JP2001069631A - Method of removing tape covering of optical fiber tape core and brush, core separation tool and cover-removing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To remove the tape covering of an optical fiber tape core without requiring skill, without damaging optical fiber cores and in a short time. SOLUTION: After the tape covering 3 of one side end part of an optical fiber tape core 1 is removed and respective optical fiber cores 2 are exposed, the exposed parts are inserted into a brush and hairs 6 of the brush are made to cut into the covering between the respective optical cores 2 (a). The brush is moved in the longitudinal direction of the tape core 1 to make slits extend from the optical fiber core exposing part C side in the longitudinal direction of the tape core 1 in the remaining tape covering 3 to divide the optical fiber tape core 1 into optical fiber cores 30 with tape coverings at least to the middle part (b). The optical fiber core exposing part C is inserted between the hairs 7 of the brush, while the taped parts of the optical fiber cores 30 with the tape coverings are stroked and the tape covering 3 with the slits is caught by the hairs 7 and removed from its tip side.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical fiber ribbon used for separating each optical fiber by removing the tape coating of the optical fiber ribbon comprising a plurality of optical fibers. The present invention relates to a method for removing a wire tape coating, a brush used for the method, a core wire separating tool, and a coating removing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A plurality of optical fiber cores are arranged in parallel, and these optical fiber cores are collectively covered with a tape coating.
Optical fiber ribbons formed in a tape shape are used for optical communication. Generally, a plurality of such optical fiber ribbons are housed in a cable, and when connecting the optical fiber ribbon to a connection partner, first, at the connection site, pull out the optical fiber ribbon from the cable. . Then, in order to connect each of the drawn optical fiber ribbons to the connection partner, the tape coating from the connection end face of the optical fiber ribbon to the middle is removed.

[0003] The removal of the tape coating is performed manually. For example, when it is desired to remove the 15 m tape coating, 15 m from one end of the optical fiber ribbon is required.
In the position (1), a cut substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon was formed in the tape coating using a blade, and then the 15-m tape coating was peeled off.

[0004]

However, as described above, when the tape coating removal operation is performed manually, the operation time and reliability are affected by the skill of the operator, and the work of the operator other than the expert is not performed. When a worker works, there are problems that a lot of time is required and reliability cannot be maintained.

[0005] Specifically, when a cut substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon is made in the tape coating using the blade as described above, not only the tape coating but also the inside of the tape coating is provided. In some cases, optical fibers may be damaged. Also, with a cut in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon,
The task of manually stripping a long tape covering, for example, 15 m, from the cut to one end of the optical fiber ribbon is very difficult, so if you are not skilled in the work, you will waste a lot of time. And, as mentioned above,
Even if the optical fiber core is not damaged when the tape coating is cut with a blade, the optical fiber core may be bent to less than the allowable bending radius during the tape coating stripping operation. The wire could be damaged.

[0006] A damaged optical fiber core wire has a risk of increasing transmission loss during optical transmission, and the separated optical fiber core wire is stored in a connection box such as a closure in a wound state. However, the probability of breakage during storage is increased. In such a case, the optical fiber ribbon in which the optical fiber ribbons are juxtaposed becomes useless.

When the optical fiber is damaged as described above, the optical fiber may be cut off at the damaged portion, and the work of making a cut in the tape coating may be performed again. However, if there is no room for the length of the optical fiber ribbon, it is inevitable to give up.In such a case, newly pull out the optical fiber tape from the cable in which the optical fiber ribbon is stored, Since the fiber optic tape had to be removed from the cable, which was very difficult, more and more time and effort had to be expended.

Therefore, in some cases, the above-described tape coating removing operation is performed in a factory, and the tape coating of one end portion is removed in advance in the factory to expose the optical fiber core to the connection site. The other end of the optical fiber ribbon is connected to the optical fiber ribbon drawn out of the cable by fusing or the like, and each of the optical fiber cores exposed in the factory is individually connected. Connection to the connection partner is also performed.

[0009] Even when the above-mentioned tape coating removal operation is performed in a factory, there is a risk that the optical fiber core may be damaged when the tape coating of the optical fiber tape is cut using a blade. Although this work is possible, the workability is better than performing this work at the connection site, so that the danger is reduced and the subsequent tape coating stripping work is easily performed. Also, if the optical fiber for removing the tape coating is not accommodated in the cable in advance, if the optical fiber is damaged, the portion is cut off, and the tape coating is cut again or the tape coating is cut again. It becomes easy to repeat the work of peeling off.

