JP2001281508A - Coated optical fiber tape core, coated optical fiber tape core assembly and resin covering device for coated optical fiber tape core - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coated optical fiber tape core which can maintain the covering thickness of the side surface of a covering having the shape of a tape in the state without trouble even when a coated optical fiber tape core assembly is formed. SOLUTION: A coated optical fiber tape core 1a is formed by coating a covering resin 3 in the shape of a tape in bloc to a plurality of optical fiber strands 2 juxtaposed in the direction vertical to the longitudinal direction. The sum of covering thicknesses a and b measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction, respectively are 1/10 or more and 1/2 or less of the outside diameter of the optical fiber strand 2. A covering thickness (a) measured in the width direction of one end in the width direction of coated optical fiber tape core 1a is a nearly constant value of 1/2 or less of covering thickness b measured in the width direction of the other edge in the width direction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light source comprising a plurality of optical fiber strands arranged in one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a coating resin formed by covering a plurality of optical fiber strands collectively with a tape. A fiber tape core, an optical fiber tape core assembly in which a plurality of the optical fiber tape cores are connected at their side surfaces to be integrated, and a resin coating for the optical fiber tape core for manufacturing the optical fiber tape core It concerns the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the number of optical fiber ribbons is four, but with the development of optical communication technology, eight optical fiber ribbons have appeared. Usually, a connector is connected to the end of the optical fiber ribbon, and there are four connectors and eight connectors. In the future, it is expected that connectors with more cores will appear.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, a four-core optical fiber ribbon 1 can be connected to a four-core connector or an eight-core connector.
A 4-fiber, 2-split, 8-core optical fiber ribbon 1 that can be used by being divided as a is developed.

[0004] This four-core, two-segment type, eight-core optical fiber ribbon assembly 1 comprises two four-core optical fiber tape cores 1a.
Have a structure in which one side in the width direction is adjacent to each other and connected by a connection resin 1b. Each of the four-core optical fiber tape cores 1a has a structure in which four optical fiber strands 2 are arranged side by side in one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the coating resin 3 is collectively coated in a tape shape. Has become. In this case, the four-core optical fiber ribbon 1a has a coating thickness a measured at one end in the width direction on the side connected to the other four-core optical fiber tape core 1a, and a width at the other end in the width direction. The coating thickness b measured in the direction was almost equal.

[0005] Such a four-core optical fiber ribbon 1a
Are connected side by side with a connection resin 1b as shown in FIG.
In the case of manufacturing the 8-core optical fiber ribbon core assembly 1 of the two-core type, the coating thickness a on the side where the four-core optical fiber ribbon 1a is connected is not reduced, and the four-core two-segment type optical fiber ribbon is used. 8
Since the pitches of the optical fiber ribbons 1 are not uniform, a 4-core optical fiber ribbon 1a having a reduced coating thickness b as well as the coating thickness a has been manufactured.

[0006]

However, when the coating thickness a and the coating thickness b of the four-core optical fiber ribbon 1a are both reduced, the mechanical strength of the four-core optical fiber ribbon 1a is reduced. Therefore, there is a limit in reducing the coating thickness a.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to easily form an optical fiber ribbon assembly in which the pitch of adjacent optical fiber wires is substantially uniform at the connecting portion while suppressing the mechanical strength of the core wire itself. To provide an optical fiber ribbon.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a split type optical fiber ribbon assembly in which the pitch of the optical fiber wires adjacent at the connecting portion is stable.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a resin coating apparatus for an optical fiber ribbon, which can stabilize the eccentric dimension.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a resin coating apparatus for an optical fiber ribbon, which can suppress deterioration of transmission loss of an optical fiber due to distortion.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a coating resin is applied to a plurality of optical fiber strands arranged in one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in a lump. The purpose of the present invention is to improve the formed optical fiber ribbon.

In the optical fiber ribbon of the present invention, the sum of the coating thicknesses measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is at least 1/10 of the outer diameter of the optical fiber.以下 or less, and the coating thickness measured in the width direction at one end in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is 以下 or less of the coating thickness measured in the width direction at the other end in the width direction. It is almost constant.

