JP3773904B2

JP3773904B2 - Optical fiber fusion method and optical fiber fuser

Info

Publication number: JP3773904B2
Application number: JP2003016113A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 栄一芝; 誠桂井; 哲中野; 朋規高橋
Original assignee: THE FURUKAW ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
Current assignee: THE FURUKAW ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
Priority date: 2002-01-24
Filing date: 2003-01-24
Publication date: 2006-05-10
Anticipated expiration: 2023-01-24
Also published as: JP2003287644A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は光ファイバを融着接続する方法と、光ファイバの融着接続に使用される光ファイバの融着器に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
光ファイバ融着器として、現在主に使用されているものは、対向させた光ファイバの端部を棒状の放電電極間の放電により加熱して融着させるものである。これは図１６の様に２本の先端を尖らせた棒状の放電電極１を少し離して対向させ、融着させたい光ファイバ（光ファイバ芯線）２を前記放電電極１とほぼ同じ平面上に放電電極１の軸方向と直角方向に保持して、光ファイバ芯線２の端部を放電電極１間に配置し、対向する放電電極１間に発生する放電アーク３により光ファイバ芯線２の先端部を高温に加熱して先端部同士を融着するものである。
【０００３】
光ファイバ芯線２を溶融するためには約2000℃の高温が必要である。放電アーク３がそのような高温になると光ファイバ融着器の放電電極１間の空気が、放電アーク３により高温に加熱される。加熱によって空気の流れは変化し、空気中の放電アーク３も空気の流れの変化によって変形する。特に加熱されて軽くなった空気は上昇しやすく、図１７、１８のように、水平に置かれた光ファイバ芯線２に対して上方に湾曲する形に変形することが多くある。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開２００１-６６４５６号公報
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
光ファイバ芯線２が光ファイバリボンのように多芯である場合、多数本の光ファイバ芯線２を一度（同時）に融着させるためには、一列に配列されている全ての光ファイバ芯線２が同じ温度に加熱されることが必要である。そのためには放電アーク３により各光ファイバ芯線２が均等に加熱されるように、光ファイバリボンを正確に配置することが必要である。通常、光ファイバリボンは各光ファイバ芯線２が一列になるように放電電極１間に配置されるので、例えば放電アーク３が図１７、図１８のように上方に湾曲してしまうと、光ファイバリボンの各光ファイバ芯線２を一様に加熱できる最適加熱領域が狭くなってしまう。このため、光ファイバリボンの設置位置が設計位置から僅かだけずれても最適加熱領域から外れ易くなるという問題が生ずる。また放電の空間分布が僅かに変動しても同じ事が言える。このため融着の仕上がりが放電アーク３の変形に敏感に依存するという問題が生ずる。即ち、光ファイバ芯線２の空間における位置ずれや、放電ア一ク３の空間分布の変動により、光ファイバ芯線２の融着性能が変動し易いという問題があった。このことは単芯線の場合も含めて、光ファイバ芯線を融着する場合に共通することである。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の第１の光ファイバ融着方法は、保持具に保持されて放電電極間に配置された光ファイバの対向端部を、放電電極間に発生する放電アークにより融着する光ファイバ融着方法において、放電アークの近くに設置された低減部材より、放電電極から発生する電界に基づいて電界を発生して、放電アーク周辺の電界と磁界の双方またはいずれか一方を牽引することにより、放電アークの加熱により生ずる放電電極間の空気の流れの変化に伴って発生する放電アークの変形を低減させる方法である。
【０００７】
本発明の第２の光ファイバ融着方法は、保持具に保持されて放電電極間に配置された光ファイバの対向端部を、放電電極間に発生する放電アークにより融着する光ファイバ融着方法において、水平方向に対向した放電電極間に放電アークを発生させ、放電アークの近くに設置された低減部材より、放電電極から発生する電界に基づいて電界を発生して、放電アーク周辺の電界と磁界の双方またはいずれか一方を放電アークの下方、あるいは上方及び下方より牽引して、放電アークの加熱により生ずる放電電極間の空気の流れの変化に伴って発生する放電アークの変形を低減させる方法である。
【０００８】
本発明の第３の光ファイバ融着方法は、保持具に保持されて放電電極間に配置された光ファイバの対向端部を、放電電極間に発生する放電アークにより融着する光ファイバ融着方法において、鉛直方向に対向した放電電極間に放電アークを発生させ、放電アークの近くに設置された低減部材により、放電電極から発生する電界に基づいて電界を発生して、放電アークの加熱により生ずる放電電極間の空気の流れの変化に伴って生ずる放電アークの変形を低減させる方法である。
【０００９】
本発明の第４の光ファイバ融着方法は、請求項３記載の光ファイバ融着方法において、保持具に保持されて放電電極間に配置された光ファイバの対向端部を、放電電極間に発生する放電アークにより融着する光ファイバ融着方法において、水平方向に対向する放電電極間に光ファイバの対向端部を水平方向に配置し、その後に前記放電電極の対向する方向が鉛直方向になるように、放電電極と光ファイバとを回転させ、鉛直方向に対向した放電電極間に放電アークを発生させて光ファイバを融着する方法である。
【００１０】
本発明の第５の光ファイバ融着方法は、請求項１乃至請求項４記載の光ファイバ融着方法において、放電電極の水平度又は鉛直度を検知して、放電電極が放電アークを発生させる方法である。
【００１１】
本発明の第１の光ファイバ融着融着器は、光ファイバの端部を対向させて保持する保持具と、保持具に保持された光ファイバの端部を融着する放電アークを発生させる放電電極を備えた光ファイバ融着器において、発生する放電アークの近くに、放電電極から発生する電界に基づいて電界を発生して、放電アーク周辺の電界と磁界の双方またはいずれか一方を牽引して、放電アークの加熱によって放電電極間の空気の流れが変化することに伴って生ずる放電アークの変形を低減させる低減部材を備えたものである。
【００１２】
本発明の第２の光ファイバ融着融着器は、請求項６記載の光ファイバ融着融着器において、光ファイバの端部を対向させて保持する保持具と、保持具に保持された光ファイバの端部を融着する放電アークを発生させる放電電極を備えた光ファイバ融着器において、前記放電電極を水平方向に対向させて設け、放電アーク周辺の電界と磁界の双方またはいずれか一方を放電アークの下方、あるいは上方及び下方より牽引して、放電アークの変形を低減させる低減部材を放電電極の下方、あるいは上方及び下方に備えたものである。
【００１３】
本発明の第３の光ファイバ融着融着器は、光ファイバの端部を対向させて保持する保持具と、保持具に保持された光ファイバの端部を融着する放電アークを発生させる放電電極を備えた光ファイバ融着器において、前記放電電極が鉛直方向に対向させて設けられ、放電電極から発生する電界に基づいて電界を発生して、放電アーク周辺の電界と磁界の双方またはいずれか一方を放電アークの側方より牽引して、放電アークの加熱によって放電電極間の空気の流れが変化することに伴って生ずる放電アークの変形を低減させる低減部材を放電電極の側方に備えたものである。
【００１４】
本発明の第４の光ファイバ融着融着器は、請求項８記載の光ファイバ融着器において、光ファイバの端部を対向させて保持する保持具と、保持具に保持された光ファイバの端部を融着する放電アークを発生させる放電電極と、放電電極を支持する電極支持具とを備えた光ファイバ融着器において、前記保持具は光ファイバの端部を水平方向に対向させて保持することができ、前記電極支持具は水平方向に対向させて放電電極を支持することができ、前記放電電極の対向方向が鉛直になるようにそれらを個別に回転させることができる回転支持台を備えたものである。
【００１５】
本発明の第５の光ファイバ融着融着器は、請求項８記載の光ファイバ融着器において、光ファイバの端部を対向させて保持する保持具と、保持具に保持された光ファイバの端部を融着する放電アークを発生させる放電電極と、放電電極を支持する電極支持具とを備えた光ファイバ融着器において、前記保持具は光ファイバの端部を水平方向に対向させて保持することができ、前記電極支持具は水平方向に対向させて放電電極を支持することができるものであり、前記保持具と電極支持具とは一枚の基板に固定され、前記放電電極の対向方向が鉛直になるように、基板に固定された保持具と電極支持具とを同時に回転させることができる回転支持台を備えたものである。
【００１６】
本発明の第６の光ファイバ融着融着器は、請求項６乃至請求項１０記載の光ファイバ融着器において、放電電極の水平度又は鉛直度を検知する機能を備えた検知部材を備えたものである。
【００１７】
絶縁性の誘電体を放電電極の近くに配置すると、放電電極が生ずる電界により誘電体は分極してその表面には分極電荷が現れ、その周囲にはこの分極電荷による電界が生ずる。このため、電界は、放電電極による電界と分極電荷による電界の重ね合わせとなる。よって誘電体を配置することにより、電気力線が誘電体に引き付けられるように電界は変形し、放電アークも誘電体に引き付けられるように変形する。この結果放電アークの光ファイバ芯線２に対する不均等な変形を抑えることができる。尚、誘電体の代わりに磁性体や金属などの導電体を用いた場合やそれらを組み合せて用いた場合にも同様の効果が得られる。また、放電電極を鉛直方向に対向させて配置すると、放電電極は軸が鉛直の放電アークを形成する。このため、放電アークにより高温に加熱されて空気が上方へ流れる場合、空気の流れの方向と放電電極間の光ファイバの芯線が平行となり、この結果昇温による放電アークの光ファイバ芯線に対する不均等な変形を抑えることができる。
【００１８】
【発明の実施形態】
（実施例１）
本発明の第１の実施例を図１〜図３に基づいて説明する。図１は放電アーク付近を上方から見た平面図であり、図２は図１の矢視Ａ−Ａの断面図、図３は図１の矢視Ｂ−Ｂの断面図である。この実施例の光ファイバ融着器は、耐熱性、絶縁性の材料により断面形状がコ字型の保持具４を形成し、保持具４の上面にＶ溝５を形成し、そのＶ溝５内に光ファイバを保持し、押さえ具１６で押さえて固定できるようにしてある。この保持具４は誘電体製として、低減部材と兼用にしてある。この光ファイバ融着器を使用して光ファイバを融着するには次の様にする。
【００１９】
光ファイバ（光ファイバ芯線）２を保持具４のＶ溝５に保持して光ファイバ２の端部同士を対向させ、その端部を先端が先鋭な棒状の放電電極１間に設置する。この状態で放電電極１間で放電させてアーク３を発生させ、その付近の電界分布を変化させて放電アーク３を下方に牽引する（引き下げる）。この場合、保持具４の凹部６から放電アーク３までの距離が離れると牽引力は減少する。放電アーク３までの距離の影響が大きいので、本実施例では凹部６の側壁７を放電アーク３に近づけてある。この場合、主に側壁７が放電アーク３を引き付けるようになるが、側壁７を放電アーク３に対して本実施例のような配置とすることにより、上下方向については放電アーク３に対して、ベクトル的に浮力と逆方向に牽引力が生じて浮力の効果が低減もしくは消滅する。保持具４の材料として高い誘電率の材料を選択すると牽引力は増加する。
【００２０】
（実施例２）
本発明の第２の実施例を図４に基づいて説明する。図４は放電アーク付近の断面図である。実施例２では保持具４を二つに分け、二つの保持具４の上面をＶ溝５にしてある。この実施例では二つの保持具４を耐熱性、絶縁性の材料製とすることで、保持具をアークの変動を低減する低減部材と兼用にしてある。
【００２１】
（実施例３）
本発明の第３の実施例を図５に基づいて説明する。図５は放電アーク付近の断面図である。実施例３では保持具４を二つに分け、それら保持具４の上面にＶ溝５を設けてある。この二つの保持具４を、それと別体に形成した低減部材８の上に設置固定してある。この場合、低減部材８を耐熱性、絶縁性の材料製とすることでアークを下方に牽引できるようにしてある。
【００２２】
（実施例４）
本発明の第４の実施例を図６に基づいて説明する。図６は放電アーク付近の断面図である。実施例４では上面にＶ溝５を設けた保持具４に収容凹部６を設け、低減部材８をその収容凹部６内の側壁１０に沿って収容してある。低減部材８は二つのブロックに分けられ、夫々を耐熱性、絶縁性の材料製とすることでアークを下方に牽引できるようにしてある。
【００２３】
（実施例５）
