JPH095553A - Connecting method for optical fiber - Google Patents

Connecting method for optical fiber

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Publication number
JPH095553A
JPH095553A JP15496595A JP15496595A JPH095553A JP H095553 A JPH095553 A JP H095553A JP 15496595 A JP15496595 A JP 15496595A JP 15496595 A JP15496595 A JP 15496595A JP H095553 A JPH095553 A JP H095553A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
optical fiber
optical fibers
coating material
optical
connection
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
JP15496595A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Masaru Kobayashi
勝 小林
Shinichi Iwano
真一 岩野
Akira Nagase
亮 長瀬
Nariyuki Mitachi
成幸 三田地
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp
Original Assignee
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp filed Critical Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp
Priority to JP15496595A priority Critical patent/JPH095553A/en
Priority to US08/613,470 priority patent/US5694506A/en
Publication of JPH095553A publication Critical patent/JPH095553A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a pressing means for an optical fiber and the connecting method for the optical fiber which makes a stable optical connection with a high reflection attenuation quantity without using a refractive index matching agent which is unstable to temperature variation and suppresses the development, etc., of a crack even when the optical fiber is buckled. CONSTITUTION: When optical fibers 1 are fixed with fixation members 3a and 3b, the optical fibers 1 are buckled between an array member 5 and the fixation members 3a and 3b, so the opposite end surfaces of the optical fibers 1 are pressed against each other. Here, the optical fibers 1 have UV coating materials 1a removed only at parts arranged in through holes 5a and are still coated with the coating materials 1a at the buckled parts, so fracture due to the buckling is suppressed. The connection end surfaces of the respective optical fibers 1 are previously shaped, so the connection end surfaces of the respective optical fibers 1 are connected together in contact and the insertion loss and reflection attenuation quantity are both equal to or more than those of conventional technology.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【産業上の利用分野】本発明は一対の光ファイバを整列
部材内に対向配置して接続する光ファイバの接続方法に
関するものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical fiber connecting method for connecting a pair of optical fibers by facing each other in an aligning member.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】従来、この種の光ファイバの接続方法と
して図９に示すものが知られている。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method shown in FIG. 9 is known as a method of connecting an optical fiber of this type.

【０００３】この光ファイバの接続方法は、予め接続端
面側の被覆を除去した一対の光ファイバ１と、各光ファ
イバ１を接続する整列部材例えばガラスチューブ２と、
各光ファイバ１を固定する上下の固定部材３ａ，３ｂを
用意する。次いで、ガラスチューブ２の貫通穴２ａに各
光ファイバ１を対向して挿入する。しかる後、被覆が除
去されていない各光ファイバ１の部位を下固定部材３ａ
の所定位置に載せ、この各光ファイバ１を上固定部材３
ｂで挟んで固定する。In this optical fiber connecting method, a pair of optical fibers 1 from which the coating on the connection end face side has been removed beforehand, and an aligning member for connecting each optical fiber 1, such as a glass tube 2, are used.
Upper and lower fixing members 3a and 3b for fixing each optical fiber 1 are prepared. Next, the optical fibers 1 are inserted into the through holes 2a of the glass tube 2 so as to face each other. Thereafter, the portion of each optical fiber 1 whose coating is not removed is moved to the lower fixing member 3a.
The optical fiber 1 on the upper fixing member 3
Hold with b.

【０００４】これにより、各光ファイバ１が接続される
が、この接続精度を高めるため、ガラスチューブ２の貫
通穴２ａの径は光ファイバ１の外径（被覆を除去したク
ラッド外径）よりも僅かに大きくして光軸ずれを小さく
し、０．５ｄＢ以下の低損失の光接続を実現している。As a result, the optical fibers 1 are connected, but in order to improve the connection accuracy, the diameter of the through hole 2a of the glass tube 2 is larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber 1 (the outer diameter of the clad with the coating removed). The optical axis shift is slightly increased to reduce the optical axis shift, and an optical connection with a low loss of 0.5 dB or less is realized.

【０００５】なお、このガラスチューブ２の代わりに、
図示しないがＶ溝を形成した接続部材を用意し、このＶ
溝に一対の光ファイバ１を対向配置し、これを均等の圧
力で押圧して固定する方法も採用されている。Instead of the glass tube 2,
Although not shown, a connecting member having a V groove is prepared, and the V
There is also adopted a method in which a pair of optical fibers 1 are arranged to face each other in a groove, and the optical fibers 1 are pressed and fixed with a uniform pressure.

【０００６】ところで、このような光ファイバの接続方
法において、各光ファイバ１の接続端面はその劈開時に
バリが形成され、このバリにより各光ファイバ１に押圧
力を加えても完全に密着しないことが多々あった。By the way, in such an optical fiber connecting method, a burr is formed on the connecting end surface of each optical fiber 1 at the time of cleavage thereof, and even if a pressing force is applied to each optical fiber 1 due to the burr, it is not completely adhered. There were many.

【０００７】このため、従来はガラスチューブ２の整合
剤収容穴２ｂ内に屈折率整合剤４を入れ、この屈折率整
合剤４を各光ファイバ１の接続部分の空隙に充填するこ
とにより、反射減衰量を向上させている（光の反射を低
減している）。Therefore, conventionally, the refractive index matching agent 4 is put in the matching agent receiving hole 2b of the glass tube 2, and the refractive index matching agent 4 is filled in the space of the connecting portion of each optical fiber 1 to reflect the light. Improves the amount of attenuation (reduces light reflection).

【０００８】[0008]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、この屈
折率整合剤４の屈折率温度依存性（１０-4のオーダ）
は、光ファイバ１の屈折率温度依存性（１０-5のオー
ダ）に対して一桁大きくなっている。However, the temperature dependence of the refractive index of the refractive index matching agent 4 (on the order of 10 -4 ).
Is one digit larger than the temperature dependence of the refractive index of the optical fiber 1 (on the order of 10 −5 ).