In this way, the sum of the coating thicknesses measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is set to 1/10 or more and 1/2 or less of the outer diameter of the optical fiber wire, and Since the coating thickness measured in the width direction at one end in the width direction of the optical fiber tape core wire is set to a substantially constant value of 以下 or less of the coating thickness measured in the width direction at the other end in the width direction, the core wire itself is used. Thus, it is possible to easily form an optical fiber ribbon assembly in which the pitches of the adjacent optical fiber wires at the connecting portion are substantially uniform while suppressing the decrease in mechanical strength of the optical fiber ribbon. If the coating thickness at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is thinner than this condition, the mechanical strength decreases, which is not preferable,
If the thickness is larger than this condition, the pitch of the optical fiber strands of the adjacent optical fiber tape cores when the optical fiber tape cores are assembled is not stable, which is not preferable.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fiber in which a plurality of optical fiber ribbons are arranged adjacent to each other in a width direction thereof, and the adjacent optical fibers are integrally connected by a connection resin. This is to improve the tape core assembly.

In the optical fiber ribbon assembly according to the present invention, the optical fiber ribbons disposed at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon assembly have respective widths at both ends in the width direction. The sum of the coating thickness measured in the direction is 1/10 or more and 以下 or less of the outer diameter of the optical fiber strand, and the coating measured at one end in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is measured in the width direction. The thickness is substantially equal to or less than 1/2 of the coating thickness measured in the width direction at the other end in the width direction, and the side having the smaller coating thickness in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is the other optical fiber tape. It is connected to a side surface in the width direction of the core wire by a connection resin.

In such an optical fiber ribbon assembly, the sum of the coating thicknesses measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber tape core component is the outer diameter of the optical fiber strand. 1/10 or more and 1/2 or less, and the coating thickness measured in the width direction at one end in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is 1 of the coating thickness measured in the width direction at the other end in the width direction. / 2 or less, so that it is possible to obtain an optical fiber tape core assembly in which the pitches of adjacent optical fiber wires are almost equal at the connecting portion while suppressing a decrease in mechanical strength of the core wire itself. it can. If the coating thickness at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is less than this condition, the mechanical strength is reduced, which is not preferable. It is not preferable because the pitch becomes unstable.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the optical fiber ribbon assembly according to the second aspect, wherein the optical fiber ribbon is disposed at a position other than both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon assembly. The coating thickness measured in the width direction at both ends is a substantially constant value of not less than 1/20 and not more than 1/6 of the outer diameter of the optical fiber.

The coating thickness measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbons arranged at positions other than the both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon assembly is measured for the optical fiber element. 1/20 or more of the outer diameter of the wire, 1
/ 6 or less, and the sum of the coating thicknesses measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbons arranged at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon assembly. 1/10 or more of the outer diameter of the optical fiber, 1 /
2 or less, and the coating thickness measured in the width direction at one end in the width direction of the optical fiber tape core wire as a substantially constant value of 1/2 or less of the coating thickness measured in the width direction at the other end in the width direction. Therefore, even if three or more optical fiber ribbons are assembled and the ends in the width direction are connected to form an optical fiber tape aggregate, the pitch of the adjacent optical fiber wires at the connection portion is A stable split-type optical fiber ribbon assembly can be obtained. The coating thickness measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon, which is disposed at a position other than both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon assembly, decreases the mechanical strength if the thickness is smaller than this condition. If the thickness is larger than this condition, the pitch of the optical fiber strands of the optical fiber ribbon assembly becomes unstable, which is not preferable.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fiber core comprising a plurality of optical fiber wires arranged in one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, which are passed through a die to collectively cover the resin. An object of the present invention is to improve a resin coating apparatus for forming an optical fiber ribbon.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the resin coating apparatus for an optical fiber ribbon, a resin supply section having a cross-sectional shape larger than that of the die hole is provided at the entrance of the die hole of the die on the axis of the die hole. The boundary between the entrance of the die hole and the exit of the resin supply part is located at the center in the width direction of the die hole such that the coating thickness on both sides of the coating resin of the optical fiber ribbon is smaller on one side than on the other side. It has an asymmetrical shape with respect to a center line drawn along the longitudinal direction from.

