JP3884191B2

JP3884191B2 - Optical fiber fusion splicer

Info

Publication number: JP3884191B2
Application number: JP24130599A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 明夫田邉
Original assignee: THE FURUKAW ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
Current assignee: THE FURUKAW ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
Priority date: 1999-08-27
Filing date: 1999-08-27
Publication date: 2007-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 2019-08-27
Also published as: JP2001066455A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、光ファイバ相互をスプライス（永久接続）するために用いられる光ファイバ融着接続装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
周知のとおり、高電圧放電を利用して光ファイバを融着接続する融着接続装置が用いられており、この種の光ファイバ融着接続装置は、光ファイバの布設工事などに使用されることから、軽量化と小型化が要求されている。また、その一方で、微細な光ファイバ同士を接続するために、融着接続される光ファイバの接続端面側を観察しながら融着接続が行なえ、かつ、融着接続の作業性が良いことも光ファイバ融着接続装置には要求されている。
【０００３】
図４には、従来の光ファイバ融着接続装置の一例が光ファイバと共に示されており、図５には、図４のＡ矢視図が光ファイバ位置決め構成および制御構成を省略した状態でにより示されている。これらの図に示すように、光ファイバを融着接続する対の放電電極３（３ａ，３ｂ）が間隔を介して配置されており、光ファイバ融着接続装置は、この放電電極３ａ，３ｂ間に互いに接続端面側を対向させて配置される第１の光ファイバ１ａと第２の光ファイバ１ｂの接続端面同士を、放電電極３ａ，３ｂからの放電熱によって融着接続する構成と成している。
【０００４】
前記対の放電電極３ａ，３ｂのうち、一方側の放電電極３ｂが放電用電源６の高圧側（高電位側；ＨＯＴ側）２１に接続され、他方側の放電電極３ａが放電用電源６の低圧側（低電位側；ＲＴＮ＝グランド側）２０に接続されており、放電用電源６は、画像処理装置１１内に設けられた電源制御部（図示せず）に接続されている。
【０００５】
また、光ファイバ融着接続装置には、融着接続する第１と第２の光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂを保持し、前記放電電極３の放電時に光軸Ｚ方向に移動させる光ファイバ保持移動機構と、第１と第２の光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの接続端面側を観察する光ファイバ観察系とが設けられている。
【０００６】
前記光ファイバ保持移動機構は、光ファイバ配置台８と、光ファイバ保持手段９と、モータ１０と、光ファイバ移動制御装置１２とを有しており、光ファイバ配置台８の表面側には光ファイバ１を挿入するＶ字形溝（図示せず）が形成されている。このＶ字形溝に光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂをそれぞれ挿入したときに、光ファイバ１ａの接続端面と光ファイバ１ｂの接続端面とが、光ファイバ光軸に直交するＸ，Ｙ方向（Ｘ方向とＹ方向とは互いに直交する）に位置合わせされるように、各光ファイバ配置台８が位置決めされている。
【０００７】
光ファイバ保持手段９は、光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの途中部を保持するものであり、光ファイバ保持手段９には前記モータ１０が接続されている。そして、前記放電電極３の放電時に、前記光ファイバ移動制御装置１２によってモータ１０を駆動させて光ファイバ保持手段９をＺ方向に移動させると、光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの接続端面同士がＺ方向で近づいて突き合わされ、融着接続されるように構成されている。
【０００８】
前記光ファイバ観察系は、観察光を発する光源（照明光源）４と、光源４から発した観察光を第１の光ファイバ１ａと第２の光ファイバ１ｂの接続端面側に反射する鏡２と、鏡２で反射した光が第１と第２の光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂを透過して得られる光ファイバ画像を撮像する画像撮像装置としてのＴＶカメラ５を有している。この種の光ファイバ融着接続装置においては、装置の小型化を実現するために、鏡２は放電電極３に近接して設けられている。光源４とＴＶカメラ５は前記画像処理装置１１に接続されており、画像処理装置１１はＴＶモニタ２３に接続されている。
【０００９】
なお、同図に示す画像処理装置１１は、前記放電電極３ａ，３ｂの電源制御部の他に、光源４やＴＶカメラ５の制御部も有しており、これらの制御部によって、画像処理装置１１は、光源４のオンオフ制御およびＴＶカメラ５のオンオフ制御を行なう。
【００１０】
図４，５に示す光ファイバ融着接続装置を用いて光ファイバ１ａと光ファイバ１ｂとを接続するときは、光源４からの観察光を鏡２で反射して光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの接続端面側に照射し、光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂを透過した透過光をＴＶカメラ５に撮像し、この撮像画像の信号（映像信号）を画像処理装置１１で演算処理することにより、光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの位置情報や接続損失の推定などを行なう。
【００１１】
画像処理装置１１は、光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの位置情報に環境情報などを加味しながら、放電用電源６を駆動させて放電電極３に電流を流し、放電電極３の放電熱で光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの接続端面側を溶融させると共に、光ファイバ移動制御装置１２に光ファイバ移動指令を加え、モータ１０を駆動させ、光ファイバ保持手段９に保持した光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂをＶ溝台８のＶ字形溝に沿って互いに接続端面側に移動させて融着接続する。
【００１２】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、図４，５に示したような融着接続装置は、高圧放電による放電熱により光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂを融着接続する装置であるため、光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂを形成しているガラス材料の一部が放電時に空気中に放出されて光ファイバかすとなり、この光ファイバかすが鏡２に付着する現象が生じ、光ファイバ融着接続を繰り返し行なっていくと、鏡２の反射面が曇るといった問題が生じた。
【００１３】
このように、鏡２の反射面の曇りがひどくなると、光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの観察に支障が生じ、光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂ同士を正確に融着接続できなくなってしまうため、非常に問題である。そこで、従来は、アルコールなどを用いて鏡２の反射面の清掃を行なったり、研磨剤を用いて研磨を行なったりしていたが、このような作業は面倒である。また、近年、光ファイバ融着接続装置は、光ファイバアンプなどの光部品の製造に用いられるようになり、その使用頻度が非常に高くなってきているため、前記清掃等が間に合わない状況となってきた。
