MXPA06007132A - Fiber splice device - Google Patents

Abstract

A fiber splice device (20) includes a body comprising a ductile material. First and second end port sections (30,40) located on opposite ends of the body are provided and are adapted to receive first and second optical fibers (50,51), respectively. The splice device further includes a fiber splicing section, (20) adapted to house a fiber splice, located on the body between the end port sections (30, 40). The fiber splicing section includes a fiber splice actuation section having a self-locking mechanism (24) integral with the body. The splice device can be used in a variety of locations, such as in the access and metro areas of the fiber optic network, and it is not damaged easily.

Description

Published: For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid¬ - wilh intemational search report ance Notes on Codes and Abbreviations "appearing at the beginning - before the expiration of the time limit for amending the no regular issue of the PCT Gazette.

FIBER SPLICE DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a device for the connection or splicing of optical fibers. In particular, the present invention is directed to a one-piece fiber splicing device having a self-locking or immobilization mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The mechanical devices for the connection and / or splicing of optical fibers for the telecommunications industry are known. For example, conventional devices are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4, 824,197; 5, 102.212; 5, 138.681; 5, 159,653; 5, 337.390; and 5, 155,787. Another conventional and preferred method of splicing is the fusion splice. In large deployments, many splices are required to be performed in many different areas of the city at the same time. However, since fiber optic devices are being used more deeply within the underground or underground railway and network access areas, the junction in these areas of the network is often effected in the air, in narrower cabinets and in difficult REF locations. 173453 maneuver. Fusion splicing in these types of locations is difficult, and often there is no energy available for the fusion splicing machine, thus requiring the energy of a battery. Also, if many locations were scheduled on a given day, many different installation work groups will require fusion splicing machines, resulting in a capital investment for the installation company. Therefore, a low-cost, mechanical splicing device that can be activated by means of a simple, inexpensive tool that does not require electrical power could be desired. This can be an important factor in a flammable environment or in an environment where the use of complicated electronic fusion splicing equipment is difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, a fiber splicing device includes a body comprising a ductile material. First and second end port portions located on opposite sides of the body are provided and are adapted to receive first and second optical fibers, respectively. The splicing device further includes a fiber splice section, adapted to accommodate a fiber splice, which is located on the body between the end port sections. The fiber splicing section includes a fiber splicing drive section having a self-locking or integral locking mechanism with the body. In an exemplary construction, first and second articulation sections provide articulations adapted to support a larger fold or fold of 90 degrees in the body. Also, the fold region is provided, which is adapted to support a fold of approximately 90 degrees in the body. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of making a fiber splice includes placing a first and a second fiber optic in a first and second end port sections of a fiber splicing device, so that the ends of the fibers are assembled together. The fiber splicing device further includes a body of a ductile material, a fiber splice section, adapted to accommodate a fiber splice, which is located on the body between the end port sections. The fiber splicing section includes a fiber splicing drive section having a self-locking mechanism integral with the body. The method further includes the clutch of the fiber drive section with the self-locking mechanism. In an additional mode, the method further includes folding the surfaces of the first and second end port sections. The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or each implementation of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description that follow exemplify, in a more particular way, these modalities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a fiber splicing device in an "open" position according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the fiber splicing device in a "closed" position; Figure 3 shows a top view of the body of the fiber splicing device before folding; Figures 4A-4D show an example procedure for folding the fiber splicing section of the fiber splicing device; Figures 5A-5C show an example procedure for folding the end port section of the fiber splicing device; Figures 6A and 6B show a front view of a first embodiment of the self-locking mechanism of the fiber splicing device and Figures 6C and 6D show a front view of a second embodiment of the self-locking mechanism of the splicing device of fiber; Figures 7A and 7B show front views of an end port section of an exemplary fiber splicing device designated for a 900 micron protective coated optical fiber before and after folding of a first example fiber; Figure 8 shows a front view of a second embodiment of an end port section of an exemplary fiber splicing device designed to receive a 250 micron protective coated optical fiber; Figure 9A shows a front view of a non-driven end port section receiving a first example 900 micron