JP2004126310A - Film-shaped member, method of manufacturing the same, partially tape-shaped optical fiber, method of partially tape-shaping optical fiber, multi-core optical connector, optical fiber sheet, and fan-out cord - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the workability of aligning job of optical fibers when a plurality of optical fibers are partially shaped into a tape. <P>SOLUTION: The method of the partial tape-shaping is characterized by the fact that the plurality of optical fibers 10 are inserted into the optical fiber insertion space 7 of a film-shaped member 1 which is so composed that the plurality of optical fibers 10 are aligned, and the inserted optical fibers 10 are bonded to an adhesive layer 4. Further, the partially tape-shaped optical fiber is characterized by the fact that the plurality of optical fibers 10 are aligned, covered with the film-shaped member 1 in the form of a tape, and bonded with the adhesive layer 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a film body, a partial tape optical fiber, a method of manufacturing a film body, and a method of forming an optical fiber into a partial tape, and more specifically, using a film in which an adhesive layer is provided on a film substrate, The present invention relates to a film body, a partially taped optical fiber, a method of manufacturing a film body, and a method of partially tapering an optical fiber for partially tapering an optical fiber.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When arranging optical fibers for optical communication, an optical fiber ribbon is used in which a plurality of optical fibers are integrated in a planar state so that a large number of optical fibers can be handled collectively. ing. Various forms of the optical fiber ribbon are adopted depending on the arrangement location and application. For example, a plurality of optical fibers are collectively covered with resin in an optical fiber tape core wire incorporated in an optical fiber cable in all longitudinal directions. On the other hand, for example, in an optical fiber ribbon used in an optical connection box, a plurality of optical fibers are partially integrated in a tape shape as needed in the longitudinal direction.
[0003]
As an example of a means for partially tapering a plurality of optical fibers, a plurality of optical fibers are aligned in a plane at a predetermined pitch using a dedicated alignment device for aligning the plurality of optical fibers, and the outer periphery thereof is It is proposed to wrap and fix with an adhesive tape. (For example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-119861 (FIG. 1)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above-described method for forming a partial tape of an optical fiber, a plurality of optical fibers must be precisely aligned before the plurality of optical fibers are wrapped by the adhesive tape, and an alignment device or the like must be used. Further, when the optical fiber is displaced when the optical fiber is wrapped by the adhesive tape, the optical fiber is stuck to the adhesive tape in a displaced state, and it is very difficult to realign the optical fiber. In particular, when the portion to be taped is formed to be large in the longitudinal direction, the adhesive tape is wound while maintaining the entire alignment of the portion to be taped, so that it becomes more difficult to position the optical fiber.
As described above, in the case where the conventional optical fiber is partially taped, the workability in arranging the plurality of optical fibers is complicated.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and has as its object to improve alignment workability for aligning optical fibers when a plurality of optical fibers are partially taped.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The film body according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a film body formed by a film having a film substrate and an adhesive layer provided on the film substrate, wherein the film has a plurality of films. An optical fiber insertion space in which an optical fiber can be inserted and aligned is formed, and the adhesive layer is disposed facing the optical fiber insertion space.
[0008]
In the film body having such a configuration, by inserting a plurality of optical fibers into the optical fiber insertion space formed in advance, the optical fibers of the inserted portion are aligned along the shape of the optical fiber insertion space. Then, the aligned optical fibers are bonded and integrated by an adhesive layer, and the optical fibers can be partially taped.
Therefore, the operation of aligning a plurality of optical fibers is only required to be inserted into the optical fiber insertion space, or it is only necessary to align them with fingers or the like after insertion, and the workability is very good.
[0009]
The film substrate of the film body is preferably a non-heat-shrinkable film substrate, and the adhesive layer is preferably a thermoplastic or thermosetting adhesive layer.
When the adhesive layer is thermoplastic, the adhesive layer is heated while the optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber insertion space, and is further pressed against the optical fiber, so that the adhesive is surrounded by the optical fiber. And the aligned optical fibers can be securely bonded.
If the adhesive layer is thermosetting, press the adhesive layer against the optical fiber while the optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber insertion space to spread the adhesive evenly around the optical fiber. By further heating the adhesive layer, the optical fiber can be bonded and fixed.