【０００９】このため、室温では反射減衰量を５０ｄＢ
程度にすることができるが、極暑地域で電装装置内に光
ファイバ１が設置されているときは、その雰囲気温度が
７０℃程度の高温となり、また、極寒冷地域ではー２０
℃程度の低温となるため、屈折率整合剤４と光ファイバ
１との屈折率の整合率が悪化し、反射減衰量が３０ｄＢ
程度に劣化するという問題点を有していた。Therefore, the return loss is 50 dB at room temperature.
However, when the optical fiber 1 is installed in the electrical equipment in an extremely hot area, the ambient temperature becomes as high as about 70 ° C., and in an extremely cold area, it becomes −20.
Since the temperature is as low as about ℃, the matching rate of the refractive index between the refractive index matching agent 4 and the optical fiber 1 is deteriorated, and the return loss is 30 dB.
It had a problem of deterioration to some extent.

【００１０】また、前述の如く、各光ファイバ１の接続
端面を密着させるため、各光ファイバを押圧する必要が
あるが、この押圧力を付与するため、別個にバネ等の押
圧手段を設けなければならないという問題点を有してい
た。Further, as described above, it is necessary to press each optical fiber in order to bring the connection end surfaces of each optical fiber 1 into close contact with each other, but in order to apply this pressing force, a separate pressing means such as a spring must be provided. It had a problem that it had to be done.

【００１１】本発明の目的は、前記従来の課題に鑑み、
光ファイバの押圧手段及び温度変化に対して不安定な屈
折率整合剤を用いることなく、反射減衰量が高くかつ安
定した光接続が可能となり、更には光ファイバを座屈す
るときでもクラックの発生等が抑制される光ファイバの
接続方法を提供することにある。In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide
A high optical return loss and stable optical connection are possible without using an optical fiber pressing means and a refractive index matching agent that is unstable with respect to temperature changes. Furthermore, cracking occurs even when the optical fiber is buckled. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber connection method that suppresses the above.

【００１２】[0012]

【課題を解決するための手段】前記課題を解決するため
に、請求項１の発明は、一対の光ファイバを整列部材の
貫通穴或いはＶ溝などの接続部に対向配置し、しかる
後、該整列部材を間にして固定部材により該各光ファイ
バを固定する光ファイバの接続方法において、前記接続
部に前記各光ファイバを対向配置する際に、前記各光フ
ァイバに被覆された被覆材で該接続部に配置される部分
のみを除去した後、該各光ファイバの接続端面を予め整
形する一方、前記各光ファイバを前記固定部材で固定す
る際に、前記整列部材と該固定部材との間で該各光ファ
イバを座屈させることを特徴とする。In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention of claim 1 arranges a pair of optical fibers so as to oppose to a connecting portion such as a through hole or a V groove of an aligning member, and thereafter, In an optical fiber connecting method of fixing each of the optical fibers by a fixing member with an aligning member in between, in disposing the optical fibers facing each other in the connection portion, the optical fiber is covered with a covering material. After removing only the portion arranged in the connection portion, the connection end face of each optical fiber is preliminarily shaped, and when fixing each optical fiber with the fixing member, between the aligning member and the fixing member. Is characterized in that each of the optical fibers is buckled.

【００１３】請求項２の発明は、一対の光ファイバを整
列部材の貫通穴或いはＶ溝などの接続部に対向配置し、
しかる後、該整列部材を間にして固定部材により該各光
ファイバを固定する光ファイバの接続方法において、前
記接続部に前記各光ファイバを対向配置する際に、前記
各光ファイバを被覆する被覆材で少なくとも前記固定部
材と前記整列部材との間の部位を除去し、しかる後、該
被覆除去部位に他の被覆材を形成し、更に該各光ファイ
バの接続端面を予め整形する一方、前記各光ファイバを
前記固定部材で固定する際に、前記整列部材と該固定部
材との間で該各光ファイバを座屈させることを特徴とす
る。According to a second aspect of the present invention, a pair of optical fibers are arranged so as to face a connecting portion such as a through hole or a V groove of the aligning member,
Then, in the method of connecting the optical fibers with the fixing member sandwiching the alignment member, the optical fibers are coated to cover the optical fibers when the optical fibers are arranged opposite to each other in the connecting portion. At least a portion between the fixing member and the aligning member is removed with a material, and then another coating material is formed at the coating removal portion, and the connection end surface of each optical fiber is preshaped while the When fixing each optical fiber with the fixing member, each optical fiber is buckled between the alignment member and the fixing member.

【００１４】請求項３の発明は、前記請求項２の光ファ
イバの接続方法において、前記他の被覆材はカーボンで
構成されている。According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the optical fiber connecting method according to the second aspect, the other coating material is made of carbon.

【００１５】請求項４の発明は、前記請求項２の光ファ
イバの接続方法において、前記他の被覆材は無電解メッ
キで形成された金属膜であることを特徴とする。According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the optical fiber connecting method according to the second aspect, the other coating material is a metal film formed by electroless plating.

【００１６】請求項５の発明は、前記請求項２の光ファ
イバの接続方法において、前記他の被覆材は有機金属化
合物の加水分解膜を加熱して形成された酸化物膜である
ことを特徴とする。According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the optical fiber connecting method according to the second aspect, the other coating material is an oxide film formed by heating a hydrolysis film of an organometallic compound. And

【００１７】請求項６の発明は、前記請求項２の光ファ
イバの接続方法において、前記他の被覆材は噴霧装置で
噴霧された有機金属化合物を加熱して形成された酸化物
膜であることを特徴とする。According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the optical fiber connecting method according to the second aspect, the other coating material is an oxide film formed by heating an organometallic compound sprayed by a spraying device. Is characterized by.

