JP5224413B2 - Optical fiber holding structure, optical fiber ribbon formation method, and optical fiber fusion method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical fiber holding member capable of easily aligning and holding a plurality of optical fiber core wires, an optical fiber ribbon forming method using the optical fiber holding member, an optical fiber holding structure, and the like.

  Conventionally, a plurality of optical fiber cores may be aligned to form a ribbon. Ribbonization means, for example, that four optical fibers are arranged in order and aligned, and are fixed and integrated with an adhesive or the like in the aligned state. However, since it is difficult to identify a plurality of optical fiber cores having a small diameter by, for example, color and align them in order, it is usually possible to hold the optical fiber cores in an aligned state. A holding member is used.

  As an apparatus capable of holding the optical fiber core wires in an aligned state, for example, a pair of plate members are arranged on the base member, and one plate member can be slid with respect to the base member. There is a bundling device that urges a plate member to align optical fiber core wires between the plate members (Patent Document 1).

  In addition, there is an optical fiber holder in which a lid that can be opened and closed is provided on a base on which an optical fiber alignment groove is formed, and a pressing member that holds the optical fiber core wire is provided on the lid (Patent Document 2).

  Also, an urging portion that applies a bending force in a predetermined direction to each of the plurality of single-core fibers, and the unidirectional fibers are arranged adjacent to the urging portion, and each single-fiber is introduced in a predetermined order using the bending force. Alignment unit for aligning and holding and temporarily fixing a plurality of aligned single-core fibers, and a light provided with a marginal portion arranged adjacent to the alignment unit and narrowing the aligned single-core fibers There is a fiber alignment jig (Patent Document 3).

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 06-25806 JP 2007-171825 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-159641

  However, the apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a large number of parts and a complicated structure. In either method of Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2, in order to align thin optical fiber cores in order, it is necessary to sequentially arrange the optical fiber cores on the members. In doing so, there is a possibility that the optical fiber core disposed in front during handling of the optical fiber core disposed later will fall out of the holding portion or the order may be changed. Therefore, it is difficult to sequentially align the optical fiber cores while holding them.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and has a simple structure. When the optical fiber cores are arranged in order, the optical fiber cores do not fall out of the holding portion, compared to the conventional case. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber holding member that can be downsized.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the first invention is an optical fiber holding structure , which is a main body part, a first pressing part that can be opened and closed by a hinge with respect to the main body part, and a longitudinal direction of the main body part. A second pressing portion that is formed adjacent to the first pressing portion with respect to the direction and that can be opened and closed with a hinge with respect to the main body portion, and the first pressing portion is closed Thus, a gap is formed between the opposing surfaces of the first pressing portion and the main body so that an optical fiber can be inserted from the fiber insertion side, which is a side end opposite to the hinge. A first elastic member is disposed on the opposing surface of the pressing portion and the main body portion so as to fill the gap, and a second elastic member is provided on the opposing surface side of the second pressing portion to the main body portion. member is provided, wherein the first elastic member, Ru low hardness der than the second elastic member light Using a fiber holding member, a plurality of optical fibers having an outer diameter corresponding to the depth of the groove formed on the upper surface of the main body corresponding to the second pressing portion are aligned and held inside the groove and the gap. The first elastic member is deformed so as to cover the optical fiber, and the optical fiber is pressed against the groove and held by the second elastic member. This is a fiber holding structure .

  A stepped portion is formed on at least one of the first pressing portion and the facing surface of the main body portion, and the facing surface between the first pressing portion and the main body portion in a state where the first pressing portion is closed. A gap corresponding to the step portion is formed between the gaps, and the gap may be formed from the fiber insertion side to a predetermined range.

  A groove capable of holding an optical fiber in the longitudinal direction of the main body is formed on the upper surface of the main body corresponding to the second pressing portion, and the stepped portion is formed in the first pressing portion, The elastic member is preferably embedded in the main body. The gap is preferably larger than the depth of the groove and narrower than twice the depth of the groove.

  A taper portion may be formed in the first pressing portion on the fiber insertion side and / or an end portion of the main body portion in a direction in which the gap is widened.

A taper portion may be formed at an end portion of the first elastic member on the fiber insertion side in a direction in which the gap is widened. The first elastic member is not provided on at least one side of the first elastic member with respect to the longitudinal direction of the main body, and the first pressing portion and the main body have the gap. You may oppose.

