JP2007079275A - Optical fiber bundle and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical fiber bundle which is satisfactory in workability during the manufacturing and which can suppress deterioration in quality and also to provide a manufacturing method of the same. <P>SOLUTION: The optical fiber bundle 10 is provided with a bundle body 11 composed of a bundle of a plurality of coated optical fibers 14 each having an optical fiber 13 and a coating part 15 covering the optical fiber 13, and with bundling fixtures 12a, 12b externally fitted to at least one end of the bundle body 11. The bundle body 11 includes a tip section 18 composed of the bundle of optical fibers 13 without having the coating part 15, and a base end section 19 composed of the bundle of coated optical fibers 14 having the coating part 15 continuous to the tip section 18. The plurality of optical fibers 13 constituting the tip section 18 is bundled with an adhesive, while the plurality of coated optical fibers 14 constituting the base end section 19 is bundled with a bundling means 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical fiber bundle and a method for manufacturing the optical fiber bundle.

  An optical fiber bundle obtained by bundling several to several thousand optical fibers and bonding and polishing the terminal portion is called an optical fiber bundle, and is used for illumination or energy transmission. Further, both end faces of the optical fiber bundle are usually fixed with a sleeve-like ferrule or the like.

  Here, a general optical fiber bundle will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 shows a terminal structure on the light emission end side of a general optical fiber bundle 50.

  In this optical fiber bundle 50, a plurality of optical fiber core wires 14 formed by covering the optical fiber 13 with a protective film 15 are converged and accommodated in the converging tool 12b, and the optical fiber core wire 14 is disposed at one end thereof. The optical fiber 13 is removed and a large number of optical fibers 13 are exposed. A number of the exposed optical fibers 13 are converged, and their tips are inserted into the converging tool 12a. The optical fibers 13 in the focusing tool 12a are bonded to each other and fixed to the focusing tool 12a.

  Further, as an optical fiber bundle of this type, Patent Document 1 discloses that an optical fiber bundle formed by converging a plurality of optical fibers is hot in a direction having a predetermined angle with respect to the length direction of the optical fiber bundle. A temporary fusing process in which the edges of the optical fiber ends are weakly fused together, and the optical fiber bundle is inserted into a tubular converging tool and the end of the optical fiber bundle is accommodated in the converging tool. There is disclosed a process including a process and a fusion process in which an end portion of an optical fiber bundle and a focusing tool are heat-treated so that the end portions of the optical fiber are firmly bonded to each other. And according to this, it is described that an optical fiber bundle excellent in optical transmission performance can be provided with high productivity.

  Further, Patent Document 2 has at least an optical fiber whose coating is removed at the end of the optical tape fiber core wire, a V-groove portion having a plurality of V-grooves for accommodating the optical fiber in an array, and a step difference from the V-groove portion. And a V-groove substrate having a mounting portion on which the coating portion of the optical tape fiber core wire is placed, and a lid member that presses the optical fiber accommodated in the V-groove portion against the V-groove portion and fixes the optical fiber with an adhesive. The cover member extends in the direction of the mounting portion on which the coating portion of the optical tape fiber core wire is placed, and has a convex portion on the mounting portion side from a predetermined distance from the V groove portion, and the optical tape fiber What is positioned so that the convex part straddles the covering part of the core wire is disclosed.

And it is described that according to this, the optical fiber array which prevented peeling of the optical tape fiber core wire can be provided.
JP 2001-343537 A JP 2004-191747 A

  However, optical fiber bundles such as these have a problem in that it is necessary to always pay attention so that the optical fibers do not fall apart when the exposed optical fiber bundles are bonded and fixed. .

  Further, the exposed optical fiber is more fragile than the optical fiber core wire covered with a protective film, and is easily damaged by particles of adhesive used for bonding, rubbing between fibers, or the like. However, in the general optical fiber bundle as described above, the bundle of the optical fiber core wires is not fixed, and is in a state of being moved apart. Therefore, there is also a problem that the quality of the optical fiber may be deteriorated by scratching the optical fiber by the adhesive particles at the time of bonding.

  Further, in the optical fiber bundle after manufacture, the optical fiber core wire covered with the protective film is in a movable state, whereas only the bare optical fiber bundle as the fragile portion is bonded and fixed. Accordingly, there is a problem that the quality may be deteriorated when an external force such as bending acts on the optical fiber.