【００１８】請求項７の発明は、前記請求項２の光ファ
イバの接続方法において、前記他の被覆材は液相成膜法
を用いて形成された酸化物膜であることを特徴とする。According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the optical fiber connecting method according to the second aspect, the other coating material is an oxide film formed by a liquid phase film forming method.

【００１９】[0019]

【作用】請求項１の発明によれば、光ファイバを固定部
材で固定する際に、整列部材と固定部材との間で各光フ
ァイバを座屈させるため、対向する各光ファイバの接続
端面が互いに押圧される。ここで、光ファイバの被覆材
はその接続部に配置される部分のみが除去され、座屈部
分は依然として被覆材で保護されているため、座屈に伴
う破断等が抑制される。また、各光ファイバの接続端面
が予め整形されているため、各光ファイバの接続端面が
密着して接続し、挿入損失、反射減衰量ともに従来技術
と同等以上の特性が得られる。According to the invention of claim 1, when fixing the optical fiber with the fixing member, each optical fiber is buckled between the aligning member and the fixing member. Pressed against each other. Here, in the coating material of the optical fiber, only the portion arranged at the connecting portion is removed, and the buckling portion is still protected by the coating material, so that breakage or the like due to buckling is suppressed. Further, since the connection end faces of the respective optical fibers are preliminarily shaped, the connection end faces of the respective optical fibers are closely contacted and connected, and the insertion loss and the return loss are equal to or higher than those of the conventional technique.

【００２０】請求項２乃至請求項７の発明によれば、一
旦、光ファイバの被覆材が除去されるが、その後、座屈
部分がクラック発生の抑制、強度劣化の抑制に優れた他
の被覆材、例えば、カーボン、無電解メッキで形成され
た金属膜、有機金属化合物の加水分解膜を加熱して形成
された酸化物膜、噴霧装置で噴霧された有機金属化合物
を加熱して形成された酸化物膜、或いは、液相成膜法を
用いて形成された酸化物膜で被覆されるから、光ファイ
バの座屈に伴う破断等が抑制される。According to the inventions of claims 2 to 7, the coating material of the optical fiber is once removed, but after that, the buckling portion is another coating which is excellent in suppressing the occurrence of cracks and the deterioration of strength. Material, for example, carbon, metal film formed by electroless plating, oxide film formed by heating hydrolysis film of organometallic compound, formed by heating organometallic compound sprayed by a spraying device Since the oxide film or the oxide film formed by using the liquid phase film forming method is coated, breakage or the like due to buckling of the optical fiber is suppressed.

【００２１】[0021]

【実施例】図１乃至図４は本発明に係る光ファイバの接
続方法の前提となる接続方法を示すもので、図１は光フ
ァイバの接続状態を示す断面図である。なお、従来例と
同一構成部分は同一符号をもって表す。1 to 4 show a splicing method which is a premise of a splicing method of an optical fiber according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a spliced state of the optical fiber. The same components as those of the conventional example are denoted by the same reference numerals.

【００２２】この光ファイバの接続方法では、予め接続
端面側のＵＶ被覆材１ａを除去した一対の光ファイバ１
と、各光ファイバ１を接続する整列部材例えばガラスチ
ューブ５と、各光ファイバ１を固定する上下の固定部材
３ａ，３ｂを用意する。In this optical fiber connection method, the pair of optical fibers 1 in which the UV coating material 1a on the connection end face side is removed in advance.
An alignment member such as a glass tube 5 for connecting each optical fiber 1 and upper and lower fixing members 3a and 3b for fixing each optical fiber 1 are prepared.

【００２３】このような各部材を用意したときは、ま
ず、ガラスチューブ５の接続部即ち貫通穴５ａ内にそれ
ぞれ逆方向からで接続すべき各光ファイバ１を挿入す
る。次いで、各光ファイバ１が座屈するよう撓ませ、こ
の座屈した状態でガラスチューブ５を間にして各光ファ
イバ１を上下の各固定部材３ａ，３ｂで挟んで固定す
る。これにより、各光ファイバ１が接続される。When such members are prepared, first, the optical fibers 1 to be connected in the opposite directions are inserted into the connecting portions of the glass tube 5, that is, the through holes 5a. Next, each optical fiber 1 is bent so as to buckle, and in this buckled state, each optical fiber 1 is sandwiched between the upper and lower fixing members 3a and 3b and fixed. Thereby, each optical fiber 1 is connected.

【００２４】このような光ファイバの接続方法における
光ファイバ１の圧縮力と縮み量との関係を図２に示す。
ここで、Ｌとは各光ファイバ１の座屈長であり、ｄとは
各光ファイバ１の保持状態で各固定部材３ａがガラスチ
ューブ５側に移動したときの移動長さ（縮み量）であ
り、Ｐとはｄ移動させるために必要な圧縮力を示す。FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the compressive force and the amount of shrinkage of the optical fiber 1 in such an optical fiber connecting method.
Here, L is the buckling length of each optical fiber 1, and d is the moving length (shrinkage amount) when each fixing member 3a moves to the glass tube 5 side in the holding state of each optical fiber 1. Yes, P represents a compressive force required to move d.

