JP2009244588A - Method for fusing optical fiber, and protective sleeve fastener to be used for the method - Google Patents

Method for fusing optical fiber, and protective sleeve fastener to be used for the method Download PDF

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JP2009244588A
JP2009244588A JP2008090912A JP2008090912A JP2009244588A JP 2009244588 A JP2009244588 A JP 2009244588A JP 2008090912 A JP2008090912 A JP 2008090912A JP 2008090912 A JP2008090912 A JP 2008090912A JP 2009244588 A JP2009244588 A JP 2009244588A
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protective sleeve
optical fiber
fusion
fastener
attached
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JP5003559B2 (en
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Seiichi Fukuda
征一 福田
Mikio Kobayashi
己喜雄 小林
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Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd
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Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical fiber fusing method capable of preventing slippage of a protection sleeve, without having to use a magnetic substrate, and capable of attaining high-reliability reinforcement. <P>SOLUTION: In the optical fiber fusing method for fusion splicing both tip parts of optical fibers 13a, 13b arranged opposite to each other by fusion splicing machine 11 and moving a protection sleeve 19, inserted into one optical fiber 13a, to a splicing portion to protect the splicing portion; a protective sleeve fastener 100 connected to the fusion splicing machine 11 through a string material 31 and attached to the optical fiber 13a for restricting the movement of the protective sleeve 19 is used. The movement of the protection sleeve 19 is regulated by the protective sleeve fastener 100 attached to the optical fiber 13a, both the optical fibers 13a, 13b are mutually fusion-spliced, the protective sleeve 19 is moved to the splicing portion, and then the protection sleeve fastener 100 is detached from the optical fiber 13a, and fusion splicing is finished. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、保護スリーブを接続部に移動して接続部を保護する光ファイバの融着方法及びその方法に用いる保護スリーブ留め具に関し、特に、光ファイバ融着・補強作業中における保護スリーブの光ファイバ余長部への滑り落ちを防止する改良技術に関する。   The present invention relates to an optical fiber fusion method for protecting a connection portion by moving the protective sleeve to the connection portion, and a protective sleeve fastener used in the method, and more particularly, to the light of the protection sleeve during the optical fiber fusion and reinforcement operation. The present invention relates to an improved technique for preventing slipping off to an extra fiber length portion.

光ファイバの接続は、先端同士を突き合せて融着機により融着接続することで行われる。一般的に、光ファイバの融着接続部は、保護スリーブによって保護される。そのため、融着接続作業の際には、予め融着前に一方の光ファイバに保護スリーブを外挿しておき（光ファイバを保護スリーブに挿通しておき）、融着接続完了後、融着接続部上に移動して接続部を保護スリーブで覆う。ところが、特に電柱上等の高所作業時においては、外挿した保護スリーブが光ファイバを伝ってズレ落ちる問題があった。   The optical fibers are connected by abutting the ends to each other and fusing them with a fusing machine. Generally, the fusion spliced portion of the optical fiber is protected by a protective sleeve. For this reason, when performing fusion splicing work, a protective sleeve is extrapolated in advance to one optical fiber before fusing (the optical fiber is inserted into the protective sleeve), and after splicing is completed, fusion splicing is performed. Move over the cover and cover the connection with a protective sleeve. However, particularly when working at a high place such as on a utility pole, there is a problem that the extraneous protective sleeve is displaced along the optical fiber.

これに対し、特許文献１には、保護スリーブの所定位置に磁石若しくは磁性体を設け、保護スリーブが固定されるべき固定部位に、上記磁石若しくは磁性体との間で磁気的吸引力を作用させるべく磁石若しくは磁性体を設ける技術が開示されている。この光ファイバ接続部保護スリーブの固定方法によれば、光ファイバ同士の接続部を保護スリーブで包囲することにより接続部を補強し、この保護スリーブの所定位置に設けた磁石若しくは磁性体を、保護スリーブが固定されるべき固定部位に対する磁気的吸引力によって固定することができた。
特開２０００−２５８６５１号公報 On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, a magnet or a magnetic body is provided at a predetermined position of the protective sleeve, and a magnetic attractive force is applied between the magnet or the magnetic body on a fixing portion where the protective sleeve is to be fixed. Therefore, a technique for providing a magnet or a magnetic material is disclosed. According to this method of fixing the protective sleeve of the optical fiber connecting portion, the connecting portion is reinforced by surrounding the connecting portion of the optical fibers with the protective sleeve, and the magnet or magnetic material provided at a predetermined position of the protective sleeve is protected. The sleeve could be fixed by a magnetic attraction force against the fixing site to be fixed.
JP 2000-258651 A

