JP2020095109A - Fusion splicer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a fusion splicer for easily and efficiently performing work of fusing and splicing two optical fibers together.SOLUTION: A fusion splicer includes: a drive part for performing positional adjustment in a longer direction of an optical fiber that is a fusion splicing object; an imaging part for imaging a predetermined space region where the positional adjustment takes place, from a radial direction of the optical fiber; an image processing part for detecting a position of a tip surface of the optical fiber in the longer direction, on the basis of the captured image; and a control part for controlling the drive part. The control part compares the detected initial position of the tip surface of the optical fiber in the longer direction with a position of a reference set line, and if the reference set line is on an optical fiber base end side of the initial position of the tip surface of the optical fiber in the longer direction, the drive part is controlled to retract the tip surface of the optical fiber in the longer direction to the optical fiber base end side of the reference set line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a fusion splicer for fusion splicing optical fibers.

Conventionally, a fusion splicer used for fusion splicing optical fibers is known (see Patent Document 1). Generally, a fusion splicer is provided with an optical fiber holder, a discharge part, etc. as a fusion splicing mechanism for fusion splicing optical fibers. The pair of optical fibers to be fusion-spliced are respectively set in the V grooves of the two optical fiber holders. Each of the two optical fiber holders holds a pair of optical fibers in the V groove in such a manner that a tip portion (glass portion from which the coating is removed) to which the optical fibers are fusion-spliced extends to the outside of the holder. The discharge part is arranged between two optical fiber holders facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and is configured to perform a discharge for fusion-splicing a pair of optical fibers.

Further, the fusion splicer is provided with an image pickup unit for observing the tip portions of the pair of optical fibers. For example, the fusion splicer described in Patent Document 1 detects each tip end surface of a pair of optical fibers based on an image captured by an image capturing unit, and a distance between the detected tip end surfaces is preset. The two optical fiber holders are advanced toward each other until the end face spacing is achieved. As a result, each of the pair of optical fibers advances in the direction toward the discharge portion, and is brought into a state in which the position of the tip end face is aligned with the reference set line for fusion splicing. Note that the reference set line is a line indicating the separated position of each tip end surface suitable for fusion splicing a pair of optical fibers by the discharge of the discharge part.

JP-A-4-268509

However, in the above-described conventional fusion splicer, it is not considered that the two optical fiber holders holding the pair of optical fibers are retracted in the direction in which they are separated from each other. Therefore, at the stage of setting the optical fiber in the optical fiber holder, if the end face position of the tip end portion of the optical fiber extending from the optical fiber holder has already exceeded the reference set line for fusion splicing, The end face position of the tip cannot be adjusted to the reference set line. Therefore, it is necessary to reset the optical fiber in the optical fiber holder and adjust the extension amount of the optical fiber from the optical fiber holder. As a result, there is a risk that the work of fusion-splicing the pair of optical fibers may be troublesome.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fusion splicer that can perform the work of fusion splicing optical fibers easily and efficiently.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the fusion splicer according to the present invention is a drive unit for adjusting the longitudinal position of an optical fiber to be fusion-spliced, and the optical fiber. Of the predetermined space area in which the position adjustment is performed from the radial direction of the optical fiber, and the position of the front end surface in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is detected based on the image captured by the imaging unit. And the position of the reference set line that positions the longitudinal tip surface and the initial position that is the position of the longitudinal tip surface detected by the image processing unit before the position adjustment. When the position of the reference set line is a position closer to the base end side of the optical fiber than the initial position of the longitudinal end face, the longitudinal end face is closer to the base end side of the optical fiber than the reference set line. And a control unit that controls the drive unit so as to retract the optical fiber so that the optical fiber is located at the position.

Further, the fusion splicer according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the control unit controls the drive unit so as to retract the optical fiber by a preset movement amount.

Further, the fusion splicer according to the present invention, in the above invention, the control unit, the position of the distal end face in the longitudinal direction detected by the image processing unit is a base end of the optical fiber rather than the reference set line. It is characterized in that the drive unit is controlled so as to be located on the side.

Also, in the fusion splicer according to the present invention, in the above invention, the control unit moves the longitudinal distal end surface to a first position which is a position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber with respect to the reference set line. It is characterized in that the drive unit is controlled so as to move backward and to move the retracted longitudinal end surface forward to a second position which is a position closer to the reference set line than the first position.

Further, in the fusion splicer according to the present invention, in the above invention, the image processing unit, based on the image captured by the imaging unit, the optical fiber in a penetrating state that penetrates the predetermined space region. Detecting, the control unit retracts the optical fiber in the penetrating state until the longitudinal end surface of the optical fiber in the penetrating state is detected by the image processing unit, and retracts the optical fiber in the longitudinal direction. The driving unit is controlled so that the front end surface is located closer to the base end side of the optical fiber than the reference set line.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that the work of fusion splicing optical fibers can be performed easily and efficiently.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a fusion splicer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a longitudinal direction and a radial direction of a pair of optical fibers in the fusion splicer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of detection processing based on an image of an optical fiber by the image processing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a series of operations from the initial position adjustment of the pair of optical fibers to the fusion splicing performed by the fusion splicer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram for specifically explaining the initial position adjustment of the pair of optical fibers in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the fusion splicer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram for specifically explaining the backward process of the optical fiber according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8: is a figure which shows one structural example of the fusion splicer which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart exemplifying a series of operations from the initial position adjustment of the pair of optical fibers to the fusion splicing performed by the fusion splicer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for specifically explaining the initial position adjustment of the pair of optical fibers in the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the fusion splicer according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationship of each element and the ratio of each element may be different from the actual one. Even between the drawings, there may be a case where portions having different dimensional relationships or ratios are included.

(Embodiment 1)
The configuration of the fusion splicer according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a fusion splicer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in the fusion splicer 1 according to the first embodiment, a pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fusion spliced are set in the fusion splicer 1 so that they can be aligned with each other. Holders 2a, 2b, movable stages 3a, 3b and optical fiber clamps 4a, 4b, and discharge units 5a, 5b and discharge control unit 6 for fusion-splicing these optical fibers F1, F2. . The device main body 18 of the fusion splicer 1 is provided with an openable/closable windshield cover (not shown), and holders 2a and 2b, movable stages 3a and 3b, optical fiber clamps 4a and 4b, and a discharge part 5a. 5b are arranged in the device main body 18 so as to be covered by the windshield cover. Further, the fusion splicer 1 processes a first image pickup unit 7a and a second image pickup unit 7b for obtaining an image (video) necessary for alignment of these optical fibers F1 and F2, and the obtained image. Image processing unit 8 for In addition, the fusion splicer 1 includes transport drive units 9a and 9b for adjusting the positions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the longitudinal direction, and a first diameter for adjusting the positions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the radial direction. The direction drive unit 10 and the second radial direction drive unit 11, the rotation drive units 12a and 12b for adjusting the rotational positions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the circumferential direction, and the first imaging unit 7a and the second imaging unit 7b. A first focus drive unit 13a and a second focus drive unit 13b for adjusting focus are provided. Further, the fusion splicer 1 includes a touch panel 14 that has both a function as a display unit and a function as an operation unit, and a control unit 15 for controlling each component of the fusion splicer 1.

In addition, as the alignment of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fusion-spliced, for example, an end face position that adjusts each position of the end faces of the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the optical fiber longitudinal direction (core axis direction). Adjustment, alignment for adjusting the position of the core axis in the radial direction of each optical fiber F1, F2, rotational alignment for adjusting the rotational position of each optical fiber F1, F2 in the circumferential direction, radial direction of each optical fiber F1, F2 Focus adjustment for adjusting the focus of the image pickup from is described.

The holders 2a and 2b hold the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 set in the fusion splicer 1, respectively. Although the detailed structure is not shown, the holders 2a and 2b are each configured by, for example, a base portion having a V groove or the like, a lid portion that can be opened and closed with respect to the base portion, and the like. In the first embodiment, the holder 2a has the optical fiber F1 in which the coating on the tip side is peeled off and the glass portion is exposed, and the glass portion is extended from one end and the coating portion is extended from the other end. In this state, it is grasped by being sandwiched between the lid portion and the V groove of the base portion. Like the holder 2a, the holder 2b holds the optical fiber F2 in a state where the coating on the tip side is peeled off and the glass portion is exposed.

In addition, in the optical fibers F1 and F2, the tip end side is the end face side of the glass portions that are fusion-spliced to each other. The end face (end face of the covering portion) side opposite to the tip end side is the base end side. Further, the glass portions (also referred to as tip portions) of the optical fibers F1 and F2 are optical fiber portions whose coating is peeled off, that is, glass portions including a core portion and a clad portion formed on the outer periphery of the core portion. is there.

The movable stages 3a and 3b are movable stages that move and rotate to align the optical fibers F1 and F2. In the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a holder 2a in a state of holding an optical fiber F1 directs the glass portion on the tip side of the optical fiber F1 toward the discharge parts 5a, 5b on the movable stage 3a. Is attached as. The movable stage 3a moves in the longitudinal direction or the radial direction of the optical fiber F1 by the action of the transport drive unit 9a, the first radial drive unit 10, the second radial drive unit 11 or the rotary drive unit 12a, which will be described later, or , The optical fiber F1 rotates about the longitudinal axis (core axis). On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a holder 2b holding the optical fiber F2 is attached to the movable stage 3b so that the glass portion on the tip side of the optical fiber F2 faces the discharge parts 5a, 5b. .. The movable stage 3b moves in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F2 or rotates about the core axis of the optical fiber F2 by the action of the transport driving unit 9b or the rotation driving unit 12b described later.