According to the resin coating device for an optical fiber ribbon, the resin supplied to the resin supply section is formed at the boundary between the entrance of the die hole and the exit of the resin supply section. As the coating thickness on both sides of the coating resin flows into the die hole so that one side is thinner than the other side,
In the die hole into which the resin flows, the coating resin is coated so that the coating thickness on both sides of the coating resin of the optical fiber ribbon is smaller on one side than on the other side. Will be. Therefore, according to the present invention, the degree of eccentricity can be adjusted by adjusting the resin pressure in the resin supply unit, and by controlling the resin pressure, stable eccentric coating can be performed even if the linear speed of the optical fiber wire changes. Can be. Therefore, the sum of the coating thicknesses measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is set to 1/10 or more and 1/2 or less of the outer diameter of the optical fiber strand, and It can be easily formed so that the coating thickness measured in the width direction at one end in the width direction of the line is substantially equal to or less than の of the coating thickness measured in the width direction at the other end in the width direction. . Further, according to the present invention, distortion of each optical fiber is reduced as compared with the case where the positional relationship between the die hole and the nipple hole is shifted or the case where the path line of the optical fiber in the nipple hole is shifted with respect to the die hole. It is hard to apply, and it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the transmission loss of the optical fiber due to the distortion.

[0022]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an optical fiber ribbon according to the present invention.

The optical fiber ribbon 1a of this embodiment is obtained by covering a four-core optical fiber 2 arranged in one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with a coating resin 3 in a lump. The point formed is the same as the conventional one. In particular, in the optical fiber ribbon 1a of this example, the sum (a + b) of the coating thicknesses a and b measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1a is the optical fiber element. The outer diameter of the wire 2 is not less than 1/10 and not more than ２, and the coating thickness a measured in the width direction of one end in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1a is the other end in the width direction. It is a substantially constant value equal to or less than 1/2 of the coating thickness b measured in the width direction. Also,
The thinner coating thickness a at one end of the tape-shaped coating resin 3 in the width direction is 1 mm of the outer diameter of the optical fiber 2.
/ 20 or more and 1/6 or less.

As described above, the coating thicknesses a and b measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1a.
(A + b) is set to 1/10 or more and 1/2 or less of the outer diameter of the optical fiber 2 and the optical fiber ribbon 1a.
When the coating thickness a measured in the width direction at one end in the width direction is substantially equal to or less than 以下 of the coating thickness b measured in the width direction at the other end in the width direction, the mechanical force of the core wire 1a itself is reduced. It is possible to easily form an optical fiber ribbon assembly in which the pitches of the optical fibers 2 adjacent to each other at the connecting portion are substantially uniform while suppressing the decrease in strength. If the coating thicknesses a and b at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1a are thinner than this condition, the mechanical strength decreases, which is not preferable. In this case, the pitch of the optical fiber 2 of the adjacent optical fiber ribbon 1a becomes unstable, which is not preferable.

FIG. 2 shows a first example of an embodiment of the optical fiber ribbon assembly according to the present invention.

The optical fiber ribbon assembly 1 of the present embodiment comprises:
Two optical fiber ribbons 1a are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction, and the adjacent ones are integrated by being connected by a connection resin 1b. The two optical fiber ribbons 1a constituting the optical fiber ribbon assembly 1 have the sum (a + b) of the coating thicknesses a and b measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction. An outer diameter of the optical fiber 2 is 1/10 or more and 1/2 or less, and a coating thickness a of one end of the optical fiber ribbon 1a in the width direction measured in the width direction is the other end in the width direction. Of the coating thickness b measured in the width direction is substantially equal to or less than 1/2. The optical fiber ribbons 1a are connected by a connection resin 1b by abutting the side surfaces of the coating thickness a having a small thickness.

Such an optical fiber ribbon assembly 1
Then, the optical fiber ribbon 1a constituting the optical fiber ribbon assembly 1 is the sum (a + b) of the coating thicknesses a and b measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction.
Is set to 1/10 or more and 1/2 or less of the outer diameter of the optical fiber 2, and the coating thickness a of one end of the optical fiber ribbon 1 a in the width direction is measured at the other end in the width direction. Of the coating thickness b measured in the width direction is substantially equal to or less than 1/2, so that the pitch of the optical fiber strands 2 adjacent to each other at the connecting portion is suppressed while suppressing the decrease in mechanical strength of the core wire 1a itself. It is possible to obtain an optical fiber tape core assembly 1 that is substantially uniform. If the coating thicknesses a and b at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1a are thinner than this condition, the mechanical strength decreases, which is not preferable. It is not preferable because the pitch of the optical fiber 2 becomes unstable.