  The object of the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber bundle and a method for manufacturing the optical fiber bundle, which have good workability during manufacture and can suppress deterioration in quality. Is to provide.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a bundle main body constituted by a bundle of a plurality of optical fiber core wires each having an optical fiber and a coating portion covering the optical fiber, and at least one bundle end of the bundle main body An optical fiber bundle having a focusing tool externally fitted to the bundle body, wherein the bundle main body is formed of a bundle of optical fibers having a coating end portion that is not fitted with a covering portion. A distal end portion and a proximal end portion composed of a bundle of optical fiber cores having a coating portion continuous to the distal end portion, and a plurality of optical fibers constituting the distal end portion are provided. The present invention relates to an optical fiber bundle in which a plurality of optical fiber core wires that are bound by an adhesive and that constitute the base end side portion are bound by a binding means.

  According to said structure, the front end side part comprised by the bundle | flux of the optical fiber which does not have a coating | coated part is bundled with the adhesive agent, and the bundle | flux of the optical fiber core wire which has the coating | coated part continuous in the front end side part The base end side part constituted by is bound by a binding means. For this reason, the optical fiber core wire corresponding to the base of the bare optical fiber does not move, and an external force such as bending does not act on the bundle of the bare optical fibers, which are fragile portions bound by an adhesive. Therefore, it can suppress that the quality of an optical fiber falls.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the optical fiber bundle according to claim 1, wherein the binding means is an adhesive.

  According to the above configuration, since the bundling means at the proximal end portion of the bundle of optical fiber cores is an adhesive, the bundle of optical fiber cores can be firmly bound without any gap. Furthermore, workability is improved because it is only necessary to impregnate the proximal end portion of the optical fiber core wire with an adhesive.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bundle main body constituted by a bundle of a plurality of optical fiber core wires each having an optical fiber and a covering portion for covering the optical fiber, and at least one bundle end portion of the bundle main body The bundle body includes a front end side portion in which a bundle end portion internally fitted to the bundling tool is formed of a bundle of optical fibers having no covering portion; and a front end portion And a base end side portion composed of a bundle of optical fiber cores having a covering portion continuous to the side portion, and a plurality of optical fibers constituting the tip end portion are bound by an adhesive. And a method of manufacturing an optical fiber bundle in which a plurality of optical fiber cores constituting the base end side portion are bundled by a bundling means, wherein a plurality of optical fibers constituting the distal end side portion of the end portion of the bundle body are provided. The prior to binding with an adhesive, characterized in that to bind the plurality of optical fibers constituting the proximal portion by bundling means.

  According to said structure, before bundling the some optical fiber which comprises the front end side part of the edge part of a bundle main body with an adhesive agent, the several optical fiber core wire which comprises a base end side part is bundled by a bundling means Let For this reason, when the exposed bundle of optical fibers is bonded and fixed, the optical fibers are already bundled by the bundling means, and it is not necessary to pay attention so that the optical fibers do not fall apart. Accordingly, workability is improved accordingly.

  In addition, the exposed optical fiber is more fragile than the optical fiber coated with a protective film, and is easily damaged by the adhesive particles used for bonding, but the optical fiber bundle is bonded by the adhesive. Before fixing, a bundle of optical fiber core wires is bundled by a bundling means. For this reason, when the optical fiber is bonded and fixed with an adhesive, the optical fiber core wire is fixed and does not move. Therefore, it is possible to control the optical fiber from moving when the optical fiber is bonded and the optical fiber is subjected to a force and the optical fiber is scratched by the adhesive particles, and the deterioration of the quality of the optical fiber can be suppressed. .

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical fiber bundle that is excellent in workability at the time of manufacture and that can suppress deterioration in quality, and a method for manufacturing the optical fiber bundle.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
(Configuration of optical fiber bundle 10)
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the light incident end 21 side of the optical fiber bundle 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the light exit end 22 side of the optical fiber bundle 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The optical fiber bundle 10 includes a bundle body 11 and focusing tools 12a and 12b.

  The bundle main body 11 is constituted by a bundle of a plurality of optical fiber core wires 14 having an optical fiber 13 and a protective film 15 (covering portion) that covers and protects the optical fiber 13.

