JP2004163693A - Article having optical fibers put partially in ribbon, manufacturing method therefor, and method for putting optical fibers partially in ribbon - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve arraying operability of arraying of optical fibers when a plurality of optical fibers are put partially in a ribbon. <P>SOLUTION: An article 1 having optical fibers put partially in a ribbon is equipped with a film body 8 for putting the plurality of optical fibers 10 partially in the ribbon and a guide member 20 to which ends of the plurality of optical fibers 10 can be fixed and the film body 8 is formed of a film base material 3 and a film 2 with an adhesive layer 4 formed for the film base material 3; and the film 2 forms an optical fiber insertion space 7 where the plurality of optical fibers 10 can be inserted and arrayed, the adhesive layer 4 is arranged facing the optical fiber insertion space 7, and the guide member 20 can be inserted into the optical fiber insertion space 7 while the ends of the plurality of optical fibers are fixed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a partially taped article of an optical fiber, a method of manufacturing a partially taped article of an optical fiber, and a method of partially tapering an optical fiber, and more specifically, a film in which an adhesive layer is provided on a film substrate. The present invention relates to a partially taped article of an optical fiber, a method of manufacturing a partially taped article of an optical fiber, and a method of partially tapering an optical fiber for partially tapering a plurality of optical fibers.
[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 of forming a partial tape of an optical fiber, a plurality of optical fibers must be accurately aligned in a plane before the plurality of optical fibers are wrapped by the adhesive tape. There is. 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 the workability of aligning optical fibers in a plane when a plurality of optical fibers are partially taped.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An optical fiber partially taped article according to the present invention for achieving the above object, a film body for partially tapering a plurality of optical fibers, and a guide member capable of fixing the ends of the plurality of optical fibers. The film body is formed of a film having a film substrate and an adhesive layer provided on the film substrate, and the film forms an optical fiber insertion space through which a plurality of optical fibers can be inserted and aligned. The adhesive layer is arranged so as to face the optical fiber insertion space, and the guide member can insert the optical fiber insertion space in a state where the ends of the plurality of optical fibers are fixed. It is characterized by:
[0008]
In the partially taped optical fiber article having such a configuration, a plurality of optical fibers can be fixed to the guide member, and the fixed optical fibers can be inserted into the optical fiber insertion space of the film body. 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 can be performed simply by inserting the optical fibers into the optical fiber insertion space with the ends fixed, or by simply aligning them with fingers or the like after the insertion, and the workability is improved. Very good. In addition, since the plurality of optical fibers are inserted into the optical fiber insertion space by the guide member, the insertion operation is easy.
[0009]
Further, in order to achieve the above object, a partially taped article of an optical fiber according to the present invention includes a film body for partially tapering a plurality of optical fibers, and a guide member capable of fixing ends of the plurality of optical fibers. The film body is formed by a film having a film substrate and an adhesive layer provided on the film substrate, and the film has an optical fiber insertion space through which a plurality of optical fibers can be inserted and aligned. The adhesive layer is formed so as to face the optical fiber insertion space, and the guide member is arranged so as to be inserted into the optical fiber insertion space.
[0010]
An optical fiber partially taped article having such a configuration can easily connect a plurality of optical fibers by fixing the optical fiber to one side of the guide member and pulling out the guide member from the optical fiber insertion space with the other side. It can be inserted into the optical fiber insertion space. 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 may be performed only by pulling out the guide member from the optical fiber insertion space or by simply aligning the guide member from the outside of the film body with a finger or the like thereafter. It is good.
[0011]
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.
[0012]
In addition, in the above-described partially taped article of the optical fiber, the guide member preferably includes an optical fiber fixing portion capable of fixing the ends of the plurality of optical fibers in an aligned state. Further, if the guide member is located outside the optical fiber insertion space in a state where the guide member is inserted into the optical fiber insertion space, the operation of fixing the optical fiber does not become troublesome, so that the optical fiber fixing portion is convenient. Is good.
In the partially taped article of the optical fiber having such a configuration, by aligning only the ends of the plurality of optical fibers and fixing them to the optical fiber fixing portion, the alignment after the optical fibers are inserted into the optical fiber insertion space is aligned. Workability becomes very good.
