JP2011064816A - Optical fiber connecting member, optical fiber connecting tool, optical fiber connecting unit, and optical fiber connecting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an optical fiber connecting member, tool, unit, and method that can suppress connection loss of a pair of optical fibers to be low. <P>SOLUTION: When a fluid is infused or sucked from an opening 60B of a second through hole 60 of an optical fiber connecting tool 40, the fluid is infused or sucked for a first through hole 32 from an opening on the outer side of a pressurizing member 18 in the first through hole 32, so that inside of the holding groove 20 of a substrate 14 is cleaned. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical fiber connecting member, an optical fiber connecting tool, an optical fiber connecting unit, and an optical fiber connecting method.

  For example, an optical fiber connection tool may be used during the work of connecting a pair of optical fibers by using a mechanical splice (optical fiber connection member) or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-10-123347

  However, even with such a tool, foreign matter (dust) mixed in the groove portion of the substrate holding the optical fiber or bubbles generated by repeating the optical fiber insertion operation cannot be removed, and as a result, The connection loss between the pair of optical fibers may increase.

  In view of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain an optical fiber connection member, an optical fiber connection tool, an optical fiber connection unit, and an optical fiber connection method that can suppress the connection loss between a pair of optical fibers. is there.

  The optical fiber connecting member according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a substrate provided with a groove portion for holding a pair of optical fibers in a butted state, and a lid member that covers a surface of the substrate on which the groove portion is formed. A through hole that passes through at least one of the substrate and the lid member and the pressure member and communicates with the groove portion. And a mounting portion for mounting suction / exhaust means for injecting or sucking fluid into the through hole is provided on the pressing member side of the through hole.

  According to the optical fiber connecting member of the present invention as set forth in claim 1, a through hole that penetrates at least one of the substrate and the lid member and the pressing member and communicates with the groove portion is formed, and the pressing in the through hole is performed. On the member side, a mounting portion for mounting the suction / discharge means is provided. For this reason, if the suction / discharge means is attached to the attachment portion of the optical fiber connecting member, and the fluid is injected or sucked into the through hole by the suction / discharge means, the inside of the groove portion of the substrate is cleaned.

  The optical fiber connecting member according to a second aspect of the present invention is the configuration according to the first aspect, wherein the mounting portion has a tapered shape in which the inner diameter dimension gradually increases from the inner side to the outer side of the optical fiber connecting member. Is formed.

  According to the optical fiber connecting member of the present invention as set forth in claim 2, the mounting portion is formed in a tapered shape in which the inner diameter dimension gradually increases from the inner side to the outer side of the optical fiber connecting member. It is easy to install the intake / exhaust means while having a simple structure.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the optical fiber connecting member according to the first aspect of the present invention, the through direction of the through hole is inclined with respect to the surface of the substrate on which the groove is formed.

  According to the optical fiber connecting member of the present invention described in claim 3, since the through direction of the through hole is inclined with respect to the surface of the substrate where the groove portion is formed, the fluid is sucked into and discharged from the through hole. Is injected, it is possible to control the scattering direction of the foreign matter in the groove, and it is possible to fly the foreign matter in a direction avoiding the direction in which the optical fiber is inserted.

  An optical fiber connecting member according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the structure according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein a plurality of the through holes are formed.

  According to the optical fiber connecting member of the present invention described in claim 4, since a plurality of through holes are formed, for example, one of the through holes is used for fluid injection, and one of the other through holes is fluid suction Can be used. For this reason, the foreign substance in the groove part of a board | substrate is removed efficiently.

  The optical fiber connection tool of the present invention described in claim 5 includes a substrate provided with a groove portion for holding a pair of optical fibers in a state of abutting each other, and a lid member that covers a surface of the substrate on which the groove portion is formed. A first through hole that passes through at least one of the substrate and the lid member and the pressing member, and communicates with the groove portion. An optical fiber connection tool that is used in an operation of connecting and connecting the pair of optical fibers by using the optical fiber connection member formed with the optical fiber connection member. A second through hole penetrating with the surface side on which the connecting member is placed as one side opening is formed, and a base capable of injecting or sucking fluid from the other side opening of the second through hole; and On the base Vignetting, having a holding portion for holding the optical fiber connecting member at a position which communicates with the said first through-hole the second through hole.

  According to the optical fiber connecting tool of the present invention described in claim 5, the base on which the optical fiber connecting member is placed is penetrated with the surface side on which the optical fiber connecting member is placed as an opening on one side. The second through hole is formed, and fluid can be injected or sucked from the opening on the other side of the second through hole. The holding portion provided on the base holds the optical fiber connecting member at a position where the first through hole and the second through hole are communicated. For this reason, if the optical fiber connecting member is held by the holding portion and a fluid is injected or sucked from the opening on the other side of the second through hole, the inside of the groove portion of the substrate is cleaned.

  An optical fiber connecting tool according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the optical fiber connecting tool according to the fifth aspect, wherein the base has a suction / discharge member that injects or sucks fluid from the opening on the other side of the second through hole. It is provided integrally.

  According to the optical fiber connecting tool of the present invention described in claim 6, since the base is integrally provided with the intake / exhaust member for injecting or sucking fluid from the opening on the other side of the second through hole. If the fluid is injected or sucked from the opening on the other side of the second through hole by the suction / discharge member, the inside of the groove portion of the substrate is cleaned.

  The optical fiber connecting unit of the present invention described in claim 7 includes a substrate having a groove for holding the pair of optical fibers in a butted state, and a lid member that covers a surface of the substrate on which the groove is formed. And a pressing member that presses the lid member and the substrate toward each other, and passes through at least one of the substrate and the lid member and the pressing member to communicate with the groove portion. An optical fiber connecting member having a hole formed therein and the optical fiber connecting member are used for the work of connecting and connecting the pair of optical fibers, and the optical fiber connecting member is placed and the optical fiber connecting member A base through which a second through hole penetrating with the surface side on which the surface is placed as one side opening is formed and fluid can be injected or sucked from the other side opening of the second through hole, and the base Having a holding section with provided for holding the optical fiber connecting member at a position which communicates with the second through-hole and the first through hole, the optical fiber connection tool comprising, a.