fiber, Figure 9B shows a front view of a powered end port section that holds a 900 micrometer fiber of For example, Figure 9C shows a front view of a non-driven end port section that receives an example 250 micron fiber and Figure 9D shows a front view of a powered end port section that holds a second 250 fiber. example micrometers; and Figures 10A-10C show front views of an end port section that can be modified to guide and / or bend fibers of different diameters. While the invention can be amended in various modifications and alternative forms, the characteristics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives that fall within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Detailed Description of the Modes Figure 1 shows an isometric perspective view of a fiber optic splice device 10. The device 10 includes a body, such as a sheet or sheet 11, a first and second end port sections 30. , 40 located at opposite ends of the body, and a fiber splice section 20 located between the first and second end port sections. The splicing device 10 can receive two optical fibers 50 and -51, the ends of which (not shown) are assembled together in a fiber receiving channel located in the fiber splicing section 20 and are held in place through a fiber clamping plate 22 (also referred to as splice plate 22). The fiber splice section 20 further includes an integral self-locking mechanism 24, such as "a central focus cam bar, which immobilizes the fiber clamping plate 22 on the fiber ends to secure the splice. described in this document, the splicing device 10 can be manufactured from a single material, and therefore, can be used as a low-cost discrete splicing device for assembled splicing of a pair of optical fibers. The splicing device 10 can be economical and light in weight. The splicing device 10 does not require electrical power, it can be used in a variety of locations, such as in access areas and in underground areas of the fiber optic network, and is not easily damaged. Figure 1 shows a splicing device 10 in an "open" position or non-driven position, ready to receive a pair of optical fibers, and Figure 2 shows a splicing device 10 in a "closed" position or driven position, subject on the pair of optical fibers. A first optical fiber 50 can be introduced into a first end port 35 and a second optical fiber 51 can be introduced into a second end port 45. In the exemplary embodiments, the fiber optic end regions are peeled from their respective Protection or damping coatings, with each end face polished in the conventional way. In an open position, the fiber splicing section 20 receives each respective fiber end in a fiber channel (hidden from the view in Figures 1 and 2, and further described with respect to Figure 3), which can align and retain the fibers. Optionally, an index coupling material, such as a conventional index coupling gel, may also be applied in the fiber channel to further facilitate optical coupling. According to the drive, the locking or locking mechanism shown in Figures 1 and 2 as an articulated plate 24, acts as a center focus cam bar and is operated using a tightening action that moves the hinged plate 24 towards a bra or column 33 of the splicing device until it makes contact with the splice column 33. The actuation movement at the tip of the articulated plate 24 closes the fiber splice plate 22, aligning and retaining the optical fibers. The self-locking mechanism is described further below with respect to Figures 6A-6D. In the exemplary embodiment, the splicing device 10 includes the end ports 35, 45 each of which is configured to receive an optical fiber. In the exemplary embodiments, each of the end ports 35, 45 has a tubular shape that can be configured, for example, through a stamping process. The end ports 35, 45 can be constructed as domes or tube halves on the sheet 11, thereby creating a circular tube-shaped orifice after the folding of the sheet 11. In alternative embodiments, the end ports 35, 45 can be configured to have elliptical shapes or other shapes, depending on the desired fiber that is being spliced. In the open position, the fibers that are being spliced could be introduced, removed and / or reinserted into the fiber splice section 20 if the first splice did not have good results. Each of the end port sections 30, 40 may further include fiber entry extensions 36, 46 to support and assist in further guiding the fibers 50, 51. The extensions 36, 46 may be configured as tube halves and may provide a direct visual reference of the location of the end ports without the need to relocate the observation angle. The end port sections 30, 40 could be secured through the end port locking sections 32, 42, respectively. In addition, the end port sections 30, 40 can provide folding regions 38, 48 to further secure the optical fibers that are being spliced. Prior to the folding or immobilization operations, described below, the end ports 35, 45 provide a suitable clearance for the passage of the optical fibers., 51. The optical fibers 50, 51 could include conventional silica fibers (eg, single or multi-mode) (or glass-based fibers), coated fibers with protection, as described in the US Pat. United No. Ref. 36, 146, POF (Plástic Fiber Optical), and TECS ™ (Technically Enhaced Ciad Silica), which is available from 3M Company, St. Paul, MN These fibers could have several standard diameters (including protection or buffer coatings) of approximately 125 micrometers (μm) (with or without the protective coating that is removed), an outside diameter of 250 μm and / or an outside diameter of 900 μm, as well as, non-standard diameters, for example, less than 125 μm, between 125 and 900 μm and larger. As mentioned above, the fiber splicing device 10 can be constructed from a single piece of material. In an exemplary embodiment, the