【００１４】
本発明は、上記従来の課題を解決するためになされたものであり、その目的は、光ファイバ融着接続装置に設けられている光ファイバ観察系の鏡などの清掃を頻繁に行なわなくても光ファイバ接続端面の観察を支障なく行なえ、それにより正確に光ファイバの融着接続を行なえる光ファイバ融着接続装置を提供することにある。
【００１５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、本発明は次のような構成をもって課題を解決するための手段としている。すなわち、第１の発明は、光ファイバを融着接続する対の放電電極が間隔を介して配置され、この放電電極間に互いに接続端面側を対向させて配置される第１の光ファイバと第２の光ファイバの接続端面同士を前記放電電極からの放電熱によって融着接続する光ファイバ融着接続装置において、前記第１と第２の光ファイバ接続端面側を観察する光ファイバ観察系を有し、該光ファイバ観察系は観察光を発する光源と、該光源から発した観察光を前記第１の光ファイバと第２の光ファイバの接続端面側に反射する鏡と、該鏡で反射した光が前記第１と第２の光ファイバを透過して得られる光ファイバ画像を撮像する画像撮像装置とを有しており、前記対の放電電極の一方側が放電用電源の高電位側に接続され他方側が前記放電用電源の低電位側に接続されており、該低電位側に接続されている放電電極近傍に設けられた鏡の反射面側には光ファイバ融着接続時に光ファイバかすの付着によって鏡の反射面が曇ることを抑制する曇り防止装置が設けられているか、又は当該低電位側に接続されている放電電極近傍に設けられた鏡の反射面に光ファイバかすの付着によって曇ることを抑制する曇り防止膜がコーティングされており、前記曇り防止装置は観察光透過用の透過窓を有する箱体または板体により形成されている構成をもって課題を解決する手段としている。
【００１６】
また、第２の発明は、光ファイバを融着接続する対の放電電極が間隔を介して配置され、この放電電極間に互いに接続端面側を対向させて配置される第１の光ファイバと第２の光ファイバの接続端面同士を前記放電電極からの放電熱によって融着接続する光ファイバ融着接続装置において、前記第１と第２の光ファイバ接続端面側を観察する光ファイバ観察系を有し、該光ファイバ観察系は観察光を前記第１の光ファイバと第２の光ファイバの接続端面側に照射する光源と、該光源からの観察光が前記第１と第２の光ファイバを透過した後に該透過光を反射する鏡と、該鏡で反射した透過光によって得られる光ファイバ画像を撮像する画像撮像装置とを有しており、前記対の放電電極の一方側が放電用電源の高電位側に接続され他方側が前記放電用電源の低電位側に接続されており、該低電位側に接続されている放電電極近傍に設けられた鏡の反射面側には光ファイバ融着接続時に光ファイバかすの付着によって鏡の反射面が曇ることを抑制する曇り防止装置が設けられているか、又は当該低電位側に接続されている放電電極近傍に設けられた鏡の反射面に光ファイバかすの付着によって曇ることを抑制する曇り防止膜がコーティングされており、前記曇り防止装置は観察光透過用の透過窓を有する箱体または板体により形成されている構成をもって課題を解決する手段としている。
【００１７】
さらに、第３の発明は、光ファイバを融着接続する対の放電電極が間隔を介して配置され、この放電電極間に互いに接続端面側を対向させて配置される第１の光ファイバと第２の光ファイバの接続端面同士を前記放電電極からの放電熱によって融着接続する光ファイバ融着接続装置において、前記第１と第２の光ファイバ接続端面側を観察する光ファイバ観察系を有し、該光ファイバ観察系は観察光を発する光源と、該光源から発した観察光を透過して平行光とするレンズと、該レンズを透過した平行光が前記第１と第２の光ファイバを透過して得られる光ファイバ画像を撮像する画像撮像装置とを有しており、前記対の放電電極の一方側が放電用電源の高電位側に接続され他方側が前記放電用電源の低電位側に接続されており、該低電位側に接続されている放電電極近傍に設けられたレンズの前記放電電極に対向する側には光ファイバ融着接続時に光ファイバかすの付着によってレンズが曇ることを抑制する曇り防止装置が設けられているか、又は当該低電位側に接続されている放電電極近傍に設けられたレンズの放射電極に対向する側に光ファイバかすの付着によって曇ることを抑制する曇り防止膜がコーティングされており、前記曇り防止装置は観察光透過用の透過窓を有する箱体または板体により形成されている構成をもって課題を解決する手段としている。
【００１８】
さらに、第４の発明は、光ファイバを融着接続する対の放電電極が間隔を介して配置され、この放電電極間に互いに接続端面側を対向させて配置される第１の光ファイバと第２の光ファイバの接続端面同士を前記放電電極からの放電熱によって融着接続する光ファイバ融着接続装置において、前記第１と第２の光ファイバ接続端面側を観察する光ファイバ観察系を有し、該光ファイバ観察系は観察光を前記第１の光ファイバと第２の光ファイバの接続端面側に照射する光源と、該光源からの観察光が前記第１と第２の光ファイバを透過して得られる光ファイバ画像を撮像する画像撮像装置とを有しており、前記対の放電電極の一方側が放電用電源の高電位側に接続され他方側が前記放電用電源の低電位側に接続されており、該低電位側に接続されている放電電極近傍に設けられた光源の光発信部側には光ファイバ融着接続時に光ファイバかすの付着によって光発信部が曇ることを抑制する曇り防止装置が設けられているか、又は当該低電位側に接続されている放電電極近傍に設けられた光源の光発信部側に光ファイバかすの付着によって曇ることを抑制する曇り防止膜がコーティングされており、前記曇り防止装置は観察光透過用の透過窓を有する箱体または板体により形成されている構成をもって課題を解決する手段としている。
【００２１】
さらに、第５の発明は、上記第１乃至第４のいずれか一つの発明の構成に加え、前記透過窓に観察光透過材料を設けた構成をもって課題を解決する手段としている。
【００２２】
さらに、第６の発明は、上記第１乃至第４のいずれか一つの発明の構成に加え、前記曇り防止装置は観察光透過材料により形成されている構成をもって課題を解決する手段としている。
【００２４】
前記の如く、上記第１の発明の構成から曇り防止装置を除外した光ファイバ観察系をもつ従来の融着接続装置においては、放電時に放出される光ファイバかすが鏡の反射面に付着する。これは、鏡の反射面にはガラス材料が設けられており、ガラス材料で形成された光ファイバのかすが、ガラス材料で形成された鏡の反射面表面に付着し易いことによって起こると考えられる。また、クローム蒸着ミラー等の金属系材料を用いた鏡の場合でも、後述のように、光ファイバかすがイオン化されているために、金属材料と光ファイバかすが電気的に結合しやすい。
【００２５】
したがって、装置の小型化実現のために、上記第１、第２の発明の観察系において、放電電極と鏡とを近接させて設けると鏡の反射面に光ファイバかすが付着し、また、レンズや光源の発信部表面はガラス材料で形成されているために、上記第３の発明の観察系において、放電電極とレンズとを近接させて設けるとレンズの放電電極に対向する側に光ファイバかすが付着し、上記第４の発明の観察系において、放電電極と光源とを近接させて設けると光源の光発信部に光ファイバかすが付着する現象が生じることになるが、第１〜第４の発明においては、鏡の反射面側やレンズの放電電極に対向する側や光源の光発信部側に光ファイバかすの付着による曇りを防止する曇り防止装置が設けられているために、これらの曇り防止が行われる。
【００２６】
そのため、本発明においては、光ファイバ観察系の鏡やレンズや光源などの清掃等を頻繁に行なわなくても光ファイバ接続端面の観察を支障なく行なえ、それにより正確に光ファイバの融着接続を行なうことが可能となる。
【００２７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面に基づいて説明する。なお、本実施形態例の説明において、従来例と同一名称部分には同一符号を付し、その重複説明は省略する。図１の（ａ）には、本発明に係る光ファイバ融着接続装置の一実施形態例がその制御構成を省略した状態で示されている。
【００２８】
本実施形態例の装置は、図４，５に示した従来の光ファイバ融着接続装置とほぼ同様に構成されており、本実施形態例の光ファイバ融着接続装置の特徴的なことは、放電用電源６の低圧側２０に接続した放電電極３ａ近傍に設けられている鏡２ａの反射面側に、光ファイバ融着接続時に光ファイバかすの付着によって鏡２ａの反射面が曇ることを抑制する曇り防止装置７が設けられていることである。
