JP6188097B2 - Intermittently bonded optical fiber tape and optical cable using the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an intermittently bonded optical fiber tape and an optical cable using the same.

  When constructing an access network, a plurality of various types of optical cables are connected, and an optical fiber core wire is wired to each user.

  At this time, a plurality of single-core optical fiber cores (single-core coated optical fibers) are arranged almost in parallel with each other, and batch connection is performed in units of batch-coated optical fiber tape core wires (optical fiber tapes). Currently, there are optical fiber tapes of about 4 to 24 fibers. As the number of optical fiber ribbons increases, the number of optical fibers that can be connected at one time increases, so that the connection work efficiency is good.

  Further, for example, as proposed in Patent Document 1, a plurality of single-core coated optical fibers are arranged substantially in parallel with each other, and adjacent single-core coated optical fibers are arranged in the longitudinal direction or the longitudinal direction and the width of the single-core coated optical fibers. An intermittently bonded optical fiber tape (hereinafter referred to as an intermittent tape) that is bonded by an adhesive portion that is intermittently arranged with respect to the direction is a structure that is flexibly deformed. Also, it can be easily accommodated in the optical cable.

  Now, in a network that actually provides communication services, for example, it may be necessary to switch the route of an optical fiber. In such a case, the optical fiber, that is, the intermittent tape is cut. As a result, the single-core coated optical fiber cut by this cannot provide service. The impact on such services should be as small as possible. In particular, in the case of a multi-fiber intermittent tape, when a single-core coated optical fiber that does not need to be switched and a single-core coated optical fiber that needs to be switched are mixed in one intermittent tape, the effect on the service becomes large. .

  By the way, in patent document 2, the method of isolate | separating an intermittent tape into the single core covering optical fiber for every core is proposed. This technology is a separation method using a brush-like tool, and causes an increase in optical loss and disconnection of a single-core coated optical fiber even if any single-core coated optical fiber in an intermittent tape is used for communication. This is a technique for separating intermittent tapes without affecting communication. If this technique is applied, it is possible to cut only the single-core coated optical fiber that needs to be switched even when the route of the optical fiber is switched as described above.

  However, when the intermittent tape is separated using a brush-like tool, there are the following problems.

  Since the brush-like tool separates all the intermittent tapes for each single-core coated optical fiber, the single-core coated optical fiber after separation is suitable for a fusion splicer for batch connection in the city, such as 4-core or 8-core A batch connection cannot be made in units of a predetermined number, resulting in poor connection work efficiency.

  On the other hand, for example, even if an attempt is made to separate a 12-fiber intermittent tape into four fibers so that a predetermined number of single-fiber optical fibers can be connected together after separation, the number of single-fiber optical fibers is counted as four. It will be separated by hand. In this case, since the manual separation work causes variations in the work to be separated by the operator, there is a concern that a steep bend is applied to the single-core coated optical fiber during the separation, thereby causing an increase in optical loss. In addition, it is difficult to accurately separate four single-core coated optical fibers.

  Similarly to the case of separating with a brush-like tool, a thin linear material is inserted between the single-core coated optical fibers where the adhesive portion of the intermittent tape is not formed, and the linear material is placed in the longitudinal direction of the intermittent tape. Although a method of breaking the bonded portion by moving it is conceivable, in this case, it is difficult to insert the linear material between the single-core coated optical fibers of the intermittent tape, and the workability is also poor. Furthermore, for example, if you try to create a gap between single-core coated optical fibers of intermittent tape to insert linear material, and try to open it by hand, the single-core coated optical fiber will still bend and increase optical loss. May cause.

  As described above, even if the number of intermittent tapes is increased, inconvenience occurs when the tape is actually used on a network.

  For this reason, when the number of intermittent tapes is increased, even if any single-core coated optical fiber in the intermittent tape is used for communication, it can be separated into a predetermined number of units without affecting communication. It was desired.