  According to the first invention, a gap corresponding to the outer diameter of the optical fiber is provided on the first pressing member side, and an elastic member is formed in the gap. For this reason, if the optical fiber core wire is inserted in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the optical fiber with the first pressing member closed, the elastic member is deformed, and the optical fiber core wire becomes the first pressing portion and the main body. The optical fiber core wire is held by the elastic member while being inserted into the gap with the portion. Therefore, the inserted optical fiber core does not shift or fall off.

  Further, since the gap corresponds to the outer diameter of the optical fiber core, if the optical fiber cores are inserted in order, the optical fiber cores can be aligned in the insertion order.

  Further, if the first pressing member, the main body portion, the elastic member, etc. on the fiber insertion side are provided with a tapered shape that widens the gap toward the end portion, the optical fiber core wire is not caught. The insertion work is easy.

  In addition to the first pressing member, a second pressing member is provided, and after inserting the optical fiber core while temporarily holding the first pressing portion having a low hardness, a second pressing member having a higher hardness elastic member is inserted. The optical fiber core wires in a state of being reliably aligned can be pressed by the two pressing portions.

A second invention is a method for forming an optical fiber ribbon , wherein the main body, a first pressing part that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body by a hinge, and the first direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the main body. And a second pressing portion that is formed adjacent to the pressing portion and can be opened and closed with a hinge with respect to the main body portion, and the first pressing portion is closed with the first pressing portion closed. A gap that allows an optical fiber to be inserted from the fiber insertion side, which is a side end portion opposite to the hinge, is formed between the opposing surfaces of the first portion and the main body portion, and the first pressing portion and the main body portion A first elastic member is disposed on the facing surface of the second pressing portion so as to fill the gap, and a second elastic member is provided on the surface of the second pressing portion facing the main body portion. 1 of the elastic member, an optical fiber holding member is lower hardness than the second elastic member, Serial closing the first pressing portion, in a state of opening the second pressing portion, from said fiber insertion side, is inserted in a direction perpendicular to an optical fiber having an outer diameter corresponding to the gap in the axial direction, the while deforming the first elastic member so as to cover the optical fiber by inserting the optical fiber of the plurality of holds by pressing the optical fiber against the groove by the second elastic member, a plurality of In a state where the optical fiber is aligned with the groove of the main body portion, the second pressing portion is closed, and the plurality of optical fibers are integrated in an aligned state while the optical fiber is held by the second pressing portion. A method for forming a ribbon of an optical fiber.

A third invention is a method for fusing an optical fiber, the main body portion, a first pressing portion that can be opened and closed with a hinge to the main body portion, and the first direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the main body portion. And a second pressing portion that is formed adjacent to the pressing portion and can be opened and closed with a hinge with respect to the main body portion, and the first pressing portion is closed with the first pressing portion closed. A gap that allows an optical fiber to be inserted from the fiber insertion side, which is a side end portion opposite to the hinge, is formed between the opposing surfaces of the first portion and the main body portion, and the first pressing portion and the main body portion A first elastic member is disposed on the facing surface of the second pressing portion so as to fill the gap, and a second elastic member is provided on the surface of the second pressing portion facing the main body portion. 1 of the elastic member, an optical fiber holding member is lower hardness than the second elastic member, wherein With the first pressing portion closed and the second pressing portion opened, an optical fiber having an outer diameter corresponding to the gap is inserted in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction from the fiber insertion side, and the first The plurality of optical fibers are inserted while the elastic member is deformed so as to cover the optical fibers, and the optical fibers are pressed against the grooves by the second elastic member and held, and the plurality of the optical fibers are In a state where the optical fiber is aligned with the groove of the main body portion, the second pressing portion is closed, and the plurality of optical fibers are aligned while holding the optical fiber by the second pressing portion, and a pair of the light beams holding the optical fiber of the plurality of the respective fiber holding member, by installing a pair of the optical fiber holding member so as to face each other, it is opposed to distal ends of the respective optical fibers, each By discharged by the discharge electrode to the tip between fibers, a fusion method for the optical fiber, which comprises fusing the optical fibers.

According to the second to third aspects of the invention, the optical fiber core wire can be reliably held, the optical fiber can be easily ribboned, or the optical fibers can be easily fused together. Can do.

  According to the present invention, an optical fiber holding member that has a simple structure and does not drop out of the holding portion when the optical fiber cores are arranged in order, and can be reduced in size compared to the conventional one. Etc. can be provided.

