JP2011203534A - Splicing reinforcement device and fusion splicing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reinforce a high-rigidity optical fiber cable so that it is not reinforced in a state of being twisted or bent or a spliced part is not disconnected, in a splicing reinforcement device for reinforcing the optical fiber cable after fusion splice, and to provide a fusion splicing machine including the splicing reinforcement device.SOLUTION: The splicing reinforcement device includes holding mechanisms 35a and 35b for holding sheath parts on both sides of a spliced part of an optical fiber cable in which the sheath cross section is rectangular. The holding mechanisms 35a and 35b have slits which have a width corresponding to a length in a short-side direction of the cross section of the sheath parts.

Description

  The present invention relates to a connection reinforcing device for reinforcing a fusion splicing portion between optical fibers, and a fusion splicer including the same.

When splicing single-fiber or multi-core optical fibers, re-coating of the coating or reinforcement treatment using a heat-shrinkable tube is used to reinforce the connection part (splice connection part) from which the fiber coating has been removed. It is done.
In order to perform the above-described various processes on the connection portion after the optical fiber is fusion spliced, the spliced optical fiber is transferred to each processing process place so that twisting does not occur. It is necessary to place or fix.

Patent Document 1 discloses a processing method for a fusion spliced optical fiber in which the fusion spliced optical fiber is clamped and transferred to various processing steps after the fusion splicing.
Patent Document 2 discloses a transport jig attached to a fusion splicer, which transports while preventing twisting of an optical fiber by using expansion and contraction and rotation of an arm.
Patent Document 3 discloses an optical fiber transfer jig that transfers an optical fiber from a first work surface to a second work surface over an obstacle while gripping both sides of the optical fiber.

JP 2003-337247 A JP-A-6-130243 JP-A-4-134403

Due to the expansion of communication networks using optical fibers in recent years, connection by fusion splicing is also required for drop optical cables and indoor optical cables having a rectangular outer cross section.
This type of cable has a built-in tension member and a large outer diameter (that is, a large cross-sectional area). However, the technique described in Patent Literatures 1-3 is a technique for reinforcing the connection between optical fiber core wires that do not have a jacket or a tension member, and is not assumed to be applied to such an optical fiber cable.

  Therefore, in the conventional connection reinforcing device including the technique described in Patent Documents 1-3, even if it is attempted to clamp and fix the optical fiber cable for reinforcement when the optical fiber cables are fusion-connected, the optical fiber cable When an external force is applied to the optical fiber cable, the clamp loses the stress, and as a result, the fixed state of the optical fiber cable may be released and twisted.

  In general, a connection reinforcing device arranges a sleeve for reinforcement at a connection portion and reinforces the connection portion by heating. However, since the sleeve becomes soft at a high temperature, the light having the above-described twist is generated. In the fiber cable, while the reinforcing portion is taken out of the heating reinforcing device and cooled immediately after the heating reinforcement, the reinforcing portion is twisted or bent. As a result, the state of the connection portion cannot be maintained, and the optical fiber may be disconnected.

  As described above, in fusion splicing between optical fiber cables having high rigidity, in the conventional apparatus, the gripping force of the mechanism for clamping the optical fiber cable tends to apply stress to the optical fiber cable. When a stress is applied during the cooling, twisting and bending may occur, and the connection portion of the optical fiber may be disconnected.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described actual situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a connection reinforcing device for performing reinforcement after fusion splicing on a highly rigid optical fiber cable and a fusion splicing including the same. In the machine, the connection portion is reinforced so that it is reinforced in a state where twisting or bending occurs or the connection portion is not disconnected.

  A connection reinforcing device according to the present invention is a connection reinforcing device for reinforcing a connection portion in which optical fibers contained in an optical fiber cable having a rectangular jacket cross-section are fusion-bonded with each other by a reinforcing member. A holding mechanism for holding a jacket portion on both sides of a connection portion in a fiber cable is provided, and the holding mechanism has a slit having a width in a short side direction in a cross section of the jacket portion. is there.

  Moreover, the above-mentioned holding mechanism can be configured to have a width adjusting mechanism that adjusts the width of the slit. Moreover, the above-mentioned holding | maintenance mechanism can be set as the structure which has a fixing mechanism which hold | suppresses a jacket part from the upper direction of a slit and fixes a jacket part in the state by which the jacket part was engage | inserted in the slit. Furthermore, the reinforcement by the reinforcing member includes a heat treatment, and can be configured to include another holding mechanism for holding the reinforcing member heated by the heat treatment for cooling. Here, the other holding mechanism can be configured to have a slit similar to the above-described holding mechanism.