  According to the optical fiber connecting unit of the present invention as set forth in claim 7, the optical fiber connecting member is formed with a first through hole that penetrates at least one of the substrate and the cover member and the pressing member and communicates with the groove portion. Has been. On the other hand, the base of the optical fiber connection tool on which the optical fiber connection member is placed is formed with a second through-hole penetrating with the surface side on which the optical fiber connection member is placed as one side opening. In addition, the fluid can be injected or sucked from the opening on the other side of the second through-hole, and the holding portion provided on the base is an optical fiber at a position where the first through-hole and the second through-hole communicate with each other. The connection member is held. For this reason, if the optical fiber connecting member is held by the holding portion and a fluid is injected or sucked from the opening on the other side of the second through hole, the inside of the groove portion of the substrate is cleaned.

  The optical fiber connecting unit according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the optical fiber connecting unit according to the seventh aspect, wherein a mounting portion is provided on the pressing member side in the first through hole, and the base includes the A mounted portion that can be mounted in a state of being in close contact with the mounting portion by insertion is provided.

  According to the optical fiber connecting unit of the present invention described in claim 8, the mounting can be performed in a state where the mounted portion of the base is in close contact with the mounting portion on the pressing member side in the first through hole. Therefore, when the fluid is injected or sucked from the opening on the other side of the second through hole, the leakage of the fluid from between the base and the pressing member is prevented or suppressed. For this reason, the inside of the groove portion of the substrate is efficiently cleaned.

  The optical fiber connection method of the present invention described in claim 9 includes a substrate provided with a groove portion for holding a pair of optical fibers in a butted state, and a lid member that covers a surface of the substrate on which the groove portion is formed. And a pressing member that presses the lid member and the substrate in a direction in which the lid member and the substrate approach each other, and a through hole that penetrates at least one of the substrate and the lid member and the pressing member and communicates with the groove portion is formed. An optical fiber connection method in which the pair of optical fibers are abutted and connected using the optical fiber connection member formed by disposing a gap setting means between the substrate and the lid member. A first step of forming a space for inserting a fiber into the groove, and injecting or sucking fluid into the through-hole from an opening on the outer surface side of the pressing member in the through-hole. A second step of cleaning the inside of the groove, a third step of inserting and abutting the optical fiber into the groove, removing the gap setting means from between the substrate and the lid member and pressing the pressing member. And a fourth step of pressing and holding the optical fiber against the groove with the lid member by pressure.

  According to the optical fiber connecting method of the present invention as set forth in claim 9, in the first step, the space for inserting the optical fiber into the groove portion is provided by disposing the interval setting means between the substrate and the lid member. In the second step, fluid is injected or sucked into the through hole from the opening on the outer surface side of the pressing member in the through hole to clean the inside of the groove portion of the substrate. Further, in the third step, the optical fiber is inserted into the groove and abutted, and in the fourth step, the distance setting means is removed from between the substrate and the lid member, and the optical fiber is inserted into the groove portion by the lid member by the pressing force of the pressing member. Hold and hold. For this reason, the optical fiber is connected in a state where the inside of the groove portion of the substrate is cleaned.

  An optical fiber connection method according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the configuration according to the ninth aspect, wherein a plurality of the through holes are formed in the optical fiber connection member, and in the second step, Fluid is injected into one of the through holes and fluid is sucked into one of the other through holes.

  According to the optical fiber connection method of the present invention as set forth in claim 10, in the second step, fluid is injected into any one of the plurality of through holes and into any other through hole. In contrast, fluid is aspirated. For this reason, the foreign substance in the groove part of a board | substrate is removed effectively.

  An optical fiber connection method according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the optical fiber connection method according to the ninth or tenth aspect, wherein the refractive index matching is performed from the opening on the outer surface side of the pressing member in the through hole after the second step. Agent is injected.

  According to the optical fiber connecting method of the present invention described in claim 11, the refractive index matching agent is injected from the opening on the outer surface side of the pressing member in the through hole after the second step. For this reason, the adhesion of foreign matter to the refractive index matching agent interposed between the end faces of the pair of optical fibers is prevented or suppressed.

  An optical fiber connection tool according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention includes a substrate including a groove portion for holding a pair of optical fibers in a state of abutting each other, and a lid member that covers a surface of the substrate on which the groove portion is formed. And a pressing member that presses the lid member and the substrate in a direction in which the lid member and the substrate are brought close to each other, and a work for connecting the pair of optical fibers together and interposing a refractive index matching agent therebetween An optical fiber connection tool used for the optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber connection member is mounted on the base for supporting the optical fiber connection member, and the optical fiber connection member can be heated. Heating part.

  According to the optical fiber connecting tool of the present invention described in claim 12, the optical fiber connecting member is placed on the heating portion provided on the base, and the optical fiber connecting member can be heated by the heating portion. Yes. For this reason, if the optical fiber connecting member is heated by the heating unit during operation, the viscosity of the refractive index matching agent interposed between the pair of optical fibers decreases, and the generation of bubbles due to the refractive index matching agent is suppressed. Further, when the heating by the heating unit is stopped after the operation, the temperature of the refractive index matching agent is lowered, so that the viscosity of the refractive index matching agent is increased and the outflow of the refractive index matching agent is suppressed.

  An optical fiber connecting method according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a substrate provided with a groove for holding a pair of optical fibers in a butted state, and a lid member that covers a surface of the substrate on which the groove is formed. And a pressing member that presses the lid member and the substrate close to each other, and a light that connects the pair of optical fibers with a refractive index matching agent interposed therebetween by using an optical fiber connecting member. A fiber connection method, comprising: a first step of forming a space for inserting the optical fiber into the groove portion by disposing a gap setting means between the substrate and the lid member; and the optical fiber. A second step of lowering the viscosity of the refractive index matching agent interposed between the end faces of the optical fiber by heating a connecting member; and inserting the optical fiber into the groove and interposing the refractive index matching agent. And a fourth step of removing the gap setting means from between the substrate and the lid member and pressing and holding the optical fiber against the groove portion by the lid member by the pressing force of the pressing member. And having.

  According to the optical fiber connection method of the present invention as set forth in claim 13, in the first step, the space for inserting the optical fiber into the groove portion is provided by disposing the interval setting means between the substrate and the lid member. In the second step, the viscosity of the refractive index matching agent that is interposed between the end faces of the optical fibers is decreased by heating the optical fiber connecting member. Further, in the third step, the optical fiber is inserted into the groove portion and a refractive index matching agent is interposed, and in the fourth step, the interval setting means is removed from between the substrate and the lid member and the pressing force of the pressing member is used. The optical fiber is pressed against and held by the lid member. For this reason, the optical fiber is connected in a state where the generation of bubbles due to the refractive index matching agent is suppressed.

