JP2004233684A - Apparatus and method for manufacturing split optical fiber ribbon - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To form slits between optical fiber ribbons when the end is split in the length direction so that the optical fiber ribbon may be divided. <P>SOLUTION: A method for manufacturing a split optical fiber ribbon includes; a step in which a plurality of optical fiber ribbons 30 are formed at a time by integrating coated optical fibers 20A with irradiation of UV rays after arranging a plurality of coated optical fibers 20A constituting a plurality of fiber groups 20 in parallel and successively applying uncured UV curing resin in the length direction, and a step in which a split optical fiber ribbons 40 are formed by integrating the optical fiber ribbons 30 with irradiation of UV rays after arranging the plurality of optical fiber ribbons 30 in parallel and successively applying uncured UV curing resin along the length direction. Each optical fiber ribbon 30 formed in the optical fiber ribbon forming step is transferred into the split fiber ribbon forming step after the UV curing type resin is completely set. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a split type optical fiber tape manufacturing apparatus and a split type optical fiber tape manufacturing method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The demand for optical fiber cables is increasing with the expansion of optical communication networks. An optical fiber cable is composed of a large number of optical fiber cores, and a large number of optical fiber tapes in which a plurality of optical fiber cores are coated with a coating layer and integrated into a tape form are also used. ing.
[0003]
Such an optical fiber tape is formed by arranging a plurality of optical fiber cores in parallel, sequentially applying uncured ultraviolet-curable resin along the length direction, and then irradiating ultraviolet rays to form a coating layer and integrate them. Manufactured by
[0004]
As shown in FIG. 6, the optical fiber tape includes a plurality of optical fiber cores (four cores in the figure) 20A coated with a first coating layer 31 and integrated into a tape shape. There is a split type optical fiber tape 40 in which a plurality of 30s are arranged in parallel (two in the figure), and they are further covered with a second covering layer 41 to be integrated. In such a split-type optical fiber tape, a plurality of optical fiber tapes are integrally routed at an intermediate portion in a length direction, while they are split at both ends and routed toward respective connection destinations. Is done.
[0005]
The split type optical fiber tape is composed of a plurality of optical fiber cores, each of which is composed of a plurality of optical fiber cores, and a plurality of optical fiber cores of the fiber group are arranged in parallel to form an uncured ultraviolet curable resin. Are sequentially adhered along the length direction, and then irradiated with ultraviolet rays to integrate them to form a plurality of optical fiber tapes simultaneously, and then, for a plurality of simultaneously formed optical fiber tapes, An uncured UV-curable resin is sequentially adhered along the length direction by arranging optical fiber tapes in parallel, and then irradiating with UV rays to integrate them.
[0006]
In Patent Document 1 below, a plurality of optical fiber strands are arranged in parallel, a collective coating layer is formed on them with an ultraviolet curing resin, and the collective coating layer is completely cured by the first irradiation of ultraviolet light. 90-95% to form an integrated tape-shaped optical fiber, and subsequently connect the plurality of tape-shaped optical fibers with an ultraviolet-curing resin, and completely cure the collective coating layer and the connecting resin by the second UV irradiation. There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a split type optical fiber tape that is integrated by being integrated. According to the document, the blocking resistance is thereby improved, and the collective coating resin and the connecting resin are in good contact with each other, and a slight force is applied during manufacturing and handling, so that the collective coating layer and the connecting resin are Can be prevented from peeling off.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-341209
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the split type optical fiber tape is used by being divided into the respective optical fiber tapes at the ends. That is, a plurality of optical fiber tapes integrated at the time of manufacture are split into individual optical fiber tapes by tearing only the ends in the length direction at the time of use.