The perspective view which shows the optical fiber holding member 1 of the state which opened the holding | suppressing part. The perspective view which shows the optical fiber holding member 1 of the state which closed the holding | suppressing part. The perspective view which shows the state which inserts the optical fiber 25 in the optical fiber holding member 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the state by which the optical fiber 25 was inserted in the optical fiber holding member 1, (a) is a whole perspective view, (b) is CC sectional view taken on the line of (a). FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a D part in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which closed this holding | maintenance part 7, (a) is a whole perspective view, (b) is the GG sectional view taken on the line of (a). FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion H in FIG. 6B, showing an alignment state of the optical fibers 25. Schematic which shows the optical fiber ribbon formation apparatus 30. FIG. Schematic which shows the optical fiber coating removal apparatus 40. FIG. Schematic which shows the optical fiber fusion apparatus 50. FIG.

  Hereinafter, an optical fiber holding member 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. 1 and 2 are views showing the optical fiber holding member 1, FIG. 1 is a view showing a state in which the temporary pressing portion 5 and the main pressing portion 7 are opened, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the temporary pressing portion 5 and the main pressing portion. It is a figure which shows the state which 7 closed. The optical fiber holding member 1 mainly includes a main body portion 3, a temporary pressing portion 5, a main pressing portion 7, elastic members 9, 15 and the like.

  The main body 3 is a member having a substantially smooth upper surface 3a. A temporary pressing portion 5 that can be opened and closed by a hinge 23a is provided on the side of the main body 3 in the longitudinal direction (the axial direction of the optical fiber to be held). In addition, a main pressing portion 7 that is provided together with the temporary pressing portion 5 and can be opened and closed in the same direction as the temporary pressing portion 5 by a hinge 23b is provided.

  The main body 3, the temporary pressing part 5, and the main pressing part 7 are all made of metal, and the temporary pressing part 5, the main pressing part 7 and the main body 3 can be fixed to each other by a magnet (not shown). it can. That is, by embedding magnets in the main body portion 3 or the temporary pressing portion 5 and the main pressing portion 7, the temporary pressing portion 5 and the main pressing portion 7 are held in a closed state. In addition, a positioning hole or the like that can be positioned with respect to other members such as a stripper can be formed in the main body 3 as necessary.

  A step portion 11 is provided on the back surface of the temporary pressing portion 5. The step portion 11 is formed straight in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 3. Accordingly, a two-step plane is formed on the back surface by the step portion 11, and from the hinge 23a side to the other side (hereinafter, the end portion direction opposite to the hinge 23a side is referred to as a “fiber insertion side”). It is comprised so that it may go down one step (it will be a step of the direction where the thickness of a temporary pressing part becomes thin). In addition, in the back view of the temporary holding | suppressing part 5, the surface of the site | part which fell one step | paragraph to the fiber insertion side is made into the back surface 5a.

  The temporary pressing portion 5 is adjusted so that the back surface 5a and the top surface 3a are substantially parallel when closed. That is, when the temporary pressing portion 5 is closed, a substantially parallel gap is formed between the back surface 5 a of the temporary pressing portion 5 and the upper surface 3 a of the main body portion 3. The size of the gap is set slightly larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber to be held. In order to form a parallel gap, a height adjusting screw or the like (not shown) is provided in the main body 3 as necessary, and when the temporary pressing portion 5 is closed, the upper portion ( What is necessary is just to enable it to adjust the contact height with the surface different from the back surface 5a.

  A tapered portion 19 is provided at the tip (fiber insertion side) of the temporary pressing portion 5. The tapered portion 19 is formed so that the gap described above is widened toward the end portion in a state where the temporary pressing portion 5 is closed. Similarly, a similar taper 21 is formed at the side end portion of the upper surface 3a (the portion corresponding to the tip of the temporary pressing portion 5). The tapers 19 and 21 function as a guide when inserting the optical fiber.

  When the temporary pressing portion 5 is closed, a concave portion is formed on the upper surface 3a of the portion facing the back surface 5a of the temporary pressing portion 5, and an elastic member 9 that is a first elastic member is provided in the concave portion. The elastic member 9 can be easily deformed so that an optical fiber can be inserted in an optical fiber insertion operation to be described later, and has an anti-slip effect that can prevent easy removal of the optical fiber, It suffices if the gap 27 described later has characteristics such as thickness and elasticity so that the fibers do not overlap. For example, rubber sponges such as chloroprene rubber sponge, natural rubber sponge, nitrile rubber sponge, fluorine sponge, and silicone sponge can be used, and ethylene / propylene rubber sponge is particularly desirable. Although various sponges, which are porous elastic bodies, are mentioned as preferred examples, any elastic material can be used as long as the member has the above-described characteristics.

