth aspect, the electric discharge deforming member is provided with a through hole for passing an object in the axial direction of the electric discharge deforming member. The gist.
[0028]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0029]
(First embodiment)
FIGS. 1A to 1C are diagrams showing the configuration of an electric discharge machining method and an electric discharge machining apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a top view of the electrical discharge machining state of the present invention as viewed from above, and FIG. 1B is a side view of the electrical discharge machining state as viewed from the side. Moreover, FIG.1 (c) is a figure which shows the state which has pressed the target object to the heating part after the electric discharge machining of FIG.1 (b).
[0030]
The electric discharge machining apparatus of the present invention melts and heats the opposing portions of two objects to be connected by discharge generated between two discharge electrode rods, and is connected between a pair of discharge electrode rods 3. The arc discharge 4 to be formed is deformed into an arc shape so as to form an arc toward the end surface of the object 5 by an insulating rod (discharge deformable member) 1 disposed in the arc discharge 4, and the end surface of the object 5 After heat softening, the other object 2 end surface is pressed into the melted and heated portion of the object 5 end surface to perform fusion splicing.
[0031]
Here, the object 5 is, for example, a substrate waveguide whose main component is quartz glass. A substrate waveguide is an optical waveguide formed on a substrate using two types of media having different refractive indexes. In addition to outputting an optical signal input from one end to the other end, The optical signal is branched into two or more outputs, or two or more input signals are combined into one output. In FIG. 1A, the waveguide is embedded in the X direction, and a rectangular optical waveguide end face is exposed on the YZ plane.
[0032]
The discharge electrode bar 3 is connected to a high voltage power source (not shown), and an arc discharge of 1700 ° C. or higher is generated between the tips of the discharge electrode bar 3 by application of a high voltage. The two discharge electrode rods 3 are arranged so as to be openable and closable in a fan shape within a range of 0 ° to 180 °, and are arranged so that the distal end portion of the discharge electrode rod 3 is close to the end surface of the object 5. ing.
[0033]
The insulating rod 1 is a rod made of a columnar or cylindrical heat-resistant ceramic, and the tip is curved. The material is not limited to heat-resistant ceramics, but is preferably zirconia, silicon nitride, boron nitride or the like having a higher melting point than quartz glass when the main component of the object is quartz glass. In the present embodiment, the tip shape of the insulating rod 1 is curved, but the tip shape is not limited to this, and may be any one of a cone shape, a truncated cone shape, a sharp shape, and a flat shape.
[0034]
The insulating rod 1 is fixedly disposed so that the tip portion protrudes from a connection formed by connecting the tips of the pair of discharge electrode rods 3. In FIG. 1A, when the length between the discharge electrode rods 3 is L, the tip of the insulating rod 1 is in the direction of the object within the range from the connection formed by connecting the tips of the discharge electrode rods to the length L. It is arranged to protrude.
[0035]
The object 2 is an optical fiber mainly composed of quartz glass. In the present embodiment, a general single mode optical fiber having a core diameter of 10 μm and a cladding diameter of 125 μm is used. However, the object 2 is not limited to this, and may be any optical fiber such as a multimode optical fiber, a grade index optical fiber, and a polarization optical fiber. The optical device is not limited to an optical fiber.
[0036]
Next, the operation of the electric discharge machining apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 2A, the end face of the substrate waveguide 5 is arranged so as to coincide with the YZ plane, and a pair of discharge electrode rod 3 and insulating rod 1 are arranged on this end face. At this time, the divergence angle of the pair of discharge electrode rods 3 is set to any angle in the range of 0 ° to 180 °, and the tip of the insulating rod 1 is disposed so as to protrude from the tip connecting the tips of the discharge electrode rods 3. To do.
[0038]
A high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode rod 3 in the arrangement state. The arc discharge 4 generated between the discharge electrodes 3 is detoured by the protrusion of the tip of the insulating rod 1 to form an arcuate shape. The arc discharge 4 formed in an arc shape melts and heats the rectangular waveguide end face exposed on the substrate waveguide end face and its periphery.
[0039]
After the discharge heating for 5 seconds, which is a predetermined time, is performed to sufficiently melt the end face of the waveguide and its periphery, the applied voltage is reduced to such an extent that the outer periphery of the optical fiber 2 to be connected is not melted. As shown in b), the end face of the optical fiber 2 is pressed against the waveguide end face of the substrate waveguide 5, and the substrate waveguide 5 and the optical fiber 2 are fused and connected by discharge heating for 1 second.