  The optical fiber connection method according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention includes a substrate including a groove portion for holding a pair of optical fibers in a state of abutting each other, and a lid member that covers a surface of the substrate on which the groove portion is formed. And a pressing member that presses the lid member and the substrate in a direction in which the lid member and the substrate approach each other, and a through hole that penetrates at least one of the substrate and the lid member and the pressing member and communicates with the groove portion is formed. The optical fiber connection member is used to connect the pair of optical fibers with each other by connecting a refractive index matching agent, and a gap setting means is provided between the substrate and the lid member. The first step of forming a space for inserting the optical fiber into the groove portion by disposing, and the refraction preheated from the opening on the outer surface side of the pressing member in the through hole A second step of injecting a matching agent into the through hole, a third step of inserting the optical fiber into the groove and abutting with the refractive index matching agent interposed therebetween, and between the substrate and the lid member. And a fourth step of removing the gap setting means and pressing and holding the optical fiber against the groove with the lid member by the pressing force of the pressing member.

  According to the optical fiber connection method of the present invention as set forth in claim 14, in the first step, the space for inserting the optical fiber into the groove portion is provided by disposing the interval setting means between the substrate and the lid member. In the second step, a refractive index matching agent heated in advance from the opening on the outer surface side of the pressing member in the through hole is injected into the through hole. Further, in the third step, the optical fiber is inserted into the groove portion and a refractive index matching agent is interposed, and in the fourth step, the interval setting means is removed from between the substrate and the lid member and the pressing force of the pressing member is used. The optical fiber is pressed against and held by the lid member. For this reason, the optical fiber is connected in a state where the generation of bubbles due to the refractive index matching agent is suppressed.

  As described above, according to the optical fiber connecting member of the first aspect of the present invention, there is an excellent effect that the connection loss of the pair of optical fibers can be kept low.

  According to the optical fiber connecting member of the second aspect, it has an excellent effect that it is easy to attach the suction / discharge means while having a simple configuration.

  According to the optical fiber connecting member according to claim 3, when fluid is injected into the through-hole by the suction / exhaust means, it is excellent that foreign matter can be blown in a direction avoiding the direction in which the optical fiber is inserted. Has an effect.

  According to the optical fiber connecting member of the fourth aspect, there is an excellent effect that foreign matters in the groove portion of the substrate can be efficiently removed.

  According to the optical fiber connecting tool of the fifth aspect, there is an excellent effect that the connection loss of the pair of optical fibers can be suppressed low.

  According to the optical fiber connecting tool of the sixth aspect, there is an excellent effect that the inside of the groove portion of the substrate can be cleaned without providing a separate suction / discharge member.

  According to the optical fiber connecting unit of the seventh aspect, there is an excellent effect that the connection loss of the pair of optical fibers can be suppressed low.

  According to the optical fiber connecting unit of the eighth aspect, it is possible to prevent or suppress fluid leakage from between the base and the pressing member, and to efficiently clean the inside of the groove portion of the substrate. It has an excellent effect.

  According to the optical fiber connection method of the ninth aspect, there is an excellent effect that the connection loss of the pair of optical fibers can be suppressed low.

  According to the optical fiber connection method of the tenth aspect, there is an excellent effect that foreign matters in the groove portion of the substrate can be effectively removed.

  According to the optical fiber connection method of the eleventh aspect, there is an excellent effect that foreign matter can be prevented or suppressed from adhering to the refractive index matching agent interposed between the end faces of the pair of optical fibers.

  According to the optical fiber connecting tool of the twelfth aspect, there is an excellent effect that the connection loss of the pair of optical fibers can be kept low.

  According to the optical fiber connection method of the thirteenth aspect, there is an excellent effect that the connection loss of the pair of optical fibers can be kept low.

  According to the optical fiber connection method of the fourteenth aspect, there is an excellent effect that the connection loss of the pair of optical fibers can be kept low.

It is a perspective view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the manual pump to the unit for optical fiber connection which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an expanded sectional view along line 2-2 in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the syringe to the unit for optical fiber connection which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the unit for optical fiber connection which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the unit for optical fiber connection which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the unit for optical fiber connection which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the optical connector as an optical fiber connection member which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the unit for optical fiber connection which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention.

[First Embodiment]
An optical fiber connection member, an optical fiber connection tool, an optical fiber connection unit, and an optical fiber connection method according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical fiber connection unit 10 including a mechanical splice 12 as an optical fiber connection member and an optical fiber connection tool 40. FIG. An enlarged cross-sectional view along line -2 is shown. As shown in these drawings, the mechanical splice 12 includes a substrate 14, a lid member 16, and a pressing member 18 (clamp member).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the substrate 14 has a holding surface 14A, and a holding groove 20 as a groove portion having a V-shaped cross section is formed on the holding surface 14A. The holding groove 20 is used to hold the pair of optical fibers 22 and 24 (see FIG. 1) in a state of being abutted so that their optical axes coincide with each other, and the longitudinal direction of the substrate 14 (see FIG. 1). It is formed along. In contrast, the lid member 16 is provided to face the holding surface 14A so as to cover the holding surface 14A of the substrate 14.

  The pressing member 18 is configured by a U-shaped spring having a pair of support pieces 26 and 28 facing each other and a connecting part 30 for connecting one end portions of the support pieces 26 and 28 to each other. The lid member 16 and the substrate 14 are pressed in a direction to approach each other.

  A first through hole 32 that penetrates the lid member 16 and the support piece 28 of the pressing member 18 and communicates with the holding groove 20 is formed corresponding to the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the holding groove 20 of the substrate 14. . Here, “communication” means that the fluid is allowed to flow. In the present embodiment, the penetration direction of the first through hole 32 is a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the holding groove 20.

  In the first through hole 32, a portion on the pressing member 18 (support piece 28) side is formed with a tapered mounting portion 34 whose inner diameter dimension gradually increases from the inner side to the outer side of the mechanical splice 12. The mounting portion 34 can be mounted in a state where the mounted portion 42 of the optical fiber connection tool 40 is in close contact by insertion. The mounted portion 42 is made of a conical cylindrical rubber and has an inner diameter dimension substantially the same as the inner diameter dimension on the upper side of the first through hole 32.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the optical fiber connecting tool 40 is a tool that is used for a work of connecting a pair of optical fibers 22 and 24 by using the mechanical splice 12, and the mechanical splice 12 is placed thereon. A base 44 is provided. The aforementioned mounted portion 42 (see FIG. 2) is fixed on the base 44.