しかしながら、磁石等の磁気吸引力によって保護スリーブを保持した場合、磁気吸引力が低下すると、保持力が弱くなり落下の虞が生じた。磁石等を備えた保護スリーブが地面に落下すれば、砂、砂鉄、異物が保護スリーブ内へ進入し、保護スリーブ被覆時の補強信頼性を低下させる問題があった。これに対し、磁気吸引力を大きくすれば、取り外しが困難になり、作業性を低下させるとともに、光ファイバを損傷する虞が生じた。
また、保護スリーブが滑り落ちれば、回収が必要となり、特に高所作業時には接続作業性を著しく低下させた。さらに、保護スリーブの保持に、着磁シートや鉄系材料を使用した場合には、軽量化の障害となり、携帯性を低下させる要因となった。
本発明は上記状況に鑑みてなされたもので、その第１の目的は、磁性体を用いることなく保護スリーブの滑り落ちが防止され、信頼性の高い補強が可能となる光ファイバの融着方法及びその方法に用いる保護スリーブ留め具を提供することにある。また、その第２の目的は、保護スリーブの滑り落ちによる作業性の低下が防止されるとともに、軽量化が可能となる光ファイバの融着方法及びその方法に用いる保護スリーブ留め具を提供することにある。 However, when the protective sleeve is held by a magnetic attractive force such as a magnet, if the magnetic attractive force is reduced, the holding force is weakened and there is a risk of dropping. If the protective sleeve provided with a magnet or the like falls on the ground, sand, iron sand, and foreign matter enter the protective sleeve, and there is a problem that the reliability of reinforcement at the time of covering the protective sleeve is lowered. On the other hand, if the magnetic attraction force is increased, it becomes difficult to remove, and the workability is lowered and the optical fiber may be damaged.
Further, if the protective sleeve slips, it is necessary to collect it, and the connection workability is remarkably lowered particularly when working at a high place. Furthermore, when a magnetized sheet or an iron-based material is used to hold the protective sleeve, it becomes an obstacle to weight reduction and becomes a factor of reducing portability.
The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and a first object thereof is a method for fusing an optical fiber, in which a protective sleeve can be prevented from slipping off without using a magnetic material, and a highly reliable reinforcement can be achieved. And a protective sleeve fastener for use in the method. The second object of the present invention is to provide a method of fusing an optical fiber and a protective sleeve fastener used in the method, in which the workability is prevented from being lowered due to slipping of the protective sleeve and the weight can be reduced. It is in.

本発明に係る上記目的は、下記構成により達成される。
（１） 互いに対向配置した光ファイバの先端部同士を融着接続機にて融着接続後、一方の光ファイバに挿通した保護スリーブを接続部に移動して該接続部を保護する光ファイバの融着方法であって、
前記融着接続機と紐材で接続され且つ前記光ファイバに取り付けられて前記保護スリーブの移動を制限する保護スリーブ留め具を使用し、
前記光ファイバに装着した前記保護スリーブ留め具で前記保護スリーブの移動を規制し、
光ファイバ同士を融着接続して前記保護スリーブを接続部に移動させた後、前記保護スリーブ留め具を前記光ファイバから取り外して融着接続を終了することを特徴とする光ファイバの融着方法。 The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following configuration.
(1) After fusion splicing of optical fiber tips arranged opposite to each other with a fusion splicer, a protective sleeve inserted into one of the optical fibers is moved to the connection part to protect the connection part. A fusing method,
Using a protective sleeve fastener that is connected to the fusion splicer with a string and attached to the optical fiber to limit the movement of the protective sleeve;
Restricting movement of the protective sleeve with the protective sleeve fastener attached to the optical fiber;
An optical fiber fusion method comprising: fusion-bonding optical fibers to each other and moving the protective sleeve to a connection portion; and removing the protective sleeve fastener from the optical fiber to terminate the fusion-bonding. .

この光ファイバの融着方法によれば、光ファイバに保護スリーブ留め具が装着されることで、滑り落ちた保護スリーブが保護スリーブ留め具に当たり、保護スリーブの滑り落ちが確実に防止される。保護スリーブ使用時には、紐材をたぐることで、保護スリーブの位置を容易に把握できる。なお、光ファイバに損傷を与えない範囲であれば、紐材をたぐり寄せることで、離れた位置にある保護スリーブを手元に移動することもできる。これにより、磁性体を備えた保護スリーブを地面に落とすことによる砂、砂鉄、異物の付着が防止できる。   According to this optical fiber fusion method, the protective sleeve fastener is attached to the optical fiber, so that the protective sleeve that has slipped down hits the protective sleeve fastener, and the protective sleeve is reliably prevented from slipping down. When the protective sleeve is used, the position of the protective sleeve can be easily grasped by stroking the string material. In addition, if it is a range which does not damage an optical fiber, the protection sleeve in a distant position can also be moved at hand by dragging a string material. Thereby, it is possible to prevent adhesion of sand, iron sand, and foreign matters by dropping the protective sleeve provided with a magnetic body onto the ground.

（２） 融着接続機と接続された紐材の端部に、光ファイバに装着されて該光ファイバに挿通した保護スリーブの移動を制限するクランプ部材を装備した保護スリーブ留め具。 (2) A protective sleeve fastener equipped with a clamp member that restricts the movement of the protective sleeve that is attached to the optical fiber and inserted through the optical fiber at the end of the string member connected to the fusion splicer.