  The optical fiber core 14 is made of UV curable acrylic resin at the outer peripheral portion of the optical fiber 13 made of quartz glass having an outer diameter of, for example, 125 μm until the outer diameter of the optical fiber core 14 becomes, for example, about 250 to 400 μm. A protective film 15 (covering portion) is coated and further covered with a nylon net 17 from above. The optical fiber 14 has the nylon net 17 removed from the respective ends, for example, in the range of 3 to 5 cm at both ends thereof, and further from the respective ends, for example, in the range of 2 to 3 cm (tip side portion 18). The protective film 15 is removed. Therefore, the optical fiber 13 is exposed at the tip end portion 18. Further, a portion where the protective film 15 formed continuously from the distal end portion 18 of the optical fiber 13 from which the protective film 15 has been removed is exposed as a proximal end portion 19 of the optical fiber core wire 14.

  The plurality of optical fibers 13 exposed from the distal end side portion 18 of the optical fiber core wire 14 are fixed by an epoxy resin-based adhesive so that they are bound together. The optical fibers 13 fixed to each other are also bonded and fixed to the inner wall of a focusing tool 12a described later by the adhesive.

  The base end side portion 19 of the bundle of optical fiber core wires 14 is bound and bonded together by an adhesive 20 (binding means). Here, such an adhesive 20 has a low viscosity before curing, can be filled into small-diameter holes, has excellent adhesion fixing strength, and has environmental resistance such as temperature resistance, humidity resistance, and chemical resistance. The epoxy resin that can be cured alone or in combination with heat curing, and the cationic curable epoxy resin are preferable because of their excellent reliability, curing in a short time, and increased fixing strength. Furthermore, in the case of a cationic curing type epoxy resin, it is preferable that 60% or more of the alicyclic epoxy having a high curing rate is contained by weight in the epoxy resin. As such an alicyclic epoxy resin, 3,4 -The thing which oxidized the intracyclic double bond of cycloalkene represented by the epoxy cyclohexanecarboxylate with the peroxide, and introduce | transduced the epoxide is used.

  In addition, such a resin preferably contains a compound having two or more hydroxyl groups in one molecule, preferably a polyhydric alcohol, from the viewpoint of imparting flexibility or accelerating the curing rate. As this polyhydric alcohol, hexanediol, trimethylolpropane, glycerin and the like are used.

  The range in which the proximal end portion 19 is bonded and fixed is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the proximal end portion 19 be provided with such a length that the bundle of the optical fibers 13 in the distal end portion 18 does not break apart.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the optical fiber core wires 14 are bundled so that the cross section thereof becomes a round shape.

  As shown in FIG. 1, one end of the optical fiber 14 is formed as an incident end 21 where light to be transmitted is incident, and the other end is transmitted as shown in FIG. Is formed so as to be an emission end 22 from which light is emitted.

  The incident end 21 is formed by bundling a plurality of optical fiber core wires 14 into one. The optical fiber core wires 14 bundled together in this way are separated into two bundles in the optical fiber bundle 10.

  The emission end 22 is formed so that two bundles of the optical fiber core wires 14 extend in parallel.

  The optical fiber 13 may not be formed of quartz glass, and may be formed of other inorganic materials or organic materials such as plastic.

   The focusing tool 12b is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having a length of, for example, several tens of millimeters, and the optical fiber core wire 14 is fitted in the inner space thereof. The focusing tool 12 b is formed so that the inner space thereof has an inner diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the optical fiber core wire 14.

  The focusing tool 12a has micropores formed at both ends thereof. The minute hole is formed to have substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the bundle of optical fiber core wires 14. The focusing tool 12a is formed in a tapered shape so that the inner hollow portions at both ends thereof are reduced in diameter toward the minute holes. In the gap 23 formed between the inner space at both ends of the focusing tool 12a and the bundle of the plurality of optical fibers 13 exposed from the tip end portion 18 of the optical fiber core wire 14, the focusing tool 12a and the optical fiber 13 are formed. And are fixed by bonding.

  Moreover, the cross-sectional shape of the hollow part of the focusing tools 12a and 12b is not specifically limited, Circular, a rectangle, etc. may be sufficient.