Here, the holders 2a and 2b of the optical fibers F1 and F2 are respectively attached to the movable stages 3a and 3b as described above, so that the longitudinal direction and the radial direction of the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the fusion splicer 1 are set. To be done. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a longitudinal direction and a radial direction of a pair of optical fibers in the fusion splicer according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the Z-axis direction is set as the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers F1 and F2. The Z axis is one axis of the XYZ three-axis orthogonal coordinate system and is an axis parallel to the core axes of the optical fibers F1 and F2. Further, with respect to the optical fibers F1 and F2, a plurality of (two in the first embodiment) radial directions different from each other are set. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are set as the radial directions of the optical fibers F1 and F2. The X axis and the Y axis are each one axis of the XYZ three-axis orthogonal coordinate system. The X-axis is an axis parallel to the first radial direction of the different first and second radial directions of the optical fibers F1 and F2, and the Y-axis is parallel to the second radial direction. It is an axis. That is, in the first embodiment, the first radial direction and the second radial direction of the optical fibers F1 and F2 are radial directions perpendicular to each other.

Further, in the first embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the optical fiber F1 of the holder 2a on the movable stage 3a provided on the right side with respect to the discharge parts 5a and 5b as shown in FIG. , And the optical fiber F2 of the holder 2b on the movable stage 3b provided on the left side is referred to as the "left side optical fiber".

On the other hand, the optical fiber clamps 4a and 4b are for fixing the positions of the glass portions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 relative to the movable stages 3a and 3b, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, the optical fiber clamp 4a releasably retains the glass portion of the optical fiber F1 extending from the holder 2a mounted on the movable stage 3a on the right side to the tip side with respect to the movable stage 3a. .. As a result, the optical fiber clamp 4a fixes the position of the glass portion of the right optical fiber F1 relative to the movable stage 3a. Further, the optical fiber clamp 4b releasably clamps the glass portion of the optical fiber F2 extending from the holder 2b mounted on the left movable stage 3b to the tip side to the movable stage 3b. As a result, the optical fiber clamp 4b fixes the position of the glass portion of the left optical fiber F2 relative to the movable stage 3b. Here, if the optical fibers F1 and F2 are rotated about the Z axis while the optical fibers F1 and F2 are clamped by the optical fiber clamps 4a and 4b, damage such as damage to the glass portions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 may occur. As a result, the strength of the fusion splicing between the optical fibers F1 and F2 may be reduced. In order to avoid this situation, the optical fiber clamps 4a and 4b release the clamps of the optical fibers F1 and F2 when the optical fibers F1 and F2 are rotationally aligned under the control of the control unit 15.

The discharge parts 5a and 5b are for discharging to each glass part of the optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fusion-bonded. As shown in FIG. 1, the discharge units 5a and 5b are arranged so that the holder 2a on the right movable stage 3a and the holder 2b on the left movable stage 3b face each other in a direction perpendicular to the opposite direction. It is arranged between these movable stages 3a and 3b. The discharge parts 5a and 5b discharge the glass portions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 extending from the holders 2a and 2b on the movable stages 3a and 3b, respectively, in the radial direction of the optical fibers F1 and F2. Due to the difference in the intensity of the discharge, the glass portions (tip portions) of the optical fibers F1 and F2 are cleaned or fusion-spliced.

The discharge control unit 6 controls the amount of current discharged by the discharge units 5a and 5b. The discharge control unit 6 changes at least one value of the discharge current supplied to the discharge units 5a and 5b and the applied discharge voltage based on the control of the control unit 15 to be described later, whereby the discharge units 5a and 5b are controlled. It controls the amount of energy of discharge applied to each glass portion of the optical fibers F1 and F2. For example, when cleaning the glass portions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 by discharging, the discharge control unit 6 discharges the discharging units 5a and 5b with an energy amount suitable for this cleaning (hereinafter, referred to as cleaning discharge as appropriate). Let Further, when the end faces of the glass portions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 are fusion-spliced by discharge, the discharge control unit 6 discharges the amount of energy necessary for this fusion-splicing (hereinafter referred to as main discharge as appropriate). The discharge parts 5a and 5b are caused to do so.

The first imaging unit 7a and the second imaging unit 7b define the adjustment space region 19 in which the position adjustment in the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers (for example, the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2) to be fusion-spliced is performed in the optical fibers. 3 is an example of an image capturing unit that captures an image in the radial direction of FIG.

Specifically, the first image pickup unit 7a is configured by, for example, a light source and an image pickup device whose optical axis direction is the Y-axis direction shown in FIG. 2, and the adjustment space region 19 between the movable stages 3a and 3b is used as the image pickup region. Is arranged as. The adjustment space area 19 is a predetermined space area in which the optical fibers (the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 in the first embodiment) to be fusion-spliced are aligned. This alignment includes position adjustment of the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the longitudinal direction. The first imaging unit 7a captures an image of the adjustment space region 19 from the Y-axis direction. When at least one of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is located inside the adjustment space region 19, the first imaging unit 7a moves the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 to the radial direction of the optical fiber (in this case, the optical fiber). The image is taken from the axial direction (Y-axis direction). As a result, the first imaging unit 7a captures a first radial image showing the luminance distribution of this optical fiber in the radial direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction. In this case, the image of the adjustment space region 19 imaged by the first imaging unit 7a includes the first radial direction image of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19. The first imaging unit 7a transmits the image data of the adjustment space area 19 to the image processing unit 8 each time the image of the adjustment space area 19 is taken.

The second image pickup unit 7b is configured by, for example, a light source and an image pickup element whose optical axis direction is the X axis direction shown in FIG. 2, and is arranged so that the adjustment space region 19 between the movable stages 3a and 3b is set as the image pickup region. It The second imaging unit 7b captures an image of the adjustment space area 19 from the X-axis direction. When at least one of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is located inside the adjustment space region 19, the second imaging unit 7b moves the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 to the radial direction (in this case, the optical fiber) of the optical fiber. The image is taken from the X-axis direction, which is the axial direction. As a result, the second imaging unit 7b captures a second radial image showing the luminance distribution of this optical fiber in the radial direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction. In this case, the image of the adjustment space region 19 imaged by the second imaging unit 7b includes the second radial direction image of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19. The second imaging unit 7b transmits the image data of the adjustment space area 19 to the image processing unit 8 each time the image of the adjustment space area 19 is taken.

The image processing unit 8 performs various types of image processing on the image data of each image in the adjustment space area 19 captured by the first imaging unit 7a and the second imaging unit 7b from different directions. Specifically, the image processing unit 8 receives the image data from the first imaging unit 7a and performs a predetermined image processing on the received image data. Thereby, the image processing unit 8 constructs an image of the adjustment space region 19 in which the vertical direction is the X-axis direction and the horizontal direction is the Z-axis direction, for example. When at least one of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is located in the adjustment space region 19, the image of the adjustment space region 19 includes the first radial image of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19. This first radial direction image is an image showing the luminance distribution in the X-axis direction of the optical fibers (for example, the optical fibers F1 and F2) located in the adjustment space region 19, and the core portion and the clad portion of this optical fiber are shown. It is an image that can be visually distinguished by a difference in luminance with respect to a position in the X-axis direction (first radial direction). Further, the image processing unit 8 receives the image data from the second image pickup unit 7b and performs a predetermined image processing on the received image data. Thereby, the image processing unit 8 constructs an image of the adjustment space region 19 in which the vertical direction is the Y-axis direction and the horizontal direction is the Z-axis direction. When at least one of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is located in the adjustment space region 19, the image of the adjustment space region 19 includes the second radial direction image of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19. The second radial direction image is an image showing the luminance distribution in the Y-axis direction of the optical fibers (for example, the optical fibers F1 and F2) located in the adjustment space region 19, and the core portion and the clad portion of this optical fiber are shown. It is an image that can be visually distinguished by the difference in luminance with respect to the position in the Y-axis direction (second radial direction). The image processing unit 8 sequentially transmits the image signal of each image in the adjustment space area 19 constructed as described above to the touch panel 14 in time series.

Further, the image processing unit 8 detects the optical fiber located inside the adjustment space region 19 among the optical fibers F1 and F2 based on the image captured by the above-described image capturing unit. For example, in the first embodiment, the image processing unit 8 detects the position of the tip end surface in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. The imaging unit in this case may be the first imaging unit 7a or the second imaging unit 7b. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of detection processing based on an image of an optical fiber by the image processing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the optical fibers F1 and F2 are located in the adjustment space region 19, the image of the adjustment space region 19 includes a first radial direction image of each of the optical fibers F1 and F2 or A second radial image (hereinafter collectively referred to as "radial image" as appropriate) is included.