  Moreover, the fusion splicer according to the present invention has the above-described connection reinforcing device. Also, this fusion splicer transports the optical fiber cable from the placement position of the optical fiber cable in the fusion splicing section for performing the fusion splicing to the slit that is a position for performing the heat treatment. It can be set as the structure provided with this guide member.

  According to the connection reinforcing device of the present invention and the fusion splicing machine including the same, the rigid optical fiber cable is not reinforced in a state where twisting or bending occurs, or the connection portion is not disconnected. The connection portion can be reinforced.

It is a figure which shows an example of the optical fiber cable used as the process target in the connection reinforcing device and fusion splicer which concern on this invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a reinforcing sleeve is put on a connection portion after the optical fiber cables of FIG. 1 are fused and connected. It is an external view showing an example of a fusion splicer according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the fusion splicer of FIG. 3 is used for fusion splicing. It is a top view which shows the state currently melt | fusion-connected using the fusion splicer of FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a state in which the fusion splicer of FIG. 3 is used for fusion splicing. It is a figure which shows the other example of the holding mechanism for hold | maintaining an optical fiber cable at the time of the reinforcement process in the fusion splicer of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the holding mechanism for hold | maintaining an optical fiber cable at the time of the reinforcement process in the fusion splicer of FIG. It is a side view which shows the other example of the fusion splicer based on this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a connection reinforcing device according to the present invention and a fusion splicer including the connection reinforcing device will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an optical fiber cable that is an object of the present invention will be described.
1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of an optical fiber cable to be processed by a connection reinforcing device and a fusion splicer according to the present invention. FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view thereof, and FIG. FIG.

  An optical fiber cable 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example of an optical fiber cable that can be reinforced with a connection reinforcing device according to the present invention. The optical fiber cable 1 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. Here, the long side of the cross section is L and the short side is S.

  The optical fiber cable 1 includes an optical fiber (bare fiber) 11, a fiber coating 12 covering the optical fiber 11, a tension member 13, and a resin jacket 14 covering them. In addition, what covered the optical fiber 11 with the fiber coating 12 is called an optical fiber core wire, an optical fiber strand, etc. Two tension members 13 are attached in the direction of the long side L of the optical fiber cable 1 so as to sandwich the optical fiber 11 from both sides.

  An optical fiber cable without the tension member 13 can also be a connection reinforcing object of the present invention. Further, the optical fiber cable 1 is illustrated as having a cross-sectional shape with rounded corners as shown in the figure, but the object to be processed by the connection reinforcing device of the present invention has, for example, corners cut off. Various cross-sectional shapes with long and short axes, such as non-cross-sectional shapes (that is, rectangular cross-sectional shapes), rounded cross-sectional shapes, and those with a notch near the center of the long side L Can be applied.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a reinforcing sleeve is put on a connection portion after the optical fiber cables of FIG. The optical fiber cables 1a and 1b shown in FIG. 2 are both the optical fiber cables 1 described in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the components are shown by adding a and b to the reference numerals shown in FIG. ing.

  Before the fusion splicing, the fiber coatings 12a, 12b and the jackets 14a, 14b at the end portions of the optical fiber cables 1a, 1b are removed, and unnecessary portions of the tension members 13a, 13b are removed, for example, The optical fibers (glass fibers) 11a and 11b are exposed. The optical fibers 11a and 11b are each exposed about 10 mm, and the fiber coatings 12a and 12b are respectively exposed 20 mm or less. As a result, the distance from the edges of the jackets 14a and 14b to the tips of the optical fibers 11a and 11b is 30 mm or less.

  Then, one optical fiber cable (for example, the optical fiber cable 1a) is passed through the inside of a reinforcing sleeve (also referred to as a protective tube) 2 prepared in advance. The protective tube 2 is an example of a reinforcing member, and is contracted by heat. Then, it is set in the fusion splicer and fusion-bonded at the connection point C.

  Thereafter, the protective tube 2 is moved so as to be covered by the connecting portion (fusion spliced portion), and the protective tube 2 is melted and contracted by applying a heat treatment, and is connected to the jackets 14a and 14b, thereby providing an optical fiber. The connection between the cable 1a and the optical fiber cable 1b is reinforced. A heat-meltable adhesive resin is put in the protective tube 2. In addition, by providing a tension member inside the protective tube 2, the connection portion can be reinforced so as not to be bent.