本発明の第５の実施例を図７に基づいて説明する。図７は放電アーク付近の断面図である。実施例５では上面にＶ溝５を設けた保持具４に収容凹部６を設け、低減部材８をその収容凹部６内の底１１に設置してある。低減部材８は耐熱性、絶縁性の材料製としてアークを下方に牽引できるようにしてある。
【００２４】
（実施例６）
本発明の第６の実施例を図８に基づいて説明する。図８は光ファイバ融着器における放電アーク近傍の断面図である。本実施例は、保持具４と押さえ具１６とを誘電体製として、これらを低減部材としても用いたものである。前記押さえ具１６は放電アーク３の斜め上方に配置されているので、放電アーク３は上方に牽引される。本実施例においては、保持具４の放電アーク３の下方への牽引力は浮力よりも強く、放電アーク３は下方へ牽引されるが、押さえ具１６の上方への牽引力によりこれを減殺することにより、全体として浮力の影響を低減している。
【００２５】
（実施例７）
本発明の第７の実施例を図９〜図１１に基づいて説明する。図９は放電アーク付近の正面図であり、図１０は図９の矢視Ａ−Ａの断面図、図１１は図９の矢視Ｂ−Ｂの断面図である。ここで説明する光ファイバ融着器の基本構成は、前記実施例１のそれと共通するが、以下の各点において異なる。本実施例の光ファイバ融着器は、放電電極１を鉛直方向に対向させて配置してある。保持具４は、多数本の光ファイバ２を放電電極１間に縦一列に保持可能であり、該保持具４に保持された夫々の光ファイバ２の端部は放電電極１間に発生する放電アーク３の軸上に配置して保持できるように配置される。本実施例の光ファイバ融着器では放電電極１を鉛直方向に対向させて配置しているので、放電アーク３は放電電極間に鉛直方向に形成される。従って、放電アーク３による加熱によって上昇する空気の流れが発生しても、加熱空気の流れる方向と放電アーク３の軸とが平行であるため、放電アーク３がその軸に対して直角方向に歪むことがなくなる。
【００２６】
（実施例８）
本発明の第８の実施例を図１２に基づいて説明する。図１２は光ファイバ融着器における放電アーク近傍の断面図である。本実施例は、保持具４と押さえ具１６とを誘電体製として、これらを低減部材としても用いたものである。なお、本発明における誘電体は、例えばセラミクス、ジルコニア、アルミナ、石英ガラス等よりなるものである。例えば昇温時の空気の流れ等により、放電アーク３に横方向に力が働く場合、保持具４と押さえ具１６の両方、又はいずれか一方の誘電率、形状あるいは配置する場所を変えることにより放電アーク３を牽引して、横方向に働く力を低減するようにしたものである。
【００２７】
（実施例９）
本発明の第９の実施例を図１３〜図１４に基づいて説明する。図１３、図１４は放電アーク付近の断面図である。本実施例の光ファイバ融着器は、被支持部材を、回転軸２０を中心に回転させることができる回転支持台１４に、一枚の板状部材である基板１３を備え、該基板１３上に、光ファイバ２の端部を水平方向に対向させて保持する保持具４と、放電電極１を水平方向に対向させて支持する電極支持具１２とを固定したものである。前記電極支持具１２は、放電電極１を、基板１３と平行に固定できるようにしてある。前記回転軸２０は、光ファイバ２の対向する方向に平行に回転支持体１４に備えられており、前記回転支持体１４は、回転軸２０を中心に基板１３を９０°回転させると、放電電極１が鉛直方向に対向する位置に来るようにしてある。この光ファイバ融着器を使用して光ファイバを融着するには、以下のようにする。まず、図１１に示すように光ファイバ２を水平方向に対向させて保持具４で保持する。次に、図１２に示すように、回転軸２０を中心に基板１３ごと９０°回転させ、放電電極１が鉛直方向に対向するように全体を位置させる。それから放電電極１間に放電アーク３を発生させて、光ファイバ２を融着接続する。なお、前記回転支持台１４は、保持具４、電極支持具１２とを個別に回転可能な１つの台であってもよく、また、保持具４、電極支持具１２とを個別に保持し、夫々に回転可能な複数の台であってもよい。
【００２８】
（実施例１０）
本発明の第１０の実施例を図１５に基づいて説明する。図１５は放電アーク付近の断面図である。本実施例の光ファイバ融着器には、基板１３上に、水平度を検知する水準器１５が取り付けられている。基板１３と、電極支持具１２によって保持された放電電極１とは互いに平行となるように固定されているので、該水準器１５は基板１３の水平度、即ち放電電極１の水平度を検知し、それを表示するように、あるいは水平度を示す信号を出力することができる。また、該水準器１５は、図１５に示す以外の形状の光ファイバ融着器についても備えることができ、例えば基板１３を備えない光ファイバ融着器についても、他の部材に取付ける等して備えることもできる。また、図９中の保持具４の上面や図１４中の電極支持具１２等に水準器１５を備え、放電電極の垂直度を間接的に検知して、表示させることも可能である。
【００２９】
（実施例１１）
本発明では牽引体の形状は図示した以外の形状にすることができ、また、それらの配置も、それにより牽引されたアーク形状が最適となる位置に選択するのが望ましい。牽引体の位置をアーク形状が最適となるに自動制御することもできる。また、本発明では、上記以外の電極支持具、基板、回転支持台を用いることもできる。
【００３０】
【発明の効果】
本発明の第１の光ファイバ融着方法では、放電アークが低減部材により牽引されるので、放電アークの空気の流れによる変形が低減もしくは消滅し、光ファイバの空間位置ずれや放電アークの空間分布の変動に対する光ファイバの融着性能が安定化し、精度の高い融着が効率良く行なわれる。
【００３１】
本発明の第２の光ファイバ融着方法では、水平方向に対向した放電電極間に発生する放電アークが低減部材により放電アークの下方側に牽引されるので、昇温による放電アークの上方への湾曲が低減もしくは消滅し、光ファイバの空間位置ずれや放電アークの空間分布の変動に対する光ファイバの融着性能が安定化し、精度の高い融着が効率良く行なわれる。
【００３２】
本発明の第３の光ファイバ融着方法では、放電電極を鉛直方向に対向して放電電極間にその軸が鉛直な放電アークを発生させることができ、放電アークの上方への湾曲を低減もしくは消滅させることができ、光ファイバの空間位置ずれや放電アークの空間分布の変動に対する光ファイバの融着性能が安定化し、精度の高い融着が効率良く行なわれる。
【００３３】
本発明の第４の光ファイバ融着方法では、水平方向に対向する放電電極間に光ファイバの対向端部を水平方向に配置し、その後に前記放電電極の対向方向が鉛直になるように、放電電極と光ファイバとを夫々又は同時に回転させ、鉛直方向に対向した放電電極間に放電アークを発生させて光ファイバを融着することができるので、水平な安定した状態で光ファイバを設置することができ、その後に鉛直方向に発生する放電アークによって光ファイバの融着接続ができるため、上記の各効果に加えて、光ファイバの支持が安定し、より融着性能が安定化し、精度の高い融着が効率良く行なわれるという効果がある。
【００３４】
本発明の第５の光ファイバ融着方法では、放電電極の水平度又は鉛直度を検知して、放電電極が放電アークを発生させるので、上記の各効果に加えて、放電電極の水平又は鉛直を厳密に確保できるので、より融着性能が安定化し、正確で精度の高い融着が効率良く行なわれるという効果がある。
【００３５】
本発明の第１の光ファイバ融着器では、放電アークの付近に放電アークに働く空気の流れの力と対抗する牽引力とが生ずるように設計した、誘電体や磁性体もしくは導電体製の低減部材を設置したので、放電アークの空気の流れの力による変形が低減もしくは消減し、これにより光ファイバの空間位置ずれや放電アークの空間分布の変動に対する光ファイバの融着性能が安定し、精度の高い融着を効率良く行なうことができる。
【００３６】
本発明の第２の光ファイバ融着器では、放電アークの下方、あるいは上方及び下方に放電アークに働く浮力と対抗する放電アークの下方への牽引力が生ずるように設計した、誘電体や磁性体もしくは導電体製の低減部材を設置したので、放電アークの浮力による上方への湾曲が低減もしくは消減し、これにより光ファイバの空間位置ずれや放電アークの空間分布の変動に対する光ファイバの融着性能が安定し、精度の高い融着を効率良く行なうことができる。
【００３７】
本発明の第３の光ファイバ融着器では、放電電極を鉛直方向に対向させて放電電極間にその軸が鉛直な放電アークが発生するように設置したので、放電アークの空気の流れの力による変形が低減もしくは消減し、これにより光ファイバの空間位置ずれや放電アークの空間分布の変動に対する光ファイバの融着性能が安定し、精度の高い融着を効率良く行なうことができる。
【００３８】
本発明の第４の光ファイバ融着器では、光ファイバの端部を水平方向に対向させて保持する保持具と、放電電極を水平方向に対向させて支持する電極支持具と放電電極の対向方向が鉛直になるように、それらを個別に回転させることができる回転支持台を備えたので、水平な安定した状態で光ファイバを設置することができ、その後に鉛直方向に発生する放電アークによって光ファイバの融着接続ができるため、上記各効果に加えて、光ファイバの支持が安定し、より融着性能が安定化し、精度の高い融着が効率良く行なわれるという効果がある。
【００３９】
本発明の第５の光ファイバ融着器では、光ファイバの端部を水平方向に対向させて保持する保持具と、放電電極を水平方向に対向させて支持する電極支持具と、それら保持具と電極支持具とは一枚の基板に固定され、該固定された保持具と電極支持具と基板とを前記放電電極の対向方向が鉛直になるように、同時に回転させることができる回転支持台を備えたので、上記各効果に加えて、光ファイバの支持が安定し、より融着性能が安定化し、精度の高い融着が効率良く行なわれるという効果がある。
【００４０】
本発明の第６の光ファイバ融着器では、放電電極の水平度又は鉛直度を検知する機能を備えた検知部材を備えるので、上記の各効果に加えて、放電電極の水平又は鉛直を厳密に確保できるので、より融着性能が安定化し、正確で精度の高い融着が効率良く行なわれるという効果がある。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の光ファイバ融着方法における放電アークの湾曲と光ファイバの位置関係を示した平面図。
【図２】図１のＡ−Ａ断面図。
【図３】図１のＢ−Ｂ断面図。
【図４】本発明の光ファイバ融着器の第２の実施例を示す断面図。
【図５】本発明の光ファイバ融着器の第３の実施例を示す断面図。
【図６】本発明の光ファイバ融着器の第４の実施例を示す断面図。
【図７】本発明の光ファイバ融着器の第５の実施例を示す断面図。
【図８】本発明の光ファイバ融着器の第６の実施例を示す断面図。
【図９】本発明の実施例７の放電アークを鉛直に形成する光ファイバ融着器の正面図。
【図１０】図９のＡ−Ａ断面図。
【図１１】図９のＢ−Ｂ断面図。
【図１２】本発明の光ファイバ融着器の第８の実施例を示す断面図。
【図１３】本発明の実施例９の光ファイバ融着器において放電電極を水平にした場合の断面図。
【図１４】本発明の実施例９の光ファイバ融着器において放電電極を鉛直にした場合の断面図。
【図１５】本発明の光ファイバ融着器の第１０の実施例を示す断面図。
【図１６】従来の光ファイバ融着方法における放電アークの湾曲と光ファイバの位置関係を示した平面図。
【図１７】図１６のＡ−Ａ断面図。
【図１８】図１６のＢ−Ｂ断面図。
【符号の説明】
１放電電極
２光ファイバ
３放電アーク
４保持具
５Ｖ溝
８低減部材
１２電極支持具
１３基板
１４回転支持台
１５水準器
１６押さえ具[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical fiber fusion splicing method and an optical fiber fusion splicer used for fusion splicing of optical fibers.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As an optical fiber fuser, what is mainly used at present is one in which the ends of optical fibers facing each other are heated and fused by discharge between rod-shaped discharge electrodes. As shown in FIG. 16, the rod-shaped discharge electrodes 1 having two sharpened tips are made to face each other at a slight distance, and the optical fiber (optical fiber core wire) 2 to be fused is placed on substantially the same plane as the discharge electrode 1. An end portion of the optical fiber core wire 2 is disposed between the discharge electrodes 1 while being held in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the discharge electrode 1, and a distal end portion of the optical fiber core wire 2 is formed by a discharge arc 3 generated between the opposing discharge electrodes 1. Is heated to a high temperature to fuse the tips.