[0013]
Further, in the above-mentioned optical fiber partially taped article, it is preferable that the optical fiber fixing portion is capable of fixing an optical fiber detachably. The detachable structure is preferably configured so that, for example, the optical fiber can be fitted into the optical fiber fixing portion.
According to the partially taped article of the optical fiber having such a configuration, a plurality of optical fibers are inserted into the optical fiber insertion space, integrated with the film body and partially taped, and then the guide member is easily formed from the optical fiber. Can be removed.
[0014]
Further, the method for producing an optical fiber partially taped article according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object includes a method in which a film in which an adhesive layer is provided on a film substrate, The optical fiber is disposed so as to be substantially along the outer periphery of a dummy plate constituting a part of a guide member capable of fixing an end portion of the optical fiber, and a bonding portion in which films are overlapped is provided. A film body having an optical fiber insertion space through which a plurality of optical fibers can be inserted and aligned by pulling out from between the films, and arranging the guide member in a state of being inserted into the optical fiber insertion space. It is characterized by.
[0015]
According to such a method of manufacturing a partially taped article of an optical fiber, a dummy member for forming an optical fiber insertion space is pulled out from between films, and at the same time, a guide member capable of fixing the ends of a plurality of optical fibers. Can be easily inserted into the optical fiber insertion space. That is, it is possible to manufacture an optical fiber partially taped article having a function of aligning a plurality of optical fibers and easily forming a partial tape.
[0016]
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 method of partially tapering an optical fiber in which a plurality of optical fibers are inserted into the optical fiber insertion space configured as described above and the plurality of optical fibers are bonded to an adhesive layer, wherein the optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber insertion space. At this time, the ends of the plurality of optical fibers are fixed to the guide member inserted into the optical fiber insertion space, and the guide member is pulled out from the optical fiber insertion space, so that the plurality of optical fibers are inserted into the optical fiber insertion space. It is characterized by being inserted.
[0017]
According to such an optical fiber partial tape forming method, a plurality of optical fibers are inserted into the optical fiber insertion space by pulling out the guide member from the optical fiber insertion space, and the inserted optical fibers are aligned. Can be. 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 film member and the guide member as described above in advance, it is possible to shorten the operation time of the partial tape.
[0018]
Further, in the above method for forming a partial tape of an optical fiber, a non-heat-shrinkable film base material is used as a film base material, and a thermoplastic or thermosetting adhesive is used as a material for the adhesive layer. Is preferably applied to the heating and pressurizing of the optical fibers to bond the plurality of optical fibers to the adhesive layer.
According to such an optical fiber partial tape forming method, the adhesive can be spread evenly around the optical fiber, and the aligned optical fibers can be securely bonded.
[0019]
Further, in the above-mentioned method for forming a partial tape of an optical fiber, it is preferable that the ends of the plurality of optical fibers are aligned and fixed to the optical fiber fixing portion of the guide member.
According to the optical fiber partial tape forming method having such a configuration, the alignment workability after the optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber insertion space becomes very good.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a partially taped article of an optical fiber, a manufacturing method thereof, and a partially taped method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
First, an embodiment of a partially taped article of an optical fiber and a method of manufacturing the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The partially taped article of the optical fiber of the present embodiment is a film member having an optical fiber insertion space capable of inserting and aligning a plurality of optical fibers, and a guide member capable of inserting the optical fiber insertion space together with the plurality of optical fibers. It is characterized by having.
[0021]
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one step in manufacturing a partially taped article of an optical fiber. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when manufacturing a partially taped article of an optical fiber, 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 desired number of optical fibers is slightly larger than a state in which the optical fibers are arranged substantially in a plane. Is placed beforehand. That is, the film 2 is formed in a shape substantially along the outer periphery of the dummy plate 21 with the adhesive layer 4 disposed inside.
[0022]
The dummy plate 21 forms a part of the guide member 20, and one end of the elongated body 22 is connected to one end protruding from between the two films 2. The other end of the elongated body 22 is connected to the optical fiber fixing part 23. The guide member 20 includes the dummy plate 21, the elongated body 22, and the optical fiber fixing section 23.