body 11 is constructed from a piece of deformable material, preferably a ductile metal such as aluminum. An example material is an aluminum alloy which is conventionally known as "3003", which has a percentage of cold rolling elongation of 0 and a hardness on the Brinell scale (BHN) between 23 and 32. Another acceptable alloy is referred to as "1100" and has a percentage of elongation by cold rolling of 0, H14 or H15. Acceptable resistance to traction varies from 35 to 115 mega-pascals. Other metals and alloys, or laminates thereof, could be used in the construction of the body 11. These metals include, but are not limited to, copper, tin, zinc, lead, indium, gold and alloys thereof. In alternative embodiments, a polymeric material, transparent or opaque, could be used for the body 11. Suitable polymers include polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene glycol terephthalate, acetate, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, pyritetherketone, polyetherimide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polysulfone and copolyesters such as VIVAK (registered trademark of Shefield Plastics, Inc., of Shefield, MA). For example, an aluminum sheet can be used as the body 11, and as shown in Figure 3, it can have several different geometric shapes wedged and / or stamped on both surfaces before the bending or folding of the sheet. Once the blade 11 is configured, it can be trimmed to generate the outer end profile shown in Figure 3. With additional reference to Figure 3, the first and second articulation regions 62 and 64 can be formed on the outer surface of the sheet 11, generally extending the length of the sheet 11. The articulation regions 62 and 64 may comprise a groove located in the central position that can be formed of an area of reduced thickness that defines a joint that separates sheet 11 in different regions. This articulation can be formed in the manner described in United States Patent No. 5, 159,653, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, the fold or fold region 65 is also provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the fold region 65 can be created by wedging a notch in the sheet 11, so that in accordance with the folding, a permanent fold is provided. Approximately 90 degrees. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fiber receiving slots 72 and 74 are formed on the inner surface of the sheet 11, so that when the device 10 is folded, a fiber receiving channel is formed in the fiber splice section 20. For example, slots 72 and 74 may be formed in the pre-slotting process, as described in co-owned United States Patent Application No. 10 / 668,401 (File No. Representative 58973US002), which is incorporated as a reference in this document in its entirety. In this modality, slots 72 and 74 are configured to provide direction and alignment to the fiber portions that are being spliced. In addition, when the grooves are formed in the pre-grooving process, mechanical compression forces can be uniformly applied to the outer diameter of the fibers. These compressive forces distributed in a substantially uniform manner can help to ensure one or more of the following conditions: the integrity and reliability of the coating, the axial alignment between two fibers held in the device and the mechanical retention of the fiber during the service life Of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the slots 72 and 74 has a substantially semicircular shape and is generally parallel to the articulation region 64 and equidistant therefrom. For example, the pre-grooving process can be used to form grooves that can make contact at an angle of 300 degrees to the outer perimeter of the fiber. In another example, a fiber can be contacted about 340 degrees of its outside diameter, or more. Alternatively, one or both of the slots 72, 74 may be formed as conventional V-shaped slots. In addition, the slots 72 and 74 may extend along a substantial portion of the fiber splice section 20.

In an exemplary embodiment, the blade 11 further includes recesses or conical slot sections 75 and 77 that can be formed to be located at both ends of the slots 72 and 74, respectively, so that when the blade 11 is folded, (as shown in Figures 1 and 2), recesses 75 and 77 form a funnel-shaped entry fiber reception region or cone for an optical fiber. These funnel-shaped entry fiber reception regions or cones can be used to guide the optical fibers towards the fiber alignment slots 72 and 74. Likewise, the sheet 11 can further include the slanted cutting sections 37, 47 located on each side of the fiber fastening plate 22. These biased cuts 37, 47 can be used for manufacturing purposes, as described below. In addition, the body 11 may additionally include one or more clamp release pads 79 and an access hole 85. The clamp release pads 79 may be used in conjunction with the locking mechanism or the plate 24. For example, in FIG. an example embodiment as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the length of the central focus cam bar or plate 24 is shorter than the length of the fiber fastening plate 22. The pads 79 can be placed on the fiber fastening plate 22, outside the length of the locking plate 24. In operation, when the blocking or locking plate 24 is closed, the optical fibers 50, 51 located in the fiber receiving channel formed by the opposite slots 72, 74 are held in place. However, clamping forces could cause the fibers 50, 51 to displace the material forming the body 11, for example, aluminum, depending on the type of fiber being spliced (for example, the silica fibers are harder). than the aluminum fibers). When these clamping forces are not released gradually, a microflexion of the fibers could occur at the point where the fiber leaves the groove. This abrupt transition from high clamping