[0003]
In order to melt the optical fiber core wire 2, a high temperature of about 2000 ° C. is necessary. When the discharge arc 3 reaches such a high temperature, the air between the discharge electrodes 1 of the optical fiber fuser is heated to a high temperature by the discharge arc 3. The air flow is changed by heating, and the discharge arc 3 in the air is also deformed by the change of the air flow. In particular, heated and lightened air is likely to rise, and as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the air is often deformed upwardly with respect to the optical fiber core wire 2 placed horizontally.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-66456
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When the optical fiber core wire 2 is multi-core like an optical fiber ribbon, in order to fuse a large number of optical fiber core wires 2 at once (simultaneously), all the optical fiber core wires 2 arranged in a line must be It is necessary to be heated to the same temperature. For this purpose, it is necessary to accurately arrange the optical fiber ribbons so that each optical fiber core wire 2 is evenly heated by the discharge arc 3. Usually, since the optical fiber ribbon is disposed between the discharge electrodes 1 so that the optical fiber core wires 2 are in a line, for example, when the discharge arc 3 is bent upward as shown in FIGS. The optimum heating region in which each optical fiber core wire 2 of the ribbon can be uniformly heated becomes narrow. For this reason, there arises a problem that even if the installation position of the optical fiber ribbon is slightly deviated from the design position, it is likely to be out of the optimum heating region. The same can be said even if the spatial distribution of the discharge slightly varies. For this reason, there arises a problem that the finish of the fusion depends sensitively on the deformation of the discharge arc 3. That is, there has been a problem that the fusion performance of the optical fiber core wire 2 is likely to fluctuate due to a positional shift in the space of the optical fiber core wire 2 or a change in the spatial distribution of the discharge arc 3. This is common when optical fiber core wires are fused, including the case of single core wires.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The first optical fiber fusion method of the present invention is an optical fiber fusion method in which opposed ends of optical fibers held by a holder and disposed between discharge electrodes are fused by a discharge arc generated between the discharge electrodes. in the method, from the reduction member disposed in the vicinity of the discharge arc, and generates an electric field based on the electric field generated from the discharge electrode, by pulling the electric field and a magnetic field one or both either near the discharge arc, the discharge This is a method of reducing the deformation of the discharge arc that occurs with the change in the air flow between the discharge electrodes caused by the heating of the arc .
[0007]
The second optical fiber fusion method of the present invention is an optical fiber fusion method in which opposing ends of optical fibers held by a holder and disposed between discharge electrodes are fused by a discharge arc generated between the discharge electrodes. In the method, a discharge arc is generated between discharge electrodes facing in the horizontal direction, an electric field is generated based on an electric field generated from the discharge electrode from a reduction member installed near the discharge arc, and an electric field around the discharge arc is generated. And / or magnetic field is pulled below or above and below the discharge arc to reduce the deformation of the discharge arc caused by changes in the air flow between the discharge electrodes caused by heating the discharge arc. Is the method.
[0008]
According to a third optical fiber fusion method of the present invention, optical fiber fusion is performed by fusing opposite ends of optical fibers held by a holder and disposed between discharge electrodes by a discharge arc generated between the discharge electrodes. In the method, a discharge arc is generated between discharge electrodes opposed in the vertical direction, an electric field is generated based on an electric field generated from the discharge electrode by a reducing member installed near the discharge arc, and the discharge arc is heated. This is a method of reducing the deformation of the discharge arc caused by the change in the air flow between the discharge electrodes .
[0009]
According to a fourth optical fiber fusion method of the present invention, in the optical fiber fusion method according to claim 3, an opposite end portion of the optical fiber held between the discharge electrodes and held by the holder is disposed between the discharge electrodes. In an optical fiber fusion method in which fusion is caused by a generated discharge arc, an opposite end portion of an optical fiber is arranged in a horizontal direction between discharge electrodes opposed in a horizontal direction, and then the opposite direction of the discharge electrode is in a vertical direction. In this method, the discharge electrode and the optical fiber are rotated, and a discharge arc is generated between the discharge electrodes opposed in the vertical direction to fuse the optical fiber.
[0010]
According to a fifth optical fiber fusion method of the present invention, in the optical fiber fusion method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , the discharge electrode generates a discharge arc by detecting the horizontality or verticality of the discharge electrode. Is the method.