[0023]
The elongated body 22 is a member longer than the length of the film 2 in the longitudinal direction. The elongated body 22 may be any one that can tolerate a tension enough to pull a plurality of optical fibers to be partially taped, and may be a rod-shaped or string-shaped one having a smaller sectional area than the dummy plate 21. Preferably, it does not generate dust such as dust. For example, a nylon thread or a plastic fiber may be used.
[0024]
The optical fiber fixing section 23 is configured to be able to fix the ends of a plurality of optical fibers to be partially taped. In this embodiment, an adhesive tape having an adhesive layer on one surface is used. Alternatively, a thermoplastic or thermosetting adhesive layer may be provided instead of the adhesive layer. Further, the size of the optical fiber fixing portion 23 is such that the optical fibers to be partially taped can be fixed in parallel in a line, and the optical fiber insertion space 7 described later can be inserted with the optical fibers fixed. good.
[0025]
It is preferable that the material of the adhesive layer 4 provided on the film 2 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 members are arranged in the state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the adhesive layers 4 of the joint 6 are not yet bonded. Further, the adhesive layer 4 is not bonded to the dummy plate 21. Therefore, even if the two films 2 are positioned along the outer periphery of the dummy plate 21 even if they are misaligned with each other, the adhesive layer 4 does not adhere to any part 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.
[0026]
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.
The film substrate 3 is preferably made of a non-heat-shrinkable material that is not easily shrunk by heat, and is preferably 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.
[0027]
Next, in the state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the joint 6 is bonded. 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.
[0028]
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.
[0029]
Further, since the film base 3 is non-heat-shrinkable, the shrinkage due to heat when bonding the adhesive layer is extremely small, and the optical fiber to be partially taped is not strained. Therefore, good alignment of the optical fibers can be maintained.
[0030]
After bonding the bonding portion 6 as described above, the dummy plate 21 is pulled out and removed from between the adhesive layers 4 toward the side where the elongated body 22 is not connected (in the direction of arrow B). Thus, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the optical fiber insertion space 7 is formed inside the adhesive layer 4, and the film body 8 is manufactured. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the dummy plate 21 has been pulled out, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a CC section in FIG.
[0031]
Since the optical fiber insertion space 7 is formed to have a size substantially equal to the outer shape of the dummy plate 21, a desired number of optical fibers can be inserted and aligned in a plane. Also, by setting the dummy plate 21 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 21 is preferably 110 to 500%, more preferably 110 to 200%, with respect to the cross-sectional area of the plurality of optical fibers to be fixed.
[0032]
Further, by pulling out the dummy plate 21 from between the adhesive layers 4, the optical fiber insertion space 7 is formed, and at the same time, the elongated body 22 longer than the optical fiber insertion space 7 is formed. Is inserted through.
Then, the dummy plate 21 pulled out of the film body 8 is separated from the long body 22 and removed as shown in FIG. Thereby, the partially taped article 1 of the optical fiber of the present embodiment including the film body 8, the long body 22, and the optical fiber fixing portion 23 is obtained. In the present invention, it is not always necessary to remove the dummy plate 21.
[0033]
As described above, the partially taped optical fiber article 1 of the present embodiment has a film body 8 in which a plurality of optical fibers can be aligned and partially taped, and a plurality of optical fibers in an optical fiber insertion space 7. A long member 22 which is a guide member for passing through the optical fiber and an optical fiber fixing portion 23 are provided. Therefore, not only is the alignment property when a plurality of optical fibers are partially taped good, but it is also easy to insert the optical fibers into the optical fiber insertion space 7.
[0034]
In addition, the partially taped article 1 of the optical fiber of the present embodiment allows the dummy plate 21 and the elongated body 22 to be connected to each other so that the dummy plate 21 is pulled out and the elongated body 22 is inserted continuously. Although they were manufactured by performing them simultaneously in steps, these operations can be performed in separate steps. That is, the dummy plate 21 and the elongated body 22 are configured separately, and after removing the dummy plate 21 from the film body 8, the elongated body 22 can be inserted into the optical fiber insertion space 7, for example, manually. .
[0035]
Next, one embodiment of a method for forming a partial tape of an optical fiber using the above-described article 1 for forming a partial tape of an optical fiber will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the method for forming a partial tape of the optical fiber of the present embodiment, the ends of the plurality of optical fibers are fixed to the guide member, and the optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber insertion space by pulling out the guide member from the optical fiber insertion space, Thereafter, the inserted optical fiber is integrated with the film body to form a partial tape.