FIG. 3 shows a second example of the embodiment of the optical fiber ribbon assembly according to the present invention.

The optical fiber ribbon assembly 1 of the present embodiment comprises:
The three optical fiber ribbons 1a are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction, and the adjacent ones are integrated by being connected by a connection resin 1b. The two optical fiber ribbons 1a located on both sides in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon assembly 1 have the sum (a + b) of the coating thicknesses a and b measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction. ) Is not less than 1/10 and not more than 外 of the outer diameter of the optical fiber 2, and the coating thickness a of one end in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1 a is measured in the width direction. The other end has a substantially constant value of 1/2 or less of the coating thickness b measured in the width direction.
In the optical fiber ribbon assembly 1, one optical fiber ribbon 1 a located at other than both ends in the width direction (that is, located at the center) is measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction. The coating thickness a has a substantially constant value of not less than 1/20 and not more than 1/6 of the outer diameter of the optical fiber 2. The optical fiber ribbons 1a are connected by a connection resin 1b by abutting the side surfaces of the coating thickness a having a small thickness.

Such an optical fiber ribbon assembly 1
Then, as the optical fiber ribbons 1a located at both ends in the width direction, the sum (a + b) of the coating thicknesses a and b measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the core wire 1a is used. 2 to 1/10 or more and 以下 or less of the outer diameter, and the coating thickness a measured in the width direction of one end in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1a in the width direction of the other end in the width direction. An optical fiber in which the pitches of the optical fibers 2 adjacent to each other at the connecting portion are substantially uniform while suppressing a decrease in mechanical strength of the core wire 1a because the thickness is substantially equal to or less than 1/2 of the measured coating thickness b. The tape core assembly 1 can be obtained. Coating thicknesses a and b at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1a
However, if the thickness is smaller than this condition, the mechanical strength decreases, which is not preferable. If the thickness is larger than this condition, the pitch of the optical fiber 2 of the optical fiber ribbon core assembly 1 becomes unstable, which is not preferable. In the optical fiber ribbon assembly, the optical fiber ribbon 1a disposed at the center other than both ends in the width direction has a coating thickness a measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction. Since the outer diameter of the optical fiber 2 is set to a substantially constant value of not less than 1/20 and not more than 1/6, the thin coating thickness a of the optical fiber ribbon on both sides is reduced by using the thin coating thickness a on both sides. It is possible to obtain a split type optical fiber ribbon assembly in which adjacent optical fiber strands are stable in pitch. If the coating thickness measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber tape core wire arranged at the center other than the both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon assembly is smaller than this condition, the mechanical strength If the thickness is larger than this condition, the pitch of the optical fibers of the optical fiber ribbon assembly becomes unstable, which is not preferable.

FIGS. 4 and 5A and 5B show a first embodiment of the resin coating apparatus for optical fiber ribbons according to the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 5 (A) is a longitudinal sectional plan view of a resin coating apparatus for a fiber ribbon.
5 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 4 showing a relationship between the die hole and the resin supply unit, and FIG. 5B is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 4 showing the relationship between the die hole and the resin supply unit.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the resin coating device 9 for an optical fiber ribbon according to the present embodiment, the sum of the coating thicknesses a and b measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction is equal to the optical fiber strand 2.
Is not less than 1/10 and not more than 1/2 of the outer diameter of, and the coating thickness a measured in the width direction at one end in the width direction is the coating thickness b measured in the width direction at the other end in the width direction. A four-core light having a configuration in which the coating thickness a of the thinner one is 1/20 or more and 1/6 or less of the outer diameter of the optical fiber 2, which is a substantially constant value of 1/2 or less. 1 shows an example in which the present invention is applied to an apparatus for manufacturing a fiber ribbon 1a.

The resin coating device 9 for an optical fiber ribbon has a die hole 4 having a substantially rectangular cross section and a resin supply section 5 at the entrance and having a cross section larger than the die hole 4. , And a nipple 8 having a tapered nipple hole 7 communicating with the resin supply unit 5.