  The connection reinforcing device according to the present invention has a holding mechanism for holding the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b in a state in which the optical fiber 11a and the optical fiber 11b are merely fusion-connected in such a reinforcing process. Hereinafter, a connection reinforcing device having such a holding mechanism and a fusion splicer including the connection reinforcing device will be described.

  FIG. 3 is an external view showing an example of a fusion splicer according to the present invention. 4, 5, and 6 are a perspective view, a top view, and a side view, respectively, showing a state of fusion splicing using the fusion splicer of FIG. 3.

  A fusion splicer (optical fiber fusion splicer) 3 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a main body 30 and a windshield cover 32 provided on the upper side of the main body 30. 3 shows a state in which the windshield cover 32 is closed, and FIGS. 4 to 6 show a state in which the windshield cover 32 is opened. In addition, an operation unit 31 for performing various settings for fusion splicing is provided below the main body 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the main body 30 of the fusion splicer 3 is exposed at a position where the windshield cover 32 is opened and a part of the optical fiber cables 1 a and 1 b is removed. It has a discharge portion 38 for fusing the optical fibers 11a and 11b by discharge heating. The discharge unit 38 includes a pair of electrode rods for heating the optical fibers 11a and 11b exposed from the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b, and an electrode rod support for supporting each of the electrode rods.

  The optical fiber cables 1a and 1b to be fused in the discharge unit 38 are installed in the main body 30 while being held by the fiber holders 4a and 4b, respectively. Therefore, the main body 30 includes holder installation portions 30a and 30b. The fiber holders 4a and 4b are installed in the holder installation sections 30a and 30b so that the end surfaces of the held optical fibers 11a and 11b face each other.

  The discharge part 38 and the holder installation parts 30a and 30b are protected from the outside by the windshield cover 32. A hinge is attached between the windshield cover 32 and the main body 30, and the windshield cover 32 can be rotated (opened / closed) around the hinge. In addition, a control unit (not shown) for controlling the discharge unit 38 is built in the main body 30, and a plug plug for inserting various plugs such as a USB plug is inserted in the side of the main body 30. A mouth is also provided.

  When the optical fibers 11a and 11b are fusion-spliced using the fusion splicer 3 having such a configuration, the following work occurs. First, as described with reference to FIG. 2, the optical fibers 11 a and 11 b are exposed, and one optical fiber cable (for example, the optical fiber cable 1 a) is passed inside the protective tube 2. Then, the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b are held by the fiber holders 4a and 4b so as to expose the optical fibers 11a and 11b, respectively, and are installed in the holder installation portions 30a and 30b.

  And optical fiber 11a, 11b exposed from the front-end | tip part of optical fiber cable 1a, 1b is guided from the guide member provided under the electrode rod, and is made to oppose between a pair of electrode rods. Thereafter, the windshield cover 32 is closed, a voltage is applied to the electrode rod, and arc discharge is generated from the tip of the electrode rod, thereby melting the optical fibers 11a and 11b. Thereby, the optical fibers 11a and 11b are fusion-connected.

  Next, a configuration necessary for reinforcement after fusion splicing will be described. The fusion splicer 3 according to the present invention includes a connection reinforcing device. The connection reinforcing device mainly includes a heating unit 33a, a cover 33b, clip units 34a and 34b, holding mechanisms (hereinafter referred to as first holding mechanisms) 35a and 35b, and other holding mechanisms (hereinafter referred to as second holding mechanisms). 37a, 37b, a first support member 35c, a second support member 37c, and guide mechanisms 36a, 36b.

  The heating unit 33a is a heater for heating the protective tube 2 covered with the connection portion, and has a shape into which the protective tube 2 can be inserted. The cover 33b is provided to prevent heat dissipation during the heat treatment. The clip portions 34a and 34b have a pedestal installed on the main body 30 side and a rotating portion that rotates around the hinge portion, and the optical fiber cable with the protective tube 2 inserted into the heating portion 33a. Clip 1a, 1b with a base and a rotation part. The pedestal and the rotating portion are fixed by, for example, magnets with the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b being sandwiched therebetween.

  The first holding mechanisms 35a and 35b are mechanisms for holding the portions of the jackets 14a and 14b on both sides of the connection portion (that is, both sides of the protective tube 2), and they are connected by the first support member 35c. The first support member 35 c is connected to the main body 30.

  Each of the first holding mechanisms 35a and 35b has a slit 50, as shown in FIG. The slit 50 has a length S in the short side direction in the cross section of the portions of the jackets 14a and 14b as a width, and is a slit for restricting the length S. That is, the width D1 of the slit 50 is the length S in the short side direction.