However, when this method is used, the optical fiber ribbon pulled out from the cable is connected to the optical fiber ribbon from which the tape coating has been removed in the factory.
Further, there is a problem that the number of connection points is increased correspondingly to connect to the connection partner side, and transmission loss increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to easily and without damaging an optical fiber having a required length separated by removing a tape coating. Provided is a method for removing a tape coating of an optical fiber core, which can remove an optical fiber core by removing the tape coating of the optical fiber core core in a short time, and a brush, a core separation tool, and a coating removing device used in the method. Is to do.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention has the following structure to solve the problem. That is, a first invention of a method for removing a tape coating of an optical fiber ribbon is to provide an optical fiber formed by arranging a plurality of optical fiber cores in parallel and covering these optical fiber cores collectively by tape coating. A method of removing a tape coating of a tape core, wherein the tape coating at one end of the optical fiber core is stripped to expose each optical fiber core, and then the optical fiber core is left on the remaining tape coating. A tear extending in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon from the exposed portion side was generated to separate the optical fiber ribbon into an optical fiber core with a tape coating at least halfway, and thereafter, the tear occurred. The tape coating is stripped from the leading end side to solve the problem.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of removing a tape coating of an optical fiber ribbon, wherein the tape coating at one end of the optical fiber ribbon is removed by removing the tape coating at one end of the optical fiber ribbon. After exposing the fiber cores, the exposed portions of the optical fiber cores are inserted into the brush, and the bristles of the brush are inserted between the optical fiber cores, and the brush and the optical fiber tape core are inserted in this state. By sliding at least one of the wires in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon and moving the position of the brush toward the other end of the optical fiber ribbon, the tape coating is applied in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon. An object of the present invention is to solve the problem by providing a configuration in which an optical fiber ribbon is separated at least partway into an optical fiber core coated with a tape by generating an extending tear.

In a third aspect of the present invention, a method of removing a tape coating of an optical fiber ribbon is provided. After exposing the fiber cores, the exposed portions of the optical fiber cores are sandwiched between the first and second pairs of brushes from both sides, so that the first brush and the second brush are interposed between the optical fiber cores. After inserting at least one bristle, at least one of the pair of brushes and the optical fiber ribbon is slid in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon in this state, and the position of the pair of brushes is changed to the optical fiber tape. By moving the core wire to the other end side, a tear extending in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape core is generated in the tape coating, and the optical fiber tape core is taped at least halfway. It has a structure for separating the covering with the optical fiber has a means for solving the problems.

Further, a fourth invention of a method of removing a tape coating from an optical fiber ribbon is provided in the first, second or third method.
In addition to the configuration of the invention, after peeling off the tape coating of one end of the optical fiber ribbon, and separating at least halfway through the optical fiber ribbon into an optical fiber ribbon with a tape coating, each tape coating Insert the exposed portion of the optical fiber core wire into the brush along the curved surface of the base with the portion of the optical fiber core coated with tape along the curved surface of the base, and pull the exposed end portion of the optical fiber core portion with the tape coating. While squeezing the portion along the curved surface, at least one of the optical fiber ribbon with the tape coating and the brush is slid in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon to move the position of the brush to the other end of the optical fiber ribbon. Then, the tape coating is stripped off by hooking the tape coating on the bristles of the brush.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of removing a tape covering of an optical fiber ribbon, wherein at least one of the optical fiber ribbon with the tape coating and the brush is moved in a longitudinal direction. In some cases, the means for solving the problem is configured to move while pressing the tape-coated portion against the curved surface side.

Further, the brush of the present invention is the brush used in the second or third invention of the above-mentioned method for removing the tape coating of the optical fiber ribbon, wherein the interval between the plurality of bristle implanted on the base. Is a means for solving the problem with a configuration smaller than the outer diameter of each optical fiber core.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a cord separating device according to the second or third aspect of the method for removing a tape coating of an optical fiber ribbon.
The at least one pair of brushes for inserting the exposed portion of the optical fiber is provided, and the base end of the handle of one of the brushes is the other. The handle of the brush on the side is rotatable relative to the base end side, and the rotation of the handle of the brush allows the exposed portion of the optical fiber ribbon of the optical fiber tape to be sandwiched from both sides. It is a means to solve the problem with a certain configuration.

Further, a first invention of a coating removing device is a coating removing device used in a fourth invention of a tape coating removing method of an optical fiber tape, wherein the separated optical fiber core with a tape coating is provided. A curved surface along the tape-coated portion, and a brush for inserting the exposed portion of the optical fiber core wire on the distal end side of the tape-coated optical fiber core wire,
The curved surface is a means for solving the problem with a configuration in which the width in the optical fiber core line cross-sectional direction is wider than the tape-coated portion.

In a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the coating removing apparatus further comprises a tape coating for pressing a tape-coated portion of the optical fiber core wire with a tape coating disposed on the curved surface to the curved surface side. This is a means for solving the problem with a configuration having a holding portion.