Here, in each radial image of the optical fibers F1 and F2, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the core portions F1a and F2a and the clad portions F1b and F2b are separated by the difference in brightness with respect to the position in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. This is a distinguishable image. At the same time, in the radial images of the optical fibers F1 and F2, the core portion Fa and the cladding portion Fb are distinguished from the background portion (the portion other than the optical fibers F1 and F2) of the image of the adjustment space region 19 by the difference in brightness. This is a possible image. The image processing unit 8 detects the optical fiber located in the adjustment space region 19 based on such a difference in brightness in the image. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the image processing unit 8 is an optical fiber in a state of extending from one end side of the image of the adjustment space region 19 to the other end side (from the right side to the left side in the first embodiment). Is detected as the right optical fiber F1. Then, the image processing unit 8 detects the extending end face of the optical fiber F1 in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) as the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1. The image processing unit 8 detects the position (the position in the Z-axis direction) of the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 based on the distance set around the unit pixel of the image in the adjustment space region 19. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the image processing unit 8 outputs light that is in a state of extending from the other end side to the one end side (from the left side to the right side in the first embodiment) of the image of the adjustment space region 19. The fiber is detected as the left optical fiber F2. Then, the image processing unit 8 detects the extending end face of the optical fiber F2 in the Z-axis direction as the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2. The image processing unit 8 detects the position (position in the Z-axis direction) of the distal end face F2c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F2 based on the distance set around the unit pixel of the image in the adjustment space region 19. When the image processing unit 8 detects at least one position of the longitudinal end surfaces F1c and F2c of the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the adjustment space region 19 as described above, the position indicating the detected position is detected. The detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 15.

In addition, in FIG. 3, the primary set lines L1a and L1b are the optical fibers F1 and F2 when the glass portions of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fusion-spliced are prepared in the adjustment space region 19. Is a line that serves as a guide for aligning the positions of the respective front end faces F1c and F2c in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the right side primary set line L1a is located closer to the proximal end side of the optical fiber F1 than the right side secondary set line L2a. The left primary set line L1b is located closer to the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 than the left secondary set line L2b. These primary set lines L1a and L1b may be represented as lines as shown in FIG. 3, but in the first embodiment, they are also drawn on the images by the first imaging unit 7a and the second imaging unit 7b. Nothing is displayed on the touch panel 14. On the other hand, the secondary set lines L2a and L2b are reference sets indicating the separated positions of the respective longitudinal end faces F1c and F2c suitable for fusion splicing of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 by the main discharge of the discharge parts 5a and 5b. It is an example of a line. Although these secondary set lines L2a and L2b are not drawn on the images by the first image pickup unit 7a and the second image pickup unit 7b, they are displayed on the touch panel 14 described later, for example, in a mode as shown in FIG. It

The transport drive units 9a and 9b are examples of drive units for adjusting the position of the optical fiber to be fusion-spliced in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, the transport drive unit 9a is configured by a motor or the like, and is provided so as to move the right movable stage 3a in the Z-axis direction (see the thick arrow of the Z-axis shown in FIG. 2) by the driving force of the motor. .. The transport driving unit 9a transports the right optical fiber F1 on the movable stage 3a in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1 through the movement of the movable stage 3a in the Z-axis direction. Such a transport drive unit 9a functions as a drive unit for performing initial position adjustment and end face position adjustment of the right optical fiber F1. The transport drive unit 9b is composed of a motor or the like, and is provided so that the left movable stage 3b can be moved in the Z-axis direction by the driving force of the motor. The transport driving unit 9b transports the left optical fiber F2 on the movable stage 3b in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F2 through the movement of the movable stage 3b in the Z-axis direction. Such a transport driving unit 9b functions as a driving unit for performing initial position adjustment and end face position adjustment of the left optical fiber F2.

In the first embodiment, the initial position adjustment of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is performed by preparing the glass portions of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fusion-spliced in the adjustment space region 19, This is position adjustment of F2 in the longitudinal direction. To adjust the initial position of the right optical fiber F1 by the transport driving unit 9a, the glass portion of the optical fiber F1 is transported to the inside or the outside of the adjustment space area 19, and the glass of the optical fiber F1 inside the adjustment space area 19 is adjusted. Adjusting the end face position of the portion (that is, the position of the longitudinal end face F1c) toward the primary set line L1a. To adjust the initial position of the left optical fiber F2 by the transport driving unit 9b, the glass portion of the optical fiber F2 is transported to the inside or the outside of the adjustment space region 19, and the glass of the optical fiber F2 inside the adjustment space region 19 is transported. Adjusting the end face position of the portion (that is, the position of the longitudinal end face F2c) toward the primary set line L1ab is included. On the other hand, the end face position adjustment of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is the position adjustment in the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers F1 and F2 at the stage of fusion-splicing the optical fibers F1 and F2. To adjust the position of the end face of the right optical fiber F1 by the transport driving unit 9a, the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 in the adjustment space region 19 is aligned with the secondary set line L2a, and during the main discharge of the fusion splicing. Butting the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 against the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 is included. In order to adjust the position of the end face of the left optical fiber F2 by the transport driving unit 9b, the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 in the adjustment space region 19 is aligned with the secondary set line L2b, and during the main discharge of the fusion splicing. Abutting the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 against the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 is included.

The first radial direction driving unit 10 and the second radial direction driving unit 11 are driving units for aligning the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 that are the targets of fusion splicing. More specifically, the first radial drive unit 10 is composed of a motor or the like, and is configured so that the right movable stage 3a can be moved in the X axis direction by the driving force of the motor (see the thick arrow of the X axis shown in FIG. 2). It is provided in. The first radial drive unit 10 moves the right optical fiber F1 on the movable stage 3a in the first radial direction of the optical fiber F1 through the movement of the movable stage 3a in the X-axis direction. Such a first radial drive unit 10 aligns the core axis of the right optical fiber F1 with the core axis of the left optical fiber F2 in the first radial direction (X-axis direction), thereby It functions as a drive unit for aligning the core axes of F2 (alignment in the first radial direction). The second radial drive unit 11 is composed of a motor or the like, and is provided so that the right movable stage 3a can be moved in the Y-axis direction by the driving force of the motor (see the thick arrow in the Y-axis shown in FIG. 2). Be done. The second radial drive unit 11 moves the right optical fiber F1 on the movable stage 3a in the second radial direction of the optical fiber F1 through the movement of the movable stage 3a in the Y-axis direction. The second radial drive unit 11 as described above aligns the core axis of the right-side optical fiber F1 with the core axis of the left-side optical fiber F2 in the second radial direction (Y-axis direction). It functions as a drive unit for aligning the core axes of F2 (alignment in the second radial direction).

The rotation drive units 12a and 12b are drive units for performing rotation centering of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 that are targets of fusion splicing. More specifically, the rotation drive unit 12a is configured by a motor or the like, and the right movable stage 3a is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about the Z axis by the driving force of the motor (solid line of the Z axis shown in FIG. 2). (See arrow). The rotation driver 12a rotates the right optical fiber F1 on the movable stage 3a around the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1 through the rotation of the movable stage 3a around the Z axis. The rotation drive unit 12b is composed of a motor or the like, and is provided so as to rotate the left movable stage 3b clockwise or counterclockwise about the Z axis by the driving force of the motor. The rotation drive unit 12b rotates the left optical fiber F2 on the movable stage 3b around the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F2 through the rotation of the movable stage 3b around the Z axis. These rotation drive units 12a and 12b function as drive units for performing rotation centering for aligning the rotational positions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 on the left and right sides with each other in the circumferential direction.

The first focus drive unit 13a and the second focus drive unit 13b are drive units for performing focus adjustments of the first image pickup unit 7a and the second image pickup unit 7b, respectively. In detail, the first focus drive unit 13a is configured by a motor or the like, and the driving force of the motor causes the image pickup device (not shown) of the first image pickup unit 7a to move to the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the adjustment space region 19. It is provided so that it can be moved in the direction of approaching or separating. The first focus drive section 13a adjusts the focus of the first image pickup section 7a through the movement of the image pickup element. The first focus drive unit 13a as described above functions as a drive unit for performing focus adjustment when capturing the first radial direction image of the optical fibers F1 and F2 located in the adjustment space region 19. The second focus drive unit 13b is configured by a motor or the like, and the image pickup element (not shown) of the second image pickup unit 7b is moved toward or away from the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the adjustment space region 19 by the driving force of the motor. It is provided so that it can be moved in the direction. The second focus drive section 13b adjusts the focus of the second image pickup section 7b through the movement of the image pickup element. The second focus drive unit 13b as described above functions as a drive unit for performing focus adjustment when capturing the second radial image of the optical fibers F1 and F2 located in the adjustment space region 19.

The touch panel 14 has both a function of displaying icons and images and a function of outputting signals for various operations in response to pressing of the display screen. Specifically, the touch panel 14 displays various icons for operating the fusion splicer 1 and an image of the adjustment space area 19 on the display screen under the control of the control unit 15. At this time, the touch panel 14 sequentially receives the image signals from the image processing unit 8 in chronological order, and based on the received image signals, the adjustment space area 19 of the first imaging unit 7a and the second imaging unit 7b. Display each image. Although not particularly shown, each image of the adjustment space region 19 displayed on the touch panel 14 includes a radial image of an optical fiber (for example, the optical fibers F1 and F2) located in the adjustment space region. The touch panel 14 also displays the above-described secondary set lines L2a and L2b (see FIG. 3) by superimposing them on each image in the adjustment space region 19. In addition, the touch panel 14 outputs a signal to the control unit 15 according to the position and length of pressing of the display screen that displays icons, images, and the like.