【００２９】
この曇り防止装置７は、同図の（ｂ）に示すように、観察光透過用の透過窓としてのスリット１３を有する四角筒体によって形成されている。すなわち、曇り防止装置７は、上面と下面が開口の箱体によって形成され、その側壁に観察光透過用の透過窓１３が設けられている。また、前記側壁の下部側には下側開口の開口部１５が設けられており、同図の（ａ）に示すように、曇り防止装置７は開口部１５に放電電極３ａを嵌合した状態で設けられる。
【００３０】
なお、本発明者が、従来の光ファイバ融着接続装置において、鏡２の曇りの発生状況を調べたところ、放電用電源６の高圧側２１に接続されている放電電極３ｂの近傍に設けられている鏡２ｂに比べ、放電用電源６の低圧側２０に接続されている放電電極３ａの近傍に設けられている鏡２ａの方が曇りの度合いが大きかった。これは、放電時に放電電極３ａ，３ｂ間に電流が流れ、それに伴い、空気中のイオンや光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂから放出されるガラス材料のイオンが高圧側２１に接続されている放電電極３ｂ側から低圧側２０に接続されている放電電極３ａ側により多く流動することによるものと考えられる。
【００３１】
そこで、本実施形態例では、前記の如く、放電用電源６の低圧側２０に接続した放電電極３ａ近傍に設けられている鏡２ａの反射面側に、曇り防止装置７を設けた。
【００３２】
本実施形態例は以上のように構成されており、従来例と同様の動作によって光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの接続端面同士の融着接続を行なうが、本実施形態例では、鏡２ａの反射面側に曇り防止装置７を設けたので、鏡２ａの反射面が光ファイバかすの付着によって曇ることを防止することができる。そのため、従来のように、鏡２ａの反射面をアルコールなどを用いて頻繁に清掃しなくても、光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの接続端面の観察を支障なく行なうことができ、鏡２ａの反射面の清掃回数を従来に比べて極端に減らしても、正確に光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの融着接続を行なうことができる。
【００３３】
なお、本発明は上記実施形態例に限定されることはなく、様々な実施の態様を採り得る。例えば、上記実施形態例では、光源４と鏡２とＴＶカメラ５を設けて光ファイバ観察系を構成し、光源４からの観察光を鏡２で反射して光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの接続端面に照射し、ＴＶカメラ５で観察するようにしたが、光ファイバ観察系は、例えば図２に示すように、光源４からの観察光を第１と第２の光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの接続端面側に直接照射し、光源４からの観察光が第１と第２の光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂを透過して得られる光ファイバ画像をＴＶカメラ５で撮像して観察する構成としてもよい。
【００３４】
光ファイバ観察系をこのように構成した場合も、同図に示すように、対の放電電極３ａ，３ｂのうち、放電用電源６の低圧側２０に接続されている放電電極３ａの近傍に設けられた鏡２ａの反射面側に上記実施形態例と同様の曇り防止装置７を設けることにより、上記実施形態例と同様の効果を奏することができる。
【００３５】
また、光ファイバ観察系を、図３に示すように、観察光を発する光源４と、光源４から発した観察光を透過して平行光とするコリメタリーレンズなどのレンズ１４（１４ａ，１４ｂ）と、レンズ１４を透過した平行光が第１と第２の光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂを透過して得られる光ファイバ画像を撮像する画像撮像装置としてのＴＶカメラ５を設けた構成としてもよい。
【００３６】
光ファイバ観察系をこのように構成した場合も、同図に示すように、対の放電電極３ａ，３ｂのうち、放電用電源６の低圧側２０に接続されている放電電極３ａの近傍に設けられたレンズ１４ａの放電電極３ａに対向する側に、レンズ１４ａに光ファイバかすが付着してレンズ１４ａが曇ることを防止する曇り防止装置７を設けることにより、上記実施形態例と同様の効果を奏することができる。なお、曇り防止装置７は、上記実施形態例と同様の構成とすればよい。
【００３７】
さらに、光ファイバ観察系は、図３におけるレンズ１４を省略し、光源４とＴＶカメラ５を設けて構成し、光源４からの観察光を第１と第２の光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの接続端面側に直接照射し、この照射した観察光が第１と第２の光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂを透過して得られる光ファイバ画像をＴＶカメラ５によって撮像する構成としてもよい。
【００３８】
このように、光ファイバ観察系を、図３におけるレンズ１４を省略して構成した場合も、対の放電電極３ａ，３ｂのうち、放電用電源６の低圧側２０に接続されている光源４の光発信部側に、光ファイバかすが付着して光源４が曇ることを防止する曇り防止装置７を設けることにより、上記実施形態例と同様の効果を奏することができる。この場合も、曇り防止装置７は、上記実施形態例と同様の構成とすればよい。
【００３９】
なお、周知の如く、光源４からの照射光のうち、平行光成分が光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂを透過して得られる光ファイバ画像をＴＶカメラ５によって観察することにより、光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの接続端面を正確に観察できることから、図３に示すようなレンズ１４を用いない場合は、光源４から光ファイバ１ａ，１ｂの接続端面までの光の距離を幾分長くすることが必要となる。したがって、図３に示したように、レンズ１４を設けた方がレンズ１４を設けない場合よりも、光ファイバ融着接続装置の小型化を図りやすい。
【００４０】
さらに、図１〜図３に示した光ファイバ融着接続装置においては、いずれも、放電用電源６の低圧側２０に接続されている放電電極３ａに曇り防止装置７を取り付けることにより、放電電極３ａの近傍に設けられた鏡２ａの反射面側や、レンズ１４ａの放電電極３ａに対向する側や、光源４の光発信部側に曇り防止装置７を設けたが、曇り防止装置７は、必ずしも放電電極３ａに取り付けるとは限らず、鏡２ａやレンズ１４ａや光源４と放電電極３ａとの間に曇り防止装置７の取り付け部を設け、この取り付け部に曇り防止装置７を固定してもよい。また、上記各図における放電電極３ｂ側にも曇り防止装置７を設けてもよい。
【００４１】
さらに、上記実施形態例では、曇り防止装置７は観察光透過用のスリット１３を有する箱体としたが、曇り防止装置７はスリットなどの観察光透過用の透過窓を有する板体により形成してもよい。なお、このような板体により曇り防止装置７を形成する場合は、平板状の板体としてもよいが、光ファイバかすが鏡２ａなど側に飛んで付着することを抑制し易いように、例えば断面が半円形状の板体とするなど、曲面状の板体により曇り防止装置７を構成すると、光ファイバかすの鏡２ａなどへの付着を効率的に防止して、鏡２ａなどの曇り防止を行なうことができる。
【００４２】
さらに、上記実施形態例では、スリット１３を設けて曇り防止装置７を形成したが、観察光透過用の透過窓に観察光透過材料を設けて曇り防止装置７を形成してもよい。なお、この観察光透過材料としては、透明で、かつ、ガラス材料が付着し難いもの（難接着材）が好ましく、その例としては、ポリカーボネイト樹脂やフッ素樹脂が挙げられ、これらの樹脂によって形成した板を透過窓に設けてもよいし、これらの樹脂をガラス板の表面にコーティングしたものやこれらの樹脂製フィルムをガラス板に接着したりしたものを透過窓に設けてもよい。
【００４３】
さらに、曇り防止装置７を、上記のような観察光透過材料により形成してもよい。この場合は、透過窓は不要である。
【００４４】