[0040]
Therefore, when arc discharge is generated between the discharge electrode rods 3 in a state where the insulating rod 1 made of zirconia, silicon nitride or boron nitride is disposed between the two discharge electrode rods 3 arranged in a square shape, Even without using an inert gas as in the past, the arc discharge 4 can be arc-shaped with easy and simple control, so that the specified surface of the object 5 is sufficiently heated and the objects are fused together. Can be connected.
[0041]
In the first embodiment, the fusion process shown in FIG. 2B is performed by pressing the end face of the optical fiber 2 against the substrate waveguide 5 while maintaining the discharge, and performing the discharge heating for 1 second. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 (c) immediately after the melting step of FIG. 2 (a), the discharge electrode rod 3 (including the insulating rod 1) is moved in the direction of the arrow to introduce the molten substrate. By pressing the end face of the optical fiber 2 against the end face of the waveguide 5, both of them may be melt-connected integrally with the remaining heat. In this case as well, the same effect as this embodiment can be obtained.
[0042]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electric discharge machining method and apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a state diagram in the case where the tip of the insulating rod 1 is disposed in front of a connection formed by connecting the tip of the discharge electrode rod 3, and FIG. 3B is a diagram of the tip of the insulating rod 1. It is a state figure at the time of making it project from the connection which connects.
[0043]
The electrical discharge machining apparatus according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, but is provided with a projecting drive unit 7 that projects the insulating rod 1 toward the end surface of the object. This is different from the first embodiment. As a result, the insulating rod 1 can be moved back and forth freely in the X direction, so that the discharge shape can be deformed as necessary. In the following description, the same functional parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0044]
The electric discharge machining apparatus according to the present embodiment is arranged in two square shapes so as to be perpendicular to the end surface of the object 5 or to have a predetermined inclination angle η and to have a spread angle θ. 1 is a heat-resistant insulating rod 1 disposed between the two discharge electrode rods 3 and the two discharge electrode rods 3, and the distal end portion of the insulating rod 1 is determined from a connection formed by connecting the distal ends of the discharge electrode rods 3 to each other. An electric discharge machining apparatus including at least an insulating rod 1 arranged so as to protrude by a long length. The insulating rod 1 protrudes or retreats from a connection formed by connecting the tips of discharge electrode rods 3 to the insulating rod 1. The protrusion drive unit 7 is connected. The projecting drive unit 7 is also connected to a high voltage power source 6.
[0045]
The protrusion drive unit 7 includes a timer unit, a monitoring unit, and a drive unit inside, and the monitoring unit monitors the voltage application state of the high-voltage power supply at regular intervals or at regular intervals. The timer starts counting a predetermined time when the monitoring unit detects the start of voltage application, and outputs a timing end signal to the driving unit after the predetermined time has elapsed. When the drive unit obtains the time measurement end signal, the drive unit starts forward drive that causes the insulating rod 1 to protrude from the connection formed by connecting the tips of the discharge electrode rods 3. The protrusion length is performed based on protrusion length data stored in advance in a nonvolatile storage medium (ROM) built in the protrusion driving unit 7.
[0046]
The operation of the electrical discharge machining apparatus having the above configuration will be described.
[0047]
First, as shown in FIG. 3A, the end face of the substrate waveguide 5 is arranged so as to coincide with the YZ plane, and a pair of discharge electrode rod 3 and insulating bar 1 are arranged on this end face. At this time, the divergence angle of the pair of discharge electrode rods 3 is set to any angle within a range of 0 ° to 180 °, and the tip of the insulating rod 1 is not protruded from the connection formed by connecting the tips of the discharge electrode rods 3. To do.
[0048]
Next, a high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode rod 3 in the above arrangement state to start the arc discharge 4. When the monitoring unit built in the projecting drive unit 7 detects the start state of this high voltage application, it outputs a voltage application start signal to the timer. The timer starts measuring the timer for a predetermined time with the acquisition of the voltage application start signal as a trigger. Here, the predetermined time is a time required for the discharge state to be stabilized after the arc discharge is started. The timer outputs a time measurement end signal to the drive unit after the required time has elapsed. When the drive unit obtains the timing end signal, the drive unit starts driving the insulating rod 1 to protrude from the connection formed by connecting the tips of the discharge electrode rods 3 and stops when the protrusion of the insulating rod 1 to the predetermined position is completed.