【００２５】この図２に示されているように、ｄが小さ
い領域では光ファイバ１は弾性圧縮されＰはｄに比例し
て増加し、光ファイバ１が一旦座屈するとｄを変化させ
てもＰは変化しない（この変化しなくなったときの極限
値Ｐｃを座屈力と呼ぶ）。即ち、光ファイバ１が座屈し
たときは、ｄがいかなる値であっても一定の押圧力が光
ファイバ１の接続端面に加わることになる。As shown in FIG. 2, in a region where d is small, the optical fiber 1 is elastically compressed and P increases in proportion to d. Even if d is changed once the optical fiber 1 buckles. P does not change (the limit value Pc when it does not change is called buckling force). That is, when the optical fiber 1 buckles, a constant pressing force is applied to the connection end surface of the optical fiber 1 regardless of the value of d.

【００２６】従って、この前提技術に係る光ファイバの
接続方法によれば、光ファイバ１を押圧するためのバネ
手段が不要となると同時に、バネ手段のように縮み量に
比例して押圧力が増加することがなく、安定した押圧機
構となっている。Therefore, according to the optical fiber splicing method according to the above premised technique, the spring means for pressing the optical fiber 1 becomes unnecessary, and at the same time, the pressing force increases in proportion to the contraction amount like the spring means. It has a stable pressing mechanism.

【００２７】また、光ファイバの座屈力Ｐｃは、 Ｐｃ＝４π2ＥＩ／Ｌ2（式１） で決定される。ここで、Ｅは光ファイバの弾性係数、Ｉ
は断面２次モーメントであり、ガラス光ファイバの場合
は、Ｅ＝７６ＧＰａ、Ｉ＝１．２×１０-17ｍ4である。
必要な押圧力がＰである時、式１を変形し、 Ｌ＝２π（ＥＩ／Ｐ）1/2（式２） によって光ファイバ１の座屈長Ｌを決定することができ
る。例えば、押圧力として０．７Ｎ必要なときは式２よ
りＬ＝７ｍｍとすれば良い。The buckling force Pc of the optical fiber is determined by Pc = 4π 2 EI / L 2 (Equation 1). Where E is the elastic modulus of the optical fiber, I
Is the second moment of area, and in the case of a glass optical fiber, E = 76 GPa and I = 1.2 × 10 −17 m 4 .
When the required pressing force is P, Equation 1 can be modified, and the buckling length L of the optical fiber 1 can be determined by L = 2π (EI / P) 1/2 (Equation 2). For example, when 0.7 N is required as the pressing force, L = 7 mm may be set according to the formula 2.

【００２８】従って、本実施例によれば、荷重計などを
用いることなく光ファイバ１の座屈長により必要な押圧
力が設定でき、簡便なものとなっている。Therefore, according to this embodiment, the required pressing force can be set by the buckling length of the optical fiber 1 without using a load meter or the like, which is simple.

【００２９】次に、図３に光ファイバ１の縮み量と挿入
損失及び反射減衰量との関係を示す。ここで、光ファイ
バ１の座屈長をＬ＝７ｍｍとした場合の光ファイバ接続
部の挿入損失と反射減衰量を縦軸に、ｄを横軸に示す。Next, FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the shrinkage of the optical fiber 1 and the insertion loss and return loss. Here, the ordinate represents the insertion loss and the return loss of the optical fiber splice when the buckling length of the optical fiber 1 is L = 7 mm, and d represents the abscissa.

【００３０】この図３から明らかなように、ｄが小さい
領域では光ファイバ１が完全に密着しておらず、挿入損
失及び反射減衰量が不安定となっている。ｄの増加でこ
れらが徐々に安定し、光ファイバ１が座屈した状態で完
全に安定した状態となっている。この例では挿入損失
０．０５ｄＢ、反射減衰量５０ｄＢが得られており、光
ファイバ１の接続端面整形及び座屈に伴う押圧力によ
り、従来の光ファイバ接続技術と同等以上の光接続特性
を示している。As is clear from FIG. 3, in the region where d is small, the optical fiber 1 is not completely adhered, and the insertion loss and the return loss are unstable. As d increases, these gradually become stable, and the optical fiber 1 becomes completely stable when it is buckled. In this example, an insertion loss of 0.05 dB and a return loss of 50 dB are obtained, and the optical connection characteristics of the optical fiber 1 are equal to or higher than those of the conventional optical fiber connection technology due to the pressing force associated with the shaping of the connection end face and the buckling. ing.

【００３１】この状態で雰囲気の温度を変化させたとき
の挿入損失及び反射減衰量の変化を図４に示す。この図
４から明らかなように、各固定部材３ａと光ファイバ１
の膨張率の差から温度変化によりｄが多少変化したとし
ても、図２に示すように、座屈力は変化しないので、光
ファイバ１の接続端面に対する押圧力は安定している。FIG. 4 shows changes in insertion loss and return loss when the temperature of the atmosphere is changed in this state. As is apparent from FIG. 4, each fixing member 3a and the optical fiber 1
As shown in FIG. 2, the buckling force does not change even if d slightly changes due to the temperature change due to the difference in the expansion coefficient of the optical fiber 1. Therefore, the pressing force against the connection end face of the optical fiber 1 is stable.

【００３２】以上のように、前提技術に係る光接続方法
によれば、室温では従来例と同等以上の光接続特性が得
られ、温度変化に対しては非常に安定な光ファイバの接
続方法が実現できる。また、光ファイバ１の座屈長Ｌを
決定することで簡便に所要の押圧力を接続面に加えるこ
とができるし、また、ガラスチューブ５の外径を細くし
並べるときは、多数の光ファイバ１を非常に高い密度で
実装できる。As described above, according to the optical connection method according to the base technology, an optical connection characteristic equal to or higher than that of the conventional example can be obtained at room temperature, and an optical fiber connection method that is extremely stable against temperature changes is provided. realizable. Further, by determining the buckling length L of the optical fiber 1, it is possible to easily apply a required pressing force to the connecting surface, and when the outer diameter of the glass tube 5 is reduced and arranged, a large number of optical fibers are required. 1 can be mounted at a very high density.