Further, since the heat shrinkage of the film substrate is extremely small, no distortion is applied to the optical fiber when the adhesive layer is bonded, and the alignment of the optical fiber is good.
[0010]
In the case where a plurality of the optical fiber insertion spaces are formed in the film body, a large number of optical fibers can be partially taped by one film body. Therefore, a large number of optical fibers can be partially taped in a small space. Further, it is possible to divide a large number of optical fibers into a plurality of partial tapes and connect a connector or the like to each of the optical fibers formed into the partial tapes.
[0011]
Further, in the above-mentioned film body, the optical fiber insertion space is preferably formed so that at least one opening end is widened. In the film body having such a configuration, the insertion workability is improved by inserting the optical fiber from the wide open end.
[0012]
Further, in the method of manufacturing a film according to the present invention for achieving the above object, a film in which an adhesive layer is provided on a film substrate is provided along the outer periphery of the dummy plate substantially such that the adhesive layer is on the inside. To form a fiber-optic insertion space that allows a plurality of optical fibers to be inserted and aligned by removing the dummy plate after bonding the joints by laying the films together and bonding the joints. It is characterized by.
[0013]
According to the method of manufacturing a film body having such a configuration, it is possible to manufacture a film body having a function of aligning, bonding, and integrating a plurality of optical fibers. Therefore, when a plurality of optical fibers are partially taped, the operation of aligning the optical fibers can be facilitated.
[0014]
In the method of manufacturing a film body, when the optical fiber insertion space is formed by one film, the film is bent so that the adhesive layer is on the inside, and a part of the overlapped adhesive layer is formed. By bonding, an optical fiber insertion space can be formed. The optical fiber insertion space can also be formed by rolling the film into a roll and bonding the end of the film base material to the end of the adhesive layer.
[0015]
Further, in the method for manufacturing a film body, when the optical fiber insertion space is formed by a plurality of films, the films are overlapped so that the adhesive layer is inside, and a part of the overlapped adhesive layer is formed. By bonding them, an optical fiber insertion space can be formed.
[0016]
Further, the partial tape optical fiber according to the present invention for achieving the above object, a plurality of optical fibers, comprising a film provided with a thermoplastic or thermosetting adhesive layer on a film substrate, a plurality of The optical fiber is characterized in that the portions covered by the film are aligned while being bonded by an adhesive layer.
[0017]
Such a partial tape optical fiber is formed by aligning the plurality of optical fibers inside the film before being bonded by the adhesive layer, and heating and pressing the adhesive against the optical fibers. be able to. Therefore, when forming this partial tape optical fiber, the workability of aligning a plurality of optical fibers is good.
[0018]
In order to achieve the above object, the partial tape optical fiber according to the present invention is arranged by inserting a plurality of optical fibers through a film having a film substrate and an adhesive layer provided on the film substrate. An optical fiber insertion space is formed, and a film body is provided in which an adhesive layer is arranged facing the optical fiber insertion space, and a part of the plurality of optical fibers is aligned and inserted in the optical fiber insertion space. And is bonded by an adhesive layer.
[0019]
Since the partial tape optical fiber having such a configuration is formed by inserting a plurality of optical fibers into the optical fiber insertion space having the above configuration, the inserted portions of the optical fibers are aligned. Therefore, the workability of aligning the optical fibers when producing this partial tape optical fiber is extremely good.
[0020]
In the partial tape optical fiber, the film may have a through-hole formed at a position not facing the optical fiber. With such a configuration, when the partial tape optical fiber is provided in a communication facility or the like, by hooking the hook or the like in the through hole, it is possible to make a state in which external force such as lateral pressure is hardly applied to the optical fiber. .
[0021]
Further, the method for forming a partial tape of an optical fiber according to the present invention for achieving the above object can align a plurality of optical fibers of a film formed by a film having an adhesive layer provided on a film substrate. A plurality of optical fibers are inserted into the optical fiber insertion space configured as described above, and further, the adhesive layer is heated and pressed against the optical fibers to bond the plurality of optical fibers to the adhesive layer. And
[0022]
According to the partial tape forming method of the optical fiber having such a configuration, by inserting a plurality of optical fibers into the optical fiber insertion space, the inserted optical fibers can be aligned. Therefore, there is no need to use a special device such as an alignment device or a tool for partial tape formation, and the operation of aligning the optical fibers is very easy. Further, by preparing the above-mentioned film body in advance, it is possible to shorten the operation time of forming the partial tape.