  Furthermore, the material of the focusing tools 12a and 12b is not particularly limited, and may be made of metal or resin.

  The optical fiber bundle 10 is not limited as long as it has an optical transmission function, and its structure and size are not limited. For example, the incident end 21 and the emission end 22 of the optical fiber bundle 10 may not be those according to the first embodiment, and may be bundled in one bundle or two bundles.

(Manufacturing method of optical fiber bundle 10)
Next, the manufacturing method of the optical fiber bundle 10 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention is demonstrated.

  First, a plurality of optical fiber core wires 14 are prepared.

  Subsequently, the protective film 15 is removed from both ends of the optical fiber core wires 14 to, for example, a portion of 2 to 3 cm from the tip. Here, a release agent or the like can be used to remove the protective film 15. The portion where the protective film 15 is removed and the optical fiber 13 is exposed is further subjected to pure water ultrasonic cleaning and dried.

  Next, a predetermined number of these optical fiber cores 14 are bundled, and a cotton thread 24 or the like is wound and temporarily fixed so that the entire optical fiber core 14 does not fall apart.

  Next, the base end side portions 19 covered with the protective film 15 of the optical fiber core wire 14 are bonded and fixed to each other with an adhesive 20 made of epoxy resin or the like.

  Subsequently, the nylon net 17 covers and reinforces from the position where the optical fiber core 14 is divided into two bundles to the front end 19 of the other end (outgoing end 22).

  Next, the bundle of optical fiber cores 14 is aligned so as not to intersect.

  Subsequently, the plurality of optical fiber cores 14 are respectively bent and shaped into a straight line.

  Next, both ends of the optical fiber core wire 14 in which the base end side portion 19 is bound by the adhesive 20 are inserted into the inner space of the focusing tool 12a using, for example, an insertion jig (not shown) and fitted. . At this time, the optical fibers 13 at both ends of the optical fiber core wire 14 are protruded outward from the minute holes of the focusing tool 12a.

  Subsequently, the inner space of the focusing tool 12a is filled with a heat-resistant ceramic adhesive 29 and cured to bind the bundle of optical fibers 13 constituting the distal end side portion 18, and to bundle the optical fibers 13. And the focusing tool 12a are bonded and fixed. At this time, since the proximal end portion 19 of the optical fiber core wire 14 is bound by the adhesive 20, the optical fibers 13 extending from the optical fiber core wire 14 are not separated during operation but are gathered.

  Next, the optical fiber bundle 10 is obtained by cutting the tip 70 of the bundle of optical fibers 13 whose end portion protrudes from the inner space of the focusing tool 12a and polishing the cut surface.

(Embodiment 2)
(Configuration of optical fiber bundle 30)
Next, an optical fiber bundle 30 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In addition, the thing with the same structure as the said Embodiment 1 attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits the description.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the light incident end 21 side of the optical fiber bundle 30 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the light exit end 22 side of the optical fiber bundle 30 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The optical fiber bundle 30 includes a bundle body 11 and focusing tools 12a and 12b.

  The bundle main body 11 is constituted by a bundle of a plurality of optical fiber core wires 14 having an optical fiber 13 and a protective film 15 (covering portion) that covers and protects the optical fiber 13.

  As in the optical fiber bundle 10 according to the first embodiment, the optical fiber bundle 30 has the distal end portion 18 of the optical fiber core wire 14 bonded and fixed by a ceramic adhesive 29 having heat resistance. However, the bundling means is different in the base end side portion 19.

  The proximal end portion 19 of the bundled optical fiber cores 14 is bundled by winding a flexible silicone resin band 31 (bundling means) that does not damage the optical fiber 13.

  The material of the band 31 does not need to be made of silicon resin as in the second embodiment, and does not damage the optical fiber 13 and may be any material as long as it has a predetermined binding force. Good. For example, it may be a cotton thread or a metal sleeve.

(Manufacturing method of optical fiber bundle 30)
A method for manufacturing the optical fiber bundle 30 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In addition, the thing with the structure similar to the said Embodiment 1 attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits the description.

  First, similarly to the first embodiment, a plurality of optical fiber core wires 14 are prepared.

  Subsequently, the protective film 15 is removed from both ends of the optical fiber core wires 14 to, for example, a portion of 2 to 3 cm from the tip, and further subjected to pure water ultrasonic cleaning and dried.