この保護スリーブ留め具によれば、クランプ部材が光ファイバに装着されると、保護スリーブが、融着接続機とクランプ部材の間の光ファイバに挿通された状態で移動規制される。保護スリーブの不使用時には、作業の邪魔にならない位置に保護スリーブを離間配置しておくことができる。また、着磁シートや鉄系材料を使用せず、樹脂系材料のみによる構成が可能となる。   According to this protective sleeve fastener, when the clamp member is attached to the optical fiber, the movement of the protective sleeve is restricted while being inserted into the optical fiber between the fusion splicer and the clamp member. When the protective sleeve is not used, the protective sleeve can be disposed at a position that does not interfere with the work. Further, a configuration using only a resin material is possible without using a magnetized sheet or an iron material.

（３） 前記クランプ部材は前記光ファイバに係合して該光ファイバとの相対移動を可能にする凹部を備えたことを特徴とする（２）の保護スリーブ留め具。 (3) The protective sleeve fastener according to (2), wherein the clamp member includes a concave portion that engages with the optical fiber to enable relative movement with the optical fiber.

この保護スリーブ留め具によれば、クランプ部材を光ファイバに装着するとき、光ファイバが凹部に収容された係合状態で装着されるので、光ファイバに余計な外力がかからず、光ファイバを痛めることがない。また、保護スリーブが光ファイバに固定されないので、作業時の動きに伴う保護スリーブの慣性力が直接光ファイバ接続部に作用せず、安定した接続作業を行うことができる。   According to this protective sleeve fastener, when the clamp member is attached to the optical fiber, the optical fiber is attached in an engaged state accommodated in the recess, so that no extra external force is applied to the optical fiber, and the optical fiber is There is no pain. Further, since the protective sleeve is not fixed to the optical fiber, the inertia force of the protective sleeve accompanying the movement during the operation does not directly act on the optical fiber connecting portion, and a stable connection operation can be performed.

（４） 前記紐材の長さを調整可能とする長さ調整手段が前記紐材に設けられたことを特徴とする（２）又は（３）の保護スリーブ留め具。 (4) The protective sleeve fastener according to (2) or (3), wherein a length adjusting means capable of adjusting the length of the string material is provided on the string material.

この保護スリーブ留め具によれば、接続作業環境や、作業者固有の作業形態に適した任意の長さに保護スリーブの移動範囲が調整可能となり、保護スリーブの位置を気にせず、良好な作業性にて融着・補強を行うことができる。   According to this protective sleeve fastener, the movement range of the protective sleeve can be adjusted to an arbitrary length suitable for the connection work environment and the work form unique to the worker, and it is possible to perform a good work without worrying about the position of the protective sleeve. Can be fused and reinforced.

本発明に係る光ファイバの融着方法によれば、光ファイバに装着した保護スリーブ留め具で保護スリーブの移動を規制し、光ファイバ同士を融着接続して保護スリーブを接続部に移動させた後、保護スリーブ留め具を光ファイバから取り外すので、光ファイバに保護スリーブ留め具を装着することで、確実に保護スリーブの滑り落ちを防止でき、磁性体を備えた保護スリーブを地面に落とすことによる砂、砂鉄、異物の付着を防止できる。この結果、保護スリーブ内へ異物の進入しない信頼性の高い補強を行うことができる。   According to the method for fusing an optical fiber according to the present invention, the movement of the protective sleeve is restricted by the protective sleeve fastener attached to the optical fiber, and the protective sleeve is moved to the connecting portion by fusing the optical fibers together. After that, since the protective sleeve fastener is removed from the optical fiber, it is possible to prevent the protective sleeve from slipping down by attaching the protective sleeve fastener to the optical fiber, and by dropping the protective sleeve with magnetic material on the ground Prevents adhesion of sand, iron sand and foreign matter. As a result, it is possible to perform highly reliable reinforcement that does not allow foreign matter to enter the protective sleeve.

本発明に係る保護スリーブ留め具によれば、融着接続機と接続された紐材の端部に、光ファイバに装着されて光ファイバに挿通した保護スリーブの移動を制限するクランプ部材を装備したので、クランプ部材を光ファイバに装着すれば、融着接続機とクランプ部材の間の光ファイバに、保護スリーブを挿通した状態で移動規制でき、保護スリーブの滑り落ちによる作業性低下を防止することができる。また、着磁シートや鉄系材料を使用せず、樹脂系材料のみにより構成できるので、軽量化が可能となり、携帯性を向上させることができる。   According to the protective sleeve fastener according to the present invention, the end of the string member connected to the fusion splicer is equipped with a clamp member that restricts the movement of the protective sleeve that is attached to the optical fiber and inserted through the optical fiber. Therefore, if the clamp member is attached to the optical fiber, the movement can be restricted in a state where the protective sleeve is inserted into the optical fiber between the fusion splicer and the clamp member, and workability deterioration due to slipping of the protective sleeve is prevented. Can do. Moreover, since it can comprise only a resin-type material, without using a magnetized sheet or an iron-type material, it can reduce in weight and can improve portability.