In the present invention having the above structure, after stripping the tape coating of one end of the optical fiber ribbon to expose each optical fiber core, for example, insert each exposed portion of the optical fiber core into the brush. Then, the bristles of the brush are inserted between the optical fiber core wires, and in this state, at least one of the brush and the optical fiber tape core wire is slid in the optical fiber tape core length direction to change the position of the brush. By moving the optical fiber ribbon to the other end side, a tear extending in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon is generated in the tape coating, so that the optical fiber ribbon is at least partially extended. Separation into lines is performed.

In the present invention, after the tape coating on one end of the optical fiber tape core is stripped off, as described above, in order to cause a crack in the remaining tape coating, the optical fiber tape core to be stripped first is removed. Since the amount of stripping of the tape coating at one end of the wire can be small, even if the optical fiber core is damaged at the time of stripping the tape coating, if this part is cut off and redone, the required length of the optical fiber It does not hurt the core.

Then, after stripping the tape coating of one end portion of the optical fiber ribbon to expose each optical fiber core, a tear extending in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon is formed in the remaining tape coating. Since the operation of causing the optical fiber ribbon to be separated into the optical fiber ribbon with the tape coating at least halfway is performed by the relative sliding movement of the brush and the optical fiber ribbon, It is easy and can be performed in a short time without requiring any skill in the operation and without damaging the optical fiber.

In the present invention, after the optical fiber ribbon is separated at least halfway into the tape-coated optical fiber core, for example, the tape-coated portion of each tape-coated optical fiber core is mounted on a base. Insert the exposed part of the optical fiber at the tip end into the brush along the curved surface of
While pulling the tip of the exposed portion of the optical fiber core and squeezing the tape-coated portion along the curved surface, the tape-coated optical fiber core and the brush are slid relative to each other to move the position of the brush to the optical fiber core. By moving the wire toward the other end, the tape coating with the tear is hooked on the brush hair and stripped from the tip end.

As described above, the operation of peeling off the tape coating having the tear from the distal end side is performed by pulling the exposed end portion of the fiber core wire and squeezing the tape-coated portion along the curved surface to thereby remove the tape coating. This operation is very easy because the relative sliding movement between the optical fiber and the brush is performed, and this operation can be performed in a short time without any skill and without damaging the optical fiber. Is possible, and the above problem is solved from the above.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a tape coating removing method for an optical fiber ribbon according to the present invention. FIGS. 2 to 7 show the configuration and operation of an embodiment of the core wire separating tool and the sheath removing device used when removing the tape coating of the optical fiber ribbon using the above method. I have.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the method for removing the tape coating of the optical fiber ribbon according to the present embodiment comprises arranging a plurality of optical fiber cores 2 in parallel.
Are collectively covered with a tape coating 3 to remove the tape coating 3 of the optical fiber ribbon 1. As shown in FIG. The tape coating 3 is peeled off to expose each optical fiber core wire 2. The stripping of the tape coating is performed by using a blade or the like to form a cut in the tape coating 3 that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1.
This is performed by peeling off the tape coating 3 on the leading end side of the optical fiber ribbon 1 from the cut.

Next, the exposed optical fiber core 2 (the part shown in FIG. 3C, hereinafter referred to as an optical fiber core exposed part C in the description of the embodiment) is a brush. In this state, the optical fiber ribbon 1 is pulled in the direction of arrow A and slid with respect to the bristle 6, etc. of the brush, and thereby, as shown in FIG. A tear is formed in the remaining tape coating 3 extending in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1 from the exposed portion C side of the optical fiber, so that the optical fiber ribbon 1 is at least partially extended. Separate into core wires 30.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), the tape coating 3 (the portion shown in FIG. 2B) where the tear has occurred is hooked on, for example, the bristle 7 of the brush and stripped from the tip side.
When the tape coating 3 is removed halfway through the optical fiber ribbon 1 and the tape coating 3 is peeled off, the stripped tape coating 3 is cut off with scissors or the like.

The method of removing the tape coating of the optical fiber ribbon according to this embodiment is as described above.
With reference to FIGS. 2 to 7, a specific description will be given of a method for removing the tape coating of the optical fiber ribbon using the embodiment of the core separating device and the coating removing device.

FIG. 2 shows a structure as shown in FIG.
From the state where the tape coating 3 at one end of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is removed, as shown in FIG. An example of the configuration of the line separator is shown. This fiber separating device is provided with a first fiber for inserting the exposed part of the fiber.
And a pair of second brushes 4 (4a, 4b), and one of the brushes 4a, 4b
The base end of the handle (base) 18a is rotatable about the shaft 17 as a fulcrum with respect to the base end of the handle 18 of the other brush 4b. The movement allows the exposed portion C of the optical fiber ribbon of the optical fiber ribbon 1 to be sandwiched from both sides.