The control unit 15 controls each component of the fusion splicer 1. For example, based on the signal output from the touch panel 14, the control unit 15 displays the touch panel 14 and adjusts the position in the longitudinal direction of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fusion-bonded to the fusion-bonding. The operation of a plurality of drive units for performing a series of processes is controlled. In the first embodiment, the plurality of drive units are the transport drive units 9a and 9b, the first radial drive unit 10, the second radial drive unit 11, the rotary drive units 12a and 12b, and the first focus shown in FIG. The drive unit 13a and the second focus drive unit 13b.

In particular, the control unit 15 controls the transport driving units 9a and 9b so as to adjust the initial positions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 when the optical fibers F1 and F2 are fusion-spliced. More specifically, the control unit 15 positions the secondary set line L2a (an example of the reference set line) at which the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 in the adjustment space region 19 is located at the time of fusion splicing, and the optical fiber F1. The initial position of the front end face F1c in the longitudinal direction is compared. In the first embodiment, the initial position of the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 is the longitudinal end face of the optical fiber F1 detected by the image processing unit 8 before adjusting the initial position of the optical fiber F1 in the Z-axis direction. This is the position of F1c. That is, the initial position is the position of the front end face F1c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1 when the holder 2a holding the optical fiber F1 is set on the movable stage 3a. When the position of the secondary set line L2a is closer to the base end side of the optical fiber F1 than the initial position of the front end face F1c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1, the control unit 15 selects one of the transport drive units 9a and 9b. The transport driving unit 9a corresponding to F1 is controlled to retract the optical fiber F1 so that the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 is located closer to the base end side of the optical fiber F1 than the secondary set line L2a. At this time, the control unit 15 reaches the first position (for example, the position outside the right side of the adjustment space region 19), which is the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F1 with respect to the secondary set line L2a, in the longitudinal end of the optical fiber F1. The transport drive unit 9a is controlled so as to retract the surface F1c. Then, the control unit 15 sets the retracted optical fiber F1 in the longitudinal direction front end face F1c to a second position (for example, in the vicinity of the primary set line L1a) which is a position closer to the secondary set line L2a than the first position. The transport drive unit 9a is controlled so as to advance to the position (1).

Further, the control unit 15 positions the secondary set line L2b (an example of the reference set line) at which the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 in the adjustment space region 19 is located at the time of fusion splicing, and the length of the optical fiber F2. The initial position of the front end face F2c is compared. In the first embodiment, the initial position of the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 is the longitudinal end face of the optical fiber F2 detected by the image processing unit 8 before adjusting the initial position of the optical fiber F2 in the Z-axis direction. This is the position of F2c. That is, the initial position is the position of the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 when the holder 2b holding the optical fiber F2 is set on the movable stage 3b. When the position of the secondary set line L2b is closer to the base end side of the optical fiber F2 than the initial position of the front end face F2c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F2, the control unit 15 selects one of the transport drive units 9a and 9b. The transport drive unit 9b corresponding to F2 is controlled to retract the optical fiber F2 so that the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 is located closer to the base end side of the optical fiber F2 than the secondary set line L2b. At this time, the control unit 15 reaches the first position (for example, the position outside the left side of the adjustment space region 19) that is the position closer to the base end of the optical fiber F2 than the secondary set line L2b to the distal end in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F2. The transport drive unit 9b is controlled so as to retract the surface F2c. Thereafter, the control unit 15 sets the retracted optical fiber F2 in the longitudinal direction front end face F2c at a second position (for example, near the primary set line L1b) that is a position closer to the secondary set line L2b than the first position. The conveyance drive unit 9b is controlled so as to advance to the position (1).

The retracting of the optical fiber F1 is to move the optical fiber F1 so that the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 is displaced toward the base end side of the optical fiber F1. Similarly, the retreat of the optical fiber F2 is to move the optical fiber F2 such that the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 is displaced toward the base end side of the optical fiber F2. On the other hand, the advance of the optical fiber F1 is to move the optical fiber F1 in the direction of approaching the optical fiber F2. Similarly, advancing the optical fiber F2 is moving the optical fiber F2 in a direction approaching the optical fiber F1.

Next, the operation of the fusion splicer 1 when performing a series of processes from position adjustment in the longitudinal direction of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fusion spliced to fusion splicing will be described. FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a series of operations from the initial position adjustment of the pair of optical fibers to the fusion splicing performed by the fusion splicer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram for specifically explaining the initial position adjustment of the pair of optical fibers in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the fusion splicer 1 (see FIG. 1) performs the initial position adjustment of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 by appropriately performing the processes of steps S101 to S105 shown in FIG. By performing the process of step S106, alignment and fusion splicing of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 are performed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the fusion splicer 1 detects the initial positions of the longitudinal end faces F1c, F2c of the pair of optical fibers F1, F2 (step S101). In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the holder 2a that holds the optical fiber F1 and the holder 2b that holds the optical fiber F2 are the movable stage 3a of the apparatus body 18 of the fusion splicer 1. 3b, respectively. Then, the windshield cover (not shown) of the apparatus body 18 is closed. At this stage, the glass portions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 extending from the holders 2a and 2b are located inside the adjustment space region 19.

In step S101, the operation of the fusion splicer 1 such as pressing the icon on the touch panel 14 or closing the windshield cover is used as a trigger to cause the first imaging unit 7a and the second imaging unit 7b to display an image of the adjustment space region 19. Take an image. In this case, the images of the adjustment space region 19 imaged by the first imaging unit 7a and the second imaging unit 7b include the radial images of the optical fibers F1 and F2. The image processing unit 8 uses the images captured by either the first image capturing unit 7a or the second image capturing unit 7b to determine the longitudinal end faces F1c, F2c of the optical fibers F1, F2 in the adjustment space region 19. Detect the initial position. The image processing unit 8 transmits to the control unit 15 a position detection signal indicating the initial positions of the detected distal end faces F1c and F2c of the optical fibers F1 and F2.

After performing the process of step S101, the fusion splicer 1 compares the initial positions of the longitudinal end faces F1c, F2c of the optical fibers F1, F2 with the secondary set lines L2a, L2b (step S102). In step S102, the control unit 15 receives the position detection signal from the image processing unit 8, and based on the received position detection signal, the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers F1 and F2 detected by the image processing unit 8 in step S101. The initial positions of the tip surfaces F1c and F2c are acquired. Here, each position in the Z-axis direction of the secondary set lines L2a and L2b in the adjustment space region 19 is preset in the control unit 15. The control unit 15 compares the acquired initial position of the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 with a known secondary set line L2a, and also knows the acquired initial position of the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2. Of the secondary set line L2b.

Subsequently, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the longitudinal end faces F1c and F2c of the optical fibers F1 and F2 cross the secondary set lines L2a and L2b based on the result of the comparison process in step S102. (Step S103). In step S103, if the position of the secondary set line L2a is closer to the proximal end side of the optical fiber F1 than the initial position of the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1, the control unit 15 determines the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1. It is determined that the front end face F1c exceeds the secondary set line L2a. In other cases, the control unit 15 determines that the front end face F1c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1 does not exceed the secondary set line L2a. When the position of the secondary set line L2b is closer to the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 than the initial position of the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2, the control unit 15 is the longitudinal end face of the optical fiber F2. It is determined that F2c exceeds the secondary set line L2b. In other cases, the control unit 15 determines that the front end face F2c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F2 does not exceed the secondary set line L2b.

For example, in the state A1 illustrated in FIG. 5, in the adjustment space region 19, the initial position of the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 is closer to the base end side of the optical fiber F1 than the position of the secondary set line L2a. .. In this case, the control unit 15 determines that the position of the secondary set line L2a is not at the position closer to the base end side of the optical fiber F1 than the initial position of the front end face F1c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1. It is determined that the front end face F1c does not exceed the secondary set line L2a. Further, in this state A1, in the adjustment space region 19, the initial position of the front end face F2c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F2 is on the other optical fiber F1 side (right side) than the position of the secondary set line L2b. In this case, the control unit 15 determines that the position of the secondary set line L2b is closer to the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 than the initial position of the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2. It is determined that the front end face F2c exceeds the secondary set line L2b.

If it is determined by the determination processing in step S103 that at least one of the longitudinal end faces F1c, F2c of the optical fibers F1, F2 exceeds the secondary set lines L2a, L2b (step S103, Yes), fusion bonding is performed. Of the optical fibers F1 and F2, the splicer 1 retracts the optical fiber whose longitudinal end face exceeds the secondary set line (step S104). In step S104, when the front end face F1c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1 exceeds the secondary set line L2a, the control unit 15 retracts the optical fiber F1 by a preset movement amount. It controls the transport drive unit 9a corresponding to. For example, when the transport drive unit 9a is a drive unit of a type that is driven by a pulse signal, the control unit 15 inputs a control signal (pulse signal) having a preset pulse number to the transport drive unit 9a. The transport driving unit 9a moves the movable stage 3a toward the base end side of the optical fiber F1 by the amount of movement corresponding to the number of pulses of the input control signal to retract the optical fiber F1. As a result, the transport driving unit 9a retracts the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 to a position closer to the base end side of the optical fiber F1 than the secondary set line L2a (an example of the first position). In addition, when the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 exceeds the secondary set line L2b, the control unit 15 responds to the optical fiber F2 by retracting the optical fiber F2 by a preset movement amount. The transport driving unit 9b is controlled. For example, when the transport drive unit 9b is a drive unit of a type that is driven by a pulse signal, the control unit 15 causes the transport drive unit to output a control signal having a preset number of pulses, as in the case of the transport drive unit 9a described above. Enter in 9b. The transport driving unit 9b moves the movable stage 3b toward the base end side of the optical fiber F2 by the amount of movement corresponding to the number of pulses of the input control signal to retract the optical fiber F2. As a result, the transport driving unit 9b retracts the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 to a position (an example of the first position) on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 with respect to the secondary set line L2b.