  The base 44 is formed with a holding bracket 46 as a holding portion that holds the mechanical splice 12 from the connecting portion 30 (see FIG. 2) side of the pressing member 18. As shown in FIG. 2, the holding bracket 46 is formed in a substantially inverted L shape, and includes a flexible holding piece 46 </ b> A extending from the upper part to the arrangement position side of the mechanical splice 12, The holding piece 46 </ b> A can hold the mechanical splice 12 by being sandwiched between the mechanical splice 12 and the mounting surface 44 </ b> A of the base 44. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the base 44 is formed with a protruding portion 48 as a holding portion for positioning the longitudinal end positions of the mechanical splice 12. That is, the lower portions on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical splice 12 are disposed so as to abut on the protrusions 48. The holding bracket 46 and the protrusion 48 constitute holding means for holding the mechanical splice 12 at a predetermined position on the base 44.

  Further, in the optical fiber connection tool 40, a wedge part 50 with a lever (a wedge part with a lever) is disposed on the side opposite to the holding bracket 46 side across the holding position of the mechanical splice 12. The lever-equipped wedge part 50 includes a wedge main body 52 as an interval setting means and an operation lever portion 54. The wedge body 52 is attached to the operation lever portion 54 at the base end side, and has an insertion blade 52 </ b> A at the distal end side for insertion between the substrate 14 and the lid member 16. The operation lever portion 54 includes a cylindrical base portion 54A supported so as to be swingable around the support shaft 56, and a lever main body 54B that extends from the base portion 54A and to which a wedge main body 52 is attached. . Further, the support shaft 56 is fixed to the base 44 in the vicinity of one end side in the longitudinal direction of the holding position of the mechanical splice 12, and has a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 44 </ b> A (see FIG. 2) of the base 44. Axial direction.

  When the lever main body 54 </ b> B is rotated around the support shaft 56 and displaced toward the mechanical splice 12 by the operator's operation, the insertion blade 52 </ b> A moves between the substrate 14 and the lid member 16 in the mechanical splice 12. To be inserted. When the insertion blade 52A is inserted between the substrate 14 and the lid member 16, the lid member 16 and the substrate 14 are separated from each other, and the pair of optical fibers 22 and 24 are inserted into the holding groove 20 shown in FIG. The holding groove 20 can be inserted from both sides in the longitudinal direction.

  Further, when the insertion blade 52A is removed from between the substrate 14 and the lid member 16 with the pair of optical fibers 22 and 24 shown in FIG. 1 inserted into the holding groove 20 (see FIG. 2), the pressing member The pair of optical fibers 22 and 24 are sandwiched between the substrate 14 and the lid member 16 by pressing the lid member 16 and the substrate 14 toward each other by 18. The pair of optical fibers 22 and 24 are optically connected as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the base 44 is formed with a second through hole 60 penetrating in a substantially L shape with the mounting surface 44 </ b> A side on which the mechanical splice 12 is placed as one side opening 60 </ b> A. ing. The opening 60B on the other side of the second through hole 60 is provided on the back side of the tool, and fluid can be injected or sucked from the opening 60B. The second through hole 60 formed in the base 44 is arranged at a position communicating with the first through hole 32 in a state where the holding bracket 46 and the protrusion 48 (see FIG. 1) hold the mechanical splice 12. (So as to communicate with the first through hole 32). The inner diameter dimension of the second through hole 60 is set to be substantially the same as the inner diameter dimension of the mounted portion 42.

  Further, the distal end of the manual pump 62 as an intake / exhaust member for injecting (for example, gas injection) or suctioning fluid from the opening 60B on the other side of the second through-hole 60 (only the distal end side in FIG. Can be inserted into the opening 60B. Here, the manual pump 62, the flow path 61 formed by the second through-hole 60, and the mounted portion 42 constitute an intake / exhaust means 64. That is, the suction / discharge means 64 is configured to clean the inside of the holding groove 20 of the substrate 14 by injecting or sucking fluid into the first through hole 32.

  As the fluid injected by the manual pump 62, gas (for example, inert gas such as helium, air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.) or liquid (for example, water, organic solvent, etc.) can be applied.

  Further, instead of the manual pump 62, as shown in FIG. 3, the tip of a syringe 162 as an intake / exhaust member can be inserted into the opening 60B (see FIG. 4) on the other side of the base 44. . In the syringe 162, the tip end side of the cylinder 162A has an injection needle shape, and a piston 162B is disposed in the cylinder 162A. Similarly to the manual pump 62 (see FIG. 1), the syringe 162 injects or sucks fluid from the opening 60B of the second through hole 60 shown in FIG.

  In this case, the syringe 162 (only the tip side is shown in FIG. 4), the flow path 61 formed by the second through-hole 60, and the mounted portion 42 constitute the suction / discharge means 164, and the suction / discharge means 164 is the first. The inside of the holding groove 20 of the substrate 14 can be cleaned by injecting or sucking fluid such as air into the one through hole 32.

  Further, the refractive index matching agent is filled in the cylinder 162A of the syringe 162 shown in FIG. 3, and the suction / exhaust means 164 injects the refractive index matching agent 136 into the first through hole 32 shown in FIG. The refractive index matching agent 136 can be interposed between the end faces of the fibers 22 and 24. For example, silicone grease or the like is applied as the refractive index matching agent 136.

(Optical fiber connection method, action / effect)
Next, the optical fiber connection method will be described, and the operation and effect of the above embodiment will be described.

  First, the operator places the mechanical splice 12 on the base 44 of the optical fiber connection tool 40 shown in FIG. 1, and places the optical fiber connection tool 40 on the mounting portion 34 (see FIG. 2) of the mechanical splice 12. The mounting portion 42 (see FIG. 2) is mounted by insertion, and the mechanical splice 12 is held by the holding bracket 46 and the protrusion 48 of the optical fiber connection tool 40. In this state, the operator rotates and moves the lever main body 54B of the wedge component 50 with the lever around the support shaft 56, and inserts the insertion blade 52A of the wedge main body 52 between the substrate 14 of the mechanical splice 12 and the lid member 16. Thus, a space for inserting the optical fibers 22 and 24 into the holding groove 20 is formed (first step).

  Next, the operator manually operates the manual pump 62 to inject fluid (for example, blowing in inert gas) or suction from the opening 60B of the second through hole 60 of the optical fiber connection tool 40 shown in FIG. . Thus, the fluid is injected or sucked into the first through hole 32 from the opening on the outer surface side of the pressing member 18 in the first through hole 32 to clean the inside of the holding groove 20 of the substrate 14 (second step).