  In consideration of the insertion and retention of the optical fiber, the elastic member 9 is preferably an elastic body having a low hardness. For example, a soft rubber of about ASKER C8 defined by the Japan Rubber Association standard may be used. Is possible. The elastic member 9 desirably has a certain thickness in order to secure the deformation amount, and may be, for example, about 3 mm. In addition, although the upper surface (opposite surface with the back surface 5a) of the elastic member 9 is formed so that it may protrude slightly from the upper surface 3a of the main-body part 3, it mentions later for details.

  An elastic member 15 that is a second elastic member is formed on the back surface of the main pressing portion 7 in the longitudinal direction. The elastic member 15 is made of rubber, for example. The elastic member 15 does not require a large amount of deformation unlike the elastic member 9 and is made of a material having higher hardness than the elastic member 9. For example, a rubber having a medium (high) hardness is desirable, and a rubber having a hardness of about 60 can be used, and a member commonly used as a fiber holder for a fiber holder can be used. Further, since a large amount of deformation is unnecessary, the thickness may be about 1 mm. Similar to the temporary pressing portion 5, the back surface of the main pressing portion 7 (elastic member 15) is adjusted to be substantially parallel to the upper surface of the main body portion 3.

  A groove 17 is provided on the surface of the upper surface 3a facing the main pressing portion 7 (elastic member 15) toward the longitudinal direction of the main body portion. The depth of the groove 17 corresponds to the outer diameter of the optical fiber to be held, and is set slightly shallower than the outer diameter of the optical fiber. Therefore, the size of the gap described above is set slightly larger than the depth of the groove 17. The elastic member 9 is disposed on the axial extension of the groove 17.

  Next, a method for using the optical fiber holding member 1 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 3, only the temporary pressing part 5 of the optical fiber holding member 1 is closed with the main pressing part 7 opened (arrow A in the figure). In this state, the optical fiber 25 is inserted in the gap between the temporary holding portion 5 and the main body portion 3 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction (in the direction of arrow B in the figure).

  The optical fibers 25 can be identified by coloring or the like, for example, and the optical fibers 25 are sequentially inserted in a predetermined order. In the following drawings, an example in which four optical fibers 25 are inserted is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  4A and 4B are diagrams showing a state in which the optical fiber 25 is inserted. FIG. 4A is an overall perspective view, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion D in FIG. A gap 27 is formed between the upper surface 3 a of the main body 3 and the back surface 5 a of the temporary holding portion 5. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the optical fiber 25 is inserted to the innermost part of the gap 27, the optical fiber 25 inserted first is inserted until it contacts the step portion 11. The optical fibers 25 to be inserted thereafter are only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber 25 because the gap 27 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber 25. The For example, the gap 27 may be set larger than the depth of the groove 17 and smaller than twice the depth of the groove 17.

  Here, the elastic member 9 protrudes above the upper surface 3 a so as to fill the gap 27. The phrase “so as to fill the gap 27” does not require the gap 27 to be completely filled. For example, the thickness of the elastic member 9 may be set so as to fill more than half of the height of the gap 27.

  Here, when the optical fiber is inserted and the elastic member 9 contracts to the vicinity of the upper surface 3a, it is convenient that the hardness of the elastic member 9 at the time of contraction is softer than the hardness of the optical fiber coating used. Further, at least one of the side portions of the elastic member 9, preferably a portion where the upper surface 3 a and the temporary pressing portion 5 face each other (a portion without the elastic member 9) is provided on the main pressing portion 7 side, and this interval is used. If the width is set to be slightly wider than the optical fiber (a value smaller than twice that of the optical fiber), overlapping of the optical fibers can be effectively prevented. Further, it is convenient that the end portion of the step portion 11 and the end portion of the boundary portion between the upper surface 3a and the elastic member 9 are chamfered, so that the optical fiber is not damaged.