[0009]
However, if the first coating layer covering each optical fiber tape and the second coating layer outside the first coating layer are firmly integrated, when the end portion is torn in the length direction, the tear is caused by the optical fiber tape. They are not formed in between, and in some cases the tears can lead to and damage the optical fiber core.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to divide a gap between optical fiber tapes when an end is split in a length direction so as to divide each optical fiber tape. An object of the present invention is to provide a split type optical fiber tape manufacturing apparatus and a split type optical fiber tape manufacturing method for manufacturing a split type optical fiber tape to be formed.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The split type optical fiber tape manufacturing apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object,
A plurality of fiber groups each consisting of a plurality of optical fiber cores are continuously fed, and the plurality of optical fiber cores of each of the plurality of fiber groups are arranged in parallel to lengthen the uncured ultraviolet curable resin. An optical fiber tape forming unit for forming a plurality of optical fiber tapes simultaneously by irradiating ultraviolet rays after being sequentially attached along the direction to integrate them,
A plurality of optical fiber tapes simultaneously formed in the optical fiber forming section are continuously fed, and the plurality of optical fiber tapes are arranged in parallel, and an uncured ultraviolet curable resin is sequentially attached along the length direction. After that, by irradiating ultraviolet rays to integrate them to form a split-type optical fiber tape forming section, comprising:
After each of the optical fiber tapes formed in the optical fiber tape forming section is completely cured by the ultraviolet curable resin irradiated with ultraviolet rays adhered in the optical fiber tape forming section, the split type optical fiber tape forming section Is configured to be sent,
It is characterized by the following.
[0012]
The manufacturing method of the split type optical fiber tape of the present invention,
For a plurality of fiber groups each consisting of a plurality of optical fiber cores, a plurality of optical fiber cores of each of the plurality of fiber groups are arranged in parallel, and an uncured ultraviolet curable resin is sequentially attached along the length direction. An optical fiber tape forming step of simultaneously forming a plurality of optical fiber tapes by integrating them by irradiating ultraviolet rays after the
With respect to the plurality of optical fiber tapes simultaneously formed in the optical fiber tape forming step, the plurality of optical fiber tapes are arranged in parallel, and an uncured ultraviolet curable resin is sequentially adhered along the length direction and then irradiated with ultraviolet rays. A split optical fiber tape forming step of forming them into a split optical fiber tape by integrating them,
After the respective optical fiber tapes formed in the optical fiber tape forming step are adhered in the optical fiber tape forming step and the ultraviolet curable resin irradiated with ultraviolet rays is completely cured, the process proceeds to the split type optical fiber tape forming step. Let
It is characterized by the following.
[0013]
According to the split type optical fiber tape manufacturing apparatus and the split type optical fiber tape manufacturing method, the split type optical fiber tape is formed by using the optical fiber tape in which the ultraviolet curable resin is completely cured. In such a split optical fiber tape, the interface between the ultraviolet curable resin constituting the optical fiber tape and the ultraviolet curable resin outside the resin is weaker than other portions. Therefore, when the end portion is split in the length direction so as to divide each optical fiber tape, a tear is formed between the optical fiber tapes along the interface. Therefore, when the end of the split type optical fiber tape is torn in the length direction as in the conventional case, the split does not split between the optical fiber tapes, and the split reaches the optical fiber core wire and causes damage. There is no.