  After this second step, the operator uses the syringe 162 in which the refractive index matching agent is filled in the cylinder 162A shown in FIG. 3, and passes through the second through hole 60 shown in FIG. The refractive index matching agent 136 is injected from the opening on the outer surface side of the pressing member 18 in the hole 32. For this reason, the adhesion of foreign matter to the refractive index matching agent that is interposed between the end faces of the pair of optical fibers 22 and 24 shown in FIG. 3 is prevented or suppressed.

  Next, the operator inserts the pair of optical fibers 22 and 24 into the holding groove 20 from both sides of the holding groove 20 (see FIG. 4) in the longitudinal direction (third process).

  Finally, the operator rotates and moves the lever main body 54B of the wedge component 50 with the lever around the support shaft 56, and removes the insertion blade 52A of the wedge main body 52 from between the substrate 14 and the lid member 16 of the mechanical splice 12 ( And the optical fibers 22 and 24 are pressed and held by the lid member 16 against the holding groove 20 (see FIG. 4) by the pressing force of the pressing member 18 (fourth step).

  As described above, the foreign matter (dust) in the holding groove 20 of the substrate 14 is removed (the state in which the foreign matter is prevented or suppressed from adhering to the refractive index matching agent interposed between the end faces of the optical fibers 22 and 24). ) The optical fibers 22, 24 are connected. As a result, according to the mechanical splice 12, the optical fiber connection tool 40, the optical fiber connection unit 10 and the optical fiber connection method according to the above embodiment, the connection loss of the pair of optical fibers 22 and 24 can be kept low. . In addition, since foreign substances (dust) can be removed, the insertion operation of the optical fibers 22 and 24 can be repeated, so that the mechanical splice 12 that has been discarded in the past due to the failure of the fiber connection work can be re-used. Can be used.

  In the optical fiber connection method of the above embodiment, the refractive index matching agent 136 (see FIG. 4) is injected by the syringe 162 after the second step, and the refractive index matching agent 136 shown in FIG. However, there may be a form in which the third step is performed without going through such a step.

  Moreover, you may perform both the 2nd process and the process of inject | pouring the refractive index matching agent 136 after a 2nd process with the syringe 162. FIG.

  Further, the optical fiber connection tool 40 may be a tool in which the manual pump 62 and the syringe 162 are integrally fixed to the base 44 in advance. In this way, workability outdoors is improved.

  Further, the optical fiber connection unit 10 may be provided with a close contact means for closely contacting the base 44 and the pressing member 18.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a mechanical splice 66 and an optical fiber connecting unit 72 as optical fiber connecting members according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows an optical fiber connecting unit 72 having a mechanical splice 66 in a cross-sectional view (a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment). As shown in this figure, the mechanical splice 66 is provided with a first through hole 68 in place of the first through hole 32 (see FIG. 2), and the mechanical splice 12 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 2). Different from reference). Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The first through hole 68 shown in FIG. 5 is formed through the lid member 16 and the support piece 28 of the pressing member 18 corresponding to the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the holding groove 20 of the substrate 14. In this embodiment, the penetration direction of the first through hole 68 is a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the holding groove 20, and the taper in which the inner diameter dimension gradually increases from the inner side to the outer side of the mechanical splice 66. It is formed in a shape. A portion of the first through hole 68 on the pressing member 18 (support piece 28) side is a mounting portion 70, and the mounting portion 42 of the optical fiber connection tool 40 can be mounted on the mounting portion 70 by insertion. ing.

  According to the above configuration, the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained with a simple configuration.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a mechanical splice 76 and an optical fiber connecting unit 82 as optical fiber connecting members according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows an optical fiber connecting unit 82 having a mechanical splice 76 in a sectional view (a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment). As shown in this figure, the mechanical splice 76 includes a first through hole 78 in place of the first through hole 32 (see FIG. 2), and the mechanical splice 12 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 2). Different from reference). Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The first through hole 78 shown in FIG. 6 is formed through the lid member 16 and the support piece 28 of the pressing member 18 corresponding to the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the holding groove 20 of the substrate 14. In the present embodiment, the penetrating direction of the first through hole 78 is inclined with respect to the holding surface 14A (the surface on which the holding groove 20 of the substrate 14 is formed) in the cross section of FIG. Note that the inclination angle in the penetration direction of the first through-hole 78 may be set to an inclination angle different from the inclination angle shown in FIG. A tapered mounting portion 80 whose inner diameter dimension gradually increases from the inner side to the outer side of the mechanical splice 76 is formed at a portion of the first through hole 78 on the pressing member 18 (support piece 28) side. The mounting portion 80 can be mounted by inserting the mounted portion 42 of the optical fiber connection tool 40.

  According to the above configuration, the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. Further, when a fluid such as air is injected into the first through-hole 78 through the second through-hole 60 by the manual pump 62, the scattering direction of foreign matters (dust etc.) in the holding groove 20 can be controlled. This makes it possible to fly the foreign material away from the direction in which the optical fibers 22 and 24 are inserted. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the foreign matter in the holding groove 20 can be blown from the gap between the substrate 14 and the lid member 16 to the side opposite to the connecting portion 30 side of the pressing member 18.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a mechanical splice 86 as an optical fiber connecting member, an optical fiber connecting unit 92, and an optical fiber connecting method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows an optical fiber connecting unit 92 having a mechanical splice 86 in a sectional view (a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment).

  As shown in this figure, the mechanical splice 86 includes another first through hole 88 in addition to the first through hole 32, that is, a plurality of first through holes 32 and 88 are formed. This is different from the mechanical splice 12 (see FIG. 2) according to the first embodiment. Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the upper side of the first through hole 32 passes through the substrate 14 and the support piece 26 of the pressing member 18 corresponding to the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the holding groove 20 of the substrate 14. A first through hole 88 communicating with the holding groove 20 is formed. Here, “communication” means that the fluid is allowed to flow. In the present embodiment, the penetrating direction of the first through hole 88 is a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the holding groove 20.

  In the first through hole 88, a portion on the pressing member 18 (support piece 26) side is formed with a tapered mounting portion 90 whose inner diameter dimension gradually increases from the inner side to the outer side of the mechanical splice 12. An attachment / detachment portion 94A of an intake / exhaust device 94 (only the distal end side is shown in FIG. 7) can be attached to the attachment portion 90 by insertion. The suction / discharge device 94 is a device that injects or sucks fluid into the first through-hole 88 to clean the inside of the holding groove 20 of the substrate 14, and the mounted portion 94 </ b> A of the suction / discharge device 94 is made of conical cylindrical rubber. The inner diameter dimension is set to be substantially the same as the inner diameter dimension on the lower side of the first through-hole 88.