  Further, when an optical fiber of the same type as the optical fiber to be used is inserted into the temporary holding portion 5 and a weight is attached to one end of the optical fiber and floated from the ground, the optical fiber slides on the temporary holding portion 5 and the weight is increased. If the maximum value of the weight that does not fall on the ground is defined as “fiber holding force”, the fiber holding force is 30 g or more, particularly preferably 10 g or more from the viewpoint of fixing the optical fiber. It is convenient to set the material and volume of the elastic member 9 so as to be 10 kg or less, particularly preferably 100 g or less. Further, in consideration of workability, the fiber holding force is conveniently 10 g or more and less than 100 g. Further, it is desirable that the gripping force (the gripping force that does not slip when the coating is removed) of the presser part is 500 g or more (about 1 kg).

  In this embodiment, the interval of the gap 27 is fixed, but a means for adjusting the gap 27, for example, the hinge base part is separated from the temporary holding part 5 or the main body part 3 and a gap adjusting screw or the like is provided. It is also possible to deal with optical fibers having a plurality of diameters by providing a step in the temporary holding portion 5.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the optical fiber 25 is inserted into the gap 27 (in the direction of arrow E in the figure), the elastic member 9 is deformed following the outer shape of the optical fiber 25. At this time, as described above, since the hardness of the elastic member 9 is low, an excessive force is not applied to the optical fiber 25. The optical fiber 25 is inserted in the back direction while deforming the elastic member 9, and is inserted and aligned to a position where it contacts the step portion 11 or another optical fiber 25 (FIG. 5B).

  In a state where the optical fibers 25 are aligned, the optical fibers 25 are held straight with respect to the main body 3 and are accommodated in the grooves 17 and aligned. That is, the width of the groove 17 is set according to the outer diameter of the optical fiber 25 and the number of holding pieces. In addition, the optical fiber 25 (the optical fiber that is inserted first) inserted in the innermost part of the gap 27 is in contact with the step part 11 and is disposed on the inner side of the groove 17 (on the hinge 23b side). Therefore, the position of the step part 11 in the state which closed the side surface and the temporary holding | suppressing part 5 of the groove | channel 17 is arrange | positioned so that it may be on a substantially straight line. In this embodiment, positioning is performed by the groove 17, but positioning means such as a V-groove may be used.

  During the insertion of the optical fiber 25, the already inserted optical fiber 25 is held by the elastic member 9 without slipping. Accordingly, when the outer diameter of the optical fiber 25 varies or when the parallelism between the back surface 5a and the upper surface 3a is poor, some of the optical fibers are not held during the optical fiber insertion operation, and the optical fiber There is no fear that 25 will be displaced within the gap 27 or slipped off in the axial direction.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the main presser 7 is closed (in the direction of arrow F in the figure). FIG. 6A is an overall perspective view showing a state in which the main pressing portion 7 is closed, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line GG in FIG. An elastic member 15 is provided on the back surface side of the main pressing portion 7, and the elastic member 15 slightly protrudes from the rear surface of the main pressing portion 7.

  FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion H in FIG. As described above, the optical fibers 25 are aligned inside the groove 17, and the upper portion slightly protrudes from the groove 17. Therefore, the optical fiber 25 can be reliably pressed by the elastic member 15. The elastic member 15 has a relatively high hardness and does not easily deform like the elastic member 9. Therefore, the optical fiber 25 can be strongly pressed into the groove by pressing the main pressing part 7 against the main body part side by a magnet or an operator with the main pressing part 7 closed. That is, it is possible to reliably prevent the optical fiber 25 from shifting or coming off. In this embodiment, the elastic member 15 is provided on the side of the main holding portion 7. This is because the bottom surface of the optical fiber holding member 1 and the height of the optical fiber are adjusted by the groove 17. For example, it may be provided on the groove 17 side.

  As described above, since the optical fibers 25 are reliably held in an aligned state, the optical fibers 25 protruding from the end face of the optical fiber holding member 1 can be integrated with an adhesive or the like and easily formed into a ribbon. Further, if necessary, operations such as cutting, covering removal, and connection of the end of the optical fiber 25 can be performed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the temporary pressing portion 5 and the main pressing portion 7 are separated, and the temporary pressing portion 5 forms a gap into which the optical fiber 25 can be inserted and can be easily deformed to fill the gap. By disposing the elastic member 9, it is possible to prevent the optical fiber 25 from being displaced or pulled out during the insertion work.

  Moreover, since the taper portions 19 and 21 are provided in the temporary holding portion 5 and the main body portion 3 on the optical fiber insertion side, the insertion property of the optical fiber 25 is excellent. Although illustration is omitted, the insertion property of the optical fiber can be further improved by forming a similar tapered portion at the edge of the elastic member 9 on the optical fiber insertion side.