In the intermittently bonded optical fiber tape of the present invention, two or more predetermined numbers of single-core coated optical fibers are arranged substantially in parallel with each other, and adjacent single-core coated optical fibers are arranged in the longitudinal direction or longitudinal direction of the single-core coated optical fibers. It is configured to include at least two subtapes bonded by first adhesive portions arranged intermittently in the direction and the width direction, and each subtape is intermittent in the longitudinal direction of the single-core coated optical fiber. Are bonded and integrated in the width direction via the second bonding portion arranged in an automatic manner,
The thickness of the first bonding portion is set to a thickness that does not protrude from a tangent line passing through the surface of each single-core coated optical fiber, and the thickness of the second bonding portion is set to each single-core coating at least in the central portion. Set to a thickness that protrudes from the tangent through the surface of the optical fiber, or
Set low breaking strength of the second adhesive portion as compared to the first adhesive portion, or
Set low softening temperature of said second bonding portion as compared to the first adhesive portion, or
Characterized in that a material of the second adhesive portion is set more soluble in organic solvents as compared with the first adhesive portion.

  Note that the expression “longitudinal direction or longitudinal direction and width direction” is used because the first bonded portion is intermittent only in the longitudinal direction if there are two single-core coated optical fibers constituting the sub tape. If there are three or more, the first adhesive portion is intermittently disposed in both the longitudinal direction and the width direction.

  According to the present invention, an intermittently bonded optical fiber tape that can be separated into a predetermined number of single-core coated optical fiber units without causing an increase in optical loss and an optical cable using the same can be realized.

The perspective view which shows 1st Embodiment of the intermittent adhesion type | mold optical fiber tape of this invention AA line sectional view in FIG. Schematic diagram showing the appearance when a pressing force in the thickness direction is applied to the intermittently bonded optical fiber tape of FIG. The graph which shows the relationship between the adhesion length of a 2nd adhesion part, and the pressing force required in order to isolate | separate into a subtape unit Illustration of adhesive length Sectional view showing an example of optical cable Sectional drawing which shows the other example of an optical cable Sectional drawing which shows the other example of an optical cable Sectional drawing which shows the other example of an optical cable Sectional drawing which shows the other example of an optical cable The perspective view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the intermittent adhesion type | mold optical fiber tape of this invention FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state where the intermittently bonded optical fiber tape of FIG. 11 is separated into sub tape units. The perspective view which shows 3rd Embodiment of the intermittent adhesion type | mold optical fiber tape of this invention FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state where the intermittently bonded optical fiber tape of FIG. 13 is separated into sub tape units. The perspective view which shows 4th Embodiment of the intermittent adhesion type | mold optical fiber tape of this invention

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an intermittently bonded optical fiber tape according to the present invention. An intermittently bonded optical fiber tape 20 (hereinafter referred to as an intermittent tape 20) of the present embodiment has two or more predetermined ones. The number, here, four single-core coated optical fibers 21 are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and adjacent single-core coated optical fibers 21 are intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the single-core coated optical fibers 21. A structure including at least two sub tapes bonded by the first bonding portion 22 formed here, including two sub tapes st1 and st2, and each of the sub tapes st1 and st2 is composed of a single-core coated optical fiber. 2 is bonded and integrated in the width direction via the second bonding portion 23 that is intermittently arranged with respect to the longitudinal direction of 21, and in this case, it is shown in FIG. 2 showing a cross section along line AA in FIG. Second At least in its central portion the thickness of the wear part 23 is obtained by setting the thickness projecting from the common line tangential to the surface of each single-core coated optical fiber 21.

  By adopting such a structure, for example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when a pressing force is applied so as to sandwich the intermittent tape 20 in the thickness direction, as shown in FIG. The bonding portion 23 spreads between the single-core coated optical fibers 21. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 3C, only the portion where the second adhesive portion 23 is formed is separated. On the other hand, the first bonding portion 22 is not separated because a force that spreads between the single-core coated optical fibers 21 is not applied even when a pressing force is applied. Further, even if a pressing force that sandwiches the intermittent tape 20 in the thickness direction is applied, the single-core coated optical fiber 21 is not bent, so that it can be separated in units of sub-tapes without causing an increase in optical loss. Become.

  FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the bonding length of the second bonding portion 23 and the pressing force required to separate the intermittent tape 20 into sub-tapes. Here, the adhesion length is the length of the portion where the second adhesion portion 23 and the single-core coated optical fiber 21 are in contact with each other as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, a urethane acrylate-based ultraviolet curable resin is used as the material of the second adhesive portion 23.

  As a result, when the adhesion length is greater than 225 μm, the pressing force required for separation increases rapidly. When the pressing force increases, a large lateral pressure is applied to the single-core coated optical fiber 21, which causes an increase in optical loss. For this reason, the adhesion length is desirably 225 μm or less.

  Also, such intermittent tapes (including those in the following embodiments) are used by being mounted on optical cables having various structures such as slot type optical cables and tube type optical cables as shown in FIGS. Of course it is possible.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 11 shows a second embodiment of the intermittently bonded optical fiber tape of the present invention. The intermittently bonded optical fiber tape 30 (hereinafter referred to as “intermittent tape 30”) according to the present embodiment includes two or more predetermined ones. The number, here, four single-core coated optical fibers 31 are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and adjacent single-core coated optical fibers 31 are intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the single-core coated optical fibers 31. A structure including at least two sub tapes bonded by the first bonding portion 32, which includes two sub tapes st1 and st2, each of the sub tapes st1 and st2 being configured as a single-core coated optical fiber. Adhering in the width direction through the second adhesive portion 33 that is intermittently disposed with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first adhesive portion 31, the breaking strength of the second adhesive portion 33 is set to the first adhesive portion 32. Compare with It is obtained by setting a low Te.

  By adopting such a configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the sub tape st1 and the sub tape st2 are respectively held by fingers and pulled in the width direction of the intermittent tape 30, the second adhesive portion 33 is broken. . On the other hand, since the first bonding portion 32 has a high breaking strength, the first bonding portion 32 does not break before the second bonding portion 33 and can be reliably separated in units of sub-tapes.

  Further, when the intermittent tape 30 is pulled in the width direction, the single-core coated optical fiber 31 may be bent, which may cause bending loss. However, by appropriately setting the breaking strength of the second adhesive portion 33, The second adhesive portion 33 can be broken before bending to cause an increase in light loss. In order to adjust the breaking strength of the second adhesive portion 33, general material properties such as Young's modulus and elongation at break of the second adhesive portion 33 are adjusted, or the second adhesive portion 33 is broken. An easy shape can be considered, but any method may be adopted.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 13 shows a third embodiment of the intermittently bonded optical fiber tape of the present invention. The intermittently bonded optical fiber tape 40 (hereinafter referred to as “intermittent tape 40”) according to the present embodiment includes two or more predetermined ones. The number, here, four single-core coated optical fibers 41 are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and adjacent single-core coated optical fibers 41 are intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the single-core coated optical fibers 41. A structure including at least two subtapes bonded by the formed first bonding portion 42, here including two subtapes st1 and st2, each of the subtapes st1 and st2 being composed of a single-core coated optical fiber In this case, the second adhesive portion 43 is intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction and bonded in the width direction to be integrated. At this time, the softening temperature of the second adhesive portion 43 is set to the first adhesive portion 42. Compare with It is obtained by setting a low Te.

  By setting it as such a structure, when the temperature of the intermittent tape 40 is raised with a heater, only the 2nd adhesion part 43 softens. In this state, as shown in FIG. 14, when the sub tape st <b> 1 and the sub tape st <b> 2 are respectively held by fingers and pulled in the width direction of the intermittent tape 40, only the second adhesive portion 43 is broken. On the other hand, since the first bonding portion 42 is not softened, the first bonding portion 42 is not broken before the second bonding portion 43 and can be reliably separated in units of sub-tapes.