【００３３】また、光ファイバ１の接続端面の整形工程
において、接続端面の密着精度を向上させるため、例え
ば、１μｍ粒径のダイヤモンド砥粒液を用いて平板研磨
板上で光ファイバ接続端面を平面研磨するときは、平面
整形された接続端面が均一に圧接し、接続端面全体の粗
さが小さな押圧力で潰れて密着するし、また、平面研磨
は大量生産性に富むからコストの低減も図れる。Further, in the step of shaping the connection end face of the optical fiber 1, in order to improve the contact precision of the connection end face, the optical fiber connection end face is flattened on a flat polishing plate using, for example, a diamond abrasive liquid having a particle size of 1 μm. When polishing, the flattened connection end face is pressed uniformly, and the roughness of the entire connection end face is crushed and adheres with a small pressing force. Also, since flat surface polishing has high mass productivity, cost can be reduced. .

【００３４】このように、光ファイバ１の座屈及び接続
端面の整形により優れた光接続が可能となるが、この座
屈量を大きくとるときは、座屈中央部、固定部材３ａと
の境界部分及びガラスチューブ５との境界部分で、その
曲率半径が非常に小さくなるため、この部分で破断、ク
ラック等が起こり、光ファイバ１の信頼性を低下させる
おそれがある。As described above, excellent optical connection can be achieved by buckling the optical fiber 1 and shaping the connection end face. However, when the buckling amount is large, the boundary between the buckling central portion and the fixing member 3a is required. Since the radius of curvature is extremely small at the part and the boundary part with the glass tube 5, breakage, cracks, etc. may occur at this part, which may reduce the reliability of the optical fiber 1.

【００３５】以下の各実施例は前述の点を考慮し前記前
提技術を改良したものである。Each of the following embodiments is an improvement of the above-mentioned prerequisite technique in consideration of the above points.

【００３６】図５はこの第１実施例を示すもので、この
実施例では前記光ファイバ１のＵＶ被覆材１ａをガラス
チューブ５に挿入される部分のみを除去している。ま
た、図６の(a)(b)は第２実施例を示すもので、この実施
例では光ファイバ１の被覆材としてカーボン被覆材１ｂ
を約数十ナノメータの厚さでコーティングしたものを用
い、このカーボン被覆材１ｂを除去することなくガラス
チューブ５に挿入している。FIG. 5 shows this first embodiment. In this embodiment, only the portion of the optical fiber 1 where the UV coating material 1a is inserted into the glass tube 5 is removed. Further, FIGS. 6A and 6B show the second embodiment, and in this embodiment, the carbon coating material 1b is used as the coating material of the optical fiber 1.
Is used in the glass tube 5 without removing the carbon coating material 1b.

【００３７】そこで、第１及び第２実施例に係る光ファ
イバ１の破壊強度及び長期信頼性を前提技術と比較する
ため、破断試験及び加速劣化試験を行い、この破断試験
の結果を図７のグラフに示し、また、加速劣化試験の結
果を図８のグラフに示した。また、図７には長さＬの光
ファイバ１を座屈させ、破断した時のたわみ量をδで示
めし、また、図８には長さＬ（１０ｍｍ）の光ファイバ
１を座屈させ、たわみ量をδとするとき、光ファイバ１
が破断するまでの経過時間を示している。また、図７及
び図８の「□」は座屈部分に被覆材のない光ファイバ１
（前提技術）、「○」は座屈部分にＵＶ被覆材１ａがあ
る光ファイバ１（第１実施例）、「●」はカーボンコー
トされた光ファイバ１（第２実施例）である。Therefore, in order to compare the breaking strength and long-term reliability of the optical fibers 1 according to the first and second embodiments with the base technology, a breaking test and an accelerated deterioration test were performed, and the results of this breaking test are shown in FIG. The results are shown in the graph and the results of the accelerated deterioration test are shown in the graph of FIG. Further, in FIG. 7, the length L of the optical fiber 1 is buckled, and the amount of deflection when it is broken is shown by δ, and in FIG. 8, the length L (10 mm) of the optical fiber 1 is buckled. , Where the amount of deflection is δ, the optical fiber 1
Indicates the elapsed time until the fracture. Further, “□” in FIGS. 7 and 8 indicates an optical fiber 1 having no covering material at the buckling portion.
(Prerequisite technology), “◯” is the optical fiber 1 having the UV coating material 1a in the buckling portion (first embodiment), and “●” is the carbon-coated optical fiber 1 (second embodiment).

【００３８】この図７の破断試験から明らかなように、
第１実施例及び第２実施例に係る光ファイバ１が前提技
術に係る光ファイバ１よりも、若干ではあるがたわみ量
δが大きいときでも破断しないことが理解できる。ま
た、図８の加速劣化試験から明らかなように、第１実施
例及び第２実施例に係る光ファイバ１が前提技術に係る
光ファイバ１よりも、破断するまでの時間が非常に長く
なっていることが理解できる。As is clear from the breaking test of FIG. 7,
It can be understood that the optical fibers 1 according to the first and second embodiments do not break even when the deflection amount δ is slightly larger than that of the optical fiber 1 according to the base technology. Further, as is clear from the accelerated deterioration test of FIG. 8, the time until the optical fiber 1 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment breaks is much longer than that of the optical fiber 1 according to the base technology. Understand that

【００３９】このように、第１実施例及び第２実施例に
よれば、破壊強度及び信頼性が向上し、これにより、光
ファイバ表面のクラックの発生及びクラックの成長が抑
制され、強度劣化が抑制される。As described above, according to the first and second embodiments, the breaking strength and the reliability are improved, whereby the generation of cracks and the growth of cracks on the surface of the optical fiber are suppressed, and the strength is deteriorated. Suppressed.