[0049]
The arc discharge 4 generated between the discharge electrodes 3 by this protrusion melts and heats the end face of the waveguide while bypassing the protrusion of the tip of the insulating rod 1 to form an arcuate shape.
[0050]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by providing the monitoring function for monitoring the high-voltage power supply, the timer for measuring the timer, and the protruding drive unit 7 including the drive unit for controlling the movement of the insulating rod 1, the discharge is started at the start of discharge. In a state where there is no ion between the electrode rods 3 and it is difficult to discharge, the discharge path is formed short without protruding the insulating rod 1, and after the discharge state is stabilized, the insulating rod 1 is projected to make the discharge path bowed. The initial starting voltage of the discharge circuit can be lowered. As a result, the processing cost can be reduced.
[0051]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the electric discharge machining method and apparatus according to the third embodiment.
[0052]
The electrical discharge machining apparatus according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the second embodiment, but the second embodiment is that the angle control unit 8 is provided on the discharge electrode rod 3. And different. Thereby, since the space area of the apparatus can be deformed according to the work area, electric discharge machining can be performed even in a narrow work area. In the following description, the same functional parts as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0053]
This electric discharge machining apparatus is arranged with two discharge electrode rods 3 arranged in a square shape so as to be perpendicular to the end face of the object 5 or to have a predetermined inclination angle η and to have a spread angle θ. And a heat-resistant insulating rod 1 disposed between the two discharge electrode rods 3 so that the tip of the insulating rod 1 protrudes by a predetermined length from a connection formed by connecting the tips of the discharge electrode rods 3 to each other. And a projecting drive unit that monitors the voltage application state of the high-voltage power source 6 and controls the projecting drive of the insulation rod 1. 7 is connected. The discharge electrode rod 3 is connected to an angle control unit 8 that opens and closes the discharge electrode rod 3 in the range of 0 ° to 180 ° by control of a spread angle control signal from the outside (not shown).
[0054]
The angle control unit 8 not only controls the spread angle θ of the discharge electrode rod 3, but also functions to control the angle formed by the discharge electrode rod 3 and the substrate waveguide 5 and the inclination angle η in the range of 0 ° to 90 °. Also have.
[0055]
Next, the operation of the electrical discharge machining apparatus having the above configuration will be described.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 4, two discharge electrodes are arranged so that the waveguide end face as an object coincides with the YZ direction, and has an inclination angle η (0 ° to 90 °) with respect to the waveguide end face. The rod 3 and the insulating rod 1 are arranged. When the angle control unit 8 obtains an angle control signal including the spread angle θ to be set from the outside, the angle control unit 8 performs opening / closing rotation driving of the two discharge electrode rods 3 based on the angle control signal, and arranges them according to the set value. Let
[0057]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the discharge electrode rod 3 when the spread angle θ is 180 °. According to this configuration, the YZ plane could not be melted and heated by the conventional fusion connection method, but the arc discharge 4 is made arcuate by projecting the insulating rod 1 disposed between the discharge electrode rods 3. Therefore, similarly to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the specified surface of the object 5 can be sufficiently heated and the objects can be fused and connected with easy and simple control.
[0058]
Further, according to this configuration, the predetermined position can be sufficiently melted and heated even if there is not enough work space before the YZ plane.
[0059]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the discharge electrode rod 3 when the spread angle θ is 0 °. According to this configuration, although it is difficult to form an arcuate shape by using the blowing of inert gas in the conventional fusion connection method, the arc is obtained by projecting the insulating rod 1 disposed between the discharge electrode rods 3. Since the discharge 4 can be easily bowed, uniform heating can be performed with easy and simple control, similar to the effects of the first and second embodiments.
[0060]
Further, according to this configuration, sufficient melting and heating can be performed even in a narrow work space where the discharge electrode rod 3 cannot be sufficiently opened.
[0061]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electric discharge machining method and apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. In the figure, only the insulating rod 1 is shown in a sectional view.