  Next, a predetermined number of these optical fiber cores 14 are bundled, and a cotton thread 24 or the like is wound and temporarily fixed so that the entire optical fiber core 14 does not fall apart.

  Next, the base end side portion 19 covered with the protective film 15 of the optical fiber core wire 14 is wound around a band 31 made of silicon resin, and fixed and bound together.

  Next, the nylon net 17 covers the surface of the silicon tube 16 covering the surface from the position where the optical fiber core 14 is divided into two bundles to the front end 19 of the other end (exit end 22). And reinforce.

  Next, the bundle of optical fiber cores 14 is aligned so as not to intersect.

  Subsequently, the plurality of optical fiber cores 14 are respectively bent and shaped into a straight line.

  Next, both ends of the optical fiber core wire 14 in which the base end side portion 19 is bound with an adhesive are inserted into the inner space of the focusing tool 12a using, for example, an insertion jig (not shown) and fitted. At this time, the optical fibers 13 at both ends of the optical fiber core wire 14 are protruded outward from the minute holes of the focusing tool 12a.

  Subsequently, the inner space of the focusing tool 12a is filled with an adhesive and cured to bind the bundle of optical fibers 13 constituting the distal end side portion 18 and to bond the bundle of optical fibers 13 and the focusing tool 12a. Fix it. At this time, since the proximal end portion 19 of the optical fiber core wire 14 is bound by a band 31 made of silicon resin, the optical fibers 13 extending from the optical fiber core 13 are not separated during operation but are gathered.

  Next, the optical fiber bundle 30 is obtained by cutting the tip 70 of the bundle of optical fibers 13 whose end portion protrudes from the inner space of the focusing tool 12a and polishing the cut surface.

(Embodiment 3)
(Configuration of optical fiber bundle 40)
Next, an optical fiber bundle 40 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. In addition, the thing with the same structure as the said Embodiment 1 attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits the description.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the light incident end 21 side of the optical fiber bundle 40 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the light exit end 22 side of the optical fiber bundle 40 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  The optical fiber bundle 40 includes a bundle body 11 and focusing tools 12a and 12b.

  The bundle main body 11 is constituted by a bundle of a plurality of optical fiber core wires 14 having an optical fiber 13 and a protective film 15 (covering portion) that covers and protects the optical fiber 13.

  As in the optical fiber bundles 10 and 30 according to the first and second embodiments, the optical fiber bundle 40 is bonded and fixed to the distal end portion 18 of the optical fiber core wire 14 by a ceramic adhesive 29 having heat resistance. .

  The optical fiber bundle 40 is different from the first and second embodiments in the bundling means in the proximal end portion 19 of the optical fiber core wire 14.

  That is, the proximal end side portions 19 of the bundled optical fiber core wires 14 are bonded and fixed to each other with an adhesive 20 and are made of a flexible silicon resin that does not damage the optical fiber 13 from above. A band 31 is wound and bound. Accordingly, the adhesive 20 and the silicon resin band 31 constitute a binding means.

(Manufacturing method of optical fiber bundle 40)
A method for manufacturing the optical fiber bundle 40 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described.

  First, as in the first and second embodiments, a plurality of optical fiber core wires 14 are prepared.

  Subsequently, the protective film 15 is removed from both ends of the optical fiber core wires 14 to, for example, a portion of 2 to 3 cm from the tip, and further subjected to pure water ultrasonic cleaning and dried.

  Next, a predetermined number of these optical fiber core wires 14 are bundled, and, for example, a cotton thread is wound and temporarily fixed so that the entire optical fiber core wires 14 are not separated.

  Subsequently, the base end side portions 19 covered with the protective film 15 of the plurality of optical fiber core wires 14 are bonded and fixed to each other with an adhesive 20 made of epoxy resin or the like.

  Next, a band 31 or the like made of silicon resin is wound around the base end side portions 19 of the plurality of optical fiber core wires 14 that are bonded and fixed to each other with the adhesive 20 and further fixed and bound together.

  Subsequently, the nylon net 17 covers and reinforces from the position where the optical fiber core 14 is divided into two bundles to the front end 19 of the other end (outgoing end 22).

  Next, the bundle of optical fiber cores 14 is aligned so as not to intersect.