【００４０】なお、前記第２実施例ではカーボンコート
された光ファイバ１を用い、この被覆材１ｂを除去する
ことなく接続しているが、この光ファイバ１のカーボン
被覆材１ｂの表面を更に前記第１実施例に係るＵＶ被覆
材１ａで被覆し、このＵＶ被覆材１ａ中、ガラスチュー
ブ５に挿入される部分のみを第１実施例の如く除去する
ようにしてもよい。これにより、光ファイバ１の座屈部
分が２重に保護され、その強度劣化が更に抑制される。In the second embodiment, the carbon coated optical fiber 1 is used and the connection is made without removing the coating material 1b. However, the surface of the carbon coating material 1b of the optical fiber 1 is further treated as described above. The UV coating material 1a according to the first embodiment may be coated, and only the portion of the UV coating material 1a to be inserted into the glass tube 5 may be removed as in the first embodiment. As a result, the buckled portion of the optical fiber 1 is doubly protected and its strength deterioration is further suppressed.

【００４１】このように、第１実施例では座屈部分がＵ
Ｖ被覆材１ａで被覆され、第２実施例では座屈部分がカ
ーボン被覆材１ｂにより被覆され、強度劣化の抑制が図
られているが、前記前提技術の如く光ファイバ１の座屈
部分の被覆が除去されたものであっても、以下のように
別の被覆材を被覆除去部分に被覆するときは前記第１及
び第２実施例と同様作用効果を得ることができる。As described above, in the first embodiment, the buckling portion is U.
The buckling portion is covered with the V coating material 1a, and the buckling portion is covered with the carbon coating material 1b in the second embodiment to suppress the deterioration of strength. Even when the coating is removed, the same effect as in the first and second embodiments can be obtained when the coating-removed portion is coated with another coating material as described below.

【００４２】そこで、第３実施例として被覆材が除去さ
れた部分に無電解メッキ法によって別の被覆材をメッキ
する方法を掲げる。この無電解メッキ法として、例えば
硝酸銀溶液と酒石酸、アンモニア、或いは、ホルムアル
デヒドとを組み合わせた溶液に被覆除去部分を浸し、還
元されて析出した銀でこの被覆除去部分を被覆する。な
お、金被覆、銅被覆を施すようにしてもよい。この実施
例によれば、光ファイバ１のクラックの発生等がこの銀
被覆材等で抑制される。Therefore, as a third embodiment, a method of plating another coating material on the portion where the coating material is removed by electroless plating will be described. As the electroless plating method, for example, the coating removal portion is dipped in a solution in which a silver nitrate solution and tartaric acid, ammonia, or formaldehyde are combined, and the coating removal portion is coated with reduced and deposited silver. Alternatively, gold coating or copper coating may be applied. According to this embodiment, the occurrence of cracks in the optical fiber 1 is suppressed by the silver coating material and the like.

【００４３】次に、第４実施例として加水分解法によっ
て別の被覆材を形成する方法を掲げる。この実施例とし
て、ＴｉＣｌ2（ＯＣ2Ｈ5）2のアルコール溶液に浸し、
空気中に放置して被覆除去部分に加水分解膜を形成し、
その後空気中で加熱してＴｉＯ2膜を形成する。他の例
として、ケイ酸エチルと各種の金属イソプロポキシドと
の混合物を用いて加水分解し、ＳｉＯ2ーＴｉＯ2、Ｓｉ
Ｏ2ーＡｌ2Ｏ3、ＳｉＯ2ーＺｒＯ2等の複合膜を形成す
る。この実施例によれば、加水分解により形成されたＴ
ｉＯ2膜等によりクラックの発生等が抑制される。Next, as a fourth embodiment, a method of forming another coating material by the hydrolysis method will be described. In this example, dipping in an alcohol solution of TiCl 2 (OC 2 H 5 ) 2
Leave it in the air to form a hydrolysis film on the coating removal part,
Then, it is heated in air to form a TiO 2 film. As another example, the mixture is hydrolyzed with a mixture of ethyl silicate and various metal isopropoxides to obtain SiO 2 —TiO 2 , Si.
A composite film of O 2 —Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 —ZrO 2, etc. is formed. According to this example, the T formed by hydrolysis
The iO 2 film or the like suppresses the occurrence of cracks.

【００４４】更に第５実施例として噴霧装置を用いて別
被覆材を形成する方法を掲げる。この実施例では光ファ
イバ１の被覆除去部分を予め加熱し、この部分にＳｎの
化合物を溶解した非水溶液をスプレイガン（噴霧装置）
で吹き付け、光ファイバ１の先端部分の熱により分解、
酸化させてＳｎＯ2膜を形成する。その他、Ｆｅ、Ｉ
ｎ、Ｃｒ、或いはＶと混合したアセチルアセトネートの
ブタノール溶液をスプレイガンで吹き付け、分解酸化さ
せてＦｅ2Ｏ3、ＳｎＯ2、Ｉｎ2Ｏ3、Ｃｒ2Ｏ3、Ｖ2Ｏ3
膜を形成してもよい。この実施例によれば、これらのＳ
ｎＯ2膜等の酸化物被膜によって前記第１及び第２実施
例と同様に長期信頼性の向上を図ることができる。Furthermore, as a fifth embodiment, a method of forming another coating material by using a spraying device will be described. In this embodiment, the coating-removed portion of the optical fiber 1 is preheated, and a non-aqueous solution in which a Sn compound is dissolved is spray-gun (spraying device) in this portion.
And then decomposed by the heat of the tip of the optical fiber 1,
It is oxidized to form a SnO 2 film. Others, Fe, I
A butanol solution of acetylacetonate mixed with n, Cr, or V is sprayed with a spray gun to decompose and oxidize Fe 2 O 3 , SnO 2 , In 2 O 3 , Cr 2 O 3 , V 2 O 3
A film may be formed. According to this embodiment, these S
The oxide film such as the nO 2 film can improve long-term reliability as in the first and second embodiments.