A spring 10 for urging the handle 18 of the brushes 4a, 4b in the opening direction is provided in the middle of the handle 18 of the brushes 4a, 4b, and the optical fibers are exposed by the brushes 4a, 4b. When the portion C is sandwiched from both sides, the distal ends of the brushes 4a and 4b are brought close to each other against the urging force of the spring 10. Further, the handle 18 of the brush 4b is provided with a stopper 12 on the tip side of the spring 10 so that the brush 4a is rotated and the brushes 4a, 4b are rotated.
When the tips of the brushes 4a are brought close to each other, the handle 18 of the brush 4a
Abuts against the stopper 12, so that the distance between the tips of the brushes 4a, 4b is regulated.

The spacing between the plurality of bristles 6 implanted on the base 18 of each of the brushes 4a and 4b is smaller than the outer diameter of each optical fiber core wire 2. The material of the hair 6 is not particularly limited, and is made of, for example, animal hair, whale, plant fiber, synthetic resin, and the like.
It has such hardness that the glass material forming the optical fiber core 2 is not damaged.

Next, a specific method of separating the optical fiber ribbon 1 into the optical fiber ribbon 30 with the tape coating using the fiber separating device will be specifically described. First, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, after stripping off the tape coating 3 at one end of the optical fiber ribbon 1 to expose each optical fiber core 2, as shown in FIG. The exposed portion C of the cord is inserted from the tip side of the bristle 6 of the brush 4b, and the bristle 6 of the brush 4b is inserted between the optical fibers 2 as shown in FIG.

Then, the bristle 6 on the tip side of the brush 4a is brought closer to the bristle 6 side on the tip side of the brush 4b, and as shown in FIG. 2 is sandwiched from both sides, so that at least one bristle 6 of the brush 4a and the brush 4b is interposed between the optical fibers.
To interrupt insertion.

Since the spacing between the bristles 6 of the brushes 4a and 4b is smaller than the arrangement spacing of the optical fiber cores 2 in the cord separating device of this embodiment, (c) in FIG. )
As shown in (1), the bristles 6 of the brushes 4a and 4b are reliably inserted between the optical fiber cores 2. In addition, since the optical fibers 2 are sandwiched between the brushes 4a and 4b from both sides, the bristle 6 is more reliably inserted between the optical fibers 2 so that each of the fibers 2 can be inserted. The amount of the bristle 6 that is inserted in the middle increases, as if the stiffness of the bristle 6 is increased, and the tear can easily occur in the tape coating 3.

Further, since the optical fiber core 2 is sandwiched between the brushes 4a and 4b from both sides, it is ensured that the optical fiber core 2 escapes from the tip of the bristle 6 of the brushes 4a and 4b. Is suppressed. Note that FIG. 3D shows a front view as viewed from the direction C in FIG. 3C.

Next, as described above, each optical fiber core 2
With the bristle 6 inserted between the brushes 4a,
4b and at least one of the optical fiber ribbons 1 is slid in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon, and the positions of the brushes 4a and 4b are moved toward the other end of the optical fiber ribbon 1. A tear extending in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is generated in the tape coating 3, and as shown in FIG. Separate to line 30.

FIG. 4 (a) shows a pair of brushes 4a, 4b as described above using the cord separator shown in FIG.
3 shows a plan view of a state in which the optical fiber core 2 is sandwiched from both sides, and at least one bristle 6 of the brush 4a and the brush 4b is inserted between the optical fiber cores 2. Further, in FIG. 4B, a tear extending in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is generated in the tape coating 3 by using the above-mentioned core wire separating tool, as shown in FIG. 1B. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which the optical fiber ribbon 1 is partially separated into an optical fiber core 30 with a tape coating.

In this embodiment, as described above, the optical fiber ribbon 1 is separated at least partway into the optical fiber core 30 with the tape coating by using the fiber separating device.

In FIG. 5, as shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a side view and a front view of a configuration example of a coating removing device used when removing the tape coating 3 of each optical fiber cored cable 30 with a single core separated.
(A) is a plan view viewed from the direction C in FIG. 5 (d), and FIG. 6 (b) is a plan view viewed from the direction A in FIG. 5 are plan views as viewed from the direction B in FIG.

As shown in these figures, this coating removing apparatus has a lower base 8 and an upper base 9, and the base end side of the upper base 9 is supported by a shaft 16 as a fulcrum. Is rotatably fixed to the base end side of the. In addition, between the lower base 8 and the upper base 9, these bases 8, 9 are opened in the opening direction (as shown in FIG. )
A spring 11 is provided to bias the spring.

