JP7042733B2 - Fusion splicer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a fusion splicer that fuses and connects optical fibers to each other.

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

Further, the fusion splicer is provided with an image pickup unit for observing the tip portions of the pair of optical fibers. For example, the fusion splicer described in Patent Document 1 detects each tip surface of a pair of optical fibers based on an image captured by an image pickup unit, and the distance between the detected tip faces is set in advance. The two fiber optic holders are advanced toward each other until the end face spacing is reached. As a result, each of the pair of optical fibers advances in the direction toward the discharge portion side, and the position of the tip surface is aligned with the reference set line of the fusion splicing. The reference set line is a line indicating a separation position of each tip surface suitable for fusion splicing between a pair of optical fibers due to discharge of a discharge portion.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-268509

However, in the conventional fusion splicer described above, it is not considered to retract the two optical fiber holders holding the pair of optical fibers in the direction in which they are separated from each other. Therefore, when the optical fiber is set in the optical fiber holder, if the end face position of the tip portion of the optical fiber extending from the optical fiber holder already exceeds the reference set line of the fusion splicing, the optical fiber of this optical fiber is used. The end face position of the tip cannot be aligned with the reference set line. Therefore, this optical fiber must be reset in the optical fiber holder to adjust the amount of extension of the optical fiber from the optical fiber holder. As a result, there is a risk that the work of fusion-bonding the pair of optical fibers will take time.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fusion splicer capable of performing the work of fusing and connecting optical fibers to each other easily and efficiently.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the fusion splicer according to the present invention has a drive unit for adjusting the position of the optical fiber to be fused and connected in the longitudinal direction, and the optical fiber. The position of the tip surface in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is detected based on the image pickup unit that captures the predetermined space region in which the position adjustment is performed from the radial direction of the optical fiber and the image captured by the image pickup unit. The position of the reference set line for locating the longitudinal tip surface is compared with the initial position which is the position of the longitudinal tip surface detected by the image processing unit before the position adjustment. When the position of the reference set line is the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber with respect to the initial position of the distal end surface in the longitudinal direction, the distal end surface in the longitudinal direction is on the proximal end side of the optical fiber with respect to the reference set line. It is characterized by including a control unit that controls the drive unit so as to retract the optical fiber so as to be positioned at the center.

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

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

Further, in the fusion splicer according to the present invention, in the above invention, the control unit has the distal end surface in the longitudinal direction up to the first position, which is the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber with respect to the reference set line. It is characterized in that the driving unit is controlled so as to retract and advance the retracted longitudinal tip surface to a second position, which is a position on the reference set line side of the first position.

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

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

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

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the fusion splicer according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment. In addition, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between the dimensions of each element, the ratio of each element, etc. may differ from the actual ones. Even between the drawings, there may be parts where the relationship and ratio of the dimensions are different from each other.

(Embodiment 1)
The configuration of the fusion splicer according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a fusion splicer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the fusion splicer 1 according to the first embodiment is set in the fusion splicer 1 so that a pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fused and connected can be aligned and the like. The holders 2a and 2b, the movable stages 3a and 3b, the optical fiber clamps 4a and 4b, and the discharge units 5a and 5b and the discharge control unit 6 for fusion-bonding the optical fibers F1 and F2 to each other are provided. .. The apparatus main body 18 of the fusion splicer 1 is provided with a windshield cover (not shown) that can be opened and closed, holders 2a and 2b, movable stages 3a and 3b, optical fiber clamps 4a and 4b, and a discharge portion 5a. 5b is arranged on the apparatus main body 18 so as to be covered with the windshield cover. Further, the fusion splicer 1 processes the obtained images with the first image pickup unit 7a and the second image pickup unit 7b for obtaining the images (videos) necessary for the alignment of the optical fibers F1 and F2. The image processing unit 8 is provided. Further, the fusion splicer 1 has a transport drive unit 9a and 9b for adjusting the positions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the longitudinal direction and a first diameter for adjusting the radial positions of the optical fibers F1 and F2. The directional drive unit 10 and the second radial drive unit 11, the rotation drive units 12a and 12b for adjusting the rotational positions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the circumferential direction, and the first image pickup unit 7a and the second image pickup unit 7b. A first focus drive unit 13a and a second focus drive unit 13b for adjusting the focus are provided. Further, the fusion splicer 1 includes a touch panel 14 having a function as a display unit and a function as an operation unit, and a control unit 15 for controlling each component of the fusion splicer 1.

As the alignment of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fused and connected, for example, the end face position for adjusting each position between the end faces of the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the optical fiber longitudinal direction (core axial direction). Adjustment, alignment to adjust the position of the core axis in the radial direction of each optical fiber F1 and F2, rotational alignment to adjust the rotational position in the circumferential direction of each optical fiber F1 and F2, radial direction of each optical fiber F1 and F2 Focus adjustment and the like for adjusting the focus of the image taken from the optical fiber can be mentioned.

The holders 2a and 2b each grip the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 set in the fusion splicer 1. Although a particularly detailed structure is not shown, the holders 2a and 2b are each composed of, for example, a base portion provided with a V-groove or the like, a lid portion that can be opened and closed with respect to the base portion, and the like. In the first embodiment, the holder 2a is an optical fiber F1 in which the coating on the tip side is peeled off to expose the glass portion, and the glass portion is extended from one end and the covering portion is extended from the other end. In this state, it is gripped by being sandwiched between the lid portion and the V-groove of the base portion. Similar to the holder 2a, the holder 2b grips the optical fiber F2 in a state where the coating on the tip side is peeled off and the glass portion is exposed.

In the optical fibers F1 and F2, the tip end side is the end face side of the glass portion fused and connected to each other. The end face (end face of the covering portion) side opposite to the tip side is the base end side. Further, the glass portion of the optical fibers F1 and F2 (also referred to as a tip portion as appropriate) is an optical fiber portion from which the coating has been peeled off, that is, a glass portion composed of a core portion and a clad portion formed on the outer periphery of the core portion. be.

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

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

Further, in the first embodiment, for convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. 1, the optical fiber F1 of the holder 2a on the movable stage 3a provided on the right side of the discharge portions 5a and 5b is referred to as “the optical fiber on the right side”. The optical fiber F2 of the holder 2b on the movable stage 3b provided on the left side is referred to as “the optical fiber on the left side”.