In particular, in the resin coating device 9 for an optical fiber ribbon, as shown in FIG. 4, a boundary portion 12 between the entrance of the die hole 4 and the exit of the resin supply section 5 is formed of an optical fiber tape. The coating thickness on both sides of the coating resin 3 of the core wire 1a is
In order to make the coating thickness a on one side smaller than the coating thickness b on the other side, the die hole 4 is formed in an asymmetrical shape with respect to a center line drawn along the longitudinal direction from the center in the width direction. 4 is formed as a linear inclined surface inclined at an angle that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

In the resin coating device 9 for an optical fiber tape, the resin supplied to the resin supply section 5 through a supply port (not shown) is supplied to the boundary between the entrance of the die hole 4 and the exit of the resin supply section 5. The portion 12 flows into the die hole 4 in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface of the boundary portion 12. For this reason, in the die hole 4 into which the resin flows, the resin pressure on the side of the die hole side wall 4a facing the inclined surface of the boundary portion 12 is strong, and the resin pressure on the side of the die hole side wall 4b on the opposite side is weak. The coating of the coated optical fiber 2 with the resin is performed in such a manner that the coating thickness at one end side in the direction in which the optical fibers 2 having a high resin pressure is juxtaposed is thick and the coating thickness of the optical fibers 2 having a low resin pressure is juxtaposed. The coating thickness on the opposite side is reduced, and FIG.
As shown in (1), the coating state is eccentric in the direction in which the optical fiber strands 2 are juxtaposed.

Therefore, according to the resin coating device 9 for an optical fiber ribbon according to the present embodiment, the degree of eccentricity can be adjusted by adjusting the resin pressure in the resin supply section 5, and the optical fiber element is controlled by controlling the resin pressure. Even if the linear speed of the wire 2 changes, stable eccentric covering can be performed. Therefore, FIG.
At the both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1a as shown in FIG.
b) is 1/10 or more, 1/2 of the outer diameter of the optical fiber 2
The coating thickness a measured in the width direction at one end in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1a is equal to or less than の of the coating thickness b measured in the width direction at the other end in the width direction. The optical fiber ribbon 1a having a substantially constant value can be easily manufactured.

When an eccentric four-core optical fiber ribbon 1a as shown in FIG. 1 is to be manufactured, as a comparative example, as shown in FIG. And the cross section at the entrance is a die hole 4
A resin coating device 9 for an optical fiber ribbon comprising a die 6 having a larger resin supply portion 5 therein and a nipple 8 having a tapered nipple hole 7 communicated with the resin supply portion 5 is provided. It is conceivable that the center of the nipple hole 7 is decentered by c with respect to the center of the die hole 4.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7 as a comparative example, a die hole 4 having a substantially rectangular cross section and a resin supply portion 5 having a larger cross-sectional shape at the entrance than the die hole 4 are provided inside. Using a resin coating device 9 for an optical fiber ribbon, comprising a die 6 and a nipple 8 having a tapered nipple hole 7 communicated with the resin supply section 5,
The path line 10 at the center in the width direction of the four optical fiber wires 2 passing through the nipple hole 7 is decentered by d with respect to the aligned die hole 4 and the center 11 in the width direction of the nipple hole 7. It is possible.

However, when the optical fiber ribbon 1a as shown in FIG. 1 is manufactured using the resin coating device 9 for the optical fiber ribbon of the comparative example, the connection of the optical fiber ribbon 1a is performed. When the optical fiber ribbon assembly 1 is formed, the gap between adjacent optical fiber strands 2 at the connection point becomes wider than the interval between the other optical fiber strands 2 when the optical fiber ribbon assembly 1 is formed. When the optical fibers 2 are connected to the connector in a lump, distortion is applied to the optical fibers 2 having a large adjacent distance, and there is a problem that transmission loss of the optical fibers 2 is increased.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 6, a resin coating device 9 for an optical fiber tape core wire in which the center of the nipple hole 7 is eccentric with respect to the center of the die hole 4 by c, or a plurality of resin coating devices as shown in FIG. Using a resin coating device 9 for an optical fiber ribbon in which the center line in the width direction of the optical fiber 2 is decentered with respect to the center 11 in the width direction of the aligned die hole 4 and nipple hole 7. When manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon 1a in which each optical fiber 2 is eccentric as shown in FIG. 1, the eccentric dimension of the completed optical fiber ribbon 1a becomes unstable. There is a point.