[0011]
A first optical fiber fusion fuser according to the present invention generates a holder that holds the ends of the optical fibers facing each other and a discharge arc that fuses the ends of the optical fibers held by the holder. In an optical fiber fuser equipped with a discharge electrode, an electric field is generated in the vicinity of the generated discharge arc based on the electric field generated from the discharge electrode, and the electric field and / or magnetic field around the discharge arc is pulled. And the reduction member which reduces the deformation | transformation of the discharge arc which arises when the flow of the air between discharge electrodes changes with the heating of a discharge arc is provided.
[0012]
A second optical fiber fusion fuser according to the present invention is the optical fiber fusion fusion fuser according to claim 6, wherein the optical fiber fusion fusion fuser is held by the holding tool that holds the ends of the optical fibers facing each other. In an optical fiber fuser having a discharge electrode for generating a discharge arc for fusing an end of an optical fiber, the discharge electrode is provided so as to face the horizontal direction, and / or either an electric field or a magnetic field around the discharge arc is provided. One of the members is pulled from below or above and below the discharge arc, and a reduction member for reducing deformation of the discharge arc is provided below or above and below the discharge electrode.
[0013]
The third optical fiber fusion fuser of the present invention generates a holder that holds the ends of the optical fibers facing each other and a discharge arc that fuses the ends of the optical fibers held by the holder. In an optical fiber fuser provided with a discharge electrode , the discharge electrode is provided so as to face in the vertical direction, generates an electric field based on an electric field generated from the discharge electrode, and both an electric field and a magnetic field around the discharge arc or A reduction member that pulls either one from the side of the discharge arc and reduces the deformation of the discharge arc caused by the change in the air flow between the discharge electrodes due to the heating of the discharge arc is provided on the side of the discharge electrode. It is provided.
[0014]
A fourth optical fiber fusion fuser according to the present invention is the optical fiber fusion fuser according to claim 8, wherein the optical fiber is held by the holder and the holder that holds the ends of the optical fibers facing each other. In an optical fiber fuser comprising a discharge electrode for generating a discharge arc for fusing the ends of the optical fiber, and an electrode support for supporting the discharge electrode, the holder makes the end of the optical fiber face the horizontal direction. The electrode support can support the discharge electrode in a horizontal direction, and the rotation support can rotate them individually so that the facing direction of the discharge electrode is vertical. It is equipped with a stand.
[0015]
The fifth optical fiber fusion fuser according to the present invention is the optical fiber fusion fuser according to claim 8, wherein the optical fiber is held by the holder and the holder holding the ends of the optical fiber facing each other. In an optical fiber fuser comprising a discharge electrode for generating a discharge arc for fusing the ends of the optical fiber, and an electrode support for supporting the discharge electrode, the holder makes the end of the optical fiber face the horizontal direction. The electrode supporter can support the discharge electrode in a horizontal direction, and the holder and the electrode supporter are fixed to a single substrate, and the discharge electrode The holding support fixed to the substrate and the electrode support are provided with a rotation support base that can simultaneously rotate so that the opposing direction of the substrate becomes vertical.
[0016]
A sixth optical fiber fusion fuser of the present invention is the optical fiber fusion fuser according to any one of claims 6 to 10, further comprising a detection member having a function of detecting the level or verticality of the discharge electrode. It is a thing.
[0017]
When an insulating dielectric is disposed near the discharge electrode, the dielectric is polarized by the electric field generated by the discharge electrode, and a polarization charge appears on the surface, and an electric field due to the polarization charge is generated around the dielectric. For this reason, the electric field is a superposition of the electric field due to the discharge electrode and the electric field due to the polarization charge. Therefore, by arranging the dielectric, the electric field is deformed so that the electric lines of force are attracted to the dielectric, and the discharge arc is also deformed to be attracted to the dielectric. As a result, uneven deformation of the discharge arc with respect to the optical fiber core wire 2 can be suppressed. The same effect can be obtained when a conductor such as a magnetic material or a metal is used instead of the dielectric or when they are used in combination. When the discharge electrodes are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction, the discharge electrodes form a discharge arc having a vertical axis. For this reason, when air is heated to a high temperature by the discharge arc and the air flows upward, the direction of the air flow and the core of the optical fiber between the discharge electrodes are parallel. Can be suppressed.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Example 1