On the other hand, the optical fiber clamps 4a and 4b are for fixing the positions of the glass portions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 relative to the movable stages 3a and 3b, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, the optical fiber clamp 4a releasably holds the glass portion of the optical fiber F1 extending toward the tip side from the holder 2a mounted on the movable stage 3a on the right side to the movable stage 3a. .. As a result, the optical fiber clamp 4a fixes the position of the glass portion of the optical fiber F1 on the right side relative to the movable stage 3a. Further, the optical fiber clamp 4b holds the glass portion of the optical fiber F2 extending toward the tip side from the holder 2b mounted on the movable stage 3b on the left side so as to be releasable with respect to the movable stage 3b. As a result, the optical fiber clamp 4b fixes the position of the glass portion of the optical fiber F2 on the left side relative to the movable stage 3b. Here, if the optical fibers F1 and F2 are rotated around the Z-axis while the optical fibers F1 and F2 are clamped by the optical fiber clamps 4a and 4b, the glass portions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 are damaged. As a result, the strength of the fusion splicing between the optical fibers F1 and F2 may decrease. In order to avoid this situation, the optical fiber clamps 4a and 4b release the clamps of the optical fibers F1 and F2 when the rotational alignment of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is performed based on the control of the control unit 15.

The discharge units 5a and 5b are for discharging the glass portions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fused and connected. As shown in FIG. 1, the discharge portions 5a and 5b face each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the holder 2a on the movable stage 3a on the right side and the holder 2b on the movable stage 3b on the left side face each other. It is arranged between these movable stages 3a and 3b. The discharging portions 5a and 5b discharge the glass portions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 extending from the holders 2a and 2b on the movable stages 3a and 3b from the radial direction of the optical fibers F1 and F2. Due to the difference in the strength of the discharge, each glass portion (tip portion) of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is cleaned or fused and connected.

The discharge control unit 6 controls the amount of current discharged by the discharge units 5a and 5b. The discharge control unit 6 changes at least one value of the discharge current to be supplied to the discharge units 5a and 5b and the discharge voltage to be applied based on the control of the control unit 15 described later, whereby the discharge units 5a and 5b The amount of electric discharge energy applied to each glass portion of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is controlled. For example, when the discharge control unit 6 cleans each glass portion of the optical fibers F1 and F2 by discharge, the discharge control unit 6 discharges an energy amount suitable for this cleaning (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a cleaning discharge) to the discharge units 5a and 5b. Let me. Further, when the end faces of the glass portions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 are fused and connected by discharge, the discharge control unit 6 discharges the amount of energy required for the fusion connection (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as this discharge). Let the discharge units 5a and 5b do this.

The first image pickup unit 7a and the second image pickup unit 7b set the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 in which the position of the optical fiber (for example, a pair of optical fibers F1 and F2) to be fused and connected is adjusted in the longitudinal direction. This is an example of an image pickup unit that captures an image from the radial direction of the light beam.

Specifically, the first image pickup unit 7a is composed of, for example, a light source having the Y-axis direction as the optical axis direction and an image pickup element shown in FIG. 2, and has an adjustment space region 19 between the movable stages 3a and 3b as an image pickup region. Arranged like this. The adjustment space region 19 is a predetermined space region in which the optical fibers to be fused and connected (a pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 in the first embodiment) are aligned. This alignment includes adjusting the positions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the longitudinal direction. The first image pickup unit 7a captures an image of the adjustment space region 19 from the Y-axis direction. When at least one of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is located inside the adjustment space region 19, the first imaging unit 7a uses the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 in the radial direction of the optical fiber (in this case, optical fiber). Image is taken from the Y-axis direction, which is the axial direction). As a result, the first image pickup unit 7a acquires a first radial image showing the luminance distribution of the optical fiber in the radial direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction. In this case, the image of the adjustment space region 19 captured by the first image pickup unit 7a includes the first radial image of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19. The first image pickup unit 7a transmits the image data of the adjustment space region 19 to the image processing unit 8 each time the image of the adjustment space region 19 is captured.

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

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

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

Here, in each radial image of the optical fibers F1 and F2, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the core portions F1a and F2a and the clad portions F1b and F2b are provided depending on the difference in brightness with respect to the position in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. It is an image that can be distinguished. At the same time, in each radial image of the optical fibers F1 and F2, the core portion Fa and the clad portion Fb and the background portion of the image of the adjustment space region 19 (the portion other than the optical fibers F1 and F2) are distinguished by the difference in brightness. It is a possible image. The image processing unit 8 detects the optical fiber located in the adjustment space region 19 based on the difference in brightness in such an image. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the image processing unit 8 is an optical fiber in a state of extending from one end side to the other end side (from the right side to the left side in the present embodiment 1) of the image of the adjustment space region 19. Is detected as the optical fiber F1 on the right side. Then, the image processing unit 8 detects the extending end surface of the optical fiber F1 in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) as the longitudinal end surface F1c of the optical fiber F1. The image processing unit 8 detects the position (position in the Z-axis direction) of the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 based on the distance set around the unit pixel of the image in the adjustment space region 19. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the image processing unit 8 extends light from the other end side of the image of the adjustment space region 19 to one end side (from the left side to the right side in the first embodiment). The fiber is detected as the optical fiber F2 on the left side. Then, the image processing unit 8 detects the extended end surface of the optical fiber F2 in the Z-axis direction as the longitudinal end surface F2c of the optical fiber F2. The image processing unit 8 detects the position (position in the Z-axis direction) of the distal end surface F2c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F2 based on the distance set around the unit pixel of the image in the adjustment space region 19. When the image processing unit 8 detects at least one position of each of the longitudinal tip surfaces F1c and F2c of the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the adjustment space region 19 as described above, the position indicating the detected position each time. The detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 15.

In FIG. 3, the primary set lines L1a and L1b are the optical fibers F1 and F2 when the glass portions of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fused and connected are prepared in the adjustment space region 19. This is a guideline for aligning the positions of the front end surfaces F1c and F2c in each longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the primary set line L1a on the right side is located on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F1 as compared with the secondary set line L2a on the right side. The primary set line L1b on the left side is located closer to the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 than the secondary set line L2b on the left side. These primary set lines L1a and L1b may be represented as lines as shown in FIG. 3, but in the first embodiment, they are also drawn in images by each of the first image pickup unit 7a and the second image pickup unit 7b. It is not displayed on the touch panel 14. On the other hand, the secondary set lines L2a and L2b are reference sets indicating the separation positions of the distal end surfaces F1c and F2c in the longitudinal direction suitable for fusion splicing between the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 due to the main discharge of the discharge portions 5a and 5b. This is an example of a line. These secondary set lines L2a and L2b are not drawn on the images by each of the first image pickup unit 7a and the second image pickup unit 7b, but are displayed on the touch panel 14 described later, for example, in the manner shown in FIG. To.