(Optical fiber connection method and function / effect)
Next, the operation and effect of the above embodiment will be described while explaining the optical fiber connection method. The optical fiber connection method according to the present embodiment is the same as the optical fiber connection method according to the first embodiment except for the second step. For this reason, only the second step will be described, and descriptions of the first step, the third, and the fourth step will be omitted.

  In the second step, a fluid such as air is injected into the first through hole 88 by the intake / exhaust device 94, and a fluid such as air is sucked into the first through hole 32 by the intake / exhaust means 64. For this reason, the foreign matter in the holding groove 20 of the substrate 14 is effectively removed. As a result, the connection loss between the pair of optical fibers 22 and 24 is kept low.

  In the second step, a fluid such as air is sucked into the first through hole 88 by the suction / discharge device 94 and a fluid such as air is injected into the first through hole 32 by the suction / discharge means 64. Good.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, an optical connector 100 as an optical fiber connecting member according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention and an optical fiber connecting method using the optical connector 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows the optical connector 100 in a cross-sectional view.

  An optical connector 100 shown in FIG. 8 is an on-site assembly connector used when connecting one optical fiber 112 built in the ferrule 110 and the other optical fiber 114 at the connection site. The lid members 116 and 117, the pressing members 118 and 119, and the ferrule 110 are provided as main components.

  The substrate 102 is configured to integrally include a substrate body 104 formed in a plate shape and a ferrule holder 106 that is disposed on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the substrate body 104 and formed in an annular shape. A planar holding surface 104A is formed on the substrate body 104, and a holding groove 108 as a groove is formed on the holding surface 104A. The holding groove 108 is for holding the pair of optical fibers 112 and 114 in a state of being abutted so that their optical axes coincide with each other. It is formed along.

  The lid members 116 and 117 are arranged to face the substrate 102 so as to cover the holding surface 104A of the substrate 102. Further, the pressing members 118 and 119 have a C-shaped cross section in a direction orthogonal to the cross section of FIG. The pressing member 118 is placed on the outer peripheral side of the lid member 116 and the substrate 102, and presses the lid member 116 and the substrate 102 in a direction in which they approach each other. In addition, the pressing member 119 is placed on the outer peripheral side of the lid member 117 and the substrate 102 and presses the lid member 117 and the substrate 102 in a direction in which they approach each other.

  The ferrule 110 is supported by the substrate 102 by being inserted into a hole 106 </ b> A formed in the ferrule holder 106. The ferrule 110 has a communication hole 110A communicating with one side in the longitudinal direction of the holding groove 108, and one optical fiber 112 (bare fiber) is built in the communication hole 110A. The rear end side of the one optical fiber 112 is inserted and held in the holding groove 108 from one side in the longitudinal direction.

  Further, the optical connector 100 includes a slider 126 disposed on the outer peripheral side, a support member 120 that slidably supports the slider 126 and accommodates a part of the ferrule 110 and the ferrule holder 106, and pressing members 118 and 119. A housing 122 that is slidable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the cover pressing members 118 and 119, and a ferrule 110 that is housed inside the housing 122 is indirectly attached to the distal end side of the optical connector 100 with respect to the housing 122. And a spring 124 to be energized.

  Further, the optical connector 100 is formed with a through hole 128 that penetrates the lid member 116 and the pressing member 118 and communicates with the holding groove 108. Here, “communication” means that the fluid is allowed to flow. The through hole 128 is formed through the lid member 116 and the pressing member 118 corresponding to the position where the pair of optical fibers 112 and 114 are abutted. Further, the support member 120 and the housing 122 are notched at portions corresponding to the through holes 128, and the slider 126 is formed with through holes 126 </ b> A at portions corresponding to the through holes 128.

  The penetration direction of the through hole 128 is a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the holding groove 108, and is formed in a tapered shape in which the inner diameter dimension gradually increases from the inner side to the outer side of the optical connector 100. A portion of the through hole 128 on the side of the pressing member 118 is a mounting portion 130, and a mounting portion 132 A of an intake / exhaust device 132 (only the distal end side is shown in FIG. 8) is inserted into the mounting portion 130. It can be installed. The suction / discharge device 132 is a device that cleans the inside of the holding groove 108 of the substrate 102 by injecting or sucking fluid into the through-hole 128, and the mounted portion 132A of the suction / discharge device 132 is made of a conical cylindrical rubber. ing.

(Optical fiber connection method and function / effect)
Next, the optical fiber connection method will be briefly described, and the operation and effect of the above embodiment will be described.

  First, an operator inserts an optical fiber 114 into the holding groove 108 by inserting a wedge (not shown) as an interval setting unit between the substrate 102 and the lid members 116 and 117. A space is formed (first step). Next, the operator cleans the inside of the holding groove 108 of the substrate 102 by injecting or sucking fluid from the opening on the outer surface side of the pressing member 118 in the through hole 128 to the through hole 128 by the suction / discharge device 132 (second). Process). Next, the operator inserts the optical fiber 114 into the holding groove 108 and abuts (third process). Finally, the operator removes (removes) the wedge (not shown) from between the substrate 102 and the lid members 116 and 117, and pulls the optical fibers 112 and 114 with the lid members 116 and 117 by the pressing force of the pressing member 118. Press against and hold the holding groove 108.

  As described above, the optical fibers 112 and 114 are connected in a state where the foreign matter in the holding groove 108 of the substrate 102 is removed. As a result, the connection loss between the pair of optical fibers 112 and 114 is kept low.

  In the fifth embodiment, the penetration direction of the through hole 128 is a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the holding groove 108, but the penetration direction of the through hole (128) is the holding surface (104A (substrate 102 may be inclined with respect to the surface on which the holding groove 108 is formed. In such a configuration, when the fluid is injected into the through hole (128) by the suction / discharge device (132), the scattering direction of the foreign matter in the holding groove (108) of the substrate (102) can be controlled, It is possible to fly foreign matter in a direction avoiding the direction in which the optical fibers (112, 114) are inserted.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, an optical fiber connecting unit 140 provided with an optical fiber connecting tool 142 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention and an optical fiber connecting method using the optical fiber connecting unit 140 will be described with reference to FIG. To do. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the optical fiber connection tool 142 and the like. As shown in this figure, the optical fiber connection tool 142 is different from the optical fiber connection tool 40 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment or the like in that a heating unit 144 is provided on the base 44. Other configurations are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The optical fiber connection tool 142 is a tool used for the operation of connecting the optical fibers 22 and 24 with the mechanical splice 12 and connecting them with a refractive index matching agent interposed therebetween. In the optical fiber connection tool 142, a heating unit 144 is integrally provided on a base 44 that supports the mechanical splice 12. The heating unit 144 includes a plate-like heating element (hot plate, heater, heater) that generates heat when energized. The mechanical splice 12 is placed on the heating unit 144, and the mechanical splice 12 can be heated by the heating unit 144.