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a plan view of the vicinity of the discharge arc as viewed from above, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. In the optical fiber fuser of this embodiment, a holder 4 having a U-shaped cross section is formed of a heat-resistant and insulating material, and a V-groove 5 is formed on the upper surface of the holder 4. An optical fiber is held inside and can be pressed and fixed by a pressing tool 16. The holder 4 is made of a dielectric and is also used as a reduction member. To fuse an optical fiber using this optical fiber fuser, the following is performed.
[0019]
The optical fiber (optical fiber core wire) 2 is held in the V groove 5 of the holder 4 so that the ends of the optical fiber 2 are opposed to each other, and the end is placed between the rod-shaped discharge electrodes 1 having a sharp tip. In this state, a discharge is generated between the discharge electrodes 1 to generate the arc 3, and the electric field distribution in the vicinity thereof is changed to pull the discharge arc 3 downward (lower). In this case, the traction force decreases as the distance from the recess 6 of the holder 4 to the discharge arc 3 increases. Since the influence of the distance to the discharge arc 3 is large, the side wall 7 of the recess 6 is brought close to the discharge arc 3 in this embodiment. In this case, the side wall 7 mainly attracts the discharge arc 3, but by arranging the side wall 7 with respect to the discharge arc 3 as in the present embodiment, the vertical direction is relative to the discharge arc 3. A traction force is generated in a direction opposite to the buoyancy in vector, and the effect of the buoyancy is reduced or eliminated. When a material having a high dielectric constant is selected as the material of the holder 4, the traction force increases.
[0020]
(Example 2)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the vicinity of the discharge arc. In the second embodiment, the holder 4 is divided into two parts, and the upper surfaces of the two holders 4 are V-grooves 5. In this embodiment, the two holders 4 are made of a heat-resistant and insulating material, so that the holder is also used as a reducing member that reduces the fluctuation of the arc.
[0021]
Example 3
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the discharge arc. In the third embodiment, the holder 4 is divided into two, and a V-groove 5 is provided on the upper surface of the holder 4. The two holders 4 are installed and fixed on a reduction member 8 formed separately from the holder. In this case, the reducing member 8 is made of a heat-resistant and insulating material so that the arc can be pulled downward.
[0022]
(Example 4)
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the vicinity of the discharge arc. In the fourth embodiment, the accommodation recess 6 is provided in the holder 4 having the V-groove 5 on the upper surface, and the reduction member 8 is accommodated along the side wall 10 in the accommodation recess 6. The reduction member 8 is divided into two blocks, and each is made of a heat-resistant and insulating material so that the arc can be pulled downward.
[0023]
(Example 5)
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the vicinity of the discharge arc. In the fifth embodiment, the holding recess 6 is provided in the holder 4 having the V groove 5 on the upper surface, and the reducing member 8 is installed on the bottom 11 in the receiving recess 6. The reduction member 8 is made of a heat-resistant and insulating material so that the arc can be pulled downward.
[0024]
(Example 6)
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the discharge arc in the optical fiber fuser. In the present embodiment, the holder 4 and the presser 16 are made of a dielectric, and these are also used as a reducing member. Since the presser 16 is disposed obliquely above the discharge arc 3, the discharge arc 3 is pulled upward. In this embodiment, the downward traction force of the holder 4 of the discharge arc 3 is stronger than the buoyancy, and the discharge arc 3 is pulled downward, but this is reduced by the upward traction force of the presser 16. As a whole, the influence of buoyancy is reduced.
[0025]
(Example 7)
A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 is a front view of the vicinity of the discharge arc, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. The basic configuration of the optical fiber fuser described here is the same as that of the first embodiment, but is different in the following points. In the optical fiber fuser of this embodiment, the discharge electrode 1 is arranged to face in the vertical direction. The holder 4 can hold a large number of optical fibers 2 in a vertical line between the discharge electrodes 1, and an end portion of each optical fiber 2 held by the holder 4 generates discharge between the discharge electrodes 1. It arrange | positions so that it may arrange | position and hold | maintain on the axis | shaft of the arc 3. FIG. In the optical fiber fuser of the present embodiment, the discharge electrodes 1 are arranged so as to face each other in the vertical direction, so that the discharge arc 3 is formed in the vertical direction between the discharge electrodes. Therefore, even if a rising air flow is generated by heating by the discharge arc 3, the direction of the heated air and the axis of the discharge arc 3 are parallel, so that the discharge arc 3 is distorted in a direction perpendicular to the axis. Nothing will happen.
[0026]
(Example 8)
An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the discharge arc in the optical fiber fuser. In the present embodiment, the holder 4 and the presser 16 are made of a dielectric, and these are also used as a reducing member. The dielectric in the present invention is made of, for example, ceramics, zirconia, alumina, quartz glass or the like. For example, when a lateral force is applied to the discharge arc 3 due to the air flow at the time of temperature rise, by changing the dielectric constant, shape, or placement location of both the holder 4 and the retainer 16 or one of them. The force acting in the lateral direction is reduced by pulling the discharge arc 3.