In the resin coating device 9 for the optical fiber ribbon shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the eccentricity of the optical fiber ribbon 1a is changed by a change in the speed at which each optical fiber 2 passes through the die hole 4. Since the dimensions change, there is a problem that the dimensions are not stable during acceleration / deceleration.

Further, in the resin coating device 9 for the optical fiber ribbon shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the optical fibers 2 to be decentered are distorted, and the transmission loss of the optical fibers 2 is increased. There is a point.

FIGS. 8 and 9A to 9C show a second embodiment of the resin coating apparatus for optical fiber ribbons according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 shows this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional plan view of a resin coating device for an optical fiber ribbon.
FIG. 8A shows the relationship between the die hole and the resin supply section.
A sectional view, FIG. 9 (B) is a BB sectional view of FIG. 8 showing a relationship between the die hole and the resin supply section, and FIG. 9 (C) is a C-C of FIG. 8 showing a relationship between the die hole and the resin supply section. It is C sectional drawing.

The resin coating device 9 for the optical fiber ribbon of the present embodiment is also a four-core optical fiber ribbon 1 having the configuration shown in FIG.
1 shows an example in which the present invention is applied to an apparatus for producing a.

This resin coating device 9 for an optical fiber tape also has a die hole 4 having a substantially rectangular cross section and a resin supply section 5 at the entrance which is different in cross section from the die hole 4 because the cross section is larger than the die hole 4. The point composed of a die 6 provided inside and a nipple 8 having a tapered nipple hole 7 communicating with the resin supply section 5 is the same as in FIG. 4 described above.

In particular, in the resin coating device 9 for an optical fiber ribbon according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Of the coating resin 3 of the optical fiber ribbon 1a, the coating thickness a on one side is smaller than the coating thickness b on the other side. As described above, the shape is asymmetric with respect to the center line drawn along the longitudinal direction from the center in the width direction of the die hole 4, and in this example, the linear shape is inclined at an angle that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the die hole 4. Are formed as inclined surfaces. Boundary part 12
An arc-shaped projection 13 is fixedly provided in the resin supply unit 5 at the corner which is obliquely partitioned by the above and is the deepest in the resin supply unit 5 with its arc surface facing the inside of the resin supply unit 5.

In the resin coating apparatus 9 for an optical fiber tape having the above-described structure, the resin 3 decentered in the direction in which the plurality of optical fiber strands 2 are juxtaposed in the juxtaposition direction is compared with the first example. Similarly, it can be easily coated. In particular, in this example, since the arc-shaped projection 13 is disposed at the corner which is obliquely partitioned by the boundary portion 12 and is the deepest in the resin supply portion 5, the optical fiber 2 is cut. Or distortion can be prevented.

FIGS. 10 and 11A to 11C show a third embodiment of the resin coating apparatus for optical fiber ribbons according to the present invention. FIG. 10 shows this embodiment. FIG. 11 (A) is a longitudinal sectional plan view of a resin coating device for an optical fiber ribbon, and FIG.
11A is a sectional view taken along line AA, FIG. 11B is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 10 showing the relationship between the die hole and the resin supply unit, and FIG. 11C is a diagram showing the relationship between the die hole and the resin supply unit. It is CC sectional drawing of.

The resin coating apparatus 9 for an optical fiber ribbon according to the present embodiment is a four-core optical fiber ribbon 1 having the configuration shown in FIG.
1 shows an example in which the present invention is applied to an apparatus for simultaneously manufacturing two a.

This optical fiber tape core resin coating device 9 has a configuration in which the above-described device having the configuration shown in FIG. 8 is connected in a line-symmetrical manner.

According to the resin coating apparatus 9 for an optical fiber ribbon having the above-described structure, two optical fiber ribbons 1a of this embodiment can be efficiently manufactured at the same time.

The coating thickness of at least one side surface of the tape-shaped coating resin 3 may be zero. In this case, the optical fiber 2 is only exposed at the top in an arc shape on the outer periphery, and the remaining portion of the exposed optical fiber 2 is separated in the coating resin 3 and separated. Never.