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

In the first embodiment, the initial position adjustment of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is performed at the stage of preparing the glass portions of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fused and connected in the adjustment space region 19. It is a position adjustment in the longitudinal direction of F2. For the initial position adjustment of the optical fiber F1 on the right side by the transport drive unit 9a, the glass portion of the optical fiber F1 is transported to the inside or the outside of the adjustment space region 19, and the glass of the optical fiber F1 inside the adjustment space region 19 is used. This includes adjusting the end face position of the portion (ie, the position of the longitudinal tip face F1c) towards the primary set line L1a. For the initial position adjustment of the optical fiber F2 on the left side by the transport drive unit 9b, the glass portion of the optical fiber F2 is transported to the inside or the outside of the adjustment space region 19, and the glass of the optical fiber F2 inside the adjustment space region 19. This includes adjusting the end face position of the portion (ie, the position of the longitudinal tip face F2c) towards the primary set line L1ab. On the other hand, the end face position adjustment of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is the position adjustment in the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers F1 and F2 at the stage of fusion-bonding the optical fibers F1 and F2. To adjust the position of the end surface of the optical fiber F1 on the right side by the transport drive unit 9a, align the longitudinal end surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 in the adjustment space region 19 with the secondary set line L2a, and at the time of the main discharge of the fusion splicing. It includes abutting the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 against the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2. To adjust the position of the end surface of the left optical fiber F2 by the transport drive unit 9b, align the longitudinal end surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 in the adjustment space region 19 with the secondary set line L2b, and at the time of the main discharge of the fusion splicing. It includes abutting the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 against the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1.

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

The rotation drive units 12a and 12b are drive units for performing rotational alignment of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fused and connected. Specifically, the rotary drive unit 12a is composed of a motor or the like, and the movable stage 3a on the right side is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise around the Z axis by the driving force of the motor (solid line of the Z axis shown in FIG. 2). (Refer to the arrow) It is provided so that it can be made. The rotation drive unit 12a rotates the optical fiber F1 on the right side of the movable stage 3a around the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1 through the rotation of the movable stage 3a about the Z axis. Further, the rotation drive unit 12b is composed of a motor or the like, and is provided so that the movable stage 3b on the left side can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about the Z axis by the driving force of the motor. The rotation drive unit 12b rotates the optical fiber F2 on the left side of the movable stage 3b around the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F2 through the rotation of the movable stage 3b about the Z axis. These rotational drive units 12a and 12b function as drive units for performing rotational alignment to align the rotational positions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 on both the left and right sides in the circumferential direction.

The first focus drive unit 13a and the second focus drive unit 13b are drive units for adjusting the focus of the first image pickup unit 7a and the second image pickup unit 7b, respectively. Specifically, the first focus drive unit 13a is configured by a motor or the like, and an image pickup element (not shown) of the first image pickup unit 7a is adjusted by the driving force of the motor with respect to the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the space region 19. It is provided so that it can be moved in the direction of approaching or separating. The first focus drive unit 13a adjusts the focus of the first image pickup unit 7a through the movement of the image pickup element. Such a first focus drive unit 13a functions as a drive unit for performing focus adjustment when capturing a first radial image of the optical fibers F1 and F2 located in the adjustment space region 19. The second focus drive unit 13b is composed of a motor or the like, and the image pickup element (not shown) of the second image pickup unit 7b is adjusted by the driving force of the motor. It is provided so that it can be moved in the direction in which it is to be moved. The second focus drive unit 13b adjusts the focus of the second image pickup unit 7b through the movement of the image pickup element. Such a second focus drive unit 13b functions as a drive unit for performing focus adjustment when capturing a second radial image of the optical fibers F1 and F2 located in the adjustment space region 19.

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

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

In particular, the control unit 15 controls the transport drive units 9a and 9b so as to adjust the initial positions of the optical fibers F1 and F2 when the optical fibers F1 and F2 are fused and connected to each other. Specifically, the control unit 15 determines the position of the secondary set line L2a (an example of the reference set line) for positioning the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 in the adjustment space region 19 at the time of fusion splicing, and the optical fiber F1. Compare with the initial position of the longitudinal tip surface F1c of. In the first embodiment, the initial position of the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 is the longitudinal tip surface of the optical fiber F1 detected by the image processing unit 8 before the initial position of the optical fiber F1 is adjusted in the Z-axis direction. It is the position of F1c. That is, the initial position is the position of the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 at the stage when the holder 2a in the state of gripping the optical fiber F1 is set on the movable stage 3a. When the position of the secondary set line L2a is the position on the base end side of the optical fiber F1 with respect to the initial position of the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1, the control unit 15 is the optical fiber among the transport drive units 9a and 9b. The transport drive unit 9a corresponding to F1 is controlled so that the optical fiber F1 is retracted so that the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 is located closer to the proximal end side of the optical fiber F1 than the secondary set line L2a. At this time, the control unit 15 is the longitudinal tip of the optical fiber F1 up to the first position (for example, the position outside the right side of the adjustment space region 19) which is the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F1 with respect to the secondary set line L2a. The transport drive unit 9a is controlled so that the surface F1c is retracted. After that, the control unit 15 sets the retracted optical fiber F1 at the tip surface F1c in the longitudinal direction at a second position (for example, in the vicinity of the primary set line L1a) which is a position on the secondary set line L2a side of the first position. The transport drive unit 9a is controlled so as to advance to the position of).

Further, the control unit 15 determines the position of the secondary set line L2b (an example of the reference set line) that positions the longitudinal end surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 in the adjustment space region 19 at the time of fusion splicing, and the length of the optical fiber F2. Compare with the initial position of the directional tip surface F2c. In the first embodiment, the initial position of the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 is the longitudinal tip surface of the optical fiber F2 detected by the image processing unit 8 before the initial position of the optical fiber F2 is adjusted in the Z-axis direction. It is the position of F2c. That is, the initial position is the position of the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 at the stage when the holder 2b in the state of gripping the optical fiber F2 is set on the movable stage 3b. When the position of the secondary set line L2b is the position on the base end side of the optical fiber F2 with respect to the initial position of the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2, the control unit 15 is the optical fiber among the transport drive units 9a and 9b. The transport drive unit 9b corresponding to F2 is controlled so that the optical fiber F2 is retracted so that the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 is located closer to the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 than the secondary set line L2b. At this time, the control unit 15 is the longitudinal tip of the optical fiber F2 up to the first position (for example, the position outside the left side of the adjustment space region 19) which is the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 with respect to the secondary set line L2b. The transport drive unit 9b is controlled so that the surface F2c is retracted. After that, the control unit 15 sets the retracted optical fiber F2 at the tip surface F2c in the longitudinal direction at a second position (for example, in the vicinity of the primary set line L1b) which is a position closer to the secondary set line L2b than the first position. The transport drive unit 9b is controlled so as to advance to the position of).