さらに、上記実施形態例では、光ファイバ観察系の鏡２（２ａ）の反射面側に曇り防止装置７を設けたが、曇り防止装置７を設ける代わりに、光ファイバ融着接続時に光ファイバかすの付着によって鏡２の反射面が曇ることを抑制する曇り防止膜を鏡２の反射面にコーティングしてもよい。上記曇り防止膜としては、ポリカーボネイト樹脂やフッ素樹脂等の難接着材が挙げられる。また、図３に示した装置のレンズ１４ａの放電電極３ａに対向する側に上記曇り防止膜をコーティングしたり、図３においてレンズ１４を省略して構成した装置の光源４の光発信部側に上記曇り防止膜をコーティングしたりしてもよい。
【００４５】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、第１と第２の光ファイバの接続端面側を観察する光ファイバ観察系を構成するところの、特に、放電用電源の低電位側に接続されている放電電極近傍に設けられた鏡側又はレンズ側又は光源側に、光ファイバかすの付着による曇りを防止する曇り防止装置が設けられているか、又は当該低電位側に接続されている放電電極近傍に設けられた鏡又はレンズ又は光源に光ファイバかすの付着によって曇ることを抑制する曇り防止膜がコーティングされているために、これらの曇り防止を行なうことができ、上記鏡やレンズや光源などの清掃を頻繁に行なわなくても、これらを用いた光ファイバ観察系によって光ファイバ接続端面の観察を支障なく行なうことができる。したがって、前記鏡やレンズや光源などに付着した光ファイバかすを除去する清掃を頻繁に行なわなくても、光ファイバ観察系によって光ファイバ接続端面の観察を行ないながら、正確に光ファイバの融着接続を行なうことができ、効率良く光ファイバ融着接続を行なうことができる。
【００４７】
また、曇り防止装置を、観察光透過用の透過窓を有する箱体または板体により形成した発明によれば、曇り防止装置を容易に形成することができ、かつ、確実に上記曇り防止効果を発揮することができる。
【００４８】
さらに、透過窓に観察光透過材料を設けた発明によれば、曇り防止装置を容易に形成することができ、また、例えば観察光透過材料を難接着材によって形成することにより、透過窓に光ファイバかすが付着することも抑制し、より一層確実に曇り防止効果を発揮することができる。
【００４９】
曇り防止装置は観察光透過材料により形成した発明によれば、観察光透過用の透過窓を設けなくても容易に曇り防止装置を形成することができ、また、例えば観察光透過材料を難接着材によって形成することにより、透過窓に光ファイバかすが付着することも抑制し、より一層確実に曇り防止効果を発揮することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る光ファイバ融着接続装置の一実施形態例の要部構成図（ａ）と、本実施形態例の特徴的な曇り防止装置の斜視構成図（ｂ）である。
【図２】本発明に係る光ファイバ融着接続装置の他の実施形態例を示す要部構成図である。
【図３】本発明に係る光ファイバ融着接続装置のさらに他の実施形態例を示す要部構成図である。
【図４】従来の光ファイバ融着接続装置をその制御構成と共に示す説明図である。
【図５】図４のＡ矢視図である。
【符号の説明】
１，１ａ，１ｂ光ファイバ
２，２ａ，２ｂ鏡
３，３ａ，３ｂ放電電極
４光源
５ＴＶカメラ
６放電用電源
７曇り防止装置
１１画像処理装置
１３スリット
１４，１４ａ，１４ｂレンズ
２０低圧側
２１高圧側[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical fiber fusion splicing device used for splicing optical fibers to each other (permanent connection).
[0002]
[Prior art]
As is well known, a fusion splicing device for fusion splicing of optical fibers using high voltage discharge is used, and this type of optical fiber fusion splicing device should be used for optical fiber laying work or the like. Therefore, weight reduction and size reduction are required. On the other hand, in order to connect fine optical fibers, fusion splicing can be performed while observing the connection end face side of the optical fiber to be spliced and the workability of the splicing is good. There is a demand for an optical fiber fusion splicer.
[0003]
FIG. 4 shows an example of a conventional optical fiber fusion splicing device together with an optical fiber, and FIG. 5 shows a state where the optical fiber positioning configuration and control configuration are omitted in FIG. It is shown. As shown in these drawings, a pair of discharge electrodes 3 (3a, 3b) for fusion-splicing optical fibers are arranged with a gap therebetween, and the optical fiber fusion-splicing device is provided between the discharge electrodes 3a, 3b. The connection end faces of the first optical fiber 1a and the second optical fiber 1b, which are arranged with their connection end face sides facing each other, are fused and connected by discharge heat from the discharge electrodes 3a and 3b. Yes.
[0004]
Of the pair of discharge electrodes 3 a and 3 b, one discharge electrode 3 b is connected to the high voltage side (high potential side; HOT side) 21 of the discharge power supply 6, and the other discharge electrode 3 a is connected to the discharge power supply 6. Connected to the low voltage side (low potential side; RTN = ground side) 20, the discharge power supply 6 is connected to a power supply control unit (not shown) provided in the image processing apparatus 11.
[0005]
The optical fiber fusion splicer includes an optical fiber holding and moving mechanism that holds the first and second optical fibers 1a and 1b to be fused and moves in the direction of the optical axis Z when the discharge electrode 3 is discharged. An optical fiber observation system for observing the connection end face side of the first and second optical fibers 1a and 1b is provided.