  With this configuration, the first holding mechanism 35b can hold the long sides of the optical fiber cable 1b so that the long sides of the optical fiber cable 1a can be held by the first holding mechanism 35a. And by such a clamp, it can fix without rotating in the circumferential direction in a plane perpendicular to the cable length direction (cable axis direction).

  The guide mechanisms 36a and 36b are members for winding and guiding the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b from the mounting position of the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b in the discharge unit 38 to the slit 50 which is the execution position of the heat treatment, respectively. In this example, it has an arc shape.

  The guide mechanisms 36a and 36b are not essential, but if they are not provided, it is necessary to provide a separate complicated automatic transport mechanism up to the slit 50 or manually enter the slit 50. In the latter case, an optical fiber is required. The cables 1a and 1b may be twisted. On the other hand, twisting can be prevented by causing the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b to lie over the guide mechanisms 36a and 36b from the fusion connection to the heating portion 33a of the connection reinforcement. In particular, a human hand can easily feel tension and bending, and a mechanism that only guides can sufficiently maintain the orientation of the optical fiber cable.

  The second holding mechanisms 37a and 37b serve as holding places after the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b are moved from the first holding mechanisms 35a and 35b, respectively, and cool the optical fiber cables heated by the heat treatment. It is a mechanism to hold for. The second holding mechanisms 37a and 37b are mechanisms for holding the portions of the jackets 14a and 14b on both sides of the connection portion (that is, both sides of the protective tube 2), and they are connected by the second support member 37c. The second support member 37c is connected to the main body 30 directly or via the first support member 35c. Further, the second support member 37c is not only supported by the second holding mechanisms 37a and 37b, but is also formed with a groove so that the protective tube 2 that is a reinforcing portion can be placed thereon.

  Each of the second holding mechanisms 37a and 37b has a slit 60, as shown in FIG. The slit 60 is a slit for constraining the length S with a length S in the short side direction in the cross section of the jackets 14a and 14b of the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b. That is, the width D2 of the slit 60 is the length S in the short side direction.

  With this configuration, in the state where the portion of the protective tube 2 is placed in the groove portion of the second support member 37c, the second holding mechanism 37b can hold the long side of the optical fiber cable 1b so as to sandwich the long side. The two holding mechanisms 37a can hold the long sides of the optical fiber cable 1a so as to sandwich each other. And by performing such a clamp, it can fix without rotating in the circumferential direction in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the cable length (cable axis direction).

  The second holding mechanisms 37a and 37b and the second support member 37c are not essential. However, if the reinforcement treatment includes a heat treatment as exemplified herein, it is necessary to cool for a sufficient time after the heating, preferably for the connection of the next set of fiber optic cables. It is better to remove the later optical fiber cable. Therefore, it is preferable that the connection reinforcing device includes the second holding mechanisms 37a and 37b so that the heating reinforcement of the connection portion and the cooling after the heating can be performed in parallel. This eliminates the need for a dedicated cooling tray called a cooling tray that has been prepared separately. Further, as described above, the second holding mechanisms 37a and 37b preferably have the same slits as the first holding mechanisms 35a and 35b, respectively.

  When the fusion splicer 3 having such a configuration is used for heating and cooling after fusion splicing, the following operations occur. First, the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b are taken out from the fiber holders 4a and 4b, respectively, and the protective tube 2 is moved so as to cover the fusion spliced portion as shown in FIG.

  Next, in order to apply heat treatment, as indicated by the dotted line I in FIG. 6 (along the guide mechanisms 36a and 36b), the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b are manually moved to heat the protective tube 2 portion. The portions 14a and 14b are inserted into the slits 50 of the first holding mechanisms 35a and 35b in the portion 33a. Subsequently, the cover 33b is closed and the clip portions 34a and 34b are rotated to fix the portions of the jackets 14a and 14b. In this state, the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b are installed so as to extend straight without bending.

  In such a state, it is heated for a certain time by a heating operation in the operation unit 31. After the heat treatment, the cover 33b is opened and the clip portions 34a and 34b are rotated to release the portions of the jackets 14a and 14b. And in order to perform a cooling process, as shown with the dotted line II of FIG. 6, optical fiber cable 1a, 1b is moved manually, the part of the protection tube 2 is put into the groove part of the 2nd supporting member 37c, and the jacket 14a, The portion 14b is put into the slit 60 of the second holding mechanism 37a, 37b. In this state, natural cooling or cooling using a separate cooling device is performed.