[0027]
Example 9
A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 are sectional views of the vicinity of the discharge arc. The optical fiber fuser of the present embodiment includes a substrate 13 that is a single plate member on a rotation support base 14 that can rotate a supported member around a rotation shaft 20. In addition, a holder 4 that holds the end of the optical fiber 2 facing the horizontal direction and an electrode support 12 that supports the discharge electrode 1 while facing the horizontal direction are fixed. The electrode support 12 can fix the discharge electrode 1 in parallel with the substrate 13. The rotating shaft 20 is provided on the rotating support 14 in parallel with the direction in which the optical fiber 2 faces. When the rotating support 14 rotates the substrate 13 about the rotating shaft 20 by 90 °, the discharge electrode 1 comes to a position facing the vertical direction. In order to fuse an optical fiber using this optical fiber fuser, the following is performed. First, as shown in FIG. 11, the optical fiber 2 is held by the holder 4 so as to face in the horizontal direction. Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the substrate 13 is rotated by 90 ° about the rotation axis 20, and the whole is positioned so that the discharge electrode 1 faces in the vertical direction. Then, a discharge arc 3 is generated between the discharge electrodes 1, and the optical fiber 2 is fused. The rotation support base 14 may be a single base capable of individually rotating the holder 4 and the electrode support 12, and separately holds the holder 4 and the electrode support 12. It may be a plurality of tables that can rotate respectively.
[0028]
(Example 10)
A tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the vicinity of the discharge arc. In the optical fiber fusion device of this embodiment, a level 15 for detecting the level is attached on the substrate 13. Since the substrate 13 and the discharge electrode 1 held by the electrode support 12 are fixed so as to be parallel to each other, the level 15 detects the level of the substrate 13, that is, the level of the discharge electrode 1. , It can be displayed or a signal indicating the level can be output. Further, the level 15 can also be provided for an optical fiber fusion device having a shape other than that shown in FIG. 15. For example, an optical fiber fusion device not provided with the substrate 13 can be attached to other members. It can also be provided. Moreover, it is also possible to provide a level 15 on the upper surface of the holder 4 in FIG. 9, the electrode support 12 in FIG. 14, etc., and indirectly detect and display the verticality of the discharge electrodes.
[0029]
(Example 11)
In the present invention, the shape of the traction body can be a shape other than that shown in the drawing, and the arrangement thereof is preferably selected at a position where the arc shape pulled thereby is optimal. It is also possible to automatically control the position of the traction body so that the arc shape is optimal. Moreover, in this invention, electrode support tools, a board | substrate other than the above, a rotation support stand can also be used.
[0030]
【The invention's effect】
In the first optical fiber fusion method of the present invention, since the discharge arc is pulled by the reducing member, the deformation due to the air flow of the discharge arc is reduced or eliminated, and the spatial displacement of the optical fiber and the spatial distribution of the discharge arc are reduced. As a result, the fusion performance of the optical fiber with respect to the fluctuations of the optical fiber is stabilized, and highly accurate fusion is performed efficiently.
[0031]
In the second optical fiber fusion method of the present invention, the discharge arc generated between the discharge electrodes facing in the horizontal direction is pulled to the lower side of the discharge arc by the reducing member. The bending is reduced or eliminated, the fusion performance of the optical fiber with respect to the spatial displacement of the optical fiber and the change in the spatial distribution of the discharge arc is stabilized, and highly accurate fusion is performed efficiently.
[0032]
In the third optical fiber fusion method according to the present invention, the discharge electrodes can be opposed to each other in the vertical direction to generate a discharge arc having a vertical axis between the discharge electrodes, thereby reducing the upward bending of the discharge arc or The fusion performance of the optical fiber with respect to the spatial displacement of the optical fiber and the change in the spatial distribution of the discharge arc is stabilized, and highly accurate fusion is performed efficiently.
[0033]
In the fourth optical fiber fusion method of the present invention, the opposite end of the optical fiber is disposed in the horizontal direction between the discharge electrodes facing in the horizontal direction, and then the opposite direction of the discharge electrode is vertical. Since the discharge electrode and the optical fiber can be rotated respectively or simultaneously to generate a discharge arc between the discharge electrodes facing vertically, the optical fiber can be fused, so the optical fiber is installed in a stable and horizontal state. In addition to the above effects, the support of the optical fiber is stabilized, the fusion performance is further stabilized, and the accuracy is improved. There is an effect that high fusion is performed efficiently.
[0034]