forces to non-clamping forces can create higher insertion losses. The clamp release pads 79 provide a gradual release of clamping force by separating the fiber clamping plate 22 from the base 31 to reduce the effects of microflexion. The optional access hole 85 can be formed through the splice column 33 through the immobilization plate 24. The access hole 85 can be used to open the immobilization plate 24, for example, by pushing a pin or rod of small diameter (not shown) through the hole 85 on the immobilization plate 24 until it opens. While frequent openings of the locking plate 24 can reduce the integrity of the link 62, the splicing device 10 can be used for more than one splicing operation. The minimum opening distance of the plate 24 can extend the life and integrity of the joint. An example folding operation is shown schematically in Figures 4A-4D and 5A-5C. For example, Figures 4A-4D show a folding sequence for the fiber splice section 20. As mentioned above, the sheet 11 may include a first and second hinge portions 62 and 64, and further, may include a fold region 65. In Figure 4B, a 90 degree angle or a fold is formed around the fold region 65. Figure 4C depicts the aforementioned open position of the fiber splice section. First, the fiber clamping plate 22 is bent at the point of articulation 64 and is oriented at a smaller angle, for example, approximately 3 to 10 degrees, from the base portion 31. Secondly , the immobilization plate 24 is bent obliquely about the articulation 62 to an angle of approximately 20 to 40 degrees from the vertical column 33 of the device. In this position, the fiber can be introduced into the groove region of the fiber splice section 20. The tip 27 of the locking plate 24 is then moved in the direction of the vertical column 33 in a lever type mode to push the Fiber holding plate 22 to base 31, thereby actuating or closing the splicing device, as shown in Figure 4D. The fiber end port sections 30, 40 can be folded in a similar manner, as illustrated schematically in Figures 5A-5C. For example, in Figure 5A, the end ports 35, 45 show tube halves that are formed around the hinge region '64. In Figure 5B, a 90 degree angle or a fold is formed around the fold region 65. In Figure 5C, the folded structure is shown, where the end ports 35, 45 can form a shaped receptacle. tube for receiving optical fibers that are being spliced together. The end port locking sections 32, 42 can secure the end port portions 30, 40 in a manner similar to the locking mechanism described above with respect to the fiber splice section 20. Folding regions 38, 48 can also be provided to receive a folding device, which is described in greater detail later with respect to Figures 7A-7B, to fold the respective fibers at the end ports 35, 45 in order to additionally secure the optical fibers in place after the operation of the fiber splicing section.

According to exemplary embodiments, in the closed position, the force is induced in the areas of articulation in both of the locking mechanism and the fiber clamping plate, which forces the respective plates to be directed towards the open portion. The structure of the splicing device of the present invention is designed to counteract these forces, one opposite the other, in addition, to maintain the closure of the splicing device through the use of a self-locking or immobilization mechanism. For example, Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a first embodiment of a self-locking mechanism, wherein a taper 26A is formed on the tip of the fiber clamping plate 22. This design creates a ramp recess in or adjacent to the intersection between the immobilization plate 24 and the fiber fastening plate 22 in an alternative embodiment, Figures 6C and 6D show an elevated structure 26B, such as a protrusion or ridge, which is formed (for example, by embossing, stamping, wedging, or the like) on the surface of the fiber clamping plate 22 at or adjacent to the intersection between the clamping plate 24 and the fiber clamping plate 22. This raised structure 26B prevents movement of the clamping plate. immobilization 24 outside the vertical column 33. In this way, the fiber splicing device 10 can include a self-locking mechanism, integral with the structure of the splicing device by itself, whereby, it was the requirement of a separate structure to block or immobilize the splice in place. As would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art given the present disclosure, other integral blocking structures may also be used. The folding operation (which transforms the blade 11 into a work splicing device 10) can be carried out manually, with a machine or with a combination of both. For example, the material can be formed and cut from a strip in a manual or progressive matrix, or in combination, giving rise to the sheet 11. The fold region 65 can also be folded into the manual and / or progressive matrix . The sheet 11 can be transferred by the human action and / or automatically in a folding / gelling / coding machine by date (not shown). A set of location and attachment fingers (not shown) can be used to move in a vertical downward direction on the flat sheet 11, located in the slanted cut areas 37, 47 (shown in Figures 1-3), which also they can contain a hole exactly dimensioned and located (not shown) in each biased cut, which can be used to provide minor corrections of location. With the use of the locking fingers in this position, the joints 62 and 64 (described with respect to Figures 4C-4D and 5C), and optionally, the fold region 65, can be formed in a process or system Fixing. The clamping fingers having locating bolts that are placed within the slanted cutting holes described above (not shown) can also provide a position and a guided mechanism of displacement towards an automatic gearing