[0023]
Further, in the above-described method for forming a partial tape of an optical fiber, it is preferable to use a guide member capable of guiding the optical fiber toward the optical fiber insertion space when the optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber insertion space.
By using this guide member, the optical fiber can be smoothly inserted into the optical fiber insertion space.
[0024]
Further, in the above-mentioned method for forming a partial tape of an optical fiber, when an optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber insertion space, it is preferable to use shape holding means for holding the shape of the optical fiber insertion space. The shape maintaining means may be, for example, a spacer that can be inserted into the optical fiber insertion space. By using the shape maintaining means, the workability of inserting the optical fiber into the optical fiber insertion space can be improved.
[0025]
Further, in the multi-core optical connector in which the above-mentioned partial tape optical fibers are connected, optical fibers aligned with high precision are connected. Therefore, the multi-fiber optical connector having such a configuration can suppress a decrease in transmission loss and the like, and is excellent in quality.
Further, the optical fiber sheet using the above-mentioned partial tape optical fiber has a high quality by aligning the optical fibers with high accuracy by using the above-mentioned partial tape optical fiber for the portion not covered by the sheet-shaped protective member. .
Also, by connecting one end of the partial tape optical fiber to a multi-core optical connector and connecting the other end to a single-core optical connector, it is possible to obtain a high-quality fan-out cord in which the optical fibers are precisely aligned. it can.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of a film body, a partial tape optical fiber, a method of manufacturing a film body, and a method of forming an optical fiber into a partial tape according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
First, an embodiment of a film body and a method of manufacturing the film body according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one step in manufacturing a film body. FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a film body. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a film body.
The film body of the present embodiment is formed by a film having a film substrate and an adhesive layer provided on one surface of the film substrate, and is formed into a planar shape by inserting a plurality of optical fibers. It is characterized in that an optical fiber insertion space that can be aligned is formed.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 1, when manufacturing a film body, two films 2 are overlapped so that a space is provided inside. The film 2 has an adhesive layer 4 formed on one surface of a film substrate 3, and when superposed, the adhesive layers 4 are opposed to each other so as to be in contact with each other. The portion where the films 2 are overlapped is referred to as a joint 6.
Further, in order to provide an optical fiber insertion space to be described later between the two joints 6 and between the two films 2, a state in which a desired number of optical fibers are aligned substantially in a plane is slightly more. A dummy plate 5 having a large outer shape is arranged. That is, the film 2 is formed in a shape substantially along the outer periphery of the dummy plate 5 with the adhesive layer 4 disposed inside.
[0028]
It is desirable that the material of the adhesive layer 4 does not have strong adhesiveness under a normal temperature environment. In the present embodiment, a polyester-based adhesive having thermoplasticity is used. That is, at the initial stage of manufacturing the film body, the respective members are arranged in the state shown in FIG. 1 and the respective adhesive layers 4 of the joint 6 have not yet been bonded. The adhesive layer 4 is not bonded to the dummy plate 5 either. Therefore, even if the two films 2 are positioned along the outer periphery of the dummy plate 5 even if they are incorrectly positioned, the adhesive layer 4 does not adhere to any portion at that time, so that the position can be easily corrected. Can be performed.
The adhesive layer 4 preferably has flame retardancy. For example, a bromine-based or chlorine-based flame retardant in an organic system, a metal hydroxide flame retardant in an inorganic system, or an antimony-based flame retardant. Auxiliaries can be added.
[0029]
The material of the film substrate 3 is a material that can have the same protection strength as a commonly used optical fiber ribbon coated with an ultraviolet curable resin or the like.
In addition, it is desirable to use a non-heat-shrinkable material that does not easily shrink by heat, and it is preferable to use a material that does not disturb the alignment state of the optical fibers due to the heat shrinkage of the film substrate 3. For example, a material having a heat shrinkage of 3% or less can be suitably used. Examples of the material of such a film substrate 3 include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).
Further, the film substrate 3 is desirably a material having flame retardancy. For example, similarly to the adhesive layer 4, a bromine-based flame retardant, an antimony-based flame retardant auxiliary, or the like can be added. Further, when polyimide or polyphenylene sulfide is used as the material of the film substrate 3, heat resistance and flame retardancy are good.