The retreat of the optical fiber F1 is to move the optical fiber F1 so that the distal end surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 is displaced toward the proximal end side of the optical fiber F1. Similarly, the retreat of the optical fiber F2 is to move the optical fiber F2 so that the longitudinal end surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 is displaced toward the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2. On the other hand, the advancement of the optical fiber F1 is to move the optical fiber F1 in a direction approaching the optical fiber F2. Similarly, the advancement of the optical fiber F2 is to move the optical fiber F2 in a direction approaching the optical fiber F1.

Next, the operation of the fusion splicer 1 when performing a series of processes from the position adjustment in the longitudinal direction of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fusion-bonded to the fusion-bonding will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations from the initial position adjustment of the pair of optical fibers to the fusion splicing performed by the fusion splicer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram for specifically explaining the initial position adjustment of the pair of optical fibers in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the fusion splicer 1 (see FIG. 1) adjusts the initial positions of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 by appropriately performing each of the processes of steps S101 to S105 shown in FIG. 4, and then adjusts the initial positions. , Step S106 is performed to align the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 and to perform fusion splicing and the like.

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

In step S101, the first image pickup unit 7a and the second image pickup unit 7b generate an image of the adjustment space region 19 triggered by an operation of the fusion splicer 1 such as pressing the icon of the touch panel 14 or closing the windshield cover. Take an image. In this case, the images of the adjustment space region 19 captured by each of the first image pickup unit 7a and the second image pickup unit 7b include the radial images of the optical fibers F1 and F2. The image processing unit 8 is a longitudinal tip surface F1c, F2c of the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the adjustment space region 19 based on the image captured by either the first image pickup unit 7a or the second image pickup unit 7b. Detect the initial position. The image processing unit 8 transmits a position detection signal indicating the initial position of the detected longitudinal tip surfaces F1c and F2c of the optical fibers F1 and F2 to the control unit 15.

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

Subsequently, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the longitudinal tip surfaces F1c and F2c of the optical fibers F1 and F2 exceed the secondary set lines L2a and L2b based on the result of the comparison process in step S102. (Step S103). In step S103, when the position of the secondary set line L2a is the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F1 with respect to the initial position of the distal end surface F1c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1, the control unit 15 is in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1. It is determined that the tip surface F1c exceeds the secondary set line L2a. In other cases, the control unit 15 determines that the longitudinal end surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 does not exceed the secondary set line L2a. Further, when the position of the secondary set line L2b is the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 with respect to the initial position of the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2, the control unit 15 is the longitudinal tip surface of the optical fiber F2. It is determined that F2c exceeds the secondary set line L2b. In other cases, the control unit 15 determines that the longitudinal end surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 does not exceed the secondary set line L2b.

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

When it is determined by the determination process in step S103 that at least one of the longitudinal tip surfaces F1c and F2c of the optical fibers F1 and F2 exceeds the secondary set lines L2a and L2b (step S103, Yes), fusion is performed. The connecting device 1 retracts the optical fibers F1 and F2 whose tip surface in the longitudinal direction exceeds the secondary set line (step S104). In step S104, when the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 exceeds the secondary set line L2a, the control unit 15 retracts the optical fiber F1 by a preset amount of movement. The transport drive unit 9a corresponding to the above is controlled. For example, when the transport drive unit 9a is a type of drive unit driven by a pulse signal, the control unit 15 inputs a control signal (pulse signal) having a preset number of pulses to the transport drive unit 9a. The transport drive unit 9a moves the movable stage 3a toward the base end side of the optical fiber F1 by the amount of movement corresponding to the number of pulses of the input control signal, and retracts the optical fiber F1. As a result, the transport drive unit 9a retracts the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 to a position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F1 (an example of the first position) with respect to the secondary set line L2a. Further, the control unit 15 corresponds to the optical fiber F2 so that when the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 exceeds the secondary set line L2b, the optical fiber F2 is retracted by a preset movement amount. Controls the transport drive unit 9b. For example, when the transport drive unit 9b is a type of drive unit driven by a pulse signal, the control unit 15 transmits a control signal having a preset number of pulses as in the case of the transport drive unit 9a described above. Enter in 9b. The transport drive unit 9b moves the movable stage 3b toward the base end side of the optical fiber F2 by the amount of movement corresponding to the number of pulses of the input control signal, and retracts the optical fiber F2. As a result, the transport drive unit 9b retracts the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 to a position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 (an example of the first position) with respect to the secondary set line L2b.

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

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

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

Further, in step S105, the control unit 15 is at a predetermined position on the left side (for example, the position of the primary set line L1b) inside the adjustment space region 19 which is a position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 with respect to the secondary set line L2b. The transport drive unit 9b is controlled so that the distal end surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 is positioned at (or a position in the vicinity thereof). In particular, when the optical fiber F2 is retracted by the process of step S104 described above, the control unit 15 moves the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the retracted optical fiber F2 to the above-mentioned first position (position after retracting). The transport drive unit 9b is controlled so as to advance to the second position, which is the position on the secondary set line L2b side. The second position in this case is the same position as the above-mentioned left side predetermined position, for example, the position of the primary set line L1b or a position in the vicinity thereof.

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

After executing the process of step S105, the fusion splicer 1 executes a fusion splicing program (step S106) in order to perform alignment, fusion splicing, and the like of the optical fibers F1 and F2, and ends this process. Here, the control unit 15 is composed of a CPU, a memory, and the like, and a fusion splicing connection program and a plurality of fusion splicing conditions are preset. In step S106, the control unit 15 selects a fusion splicing condition suitable for the fusion splicing between the optical fibers F1 and F2 from these plurality of fusion splicing conditions, and fusing using the selected fusion splicing condition. Execute the incoming connection program. As a result, the fusion splicer 1 performs a series of processes of pre-fusion splicing inspection, alignment, and fusion splicing on the optical fibers F1 and F2 whose initial position adjustment has been performed as described above. In the present invention, the fusion splicing program is a process after the initial position adjustment of the optical fiber to be fused and connected, that is, a pre-fusing connection inspection, alignment and alignment for the optical fiber for which the initial position adjustment has been performed. It is a program for executing a series of processes of fusion splicing.