The lower base 8 is provided with an optical fiber core mounting portion 21 at the tip end thereof.
Is formed with a curved surface 5 along the tape-coated portion of the tape-coated optical fiber core 30 separated by the core wire separating tool. The curved surface 5 is formed so as to have a width in the cross section direction of the optical fiber core wire larger than the tape coated portion (B in FIG. 1B) in each tape coated optical fiber core wire. The guide portions 23 are formed on both sides of the curved surface 5 so as to protrude from the curved surface 5.

On the distal end side of the lower base 8, a brush portion 22 for inserting the exposed portion C of the optical fiber core on the distal end side of the optical fiber core wire 30 with the tape coating is formed. The bristles 7 are the brushes 4 in the cord separating device.
It is configured similarly to the bristles 6 of a and 4b.

Further, the lower base 8 is provided with a stopper 1 between the bristle 7 of the brush portion 22 and the spring 11 with an interval therebetween.
When the upper base 9 is rotated and its tip side is brought closer to the lower base 8, the lower side of the upper base 9 contacts the stopper 13, and the upper base 9 and the lower base 9 are rotated. The space on the tip side of the base 8 is regulated.

On the tip side of the upper base 9, FIG.
As shown in (b), an opening 20 is formed at a position corresponding to the brush part 22 of the lower base 8. Further, on the tip end side of the upper base 9, a portion of the lower base 8 corresponding to the optical fiber core mounting base 21 at the position corresponding to the optical fiber core mounting base 21, the portion of the optical fiber core 30 with tape coating disposed on the curved surface 5 having the tape coating Is provided on the curved surface 5 side. As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the lower surface side of the tape covering presser 15 is formed in a curved shape corresponding to the curvature of the curved surface 5, and the tip side of the upper base 9 is connected to the lower base 8 side. When the state shown in FIG. 5A is changed to the state shown in FIG. 5C as shown in FIG. 5C, the lower surface of the tape coating presser 15 is superimposed on the curved surface 5.

When the tape covering 3 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is removed by using the covering removing apparatus having the above-described configuration, the steps shown in FIGS. After stripping off the tape coating 3 at one end of the optical fiber ribbon 1 and separating at least halfway through the optical fiber ribbon 1 into an optical fiber ribbon 30 with a tape coating, the optical fiber ribbon 30 shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 7B, the upper base 9 and the lower base 8 of the coating removing apparatus are separated from each other (open state) as shown in FIG.
One optical fiber core wire 30 with a tape coating is inserted into the distal end side of the coating removing device, and the distal end side of the upper base 9 is brought closer to the lower base 8 side as shown in FIG.

Then, the tape-coated portion of each tape-coated optical fiber 30 is made to extend along the curved surface 5 of the lower base 8, and the exposed portion of the optical fiber core C on the tip side is brushed with the brush portion 2.
2 and pulling the tip end side of the exposed portion C of the optical fiber, and squeezing the tape-coated portion along the curved surface 5 while brushing the tape-coated optical fiber 30 and the brush of the coating removing device. At least one of the portions 22 is slid in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1. In addition, the optical fiber 30 with the tape coating and the brush 22
When at least one of them is moved in the longitudinal direction, the tape-coated portion is
Move while pressing on the side.

By moving the brush portion 22 toward the other end of the optical fiber ribbon 1 by this movement, as shown in FIG. 7C and FIG. The coating 3 is hung on the bristles 7 of the brush portion 22 and peeled off. Then, the stripped tape coating 3
Escapes upward through the opening 20 on the distal end side of the upper base 9.

In this embodiment, the tape coating 3 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is removed as described above. According to this embodiment, first, the optical fiber ribbon 1 is removed. After partially peeling off the tape coating 3 at one end, the remaining tape coating 3 is torn, so that the tape coating 3 at the one end of the optical fiber ribbon 1 needs to be removed in a small amount. Even if the optical fiber core 2 is damaged when the tape coating 3 is peeled off, if this part is cut off and redone, the optical fiber core 2 of the required length will not be damaged.

Then, after stripping off the tape coating 3 at one end of the optical fiber ribbon 1 to expose each optical fiber core 2, the remaining tape coating 3 is applied to the length of the optical fiber ribbon 1. The operation of separating the optical fiber ribbon 1 at least partway into the tape coated optical fiber 30 by generating a tear extending in the direction is performed by using a core separator as shown in FIG. 4b and the optical fiber ribbon 1 are relatively slid, so that it is very easy, does not require any skill in the work, does not damage the optical fiber 2 and can be done in a short time. Can do it.