以下、本発明に係る光ファイバの融着方法及びその方法に用いる保護スリーブ留め具の好適な実施の形態を図面を参照して説明する。
図１は本発明に係る保護スリーブ留め具を備えた融着接続機の斜視図である。
本実施の形態による保護スリーブ留め具１００の設けられる融着接続機１１は、光ファイバ設備の工事が行われる現地で、光ファイバ１３ａ，１３ｂ同士を融着接続する装置である。融着接続機１１は、融着処理部１５と、熱収縮処理部１７とを有する。融着処理部１５は、光ファイバ１３ａ，１３ｂの接続先端部を位置決めする位置決め部材（図示せず）と、突き合された接続先端部同士を放電によって融着させる電極（図示せず）とを備えている。 DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an optical fiber fusion method and a protective sleeve fastener used in the method according to the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fusion splicer provided with a protective sleeve fastener according to the present invention.
The fusion splicer 11 provided with the protective sleeve fastener 100 according to the present embodiment is a device for fusion splicing the optical fibers 13a and 13b at the site where the construction of the optical fiber facility is performed. The fusion splicer 11 includes a fusion processing unit 15 and a heat shrinkage processing unit 17. The fusion processing unit 15 includes a positioning member (not shown) for positioning the connection tips of the optical fibers 13a and 13b, and an electrode (not shown) that fuses the butted connection tips with electric discharge. I have.

熱収縮処理部１７は、融着処理部１５で融着接続した光ファイバ１３ａ，１３ｂの融着接続部に被せた保護スリーブ１９をヒータにより加熱収縮させる熱収縮処理部（図示せず）を備えている。   The thermal contraction processing unit 17 includes a thermal contraction processing unit (not shown) that heat-shrinks the protective sleeve 19 covered with the fusion spliced portion of the optical fibers 13a and 13b fused and connected by the fusion processing unit 15 with a heater. ing.

ここで、保護スリーブ１９について説明する。
図２は保護スリーブに覆われた光ファイバ接続部の断面図である。
保護スリーブ１９は、熱収縮チューブ２１と、熱収縮チューブ２１に挿通した心棒２３及び接着チューブ２５とを備える。熱収縮チューブ２１は、熱収縮処理部の加熱機によって所定温度に加熱すると、熱収縮して、挿通されている心棒２３に密着した状態になる。心棒２３は、中実の丸棒で、補強用の心材として、熱収縮チューブ２１に挿通される。心棒２３としては、鋼線、ガラスなどが用いられる。接着チューブ２５は、心棒２３に縦添えした形態で熱収縮チューブ２１内に挿通された接着剤製のチューブであり、熱収縮チューブ２１を熱収縮させる際の加熱で軟化して、熱収縮チューブ２１と心棒２３との隙間２７を埋める接着剤となる。 Here, the protective sleeve 19 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber connecting portion covered with a protective sleeve.
The protective sleeve 19 includes a heat shrinkable tube 21, a mandrel 23 inserted through the heat shrinkable tube 21, and an adhesive tube 25. When the heat-shrinkable tube 21 is heated to a predetermined temperature by the heater of the heat-shrinkage processing unit, the heat-shrinkable tube 21 is heat-shrinked and comes into close contact with the inserted mandrel 23. The mandrel 23 is a solid round bar, and is inserted into the heat shrinkable tube 21 as a reinforcing mandrel. As the mandrel 23, a steel wire, glass or the like is used. The adhesive tube 25 is an adhesive tube inserted into the heat shrinkable tube 21 in a form vertically attached to the mandrel 23, and is softened by heating when the heat shrinkable tube 21 is heat-shrinked. It becomes an adhesive which fills the gap 27 between the mandrel 23 and the mandrel 23.

なお、図２には単心光ファイバ１３ａ，１３ｂを示すが、光ファイバの種類としては、単心光ファイバの他、現在実用化されているものでは２心から１２心までのテープファイバが存在する。したがって、保護スリーブの種類も、単心スリーブ用の他、２心から１２心用までの保護スリーブが存在する。本発明は何れの光ファイバ、保護スリーブにも適用することができるものである。   FIG. 2 shows single-core optical fibers 13a and 13b. As types of optical fibers, there are tape fibers of 2 to 12 cores in practical use in addition to single-core optical fibers. . Accordingly, there are protective sleeves for 2 to 12 cores as well as for single core sleeves. The present invention can be applied to any optical fiber and protective sleeve.

図３は図１に示したクランプ部材の斜視図、図４は凹部を（ａ）（ｂ）に例示した要部拡大断面図、図５は図４の凹部による光ファイバ係合構造を（ａ）（ｂ）に例示した要部拡大断面図である。
保護スリーブ留め具１００は、融着接続機１１と接続された紐材３１の端部に、光ファイバ１３ａ又は光ファイバ１３ｂ（以下、光ファイバ１３ａを例に説明する。）に装着されて光ファイバ１３ａに挿通した保護スリーブ１９の移動を制限するクランプ部材３３を装備してなる。紐材３１は、基端が融着接続機１１の取付部３４に締結、或いは留め具を用いて着脱自在に取り付けられる。紐材３１としては、金属ワイヤの他、ナイロン紐、天然繊維材からなる紐等を用いることができる。 FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the clamp member shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion exemplified by the recesses (a) and (b), and FIG. 5 shows an optical fiber engaging structure by the recesses in FIG. It is a principal part expanded sectional view illustrated in (b).
The protective sleeve fastener 100 is attached to the optical fiber 13a or the optical fiber 13b (hereinafter, the optical fiber 13a will be described as an example) at the end of the string member 31 connected to the fusion splicer 11, and the optical fiber. A clamp member 33 for limiting the movement of the protective sleeve 19 inserted through 13a is provided. The string 31 is fastened to the attachment portion 34 of the fusion splicer 11 or attached detachably using a fastener. As the string material 31, a metal string, a nylon string, a string made of a natural fiber material, or the like can be used.