[0030]
Next, the bonding portion 6 is bonded in the state shown in FIG. Since the adhesive layer 4 is thermoplastic, heating only the joint 6 softens the adhesive layer 4 of the joint 6 and generates adhesiveness. As a result, the adhesive layers 4 of the joint 6 are adhered to each other, and then joined by cooling and integrated.
Here, for example, an iron can be used as a means for heating the joint 6. When the adhesive layer 4 is heated while being pressed from the outside of the film base material 3 using an iron, it is possible to press the adhesive layer 4 from the outside simultaneously with the heating, so that the joining portion 6 is more reliably joined. be able to.
[0031]
Further, it is also possible to use a thermosetting adhesive as the adhesive layer 4. Also in this case, the adhesive layer 4 can be cured by heating to bond the bonding portion 6 firmly.
[0032]
Further, since the film substrate 3 is non-heat-shrinkable, shrinkage due to heat when bonding the adhesive layer is extremely small, and the optical fiber is not strained. Therefore, good alignment of the optical fibers can be maintained.
[0033]
After bonding the bonding portion 6 as described above, the dummy plate 5 is pulled out from between the adhesive layers 4 and removed. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the optical fiber insertion space 7 is formed inside the adhesive layer 4, and the film body 1 is manufactured. Since the optical fiber insertion space 7 is formed in a size substantially equal to the outer shape of the dummy plate 5, it is possible to insert a desired number of optical fibers and align them in a plane. In addition, by setting the dummy plate 5 to a desired size as appropriate, the size of the optical fiber insertion space 7 can be formed to a desired size according to the outer diameter of the optical fiber and the number to be inserted. Can be. For example, the cross-sectional area of the dummy plate 5 is preferably set to 110 to 500%, more preferably 110 to 200%, with respect to the cross-sectional area of a plurality of optical fibers to be fixed.
[0034]
Next, an embodiment of a method for forming an optical fiber into a partial tape and an embodiment of the partial tape optical fiber using the film body 1 manufactured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing an optical fiber to be partially taped. FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a partial tape optical fiber. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a partial tape optical fiber.
The method for forming a partial tape of an optical fiber according to the present embodiment is characterized in that after inserting a plurality of optical fibers into the optical fiber insertion space of the film body as described above, the inserted optical fibers are bonded to an adhesive layer. I have.
Further, the partial tape optical fiber of the present embodiment is characterized in that a plurality of optical fibers are aligned in a plane, covered in a tape shape by a film body, and integrated.
[0035]
First, a plurality of optical fibers are inserted into the optical fiber insertion space 7 of the film body 1 shown in FIGS. In this embodiment, eight optical fibers are used. Although the type and shape of the optical fiber used here are not particularly limited, an example that can be preferably used is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the optical fiber 10 is formed by coating the outer periphery of a glass fiber 11 made of a glass body having a core and a clad with a coating layer 12 of an ultraviolet curable resin. As the glass fiber 11, for example, a single mode optical fiber or a multimode optical fiber can be used. Further, a coloring layer (not shown) may be provided on the outer periphery of the coating layer 12. By providing the colored layer, the plurality of optical fibers 10 can be visually distinguished.
In the present embodiment, a glass fiber is used, but a plastic fiber may be used.
[0036]
Further, if the optical fiber insertion space 7 is formed to be larger than the outer shape in which the plurality of optical fibers 10 are aligned, the insertion workability for inserting the optical fiber 10 into the optical fiber insertion space 7 is very good. . Further, if the optical fiber insertion space 7 is formed to have a size substantially equal to the outer shape in which the plurality of optical fibers 10 are aligned, the plurality of optical fibers 10 can be inserted and aligned with high accuracy.
Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the optical fiber insertion space 7 is 110 to 500%, more preferably 110 to 200%, with respect to the cross-sectional area of the plurality of optical fibers to be fixed.
[0037]
Normally, unless the inserted optical fibers 10 overlap or intersect inside the optical fiber insertion space 7, the film body 1 is squeezed with a finger or the like, that is, the film body 1 is moved from the outside with a finger or the like. By sliding in the longitudinal direction while sandwiching the optical fibers 10 in the thickness direction, the optical fibers 10 can be easily aligned. Therefore, it is desirable that the thickness of the dummy plate 5 be less than twice the outer diameter of the optical fiber 10 when the film body 1 is manufactured.