[0006]
The optical fiber holding and moving mechanism has an optical fiber placing table 8, an optical fiber holding means 9, a motor 10, and an optical fiber movement control device 12. A V-shaped groove (not shown) for inserting the fiber 1 is formed. When the optical fibers 1a and 1b are respectively inserted into the V-shaped grooves, the connection end face of the optical fiber 1a and the connection end face of the optical fiber 1b are in the X and Y directions (X direction and Y direction) orthogonal to the optical fiber optical axis. The optical fiber placement bases 8 are positioned so as to be aligned with each other.
[0007]
The optical fiber holding means 9 holds the middle part of the optical fibers 1 a and 1 b, and the motor 10 is connected to the optical fiber holding means 9. When the optical fiber movement control device 12 drives the motor 10 to move the optical fiber holding means 9 in the Z direction during the discharge of the discharge electrode 3, the connection end faces of the optical fibers 1a and 1b are in the Z direction. It is configured to approach each other and be fusion spliced.
[0008]
The optical fiber observation system includes a light source (illumination light source) 4 that emits observation light, and a mirror 2 that reflects the observation light emitted from the light source 4 to the connection end face side of the first optical fiber 1a and the second optical fiber 1b. A TV camera 5 is provided as an image capturing device that captures an optical fiber image obtained by transmitting light reflected by the mirror 2 through the first and second optical fibers 1a and 1b. In this type of optical fiber fusion splicer, the mirror 2 is provided close to the discharge electrode 3 in order to realize a reduction in the size of the device. The light source 4 and the TV camera 5 are connected to the image processing apparatus 11, and the image processing apparatus 11 is connected to the TV monitor 23.
[0009]
The image processing apparatus 11 shown in the figure has a control unit for the light source 4 and the TV camera 5 in addition to the power supply control unit for the discharge electrodes 3a and 3b. 11 performs on / off control of the light source 4 and on / off control of the TV camera 5.
[0010]
When connecting the optical fiber 1a and the optical fiber 1b using the optical fiber fusion splicer shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the observation light from the light source 4 is reflected by the mirror 2 and the connection end faces of the optical fibers 1a and 1b Of the optical fibers 1a and 1b by imaging the transmitted light transmitted through the optical fibers 1a and 1b onto the TV camera 5 and processing the signal (video signal) of the captured image by the image processing device 11. Estimate location information and connection loss.
[0011]
The image processing apparatus 11 drives the discharge power source 6 to flow current to the discharge electrode 3 while adding environmental information to the position information of the optical fibers 1 a and 1 b, and causes the current to flow through the discharge electrode 3. 1b is melted, an optical fiber movement command is given to the optical fiber movement control device 12, the motor 10 is driven, and the optical fibers 1a and 1b held in the optical fiber holding means 9 are connected to the V groove 8 It moves to a connection end face side along a letter-like groove, and it is fusion-bonded.
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, since the fusion splicing apparatus as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is an apparatus for fusion splicing the optical fibers 1a and 1b by discharge heat due to high-pressure discharge, the glass material forming the optical fibers 1a and 1b. A part of the optical fiber is discharged into the air at the time of discharge and becomes an optical fiber debris. This optical fiber debris adheres to the mirror 2, and when the optical fiber fusion splicing is repeated, the reflecting surface of the mirror 2 becomes cloudy. There was a problem.
[0013]
Thus, the clouding of the reflecting surface of the mirror 2 is worse, the optical fiber 1a, create an obstacle to the 1b observation, the optical fiber 1a, since disappears come and 1b together in precise fusion splicing, very problematic is there. Therefore, conventionally, the reflecting surface of the mirror 2 is cleaned using alcohol or the like, or polishing is performed using an abrasive, but such work is troublesome. In recent years, optical fiber fusion splicing devices have been used in the manufacture of optical components such as optical fiber amplifiers, and the frequency of use thereof has become extremely high, so that the cleaning and the like are not in time. I came.
[0014]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described conventional problems, and the object of the present invention is to eliminate frequent cleaning of a mirror of an optical fiber observation system provided in an optical fiber fusion splicer. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber fusion splicing device that can observe an end face of an optical fiber connection without hindrance and thereby accurately perform fusion splicing of optical fibers.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration as means for solving the problems. That is, according to the first invention, the pair of discharge electrodes for fusion-splicing the optical fiber is disposed with a gap therebetween, and the first optical fiber and the first optical fiber disposed with the connection end faces facing each other between the discharge electrodes. In an optical fiber fusion splicing apparatus for fusion splicing the connection end faces of the two optical fibers by the discharge heat from the discharge electrode, an optical fiber observation system for observing the first and second optical fiber connection end face sides is provided. The optical fiber observation system includes a light source that emits observation light, a mirror that reflects the observation light emitted from the light source to the connection end face side of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and the mirror that reflects the observation light. An image pickup device for picking up an optical fiber image obtained by transmitting light through the first and second optical fibers, wherein one side of the pair of discharge electrodes is connected to a high potential side of a discharge power supply The other side is the low potential of the discharge power supply The reflection surface of the mirror provided near the discharge electrode connected to the low potential side is prevented from fogging the reflection surface of the mirror due to adhesion of optical fiber debris when the optical fiber is fused. The anti-fogging device that suppresses fogging due to adhesion of optical fiber debris is coated on the reflection surface of the mirror provided near the discharge electrode connected to the low potential side. The anti-fogging device has a configuration formed of a box or a plate having a transmission window for transmitting observation light as means for solving the problem.
[0016]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a pair of discharge electrodes for fusion-splicing optical fibers is disposed with a gap therebetween, and the first optical fiber and the first optical fiber disposed with the connection end faces facing each other between the discharge electrodes. In an optical fiber fusion splicing apparatus for fusion splicing the connection end faces of the two optical fibers by the discharge heat from the discharge electrode, an optical fiber observation system for observing the first and second optical fiber connection end face sides is provided. The optical fiber observing system irradiates the first and second optical fibers with a light source for irradiating the observation light to the connection end face side of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber. A mirror that reflects the transmitted light after passing through, and an image capturing device that captures an optical fiber image obtained by the transmitted light reflected by the mirror, wherein one side of the pair of discharge electrodes is a discharge power source Connected to the high potential side and the other side is the above It is connected to the low potential side of the power supply, and the reflection surface of the mirror provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode connected to the low potential side is attached to the mirror by adhesion of the optical fiber when the optical fiber is fused. The anti-fogging device that suppresses the fogging of the reflecting surface is provided , or the fogging due to the attachment of the optical fiber debris to the reflecting surface of the mirror provided near the discharge electrode connected to the low potential side is suppressed. The anti-fogging film is coated, and the anti-fogging device has a structure formed of a box or a plate having a transmission window for transmitting observation light as means for solving the problem.