For example, as shown in state A1 of FIG. 5, when the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 exceeds the secondary set line L2b, the control unit 15 controls the predetermined movement amount based on the pulse number of the control signal or the like. The transport drive unit 9b is controlled so as to retract the optical fiber F2 only. Based on this control, the transport driving unit 9b moves the position closer to the base end side of the optical fiber F2 than the secondary set line L2b, for example, the outside of the left side of the adjustment space region 19 (optical fiber F2 as shown in state A2 of FIG. To the position (outside of the base end) of the optical fiber F2 in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, in the example shown in the states A1 and A2 of FIG. 5, the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 does not exceed the secondary set line L2a. In this case, the control unit 15 controls the transport driving unit 9a so as to maintain the current position of the optical fiber F1. Based on this control, the transport driving unit 9a does not move the movable stage 3a and maintains the position of the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 at the current position.

The driving amount of the transport driving units 9a and 9b by the control of the control unit 15 once, such as the number of pulses of the control signal, that is, the moving amount of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is determined by pressing the icon on the touch panel 14 or the like. The setting may be changed by operating the fusion splicer 1.

After performing the process of step S104, the fusion splicer 1 adjusts the positions of the front end faces F1c and F2c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers F1 and F2 (step S105). In step S105, the control unit 15 is inside the adjustment space region 19 and is on the right side predetermined position (for example, the position of the primary set line L1a or the position thereof on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F1 with respect to the secondary set line L2a). The transport drive unit 9a is controlled so that the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 is located at a (nearby position). In particular, when the control unit 15 retracts the optical fiber F1 by the process of step S104 described above, the longitudinal end face F1c of the retracted optical fiber F1 is moved to the first position (position after retreat) described above. The transport drive unit 9a is controlled so as to advance to a second position, which is a position closer to the secondary set line L2a. In this case, the second position is the same position as the above-described right predetermined position, and is, for example, the position of the primary set line L1a or a position in the vicinity thereof.

Further, in step S105, the control unit 15 controls the left side predetermined position (for example, the position of the primary set line L1b) inside the adjustment space region 19 and at the position closer to the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 than the secondary set line L2b. Alternatively, the transport drive unit 9b is controlled so that the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 is located at the position (or in the vicinity thereof). In particular, when the control unit 15 retracts the optical fiber F2 by the process of step S104 described above, the longitudinal end face F2c of the retracted optical fiber F2 is moved to the above-described first position (position after retreat). The transport drive unit 9b is controlled so as to advance to a second position which is a position on the secondary set line L2b side. The second position in this case is the same position as the left predetermined position described above, and is, for example, the position of the primary set line L1b or a position in the vicinity thereof.

For example, as shown in the state A2 of FIG. 5, when the optical fiber F2 is retracted, the control unit 15 causes the longitudinal end face F2c of the retracted optical fiber F2 to the above-mentioned second position (left side predetermined). The transport drive unit 9b is controlled so as to move forward to the position). Based on this control, the transport driving unit 9b moves the movable stage 3b so that the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 after retreat approaches the primary set line L1b, for example, as shown in the state A3 of FIG. Then, the optical fiber F2 is advanced to the left predetermined position in the adjustment space region 19. Due to the action of the transport driving unit 9b, the position of the front end face F2c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F2 is at or near the position of the primary set line L1b (in FIG. 5, the position near the left side of the primary set line L1b). Adjusted. On the other hand, in the example shown in the states A2 and A3 of FIG. 5, the optical fiber F1 is not retracted. In this case, the control unit 15 controls the transport driving unit 9a so that the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 is located at the above-described second position (right predetermined position). Based on this control, the transport drive unit 9a moves the movable stage 3a so as to appropriately advance or retract the optical fiber F1 within the adjustment space region 19, and thereby the primary end face F1c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1 is moved. It is brought close to the set line L1a. Due to the action of the transport driving unit 9a, the position of the front end face F1c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1 is, for example, as shown in the state A3 of FIG. 5, the position of the primary set line L1a or a position in the vicinity thereof (1 in FIG. It is adjusted to a position near the right side of the next set line L1a). As described above, the initial position adjustment of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is completed.

After performing the process of step S105, the fusion splicer 1 executes the fusion splicing program to align the optical fibers F1 and F2 and perform the fusion splicing (step S106), and ends this process. Here, the control unit 15 is configured by a CPU, a memory and the like, and a fusion splicing program and a plurality of fusion splicing conditions are set in advance. In step S106, the control unit 15 selects a fusion splicing condition suitable for fusion splicing between the optical fibers F1 and F2 from among the plurality of fusion splicing conditions, and uses the selected fusion splicing condition. Run the destination connection program. As a result, the fusion splicer 1 performs a series of processes of pre-fusion splicing inspection, alignment, and fusion splicing on the optical fibers F1 and F2 that have been subjected to the initial position adjustment described above. In the present invention, the fusion splicing program is a process after the initial position adjustment of the optical fiber that is the target of the fusion splicing, that is, pre-fusing splicing inspection for the optical fiber for which the initial position adjustment has been performed, and alignment and It is a program for executing a series of processes for fusion splicing.

Specifically, in the inspection before fusion splicing, the control unit 15 acquires the images captured by each of the first imaging unit 7a and the second imaging unit 7b from the image processing unit 8, and based on the acquired images. , The glass portions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 are inspected. As a result of this inspection, if a foreign substance is attached to these glass portions, the control unit 15 controls the discharge control unit 6 to cause the discharge units 5a and 5b to perform the cleaning discharge. Foreign substances are removed from the glass portions F1 and F2. Further, when the shapes of the longitudinal end faces F1c, F2c of the optical fibers F1, F2 are not good (for example, they are excessively inclined with respect to the Z-axis direction), an error message indicating that fact is displayed. The touch panel 14 is controlled.

After the inspection before fusion splicing is completed, the optical fibers F1 and F2 are aligned. At this time, the control unit 15 controls the transport drive units 9a and 9b so as to adjust the end face positions of the optical fibers F1 and F2, and the first radial drive unit 10 and the second radial drive unit 10 so as to perform the centering. The radial drive unit 11 is controlled, and the rotary drive units 12a and 12b are controlled so as to perform rotational alignment. Further, the control unit 15 controls the first focus driving unit 13a and the second focus driving unit 13b so as to adjust the focus of the first imaging unit 7a and the second imaging unit 7b. As a result, in the optical fibers F1 and F2, the centering in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and the rotation centering in the direction around the Z-axis are completed, and the respective longitudinal end faces F1c and F2c are attached to the secondary set line L2a, The L2b and the L2b are matched with each other.

After the alignment is completed, fusion splicing is performed on the optical fibers F1 and F2. At this time, the control unit 15 controls the discharge control unit 6 to cause the discharge units 5a and 5b to perform the main discharge, and the conveyance drive is performed so that the front end faces F1c and F2c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers F1 and F2 are butted against each other. The parts 9a and 9b are controlled. As a result, the fusion splicing of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is completed.

On the other hand, when it is determined by the determination process in step S103 described above that neither the longitudinal end faces F1c, F2c of the optical fibers F1, F2 exceed the secondary set lines L2a, L2b (step S103, No), The fusion splicer 1 proceeds to step S105, executes the processing of step S105 and thereafter, and ends this processing.

As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, an image is captured using the adjustment space region 19 in which the position adjustment in the longitudinal direction of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fusion-spliced is performed as the imaging region. The position of the front end face in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber (hereinafter referred to as a specific optical fiber) located inside the adjustment space region 19 of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is detected based on the captured image. .. Further, the detected initial position of the end face in the longitudinal direction of the specific optical fiber is compared with the position of the reference set line (for example, any one of the secondary set lines L2a and L2b), and the position of the reference set line is compared with the position of the specific optical fiber. When the position is closer to the base end side of the specific optical fiber than the initial position of the longitudinal end face, the specific optical fiber should be positioned so that the longitudinal end face of the specific optical fiber is located closer to the base end side of the specific optical fiber than the reference set line. The transport drive unit corresponding to the specific optical fiber is controlled so as to retract.