As described above, the film body 1 used in the present embodiment has a special structure with respect to the optical fiber 10 only by inserting the plurality of optical fibers 10 into the optical fiber insertion space 7 formed in a desired size in advance. The optical fibers 10 can be aligned without the need for an alignment operation. In addition, by making the size of the optical fiber insertion space 7 as small as possible, even a simple aligning operation with fingers can be made unnecessary.
[0038]
After the optical fiber 10 is inserted into the optical fiber insertion space 7, the thermoplastic adhesive layer 4 is heated and the optical fiber 10 is pressurized in a flat shape from the outside. Further, the pressure may be applied after heating the adhesive layer 4, or the pressure may be applied after heating.
Thereby, the adhesive layer 4 is softened and deformed, and the adhesive layer 4 is spread evenly around the optical fiber 10. Thereafter, when the adhesive layer 4 is cooled, the adhesive layer 4 is cured again, and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the plurality of optical fibers 10 are adhered to the adhesive layer 4 and attached to the film body 1. Integrated. Thus, the optical fiber 10 is partially taped, and the partial tape optical fiber 20 is manufactured.
[0039]
When the adhesive layer 4 is thermosetting, by pressing the adhesive layer 4 against the optical fiber, the adhesive layer 4 is evenly distributed around the optical fiber 10 and the adhesive layer 4 is further heated. By curing the adhesive layer 4, the optical fiber 10 can be bonded and fixed.
The operation of heating and pressing the adhesive layer 4 can be easily and simultaneously performed by using, for example, an iron. In addition, by pressing the plurality of optical fibers 10 in a plane using an iron, the optical fibers 10 can be more reliably aligned in a plane.
[0040]
As described above, the partial tape optical fiber 20 of the present embodiment is formed by covering the plurality of optical fibers 10 in a tape shape with the film body 1. Further, since the partial tape optical fiber 20 is formed by inserting the plurality of optical fibers 10 into the optical fiber insertion space 7, the alignment of the optical fibers 10 is facilitated.
Further, in the method of forming a partial tape of the optical fiber according to the present embodiment, the optical fibers 10 can be easily arranged in a plane by inserting the plurality of optical fibers 10 into the optical fiber insertion space 7. Further, in the method for forming a partial tape of the optical fiber according to the present embodiment, by preparing the film body 1, the partial tape can be easily formed without requiring a special device or the like. It is very effective in assembling optical equipment by connecting optical parts at the site of installation. Further, even when the tape is largely tapered in the longitudinal direction, since the optical fibers 10 are aligned in the optical fiber insertion space 7 formed in advance, it is necessary to tape the tape while keeping the alignment state accurately. Can be.
[0041]
When the optical fiber 10 is bonded in the optical fiber insertion space 7, the adhesive layer 4 does not need to be provided on the entire inner periphery facing the optical fiber insertion space 7. For example, even in a mode in which the adhesive layer 4 is provided only on one side of the two film substrates 2, the optical fiber 10 can be bonded and fixed. In this case, it is preferable that the adhesive layer 4 be sufficiently spread around the optical fiber 10 during heating and pressing when the optical fiber 10 is bonded.
[0042]
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a mode (partial tape optical fiber 20a) in which the joint 6 is removed from the partial tape optical fiber 20 (see FIG. 6) may be adopted. The partial tape optical fiber 20a can save space, for example, when connecting partial tape optical fibers in parallel to an optical fiber array or the like.
[0043]
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a mode (a partial tape optical fiber 20b) in which a through hole 21 is formed in the joint 6 of the partial tape optical fiber 20 (see FIG. 6) may be adopted. For example, when the partial tape optical fiber 20b is accommodated in an optical fiber connection box or the like, the partial tape optical fiber 20b can be arranged by hooking a hook or the like in the through hole 21. By arranging the partial tape optical fiber 20b in this way, it is possible to prevent a lateral pressure from being applied to the optical fiber 10, and thus it is possible to suppress an increase in optical transmission loss due to macro-bend loss, micro-bend loss and the like.
The through hole 21 may be formed in the film body 1 before the optical fiber 10 is inserted into the optical fiber insertion space 7.