[0014]
Here, in order to feed the optical fiber tape to the split-type optical fiber tape forming section after the ultraviolet curing resin is completely cured, the optical fiber tape between the optical fiber forming section and the split-type optical fiber tape forming section is required. It is only necessary to appropriately set various factors such as the wiring length, traveling speed and ambient temperature of the portion, and the intensity of ultraviolet light in the optical fiber forming portion.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
FIG. 1 shows a split type optical fiber tape manufacturing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017]
This split-type optical fiber tape manufacturing apparatus 10 sends out and runs eight optical fiber core wires 20A having a fiber diameter of 250 μm, arranges four of them in parallel, and uses an ultraviolet curable resin along the length direction. To form a pair of four-core optical fiber tapes 30 at the same time. Subsequently, the pair of optical fiber tapes 30 is arranged in parallel, and further coated with ultraviolet curing resin along the length direction sequentially. Thus, an eight-fiber split optical fiber tape 40 is formed, and finally the split optical fiber tape 40 is wound up. As a specific configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, the split type optical fiber tape manufacturing apparatus 10 includes eight delivery bobbins 11 (only two are shown) and a pair of first bobbins provided diagonally above the delivery bobbins 11. A sheave 12 (only one is shown), an optical fiber tape forming portion 13 provided therebelow, a second sheave 14 further provided therebelow, and a third sheave 15 provided diagonally above the sheave 12; A split type optical fiber tape forming section 16 provided on the side, first and second winding auxiliary sheaves 17a and 17b provided in parallel on the side, and first and second winding auxiliary sheaves. It comprises a dancer 18 provided between 17a and 17b, and a winding bobbin 19 provided diagonally below the second winding auxiliary sheave 17b.
[0018]
Each of the eight delivery bobbins 11 is wound with an optical fiber core 20 </ b> A colored in a different color, and each of the optical fiber cores 20 </ b> A is continuously fed obliquely upward by the winding force of the winding bobbin 19. It has become.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 2, each first sheave 12 has a configuration in which four narrow plate-shaped sheaves 12a each having a fiber guide groove 12b formed on the periphery thereof are stacked. Each of the pair of first sheaves 12 has eight optical fiber cores 20 </ b> A from the delivery bobbin 11 wound around the plate-shaped sheave 12 a, and the two plate-shaped sheaves 12 a on one side of each first sheave 12. From the two flat fiber sheaves 12a on the other side of each first sheave 12 and the fiber group 20 in which the four fiber optic cores 20A are collected in parallel. And a fiber group 20 in which four optical fiber cores 20 </ b> A in which the optical fiber cores 20 </ b> A are collected are configured in parallel (at this time, each fiber group 20 is connected to the outside of one of the first alignment sheaves 12). Between the optical fiber core wire 20A from the flat sheave 12a and the optical fiber core wire 20A from the inner flat sheave 12a of the other first aligned sheave 12, the light from the former inner flat sheave 12a. Aiba configure so as to sandwich the optical fiber 20A from the core wire 20A and the latter the outer flat sieve 12a.) Is adapted to change the downward direction of travel was running obliquely upward with.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 3, the optical fiber tape forming unit 13 includes a pair of first dies 13a and first UV lamps 13b. Each first die 13a has an elongated fiber insertion hole, and a fiber group 20 in which four optical fiber cores 20A from the first sheave 12 are arranged in parallel is inserted into the fiber insertion hole and travels. An uncured liquid UV-curable resin is sequentially attached to the four optical fiber cores 20A along the longitudinal direction so as to cover the four optical fiber cores 20A. Each of the first UV lamps 13b is continuously fed with a group of fibers 20 to which an uncured liquid ultraviolet curable resin is attached by a first die 13a, and irradiates the fiber group 20 with ultraviolet light, thereby curing the ultraviolet curable resin. A four-core optical fiber tape 30 covered with a first covering layer 31 made of The optical fiber tape forming unit 13 may have a configuration in which the single first die 13a and the first UV lamp 13b are used to tape both fiber groups 20.
[0021]
On the second sheave 14, a pair of optical fiber tapes 30 from the optical fiber tape forming unit 13 are wound respectively, and the traveling direction of the optical fiber tape 30 running downward is changed obliquely upward. I have.
[0022]
In the third sheave 15, a pair of optical fiber tapes 30 from the second sheave 14 are wound around, respectively, so that the running direction of the optical fiber tape 30 running obliquely upward is changed to the horizontal direction. .