Therefore, in the initial stage when the two holders 2a and 2b holding the optical fibers F1 and F2, respectively, are set in the apparatus body 18 of the fusion splicer 1, the glass of the specific optical fiber among the optical fibers F1 and F2 has already been set. Even if the portion exceeds the reference set line, the state in which the glass portion of the specific optical fiber exceeds the reference set line can be automatically canceled by the above-described retraction of the specific optical fiber. Therefore, it is not necessary to manually readjust the amount of extension of the specific optical fiber from the holder beyond the reference set line. It is possible to easily and quickly adjust the position to the base end side of the specific optical fiber. As a result, the amount of extension of the specific optical fiber from the holder, the adjustment of the initial position of the longitudinal end faces F1c and F2c of the optical fibers F1 and F2, and the like are required until the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 are fusion-spliced. Since the labor can be greatly reduced, the work of fusion-splicing the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 can be performed easily and efficiently.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a fusion splicer according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the fusion splicer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the fusion splicer 21 according to the second embodiment includes an image processing unit 24 instead of the image processing unit 8 of the fusion splicer 1 according to the first embodiment described above, and the control unit 15 is provided. Instead of this, a control unit 25 is provided. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same components are designated by the same reference numerals.

The image processing unit 24 detects the optical fiber located inside the adjustment space region 19 of the optical fibers F1 and F2 based on the image captured by the first imaging unit 7a or the second imaging unit 7b. At this time, the image processing unit 24, similar to the image processing unit 8 in the above-described first embodiment, regards the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the adjustment space region 19, their distal end faces F1c and F2c, and the Z-axis direction. The respective positions of the front end faces F1c and F2c in the longitudinal direction are detected. When detecting the position of at least one of the longitudinal end faces F1c, F2c of the optical fibers F1, F2 in the adjustment space region 19, the image processing unit 24 controls the position detection signal indicating the detected position each time. It is transmitted to the section 25. In particular, in the second embodiment, the image processing unit 24 sequentially detects the position of the longitudinal distal end face F1c that is displaced along with the retreat of the optical fiber F1 due to the action of the transport driving unit 9a (hereinafter referred to as the retreat position). Each time, a position detection signal indicating the retracted position of the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 is transmitted to the control unit 25. Further, the image processing unit 24 sequentially detects the retracted position of the longitudinal end face F2c which is displaced as the optical fiber F2 is retracted by the action of the transport drive unit 9b, and the retracted position of the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 is detected each time. The position detection signal indicating the position is transmitted to the control unit 25.

The control unit 25 drives the optical fiber so that the position of the front end face in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber detected by the image processing unit 24 is closer to the base end side of the optical fiber than the reference set line. To control. In the second embodiment, when the position of the secondary set line L2a is closer to the base end side of the optical fiber F1 than the initial position of the front end face F1c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1, the control unit 25 is the image processing unit 24. While monitoring the position of the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 detected by the optical fiber F1, the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 is retracted to a position closer to the base end side of the optical fiber F1 than the secondary set line L2a. Then, the transport drive unit 9a corresponding to the optical fiber F1 is controlled. Further, the control unit 25 detects the position of the secondary set line L2b by the image processing unit 24 when the position is closer to the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 than the initial position of the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2. While monitoring the position of the front end face F2c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F2, the optical fiber F2 is retracted to a position closer to the base end side of the optical fiber F2 than the secondary set line L2b. The transport drive unit 9b corresponding to F2 is controlled.

The control unit 25 monitors the position of the front end face in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber detected by the image processing unit 24 as described above, and controls the position at the proximal end side of the optical fiber with respect to the reference set line. It has the same function as the control unit 15 in the above-described first embodiment, except for the control function for the transport drive unit that "retracts the longitudinal end surface of the optical fiber".

Next, the operation of the fusion splicer 21 according to the second embodiment will be described. The fusion splicer 21 appropriately performs substantially the same processes as steps S101 to S105 (see FIG. 4) in the above-described first embodiment to initialize the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fusion spliced. The position adjustment is performed, and then the process of step S106 is performed to perform the alignment and fusion splicing of the optical fibers F1 and F2. That is, in the second embodiment, the fusion splicer 21 performs the process of step S104 (the process of retracting the optical fiber whose longitudinal end face exceeds the secondary set line) by a method different from that of the first embodiment.

In step S104 in the second embodiment, the control unit 25 controls the longitudinal tip surface of the optical fiber F1 detected by the image processing unit 24 when the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 exceeds the secondary set line L2a. While monitoring the retracted position of F1c, the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 is moved to a position closer to the base end side of the optical fiber F1 than the secondary set line L2a (for example, the first right side position in the adjustment space region 19). The transport drive unit 9a is controlled so as to move backward. Based on this control, the transport driving unit 9a extends to the first right side position in the adjustment space region 19, which is a position closer to the proximal end side of the optical fiber F1 than the secondary set line L2a, to the front end surface in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1. F1c is retracted. Further, when the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 exceeds the secondary set line L2b, the control unit 25 monitors the retracted position of the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 detected by the image processing unit 24. However, the optical fiber F2 is conveyed so as to retract the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 to a position closer to the base end side of the optical fiber F2 than the secondary set line L2b (for example, the first left position in the adjustment space region 19). The drive unit 9b is controlled. Based on this control, the transport driving unit 9b causes the distal end surface of the optical fiber F2 to reach the first left position in the adjustment space region 19, which is a position closer to the base end of the optical fiber F2 than the secondary set line L2b. F2c is retracted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for specifically explaining the backward process of the optical fiber according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in the state A11 in FIG. 7, when the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 exceeds the secondary set line L2b, the control unit 25 monitors the position of the longitudinal end face F2c. , The transport drive unit 9b is controlled so as to retract the optical fiber F2. At this time, the control unit 25 receives the position detection signal from the image processing unit 24, and based on the received position detection signal, acquires the retracted position of the longitudinal end face F2c that is displaced along with the retraction of the optical fiber F2. The control unit 25 compares the retracted position of the longitudinal end face F2c with the position of the secondary set line L2b, and the position of the secondary set line L2b is higher than the retracted position of the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2. It is determined whether or not it is the end side. When the position of the secondary set line L2b is closer to the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 than the retracted position of the longitudinal end face F2c as a result of this determination processing, the control unit 25 continues the backward movement of the optical fiber F2. The transport drive unit 9b is controlled. Based on this control, the transport driving unit 9b continuously retracts the optical fiber F2. On the other hand, when the retracted position of the front end face F2c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F2 is closer to the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 than the position of the secondary set line L2b, the control unit 25 stops the retracting of the optical fiber F2. The transport drive unit 9b is controlled. Based on this control, the transport driving unit 9b, as shown in the state A12 of FIG. 7, for example, the first left side position which is the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 with respect to the secondary set line L2b in the adjustment space region 19 ( For example, the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 is retracted to a position closer to the base end side of the optical fiber F2 than the primary set line L1b).

In the example shown in the states A11 and A12 of FIG. 7, the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 does not extend beyond the secondary set line L2a. In this case, the control unit 25 controls the transport driving unit 9a so as to maintain the current position of the optical fiber F1 as in the first embodiment described above.

After that, in step S105, as in the above-described first embodiment, the control unit 25 positions the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 on the secondary set line L2a side from the above-described first right side position ( For example, the transport drive unit 9a is controlled so as to be positioned at the position of the primary set line L1a or a position near the primary set line L1a. Further, the control unit 25 positions the longitudinal end face F2c of the optical fiber F2 on the secondary set line L2b side with respect to the above-described first left side position (for example, the position of the primary set line L1b or a position in the vicinity thereof). The transport drive unit 9b is controlled so as to be positioned at.

As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the position of the distal end face in the longitudinal direction of the specific optical fiber located in the adjustment space region 19 of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fusion spliced is set. Detecting based on the image of the adjustment space region 19, the specific optical fiber is adjusted so that the position of the detected distal end surface of the specific optical fiber in the longitudinal direction is closer to the base end side of the specific optical fiber than the reference set line. The corresponding transport drive unit is controlled, and the others are the same as in the first embodiment. For this reason, while enjoying the same operational effects as in the case of the above-described first embodiment, while monitoring the position of the longitudinal end face of the specific optical fiber, the specific light in the state in which the longitudinal end face exceeds the reference set line. The fiber can be retracted, whereby the front end face in the longitudinal direction of the specific optical fiber can be reliably positioned closer to the base end side of the specific optical fiber than the reference set line.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a fusion splicer according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8: is a figure which shows one structural example of the fusion splicer which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the fusion splicer 31 according to the third exemplary embodiment includes an image processing unit 34 instead of the image processing unit 8 of the fusion splicer 1 according to the first embodiment described above, and the control unit 15 is provided. Instead of this, a control unit 35 is provided. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same components are designated by the same reference numerals.

The image processing unit 34 detects the optical fiber located inside the adjustment space region 19 of the optical fibers F1 and F2 based on the image captured by the first imaging unit 7a or the second imaging unit 7b. At this time, the image processing unit 34, similarly to the image processing unit 8 in the above-described first embodiment, regarding the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the adjustment space region 19, the longitudinal end faces F1c and F2c, and the Z-axis direction. The respective positions of the front end faces F1c and F2c in the longitudinal direction are detected. When detecting the position of at least one of the longitudinal end faces F1c, F2c of the optical fibers F1, F2 in the adjustment space region 19, the image processing unit 34 controls the position detection signal indicating the detected position each time. To the unit 35.