  Further, by arranging the side portions of the step portion 11 and the groove 17 on a straight line, the optical fiber 25 can be surely aligned in the groove 17 when the optical fiber 25 is inserted into the gap. Further, since the optical fiber 25 in the groove 17 is held by the main pressing portion 7, the optical fiber can be surely pressed, and the optical fiber is not displaced in the subsequent ribbon forming operation or the like.

  In particular, since the elastic member 9 has a lower hardness than the elastic member 15, the elastic member 9 can be easily deformed when the optical fiber is inserted, and has a higher hardness when the optical fiber is strongly pressed by the holding portion 7. Since the optical fiber can be pressed by the elastic member 15, the pressing force due to the deformation of the elastic member is not reduced, and the optical fiber can be reliably held.

  In this way, the plurality of optical fibers are aligned without being changed in order, and are held in an aligned state, so that the plurality of optical fibers can be easily integrated into a ribbon.

  Next, the use state of the optical fiber holding member 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a view showing the optical fiber ribbon forming apparatus 30. The optical fiber ribbon forming device 30 mainly includes an inert gas spraying device 27, a coating unit 29, a curing furnace 31 and the like.

  The inert gas spraying device 27 is connected to the coating unit 29 and sprays an inert gas to the plurality of optical fibers 25 that pass through the interior of the inert gas spraying device 27 to remove dust and dirt attached to the optical fibers 25. The coating part 29 is a part where, for example, a UV curable resin is applied to the optical fiber 25. The curing furnace 31 is a part that cures the resin applied by the coating unit 31.

  First, the optical fiber holding member 1 holds a plurality of optical fibers 25 in a predetermined order and introduces them into the optical fiber ribbon forming apparatus 30. In this state, the optical fiber 25 is ribboned while moving the optical fiber holding member 1 in front of the optical fiber ribbon forming apparatus 30.

  Specifically, first, the optical fiber 25 from which the deposits are removed in the inert gas spraying device 29 is sequentially introduced into the coating unit 29 and the curing furnace 31. In the coating part 29, the optical fiber 25 is collectively covered with resin. Further, the optical fiber 25 is introduced into a curing furnace 31 and the resin is cured to form an optical fiber ribbon. At this time, since the optical fiber 25 is reliably held in an aligned state by the optical fiber holding member 1, the optical fiber can be reliably ribboned.

  Next, a method for removing the coating using the optical fiber holding member will be described. FIG. 9 is a view showing the optical fiber coating removing apparatus 40. The optical fiber coating removal apparatus 40 is mainly composed of a holder holder 41, a support body 43, and the like. Note that illustration of the optical fiber is omitted.

  The holder holder 41 can reliably position and hold the optical fiber holding member 1 on the upper surface thereof. For positioning, a positioning pin (not shown) or a positioning guide such as a groove shape or a protrusion shape may be provided.

  The support body 43 is composed of cutter holders 47a and 47b each having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The cutter holders 47a and 47b are connected to each other by hinges or the like so as to be openable and closable with each other so that the opposing surfaces abut each other. Note that guides or the like (not shown) for positioning the opposing positions are formed on the opposing surfaces of the cutter holders 47a and 47b. A guide groove 49 is provided at substantially the center in the width direction of the opposing surfaces of the cutter holders 47a and 47b. For example, a V-groove is formed in the guide groove 49, and when the optical fiber is installed, the optical fiber is held in the guide groove 49 in an aligned state.

  In addition, a substantially rectangular hole 48 is provided so as to be orthogonal to the guide groove 49 in the middle in the length direction of the opposing surfaces of the cutter holders 47a and 47b. The hole 48 is provided with a cutter (not shown) extending in the length direction of the hole 48. That is, when the cutter holders 47a and 47b are made to face each other and contact each other (in the direction of arrow J in the figure), the cutters provided in the respective cutter holders 47a and 47b face each other. At this time, the distance between the cutter blade edges is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber core wire. For this reason, when the cutter holders 47a and 47b are brought into contact with the optical fiber held in the guide groove 49, the cutter is cut only into the coated portion of the optical fiber, and the optical fiber core wire is not cut.