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 4, the split-type optical fiber tape forming section 16 includes a second die 16a and a second UV lamp 16b. The second die 16a has an elongated tape insertion hole, and a pair of optical fiber tapes 30 from the second sheave 14 are inserted in parallel with the tape insertion holes to cover the traveling pair of optical fiber tapes 30. As a result, an uncured liquid UV-curable resin is sequentially adhered to the surfaces thereof along the longitudinal direction. The second UV lamp 16b is supplied with a pair of optical fiber tapes 30 to which an uncured liquid ultraviolet curing resin is adhered by the second die 16a, and irradiates the ultraviolet light to the pair of optical fiber tapes 30. An eight-fiber split optical fiber tape 40 is formed by coating the fiber tape 30 with a second coating layer 41 made of a further cured ultraviolet-curable resin.
[0024]
The first and second winding auxiliary sheaves 17a and 17b are wound with the split type optical fiber tape 40 from the split type optical fiber tape forming unit 16 in order, and the split type optical fiber tape 40 is wound on the winding bobbin 19. Is to lead.
[0025]
The dancer 18 applies a predetermined load to the split type optical fiber tape 40 between the first and second winding auxiliary sheaves 17a and 17b, and winds the split type optical fiber tape 40 around the winding bobbin 19 with a constant tension applied. Is to be taken.
[0026]
The winding bobbin 19 winds the split optical fiber tape 40 manufactured from the second winding auxiliary sheave 17b under a predetermined tension.
[0027]
In the split type optical fiber tape manufacturing apparatus 10, each of the optical fiber tapes 30 formed in the optical fiber tape forming section 13 is applied with the ultraviolet curable resin which is adhered in the optical fiber tape forming section 13 and irradiated with ultraviolet rays. After being completely cured, it is configured to be fed into the split type optical fiber tape forming section 16. Specifically, between the optical fiber forming unit and the split type optical fiber tape forming unit 16 (so that the optical fiber tape 30 is sent to the split type optical fiber tape forming unit 16 after the ultraviolet curable resin is completely cured. The wiring length of the optical fiber tape 30 of the optical fiber tape forming section 13-second sheave 14-third sheave 15-split type optical fiber tape forming section 16), the traveling speed, the ambient temperature of the portion, and the optical fiber Various factors such as the intensity of ultraviolet light in the forming section are properly set.
[0028]
Next, a method for manufacturing the split optical fiber tape 40 using the split optical fiber tape manufacturing apparatus 10 will be described.
[0029]
First, eight optical fiber cores 20A are successively sent obliquely upward from eight sending bobbins 11. As shown in FIG. 5A, each optical fiber core 20A is an optical fiber made of quartz or resin comprising a core 21a having a high refractive index forming the center of the fiber and a cladding 21b having a low refractive index covering the core 21a. The element wire 21 is covered with a fiber coating layer 22 made of an ultraviolet curable resin or the like. The feeding of the optical fiber 20 </ b> A is based on the winding force of the winding bobbin 19.
[0030]
Next, in the pair of first sheaves 12, a pair of fiber groups 20 in which eight optical fiber cores 20A to four optical fiber cores 20A are arranged in parallel, and the running direction is changed downward. Here, as a pair of fiber groups 20, four optical fiber cores 20A in which two optical fiber cores 20A from two flat sheaves 12a on one side of each first sheave 12 are collected are arranged in parallel. And four optical fiber cores 20A obtained by collecting two optical fiber cores 20A from the two flat sheaves 12a on the other side of each first sheave 12. Further, each fiber group 20 is configured such that two optical fiber cores 20A from the other first sheave 12 are sandwiched between two optical fiber cores 20A from one first sheave 12.
[0031]
Next, in each of the first dies 13a of the optical fiber tape forming section 13, the uncured liquid ultraviolet-curable resin is coated on the surfaces of the four optical fiber core wires 20A of the fiber group 20 so as to cover the four optical fibers 20A in the longitudinal direction. In order.