In the above example, the optical fiber ribbon 1 is used.
Although the case of four cores is shown as a, the optical fiber ribbon 1a is not limited to four cores, and the number of the optical fiber strands 2 can be increased or decreased as needed.

In the above example, the boundary 12 between the entrance of the die hole 4 and the exit of the resin supply unit 5 is formed as a linear inclined surface inclined at an angle that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the die hole 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the coating thickness of both sides of the coating resin 3 of the optical fiber ribbon 2 becomes thinner on one side than on the other side, the asymmetric shape such as a curved inclined surface or the like is obtained. Shape may be used.

[0055]

In the optical fiber ribbon according to the first aspect, the sum of the coating thicknesses measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is the sum of the outer diameters of the optical fibers. 1/10 or more and 1/2 or less, and the coating thickness measured in the width direction at one end in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is 1 / th of the coating thickness measured in the width direction at the other end in the width direction.
Since it is set to a substantially constant value of 2 or less, it is possible to easily form an optical fiber tape core assembly in which the pitch of the adjacent optical fiber wires is substantially uniform at the connecting portion while suppressing the mechanical strength of the core wire itself. Can do it. If the coating thickness at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber tape is less than this condition, the mechanical strength is reduced, which is not preferable. It is not preferable because the pitch of the optical fiber strands of the optical fiber ribbon becomes unstable.

In the optical fiber tape core assembly according to the second aspect, the sum of the coating thicknesses measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber tape core wire as a constituent element thereof is determined by the optical fiber element. 1/10 or more, 1/2 of the outer diameter of the wire
And the coating thickness measured in the width direction at one end in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is set to a substantially constant value equal to or less than の of the coating thickness measured in the width direction at the other end in the width direction. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an optical fiber ribbon assembly in which the pitches of the optical fibers adjacent to each other at the connecting portion are substantially uniform, while suppressing a decrease in the mechanical strength of the core wire itself. If the coating thickness at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is less than this condition, the mechanical strength is reduced, which is not preferable. It is not preferable because the pitch becomes unstable.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fiber ribbon assembly at each of widthwise ends of the optical fiber ribbons arranged at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon assembly. The coating thickness measured in the direction is set to a substantially constant value of not less than 1/20 and not more than 1/6 of the outer diameter of the optical fiber, and is disposed at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon. The sum of the coating thicknesses measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber tape is set to 1/10 or more and 1/2 or less of the outer diameter of the optical fiber wire, and Since the coating thickness measured in the width direction at one end in the width direction is substantially equal to or less than の of the coating thickness measured in the width direction at the other end in the width direction, three or more optical fiber ribbons And connect the ends in the width direction to form an optical fiber Be constituted-loop core assembly may pitch of optical fiber adjacent to each other in the connecting portion to obtain a stable splittable optical fiber ribbon assembly. The coating thickness measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon, which is disposed at a position other than both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon assembly, decreases the mechanical strength if the thickness is smaller than this condition. If the thickness is larger than this condition, the pitch of the optical fiber strands of the optical fiber ribbon assembly becomes unstable, which is not preferable.

In the resin coating apparatus for an optical fiber tape core wire according to the fourth aspect, a resin supply section having a cross section larger than the die hole is provided on the axis of the die hole at the entrance of the die hole of the die. The boundary between the entrance of the die hole and the exit of the resin supply portion extends in the longitudinal direction from the center in the width direction of the die hole so that the coating thickness of the side of the coating resin of the optical fiber ribbon is thinner on one side than on the other side. The resin supplied to the resin supply section is covered with the optical fiber ribbon at the boundary between the entrance of the die hole and the exit of the resin supply section because it is asymmetric with respect to the center line drawn along. Since the coating thickness on both sides of the resin flows into the die hole so that one side is thinner than the other side, the coating resin is applied to the optical fiber wires arranged side by side in the die hole into which the resin flows. Resin for sheathing tape Coating thickness on both sides, one side is to be coated to be thinner than the other side. Therefore, according to the present invention, the degree of eccentricity can be adjusted by adjusting the resin pressure in the resin supply unit, and by controlling the resin pressure, stable eccentric coating can be performed even if the linear speed of the optical fiber wire changes. Can be. Therefore, the sum of the coating thicknesses measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is 1/10 or more, 1/2 of the outer diameter of the optical fiber.
Or less, and the coating thickness measured in the width direction at one end in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon becomes a substantially constant value of 1/2 or less of the coating thickness measured in the width direction at the other end in the width direction. Can be easily formed. According to the present invention,
Compared to the case where the positional relationship between the die hole and the nipple hole is shifted or the case where the optical fiber strand path line in the nipple hole is shifted with respect to the die hole, each optical fiber strand is less likely to be distorted. The deterioration of the transmission loss of the strand can be suppressed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an embodiment of an eccentric four-core optical fiber ribbon according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a first example of an embodiment of an optical fiber ribbon assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a second example of the embodiment of the optical fiber ribbon assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional plan view of a first example of an embodiment of the resin coating device for an optical fiber ribbon according to the present invention.