[0044]
Further, as shown in FIG. 9, it is also possible to bond the joint 6 without firmly fixing the film 2 to the dummy plate 5. In this case, the optical fiber insertion space 7a hardly depends on the shape of the dummy plate 5 as in the film body 1a shown in FIG.
[0045]
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, when forming the film body 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), a spacer 8 may be used in addition to the dummy plate 5. Spacers 8 are arranged on both sides of the dummy plate 5 in the width direction, and after the bonding portion 6 is bonded, as shown in FIG. 12, only the dummy plate 5 is pulled out of the film body 1b and removed, so that the shape is adjusted. The formed optical fiber insertion space 7b can be formed and its shape can be maintained.
Therefore, it is possible to keep the size of the optical fiber insertion space 7b as small as possible and enhance the alignment action of the optical fiber 10 to be inserted, while maintaining good workability of inserting the optical fiber 10. Further, after the inserted optical fiber 10 is bonded, the spacer 8 can be removed, and then an extra space can be bonded and closed. It is also possible to insert the optical fiber 10 without removing the spacer 8 and integrate the spacer 8 with the film body 1b.
[0046]
Further, the above-mentioned film body 1 is formed using two films 2 and is an embodiment in which two film substrates 3 are provided (see FIGS. 1 and 2). As shown, in the present invention, it can also be formed using one film 2.
First, as shown in FIG. 13, one film 2 is bent along the outer periphery of the dummy plate 5 so that the adhesive layer 4 is on the inside, and one joint portion 6 is provided. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, by removing the dummy plate 5 after bonding the bonding portion 6, the film body 1c provided with the optical fiber insertion space 7c can be manufactured.
[0047]
Further, as shown in FIG. 15, one film 2 is rolled around the dummy plate 5 so as to be wound, and a portion where the end portion of the film base material 3 and the end portion of the adhesive layer 2 are overlapped is joined. It may be 6. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the joining portion 6 forms a part of the outer periphery of the optical fiber insertion space 7d.
[0048]
Further, as shown in FIG. 17, it is possible to manufacture a film body 1e having a plurality of optical fiber insertion spaces 7. FIG. 17 shows a film body 1 e having three optical fiber insertion spaces 7. This film body 1e can be manufactured by the same manufacturing method as the above-described film body 1 by using a film large in the width direction. In addition, the film body 1e can be provided in a state where a plurality of partial tape optical fibers are integrated, and can be effectively omitted when, for example, a large number of partial tape optical fibers are stored or fixed at a high density. Space can be achieved.
[0049]
Further, as shown in FIG. 18, a guide member 30 capable of guiding the optical fiber 10 is inserted into the opening end of the optical fiber insertion space 7 of the film body 1 shown in FIGS. Thus, the workability of inserting the optical fiber 10 can be improved. The guide member 30 has a guide space 31 that can communicate with the optical fiber insertion space 7 with one end inserted into the optical fiber insertion space 7, and the other end is opened so that the guide space 31 spreads like a trumpet. It is formed. A guide groove 32 for effectively guiding the optical fiber 10 is formed inside the other end so that the optical fiber 10 can be easily inserted. The optical fiber 10 is smoothly inserted into the optical fiber insertion space 7 by using the guide member 30 configured as described above.
[0050]
Further, instead of using the above-described guide member 30, at least one end of the optical fiber insertion space may be formed so as to spread like a trumpet. As shown in FIG. 19, the film body 1f is provided with an optical fiber insertion space 7f having one end opened in a trumpet shape. In order to form such an optical fiber insertion space 7f, one end of the dummy plate to be used may be formed so as to gradually increase. This film body 7f can obtain substantially the same function as the case where the guide member 30 is used.
[0051]
Further, the optical fiber can be partially taped by another method using the above-described film 2 (see FIG. 1).
For example, a plurality of optical fibers 10 are simply arranged by hand or the like on a single film 2 with the adhesive layer 4 on the upper surface, and a single film 2 with the adhesive layer 4 on the lower surface. Put on. Then, the adhesive layer 4 of the two joints is adhered by an iron or the like, with the part slightly spaced from the optical fibers 10 arranged on the outermost side as the joint. Thereby, the optical fiber 10 is provisionally positioned by the two films 2 in a state where a space is provided in the parallel direction of the arranged optical fibers 10. In this state, for example, when the arranged optical fibers 10 are moved by a finger or the like until the entire optical fibers 10 come into contact with one of the joints, the joints function as positioning means for the optical fibers 10 and the optical fibers 10 Are arranged in a plane. Thereafter, the adhesive layer 4 in the remaining space on the other joint side is adhered again as a joint. Thereby, a partial tape can be formed in a state where the plurality of optical fibers 10 are aligned.