In the fifth optical fiber fusing method of the present invention, since the discharge electrode generates a discharge arc by detecting the level or verticality of the discharge electrode, in addition to the above effects, the horizontal or vertical direction of the discharge electrode. Can be strictly secured, so that the fusion performance is further stabilized, and accurate and accurate fusion can be efficiently performed.
[0035]
In the first optical fiber fuser according to the present invention, the reduction of the dielectric, magnetic material, or conductor designed to generate an air flow force acting on the discharge arc and a traction force against the discharge arc is generated in the vicinity of the discharge arc. Since the members are installed, the deformation due to the force of the air flow of the discharge arc is reduced or eliminated, which stabilizes the fusion performance of the optical fiber against the spatial displacement of the optical fiber and the fluctuation of the spatial distribution of the discharge arc. High fusion can be performed efficiently.
[0036]
In the second optical fiber fuser of the present invention, a dielectric or magnetic material designed to generate a traction force below the discharge arc, or below and above and below the discharge arc, which opposes the buoyancy acting on the discharge arc. Alternatively, the reduction member made of a conductor is installed, so that the upward bending due to the buoyancy of the discharge arc is reduced or eliminated, so that the fusion performance of the optical fiber against the spatial displacement of the optical fiber and the fluctuation of the spatial distribution of the discharge arc Is stable and highly accurate fusion can be performed efficiently.
[0037]
In the third optical fiber fuser of the present invention, the discharge electrodes are arranged so that the discharge electrodes face each other in the vertical direction so that a discharge arc having a vertical axis is generated between the discharge electrodes. This reduces or eliminates the deformation caused by the optical fiber, thereby stabilizing the fusion performance of the optical fiber with respect to the spatial displacement of the optical fiber and the fluctuation of the spatial distribution of the discharge arc, and highly accurate fusion can be performed efficiently.
[0038]
In the fourth optical fiber fuser of the present invention, the holder that holds the end of the optical fiber in the horizontal direction and the electrode support that holds the discharge electrode in the horizontal direction and the discharge electrode are opposed to each other. Since it is equipped with a rotation support base that can rotate them individually so that the direction becomes vertical, the optical fiber can be installed in a horizontal stable state, and then the discharge arc generated in the vertical direction Since the optical fiber can be fusion spliced, in addition to the above effects, the support of the optical fiber is stabilized, the fusing performance is further stabilized, and high-precision fusion is efficiently performed.
[0039]
In the fifth optical fiber fuser of the present invention, a holder for holding the end of the optical fiber in the horizontal direction, an electrode support for supporting the discharge electrode in the horizontal direction, and these holders And the electrode support are fixed to a single substrate, and the fixed support, the electrode support and the substrate can be simultaneously rotated so that the opposing direction of the discharge electrode is vertical. In addition to the above effects, there is an effect that the support of the optical fiber is stabilized, the fusion performance is further stabilized, and high-precision fusion is efficiently performed.
[0040]
In the sixth optical fiber fuser of the present invention, since the detection member having the function of detecting the level or verticality of the discharge electrode is provided, in addition to the above effects, the horizontal or vertical of the discharge electrode is strictly controlled. Therefore, there is an effect that the fusion performance is further stabilized and accurate and accurate fusion can be efficiently performed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a positional relationship between a curvature of a discharge arc and an optical fiber in an optical fiber fusion method of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the optical fiber fuser of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of the optical fiber fuser of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the optical fiber fuser of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of the optical fiber fuser of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a sixth embodiment of the optical fiber fuser of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a front view of an optical fiber fuser that vertically forms a discharge arc according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an eighth embodiment of the optical fiber fuser of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view when the discharge electrode is horizontal in the optical fiber fuser according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view when the discharge electrode is set to be vertical in the optical fiber fuser of Example 9 of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a tenth embodiment of the optical fiber fuser of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the curvature of the discharge arc and the optical fiber in a conventional optical fiber fusion method.
17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
18 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Discharge electrode 2 Optical fiber 3 Discharge arc 4 Holder 5 V groove 8 Reduction member 12 Electrode support 13 Substrate 14 Rotation support stand 15 Level 16 Pressing tool