[0017]
Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, a pair of discharge electrodes for fusion-splicing optical fibers is disposed with a gap therebetween, and the first optical fiber and the first optical fiber disposed with the connection end faces facing each other between the discharge electrodes. In an optical fiber fusion splicing apparatus for fusion splicing the connection end faces of the two optical fibers by the discharge heat from the discharge electrode, an optical fiber observation system for observing the first and second optical fiber connection end face sides is provided. The optical fiber observation system includes a light source that emits observation light, a lens that transmits the observation light emitted from the light source to be parallel light, and the parallel light that has passed through the lens is the first and second optical fibers. An image pickup device that picks up an optical fiber image obtained by transmitting the light, and one side of the pair of discharge electrodes is connected to a high potential side of the discharge power supply, and the other side is a low potential side of the discharge power supply Connected to the low potential side Or anti-fog device prevents the lens from fogging by attachment of the discharge optical fiber scum upon the optical fiber fusion splicing on the side facing the electrodes of the lens provided on the discharge near the electrode to which it is connected are provided Further, the anti-fogging film is coated on the side facing the radiation electrode of the lens provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode connected to the low potential side so as to prevent fogging due to adhesion of optical fiber debris. The apparatus has a configuration formed of a box or a plate having a transmission window for transmitting observation light as means for solving the problem.
[0018]
Further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a pair of discharge electrodes for fusion-splicing optical fibers is disposed with a gap therebetween, and the first optical fiber and the first optical fiber disposed with the connection end faces facing each other between the discharge electrodes. In an optical fiber fusion splicing apparatus for fusion splicing the connection end faces of the two optical fibers by the discharge heat from the discharge electrode, an optical fiber observation system for observing the first and second optical fiber connection end face sides is provided. The optical fiber observing system irradiates the first and second optical fibers with a light source for irradiating the observation light to the connection end face side of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber. An image pickup device for picking up an optical fiber image obtained through transmission, wherein one side of the pair of discharge electrodes is connected to a high potential side of the discharge power supply, and the other side is connected to a low potential side of the discharge power supply. Connected and connected to the low potential side Does the light outgoing side of the light source provided in the discharge near the electrode that fogging prevention device prevents the light transmitting portion is fogged by the attachment of the optical fiber scum upon the optical fiber fusion splicing is provided, or An anti-fogging film that suppresses fogging due to adhesion of optical fiber debris is coated on the light transmitting portion side of the light source provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode connected to the low potential side, and the anti-fogging device uses the observation light. A structure formed of a box or plate having a transmission window for transmission is used as means for solving the problem.
[0021]
Furthermore, the fifth invention is a means for solving the problem with a configuration in which an observation light transmitting material is provided in the transmission window in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fourth inventions.
[0022]
Furthermore, the sixth invention is a means for solving the problems with the configuration of any one of the first to fourth inventions described above, wherein the anti-fogging device is formed of an observation light transmitting material.
[0024]
Wherein As, in the conventional fusion splicing apparatus having an optical fiber observation system that excludes prevention device fogging from the configuration of the upper Symbol first invention is attached to the reflecting surface of the optical fiber Kasuga mirror that is released during discharging. This is considered to be caused by the fact that a glass material is provided on the reflecting surface of the mirror, and the optical fiber debris formed of the glass material easily adheres to the reflecting surface of the mirror formed of the glass material. Further, even in the case of a mirror using a metal material such as a chrome vapor deposition mirror, as described later, since the optical fiber residue is ionized, the metal material and the optical fiber residue are easily electrically coupled.
[0025]
Therefore, in order to realize the downsizing of the apparatus, in the observation systems of the first and second inventions, when the discharge electrode and the mirror are provided close to each other, optical fiber debris adheres to the reflecting surface of the mirror, Since the surface of the light emitting part is formed of a glass material, in the observation system of the third aspect of the invention, when the discharge electrode and the lens are provided close to each other, optical fiber residue adheres to the side of the lens facing the discharge electrode. However, in the observation system of the fourth invention, when the discharge electrode and the light source are provided close to each other, a phenomenon that optical fiber debris adheres to the light transmission part of the light source occurs. In the first to fourth inventions, The anti-fogging device that prevents fogging due to adhesion of optical fiber debris is provided on the reflecting surface side of the mirror, the side facing the discharge electrode of the lens, and the light transmitting part side of the light source. Done.
[0026]
Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to observe the end face of the optical fiber without hindrance without frequently cleaning the mirror, lens, light source, etc. of the optical fiber observation system, thereby accurately fusing the optical fibers. Can be performed.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same name portions as in the conventional example, and the duplicate description thereof is omitted. FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of an optical fiber fusion splicing device according to the present invention with its control configuration omitted.
[0028]
The apparatus of the present embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as the conventional optical fiber fusion splicing apparatus shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the characteristic features of the optical fiber fusion splicing apparatus of the present embodiment are as follows. Suppresses the reflection surface of the mirror 2a from becoming cloudy due to adhesion of optical fiber debris to the reflection surface side of the mirror 2a provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 3a connected to the low voltage side 20 of the discharge power supply 6 The anti-fogging device 7 is provided.
[0029]
The anti-fogging device 7 is formed of a rectangular cylinder having a slit 13 as a transmission window for transmitting observation light, as shown in FIG. That is, the anti-fogging device 7 is formed by a box having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a transmission window 13 for transmitting observation light is provided on the side wall. Further, a lower opening 15 is provided on the lower side of the side wall, and as shown in FIG. 5A, the anti-fogging device 7 is fitted with the discharge electrode 3a in the opening 15. Is provided.
[0030]
In addition, when this inventor investigated the fogging condition of the mirror 2 in the conventional optical fiber fusion splicer, it was provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 3b connected to the high voltage side 21 of the discharge power source 6. Compared with the mirror 2b, the mirror 2a provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 3a connected to the low voltage side 20 of the discharge power supply 6 was more cloudy. This is because a current flows between the discharge electrodes 3a and 3b during discharge, and accordingly, ions in the air and ions of the glass material emitted from the optical fibers 1a and 1b are connected to the high-voltage side 21 side. This is considered to be due to a larger flow from the discharge electrode 3a connected to the low pressure side 20 to the side of the discharge electrode 3a.
[0031]
Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, the anti-fogging device 7 is provided on the reflection surface side of the mirror 2a provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 3a connected to the low voltage side 20 of the discharge power source 6.
[0032]
The present embodiment is configured as described above, and the connection end faces of the optical fibers 1a and 1b are fusion-bonded by the same operation as the conventional example. In this embodiment, the reflecting surface side of the mirror 2a is used. Since the anti-fogging device 7 is provided, the reflecting surface of the mirror 2a can be prevented from being fogged due to adhesion of optical fiber debris. For this reason, the connection end surfaces of the optical fibers 1a and 1b can be observed without any trouble without frequently cleaning the reflection surface of the mirror 2a with alcohol or the like as in the prior art. Even if the number of times of cleaning is extremely reduced as compared with the prior art, the fusion splicing of the optical fibers 1a and 1b can be performed accurately.