Specifically, in the pre-fusion connection inspection, the control unit 15 acquires images captured by each of the first image pickup unit 7a and the second image pickup unit 7b from the image processing unit 8, and based on the acquired images. , Each glass portion of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is inspected. As a result of this inspection, when foreign matter is attached to these glass portions, the control unit 15 controls the discharge control unit 6 so that the discharge units 5a and 5b perform cleaning discharge, and the optical fiber is generated by this cleaning discharge. Foreign matter is removed from each glass portion of F1 and F2. Further, if the shapes of the longitudinal tip surfaces F1c and F2c of the optical fibers F1 and F2 are not good (for example, they are excessively inclined with respect to the Z-axis direction), an error message indicating that fact is displayed. Control the touch panel 14.

After the pre-fusion connection inspection is completed, the optical fibers F1 and F2 are aligned. At this time, the control unit 15 controls the transport drive units 9a and 9b so as to adjust the end face positions of the optical fibers F1 and F2, and the first radial drive units 10 and the second unit so as to perform alignment. The radial drive unit 11 is controlled, and the rotation drive units 12a and 12b are controlled so as to perform rotational alignment. Further, the control unit 15 controls the first focus drive unit 13a and the second focus drive unit 13b so as to adjust the focus of the first image pickup unit 7a and the second image pickup unit 7b. As a result, in the optical fibers F1 and F2, the alignment in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and the rotational alignment in the direction around the Z axis are completed, and the tip surfaces F1c and F2c in the longitudinal direction are set to the secondary set line L2a. It will be in a state of matching with L2b.

After the alignment is completed, fusion splicing to the optical fibers F1 and F2 is performed. At this time, the control unit 15 controls the discharge control unit 6 so that the discharge units 5a and 5b perform the main discharge, and transports and drives the optical fibers F1 and F2 so as to abut the longitudinal tip surfaces F1c and F2c of the optical fibers F1 and F2. The parts 9a and 9b are controlled. As a result, the fusion splicing between the optical fibers F1 and F2 is completed.

On the other hand, when it is determined by the determination process of step S103 described above that neither of the longitudinal tip surfaces F1c and F2c of the optical fibers F1 and F2 crosses the secondary set lines L2a and L2b (steps S103 and No). The fusion splicer 1 proceeds to step S105, executes the processes after this step S105, and ends the present process.

As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, an image is captured using the adjustment space region 19 in which the positions of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fused and connected in the longitudinal direction are adjusted as the imaging region. , The position of the tip surface in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a specific optical fiber) located inside the adjustment space region 19 of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is detected based on the captured image. .. Further, the initial position of the detected longitudinal tip surface of the specific optical fiber is compared with the position of the reference set line (for example, either of the secondary set lines L2a and L2b), and the position of the reference set line is that of the specific optical fiber. When the position is on the proximal end side of the specific optical fiber from the initial position of the distal end surface in the longitudinal direction, the specific optical fiber is positioned so that the distal end surface in the longitudinal direction of the specific optical fiber is located on the proximal end side of the specific optical fiber from the reference set line. The transport drive unit corresponding to the specific optical fiber is controlled so as to retract the light.

Therefore, at the initial stage when the two holders 2a and 2b holding the optical fibers F1 and F2 are set in the apparatus main body 18 of the fusion splicer 1, the glass of the specific optical fiber among the optical fibers F1 and F2 has already been set. Even if the portion exceeds the reference set line, the state in which the glass portion of the specific optical fiber exceeds the reference set line can be automatically eliminated by the retreat of the specific optical fiber described above. Therefore, it is not necessary to manually readjust the amount of extension of the specific optical fiber beyond the reference set line from the holder, and the initial position of the longitudinal tip surface of the specific optical fiber is set to be higher than that of the reference set line. It can be easily and quickly adjusted to the position on the base end side of the specific optical fiber. As a result, it takes until the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 are fused and connected to each other, such as the amount of extension of the specific optical fiber from the holder and the initial position adjustment of the longitudinal tip surfaces F1c and F2c of the optical fibers F1 and F2. Since the labor can be significantly reduced, the work of fusion-bonding the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 can be performed easily and efficiently.

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

The image processing unit 24 detects an optical fiber located inside the adjustment space region 19 of the optical fibers F1 and F2 based on the image captured by the first image pickup unit 7a or the second image pickup unit 7b. At this time, the image processing unit 24 relates to the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the adjustment space region 19, and their longitudinal tip surfaces F1c, F2c and the Z-axis direction, similarly to the image processing unit 8 in the first embodiment described above. Each position of the tip surface F1c and F2c in the longitudinal direction is detected. When the image processing unit 24 detects at least one position of each of the longitudinal tip surfaces F1c and F2c of the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the adjustment space region 19, the image processing unit 24 controls a position detection signal indicating the detected position each time. It is transmitted to the unit 25. In particular, in the second embodiment, the image processing unit 24 sequentially detects the position of the longitudinal tip surface F1c (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a retracted position) that is displaced with the retreat of the optical fiber F1 due to the action of the transport drive unit 9a. Each time, a position detection signal indicating a retracted position of the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 is transmitted to the control unit 25. Further, the image processing unit 24 sequentially detects the retracted position of the longitudinal tip surface F2c that is displaced with the retract of the optical fiber F2 due to the action of the transport drive unit 9b, and each time, the image processing unit 24 retracts the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2. A position detection signal indicating the position is transmitted to the control unit 25.

The control unit 25 is a drive unit corresponding to the optical fiber so that the position of the distal end surface of the optical fiber detected by the image processing unit 24 is the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber with respect to the reference set line. To control. In the second embodiment, when the position of the secondary set line L2a is the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F1 with respect to the initial position of the distal end surface F1c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F1, the control unit 25 is the image processing unit 24. While monitoring the position of the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 detected by, retract the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 to the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F1 from the secondary set line L2a. In addition, the transport drive unit 9a corresponding to the optical fiber F1 is controlled. Further, the control unit 25 is detected by the image processing unit 24 when the position of the secondary set line L2b is the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 with respect to the initial position of the distal end surface F2c in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber F2. While monitoring the position of the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2, the optical fiber is retracted to the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 from the secondary set line L2b so that the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 is retracted. The transport drive unit 9b corresponding to F2 is controlled.