[0036]
First, a plurality of optical fibers are inserted into the optical fiber insertion space 7 of the film body 8 shown in FIG. 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. 6, the optical fiber 10 is formed by coating the outer periphery of a glass fiber 11 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.
[0037]
When inserting the optical fiber 10 into the optical fiber insertion space 7, first, as shown in FIG. 7, the end of the optical fiber 10 is fixed to the optical fiber fixing portion 23. Since the optical fiber fixing portion 23 of the present embodiment uses an adhesive tape, it can be fixed in a desired arrangement only by sticking the optical fiber 10 to the adhesive layer. Preferably, the eight optical fibers 10 are fixed with their respective ends arranged side by side in a row. The operation of aligning the optical fibers 10 can be easily performed because only the ends need to be aligned.
Further, since the optical fiber fixing portion 23 is located outside the optical fiber insertion space 7, the operation of fixing the optical fiber 10 does not bother.
When a thermoplastic or thermosetting adhesive layer is provided instead of the adhesive layer, a plurality of optical fibers 10 are arranged so as to be in contact with the adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is heated. Thus, the optical fiber 10 can be fixed.
FIG. 7 shows a state in which the optical fiber 10 is fixed so as to be stuck on a planar adhesive tape. However, the adhesive tape is covered so as to cover the periphery of the end of the parallel optical fibers 10. It may be fixed by winding.
[0038]
The optical fiber 10 thus fixed to the optical fiber fixing portion 23 is inserted into the optical fiber insertion space 7 by pulling the elongated body 22 inserted into the optical fiber insertion space 7 (in the direction of arrow D). Can be. Since the optical fiber 10 at the time of insertion is aligned at least at the end on the insertion start side, the alignment state is extremely unlikely to be disturbed in the process of being inserted into the optical fiber insertion space 7. Then, while maintaining the alignment state of the ends, the alignment action received from the optical fiber insertion space 7 works, and the portion of the optical fiber 10 to be partially taped is gradually aligned. In addition, when the long body 22 is pulled and the optical fiber 10 is inserted while holding the insertion start side of the optical fiber insertion space 7 with a finger or the like, the alignment action can be more stably exhibited.
[0039]
As described above, in the method of forming a partial tape of the optical fiber according to the present embodiment, the optical fiber 10 can be very easily inserted into the optical fiber insertion space 7 by pulling the elongated body 22 and pulling it out of the optical fiber insertion space 7. Can be. In addition, by aligning and fixing the ends of the optical fiber 10, not only good alignment properties can be achieved, but also the insertion operation can be performed reliably and quickly, and the operation time can be reduced.
[0040]
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 optical fiber 10 can be easily inserted. 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.
[0041]
Normally, if the inserted optical fibers 10 do not overlap or intersect in the optical fiber insertion space 7, the film body 8 is squeezed with a finger or the like, that is, the film body 8 is held with a finger or the like. The optical fibers 10 can be easily aligned by sliding in the longitudinal direction while sandwiching the optical fibers 10 from the outside in the thickness direction. Therefore, it is desirable that the thickness of the dummy plate 21 be less than twice the outer diameter of the optical fiber 10 when the film body 8 is manufactured.
As described above, the partially taped article 1 of the optical fiber used in the present embodiment can be obtained by simply inserting the plurality of optical fibers 10 into the optical fiber insertion space 7 formed in a desired size in advance. The optical fiber 10 can be aligned without requiring a special 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.
[0042]
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. 8 and 9, the plurality of optical fibers 10 are adhered to the adhesive layer 4 and adhere to the film body 8. Integrated. Thereby, the optical fiber 10 is partially taped, and the partial tape optical fiber 15 is manufactured.
[0043]
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.
[0044]
As described above, according to the method for forming a partial tape of the optical fiber of the present embodiment, the optical fiber 10 can be easily aligned in a planar shape and formed into a partial tape. Further, by preparing the partially taped article 1 of the optical fiber, it is possible to easily perform the partial tape without requiring a special device or the like. This is very effective in assembling optical devices. 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.
[0045]
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.