Further, in the third embodiment, when the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 is the optical fiber in the penetrating state that penetrates the adjustment space region 19, the image processing unit 34 causes the first image pickup unit 7a or the second image pickup unit 7b. The optical fiber in the penetrating state is detected based on the image captured by. Here, "the optical fiber penetrates the adjustment space region 19" means that the glass portion of the optical fiber is continuous from one end to the other end of the adjustment space region 19 in the Z-axis direction. That is, the longitudinal end surface of the optical fiber in the penetrating state is located outside the adjustment space region 19 and is not shown in the image of the adjustment space region 19 imaged by the first imaging unit 7a or the second imaging unit 7b. Whenever such an optical fiber in the penetrating state is detected, the image processing unit 34 transmits the image signal of the image of the adjustment space area 19 including the radial direction image of the optical fiber in the penetrating state to the control unit 35. .. In addition, when the optical fiber in the penetrating state retracts and the longitudinal end face is positioned in the adjustment space region 19, that is, when the penetrating state of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 is eliminated, this optical fiber is The end face in the longitudinal direction becomes an optical fiber in a state of exceeding the secondary set line. In this case, the image processing unit 34 transmits to the control unit 35 the image signal of the image of the adjustment space region 19 including the radial direction image of the optical fiber in such a state.

The control unit 35 controls the transport drive units 9a and 9b so that the longitudinal end face position of the optical fiber in the penetrating state detected by the image processing unit 34 is located closer to the base end side of the optical fiber than the reference set line. To do. In detail, the control unit 35 confirms that the optical fiber in the penetrating state is detected by the image processing unit 34 based on the image signal received from the image processing unit 34, and the confirmation result is used as a trigger for the penetration. The transport drive unit corresponding to the optical fiber in the penetrating state is controlled so as to retract the optical fiber in the state. At this time, the control unit 35 controls the transport driving unit so that the optical fiber in the penetrating state is continuously retracted until the longitudinal end surface of the optical fiber in the penetrating state is detected by the image processing unit 34. To do. In the third embodiment, in order to surely retract the optical fiber in the penetrating state, the control unit 35 controls the optical fiber F1, until the image processing unit 34 detects the longitudinal end surface of the optical fiber in the penetrating state. Both the transport drive units 9a and 9b are controlled so that F2 is retracted. Further, the control unit 35 positions the distal end face in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber retracted as described above (the optical fiber in which the through state is eliminated) so as to be located closer to the proximal end side of the optical fiber than the reference set line is. The transport driving unit corresponding to the optical fiber of the transport driving units 9a and 9b is controlled. The reference set line is the secondary set line L2a if the optical fiber is the optical fiber F1 and the secondary set line L2b if the optical fiber is the optical fiber F2.

The control unit 35 has the same function as the control unit 15 in the above-described first embodiment, except for the control function of controlling the transport driving units 9a and 9b related to the optical fiber in the penetrating state as described above.

Next, the operation of the fusion splicer 31 when performing a series of processes from position adjustment in the longitudinal direction of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fusion spliced to fusion splicing will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart exemplifying a series of operations from the initial position adjustment of the pair of optical fibers to the fusion splicing performed by the fusion splicer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for specifically explaining the initial position adjustment of the pair of optical fibers in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the fusion splicer 31 (see FIG. 8) performs the initial position adjustment of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 by appropriately performing the processes of steps S301 to S310 shown in FIG. By performing the process of step S311, the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 are aligned and fusion spliced.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the fusion splicer 31 detects an optical fiber located in the adjustment space region 19 of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 (step S301). In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the holder 2a holding the optical fiber F1 and the holder 2b holding the optical fiber F2 are the movable stage 3a of the apparatus body 18 of the fusion splicer 31. 3b, respectively. Then, the windshield cover (not shown) of the apparatus body 18 is closed. In this initial stage, at least one of the glass portions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 extending from the holders 2a and 2b is located inside the adjustment space region 19.

In step S301, the first image capturing unit 7a and the second image capturing unit 7b are triggered by an operation of the fusion splicer 31 such as pressing an icon on the touch panel 14 or closing the windshield cover to display an image of the adjustment space area 19. Take an image. In this case, in the images of the adjustment space region 19 imaged by the first image pickup unit 7a and the second image pickup unit 7b, respectively, the radial direction of the optical fiber located in the adjustment space region 19 of the optical fibers F1 and F2. Images are included. The image processing unit 34 detects the optical fiber (the optical fiber at the initial stage) located in the adjustment space region 19 of the optical fibers F1 and F2 based on the image of the adjustment space region 19 as described above.

After execution of step S301, the fusion splicer 31 determines whether the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 detected in step S301 is an optical fiber in a penetrating state (step S302). In step S302, the control unit 35 receives the image signal of the image of the adjustment space region 19 from the image processing unit 34, and acquires the image of the adjustment space region 19 based on the received image signal. The control unit 35 determines whether or not the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 is a penetrating optical fiber based on the acquired image of the adjustment space region 19. At this time, the control unit 35 extracts the radial direction image of the optical fiber included in the image of the adjustment space region 19, and when the radial direction image is an image penetrating the image of the adjustment space region 19 in the Z-axis direction, It is determined that the optical fiber in the adjustment space area 19 is an optical fiber in a penetrating state. On the other hand, when the radial direction image is not an image penetrating the image of the adjustment space region 19 in the Z-axis direction, that is, when the radial direction image is an image including the longitudinal end face of the optical fiber. It is determined that the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 is not the optical fiber in the penetrating state.

For example, in the state A21 shown in FIG. 10, the optical fiber F2 is exemplified as the optical fiber in the penetrating state that penetrates the adjustment space region 19. In the state A21, the radial direction image of the optical fiber F2 is continuous from one end to the other end in the Z-axis direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 10) of the adjustment space region 19 (the front end face F2c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F2 is shown. The state is not shown). Based on such an image of the adjustment space region 19, the control unit 35 determines that the optical fiber (optical fiber F2 in FIG. 10) indicated by this radial direction image is the optical fiber in the penetrating state. At this stage, the control unit 35 does not identify that the optical fiber in the penetrating state is the optical fiber F2.

When it is determined by the determination processing in step S302 that the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 is the optical fiber in the penetrating state (Yes in step S302), the fusion splicer 31 retracts the optical fiber in the penetrating state. (Step S303). In step S303, the control unit 35 cannot identify which of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is the optical fiber in the penetrating state at this stage, so the transport driving unit 9a is caused to retract the optical fibers F1 and F2. , 9b are controlled. Based on this control, the transport driving units 9a and 9b respectively retract the optical fibers F1 and F2 regardless of whether or not the optical fibers are in the penetrating state, as shown in the state A21 of FIG. As a result, the optical fiber in the penetrating state (optical fiber F2 in FIG. 10) can be reliably retracted.

Subsequently, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the image processing unit 34 has detected the longitudinal end face of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 (step S304). In step S304, the image processing unit 34 adjusts the adjustment space based on the image of the adjustment space region 19 imaged by the first imaging unit 7a or the second imaging unit 7b when the optical fibers F1 and F2 are retracted. The optical fiber in the area 19 is detected. At this time, as shown in the state A21 of FIG. 10, if the image in the radial direction of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 is still in the state of penetrating the image of the adjustment space region 19, the image processing unit 34 The longitudinal end face of this optical fiber cannot be detected. At this stage, the image processing unit 34 transmits the image signal of the image of the adjustment space region 19 including the radial direction image of the optical fiber in the penetrating state to the control unit 35. Based on the image received from the image processing unit 34, the control unit 35 determines that the image processing unit 34 has not detected the longitudinal end face of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19.

When the control unit 35 determines in the determination process of step S304 that the image processing unit 34 does not detect the longitudinal end surface of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 (step S304, No), the above-described step S303. Then, the process after step S303 is repeated. That is, the control unit 35 controls the transport drive units 9a and 9b so that the optical fibers F1 and F2 are continuously retracted until the longitudinal end surface of the optical fiber in the penetrating state is detected by the image processing unit 34. To do. Based on this control, the transport driving units 9a and 9b continue to retract the optical fibers F1 and F2, respectively.

On the other hand, as illustrated in the state A22 of FIG. 10, if the radial direction image of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 is the image of the optical fiber in which the longitudinal end face is located in the adjustment space region 19, The image processing unit 34 detects, based on the image of the adjustment space region 19, the longitudinal end face of the optical fiber in which the penetration state is eliminated. At this stage, the image processing unit 34 transmits the image signal of the image of the adjustment space region 19 including the radial direction image of the optical fiber, the penetration state of which has been eliminated, to the control unit 35. In step S304, the control unit 35 determines that the image processing unit 34 has detected the front end face in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19, based on the image received from the image processing unit 34.

When the control unit 35 determines that the image processing unit 34 has detected the front end face in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 by the determination process of step S304 (Yes at step S304), the optical fibers F1 and F2 are detected. The transport driving units 9a and 9b are controlled so as to stop the backward movement (step S305). In step S305, the transport driving units 9a and 9b stop the backward movement of the optical fibers F1 and F2, respectively, under the control of the control unit 35. At this stage, for example, as shown in states A21 and A22 of FIG. 10, the optical fiber F2 that has penetrated the adjustment space region 19 is released from the penetration state, and the longitudinal end face F2c is positioned in the adjustment space region 19. It is in a state where it has been made. On the other hand, the optical fiber F1 is located outside the right side of the adjustment space region 19.