【００４５】更にまた、第６実施例として液相成膜法に
よって別の被覆材を形成する方法を掲げる。この第６実
施例では、二酸化ケイ素を飽和溶解させたケイフッ化水
素酸にアルミニウムやホウ酸等のいわゆるＦイーターを
添加して過飽和状態を作り、この溶液に光ファイバの被
覆除去部分を浸し、液中において二酸化ケイ素を堆積さ
せてＳｉＯ2膜を形成する。なお、同様の手法で、Ｔｉ
Ｏ2、Ｖ2Ｏ5膜を形成するようにしてもよい。本実施例
によれば、液相成膜法によって形成されたＴｉＯ2膜等
の酸化物被膜により光ファイバ１の信頼性の向上を図る
ことができる。Furthermore, as a sixth embodiment, a method of forming another coating material by a liquid phase film forming method will be mentioned. In the sixth embodiment, a so-called F eater such as aluminum or boric acid is added to hydrosilicofluoric acid in which silicon dioxide is saturated and dissolved to make a supersaturated state. Silicon dioxide is deposited therein to form a SiO 2 film. In addition, by the same method, Ti
O 2, V 2 O 5 film may be formed of. According to this embodiment, the reliability of the optical fiber 1 can be improved by the oxide film such as the TiO 2 film formed by the liquid phase film forming method.

【００４６】[0046]

【発明の効果】以上説明したように、請求項１の発明に
よれば、各光ファイバの座屈を利用して各光ファイバを
押圧できるため、バネ等の押圧手段が不要であるし、ま
た、各光ファイバの接続端面の整形と相俟って、各光フ
ァイバの接続端面が密着して接続し、挿入損失及び反射
減衰量ともに従来技術と同等以上の特性が得られる。ま
た、従来の如く温度変化に不安定な屈折率整合剤を用い
ることを要しないので、安定した光接続特性を得ること
ができる。更に、光ファイバの被覆材はその接続部に配
置される部分のみが除去され、座屈部分は依然として被
覆材で保護されているため、光ファイバのクラックの発
生及びクラックの成長が抑制され、これにより、強度劣
化が抑制され、光ファイバの信頼性を向上させることが
できる。As described above, according to the invention of claim 1, since each optical fiber can be pressed by utilizing the buckling of each optical fiber, a pressing means such as a spring is unnecessary, and Coupled with the shaping of the connection end face of each optical fiber, the connection end face of each optical fiber is closely contacted and connected, and the insertion loss and the return loss are equal to or better than those of the prior art. Moreover, since it is not necessary to use a refractive index matching agent that is unstable to temperature changes as in the conventional case, stable optical connection characteristics can be obtained. Further, since the coating material of the optical fiber is removed only at the portion arranged at the connection portion and the buckling portion is still protected by the coating material, the generation of cracks and cracks in the optical fiber is suppressed, As a result, strength deterioration can be suppressed and the reliability of the optical fiber can be improved.

【００４７】請求項２乃至請求項７の発明によれば、一
旦、光ファイバの被覆材が除去されるが、その後、座屈
部分がクラック発生の抑制、強度劣化の抑制に優れた他
の被覆材で被覆されるため、前記第１実施例と同様に光
ファイバの信頼性を向上させることができる。According to the inventions of claims 2 to 7, the coating material of the optical fiber is once removed, but thereafter, the other buckling portion is coated with another coating excellent in suppressing crack generation and strength deterioration. Since it is covered with the material, the reliability of the optical fiber can be improved as in the first embodiment.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】前提技術に係る光ファイバの接続状態を示す断
面図FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a connection state of optical fibers according to a base technology.

【図２】光ファイバの圧縮力と縮み量との関係を示すグ
ラフFIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between the compressive force of an optical fiber and the amount of shrinkage.

【図３】光ファイバの縮み量と挿入損失及び反射減衰量
との関係を示すグラフFIG. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of shrinkage of the optical fiber and the insertion loss and return loss.

【図４】温度と挿入損失及び反射減衰量との関係を示す
グラフFIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between temperature, insertion loss, and return loss.

【図５】第１実施例に係る光ファイバの接続状態を示す
断面図FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a connected state of the optical fiber according to the first embodiment.

【図６】第２実施例に係る光ファイバの接続状態を示す
断面図FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a connection state of optical fibers according to a second embodiment.

【図７】光ファイバの破断試験の結果を示すグラフFIG. 7 is a graph showing the results of optical fiber breakage tests.

【図８】光ファイバの加速劣化試験の結果を示すグラフFIG. 8 is a graph showing the results of an accelerated deterioration test of an optical fiber.