[0052]
Next, an embodiment of a multi-core connector, an optical fiber sheet, and a fan-out cord using a partial tape optical fiber according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, a case where the partial tape optical fiber 20 shown in FIG. 6 is connected to a multi-core optical connector will be described.
First, as shown in FIG. 20, one end of the non-taped optical fiber 10 of the partial tape optical fiber 20 is cut so that the end faces are aligned. Here, an example in which the optical fiber 10 is cut together with the film body 1 is shown, but only the optical fiber 10 may be cut so that the optical fiber 10 still projects from the film body 1.
[0053]
Next, as shown in FIG. 21, a desired length of the optical fiber 10 is collectively removed by coating. That is, the coating layer 12 of the optical fiber 10, the adhesive layer 4 of the film body 1, and the film substrate 3 are removed to expose the glass fiber 11 (see FIG. 4).
[0054]
Then, as shown in FIG. 22, the glass fiber 11 is inserted into the optical fiber insertion hole 44 of the multi-core ferrule 41 to obtain the multi-core optical connector 40 to which the partial tape optical fiber 20 is connected.
The multi-core optical connector 40 includes a multi-core ferrule 41, a boot 46, and the partial tape optical fiber 20. One end of the partial tape optical fiber 20 is inserted into the multi-core ferrule 41, and the multi-core ferrule 41 and the partial tape optical fiber 20 are fixed to each other via a boot 46. The multi-core ferrule 41 is composed of a ferrule main body 42 on the front side in the connecting direction and a flange 43 on the rear side, and the whole is integrally formed of epoxy resin or the like. The ferrule main body 42 is provided with guide pin holes 45 near both ends in the lateral width direction, and eight optical fiber insertion holes 44 are provided between the two guide pin holes 45.
Such a multi-fiber optical connector 40 is excellent in quality because optical fibers aligned with high accuracy can be easily inserted into the optical fiber insertion hole 44 and connected.
[0055]
Next, an optical fiber sheet using a partial tape optical fiber will be described.
As shown in FIG. 23, the optical fiber sheet 50 is wired in a desired form in a state where a total of 16 optical fibers 10 are bonded and covered from both sides to an adhesive sheet 51 which is a sheet-like protection member. . Further, the optical fibers 10 bundled into four pieces each are partially taped, and a total of eight partial tape optical fibers 53 are provided. Here, the partial tape optical fiber 53 has the above-described partial tape optical fiber 20 having four cores. A multi-core optical connector 52 is connected to an end of each partial tape optical fiber 53. The multi-core optical connector 52 is a four-core type of the multi-core optical connector 40 described above.
In the optical fiber sheet 50 configured as described above, the ends of the optical fibers 10 are precisely aligned and connected to the multi-core optical connector 52. For example, optical connection devices such as communication bases are connected in a desired wiring form. It can be suitably used when connecting.
[0056]
Next, a fan-out (FO) code using a partial tape optical fiber will be described.
As shown in FIG. 24, the fan-out cord 60 has a configuration in which a part of the eight optical fibers 10 is partially taped to form a partial tape optical fiber 20. As shown in FIG. 18, the multi-core optical connector 40 is connected. Further, a single-core optical connector 61 is connected to each side of the optical fiber 10 which is not taped.
The fan-out cord 60 configured as described above can be suitably used, for example, when wiring and connecting a multi-core optical fiber cable one by one in an optical connection box.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the method for forming a partial tape of a film or an optical fiber according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the workability of aligning the optical fiber when the optical fiber is formed into a partial tape.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one step in manufacturing a film body according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a film body according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a film body according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an optical fiber to be partially taped.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the partial tape optical fiber according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a partial tape optical fiber according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state where a joint portion of the partial tape optical fiber shown in FIG. 6 is removed.