In particular, the bristles 6 of the brushes 4a and 4b provided in the cord separating device shown in FIG. 2 are made of a material which does not damage the glass material forming the optical fiber cord 2 as described above. Brushes 4a, 4
The fiber 6 does not damage the optical fiber 2 at all, and the operation of separating the optical fiber ribbon 1 into the optical fiber 30 coated with the tape can be more reliably performed. it can.

In this embodiment, the tape-coated portion of each of the separated optical fiber ribbons 30 is arranged along the curved surface 5 of the lower base 8 and the tape-coated portion is formed along the curved surface 5. By tightening, the adhesion between the tape coating and the optical fiber 2 can be reduced.
Then, the exposed portion of the optical fiber core C on the distal end side is inserted between the bristles 7 of the brush portion 22, and while pulling the distal end of the exposed portion of the optical fiber core C, the optical fiber core 3 with the tape coating is drawn.
0 and the coating removing device are slid relative to each other to move the position of the brush portion 22 to the other end of the optical fiber ribbon 1 so that the tape coating 3 is moved to the brush portion 22.
Since it is hooked on the hair 7 and stripped from the tip side, the operation of removing the tape coating 3 is also very easy, without requiring any skill in the operation and without damaging the optical fiber 2 in a short time. Removal of the tape coating 3 can be performed.

In particular, in this embodiment, the tape-coated portion of the optical fiber core wire 30 having the tape coating is formed with a curved surface 5.
When moving at least one of the optical fiber core wire 2 and the coating removing device while squeezing along, the tape-coated portion is moved by pressing the tape-coated portion toward the curved surface 5 by the tape-coating-holding presser 15. Is very easy to move along the curved surface 5 and
It can be performed reliably, and it is possible to reliably prevent the tape-coated portion from escaping from the curved surface 5 during the movement.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the opening 20 is provided at a position corresponding to the brush portion 22 on the tip side of the upper base 9 of the coating removing device.
The tape coating 3 thus peeled off can escape through the opening 20, and the tape coating 3 that has been peeled off one after another can be prevented from being in the way when the tape coating 3 is removed. .

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the core separating device and the sheath removing device having the simple structure as shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 can be used easily and in a short time. The tape coating 3 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 can be reliably removed.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can adopt various embodiments. For example,
The wire separating device is not necessarily the first and the second as shown in FIG.
The configuration is not limited to having one pair of brushes 4a and 4b, and two or more pairs of brushes 4a and 4b may be provided.

The tool for separating the optical fiber ribbon 1 at least halfway into the tape coated optical fiber 30 is not necessarily a core wire separating device having a pair of brushes 4. The brush 4 in which the interval between the plurality of bristles 6 planted on the base (handle) 18 is smaller than the outer diameter of each optical fiber core wire 2 may be used, or a core wire separating tool having such a brush 4 may be used. Then, the exposed portion C of each optical fiber is inserted into the brush 4 and the bristle 6 of the brush 4 is inserted between the optical fibers 2 in this state. By sliding at least one of them in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon to move the position of the brush 4 toward the other end of the optical fiber ribbon 1, as shown in FIG.
The optical fiber core wire 30 with the tape coating may be separated into a single core.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the coating removing device does not always have the tape coating holding portion 15, and for example, the base on the side having the curved surface 5 is replaced with the upper base 9
The configuration may be such that the coating removing device shown in FIG. 5 is turned upside down.

Further, in FIG. 5, the tape coating presser 15 can be omitted to make the coating removing device fair.
In this case, for example, the upper base 9, the stopper 13, and the spring 11 in FIG. 5 can be omitted, and the device configuration can be simplified. However, when the tape-coated holding portion 15 is provided, at least one of the tape-coated optical fiber 30 and the coating removing device is moved while squeezing the tape-coated optical fiber 30 along the curved surface 5 as described above. When this is done, escape from the curved surface 5 can be reliably prevented, and the portion with the tape coating 3 can be easily moved along the curved surface 5.

Further, in the method for removing the tape coating of the optical fiber ribbon according to the present invention, the tape coating 3 is not always removed by using the coating removing device. Then, after separating the optical fiber ribbon 1 at least partway into the optical fiber ribbon 30 with tape coating, the tape coating 3 is manually inserted.
May be removed. Also in this case, unlike the case where the tape coating 3 without tears is manually peeled off,
The stripping operation of the tape coating 3 becomes easy, and the tape coating 3 can be stripped without damaging the optical fiber 2. However, when the above-described coating removing device is used, the removal of the tape coating 3 can be more easily performed.
It can be performed accurately in a short time.