head. optical index (not shown). Once the splice is folded and gelled, an automatic pick-up arm can remove the splicing device 10 from the machine housing. As the splicing device 10 is transferred out of the folding housing, it can pass under the head of an ink jet printer where the date code can be printed on the outside of the splice. As mentioned above, the folding can also be effected to additionally secure the fibers being spliced and to prevent the twisting movement of the fibers. An exemplary folding procedure is illustrated in Figures 7A-7B. In Figure 7A, a front cross-sectional view of the end port region 30 (or 40) is shown. In this example, a protective fiber 50, 51 having an outer diameter of approximately 900 micrometers is received at the end port 35, 45. Once the splice is driven into the fiber splice section, the Fiber optic can be additionally secured in the "splice 10 by means of • the folding of the end port with a folding tool 90, shown in Figure 7B, as a vice-grip type implement, which can compress the ports Tube-shaped end-end This folding action can provide axial and torsional strength resistance Obviously, other types of optical fibers can be assembled using the splicing device of the modalities described herein In accordance with an alternative embodiment , the folding tool 90 can be formed as an integral part of the splicing drive tool in order to minimize the cost of the tool and increase the cost of the tool. to versatility of it. Figure 8 shows different example fibers 52, 53, such as cushioned fibers with a diameter of 250 microns, in a second end port mode designed for the reception of cushioned fibers with a diameter of 250 microns. According to a further alternative embodiment, stress release can also be achieved using a modified design and procedure. For example, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the end port sections 30, 40 may have the positions "open" and "closed", similar to the open and closed positions of the fiber splice section 20. In the open position, as shown for example in Figure 9A, the fiber 50, 51 (here, a cushioned silica fiber with an outside diameter of 900 micrometers of example) can be introduced into the end ports 35, 45. Once the splice is actuated in the fiber splice section 20, the end port sections 30, 40 can be moved to the closed position by actuating the port locking plates of end 32, 42, in the similar manner to the one described previously. In addition, self-locking mechanisms, such as those described above, can also be employed in end port sections 30, 40. In addition, small teeth or similar structures can be formed (e.g., by the coining process) within of the inner surface of the tube-shaped end ports 35, 45. Based on the closure, the teeth can penetrate and secure the cushioned outer coating of the fiber 50, 51 in the end port sections 30, 40. In similarly, as schematically shown in Figures 9C and 9D, this alternative end port section structure can be used with an optical fiber of different size, such as a buffered fiber with outer diameter of 250 micrometers. Figures 10A-10C show another alternative embodiment, wherein the splicing device can be used to effect the coupling of optical fibers having any outer diameter. Figure 10A shows the end port section 30, 40 which is dimensioned to receive an optical fiber 50, 51, having a first outer diameter, for example, 900 micrometers. Figure 10B shows a folding tool 92 that can alter or re-dimension the size of one or more end ports. In Figure 10C, the end ports 35, 45 can now receive an optical fiber having a different outside diameter, such as a protective coated or 250 micron cushioned fiber. Therefore, the folding tool 92 can have two or more folding positions. For example, a first position would dimension the splicing device to accommodate a 250 micron protective coated fiber., while the second position would fold the splice over the 250 micron protective coated fiber to provide additional stress relief. In this alternative embodiment, a splicing device can be used to assemble fibers having different sizes of protective coatings, while using the same joint length for both protection or cushioning sizes. In addition, the splicing device of the present invention can be a small lightweight device. For example, the reception area of the entire device may be of the order of 1.90 centimeters (0.75 inches) or larger. In one example, the reception area for the device may be approximately 3.05 centimeters (1.2 inches) in length, about 0.51 centimeters (0.2 inches) in width and approximately 0.37 centimeters (0.145 inches) in height. Obviously, other sizes would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art given the present invention. In this way, the splicing device of the embodiments of the present invention can provide a direct method of splicing optical fibers in the field. For example, a first and a second optical fiber can be placed in the first and second end port sections of the splicing device 10, so that the ends of the optical fibers are assembled together. Then, the fiber splice section 20 can be driven to complete the splice, with the self-locking mechanism 24 securing the holding plate securely on the spliced ends of the fiber. Additional stress relief may be provided by folding the end port sections or engaging the teeth formed in the end ports to hold the extended portions of the fibers. As optical fiber devices are deployed deeper within the underground and access areas of a network, the benefits of these mechanical interconnect products can be used for Fiber-with-the-Home / Desktop / Construction / applications. Business (FTTX). The devices of the present invention can be used in installation environments that require ease of use when handling multiple splices and connections, especially where labor costs