8 is a perspective view showing a state in which a through hole is formed in the partial tape optical fiber shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a modification of the step shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a film body manufactured by the process shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a modification of the step shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a film body manufactured by the process shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a modification of the step shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a film body manufactured by the process shown in FIG.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the step shown in FIG.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a film body manufactured by the process shown in FIG.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a film body having a plurality of optical fiber insertion spaces.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a film body provided with a guide member.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a film body having a trumpet-shaped optical fiber insertion space.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a partial tape optical fiber in which end faces of the optical fiber are aligned.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a partial tape optical fiber in which a coating of the optical fiber is partially removed.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a multi-core optical connector to which partial tape optical fibers are connected.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an optical fiber sheet using a partial tape optical fiber.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing an FO cord using a partial tape optical fiber.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Film body
2 Film
3 Film substrate
4 Adhesive layer
5 Dummy plate
6 Joints
7 Optical fiber insertion space
8 Spacer
10 Optical fiber
20-part tape optical fiber
21 Through hole
30 Guide member
40 multi-core optical connector
50 Optical fiber sheet
60 Fan Out Code

Claims (18)

Film substrate, a film body formed by a film having an adhesive layer provided on the film substrate,
The film forms an optical fiber insertion space that can be aligned by inserting a plurality of optical fibers,
The film body, wherein the adhesive layer is disposed so as to face the optical fiber insertion space. 2. The film body according to claim 1, wherein the film base is a non-heat-shrinkable film base, and the adhesive layer is a thermoplastic adhesive layer. The film body according to claim 1, wherein the film base is a non-heat-shrinkable film base, and the adhesive layer is a thermosetting adhesive layer. The film body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of the optical fiber insertion spaces are formed. The film body according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the optical fiber insertion space is formed so that at least one opening end is widened. A film in which an adhesive layer is provided on a film substrate is arranged substantially along the outer periphery of the dummy plate such that the adhesive layer is on the inner side, and a bonding portion in which the films are overlapped is provided.
After bonding the joint,
A method of manufacturing a film body, comprising: forming an optical fiber insertion space in which a plurality of optical fibers can be inserted and aligned by removing the dummy plate. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the optical fiber insertion space is formed by one sheet of the film. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the optical fiber insertion space is formed by a plurality of the films. A plurality of optical fibers, comprising a film provided with a thermoplastic or thermosetting adhesive layer on the film substrate,
A partial tape optical fiber, wherein the plurality of optical fibers are arranged in a state where portions covered by the film are adhered by the adhesive layer. By a film comprising a film substrate and an adhesive layer provided on the film substrate, an optical fiber insertion space capable of inserting and aligning a plurality of optical fibers is formed, and the adhesive layer is formed by the adhesive layer. With a film body arranged facing the optical fiber insertion space,
A partial tape optical fiber, wherein a part of the plurality of optical fibers is aligned and inserted into the optical fiber insertion space, and is bonded by the adhesive layer. 11. The partial tape optical fiber according to claim 9, wherein the film has a through-hole formed at a position not facing the optical fiber. A plurality of optical fibers are inserted through an optical fiber insertion space configured to align a plurality of optical fibers, of a film formed by a film provided with an adhesive layer on a film substrate,
Further heating and pressing the adhesive layer against the optical fiber,
A method of forming a partial tape of an optical fiber, comprising bonding the plurality of optical fibers to the adhesive layer. 13. The guide member according to claim 12, wherein the optical fiber is guided toward the optical fiber insertion space when the optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber insertion space when the optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber insertion space. A method for forming a partial tape of an optical fiber, characterized by using: 14. The method according to claim 12, wherein when the optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber insertion space, a shape holding unit for holding the shape of the optical fiber insertion space is used. A method for forming an optical fiber into a partial tape. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the shape holding means is a spacer that can be inserted into the optical fiber insertion space. A multicore optical connector, wherein the partial tape optical fiber according to any one of claims 9 to 11 is connected. A plurality of partial tape optical fibers according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein an optical fiber of a non-tape portion is appropriately wired and sheeted between the plurality of partial tape optical fibers. An optical fiber sheet which is covered by a shape protection member. The partial tape optical fiber according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein one end of the partially taped optical fiber is connected to a multi-core optical connector, and the other end which is not partially taped is connected to a single-core optical connector. A fan-out code that is characterized by:

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