  Moreover, since the discharge part 38 is already vacant at the time of heat processing, what is necessary is just to fuse | melt the next set of optical fiber cables. Furthermore, since the heating unit 33a and the first holding mechanisms 35a and 35b are already vacant during the cooling process, it is only necessary to insert the set of optical fiber cables after the next fusion splicing and perform the heating process.

  As described above, according to the connection reinforcing device of the present invention and the fusion splicing machine equipped with the same, the reinforcement can be reinforced in a state where twisting or bending occurs during the reinforcement of the fusion connection such as heat treatment or cooling treatment. The connection part can be prevented from being disconnected.

FIG. 7 is a view showing another example of a holding mechanism (first holding mechanism and second holding mechanism) for holding the optical fiber cable during the reinforcing process in the fusion splicer of FIG. Fig. 7B is a perspective view, and Fig. 7B is a side view in which a part of the first holding mechanisms 37a and 37b is transmitted.
Each of the first holding mechanisms 35a and 35b described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 preferably includes a width adjusting mechanism 51 that adjusts (changes) the width of the slit 50, as shown in FIG. Of course, it is preferable to provide a similar width adjusting mechanism 61 in the second holding mechanism.

  As the width adjusting mechanism 51 and the width adjusting mechanism 61, a mechanism is adopted in which the contact surface 51a with the jackets 14a and 14b is shifted left and right by screws to sandwich the optical fiber cable 1b in the example of FIG. The mechanism is not limited to this example, and any mechanism may be used as long as the width is variable for each slit 50. In this way, by adjusting the slit width, it is possible to cope with the size of a plurality of optical fiber cables.

  After the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b are inserted into the slit 50 (or slit 60) and the vertical position in FIG. 7B is determined, the contact surface 51a in the width adjusting mechanism 51 (or the contact in the width adjusting mechanism 61). The thread portion is tightened so as to narrow the width between the surface) and the fixed surface, and the long side direction of the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b is clamped. Thereby, it can hold | maintain, without applying tension | tensile_strength to optical fiber 11a, 11b.

  By providing such a width adjusting mechanism, the gap between the slits 50 and 60 can be narrowed, so that the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b are pressurized so as to stabilize the position of the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b. Can do.

FIG. 8 is a view showing another example of a holding mechanism for holding the optical fiber cable during the reinforcing process in the fusion splicer of FIG.
In the configuration including the width adjusting mechanism 51 as in FIG. 7, the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b are used by the width adjusting mechanism 51 according to the longer side (length L) of the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b. You can also In this case, since the direction in the plane perpendicular to the cable axis direction cannot be completely fixed, it is preferable to provide a further fixing mechanism.
That is, it is preferable that the first holding mechanisms 35a and 35b include the following fixing mechanism. Of course, the following fixing mechanism may be provided even in a configuration in which the width adjusting mechanism 51 is not provided.

  This fixing mechanism is a mechanism for fixing the portions of the jackets 14a and 14b by holding the portions of the jackets 14a and 14b from above the slit 50 in a state where the portions of the jackets 14a and 14b are fitted into the slit 50. is there. For example, the fixing mechanism includes a hinge portion 52 for connecting to the first holding mechanisms 35 a and 35 b side, that is, the slit 50 side, a rotating member 53, and a flange portion 56 provided at the tip of the rotating member 53. Further, a contact portion 54 for making contact with the outer jackets 14a and 14b and a spring portion 55 for pressing the outer cover 14a and 14b with the contact portion 54 by pressing the contact portion 54 are provided.

  With such a configuration, the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b are sandwiched in the slit 50 and adjusted by the width adjusting mechanism 51 as necessary, and then the rotating member 53 is rotated around the hinge portion 52, thereby the flange portion 56. Is hooked on the hook portion on the main body 57 side of the first holding mechanism 35a, 35b, whereby the jackets 14a, 14b of the optical fiber cables 1a, 1b can be pressed by the contact portion 54. As a result, the direction in the plane perpendicular to the cable axis direction can be completely fixed, and there is no fear of twisting or bending. Of course, this fixation is temporary and can be released by removing the hook.