図３に示すように、クランプ部材３３は、一対のへ字形挟持部材３５，３７からなり、一端が係合部３９、他端が押圧部４１となる。押圧部４１における挟持部材３５，３７の間には圧縮バネ４３が配設され、圧縮バネ４３は係合部３９における挟持部材３５，３７を接近方向に付勢する。紐材３１の他端は、圧縮バネ４３に締結してもよい。したがって、クランプ部材３３は、紐材３１の長さＬの範囲で、光ファイバ１３ａに挿通された保護スリーブ１９の移動を制限できるようになっている。   As shown in FIG. 3, the clamp member 33 includes a pair of hem-shaped pinching members 35 and 37, one end being an engaging portion 39 and the other end being a pressing portion 41. A compression spring 43 is disposed between the clamping members 35 and 37 in the pressing portion 41, and the compression spring 43 biases the clamping members 35 and 37 in the engaging portion 39 in the approaching direction. The other end of the string 31 may be fastened to the compression spring 43. Therefore, the clamp member 33 can limit the movement of the protective sleeve 19 inserted through the optical fiber 13 a within the range of the length L of the string member 31.

挟持部材３５，３７の何れか一方（本実施の形態では挟持部材３５）の係合部３９には、図４に示すように、凹部４５が形成されている。凹部４５は、光ファイバ１３ａが単心の場合、図４（ａ）に示すＶ溝状の凹部４５ａに形成することができる。また、光ファイバ１３ａがテープファイバの場合には、図４（ｂ）に示すように、テープファイバの巾より若干大きい溝幅の凹部４５ｂとすることができる。   As shown in FIG. 4, a recess 45 is formed in the engaging portion 39 of one of the clamping members 35 and 37 (the clamping member 35 in the present embodiment). When the optical fiber 13a is a single core, the recess 45 can be formed in a V-groove-shaped recess 45a shown in FIG. Further, when the optical fiber 13a is a tape fiber, as shown in FIG. 4B, a recess 45b having a groove width slightly larger than the width of the tape fiber can be formed.

凹部４５は、クランプ部材３３を、光ファイバ１３ａに係合した状態で、光ファイバ１３ａとクランプ部材３３の相対移動を可能にする。すなわち、図５に示すように、凹部４５に挟持部材３７が当接することで、凹部４５は閉鎖され、内方に光ファイバ１３ａを収容状態にして係合する。このようにクランプ部材３３は、光ファイバ１３ａに装着すると、光ファイバ１３ａが凹部４５に収容された係合状態で装着されるので、光ファイバ１３ａに余計な外力がかからず、光ファイバ１３ａを痛めることがない。   The concave portion 45 enables relative movement between the optical fiber 13a and the clamp member 33 in a state where the clamp member 33 is engaged with the optical fiber 13a. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, when the clamping member 37 contacts the recess 45, the recess 45 is closed and engaged with the optical fiber 13a in the accommodated state inward. As described above, when the clamp member 33 is attached to the optical fiber 13a, the optical fiber 13a is attached in an engaged state in which the optical fiber 13a is accommodated in the recess 45. Therefore, no extra external force is applied to the optical fiber 13a, and the optical fiber 13a is attached. There is no pain.

なお、凹部４５の内周面にはゲル又はゴム状の弾性体（図示せず）を備えることが好ましい。凹部４５の内周面を弾性体により覆うことで、移動するクランプ部材３３の凹部内周面に光ファイバ１３ａが摺接しても、弾性体により光ファイバ１３ａの損傷を防止することが可能となる。また、クランプ部材３３は、樹脂材料等により形成し、軽量であることが好ましい。クランプ部材３３の重量は直接光ファイバ１３ａで支えられるため、クランプ部材３３の自重が加わることによる光ファイバ１３ａの荷重負担を軽減させるためである。   The inner peripheral surface of the recess 45 is preferably provided with a gel or rubber-like elastic body (not shown). By covering the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion 45 with an elastic body, even if the optical fiber 13a slides on the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion of the moving clamp member 33, it is possible to prevent the optical fiber 13a from being damaged by the elastic body. . The clamp member 33 is preferably formed of a resin material or the like and is lightweight. This is because the weight of the clamp member 33 is directly supported by the optical fiber 13a, so that the load on the optical fiber 13a due to the weight of the clamp member 33 being added is reduced.