[0032]
Next, each of the first UV lamps 13b of the optical fiber tape forming unit 13 irradiates the traveling fiber group 20 with ultraviolet rays. At this time, the uncured liquid ultraviolet curing resin attached to the fiber group 20 is cured to form the first coating layer 31, and a pair of four-core optical fiber tapes 30 are simultaneously formed from both the first UV lamps 13b. You. The formed optical fiber tape 30 has a configuration in which four parallel optical fiber cores 20 </ b> A are covered with a first coating layer 31, as shown in FIG. 5B.
[0033]
Next, in the second sheave 14, the traveling direction of the pair of optical fiber tapes 30 is changed obliquely upward, and subsequently, in the third sheave 15, the traveling direction is changed in the horizontal direction.
[0034]
Next, in the second die 16a of the split-type optical fiber tape forming section 16, an uncured liquid UV-curable resin is sequentially attached to the pair of optical fiber tapes 30 along the longitudinal direction so as to cover the pair of optical fiber tapes 30 arranged in parallel. Let it.
[0035]
Next, the second UV lamp 16b of the split type optical fiber tape forming section 16 irradiates the traveling pair of optical fiber tapes 30 with ultraviolet rays. At this time, the uncured liquid ultraviolet-curable resin adhered to the pair of optical fiber tapes 30 is cured to form the second coating layer 41, and is divided into eight cores formed by the pair of four optical fiber tapes 30. The optical fiber tape 40 is formed. The split type optical fiber tape 40 to be formed has a configuration in which a pair of parallel optical fiber tapes 30 is covered with a second coating layer 41 as shown in FIG.
[0036]
Next, the split-type optical fiber tape 40 is guided by the first and second winding assist sheaves 17a and 17b, and is wound on the winding bobbin 19 under a predetermined tension.
[0037]
As described above, in the split-type optical fiber tape manufacturing apparatus 10, each of the optical fiber tapes 30 formed by the optical fiber tape forming unit 13 is cured by the ultraviolet light applied by the optical fiber tape forming unit 13 and irradiated with ultraviolet light. After the mold resin is completely cured, it is fed into the split-type optical fiber tape forming section 16. Therefore, after the optical fiber tape 30 is sent from the first UV lamp 13b, the curing of the ultraviolet curing resin constituting the first coating layer 31 progresses in the process of passing through the second and third sheaves 15, and the ultraviolet light After the curable resin is completely cured, it is fed into the second die 16a of the split type optical fiber tape forming unit 16.
[0038]
The split-type optical fiber tape 40 manufactured by the split-type optical fiber tape manufacturing apparatus 10 and the manufacturing method of the split-type optical fiber tape 40 has a pair of optical fiber tapes 30 integrated in an intermediate portion in the length direction. On the other hand, at both ends, they are divided and routed to each connection destination for use. Specific fields of application include optical fiber cables and other optical equipment.
[0039]
According to the split optical fiber tape manufacturing apparatus 10 and the manufacturing method of the split optical fiber tape 40 of the present invention described above, the split optical fiber tape 40 is formed by using the optical fiber tape 30 in which the ultraviolet curing resin is completely cured. As a result, in the manufactured split type optical fiber tape 40, the interface between the first coating layer 31 constituting the optical fiber tape 30 and the second coating layer 41 on the outside thereof is weaker than other portions. . Therefore, when the end portion is split in the length direction so as to divide each optical fiber tape 30, a split is formed between the optical fiber tapes 30 along the interface. Therefore, when the end of the split type optical fiber tape 40 is torn in the length direction as in the related art, no tear is formed between the optical fiber tapes 30, and the tear reaches the optical fiber core wire 20A and causes damage. There is no such thing.
[0040]
In the above-described embodiment, the eight-fiber split type optical fiber tape 40 including the pair of four-fiber optical fiber tapes 30 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Good.