The control unit 25 is located at the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber with respect to the reference set line while monitoring the position of the distal end surface of the optical fiber detected by the image processing unit 24 as described above. It has the same function as the control unit 15 in the above-described first embodiment, except for the control function for the transport drive unit of "retracting the distal end surface of the optical fiber in the longitudinal direction".

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

In step S104 in the second embodiment, the control unit 25 receives the longitudinal tip surface of the optical fiber F1 detected by the image processing unit 24 when the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 exceeds the secondary set line L2a. While monitoring the receding position of F1c, the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 is moved to the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F1 from the secondary set line L2a (for example, the first right position in the adjustment space region 19). The transport drive unit 9a is controlled so as to retract. Based on this control, the transport drive unit 9a extends to the first right side position in the adjustment space region 19, which is the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F1 with respect to the secondary set line L2a, in the longitudinal direction tip surface of the optical fiber F1. Retreat F1c. Further, when the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 exceeds the secondary set line L2b, the control unit 25 monitors the retracted position of the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 detected by the image processing unit 24. At the same time, the optical fiber F2 is conveyed so as to retract the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 to a position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 (for example, the first left side position in the adjustment space region 19) with respect to the secondary set line L2b. The drive unit 9b is controlled. Based on this control, the transport drive unit 9b extends to the first left side position in the adjustment space region 19, which is the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 with respect to the secondary set line L2b, in the longitudinal direction tip surface of the optical fiber F2. Retreat F2c.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for specifically explaining the retreat processing of the optical fiber in the second embodiment. For example, as shown in the state A11 of FIG. 7, when the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 exceeds the secondary set line L2b, the control unit 25 monitors the position of the longitudinal tip surface F2c. , The transport drive unit 9b is controlled so as to retract the optical fiber F2. At this time, the control unit 25 receives a position detection signal from the image processing unit 24, and based on the received position detection signal, acquires a retracted position of the longitudinal tip surface F2c that is displaced with the retreat of the optical fiber F2. The control unit 25 compares the retracted position of the longitudinal tip surface F2c with the position of the secondary set line L2b, and the position of the secondary set line L2b is the base of the optical fiber F2 rather than the retracted position of the longitudinal tip surface F2c. Determine if it is on the edge side. As a result of this determination process, the control unit 25 causes the optical fiber F2 to continue retreating when the position of the secondary set line L2b is closer to the base end side of the optical fiber F2 than the retreating position of the longitudinal tip surface F2c. Controls the transport drive unit 9b. Based on this control, the transport drive unit 9b continuously retracts the optical fiber F2. On the other hand, when the receding position of the longitudinal end surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 is closer to the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 than the position of the secondary set line L2b, the control unit 25 stops the receding of the optical fiber F2. Controls the transport drive unit 9b. Based on this control, the transport drive unit 9b is located at the first left side position (1st left side position) of the optical fiber F2 in the adjustment space region 19 with respect to the secondary set line L2b, for example, as shown in the state A12 of FIG. For example, the longitudinal tip surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 is retracted to the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber F2 from the primary set line L1b).

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

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

As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the position of the longitudinal tip surface of the specific optical fiber located in the adjustment space region 19 of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fused and connected is determined. Detected based on the image of the adjustment space region 19, the specified optical fiber is set so that the position of the detected longitudinal tip surface of the specified optical fiber is the position on the base end side of the specified optical fiber with respect to the reference set line. The corresponding transport drive unit is controlled, and the others are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, while enjoying the same effects as in the case of the first embodiment described above, the specified light in a state where the longitudinal tip surface exceeds the reference set line while monitoring the position of the longitudinal tip surface of the specific optical fiber. The fiber can be retracted, whereby the longitudinal tip surface of the specific optical fiber can be reliably positioned on the proximal end side of the specific optical fiber with respect to the reference set line.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, the fusion splicer according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a fusion splicer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the fusion splicer 31 according to the third embodiment includes an image processing unit 34 in place of the image processing unit 8 of the fusion splicer 1 according to the above-described first embodiment, and is provided with an image processing unit 34 and a control unit 15. A control unit 35 is provided instead of the above. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same components are designated by the same reference numerals.

The image processing unit 34 detects an optical fiber located inside the adjustment space region 19 of the optical fibers F1 and F2 based on the image captured by the first image pickup unit 7a or the second image pickup unit 7b. At this time, the image processing unit 34 relates to the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the adjustment space region 19, and their longitudinal tip surfaces F1c, F2c and the Z-axis direction, similarly to the image processing unit 8 in the first embodiment described above. Each position of the tip surface F1c and F2c in the longitudinal direction is detected. When each of the positions of at least one of the longitudinal tip surfaces F1c and F2c of the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the adjustment space region 19 is detected, the image processing unit 34 controls a position detection signal indicating the detected position. It is transmitted to the unit 35.

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

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

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

Next, the operation of the fusion splicer 31 when performing a series of processes from the position adjustment in the longitudinal direction of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fusion-bonded to the fusion-bonding will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations from the initial position adjustment of the pair of optical fibers to the fusion splicing performed by the fusion splicer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for specifically explaining the initial position adjustment of the pair of optical fibers in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the fusion splicer 31 (see FIG. 8) adjusts the initial positions of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 by appropriately performing each of the processes of steps S301 to S310 shown in FIG. 9, and then adjusts the initial positions. , Step S311 is performed to align the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 and to perform fusion splicing and the like.

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

In step S301, the first image pickup unit 7a and the second image pickup unit 7b generate an image of the adjustment space region 19 triggered by an operation of the fusion splicer 31 such as pressing the icon of the touch panel 14 or closing the windshield cover. Take an image. In this case, the image of the adjustment space region 19 captured by each of the first image pickup unit 7a and the second image pickup unit 7b shows the radial direction of the optical fiber located in the adjustment space region 19 of the optical fibers F1 and F2. The image is included. The image processing unit 34 detects an optical fiber (an optical fiber in an initial stage) located in the adjustment space region 19 of the optical fibers F1 and F2 based on the image of the adjustment space region 19.