[0062]
The electrical discharge machining apparatus according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the third embodiment. However, the temperature sensor 9 is built in the insulating rod 1 and is detected by the temperature sensor 9. This is different from the other embodiments in that a temperature control unit 10 that controls the output of the high-voltage power supply 6 based on the measured temperature is provided. In the following description, the same functional units as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0063]
This electric discharge machining apparatus is arranged with two discharge electrode rods 3 arranged in a square shape so as to be perpendicular to the end face of the object 5 or to have a predetermined inclination angle η and to have a spread angle θ. And a heat-resistant insulating rod 1 disposed between the two discharge electrode rods 3 so that the tip of the insulating rod 1 protrudes by a predetermined length from a connection formed by connecting the tips of the discharge electrode rods 3 to each other. The temperature sensor 9 is inserted and arranged in the inside of the insulating rod 1, and the temperature sensor 9 has a high pressure based on the detected temperature. A temperature control unit 10 that controls the output of the power supply 6 is connected.
[0064]
Here, the temperature sensor 9 is a sensor capable of detecting a temperature, for example, a thermocouple, which combines two kinds of conductors and generates a thermoelectromotive force due to a difference in temperature at a junction point. The temperature sensor 9 is not limited to the above-described thermocouple, and may be another temperature sensor having the same function.
[0065]
The temperature control unit 10 is connected to the temperature sensor 9 and has a function of converting the thermoelectromotive force generated by the temperature sensor 9 into a temperature. In addition, it stores a database in which the converted temperature and the output voltage value of the high-voltage power supply 6 corresponding to this temperature are associated with each other. The temperature control unit 10 is intended to detect the discharge temperature of the arc discharge 4 by acquiring the temperature of the tip of the insulating rod 1, but the conductivity varies depending on the material of the insulating rod 1. It is difficult to obtain a typical discharge temperature. Therefore, when it is desired to obtain a substantial discharge temperature, a correction value corresponding to the conductivity is stored in advance, and the detected temperature is sequentially corrected. Alternatively, the detected temperature and the corrected temperature may be stored in a database in advance and corrected.
[0066]
Next, the operation of the electrical discharge machining apparatus having the above configuration will be described.
[0067]
As shown in FIG. 7, the two discharge electrodes are arranged so that the waveguide end face, which is an object, coincides with the YZ direction, and has an inclination angle η (0 ° to 90 °) with respect to the waveguide end face. The rod 3 and the insulating rod 1 are arranged. When a voltage is applied to the discharge electrode rod 3, an arc discharge 4 is formed between the discharge electrode rods 3. Here, when the insulating rod 1 is protruded, the arc discharge shape is bowed and the tip of the insulating rod 1 is heated. As a result, a thermoelectromotive force is generated at the tip of the thermocouple 9 built in the insulating rod 1. The temperature control unit 10 converts the thermoelectromotive force into a temperature, notifies the temperature to the outside via an external alarm (not shown), or displays the temperature so as to be visible.
[0068]
In this temperature detection, when it is detected that the temperature of the arc discharge 4 is higher than the planned temperature, a set temperature is input from an external input device (not shown), and a voltage output instruction for this temperature is given to the temperature control unit 10. Is output to the high voltage power source 6. Alternatively, the set temperature is stored in the temperature control unit 10 in advance, and the corrected detected temperature is compared with the set temperature. If the corrected detected temperature does not reach the set temperature, the high voltage power source 6 is A command to increase the output voltage is output, and if the detected temperature exceeds the set temperature, a command to decrease the output voltage is output to the high voltage power source 6. Thereby, the temperature of the arc discharge 4 can be stabilized at the set temperature value.
[0069]
According to this configuration, the arc discharge temperature can be detected in real time. Further, when the detected temperature deviates from the set temperature, a voltage value output addition / subtraction command can be issued to the high-voltage power supply 6, so that the temperature of the arc discharge 4 can be stabilized.
[0070]
Furthermore, when the end face shape of the object changes, the gas flow direction and the gas spread change, so the heating temperature changes. According to this configuration, the supply temperature can be controlled by appropriately detecting the temperature difference. Thus, the same range can be heated with the same amount of heat regardless of the end face shape of the object.
[0071]
(Fifth embodiment)
FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing the configuration of the electric discharge machining method and apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.