図６は長さ調整手段の斜視図、図７は自動巻上機の斜視図である。
保護スリーブ留め具１００は、紐材３１の長さを調整可能とする図６に示す長さ調整手段４７が設けられてもよい。長さ調整手段４７は、紐材３１をＵ字状に挿通させる貫通穴４７ａと、貫通穴４７ａに通された紐材３１を固定する解除ボタン４７ｂとを備える。解除ボタン４７ｂを押すことで、紐材３１のＵ字部３１ａの長さを調整し、解除ボタン４７ｂの押圧を解除することで不図示のバネ力により貫通穴４７ａに挿通された紐材３１を固定し、紐材３１の全長Ｌを調整できるようになっている。 6 is a perspective view of the length adjusting means, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the automatic hoisting machine.
The protective sleeve fastener 100 may be provided with a length adjusting means 47 shown in FIG. 6 that allows the length of the string 31 to be adjusted. The length adjusting means 47 includes a through hole 47a through which the string material 31 is inserted in a U shape and a release button 47b for fixing the string material 31 passed through the through hole 47a. By pressing the release button 47b, the length of the U-shaped portion 31a of the string material 31 is adjusted, and by releasing the pressing of the release button 47b, the string material 31 inserted into the through hole 47a by the unillustrated spring force is removed. It can fix and can adjust the full length L of the string material 31 now.

また、長さ調整手段４７に代えて、図７に示す自動巻上機４９を、紐材３１に設けてもよい。自動巻上機４９は、内蔵された不図示の自動巻上機構により、紐材３１の巻き取りと巻き取り停止とを、紐材３１を引っ張ることで交互に行えるようになっている。この自動巻上機４９は、図例のように紐材３１の途中に設ける他、不図示のフック等を用いて本体４９ａを融着接続機１１の取付部３４に取り付け、紐材３１の端部を巻き取り自在としてもよい。   Further, instead of the length adjusting means 47, an automatic hoisting machine 49 shown in FIG. The automatic hoisting machine 49 can alternately wind and stop the winding of the string material 31 by pulling the string material 31 by means of a built-in automatic winding mechanism (not shown). The automatic hoisting machine 49 is provided in the middle of the string member 31 as shown in the figure, and the main body 49a is attached to the attachment portion 34 of the fusion splicer 11 by using a hook or the like (not shown). The part may be wound up freely.

これら、長さ調整手段４７、或いは自動巻上機４９を紐材３１に設けることで、接続作業環境や、作業者固有の作業形態に適した任意の長さに保護スリーブ１９の移動範囲が調整可能となり、保護スリーブ１９の位置を気にせず、良好な作業性にて融着・補強を行うことができるようになる。   By providing the length adjusting means 47 or the automatic hoisting machine 49 on the string material 31, the movement range of the protective sleeve 19 is adjusted to an arbitrary length suitable for the connection work environment and the work form unique to the worker. It becomes possible to perform fusion and reinforcement with good workability without worrying about the position of the protective sleeve 19.

上述の保護スリーブ留め具１００では、クランプ部材３３が光ファイバ１３ａに装着されると、保護スリーブ１９が、融着接続機１１とクランプ部材３３の間の光ファイバ１３ａに挿通された状態で移動規制される。保護スリーブ１９の不使用時には、作業の邪魔にならない位置に離間配置しておくことができる。また、着磁シートや鉄系材料を使用せず、樹脂系材料のみによる構成が可能となっている。   In the above-described protective sleeve fastener 100, when the clamp member 33 is attached to the optical fiber 13a, the movement restriction is performed while the protective sleeve 19 is inserted into the optical fiber 13a between the fusion splicer 11 and the clamp member 33. Is done. When the protective sleeve 19 is not used, the protective sleeve 19 can be spaced apart from the work. In addition, a configuration using only a resin material is possible without using a magnetized sheet or an iron material.

次に、保護スリーブ留め具を用いた光ファイバの融着方法について説明する。
光ファイバ１３ａ，１３ｂの融着では、互いに対向配置した光ファイバ１３ａ，１３ｂの先端部同士を融着接続機１１にて融着接続した後、一方の光ファイバ１３ａに挿通した保護スリーブ１９を接続部に移動し、この接続部を保護スリーブ１９にて保護する。
その手順としては、先ず、光ファイバ１３ａに、融着処理部１５と紐材３１で接続されクランプ部材３３を装着する。次いで、光ファイバ１３ａに保護スリーブ１９を外挿する。保護スリーブ１９は、クランプ部材３３に当接する範囲（すなわち、紐材３１の全長Ｌの範囲）で、光ファイバ１３ａ上での移動が規制される。 Next, an optical fiber fusion method using the protective sleeve fastener will be described.
In the fusion of the optical fibers 13a and 13b, the end portions of the optical fibers 13a and 13b arranged opposite to each other are fused and connected by the fusion splicer 11, and then the protective sleeve 19 inserted through one of the optical fibers 13a is connected. The connection portion is protected by the protective sleeve 19.
As the procedure, first, the clamp member 33 is attached to the optical fiber 13 a by being connected to the fusion processing unit 15 by the string material 31. Next, the protective sleeve 19 is extrapolated to the optical fiber 13a. The movement of the protective sleeve 19 on the optical fiber 13a is restricted within a range where the protective sleeve 19 abuts on the clamp member 33 (that is, a range of the entire length L of the string member 31).