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

For example, in the state A21 shown in FIG. 10, the optical fiber F2 is exemplified as a penetrating optical fiber penetrating the adjustment space region 19. In the state A21, the radial image of the optical fiber F2 is in a continuous state from one end to the other end in the Z-axis direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 10) of the adjustment space region 19 (the longitudinal end surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 is It is not represented). Based on the image of the adjustment space region 19, the control unit 35 determines that the optical fiber shown by the radial image (optical fiber F2 in FIG. 10) is an optical fiber in a penetrating state. At this stage, the control unit 35 has not identified that the optical fiber in the penetrating state is the optical fiber F2.

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

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

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

On the other hand, as illustrated in the state A22 of FIG. 10, if the radial image of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 is an image of the optical fiber in a state where the longitudinal tip surface is positioned in the adjustment space region 19. Based on the image of the adjustment space region 19, the image processing unit 34 detects the distal end surface of the optical fiber in which this penetration state is eliminated. At this stage, the image processing unit 34 transmits the image signal of the image of the adjustment space region 19 including the radial image of the optical fiber in which this penetration state is eliminated to the control unit 35. In step S304, the control unit 35 determines that the image processing unit 34 has detected the longitudinal tip surface of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 based on the image received from the image processing unit 34.

When the control unit 35 determines that the image processing unit 34 has detected the distal end surface of the optical fiber in the adjustment space region 19 by the determination process in step S304 (steps S304, Yes), the control unit 35 of the optical fibers F1 and F2. The transport drive units 9a and 9b are controlled so as to stop the retreat (step S305). In step S305, the transport drive units 9a and 9b stop the retreat of the optical fibers F1 and F2, respectively, based on the control of the control unit 35. At this stage, for example, as shown in the states A21 and A22 of FIG. 10, the optical fiber F2 penetrating the adjustment space region 19 is eliminated from the penetration state, and the longitudinal tip surface F2c is positioned in the adjustment space region 19. It is in a state of being made to. On the other hand, the optical fiber F1 is located outside the right side of the adjustment space region 19.

After the execution of step S305, the fusion splicer 31 retracts the optical fiber whose longitudinal tip surface of the optical fibers F1 and F2 crosses the secondary set line, as in step S104 in the first embodiment (step S309). ). Subsequently, the fusion splicer 31 adjusts the positions of the longitudinal tip surfaces F1c and F2c of the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the same manner as in step S105 in the first embodiment (step S310).

Specifically, in step S309 described above, as illustrated in the state A22 of FIG. 10, the optical fiber F2 in which the penetration state is eliminated has a state in which the longitudinal end surface F2c exceeds the secondary set line L2b. It has become. Due to the action of the transport drive unit 9b based on the control of the control unit 35, such an optical fiber F2 is located at the base end side of the optical fiber F2 with respect to the secondary set line L2b, as illustrated in the state A23 of FIG. The longitudinal tip surface F2c is retracted to (for example, a position outside the left side of the adjustment space region 19). On the other hand, since the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 does not cross the secondary set line L2a, the position of the longitudinal tip surface F1c is maintained at the current position. After that, in step S310 described above, as illustrated in the state A24 of FIG. 10, the retracted optical fiber F2 primaryizes the longitudinal tip surface F2c by the action of the transport drive unit 9b based on the control of the control unit 35. It advances to a predetermined position on the left side in the adjustment space area 19 so as to be close to the set line L1b. As a result, the position of the longitudinal end surface F2c of the optical fiber F2 is adjusted to the position of the primary set line L1b or its vicinity (the position near the left side of the primary set line L1b in FIG. 10). On the other hand, the optical fiber F1 advances to a predetermined position on the right side in the adjustment space region 19 so that the longitudinal tip surface F1c is brought close to the primary set line L1a by the action of the transport drive unit 9a based on the control of the control unit 35. .. As a result, the position of the longitudinal tip surface F1c of the optical fiber F1 is adjusted to the position of the primary set line L1a or a position near the primary set line L1a (in FIG. 10, a position near the right side of the primary set line L1a). As described above, the initial position adjustment of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is completed.

After executing the process of step S310, the fusion splicer 31 executes a fusion splicing program in order to align the optical fibers F1 and F2, fusion splicing, and the like, as in step S106 in the first embodiment. Step S311), this process is terminated.

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

As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the light is based on the image of the adjustment space region 19 in which the positions of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 to be fused and connected in the longitudinal direction are adjusted. A penetrating optical fiber penetrating the adjustment space region 19 of the fibers F1 and F2 is detected, and the penetrating optical fiber is retracted until the longitudinal tip surface of the penetrating optical fiber is detected. It corresponds to the optical fiber so as to control the transport drive unit corresponding to the optical fiber in the state and to position the distal end surface of the retracted optical fiber in the proximal direction of the optical fiber with respect to the reference set line. The transport drive unit is controlled, and the others are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same operation and effect as in the case of the first embodiment described above can be enjoyed, and the two holders 2a and 2b holding the optical fibers F1 and F2, respectively, are set in the apparatus main body 18 of the fusion splicer 31 in the initial stage. In the above, even if the glass portion of the specific optical fiber of the optical fibers F1 and F2 is already excessively extended to the extent that it penetrates the adjustment space region 19, the glass portion of the specific optical fiber is excessively extended. This state can be automatically resolved by the retreat of this specific optical fiber.

In the above-described embodiments 1 to 3, of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2, the optical fiber F2 on the left side is used as a reference, and the optical fiber F1 on the right side is moved in the radial direction to these optical fibers F1 and F2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2, the optical fiber F1 on the right side is used as a reference, and the optical fiber F2 on the left side is moved in the radial direction to align the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the radial direction. May be good. In this case, the first radial drive unit 10 and the second radial drive unit 11 described above may move the movable stage 3b of the optical fiber F2 on the left side in the radial direction. Alternatively, both of the pair of optical fibers F1 and F2 may be moved in the radial direction to align the optical fibers F1 and F2 in the radial direction. In this case, the fusion splicer may further include a first radial drive unit and a second radial drive unit for moving the movable stage 3b of the left optical fiber F2 in the radial direction.

Further, in the above-described embodiments 1 to 3, the touch panel 14 is exemplified as the operating means of the fusion splicer, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the fusion splicer may be provided with a display unit for displaying various information and an operation unit (input unit) for performing various operations as separate bodies.

Further, in the above-described embodiments 1 to 3, two first image pickup units 7a and a second image pickup unit 7b are exemplified as examples of the plurality of image pickup units, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of arrangements of the imaging unit for imaging the adjustment space region 19 may be two or three or more as described above. Further, the plurality of imaging directions when the plurality of imaging units each image the adjustment space region 19 are not limited to a plurality of radial directions (for example, X-axis direction and Y-axis direction) different from each other of the above-mentioned optical fiber. The directions may be different from each other, such as a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the optical fiber.