[0033]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment example, Various aspects can be taken. For example, in the above embodiment, the optical fiber observation system is configured by providing the light source 4, the mirror 2, and the TV camera 5, and the observation light from the light source 4 is reflected by the mirror 2 to the connection end faces of the optical fibers 1 a and 1 b. The optical fiber observation system irradiates and observes with the TV camera 5, but the optical fiber observation system, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, observes the observation light from the light source 4 on the connection end face side of the first and second optical fibers 1a and 1b. It is good also as a structure which images and observes with the TV camera 5 the optical fiber image obtained by irradiating directly to the observation light from the light source 4, and permeate | transmitting the 1st and 2nd optical fibers 1a and 1b.
[0034]
Even when the optical fiber observation system is configured in this way, as shown in the figure, it is provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 3a connected to the low voltage side 20 of the discharge power source 6 among the pair of discharge electrodes 3a and 3b. By providing the same anti-fogging device 7 as in the above embodiment on the reflecting surface side of the mirror 2a thus obtained, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.
[0035]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the optical fiber observation system includes a light source 4 that emits observation light, and a lens 14 (14a, 14b) such as a collimator lens that transmits observation light emitted from the light source 4 and converts it into parallel light. In addition, a TV camera 5 as an image capturing device that captures an optical fiber image obtained by transmitting the parallel light transmitted through the lens 14 through the first and second optical fibers 1a and 1b may be provided.
[0036]
Even when the optical fiber observation system is configured in this way, as shown in the figure, it is provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 3a connected to the low voltage side 20 of the discharge power source 6 among the pair of discharge electrodes 3a and 3b. By providing the anti-fogging device 7 for preventing the lens 14a from being fogged due to the optical fiber debris adhering to the lens 14a on the side of the lens 14a facing the discharge electrode 3a, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained. be able to. The anti-fogging device 7 may have the same configuration as that of the above embodiment.
[0037]
Further, the optical fiber observation system is configured by omitting the lens 14 in FIG. 3 and providing the light source 4 and the TV camera 5, and the observation light from the light source 4 is connected to the end faces of the first and second optical fibers 1a and 1b. A configuration may be adopted in which the TV camera 5 captures an optical fiber image obtained by irradiating directly to the side and transmitting the observed observation light through the first and second optical fibers 1a and 1b.
[0038]
Thus, even when the optical fiber observation system is configured by omitting the lens 14 in FIG. 3, the light source 4 connected to the low-voltage side 20 of the discharge power source 6 out of the pair of discharge electrodes 3 a and 3 b. By providing the anti-fogging device 7 for preventing the light source 4 from being fogged by adhering the optical fiber debris on the light transmitting part side, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained. Also in this case, the anti-fogging device 7 may have the same configuration as that of the above embodiment.
[0039]
As is well known, the TV camera 5 observes an optical fiber image obtained by transmitting a parallel light component through the optical fibers 1a and 1b in the light emitted from the light source 4, thereby connecting the optical fibers 1a and 1b. Since the end face can be observed accurately, when the lens 14 as shown in FIG. 3 is not used, it is necessary to increase the distance of the light from the light source 4 to the connection end face of the optical fibers 1a and 1b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, it is easier to reduce the size of the optical fiber fusion splicing device when the lens 14 is provided than when the lens 14 is not provided.
[0040]
Further, in any of the optical fiber fusion splicing devices shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the discharge electrode can be obtained by attaching the anti-fogging device 7 to the discharge electrode 3 a connected to the low voltage side 20 of the discharge power source 6. Although the anti-fogging device 7 is provided on the reflecting surface side of the mirror 2a provided in the vicinity of 3a, the side facing the discharge electrode 3a of the lens 14a, and the light transmitting portion side of the light source 4, the anti-fogging device 7 is Even if the anti-fogging device 7 is provided between the mirror 2a, the lens 14a, the light source 4, and the discharge electrode 3a, and the anti-fogging device 7 is fixed to this mounting portion, the anti-fogging device 7 is not necessarily attached to the discharge electrode 3a. Good. Further, the anti-fogging device 7 may be provided also on the discharge electrode 3b side in each of the above drawings.
[0041]
Further, in the above embodiment, the anti-fogging device 7 is a box having a slit 13 for transmitting observation light, but the anti-fogging device 7 is formed of a plate having a transmission window for transmitting observation light such as a slit. May be. In addition, when forming the anti-fogging device 7 with such a plate, a flat plate may be used, but the cross section of the optical fiber so as not to fly and adhere to the mirror 2a or the like side, for example, If the anti-fogging device 7 is configured by a curved plate body, such as a semicircular plate body, the optical fiber debris can be effectively prevented from adhering to the mirror 2a, etc., and the anti-fogging of the mirror 2a etc. can be prevented. Can be done.
[0042]
Further, in the above embodiment, the anti-fogging device 7 is formed by providing the slit 13, but the anti-fogging device 7 may be formed by providing an observation light transmitting material in a transmission window for transmitting observation light. The observation light transmitting material is preferably a transparent material that hardly adheres to a glass material (hardly adhesive material), and examples thereof include polycarbonate resin and fluororesin, which are formed of these resins. A plate may be provided on the transmissive window, or a material obtained by coating these resins on the surface of the glass plate or by bonding these resin films to the glass plate may be provided on the transmissive window.
[0043]
Furthermore, the anti-fogging device 7 may be formed of the observation light transmitting material as described above. In this case, a transmission window is not necessary.
[0044]
Further, in the above-described embodiment , the anti-fogging device 7 is provided on the reflecting surface side of the mirror 2 (2a) of the optical fiber observation system. Instead of providing the anti-fogging device 7, the optical fiber is broken when the optical fiber is fused. The reflection surface of the mirror 2 may be coated with an anti-fogging film that suppresses the reflection surface of the mirror 2 from being fogged due to adhesion. Examples of the anti-fogging film include difficult-to-adhere materials such as polycarbonate resin and fluororesin. Also, or coated with the anti-fog film on the side opposite to the discharge electrode 3a of the lens 14a of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3, the light emitting unit side of the light source 4 of the apparatus constructed by omitting the lens 14 in FIG. 3 The anti-fogging film may be coated.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the optical fiber observation system for observing the connection end face side of the first and second optical fibers is provided, particularly in the vicinity of the discharge electrode connected to the low potential side of the discharge power supply. On the mirror side, the lens side or the light source side, a fog prevention device for preventing fogging due to adhesion of optical fiber debris is provided , or a mirror provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode connected to the low potential side Or, since the anti-fogging film that suppresses fogging due to adhesion of optical fiber debris to the lens or light source is coated , the anti-fogging can be prevented, and the mirror, lens, light source, etc. are frequently cleaned. Even if not, the optical fiber connection end face can be observed without any trouble by the optical fiber observation system using them. Therefore, the optical fiber splicing can be accurately performed while observing the end face of the optical fiber by the optical fiber observation system without frequently performing cleaning for removing the optical fiber debris adhering to the mirror, the lens, and the light source. Therefore, it is possible to perform the fusion splicing of the optical fiber efficiently.