[0046]
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a mode in which the joint 6 is removed from the partial tape optical fiber 15 (see FIG. 8) (a partial tape optical fiber 15a) may be adopted. This partial tape optical fiber 15a can save space, for example, when connecting partial tape optical fibers in parallel to an optical fiber array or the like. The operation of removing the joint 6 may be performed before the optical fiber 10 is inserted into the optical fiber insertion space 7.
After the optical fiber 10 is partially taped, the portion of the optical fiber 10 protruding from the film body 8 may be cut as necessary.
[0047]
Further, in the present invention, the above-described guide member 20 (see FIG. 1) can adopt another mode.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a through hole 24 penetrating in the longitudinal direction may be provided in the dummy plate 21, and the elongated body 22 may be inserted into the through hole 24. When the guide member 20a is used, when the dummy plate 21 is arranged between the films, the elongated body 22 can be arranged at a position to be an optical fiber insertion space.
[0048]
Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the optical fiber fixing portion 23 may be provided directly at the end of the dummy plate 21 without using the above-described elongated body 22. The guide member 20b also has the same function as the elongated body 22 described above with the dummy plate 21. That is, a plurality of optical fibers are fixed to the optical fiber fixing portion 23 before the dummy plate 21 is pulled out of the film body and removed, so that the optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber insertion space at the same time as the dummy plate 21 is pulled out. can do. Further, the structure of the guide member 20b can be simplified as compared with the above-described guide member 20. Further, it is possible to prevent dust or the like from entering the optical fiber insertion space from the outside during the period from when the dummy plate 21 is pulled out to when the optical fiber is inserted.
[0049]
Further, the above-described optical fiber fixing portion 23 (see FIG. 1) is configured such that an optical fiber is adhered and fixed using a thin flat plate-shaped adhesive tape, but is configured to be capable of fixing a plurality of optical fibers. Still other embodiments may be employed.
For example, as shown in FIG. 13, an optical fiber fixing section 25 in which an optical fiber is detachable can be used. The optical fiber fixing portion 25 is composed of two half members 26, and fixes the optical fiber by combining and integrating the two half members 26. Each half member 26 is provided with an elastic part 28 made of rubber or the like inside a housing 29 made of plastic or the like. The elastic portion 28 has a plurality of fixing grooves 27 for holding the optical fiber therebetween. The fixing groove 27 is preferably arranged so as to fix the plurality of optical fibers in an aligned state. The housing 29 is formed with an engagement protrusion 30 and an engagement hole 31 so that the engagement protrusion 30 and the engagement hole 31 of the half member 26 are engaged with each other.
[0050]
When fixing the optical fiber to the optical fiber fixing portion 25, the optical fiber is placed on the fixing groove 27 of one half member 26, and the other half member 26 is covered from above. Integrate. Since the fixing groove 27 into which the optical fiber is fitted is formed of an elastic body, problems such as applying excessive lateral pressure to the optical fiber and damaging it are prevented.
By using the optical fiber fixing portion 25 configured as described above, the optical fiber fixing portion 25 can be easily detached from the optical fiber after the optical fiber is integrated with the film body and partially taped. The operation of removing the optical fiber fixing portion is simplified as compared with the case where the optical fiber is fixed by sticking. Further, the optical fiber is not damaged when the optical fiber fixing portion is removed.
[0051]
In addition, the optical fiber can be fixed by a long body without providing a member serving as an optical fiber fixing portion.
For example, as shown in FIG. 14, it is possible to wind a string-shaped long body 22 around the ends of a plurality of optical fibers 10, form a knot 22 a and fix it.
[0052]
Further, the film body formed or used in the present invention is not limited to the above-described film body 8 (see FIG. 4).
For example, when the bonding portion is adhered to the dummy plate without firmly fixing the film, the optical fiber insertion space 7a hardly depends on the shape of the dummy plate 5 as in a film body 8a shown in FIG.
[0053]
The film body 8 described above is formed using two films 2 and is provided with two film substrates 3 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). As shown, in the present invention, it can be formed by a single film. In the film body 8b shown in FIG. 16, one film is bent along the outer periphery of the dummy plate so that the adhesive layer 4 is on the inside, and one bonding portion 6 is provided, and this bonding portion 6 is bonded. Then, by removing the dummy plate, the optical fiber insertion space 7b can be formed.