融着接続機１１の融着処理部１５において、位置決めされている光ファイバ１３ａ，１３ｂを融着接続する。融着接続部を形成した後、光ファイバ融着接続部に保護スリーブ１９を被せる。融着接続部を覆った保護スリーブ１９を、融着接続機１１の熱収縮処理部１７に移載し、保護スリーブ１９の熱収縮チューブ２１を加熱収縮させ、収縮した熱収縮チューブ２１により融着接続部を補強する。最後に、クランプ部材３３を紐材３１から取り外して融着接続を終了する。   In the fusion processing unit 15 of the fusion splicer 11, the optical fibers 13a and 13b that are positioned are fusion-connected. After forming the fusion splicing portion, the protective sleeve 19 is put on the optical fiber fusion splicing portion. The protective sleeve 19 covering the fusion splicing part is transferred to the heat shrinkage processing part 17 of the fusion splicer 11, the heat shrinkable tube 21 of the protective sleeve 19 is heated and shrunk, and the heat shrinkable tube 21 that has shrunk is fused. Reinforce the connection. Finally, the clamp member 33 is removed from the string member 31 to complete the fusion splicing.

この光ファイバの融着方法では、光ファイバ１３ａに保護スリーブ留め具１００のクランプ部材３３が装着されることで、滑り落ちた保護スリーブ１９がクランプ部材３３に当たり、保護スリーブ１９の滑り落ちが確実に防止される。保護スリーブ使用時には、紐材３１をたぐることで、保護スリーブ１９の位置を容易に把握できる。なお、光ファイバ１３ａに損傷を与えない範囲であれば、紐材３１をたぐり寄せることで、離れた位置にある保護スリーブ１９を手元に移動することもできる。これにより、磁性体を備えた保護スリーブを地面に落とすことによる砂、砂鉄、異物の付着が防止できる。   In this optical fiber fusion method, the clamp member 33 of the protective sleeve fastener 100 is attached to the optical fiber 13a, so that the slipped-down protective sleeve 19 hits the clamp member 33 and the protective sleeve 19 is surely slipped off. Is prevented. When the protective sleeve is used, the position of the protective sleeve 19 can be easily grasped by traversing the string material 31. In addition, if it is the range which does not damage the optical fiber 13a, the protection sleeve 19 in a distant position can also be moved to hand by dragging the string material 31. Thereby, it is possible to prevent adhesion of sand, iron sand, and foreign matters by dropping the protective sleeve provided with a magnetic body onto the ground.

したがって、上記実施の形態による保護スリーブ留め具１００によれば、融着接続機１１と接続された紐材３１の端部に、光ファイバ１３ａに装着されて光ファイバ１３ａに挿通した保護スリーブ１９の移動を制限するクランプ部材３３を装備したので、クランプ部材３３を光ファイバ１３ａに装着すれば、融着接続機１１とクランプ部材３３の間の光ファイバ１３ａに、保護スリーブ１９を挿通した状態で移動規制でき、保護スリーブ１９の滑り落ちによる作業性低下を防止することができる。   Therefore, according to the protective sleeve fastener 100 according to the above embodiment, the protective sleeve 19 attached to the optical fiber 13a and inserted through the optical fiber 13a is attached to the end of the string member 31 connected to the fusion splicer 11. Since the clamp member 33 that restricts the movement is provided, if the clamp member 33 is attached to the optical fiber 13a, the optical fiber 13a between the fusion splicer 11 and the clamp member 33 moves with the protective sleeve 19 inserted. It is possible to regulate, and it is possible to prevent the workability from being lowered due to the sliding-off of the protective sleeve 19.

また、着磁シートや鉄系材料を使用せず、樹脂系材料のみにより構成できるので、軽量化が可能となり、携帯性を向上させることができる。また、保護スリーブ１９が光ファイバ１３ａに固定されないので、作業時の動きに伴う保護スリーブ１９の慣性力が直接光ファイバ接続部に作用せず、安定した接続作業を行うことができる。   Moreover, since it can comprise only a resin-type material, without using a magnetized sheet or an iron-type material, it can reduce in weight and can improve portability. Further, since the protective sleeve 19 is not fixed to the optical fiber 13a, the inertia force of the protective sleeve 19 accompanying the movement during the operation does not directly act on the optical fiber connecting portion, and a stable connection operation can be performed.