【図９】従来の光ファイバの接続状態を示す断面図FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a connected state of a conventional optical fiber.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１…光ファイバ、１ａ…ＵＶ被覆材、１ｂ…カーボン被
覆材、３ａ，３ｂ…固定部材、５…ガラスチューブ、1 ... Optical fiber, 1a ... UV coating material, 1b ... Carbon coating material, 3a, 3b ... Fixing member, 5 ... Glass tube,

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 三田地 成幸 東京都千代田区内幸町１丁目１番６号日本 電信電話株式会社内 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Shigeyuki Mitachi 1-1-6 Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

Claims (7)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 一対の光ファイバを整列部材の貫通穴或
いはＶ溝などの接続部に対向配置し、しかる後、該整列
部材を間にして固定部材により該各光ファイバを固定す
る光ファイバの接続方法において、 前記接続部に前記各光ファイバを対向配置する際に、前
記各光ファイバに被覆された被覆材で該接続部に配置さ
れる部分のみを除去した後、該各光ファイバの接続端面
を予め整形する一方、 前記各光ファイバを前記固定部材で固定する際に、前記
整列部材と該固定部材との間で該各光ファイバを座屈さ
せることを特徴とする光ファイバの接続方法。1. A pair of optical fibers are arranged opposite to a connection portion such as a through hole or a V-groove of an alignment member, and then, the alignment member is interposed between the optical fibers to fix each of the optical fibers. In the connection method, when arranging the respective optical fibers facing each other in the connection portion, after removing only a portion arranged in the connection portion with a coating material coated on the respective optical fibers, connection of the respective optical fibers While fixing the end face in advance, when fixing each of the optical fibers with the fixing member, the optical fibers are buckled between the aligning member and the fixing member. . 【請求項２】 一対の光ファイバを整列部材の貫通穴或
いはＶ溝などの接続部に対向配置し、しかる後、該整列
部材を間にして固定部材により該各光ファイバを固定す
る光ファイバの接続方法において、 前記接続部に前記各光ファイバを対向配置する際に、前
記各光ファイバを被覆する被覆材で少なくとも前記固定
部材と前記整列部材との間の部位を除去し、しかる後、
該被覆除去部位に他の被覆材を形成し、更に該各光ファ
イバの接続端面を予め整形する一方、 前記各光ファイバを前記固定部材で固定する際に、前記
整列部材と該固定部材との間で該各光ファイバを座屈さ
せることを特徴とする光ファイバの接続方法。2. An optical fiber in which a pair of optical fibers are arranged so as to oppose to a connection portion such as a through hole or a V groove of an alignment member, and then each optical fiber is fixed by a fixing member with the alignment member interposed therebetween. In the connection method, when arranging each of the optical fibers to face the connection portion, at least a portion between the fixing member and the aligning member is removed with a coating material that covers each of the optical fibers, and thereafter,
While forming another coating material on the coating removal site and further shaping the connection end surface of each optical fiber in advance, when fixing each optical fiber with the fixing member, the alignment member and the fixing member A method for connecting optical fibers, characterized in that each of the optical fibers is buckled between them. 【請求項３】 前記他の被覆材はカーボンであることを
特徴とする請求項２記載の光ファイバの接続方法。3. The method for connecting an optical fiber according to claim 2, wherein the other coating material is carbon. 【請求項４】 前記他の被覆材は無電解メッキで形成さ
れた金属膜であることを特徴とする請求項２記載の光フ
ァイバの接続方法。4. The method of connecting an optical fiber according to claim 2, wherein the other coating material is a metal film formed by electroless plating. 【請求項５】 前記他の被覆材は有機金属化合物の加水
分解膜を加熱して形成された有機金属化合物の酸化物膜
であることを特徴とする請求項２記載の光ファイバの接
続方法。5. The method of connecting an optical fiber according to claim 2, wherein the other coating material is an organic metal compound oxide film formed by heating a hydrolysis film of an organic metal compound. 【請求項６】 前記他の被覆材は噴霧装置で噴霧された
有機金属化合物を加熱して形成された有機金属化合物の
酸化物膜であることを特徴とする請求項２記載の光ファ
イバの接続方法。6. The optical fiber connection according to claim 2, wherein the other coating material is an organic metal compound oxide film formed by heating an organic metal compound sprayed by a spraying device. Method. 【請求項７】 前記他の被覆材は液相成膜法で形成され
た酸化物膜であることを特徴とする請求項２記載の光フ
ァイバの接続方法。7. The optical fiber connecting method according to claim 2, wherein the other coating material is an oxide film formed by a liquid phase film forming method.
JP15496595A 1995-03-09 1995-06-21 Connecting method for optical fiber Pending JPH095553A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP15496595A JPH095553A (en) 1995-06-21 1995-06-21 Connecting method for optical fiber
US08/613,470 US5694506A (en) 1995-03-09 1996-03-11 Optical connector

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP15496595A JPH095553A (en) 1995-06-21 1995-06-21 Connecting method for optical fiber

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPH095553A true JPH095553A (en) 1997-01-10

Family

ID=15595777

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP15496595A Pending JPH095553A (en) 1995-03-09 1995-06-21 Connecting method for optical fiber

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JPH095553A (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2005351918A (en) * 2004-06-08 2005-12-22 Tomoegawa Paper Co Ltd Optical splicing method
JP2006030663A (en) * 2004-07-16 2006-02-02 Three M Innovative Properties Co Optical connector and optical fiber connection system
JP2008216279A (en) * 2007-02-28 2008-09-18 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Optical fiber connector
JP2008256867A (en) * 2007-04-03 2008-10-23 Sumitomo Electric Ind Ltd Mechanical splice and assembling method of mechanical splice
JP2013167759A (en) * 2012-02-15 2013-08-29 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Optical fiber connection mechanism and method thereof

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2005351918A (en) * 2004-06-08 2005-12-22 Tomoegawa Paper Co Ltd Optical splicing method
JP4576163B2 (en) * 2004-06-08 2010-11-04 株式会社巴川製紙所 Optical connection method
JP2006030663A (en) * 2004-07-16 2006-02-02 Three M Innovative Properties Co Optical connector and optical fiber connection system
JP2008216279A (en) * 2007-02-28 2008-09-18 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Optical fiber connector
JP2008256867A (en) * 2007-04-03 2008-10-23 Sumitomo Electric Ind Ltd Mechanical splice and assembling method of mechanical splice
JP2013167759A (en) * 2012-02-15 2013-08-29 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Optical fiber connection mechanism and method thereof

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