5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 4 showing a relationship between a die hole and a resin supply unit; FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 4 showing a relationship between a die hole and a resin supply unit; is there.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of an example of a resin coating device for an optical fiber ribbon according to a comparative example.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of another example of the resin coating device for optical fiber ribbons of the comparative example.

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional plan view of a second example of the embodiment of the resin coating device for an optical fiber ribbon according to the present invention.

9A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 8 showing a relationship between a die hole and a resin supply unit; FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 8 showing a relationship between a die hole and a resin supply unit; FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 8, illustrating a relationship between the die hole and the resin supply unit.

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional plan view of a third example of the embodiment of the resin coating device for optical fiber ribbons according to the present invention.

11A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 10 showing a relationship between a die hole and a resin supply unit; FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 10 showing a relationship between a die hole and a resin supply unit; FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 10, illustrating a relationship between a die hole and a resin supply unit.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional eccentric four-core optical fiber ribbon.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical fiber tape core assembly 1a Optical fiber tape core 1b Connecting resin 2 Optical fiber strand 3 Coating resin 4 Dice hole 5 Resin supply part 6 Dice 7 Nipple hole 8 Nipple 9 Resin coating device for optical fiber tape core wire 10 Pass line 11 Center in width direction 12 Boundary part

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An optical fiber ribbon comprising a plurality of optical fiber strands arranged side by side in one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and coated with a coating resin in a tape at a time. The sum of the coating thicknesses measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is 1/10 or more and 1/2 or less of the outer diameter of the optical fiber strand, and The coating thickness measured in the width direction at one end in the width direction of the fiber tape core wire is 1 of the coating thickness measured in the width direction at the other end in the width direction.
An optical fiber ribbon having an almost constant value of not more than / 2. 2. An optical fiber ribbon assembly, wherein a plurality of optical fiber ribbons are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction thereof and the adjacent ones are integrated by connecting with a connecting resin. The optical fiber ribbons disposed at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon aggregate are the sum of the coating thicknesses measured in the width direction at both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber strand. The coating thickness measured in the width direction at one end in the width direction of the optical fiber tape is 1/10 or more and 1/2 or less of the outer diameter, and measured in the width direction at the other end in the width direction.被覆 of the coating thickness of the optical fiber ribbon, and the side surface having the smaller coating thickness in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is connected to the side surface of the other optical fiber ribbon in the width direction. Fiber optic tape core joined by Aggregates. 3. The coating thickness measured in the width direction at each of both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon, which is arranged at a position other than both ends in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon, is respectively equal to the optical thickness. 3. The optical fiber ribbon assembly according to claim 2, wherein the optical fiber tape has a substantially constant value of not less than 1/20 and not more than 1/6 of the outer diameter of the fiber. 4. An optical fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fiber wires arranged side by side in one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are passed through a die and coated with resin at a time to form an optical fiber tape core wire. In the resin coating apparatus for a core wire, a resin supply portion having a cross-sectional shape larger than the dice hole is provided on an axis of the dice hole at an entrance of the dice hole of the dice. The boundary between the supply portion and the outlet is pulled along the longitudinal direction from the center in the width direction of the die hole so that the coating thickness of the side surface of the coating resin of the optical fiber ribbon is thinner on one side than on the other side. Resin coating device for optical fiber ribbons that is asymmetrical with respect to the center line.