上記実施の形態による光ファイバの融着方法によれば、光ファイバ１３ａに装着した保護スリーブ留め具１００で保護スリーブ１９の移動を規制し、光ファイバ１３ａ，１３ｂ同士を融着接続して保護スリーブ１９を接続部に移動させた後、保護スリーブ留め具１００を光ファイバ１３ａから取り外すので、光ファイバ１３ａに保護スリーブ留め具１００を装着することで、確実に保護スリーブ１９の滑り落ちを防止でき、磁性体を備えた保護スリーブ１９を地面に落とすことによる砂、砂鉄、異物の付着を防止できる。この結果、保護スリーブ１９内へ異物の進入しない信頼性の高い補強を行うことができる。   According to the optical fiber fusion method according to the above-described embodiment, the movement of the protective sleeve 19 is regulated by the protective sleeve fastener 100 attached to the optical fiber 13a, and the optical fibers 13a and 13b are fused and connected to each other. Since the protective sleeve fastener 100 is removed from the optical fiber 13a after the 19 is moved to the connecting portion, the protective sleeve 19 can be reliably prevented from slipping by attaching the protective sleeve fastener 100 to the optical fiber 13a. It is possible to prevent adhesion of sand, iron sand, and foreign matters by dropping the protective sleeve 19 provided with a magnetic body onto the ground. As a result, it is possible to perform highly reliable reinforcement that prevents foreign matter from entering the protective sleeve 19.

本発明に係る保護スリーブ留め具を備えた融着接続機の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the fusion splicer provided with the protective sleeve fastener according to the present invention. 保護スリーブに覆われた光ファイバ接続部の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the optical fiber connection part covered with the protective sleeve. 図１に示したクランプ部材の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the clamp member shown in FIG. 凹部を（ａ）（ｂ）に例示した要部拡大断面図である。It is the principal part expanded sectional view which illustrated the recessed part to (a) (b). 図４の凹部による光ファイバ係合構造を（ａ）（ｂ）に例示した要部拡大断面図である。FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part illustrating the optical fiber engagement structure by the concave portion of FIG. 4 as illustrated in (a) and (b). 長さ調整手段の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of a length adjustment means. 自動巻上機の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of an automatic hoist.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１１ 融着接続機
１３ａ，１３ｂ 光ファイバ
１９ 保護スリーブ
３１ 紐材
３３ クランプ部材
４５ 凹部
４７ 長さ調整手段
１００ 保護スリーブ留め具 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Fusion splicer 13a, 13b Optical fiber 19 Protection sleeve 31 String material 33 Clamp member 45 Concave part 47 Length adjustment means 100 Protection sleeve fastener

Claims (4)

互いに対向配置した光ファイバの先端部同士を融着接続機にて融着接続後、一方の光ファイバに挿通した保護スリーブを接続部に移動して該接続部を保護する光ファイバの融着方法であって、
前記融着接続機と紐材で接続され且つ前記光ファイバに取り付けられて前記保護スリーブの移動を制限する保護スリーブ留め具を使用し、
前記光ファイバに装着した前記保護スリーブ留め具で前記保護スリーブの移動を規制し、
光ファイバ同士を融着接続して前記保護スリーブを接続部に移動させた後、前記保護スリーブ留め具を前記光ファイバから取り外して融着接続を終了することを特徴とする光ファイバの融着方法。 An optical fiber fusion method for protecting the connecting portion by moving a protective sleeve inserted into one optical fiber to the connecting portion after the end portions of the optical fibers arranged opposite to each other are fused and connected by a fusion splicer. Because
Using a protective sleeve fastener that is connected to the fusion splicer with a string and attached to the optical fiber to limit the movement of the protective sleeve;
Restricting movement of the protective sleeve with the protective sleeve fastener attached to the optical fiber;
An optical fiber fusion method comprising: fusion-bonding optical fibers to each other and moving the protective sleeve to a connection portion; and removing the protective sleeve fastener from the optical fiber to terminate the fusion-bonding. . 融着接続機と接続された紐材の端部に、光ファイバに装着されて該光ファイバに挿通した保護スリーブの移動を制限するクランプ部材を装備した保護スリーブ留め具。   A protective sleeve fastener equipped with a clamp member that restricts movement of a protective sleeve attached to an optical fiber and inserted through the optical fiber at an end of a string member connected to a fusion splicer. 前記クランプ部材は前記光ファイバに係合して該光ファイバとの相対移動を可能にする凹部を備えたことを特徴とする請求項２記載の保護スリーブ留め具。   The protective sleeve fastener according to claim 2, wherein the clamp member includes a concave portion that engages with the optical fiber and allows relative movement with the optical fiber. 前記紐材の長さを調整可能とする長さ調整手段が前記紐材に設けられたことを特徴とする請求項２又は請求項３記載の保護スリーブ留め具。   The protective sleeve fastener according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a length adjusting means capable of adjusting a length of the string material is provided on the string material.
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JP2010217271A (en) * 2009-03-13 2010-09-30 Furukawa Electric Co Ltd:The Heating apparatus for heat-shrinkable reinforcing sleeve, and fusion splicing machine therefor
JP2011112785A (en) * 2009-11-25 2011-06-09 Sumitomo Electric Ind Ltd Optical fiber fusion splicing machine and fusion splicing method
JP2011156217A (en) * 2010-02-02 2011-08-18 Hoya Corp Endoscope
CN114236692A (en) * 2021-12-23 2022-03-25 上海海洋大学 Optical fiber fusion point protection device

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