  The holder holding part 41 and the support body 43 are connected by a guide bar 45 penetrating each member. Here, the support 43 can be slid relative to the holder holding body 41 in the extending direction of the guide bar 45. Therefore, as described above, with respect to the optical fiber held in the guide groove 49, the support body 43 is moved relatively away from the holder holding body 41 in a state where the cover is cut by the cutter. Thus, the covering portion is broken at the cut portion, and only the covering portion of the optical fiber is removed in the moving direction of the support body 43 (the side opposite to the moving direction of the holder holder 41). As described above, the coatings of the plurality of optical fibers aligned by the optical fiber holding member 1 can be collectively removed.

  Next, a method for fusing optical fibers will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the optical fiber fusion device 50. The optical fiber fusion device 50 mainly includes a holder base 51, a guide block 53, a discharge electrode 55, and the like.

  The holder base 51 is a substantially rectangular base that can be held so that the pair of optical fiber holding members 1a and 1b face each other. The holder base 51 is provided with positioning pins (not shown), positioning guides such as grooves and protrusions, and the like.

  A discharge electrode 55 is provided at substantially the center of the holder base 51. The discharge electrode 55 can generate a discharge arc between the electrodes when energized. Guide blocks 53 are provided on both sides of the discharge electrode (installation direction of the optical fiber holder). The guide block 53 can accurately hold the position of the optical fiber. For example, a V-groove or the like corresponding to the outer diameter of the target optical fiber is provided on the guide block 53, and a plurality of optical fibers can be arranged at a predetermined pitch.

  The optical fibers 25a and 15b are held by the pair of optical fiber holding members 1a and 1b, respectively, so that the portion from which the covering portion is removed is exposed by a predetermined length from the ends of the optical fiber holding members 1a and 1b. . The vicinity of the ends of the optical fibers 25a and 25b is held in a V-groove (not shown) formed in the guide block 53. In this way, the optical fibers 25a and 25b are fusion-bonded by an arc generated by energizing the discharge electrode 55 with the tip positions determined from each other. As described above, a plurality of optical fibers aligned by the optical fiber holding members 1a and 1b can be fused and connected to each other.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, the technical scope of this invention is not influenced by embodiment mentioned above. It is obvious for those skilled in the art that various modifications or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood that it belongs.

  For example, the size of the gap and the depth and width of the groove can be appropriately set according to the number and size of the optical fibers, and are not limited to the examples shown in the embodiments. Further, although the example in which the step portion 11 is provided in the temporary pressing portion 5 is shown, the step portion 11 may be formed on the upper surface side of the main body portion 3 and the elastic member 9 may be embedded in the temporary pressing portion 5. However, in order to ensure a large amount of deformation of the elastic member 9, it is necessary to thicken the elastic member 9 to some extent, and it is desirable to form it on the main body side. Moreover, the elastic member 9 and the elastic member 15 should just be formed in the range holding an optical fiber at least.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ......... Optical fiber holding member 3 ......... Main-body part 3a ......... Upper surface 5 ......... Temporary pressing part 5a ......... Back surface 7 ......... Main pressing part 9 ......... Elastic member 11 ......... Step part 15... Elastic member 17... Groove 19... Tapered portion 21. Section 30 ... Optical fiber ribbon forming apparatus 31 ... Curing furnace 40 ... Optical fiber coating part removing apparatus 41 ... Holder body 43 ... Support body 45 ... Guide rods 47a, 47b ... Cutter holder 48... Hole 49... Guide groove 50... Optical fiber fusion device 51.

Claims (10)