[0054]
In addition, by rolling one film around the dummy plate so as to be wound, as shown in FIG. 17, the portion where the end portion of the film base material 3 and the end portion of the adhesive layer 4 overlap is joined to the joining portion 6. It is good. In this case, the joining portion 6 forms a part of the outer periphery of the optical fiber insertion space 7c.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the partially taped article of the optical fiber according to the present invention, the method of manufacturing the same, and the method of forming the partial tape, the alignment workability for aligning the optical fiber when the optical fiber is partially taped is improved. Can be done.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one step in manufacturing a partially taped article according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an AA section in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where a dummy plate is pulled out from the state shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a CC section in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the partially taped article according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical fiber to be partially taped.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the end of the optical fiber is fixed to the optical fiber fixing section shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a partial tape optical fiber manufactured by the optical fiber partial tape forming method according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a section of the partial tape optical fiber shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state where a joint portion of the partial tape optical fiber shown in FIG. 8 is removed.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a modification of the guide member shown in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a modification of the guide member shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the optical fiber fixing section shown in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state where an optical fiber is fixed by a long body.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing a modification of the film body shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the film body shown in FIG.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the film body shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Partially taped article of optical fiber
2 Film
3 Film substrate
4 Adhesive layer
6 Joints
7 Optical fiber insertion space
8 Film body
10 Optical fiber
15 Partial tape optical fiber
20 Guide member
21 Dummy plate
22 long body
23 Optical fiber fixing part
24 Through hole
25 Optical fiber fixing part
26 halves

Claims (7)

A film member for partially tapering the plurality of optical fibers, and a guide member capable of fixing the ends of the plurality of optical fibers,
The film body is formed of a film having a film substrate and an adhesive layer provided on the film substrate, and the film has an optical fiber insertion space through which the plurality of optical fibers can be inserted and aligned. Forming, the adhesive layer is configured to be disposed facing the optical fiber insertion space,
The said guide member can penetrate the said optical fiber insertion space in the state which fixed the edge part of the said several optical fiber, The partial tape-ized article of the optical fiber characterized by the above-mentioned. A film member for partially tapering the plurality of optical fibers, and a guide member capable of fixing the ends of the plurality of optical fibers,
The film body is formed of a film having a film substrate and an adhesive layer provided on the film substrate, and the film has an optical fiber insertion space through which the plurality of optical fibers can be inserted and aligned. Forming, the adhesive layer is configured to be disposed facing the optical fiber insertion space,
The said guide member is arrange | positioned in the state penetrated by the said optical fiber insertion space, The partial tape-ized article of the optical fiber characterized by the above-mentioned. 3. The article according to claim 1, wherein the guide member includes an optical fiber fixing portion capable of fixing the ends of the plurality of optical fibers in an aligned state. 4. An optical fiber partially taped article characterized by the above-mentioned. The partially taped optical fiber article according to claim 3, wherein the optical fiber fixing portion is capable of detachably fixing the optical fiber. A film in which an adhesive layer is provided on a film base material is disposed almost on the outer periphery of a dummy plate which constitutes a part of a guide member capable of fixing the ends of a plurality of optical fibers so that the adhesive layer is on the inside. Arranged along to provide a joint where the film is superimposed,
After bonding the joint,
The dummy plate was pulled out from between the films to form a film body having an optical fiber insertion space through which a plurality of optical fibers could be inserted and aligned, and the guide member was inserted into the optical fiber insertion space. A method for producing an optical fiber partially taped article, wherein the article is arranged in a state. 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,
A method of forming a partial tape of an optical fiber in which the plurality of optical fibers are bonded to the adhesive layer,
When inserting the optical fiber into the optical fiber insertion space,
The ends of the plurality of optical fibers are fixed to a guide member inserted into the optical fiber insertion space, and the guide member is pulled out from the optical fiber insertion space, whereby the plurality of optical fibers are inserted through the optical fiber. A method of forming a partial tape of an optical fiber, wherein the tape is inserted into a space. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein ends of the plurality of optical fibers are aligned and fixed to an optical fiber fixing portion of the guide member. Method.

Images