[0047]
Further, according to the invention in which the anti-fogging device is formed of a box or plate having a transmission window for transmitting observation light, the anti-fogging device can be easily formed and the above anti-fogging effect can be surely achieved. It can be demonstrated.
[0048]
Furthermore, according to the invention in which the observation light transmission material is provided on the transmission window, the anti-fogging device can be easily formed. For example, by forming the observation light transmission material with a hard-to-adhere material, the light is transmitted to the transmission window. It is also possible to suppress the adhering of fiber debris and to more reliably exhibit the anti-fogging effect.
[0049]
According to the invention in which the anti-fogging device is formed of the observation light transmitting material, the anti-fogging device can be easily formed without providing a transmission window for transmitting the observation light. By forming it with a material, it is possible to suppress the optical fiber residue from adhering to the transmission window, and it is possible to more reliably exhibit the anti-fogging effect.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a main part configuration diagram (a) of an embodiment of an optical fiber fusion splicing device according to the present invention, and a perspective configuration diagram (b) of a characteristic anti-fogging device of the embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a main part configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the optical fiber fusion splicing device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a main part configuration diagram showing still another embodiment of the optical fiber fusion splicing device according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a conventional optical fiber fusion splicing apparatus together with its control configuration.
FIG. 5 is a view taken in the direction of arrow A in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 1a, 1b Optical fiber 2, 2a, 2b Mirror 3, 3a, 3b Discharge electrode 4 Light source 5 TV camera 6 Discharge power supply 7 Anti-fogging device 11 Image processing device 13 Slit 14, 14a, 14b Lens 20 Low pressure side 21 High pressure ~ side

Claims

A pair of discharge electrodes for fusion-splicing optical fibers are arranged at intervals, and the connection end faces of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are arranged with the connection end faces facing each other between the discharge electrodes. In the optical fiber fusion splicing apparatus for fusion splicing by discharge heat from the discharge electrode, the optical fiber observation system has an optical fiber observation system for observing the first and second optical fiber connection end faces. A light source that emits observation light, a mirror that reflects the observation light emitted from the light source to the connection end face side of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and light reflected by the mirror is the first and second light. An image pickup device that picks up an optical fiber image obtained through the optical fiber, wherein one side of the pair of discharge electrodes is connected to a high potential side of the discharge power supply, and the other side of the discharge power supply Connected to the low potential side On the reflection surface side of the mirror provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode connected to the distal side, an anti-fogging device is provided to suppress the reflection surface of the mirror from being fogged due to adhesion of optical fiber debris when the optical fiber is fused. have or the and preventing film fogging prevents the fog by attachment of the optical fiber scum on the reflecting surface of the mirror provided in the discharge near the electrode which is connected to the low potential side is coated, the anti-fog device An optical fiber fusion splicing device formed of a box or a plate having a transmission window for transmitting observation light .

A pair of discharge electrodes for fusion-splicing optical fibers are arranged at intervals, and the connection end faces of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are arranged with the connection end faces facing each other between the discharge electrodes. In the optical fiber fusion splicing apparatus for fusion splicing by discharge heat from the discharge electrode, the optical fiber observation system has an optical fiber observation system for observing the first and second optical fiber connection end faces. A light source for irradiating the observation light to the connection end face side of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and the observation light from the light source reflects the transmitted light after passing through the first and second optical fibers. And an image pickup device for picking up an optical fiber image obtained by the transmitted light reflected by the mirror, wherein one side of the pair of discharge electrodes is connected to the high potential side of the discharge power supply and the other side is Low potential side of the discharge power supply It is connected, and the reflection surface of the mirror provided near the discharge electrode connected to the low potential side is prevented from fogging the reflection surface of the mirror due to adhesion of optical fiber debris when the optical fiber is fused. An anti-fogging device is provided , or an anti-fogging film that suppresses fogging due to adhesion of optical fiber debris is coated on the reflecting surface of the mirror provided near the discharge electrode connected to the low potential side. The anti-fogging device is formed of a box or plate having a transmission window for transmitting observation light .

A pair of discharge electrodes for fusion-splicing optical fibers are arranged at intervals, and the connection end faces of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are arranged with the connection end faces facing each other between the discharge electrodes. In the optical fiber fusion splicing apparatus for fusion splicing by discharge heat from the discharge electrode, the optical fiber observation system has an optical fiber observation system for observing the first and second optical fiber connection end faces. A light source that emits observation light, a lens that transmits the observation light emitted from the light source to become parallel light, and an optical fiber that is obtained by transmitting the parallel light that has passed through the lens through the first and second optical fibers An image pickup device for picking up an image, wherein one side of the pair of discharge electrodes is connected to the high potential side of the discharge power supply and the other side is connected to the low potential side of the discharge power supply. Discharge current connected to the potential side Or anti-fog device prevents the lens from fogging due to the deposition of the optical fiber scum upon the optical fiber fusion splicing on the side opposite to the discharge electrode of the lens provided in the vicinity are provided, or the low potential side An anti-fogging film that suppresses fogging due to adhesion of optical fiber debris is coated on the side of the lens provided near the discharge electrode that faces the radiation electrode, and the anti-fogging device is used for transmitting observation light. An optical fiber fusion splicing device, characterized by being formed of a box or plate having a transparent window .

A pair of discharge electrodes for fusion-splicing optical fibers are arranged at intervals, and the connection end faces of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are arranged with the connection end faces facing each other between the discharge electrodes. In the optical fiber fusion splicing apparatus for fusion splicing by discharge heat from the discharge electrode, the optical fiber observation system has an optical fiber observation system for observing the first and second optical fiber connection end faces. A light source for irradiating observation light to the connection end face side of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and an optical fiber image obtained by transmitting the observation light from the light source through the first and second optical fibers A pair of discharge electrodes, one side of which is connected to the high potential side of the discharge power supply and the other side is connected to the low potential side of the discharge power supply, the low potential Near the discharge electrode connected to the side Does the light outgoing side of the light source provided fogging prevention device prevents the light transmitting portion is fogged by the attachment of the optical fiber scum upon the optical fiber fusion splicing is provided, or is connected to the low potential side An anti-fogging film that suppresses fogging due to adhesion of optical fiber debris is coated on the light transmitting portion side of the light source provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode, and the anti-fogging device has a transmission window for transmitting observation light An optical fiber fusion splicing device formed of a box or a plate .

The optical fiber fusion splicing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an observation light transmission material is provided on the transmission window.

The optical fiber fusion splicing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the anti-fogging device is made of an observation light transmitting material.