After the execution of step S305, the fusion splicer 31 retracts the optical fiber of which the longitudinal end face exceeds the secondary set line among the optical fibers F1 and F2, similarly to step S104 in the first embodiment (step S309). ). Then, the fusion splicer 31 adjusts the positions of the longitudinal end faces F1c, F2c of the optical fibers F1, F2, as in step S105 in the first embodiment (step S310).

Specifically, in step S309 described above, as illustrated in the state A22 of FIG. 10, the optical fiber F2 in which the penetrating state has been eliminated has a state in which the front end face F2c in the longitudinal direction exceeds the secondary set line L2b. Is becoming Such an optical fiber F2 is located closer to the base end side of the optical fiber F2 than the secondary set line L2b by the action of the transport drive unit 9b under the control of the control unit 35, as illustrated in the state A23 of FIG. The longitudinal end face F2c is retracted to (for example, a position outside the left side of the adjustment space region 19). On the other hand, since the longitudinal end face F1c of the optical fiber F1 does not exceed the secondary set line L2a, the position of the longitudinal end face F1c is maintained at the current position. Thereafter, in step S310 described above, as illustrated in the state A24 of FIG. 10, the retracted optical fiber F2 is moved by the action of the transport driving unit 9b based on the control of the control unit 35 so that the longitudinal end face F2c is primary. It moves forward to a predetermined position on the left side in the adjustment space region 19 so as to approach the set line L1b. As a result, the position of the front end face F2c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F2 is adjusted to the position of the primary set line L1b or a position in the vicinity thereof (a position in the vicinity of the left side of the primary set line L1b in FIG. 10). On the other hand, the optical fiber F1 is advanced to the right predetermined position in the adjustment space region 19 by the action of the transport driving unit 9a based on the control of the control unit 35 so that the longitudinal end face F1c is brought close to the primary set line L1a. .. As a result, the position of the front end face F1c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1 is adjusted to the position of the primary set line L1a or a position in the vicinity thereof (a position in the vicinity of the right side of the primary set line L1a in FIG. 10). As described above, the initial position adjustment of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is completed.

After executing the process of step S310, the fusion splicer 31 executes the fusion splicing program to perform the alignment of the optical fibers F1 and F2, fusion splicing, and the like, as in step S106 in the first embodiment ( (Step S311), this processing ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined by the determination processing in step S302 described above that the optical fiber in the adjustment space area 19 is not the optical fiber in the penetrating state (No in step S302), the fusion splicer 31 is the same as in the first embodiment. Similar to step S101, the initial position of the longitudinal end surface of the optical fiber located in the adjustment space region 19 of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is detected (step S306). Next, the fusion splicer 31 compares the initial position of the front end face in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 with the position of the secondary set line in the adjustment space region 19 (step S307), as in step S102 in the first embodiment. ) Then, similarly to step S103 in the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the initial position of the front end face in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber exceeds the secondary set line (step S308). When the initial position of the front end face in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber exceeds the secondary set line (step S308, Yes), the fusion splicer 31 proceeds to step S309 described above and performs the processing of step S309 and thereafter. This process ends. On the other hand, when the initial position of the front end face in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber does not exceed the secondary set line (step S308, No), the fusion splicer 31 proceeds to step S310 described above, and performs the processing after step S310. Then, the processing is completed.

As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the light based on the image of the adjustment space region 19 in which the position adjustment in the longitudinal direction of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fusion spliced is performed is performed. The optical fiber in the penetrating state that penetrates the adjustment space region 19 of the fibers F1 and F2 is detected, and the optical fiber in the penetrating state is retracted until the front end face in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber in the penetrating state is detected. Control the transport drive unit corresponding to the optical fiber in the state, and correspond to the optical fiber so that the retracted optical fiber longitudinal end surface is located closer to the base end side of the optical fiber than the reference set line. The transport drive unit is controlled, and the others are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, in addition to enjoying the same operational effects as in the case of the above-described first embodiment, the initial stage in which the two holders 2a and 2b holding the optical fibers F1 and F2 respectively are set in the device main body 18 of the fusion splicer 31. In the above, even if the glass portion of the specific optical fiber among the optical fibers F1 and F2 has already extended excessively so as to penetrate the adjustment space region 19, the glass portion of the specific optical fiber excessively extends. It is possible to automatically cancel the existing state by retracting the specific optical fiber.

In the first to third embodiments described above, of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2, the optical fiber F2 on the left side is used as a reference, and the optical fiber F1 on the right side is moved in the radial direction, and these optical fibers F1 and F2 are moved. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2, the right optical fiber F1 is used as a reference, the left optical fiber F2 is moved in the radial direction, and the optical fibers F1 and F2 are aligned in the radial direction. Good. In this case, the first radial driving unit 10 and the second radial driving unit 11 described above may move the movable stage 3b of the left optical fiber F2 in the radial direction. Alternatively, both the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 may be moved in the radial direction to align the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the radial direction. In this case, the fusion splicer may further include a first radial drive unit and a second radial drive unit for moving the movable stage 3b of the left optical fiber F2 in the radial direction.

Moreover, although the touch panel 14 is illustrated as the operation means of the fusion splicer in the first to third embodiments described above, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the fusion splicer may be provided with a display unit for displaying various information and an operation unit (input unit) for performing various operations as separate bodies.

Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the two first imaging units 7a and the second imaging unit 7b are illustrated as an example of the plurality of imaging units, but the present invention is not limited to this. The number of the image pickup units arranged to pick up the adjustment space region 19 may be two or three or more as described above. Further, the plurality of imaging directions when the plurality of imaging units respectively image the adjustment space region 19 are not limited to the plurality of different radial directions (for example, the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction) of the optical fiber described above, The directions may be different from each other, such as a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the optical fiber.

Further, in the third embodiment described above, the process of retracting the optical fiber (step S309) is performed in the same manner as step S104 in the first embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the process of step S309 may be performed similarly to step S104 in the second embodiment.

Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments, a series of processes from the initial position adjustment of the optical fiber to be fusion-spliced to, the inspection before fusion splicing, the alignment and the fusion splicing are automatically performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the initial position adjustment (steps S101 to S105 shown in FIG. 4 or steps S301 to S310 shown in FIG. 9) of the optical fiber to be fusion-spliced is automatically performed, and the process after this initial position adjustment (step S106). Alternatively, step S311), specifically, the pre-fusion connection inspection, alignment, and fusion connection may be performed by manual operation of the fusion splicer.

In addition, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the longitudinal end faces of the pair of optical fibers are set to the primary set line side regardless of whether or not the optical fiber is receded to the base end side from the secondary set line. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, for an optical fiber in a state where the initial position of the front end face in the longitudinal direction does not exceed the secondary set line, the initial position may not be adjusted and the current initial position may be maintained.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described first to third embodiments, and the present invention also includes those configured by appropriately combining the above-described components. In addition, all other embodiments, examples, operation techniques, and the like made by those skilled in the art based on the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3 are included in the scope of the present invention.

1, 21, 31 Fusion splicer 2a, 2b Holder 3a, 3b Movable stage 4a, 4b Optical fiber clamp 5a, 5b Discharge unit 6 Discharge control unit 7a First imaging unit 7b Second imaging unit 8, 24, 34 Image processing Part 9a, 9b Transport drive unit 10 First radial drive unit 11 Second radial drive unit 12a, 12b Rotation drive unit 13a First focus drive unit 13b Second focus drive unit 14 Touch panel 15, 25, 35 Control unit 18 Device Main body 19 Adjustment space region F1, F2 Optical fiber F1c, F2c Longitudinal end face F1a, F2a Core part F1b, F2b Clad part L1a, L1b Primary set line L2a, L2b Secondary set line

Claims (5)

A drive unit for adjusting the position in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber to be fusion-bonded,
An image capturing unit configured to capture an image of a predetermined space region in which the position adjustment of the optical fiber is performed from a radial direction of the optical fiber,
An image processing unit that detects the position of the front end face in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber based on the image captured by the image capturing unit,
The position of the reference set line for positioning the longitudinal end face is compared with the initial position which is the position of the longitudinal end face detected by the image processing unit before the position adjustment, and the reference set line When the position is a position closer to the base end side of the optical fiber than the initial position of the longitudinal end face, the light is used to position the longitudinal end face closer to the base end side of the optical fiber than the reference set line. A controller that controls the drive to retract the fiber;
A fusion splicer comprising: The fusion splicer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the drive unit so as to retract the optical fiber by a preset movement amount. The control unit controls the drive unit so that the position of the distal end face in the longitudinal direction detected by the image processing unit is located closer to the base end side of the optical fiber than the reference set line. The fusion splicer according to claim 1. The control unit retracts the longitudinal direction distal end surface to a first position that is a position closer to the proximal end side of the optical fiber than the reference set line, and retracts the longitudinal direction distal end surface to the first position. The fusion splicer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive unit is controlled so as to be advanced to a second position that is a position closer to the reference set line than the reference position. The image processing unit, based on the image captured by the image capturing unit, detects the optical fiber in a penetrating state penetrating the predetermined space region,
The control unit retracts the optical fiber in the penetrating state until the longitudinal end surface of the optical fiber in the penetrating state is detected by the image processing unit, and retreats the longitudinal end surface of the retracted optical fiber. The fusion splicer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the drive unit is controlled so as to be located closer to the base end side of the optical fiber than the reference set line.

Images