An optical fiber holding structure ,
The main body,
A first pressing part that can be opened and closed with a hinge with respect to the main body part;
A second pressing portion that is formed adjacent to the first pressing portion with respect to the longitudinal direction of the main body portion, and that can be opened and closed by a hinge with respect to the main body portion;
Comprising
With the first pressing part closed, an optical fiber is inserted between the opposing surfaces of the first pressing part and the main body part from the fiber insertion side which is the side end opposite to the hinge. Possible gaps are formed,
A first elastic member is disposed on the opposing surfaces of the first pressing portion and the main body so as to fill the gap.
Wherein the second surface facing said main body portion of the pressing portion of the second elastic member is provided, wherein the first elastic member, the second elastic low hardness der Ru optical fiber than members Using the holding member,
A plurality of optical fibers having an outer diameter corresponding to the depth of the groove formed on the upper surface of the main body corresponding to the second pressing part can be aligned and held inside the groove and the gap;
The optical fiber holding structure, wherein the first elastic member is deformed so as to cover the optical fiber, and the optical fiber is pressed against the groove and held by the second elastic member. . A step portion is formed on at least one of the first pressing portion and the opposing surface of the main body portion,
With the first pressing portion closed, a gap corresponding to the stepped portion is formed between the opposing surfaces of the first pressing portion and the main body portion,
2. The optical fiber holding structure according to claim 1, wherein the gap is formed from the fiber insertion side to a predetermined range. A groove capable of holding an optical fiber in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion is formed on the upper surface of the main body portion corresponding to the second pressing portion,
The optical fiber holding structure according to claim 2, wherein the step portion is formed in the first pressing portion, and the elastic member is embedded in the main body portion. 4. The optical fiber holding structure according to claim 3, wherein the gap is wider than the depth of the groove and narrower than twice the depth of the groove. 5. The taper portion is formed in the end portion of the first pressing portion and / or the main body portion on the fiber insertion side in a direction in which the gap is widened. The optical fiber holding structure described. The optical fiber holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a taper portion is formed in an end portion of the first elastic member on the fiber insertion side in a direction in which the gap is widened. Structure . The gap is wider than the outer diameter of the optical fiber to be held, and narrower than twice the outer diameter of the optical fiber,
The optical fiber holding structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein an arrangement order of the optical fibers inserted and aligned in the gap can be prevented from being changed in the gap. . The first elastic member is not provided on at least one side of the first elastic member with respect to the longitudinal direction of the main body, and the first pressing portion and the main body have the gap. The optical fiber holding structure according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber holding structure is opposed to each other. An optical fiber ribbon forming method comprising:
The main body,
A first pressing part that can be opened and closed with a hinge with respect to the main body part;
A second pressing portion that is formed adjacent to the first pressing portion with respect to the longitudinal direction of the main body portion, and that can be opened and closed by a hinge with respect to the main body portion;
Comprising
With the first pressing part closed, an optical fiber is inserted between the opposing surfaces of the first pressing part and the main body part from the fiber insertion side which is the side end opposite to the hinge. Possible gaps are formed,
A first elastic member is disposed on the opposing surfaces of the first pressing portion and the main body so as to fill the gap.
A second elastic member is provided on a surface of the second pressing portion facing the main body, and the first elastic member is an optical fiber holding member having a lower hardness than the second elastic member. Using the members
With the first pressing part closed and the second pressing part opened,
From the fiber insertion side, an optical fiber having an outer diameter corresponding to the gap is inserted in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and the first elastic member is deformed so as to cover the optical fiber. Insert the fiber,
While holding the optical fiber against the groove by the second elastic member,
In a state where the optical fiber of the plurality book has aligned with the groove of the main body portion, closing the second pressing portion,
A method of forming a ribbon of optical fibers, wherein the plurality of optical fibers are integrated in an aligned state while the optical fibers are held by the second pressing portion. An optical fiber fusion method,
The main body,
A first pressing part that can be opened and closed with a hinge with respect to the main body part;
A second pressing portion that is formed adjacent to the first pressing portion with respect to the longitudinal direction of the main body portion, and that can be opened and closed by a hinge with respect to the main body portion;
Comprising
With the first pressing part closed, an optical fiber is inserted between the opposing surfaces of the first pressing part and the main body part from the fiber insertion side which is the side end opposite to the hinge. Possible gaps are formed,
A first elastic member is disposed on the opposing surfaces of the first pressing portion and the main body so as to fill the gap.
A second elastic member is provided on a surface of the second pressing portion facing the main body, and the first elastic member is an optical fiber holding member having a lower hardness than the second elastic member. Using the members
With the first pressing part closed and the second pressing part opened,
From the fiber insertion side, an optical fiber having an outer diameter corresponding to the gap is inserted in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and the first elastic member is deformed so as to cover the optical fiber. Insert the fiber,
While holding the optical fiber against the groove by the second elastic member,
In a state where a plurality of the optical fibers are aligned with the groove of the main body portion, the second pressing portion is closed,
While holding the optical fiber with the second pressing portion, align a plurality of optical fibers,
Holding the optical fiber of the plurality of the each of the pair of the optical fiber holding member,
A pair of the optical fiber holding members are installed so as to face each other, and the tips of the respective optical fibers are made to face each other,
A method for fusing optical fibers, characterized in that the optical fibers are fused together by discharging them to the front ends of the optical fibers with a discharge electrode.

Images