Claims

A reduction member installed near a discharge arc in an optical fiber fusion method in which opposed ends of an optical fiber held by a holder and disposed between discharge electrodes are fused by a discharge arc generated between the discharge electrodes. By generating an electric field based on the electric field generated from the discharge electrode and pulling the electric field and / or magnetic field around the discharge arc, the flow of air between the discharge electrodes caused by the heating of the discharge arc is reduced. An optical fiber fusion method characterized by reducing deformation of a discharge arc that occurs in accordance with a change .

In an optical fiber fusion method in which opposed ends of an optical fiber held by a holder and disposed between discharge electrodes are fused by a discharge arc generated between the discharge electrodes, a discharge is generated between the discharge electrodes opposed in the horizontal direction. An arc is generated, and an electric field is generated based on the electric field generated from the discharge electrode from a reduction member installed near the discharge arc, and the electric field and / or magnetic field around the discharge arc is placed below the discharge arc. 2. The optical fiber fusion according to claim 1, wherein the deformation of the discharge arc caused by the change in the air flow between the discharge electrodes caused by heating the discharge arc is reduced by pulling from above or below. How to wear.

In an optical fiber fusion method in which opposed ends of an optical fiber held by a holder and disposed between discharge electrodes are fused by a discharge arc generated between the discharge electrodes, discharge is caused between discharge electrodes opposed in the vertical direction. An electric field is generated based on the electric field generated from the discharge electrode by a reduction member installed near the discharge arc, and an air flow between the discharge electrodes caused by heating of the discharge arc is generated. optical fiber fusion method characterized by reducing the deformation of the resulting discharge arc.

In an optical fiber fusion method in which opposed ends of optical fibers held by a holder and disposed between discharge electrodes are fused by a discharge arc generated between the discharge electrodes, light is emitted between the discharge electrodes facing in the horizontal direction. The opposite end of the fiber is arranged in the horizontal direction, and then the discharge electrode and the optical fiber are rotated so that the opposite direction of the discharge electrode becomes the vertical direction, and a discharge arc is formed between the discharge electrodes opposed in the vertical direction. The optical fiber fusion method according to claim 3, wherein the optical fiber is fused by generating an optical fiber.

5. The optical fiber fusion method according to claim 1, wherein the discharge electrode generates a discharge arc by detecting the level or verticality of the discharge electrode.

Discharge generated in an optical fiber fusion device comprising: a holder that holds the ends of the optical fibers facing each other; and a discharge electrode that generates a discharge arc for fusing the ends of the optical fibers held by the holder. An electric field is generated near the arc based on the electric field generated from the discharge electrode , pulling the electric field and / or magnetic field around the discharge arc, and the flow of air between the discharge electrodes by heating the discharge arc An optical fiber fuser comprising a reduction member that reduces deformation of a discharge arc that occurs as a result of a change in the pressure .

An optical fiber fuser comprising: a holder that holds the ends of the optical fibers facing each other; and a discharge electrode that generates a discharge arc for fusing the ends of the optical fibers held by the holder. Are arranged opposite to each other in the horizontal direction, and the electric field and / or magnetic field around the discharge arc is pulled below or above and below the discharge arc to provide a reduction member for reducing the deformation of the discharge arc. The optical fiber fuser according to claim 6, wherein the optical fiber fuser is provided below or above and below.

An optical fiber fuser comprising: a holder that holds the ends of the optical fibers facing each other; and a discharge electrode that generates a discharge arc for fusing the ends of the optical fibers held by the holder. Are arranged in the vertical direction, generate an electric field based on the electric field generated from the discharge electrode , pull the electric field and / or magnetic field around the discharge arc from the side of the discharge arc, and discharge An optical fiber fuser comprising a reduction member on a side of a discharge electrode for reducing deformation of the discharge arc caused by a change in air flow between the discharge electrodes due to arc heating .

A holder that holds the ends of the optical fiber facing each other, a discharge electrode that generates a discharge arc for fusing the ends of the optical fiber held by the holder, and an electrode support that supports the discharge electrode In the optical fiber fuser, the holder can hold the end of the optical fiber in the horizontal direction, and the electrode support can support the discharge electrode in the horizontal direction. 9. The optical fiber fusion device according to claim 8, further comprising a rotation support base capable of individually rotating the discharge electrodes so that the opposing direction of the discharge electrodes is vertical.

A holder that holds the ends of the optical fiber facing each other, a discharge electrode that generates a discharge arc for fusing the ends of the optical fiber held by the holder, and an electrode support that supports the discharge electrode In the optical fiber fuser, the holder can hold the end of the optical fiber in the horizontal direction, and the electrode support can support the discharge electrode in the horizontal direction. The holder and the electrode support are fixed to a single substrate, and the holder and the electrode support fixed to the substrate are simultaneously rotated so that the opposing direction of the discharge electrode is vertical. The optical fiber fusion device according to claim 8, further comprising a rotation support base capable of performing the following.

11. The optical fiber fusion device according to claim 6, further comprising a detection member having a function of detecting the level or verticality of the discharge electrode.