  In FIG. 8, the state where such a fixing mechanism is opened is shown on the first holding mechanism side, and the state where the fixing mechanism is closed and clipped is shown on the second holding mechanism side. Thus, it is preferable that the second holding mechanisms 37a and 37b include the same fixing mechanism. Similarly to the fixing mechanism on the slit 50 side, the fixing mechanism on the slit 60 side includes a hinge part 62, a rotating member 63, a flange part 66, a contact part 64, and a spring part 65 for connection to the slit 60 side. The optical fiber cables 1a and 1b can be completely fixed by hooking the flange 66 on the main body 67 side of the second holding mechanisms 37a and 37b.

  With such a configuration, for example, the optical fiber cable 1a and the optical fiber cable 1b can be reinforced after being fused by shifting each other by 90 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the cable axial direction. At this time, the fiber holders 4a and 4b may be installed so as to be shifted by 90 degrees, or a fiber holder that is shifted by 90 degrees may be prepared.

  As another configuration example, the first holding mechanisms 35a and 35b and / or the second holding mechanisms 37a and 37b are the same as those shown in FIG. It is preferable to be provided so as to be removable from the main body. Depending on the fusion splicing operation, both or one of the holding mechanisms may be unnecessary, but by adopting such a detachable configuration, the holding mechanism can be removed so as not to get in the way. It is also possible to use a conventional dedicated tray only for the cooling tray.

  FIG. 9 is a side view showing another example of the fusion splicer according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 6, and the guide mechanism 36b preferably has a curved portion 36d on which the optical fiber cables 1a and 1b are placed as illustrated in FIG. The same applies to the guide mechanism 36a.

  As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. However, the connection reinforcing device according to the present invention is not limited to a built-in or installed in a fusion splicer, and is used as a single device. It can also be configured and used.

  Furthermore, although only the case where the same kind and the same magnitude | size optical fiber cables 1a and 1b are connected was demonstrated, not only that but this invention is the same also when connecting a different kind and magnitude | size optical fiber cable. Applicable. The widths of the slits in the first and second holding mechanisms may be prepared in advance separately for the width of the target optical fiber cable, or an adjustment mechanism capable of corresponding to the width may be prepared. Furthermore, although an example in which only one optical fiber is included in the optical fiber cable has been described, a plurality of optical fiber cables that are included can also be applied.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a, 1b ... Optical fiber cable, 2 ... Protection tube, 3 ... Fusion splicer, 4a, 4b ... Fiber holder, 11, 11a, 11b ... Optical fiber, 12, 12a, 12b ... Fiber coating, 13, 13a , 13b ... tension member, 14, 14a, 14b ... jacket, 30 ... main body, 30a, 30b ... holder installation part, 31 ... operation part, 32 ... windshield cover, 33a ... heating part, 33b ... cover, 34a, 34b ... Clip part, 35a, 35b ... 1st holding mechanism, 35c ... 1st support member, 36a, 36b ... Guide mechanism, 36d ... Bending part, 37a, 37b ... 2nd holding mechanism, 37c ... 2nd support member, 38 ... Discharge 50, 60 ... slit, 51, 61 ... width adjusting mechanism, 51a ... contact surface, 52, 62 ... hinge part, 53, 63 ... rotating member, 54, 64 ... contact part, 55, 6 ... spring part, 56, 66 ... hook, 57 ... main body of the first holding member, 67 ... main body of the second holding member.

Claims (7)

A connection reinforcing device for reinforcing a connection part, in which optical fibers incorporated in an optical fiber cable having a rectangular sheath cross-section are fusion-bonded with each other by a reinforcing member,
A holding mechanism for holding a jacket portion on both sides of the connection portion in the optical fiber cable is provided, and the holding mechanism has a slit having a width in a short side direction in a cross section of the jacket portion. And connection reinforcement.   The connection reinforcing device according to claim 1, wherein the holding mechanism includes a width adjusting mechanism that adjusts a width of the slit.   The holding mechanism includes a fixing mechanism that holds the outer cover portion in place with the outer cover portion held down from above the slit in a state where the outer cover portion is fitted in the slit. Or the connection reinforcement device of 2.   The reinforcement by the said reinforcement member includes heat processing, It equips with the other holding mechanism hold | maintained in order to cool the said reinforcement member heated by the said heat processing, The any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The connection stiffener described in 1.   The connection reinforcing device according to claim 4, wherein the other holding mechanism has a slit similar to the holding mechanism.   A fusion splicer comprising the connection reinforcing device according to claim 1.   A guide member for transporting the optical fiber cable while holding the optical fiber cable from the placement position of the optical fiber cable in the fusion splicing portion for performing the fusion splicing to the slit which is a position for performing the heat treatment. The fusion splicer according to claim 6, further comprising a fusion splicer.

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