are more expensive. The present invention should not be considered to be limited to the particular examples described above, but rather to be understood to cover all aspects of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures in which the present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention is directed based on the revision of the present specification. The claims are intended to cover all these modifications and devices. It is noted that in relation to this date the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (21)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A fiber splicing device, characterized in that it comprises: a body that includes a ductile material; first and second end port sections located at opposite ends of the body, which are adapted to receive the first and second optical fibers, respectively; and a fiber splice section, adapted to accommodate a fiber splice, which is located on the body between the end port sections, wherein the fiber splice section includes a fiber splice actuation section having a integral self-locking mechanism with the body; a first articulation section that provides a joint adapted to support a larger 90 degree fold in the body; a second articulation section that provides a joint adapted to support a larger 90 degree fold in the body; and a crease region adapted to support a fold of approximately 90 degrees in the body.
2. 2. The fiber splicing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the body consists of a single piece of metal.
3. 3. The fiber splicing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the end port sections and the fiber splice section are integral with the body. The fiber splicing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fiber splicing section comprises a central focus cam bar. The fiber splicing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the self-locking mechanism comprises a reverse conical portion located on a portion of the body, so that when the body is bent around the first and second sections of articulation and the fold region, the inverse conical portion receives the central focus cam bar. I 6. The fiber splicing device according to claim 5, characterized in that the inverse conical portion provides a force opposite to the force generated by the center focus cam bar. The fiber splicing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the self-locking mechanism comprises a raised protrusion on the body surface to receive the center focus cam bar and retain the locked position of the bar center focus cam. The fiber splicing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the end port sections provide a torsional stress relief. The fiber splicing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second end port sections receive first and second fibers having an outer protective diameter of approximately 900 microns or less. The fiber splicing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second end port sections receive first and second fibers having an outer protective diameter of approximately 250 microns or less. The fiber splicing device according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the first and second end port sections includes tube-shaped ports. The fiber-splicing device according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one end port includes an extension projecting from the body. The fiber splicing device according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one end port is adapted to be resized in order to accommodate protective coated optical fibers of different size. 1
4. 4. The fiber splicing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fiber splicing section includes a fiber receiving channel. The fiber splicing device according to claim 14, characterized in that the fiber receiving channel includes a conical portion and a V-shaped groove. 16. The fiber splicing device according to claim 14, characterized in that the fiber receiving channel includes a previously grooved channel. 17. The fiber splicing device according to claim 14, characterized in that the fiber receiving channel includes an index coupling fluid. 18. The fiber splicing device according to claim 4, further characterized in that it comprises an access hole located in the body through the central focus cam bar adapted to receive a movement mechanism that moves the cam bar of central focus from a locked position. 19. The fiber splicing device according to claim 4, further characterized by comprising clamp release pads located on the surface of the body and adapted to make contact with a fiber clamping plate when it is actuated and to provide a 'clamp'. to gradual clamping force when the central focus cam bar applies a clamping force on the clamping plate. A method of manufacturing a fiber splice, characterized in that it comprises: placing a first and second optical fibers in the first and second end port sections of a fiber splicing device, so that the ends of the fibers when assembled together, the fiber splicing device further includes a body which is constituted by a ductile material, a fiber splice section, adapted to accommodate a fiber splice, which is located on the body between the port sections of end, wherein the fiber splicing section includes a fiber splicing drive section having a self-locking mechanism integral with the body, wherein the fiber splicing device further includes a first hinge section that provides a articulation adapted to support a fold or fold greater than 90 degrees in the body; and a crease region adapted to support approximately a 90 degree bend in the body; and engaging the fiber drive section with the self-locking mechanism. The method according to claim 20, further characterized by comprising folding the surfaces on the first and second end port sections.