  Although not shown, the optical fiber connection tool 142 includes a protective cover that can cover the heating unit 144. When the mechanical splice 12 is not placed on the heating unit 144, the heating unit 144 is provided. Is protected by a protective cover.

  Silicone grease applied as a refractive index matching agent is highly viscous at room temperature, but has a characteristic that the viscosity decreases as the temperature rises.

(Optical fiber connection method and function / effect)
Next, the optical fiber connection method will be described, and the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described.

  First, the operator inserts (arranges) the insertion blade 52A of the wedge main body 52 between the substrate 14 and the lid member 16 to insert the optical fibers 22 and 24 into the holding groove 20 (see FIG. 2). Forming a space for the first step. Next, the operator injects air from the syringe 162 to clean the inside of the holding groove 20 (see FIG. 2) of the substrate 14, and then injects a refractive index matching agent with the syringe 162, and further, the optical fiber connection tool 142. The heating unit 144 heats the mechanical splice 12 to reduce the viscosity of the refractive index matching agent 136 (see FIG. 4) interposed between the end faces of the optical fibers 22 and 24 (second step). The refractive index matching agent 136 is less likely to generate bubbles when the viscosity is low.

  Next, the operator inserts the optical fibers 22 and 24 into the holding groove 20 (see FIG. 4) and abuts with the refractive index matching agent interposed (third process). Finally, the operator removes (removes) the insertion blade 52A of the wedge main body 52 from between the substrate 14 and the lid member 16 and holds the optical fibers 22 and 24 with the lid member 16 by the pressing force of the pressing member 18. Press and hold 20 (fourth step).

  For this reason, the optical fibers 22 and 24 are connected in a state where generation of bubbles due to the refractive index matching agent is suppressed. Supplementally, when the insertion operation of the optical fibers 22 and 24 is repeated, generally there is a high possibility that bubbles will be generated by the refractive index matching agent. In this embodiment, the viscosity of the refractive index matching agent 136 (see FIG. 4) is increased. Due to the reduction, the generation of bubbles is prevented or suppressed. Further, since the refractive index matching agent returns to the original high viscosity state when cooled to room temperature after work, the refractive index matching agent does not flow out over time. Note that if only the vicinity of the butting position (fiber connection point) of the optical fibers 22 and 24 is heated by the heating unit 144, the viscosity of the refractive index matching agent disposed around the optical fibers 22 and 24 hardly decreases, so The outflow of the rate matching agent is effectively prevented or suppressed.

  As a result, the connection loss between the pair of optical fibers 22 and 24 can be kept low, and high reliability can be realized. Further, since the insertion operation of the optical fibers 22 and 24 can be repeated, the mechanical splice 12 that has been conventionally discarded due to the failure of the fiber connection work can be reused.

  As a modification of the optical fiber connection method in the sixth embodiment, in the second step, a refractive index matching agent heated in advance instead of heating the mechanical splice 12 by the heating unit 144 is shown in FIG. The refractive index matching agent may be injected into the first through-hole 32 from the opening on the outer surface side of the pressing member 18 in the first through-hole 32 by injecting from the second through-hole 60 with the syringe 162.

  As a modification of the sixth embodiment, a heater is provided in the lever-wedge component 50 shown in FIG. 9, and the mechanical splice 12 is heated by this heater between the end faces of the optical fibers 22 and 24. You may reduce the viscosity of the refractive index matching agent 136 (refer FIG. 4) to interpose. In this case, the refractive index matching agent can be easily heated locally.

[Supplementary explanation of the embodiment]
In the first to fourth and sixth embodiments, the case where the lid member 16 is located on the lower side of the substrate 14 has been described as an example. However, the lid member (16 on the upper side of the substrate (14) is described. ) May be arranged, and in such a configuration, a through hole (first through hole) that penetrates the substrate (14) and the pressing member (18) and communicates with the holding groove (20) is formed. It may be.

  Moreover, in the said 1st-4th and 6th embodiment, although the optical fiber connection tool 40 forms the flow path 61 for fluid distribution | circulation by the 2nd through-hole 60, an optical fiber connection tool is piping. A flow path for fluid circulation may be formed.

  Further, in the first to fourth and sixth embodiments, the interval setting means is the wedge body 52, but the interval setting means is provided on at least one of the substrate and the lid member, and the substrate or the lid member. Other spacing setting means such as a protrusion or the like that forms a space in which the optical fiber can be inserted into the groove between the substrate and the lid member while being in contact with each other.

  Furthermore, the configuration of the optical fiber connection member, the optical fiber connection tool, and the optical fiber connection unit may be a combination of the configurations of the above embodiments as appropriate.

  In the above embodiment, the mounting portions 34, 70, 80, 90, and 130 have gradually increasing inner diameters from the inner side to the outer side of the optical fiber connection member (mechanical splices 12, 66, 76, 86, optical connector 100) Although the mounting portion is formed in a tapered shape, the mounting portion is, for example, a mounting portion formed in a substantially hemispherical shape whose inner diameter increases from the inner side to the outer side of the optical fiber connection member. It is good also as a mounting part of another shape.

10 Optical Fiber Connection Unit 12 Mechanical Splice (Optical Fiber Connection Member)
14 Substrate 16 Lid member 18 Pressing member 20 Holding groove (groove)
22, 24 Optical fiber 32 First through hole (through hole)
34 Mounting part 40 Optical fiber connection tool 42 Mounted part 44 Base 46 Holding bracket (holding part)
48 Protruding part (holding part)
52 Wedge body (interval setting means)
60 Second through-hole 62 Manual pump (member for intake / exhaust)
64 Intake / exhaust means 66 Mechanical splice (optical fiber connecting member)
68 First through hole (through hole)
70 Mounting portion 72 Optical fiber connecting unit 76 Mechanical splice (optical fiber connecting member)
78 First through hole (through hole)
80 Mounting portion 82 Optical fiber connection unit 86 Mechanical splice (optical fiber connection member)
88 First through hole (through hole)
90 Mounting portion 92 Optical fiber connection unit 94 Suction / discharge device (suction / discharge means)
100 Optical connector (optical fiber connection member)
102 Substrate 108 Holding groove (groove)
112, 114 Optical fiber 116, 117 Lid member 118, 119 Press member 130 Mounting part 132 Intake / exhaust device (intake / exhaust means)
136 Refractive Index Matching Agent 140 Optical Fiber Connection Unit 142 Optical Fiber Connection Tool 144 Heating Unit 162 Syringe (Suction / Exhaust Member)
164 Intake / exhaust means