[0062]

According to the present invention, first, after stripping off the tape coating at one end of the optical fiber ribbon, the remaining tape coating is torn and the optical fiber ribbon is coated with the tape. To separate a single fiber into an optical fiber core,
The amount of tape coating stripping at one end of the optical fiber tape core to be stripped first may be small, and even if the optical fiber core is damaged at the time of stripping the tape coating, if this part is cut off and redone, At this point, the required length of the optical fiber is not damaged. Then, the stripping operation of the tape coating in which the tear has occurred can be very easily performed, unlike the case of stripping the tape coating without the tear, without damaging the optical fiber core, in a very short time. Can do it.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the operation does not require skill, and the optical fiber core is not damaged.
In a short time, the optical fiber ribbon can be separated into optical fibers by removing the required length of the tape coating.

According to the second aspect of the method for removing the tape coating of the optical fiber ribbon, the tape coating of one end of the optical fiber ribbon is peeled off to expose each of the optical fiber ribbons. The brush and the light are used to separate the optical fiber ribbon at least halfway into the optical fiber ribbon with the tape coating by generating a tear extending in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon in the remaining tape coating. Since the operation is performed by sliding relative to the fiber ribbon, it does not require any skill in the work, in a very short time, does not damage the optical fiber, Separation can be performed.

Further, according to the third aspect of the method for removing the coating of the optical fiber ribbon, the tape coating of one end of the optical fiber ribbon is peeled off to expose each optical fiber. Sandwiching the exposed portion of each optical fiber core between the first and second pairs of brushes to insert at least one of the first and second brushes between the optical fiber cores. Then, in this state, at least one of the pair of brushes and the optical fiber ribbon is slid in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon to move the position of the pair of brushes to the other end of the optical fiber ribbon. Because of the movement, the amount of bristle inserted between the optical fiber cores increases, making it possible to create a state in which the stiffness of the bristle is increased, and it is easy to cause a tear in the tape coating. It can be.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the optical fiber core is sandwiched between the first and second brushes from both sides, the optical fiber core escapes from the tip of the bristle of the brush. Can also be reliably suppressed,
The operation of separating a single fiber into an optical fiber coated with a tape can be more easily and accurately performed.

Further, according to the fourth invention of the method for removing the tape coating of the optical fiber ribbon, while squeezing the tape-coated portion along the curved surface, pulling the tip end of the exposed portion of the fiber ribbon, By performing the relative sliding movement of the coated optical fiber core and the brush, the adhesive force between the tape coating and the optical fiber core is weakened, and the tape coating having the tear is very easily peeled off from the front end side. Can be. Therefore, the tape coating stripping operation can be performed in a short time without requiring any skill in the tape coating stripping operation and without damaging the optical fiber when the tape coating is stripped.

Further, according to the fifth invention of the method for removing a tape coating of an optical fiber ribbon, in the above-mentioned fourth invention, at least one of the optical fiber ribbon with the tape coating and the brush is moved in the longitudinal direction. In addition, since the tape-coated portion is moved while being pressed against the curved surface, the tape-coated portion can be easily moved along the curved surface, and the tape-coated portion can surely escape from the curved surface. The tape coating stripping operation can be performed more easily and accurately.

Further, according to the brush of the present invention, the operation of separating the optical fiber ribbon with the tape coating according to the second and third inventions of the above-mentioned method for removing the tape coating of the optical fiber ribbon with a very simple structure. It can be done accurately and very easily.

Further, according to the core wire separating tool of the present invention, by rotating the handle of one brush of the pair of brushes with respect to the handle of the other brush, the light of the optical fiber ribbon can be obtained. The exposed part of the fiber core is sandwiched from both sides, and the relative movement between this pair of brushes and the optical fiber core is
The method of removing the tape coating of the optical fiber ribbons into the optical fiber ribbons with the tape coating according to the second and third aspects of the present invention has a simple configuration that can be performed very easily and accurately. A cord separator can be provided.

Further, according to the coating removing apparatus of the present invention,
While squeezing the tape-coated portion along the curved surface of the optical fiber core wire with the tape coating along the curved surface where the width in the optical fiber cross-section direction is wider than the tape-coated portion, remove the exposed portion of the optical fiber core wire at the tip. It is possible to provide a coating removing device that can be inserted into a brush and easily exhibit the effect of the fourth invention of the tape coating removing method of the optical fiber ribbon.

Further, according to the second aspect of the coating removing apparatus, the tape coating pressing portion for pressing the tape coating portion of the optical fiber core wire with the tape coating disposed on the curved surface to the curved surface side is provided, Since the work with the tape covering can be easily performed and the part with the tape covering can be prevented from escaping from the curved surface, the stripping operation of the tape covering can be more easily and accurately performed. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a process explanatory diagram showing one embodiment of a method for removing a tape coating of an optical fiber ribbon according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a cord separating tool used in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an operation of interruptingly inserting a bristle of the brush of the core wire separating tool shown in FIG. 2 into an exposed portion of the optical fiber core wire of the optical fiber tape.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a single-core separating operation into an optical fiber core with a tape coating by the core separating device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a front view (a) and a side view (b) when the upper and lower bases 8 and 9 are opened, and the bases 8 and 9 show examples of the coating removing apparatus used in the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram shown by a front view (c) and a side view (d) when is closed.