  Further, when the intermittent tape 40 is pulled in the width direction, the single-core coated optical fiber 41 is bent, which may cause bending loss. However, the softening temperature of the second bonding portion 43 and the temperature rise by the heater are increased. By appropriately setting, the second bonding portion 43 can be broken before bending that causes an increase in light loss is applied. In order to adjust the softening temperature of the second bonding portion 43, the characteristics of the material used for the second bonding portion 43 may be adjusted as appropriate.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 15 shows a fourth embodiment of the intermittently bonded optical fiber tape of the present invention. The intermittently bonded optical fiber tape 50 (hereinafter referred to as “intermittent tape 50”) according to the present embodiment includes two or more predetermined ones. The number, here, four single-core coated optical fibers 51 are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and adjacent single-core coated optical fibers 51 are intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the single-core coated optical fibers 51. A structure including at least two subtapes bonded by the formed first bonding portion 52, here including two subtapes st1 and st2, each of the subtapes st1 and st2 being connected to each other by a single-core coated optical fiber The second adhesive portion 53 is integrated in the width direction via the second adhesive portion 53 that is intermittently disposed with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first adhesive portion 51. At this time, the material of the second adhesive portion 53 is the same as that of the first adhesive portion 52. Compared to It is obtained by setting more soluble in machine solvent.

  By setting it as such a structure, the 2nd adhesion part 53 melt | dissolves by apply | coating an organic solvent to the intermittent tape 50. FIG. On the other hand, since the first bonding portion 52 is difficult to dissolve, the first bonding portion 52 does not dissolve before the second bonding portion 53, and can be surely separated in units of sub-tapes.

  Note that a polymer material such as an ultraviolet curable resin or a thermosetting resin may be used for the second adhesive portion 53, and the solubility may be designed by appropriately adjusting the molecular structure.

  20, 30, 40, 50: intermittently bonded optical fiber tape (intermittent tape), 21, 31, 41, 51: single-core coated optical fiber, 22, 32, 42, 52: first bonded portion, 23, 33 , 43, 53: second adhesive portion, st1, st2: sub-tape.

Japanese Patent No. 4619424 JP2012-27200A

Claims (5)

Two or more predetermined numbers of single-core coated optical fibers are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and adjacent single-core coated optical fibers are intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction or the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the single-core coated optical fibers. Comprising at least two sub-tapes bonded by the first bonding portion formed,
Each sub-tape is bonded and integrated in the width direction via a second bonding portion that is intermittently arranged with respect to the longitudinal direction of the single-core coated optical fiber,
At this time, the thickness of the first adhesive portion is set to a thickness that does not protrude from the tangent line passing through the surface of each single-core coated optical fiber, and the thickness of the second adhesive portion is set at least at the center portion thereof. An intermittently bonded optical fiber tape characterized by having a thickness that protrudes from a tangent line that passes through the surface of a single-core coated optical fiber. Two or more predetermined numbers of single-core coated optical fibers are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and adjacent single-core coated optical fibers are intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction or the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the single-core coated optical fibers. Comprising at least two sub-tapes bonded by the first bonding portion formed,
Each sub-tape is bonded and integrated in the width direction via a second bonding portion that is intermittently arranged with respect to the longitudinal direction of the single-core coated optical fiber,
At this time, the second intermittent bonding type optical fiber tape, characterized in that the breaking strength of the bonded portion is set lower as compared to the first adhesive portion. Two or more predetermined numbers of single-core coated optical fibers are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and adjacent single-core coated optical fibers are intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction or the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the single-core coated optical fibers. Comprising at least two sub-tapes bonded by the first bonding portion formed,
Each sub-tape is bonded and integrated in the width direction via a second bonding portion that is intermittently arranged with respect to the longitudinal direction of the single-core coated optical fiber,
At this time, the second intermittent bonding type optical fiber tape, characterized in that the softening temperature of the adhesive portion is set lower as compared to the first adhesive portion. Two or more predetermined numbers of single-core coated optical fibers are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and adjacent single-core coated optical fibers are intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction or the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the single-core coated optical fibers. Comprising at least two sub-tapes bonded by the first bonding portion formed,
Each sub-tape is bonded and integrated in the width direction via a second bonding portion that is intermittently arranged with respect to the longitudinal direction of the single-core coated optical fiber,
At this time, the second intermittent bonding type optical fiber tape, characterized in that the material of the bonding portion was set easily dissolved in an organic solvent as compared to the first adhesive portion.   An optical cable comprising the intermittently bonded optical fiber tape according to claim 1 mounted thereon.

Images