Claims (14)

A substrate having a groove for holding a pair of optical fibers in a butted state; and
A lid member covering the surface of the substrate on which the groove is formed;
A pressing member that presses the lid member and the substrate in a direction to approach each other;
A through hole penetrating at least one of the substrate and the lid member and the pressing member and communicating with the groove portion is formed, and the pressing member side of the through hole has a fluid with respect to the through hole. An optical fiber connecting member provided with a mounting portion for mounting suction / discharge means for injecting or sucking water.   The optical fiber connection member according to claim 1, wherein the mounting portion is formed in a tapered shape in which an inner diameter dimension gradually increases from an inner side to an outer side of the optical fiber connection member.   The optical fiber connecting member according to claim 1, wherein a through direction of the through hole is inclined with respect to a surface of the substrate on which the groove is formed.   The optical fiber connecting member according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the through holes are formed. A substrate provided with a groove for holding the pair of optical fibers in a butted state, a lid member covering the surface of the substrate on which the groove is formed, and pressing the lid member and the substrate in a direction approaching each other Using the optical fiber connecting member formed with a first through hole that penetrates at least one of the substrate and the lid member and the pressing member and communicates with the groove portion. An optical fiber connection tool used for connecting and connecting optical fibers,
The optical fiber connecting member is placed, and a second through-hole penetrating with the surface side on which the optical fiber connecting member is placed as one side opening is formed, on the other side of the second through-hole A base capable of injecting or suctioning fluid from the opening;
A holding portion that is provided in the base and holds the optical fiber connecting member at a position where the first through hole and the second through hole are communicated;
An optical fiber connecting tool.   The optical fiber connection tool according to claim 5, wherein a suction / discharge member for injecting or sucking fluid from the opening on the other side of the second through hole is integrally provided on the base. A substrate provided with a groove for holding the pair of optical fibers in a butted state, a lid member covering the surface of the substrate on which the groove is formed, and pressing the lid member and the substrate in a direction approaching each other An optical fiber connecting member having a first through hole formed through the at least one of the substrate and the lid member and the pressing member and communicating with the groove portion.
The optical fiber connection member is used for the work of connecting and connecting the pair of optical fibers. The surface side on which the optical fiber connection member is mounted and the optical fiber connection member is mounted on one side. A second through hole penetrating as an opening, and a base capable of injecting or sucking fluid from the opening on the other side of the second through hole; provided on the base; and the first through hole and the A holding part that holds the optical fiber connecting member at a position where the second through hole communicates, and an optical fiber connecting tool,
An optical fiber connecting unit.   8. The mounting portion is provided on the pressing member side of the first through-hole, and the mounting portion is provided on the base so that the mounting portion can be mounted in close contact with the mounting portion by insertion. Optical fiber connection unit. A substrate provided with a groove for holding the pair of optical fibers in a butted state, a lid member covering the surface of the substrate on which the groove is formed, and pressing the lid member and the substrate in a direction approaching each other The pair of optical fibers using an optical fiber connecting member having a through-hole formed therein and penetrating at least one of the substrate and the lid member and the pressing member and communicating with the groove portion. An optical fiber connection method for connecting and connecting
A first step of forming a space for inserting the optical fiber into the groove by disposing an interval setting means between the substrate and the lid member;
A second step of cleaning the inside of the groove portion of the substrate by injecting or sucking fluid into the through-hole from an opening on the outer surface side of the pressing member in the through-hole;
A third step of inserting and abutting the optical fiber into the groove,
A fourth step of removing the gap setting means from between the substrate and the lid member and pressing and holding the optical fiber against the groove with the lid member by the pressing force of the pressing member;
An optical fiber connecting method. A plurality of the through holes are formed in the optical fiber connection member,
The optical fiber connection method according to claim 9, wherein in the second step, a fluid is injected into any one of the through holes and a fluid is sucked into any other through hole.   The optical fiber connection method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein a refractive index matching agent is injected from an opening on the outer surface side of the pressing member in the through hole after the second step. A substrate provided with a groove for holding the pair of optical fibers in a butted state, a lid member covering the surface of the substrate on which the groove is formed, and pressing the lid member and the substrate in a direction approaching each other An optical fiber connecting tool used for an operation of connecting the pair of optical fibers with each other by interposing a refractive index matching agent using an optical fiber connecting member provided with a pressing member,
A base supporting the optical fiber connecting member;
A heating unit that is provided on the base and on which the optical fiber connection member is mounted and that can heat the optical fiber connection member;
An optical fiber connecting tool. A substrate provided with a groove for holding the pair of optical fibers in a butted state, a lid member covering the surface of the substrate on which the groove is formed, and pressing the lid member and the substrate in a direction approaching each other An optical fiber connection method using an optical fiber connection member provided with a pressing member to connect the pair of optical fibers with a refractive index matching agent interposed therebetween.
A first step of forming a space for inserting the optical fiber into the groove by disposing an interval setting means between the substrate and the lid member;
A second step of lowering the viscosity of the refractive index matching agent that heats the optical fiber connecting member and is interposed between the end faces of the optical fiber;
A third step of inserting the optical fiber into the groove and abutting with the refractive index matching agent interposed therebetween;
A fourth step of removing the gap setting means from between the substrate and the lid member and pressing and holding the optical fiber against the groove with the lid member by the pressing force of the pressing member;
An optical fiber connecting method. A substrate provided with a groove for holding the pair of optical fibers in a butted state, a lid member covering the surface of the substrate on which the groove is formed, and pressing the lid member and the substrate in a direction approaching each other The pair of optical fibers using an optical fiber connecting member having a through-hole formed therein and penetrating at least one of the substrate and the lid member and the pressing member and communicating with the groove portion. Is an optical fiber connection method in which a refractive index matching agent is interposed and a connection is made.
A first step of forming a space for inserting the optical fiber into the groove by disposing an interval setting means between the substrate and the lid member;
A second step of injecting the refractive index matching agent preheated from the opening on the outer surface side of the pressing member in the through hole into the through hole;
A third step of inserting the optical fiber into the groove and abutting with the refractive index matching agent interposed therebetween;
A fourth step of removing the gap setting means from between the substrate and the lid member and pressing and holding the optical fiber against the groove with the lid member by the pressing force of the pressing member;
An optical fiber connecting method.

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