[0072]
The electric discharge machining apparatus according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, but a through hole for passing an optical fiber is provided in the central axis of the insulating rod 11. It is different in point. In the following description, the same functional parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0073]
This electric discharge machining apparatus melts and heats the opposing portions of two objects to be connected by discharge generated between two discharge electrode rods, and is formed between a pair of discharge electrode rods 3. The arc discharge 4 is deformed into an arc shape so as to form an arc toward the end face of the object 5 by an insulating rod (discharge deformable member) 11 disposed in the arc discharge 4 to heat the end face of the object 5 After the softening, the end face of the optical fiber is pressed against the end face of the object 5 through the through-hole opened in the central axis of the insulating rod 11, and the fusion connection is performed.
[0074]
Here, the insulating rod 11 is one in which one through hole for passing an optical fiber is opened in the central axis of the insulating rod 1 described in the first embodiment. The opening diameter of this through-hole shall have more than the outer diameter of an optical fiber. Since the optical fiber includes a bare optical fiber, an optical fiber, an optical fiber core, and an optical fiber cord, the opening diameter of the through hole is different depending on the outer diameter of the various optical fibers.
[0075]
Next, the operation of the electrical discharge machining apparatus having the above configuration will be described.
[0076]
As shown in FIG. 8A, the end face of the substrate waveguide 5 is arranged so as to coincide with the YZ plane, and a pair of discharge electrode rod 3 and insulating rod 11 are arranged on this end face. At this time, the divergence angle of the pair of discharge electrode rods 3 is set to any angle within a range of 0 ° to 180 °, and the tip of the insulating rod 11 protrudes from the end connecting the tips of the discharge electrode rods 3. To do.
[0077]
Next, the optical fiber is passed through the through hole of the insulating rod 11. At this time, the end face of the optical fiber is prevented from protruding from the open end of the tip of the insulating rod 11.
[0078]
Subsequently, a high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode rod 3 in the arrangement state. The arc discharge 4 generated between the discharge electrodes 3 is detoured by the protrusion of the tip of the insulating rod 11 to form an arc shape. The arc discharge 4 formed in an arcuate shape melts and heats the waveguide end face exposed on the end face of the substrate waveguide and its periphery.
[0079]
Then, after 5 seconds of discharge heating, which is a predetermined time, is performed to sufficiently melt the waveguide end face and its periphery, the end face of the optical fiber 2 is projected from the tip of the insulating rod 11 and pressed against the waveguide end face of the substrate waveguide 5. Further, the substrate waveguide 5 and the optical fiber 2 are fused and connected by discharge heating for 1 second.
[0080]
Therefore, the arc discharge 4 formed between the pair of discharge electrode rods 3 is deformed into an arc shape so as to form an arc shape toward the end face of the substrate waveguide 5 by the insulating rod 11 disposed in the arc discharge 4. After the end surface of the substrate waveguide 5 is heated and softened, the end surface of the optical fiber is pressed against the end surface of the substrate waveguide 5 through the through-hole opened in the central axis of the insulating rod 1 to perform fusion splicing. The end face of the substrate waveguide 5 can be sufficiently heated to fuse and connect the optical fiber and the substrate waveguide.
[0081]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, two discharge electrode bars are arranged in a square shape so as to form a predetermined spread angle θ with respect to the end surface of the object, and between the discharge electrode bars. By arranging the heat-resistant insulating rod 1 so as to protrude a predetermined length from the connection formed by connecting the tips of the discharge electrode rods, arc discharge generated between the discharge electrode rods can be formed into an arc shape by an easy and simple control method. Can be molded. As a result, only the desired region of the substrate waveguide is heated, and the end face of the optical fiber is pressed against this region, so that both can be fusion-bonded with high strength.
[0082]
Further, at the start of discharge, in a state where there are few ions and it is difficult to discharge, the discharge path is formed short without protruding the insulating rod 1, and the insulating rod 1 is protruded after the discharge state is stabilized, so that the initial stage of the discharge circuit Since the starting voltage can be lowered, the processing cost can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electric discharge machining method and an apparatus therefor according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a variation of discharge heating according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electric discharge machining method and apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electric discharge machining method and apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electric discharge machining method and apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and showing the arrangement of discharge electrode rods 3 when the spread angle θ is 180 °.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electric discharge machining method and apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and showing the arrangement of discharge electrode rods 3 when the spread angle θ is 0 °.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electric discharge machining method and apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electric discharge machining method and apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a first schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional electric discharge machining method and apparatus.
FIG. 10 is a second schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional electric discharge machining method and apparatus.