6A is a plan view of the coating removing apparatus of FIG. 5 when viewed from a direction C, FIG. 6B is a plan view of an upper base viewed from a direction A, and FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a tape coating removing operation using the coating removing device of FIG. 5;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical fiber ribbon 2 Optical fiber 3 Tape coating 4, 4a, 4b Brush 5 Curved surface 6, 7 Bristle 8 Lower base 9 Upper base 10, 11 Spring 12, 13 Stopper 15 Tape coating holding part 16, 17 Shaft 18 handle

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Ichiro Kobayashi 2-6-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Inside Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Tanase 2-3-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo No. Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation F term (reference) 4E070 AB14 EA05 5G353 BA05 CA04 DA01

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A method for removing a tape coating of an optical fiber ribbon formed by arranging a plurality of optical fiber cores side by side and coating the optical fiber cores collectively with a tape coating. After peeling off the tape coating at one end of the tape core to expose each optical fiber core, the remaining tape coating is applied in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber core from the optical fiber core exposed part side. An optical fiber characterized in that an optical fiber ribbon is separated at least partway into an optical fiber coated with a tape by generating an extending tear, and thereafter, the tape coating having the tear is peeled off from the front end side. A method for removing the tape coating of a fiber ribbon. 2. After stripping off the tape coating on one end of the optical fiber ribbon to expose each optical fiber core,
After inserting the exposed portion of each optical fiber core into the brush and inserting the bristle of the brush between the optical fiber cores, at least one of the brush and the optical fiber core is connected to the optical fiber core in this state. By sliding the brush in the longitudinal direction of the fiber to move the position of the brush toward the other end of the optical fiber ribbon, the tape coating generates a tear extending in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon, thereby producing an optical fiber tape. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the core is separated at least halfway into an optical fiber with a tape coating. 3. After stripping off the tape coating on one end of the optical fiber ribbon to expose each optical fiber core,
By exposing each optical fiber core exposed portion between the first and second pairs of brushes from both sides, at least one bristle of the first brush and the second brush was interposed between each optical fiber core. Thereafter, in this state, at least one of the pair of brushes and the optical fiber ribbon is slid in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon to move the position of the pair of brushes to the other end of the optical fiber ribbon. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of causing a tear extending in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon in the tape coating to separate the optical fiber ribbon into the tape coated optical fiber at least halfway. The method for removing a tape coating of an optical fiber ribbon according to the above. 4. An optical fiber with a tape coating after stripping off the tape coating of one end of the optical fiber tape and separating at least halfway of the optical fiber tape into an optical fiber with a tape coating. The exposed portion of the optical fiber is inserted into the brush along the curved surface of the base with the portion of the core covered with the tape, and the exposed portion of the optical fiber is pulled to pull out the portion with the tape. While squeezing along the curved surface, at least one of the tape-coated optical fiber core and the brush is slid in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber core to move the brush to the other end of the optical fiber core. The optical fiber ribbon according to claim 1, wherein the tape coating is hooked on a brush hair and peeled off. 5. Tape coating removal method. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein when moving at least one of the optical fiber core wire with tape and the brush in the longitudinal direction, the movement is performed while pressing the tape-coated portion toward the curved surface side. A method for removing a tape coating of an optical fiber ribbon. 6. A brush used in the method for removing a tape coating of an optical fiber ribbon according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a plurality of hairs implanted on the base are spaced apart from each other by an optical fiber ribbon. A brush characterized by being smaller than the outer diameter of the brush. 7. A core wire separating tool used in the method for removing the sheath of an optical fiber ribbon according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least one pair of brushes for inserting an exposed portion of the optical fiber core is provided. And the base end of the handle of one of the brushes is rotatable relative to the base end of the handle of the other brush. 7. The optical fiber separating device according to claim 6, wherein the exposed portion of the optical fiber core wire of the optical fiber tape core wire can be sandwiched from both sides. 8. A coating removing device used in the method for removing a tape coating of an optical fiber ribbon according to claim 4, wherein the curved surface along the tape coating portion of the separated optical fiber ribbon is provided. A brush for inserting an exposed portion of the optical fiber core wire on the distal end side of the tape coated optical fiber core, wherein the curved surface is formed to have a wider width in the optical fiber core section direction than the tape coated portion. A coating removing device. 9. The coating removing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a tape coating presser for pressing a tape-coated portion of the optical fiber with a tape disposed on the curved surface toward the curved surface.