[0041]
In the above embodiment, the optical fiber tape 30 is formed by covering the plurality of optical fiber cores 20A with the first coating layer 31 made of an ultraviolet curable resin. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The optical fiber tape 30 may be connected with an ultraviolet-curable resin. Similarly, in the above embodiment, the split type optical fiber tape 40 in which the plurality of optical fiber tapes 30 are covered with the second coating layer 41 made of the ultraviolet curable resin is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A split type optical fiber tape 40 in which the fiber tapes 30 are connected by an ultraviolet curable resin may be used.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since the split type optical fiber tape is formed by using the optical fiber tape in which the ultraviolet curing resin is completely cured, the end portions are divided so that each optical fiber tape is split. When the optical fiber tape is torn in the length direction, a tear is formed between the optical fiber tapes along the interface between the ultraviolet-curable resin constituting the optical fiber tape and the ultraviolet-curable resin outside the resin. Therefore, as in the conventional case, when the end of the split type optical fiber tape is split in the length direction, a split is not formed between the optical fiber tapes, and the split reaches the optical fiber core wire and causes damage. Nothing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a device for manufacturing a split type optical fiber tape according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a top view of a first sheave.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an optical fiber tape forming unit.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a division type optical fiber tape forming unit.
FIG. 5A is a sectional view taken along line VA-VA in FIG. 3; FIG. 5B is a sectional view taken along line VB-VB in FIG. 4. (C) is a sectional view taken along the line VC-VC in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a split type optical fiber tape.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Split-type optical fiber tape manufacturing apparatus 11 Delivery bobbin 12 First sheave 12a Flat sheave 12b Fiber guide groove 13 Optical fiber tape forming part 13a First die 13b First UV lamp 14 Second sheave 15 Third sheave 16 Split type optical fiber Tape forming section 16a Second die 16b Second UV lamp 17a First winding auxiliary sheave 17b Second winding auxiliary sheave 18 Dancer 19 Winding bobbin 20 Fiber group 20A Optical fiber core 21 Optical fiber 21a Core 21b Clad 22 Fiber Coating layer 30 Optical fiber tape 31 First coating layer 40 Split type optical fiber tape core wire 41 Second coating layer

Claims (2)

A plurality of fiber groups each consisting of a plurality of optical fiber cores are continuously fed, and the plurality of optical fiber cores of each of the plurality of fiber groups are arranged in parallel to lengthen the uncured ultraviolet curable resin. An optical fiber tape forming unit for forming a plurality of optical fiber tapes simultaneously by irradiating ultraviolet rays after being sequentially attached along the direction to integrate them,
A plurality of optical fiber tapes simultaneously formed in the optical fiber forming section are continuously fed, and the plurality of optical fiber tapes are arranged in parallel, and an uncured ultraviolet curable resin is sequentially attached along the length direction. After that, by irradiating ultraviolet rays to integrate them to form a split-type optical fiber tape forming section, comprising:
After each of the optical fiber tapes formed in the optical fiber tape forming section is completely cured by the ultraviolet curable resin irradiated with ultraviolet rays adhered in the optical fiber tape forming section, the split type optical fiber tape forming section Is configured to be sent,
A split type optical fiber tape manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that: For a plurality of fiber groups each consisting of a plurality of optical fiber cores, a plurality of optical fiber cores of each of the plurality of fiber groups are arranged in parallel, and an uncured ultraviolet curable resin is sequentially attached along the length direction. An optical fiber tape forming step of simultaneously forming a plurality of optical fiber tapes by integrating them by irradiating ultraviolet rays after the
With respect to the plurality of optical fiber tapes simultaneously formed in the optical fiber tape forming step, the plurality of optical fiber tapes are arranged in parallel, and an uncured ultraviolet curable resin is sequentially adhered along the length direction and then irradiated with ultraviolet rays. A split optical fiber tape forming step of forming them into a split optical fiber tape by integrating them,
After the respective optical fiber tapes formed in the optical fiber tape forming step are adhered in the optical fiber tape forming step and the ultraviolet curable resin irradiated with ultraviolet rays is completely cured, the process proceeds to the split type optical fiber tape forming step. Let
A method for producing a split-type optical fiber tape, comprising:

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