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

Further, in the above-described embodiments 1 to 3, a series of processes from the initial position adjustment of the optical fiber to be fused and connected to the pre-fused-bonded inspection, the alignment and the fusion-bonded connection are automatically performed. , The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the initial position adjustment of the optical fiber to be fused and connected (steps S101 to S105 shown in FIG. 4 or steps S301 to S310 shown in FIG. 9) is automatically performed, and the processing after the initial position adjustment (step S106). Alternatively, step S311), specifically, the pre-fusing connection inspection, the alignment, and the fusion connection may be performed manually by the fusion splicer.

Further, in the above-described embodiments 1 to 3, the distal end surfaces of each of the pair of optical fibers in the longitudinal direction are set to the primary set line side regardless of whether or not the optical fiber is retracted toward the proximal end side from the secondary set line. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, for an optical fiber in a state where the initial position of the tip surface in the longitudinal direction does not exceed the secondary set line, the current initial position may be maintained without adjusting the initial position.

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

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

Claims (7)

A drive unit for adjusting the position of a pair of optical fibers to be fused and connected in the longitudinal direction,
An image pickup unit that captures a predetermined spatial region in which the position adjustment of the pair of optical fibers is performed from the radial direction of the pair of optical fibers.
An image processing unit that detects the position of the longitudinal tip surface of the optical fiber located inside the predetermined space region of the pair of optical fibers based on the image captured by the image pickup unit.
The position of the reference set line that serves as a reference for locating the longitudinal tip surface during fusion splicing of the pair of optical fibers, and the position of the longitudinal tip surface detected by the image processing unit before the position adjustment. In comparison with the initial position, the longitudinal tip surface of the first state optical fiber whose longitudinal tip surface exceeds the reference set line among the pair of optical fibers is inside the predetermined space region. The optical fiber in the first state is at least retracted and the pair of optical fibers is retracted so as to be located at a first predetermined position on the base end side of the optical fiber in the first state with respect to the reference set line. The initial position of the pair of optical fibers is adjusted while maintaining the initial position of the longitudinal tip surface of the optical fiber in the second state in which the longitudinal tip surface does not exceed the reference set line. A control unit that controls the drive unit and
Equipped with
The initial position of the longitudinal end surface of the optical fiber in the second state is the position inside the predetermined space region and the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber in the second state with respect to the reference set line. Featuring fusion splicer. A drive unit for adjusting the position of a pair of optical fibers to be fused and connected in the longitudinal direction,
An image pickup unit that captures a predetermined spatial region in which the position adjustment of the pair of optical fibers is performed from the radial direction of the pair of optical fibers.
An image processing unit that detects the position of the longitudinal tip surface of the optical fiber located inside the predetermined space region of the pair of optical fibers based on the image captured by the image pickup unit.
The position of the reference set line that serves as a reference for locating the longitudinal tip surface during fusion splicing of the pair of optical fibers, and the position of the longitudinal tip surface detected by the image processing unit before the position adjustment. In comparison with the initial position, the longitudinal tip surface of the first state optical fiber whose longitudinal tip surface exceeds the reference set line among the pair of optical fibers is inside the predetermined space region. The optical fiber in the first state is at least retracted and the pair of optical fibers is retracted so as to be located at a first predetermined position on the base end side of the optical fiber in the first state with respect to the reference set line. Of the above, the longitudinal tip surface of the optical fiber in the second state in which the longitudinal tip surface does not exceed the reference set line is inside the predetermined space region and is in the second state than the reference set line. A control unit that controls the drive unit so that it is located at a second predetermined position on the base end side of the optical fiber, and a control unit.
Equipped with
The image processing unit detects the optical fiber located inside the predetermined space region among the pair of optical fibers based on the image captured by the image pickup unit.
The control unit determines whether or not the optical fiber detected by the image processing unit is a penetrating optical fiber penetrating the predetermined space region, and the detected optical fiber is a penetrating optical fiber. If this is the case, each of the pair of optical fibers is retracted until the longitudinal tip surface of the optical fiber in the first state, in which the penetration state of the optical fiber is eliminated, is detected by the image processing unit. The drive unit is controlled so that the longitudinal tip surface of the optical fiber in the first state in which the penetration state is eliminated is positioned at the first predetermined position .
A fusion splicer characterized by that. Among the pair of optical fibers, the control unit is the optical fiber in the first state in which the penetration state is eliminated and the distal end surface in the longitudinal direction is detected by the image processing unit. While identifying that
The light in the second state, which is located outside the predetermined space region of the pair of optical fibers, while the longitudinal tip surface of the optical fiber in the penetrating state is retracted to the outside of the predetermined space region. Among the pair of optical fibers located outside the predetermined space region, the position of the longitudinal end surface of the fiber is maintained, and the longitudinal end surface of the optical fiber in the penetrating state is the first. The drive unit is controlled so as to be positioned at a predetermined position and to position the longitudinal tip surface of the optical fiber in the second state at the second predetermined position.
The fusion splicer according to claim 2. The fusion splicer according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the control unit controls the drive unit so as to retract the optical fiber in the first state by a preset movement amount. The control unit controls the drive unit so that the position of the distal end surface in the longitudinal direction detected by the image processing unit is the position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber in the first state with respect to the reference set line. The fusion splicer according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the fusion splicer is characterized in that. The control unit retracts the longitudinal tip surface to a first position, which is a position on the proximal end side of the optical fiber in the first state from the reference set line, and retracts the longitudinal tip surface. The fusion according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the drive unit is controlled so as to advance from the first position to the second position, which is the position on the reference set line side. Arrival connection machine. The image processing unit detects the optical fiber located inside the predetermined space region among the pair of optical fibers based on the image captured by the image pickup unit.
The control unit determines whether or not the optical fiber detected by the image processing unit is a penetrating optical fiber penetrating the predetermined space region, and the detected optical fiber is a penetrating optical fiber. If this is the case, the optical fiber in the penetrating state is retracted and penetrated until the longitudinal tip surface of the optical fiber in the first state is detected by the image processing unit. Any of claims 1, 4 to 6 , wherein the drive unit is controlled so that the longitudinal tip surface of the optical fiber in the first state in which the state is resolved is positioned at the first predetermined position . The fusion splicer described in one.

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