FIG. 11 is a third schematic diagram showing a conventional electric discharge machining method and apparatus.
FIG. 12 is a fourth schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional electric discharge machining method and its apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 11 ... Insulating rod
2 ... Object (optical fiber)
3. Discharge electrode rod
4 ... Arc discharge
5 ... Object (substrate waveguide)
6 ... High voltage power supply
7 ... Projection drive
8. Angle control unit
9 ... Temperature sensor
10 ... Temperature controller
102 ... Object
103 ... Discharge electrode rod
104: Discharge
105 ... Object
106: inert gas

Claims (16)

An electric discharge machining method in which opposed portions of two objects to be connected are melt-heated and fusion-bonded by electric discharge generated between two discharge electrode rods,
A discharge formed between a pair of discharge electrode rods is deformed into an arc shape so as to form an arc toward one object end surface by a discharge deformation member disposed in the discharge, and the object end surface is heated. An electric discharge machining method comprising a fusion splicing step of performing fusion splicing by pressing the other object end face against a melt-heated portion of the object end face after being softened. The fusion splicing step includes
The electric discharge machining method according to claim 1, wherein an angle between the pair of discharge electrode rods is set in a range of 20 to 160 °. The electric discharge machining method according to claim 1, wherein a sandwiching angle between the pair of discharge electrode rods is adjusted. The fusion splicing step includes
The discharge deformation member is disposed within a distance corresponding to a length L of the connection from a connection formed by connecting ends of the discharge electrode rods to an end surface of the object. Electric discharge machining method. The electric discharge machining method according to claim 4, wherein the arrangement of the electric discharge deformation member is adjusted within the range. When the one object is a substrate waveguide mainly composed of quartz glass, and the other object is an optical fiber mainly composed of quartz glass, the discharge deformable member has a higher melting point than quartz glass. 6. The electric discharge machining method according to claim 1, wherein the electric discharge machining method is made of a material mainly composed of silicon nitride or boron nitride. An electric discharge machining method in which opposed portions of two objects to be connected are melt-heated and fusion-bonded by electric discharge generated between two discharge electrode rods,
A discharge formed between a pair of discharge electrode rods is deformed into an arc shape so as to form an arc toward one object end surface by a discharge deformation member disposed in the discharge, and the object end surface is heated. After the softening, a fusion splicing step of performing fusion splicing by pressing the other object end face against the melt heating portion of the object end face through a through-hole opened in the axial direction of the discharge deformation member. An electrical discharge machining method characterized by the above. An electric discharge machining apparatus for melting and heating and fusion-bonding opposing portions of two objects to be connected by discharge generated between two discharge electrode rods,
Disposed between a pair of discharge electrode rods, having a discharge deformation member that deforms the discharge into an arc shape so as to form an arc,
In a state where a discharge is generated between the discharge electrode rods, the discharge deformable member is protruded toward the end surface of the object, the end surface of the object is heated and softened, and then the other end of the molten end portion of the end surface of the object is heated. An electric discharge machining apparatus characterized in that the end face of the object is pressed and fused. The electric discharge machining apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a sandwiching angle between the pair of electric discharge electrode rods is set in a range of 20 to 160 °. 10. The electric discharge machining apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a driving unit that adjusts an angle between the pair of electric discharge electrode rods. 9. The discharge deformation member is disposed within a distance corresponding to a length L of the connection from a connection formed by connecting ends of the discharge electrode rods to an end surface of the object. EDM machine. The electric discharge machining apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a driving unit that adjusts an arrangement of the electric discharge deformation member. The discharge deformation member is
The electric discharge machining apparatus according to any one of claims 8, 11, and 12, further comprising a temperature detection means for detecting a tip temperature of the electric discharge deformation member inside the electric discharge deformation member. . The electric discharge machining apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a control unit that controls an amount of electric power supplied to the discharge electrode bar based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit. When the one object is a substrate waveguide mainly composed of quartz glass, and the other object is an optical fiber mainly composed of quartz glass, the discharge deformable member has a higher melting point than quartz glass. The electric discharge machining apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the electric discharge machining apparatus is made of a material mainly composed of silicon nitride or boron nitride. The discharge deformation member is
The electric discharge machining apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 13 or 15, wherein a through-hole for passing the object is opened in an axial direction of the electric discharge deformation member.

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