  Subsequently, the plurality of optical fiber cores 14 are respectively bent and shaped into a straight line.

  Next, both ends of the optical fiber core wire 14 in which the base end side portion 19 is bound by the adhesive 20 are inserted into the inner space of the focusing tool 12a using, for example, an insertion jig (not shown) and fitted. . At this time, the optical fibers 13 at both ends of the optical fiber core wire 14 are protruded outward from the minute holes of the focusing tool 12a.

  Subsequently, the inner space of the focusing tool 12a is filled with an adhesive and cured to bind the bundle of optical fibers 13 constituting the distal end side portion 18 and to bond the bundle of optical fibers 13 and the focusing tool 12a. Fix it. At this time, since the base end side portion 19 of the optical fiber core wire 14 is bound by the adhesive 20 and the band 31 made of silicon resin, the optical fibers 13 extending from the optical fiber core 13 are not separated during the operation, and are gathered together. Yes.

  Next, the optical fiber bundle 40 is obtained by cutting the tip 70 of the bundle of optical fibers 13 whose end portion protrudes from the inner space of the focusing tool 12a and polishing the cut surface.

  Further, as the fiber arrangement pattern of the optical fiber bundle 40, in Embodiments 1 to 3, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), the one having a round cross section is used, but is not limited thereto. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3B to 3H, the cross-section is divided, square, random, line, array, multistage, or concentric. May be.

(Function and effect)
Next, operational effects will be described.

  The optical fiber bundles 10, 30, and 40 according to the first to third embodiments are each configured by a bundle of a plurality of optical fiber core wires 14 having an optical fiber 13 and a covering portion 15 that covers the optical fiber 13. An optical fiber bundle 40 including a main body 11 and bundling tools 12a and 12b that are externally fitted to at least one bundle end of the bundle main body 11. The bundle main body 11 is fitted into the bundling tools 12a and 12b. The bundle end portion is composed of a front end side portion 18 constituted by a bundle of optical fibers 13 not having a covering portion 15 and a bundle of optical fiber core wires 14 having a covering portion 15 continuous to the front end side portion 18. And a plurality of optical fibers 13 constituting the distal end side portion 18 are bound by an adhesive and constitute the proximal end portion 19. The number of optical fibers 14 is characterized in that it is bundled by the bundling unit 20, 31.

  According to the above configuration, the optical fiber having the covering portion 15 continuous with the distal end portion 18 while the distal end portion 18 constituted by the bundle of optical fibers 13 having no covering portion is bound by the adhesive. A proximal end portion 19 formed of a bundle of core wires 14 is bound by binding means 20 and 31. For this reason, the optical fiber core wire 14 corresponding to the base of the bare optical fiber 13 does not move, and an external force such as bending does not act on the bundle of the bare optical fibers 13 which are weak portions bound by an adhesive. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the quality of the optical fiber 13 from deteriorating.

  Further, the optical fiber bundles 10 and 40 according to the first and third embodiments are characterized in that the binding means is the adhesive 20.

  According to the above configuration, since the bundling means of the base end side portion 19 of the bundle of optical fiber core wires 14 is the adhesive 20, the bundle of optical fiber core wires 14 can be firmly bound without any gap. Furthermore, workability is improved because it is only necessary to impregnate the proximal end portion 19 of the optical fiber core wire 14 with the adhesive 20 or the like.

  The manufacturing method of the optical fiber bundles 10, 30, and 40 according to the first to third embodiments is configured by a bundle of a plurality of optical fiber core wires 14 each having an optical fiber 13 and a covering portion 15 that covers the optical fiber 13. The bundle main body 11 and bundling tools 12a and 12b fitted on at least one bundle end of the bundle main body 11. The bundle main body 11 includes a bundle end fitted on the bundling tools 12a and 12b. Is a proximal end side composed of a bundle of optical fiber cores 14 having a distal end side portion 18 composed of a bundle of optical fibers 13 not having a covering portion 15 and a covering portion 15 continuous with the distal end side portion 18. The plurality of optical fibers 13 constituting the distal end side portion 18 are bundled together with an adhesive, and the plurality of optical fiber cores 1 constituting the proximal end side portion 19 are configured. Is a manufacturing method of the optical fiber bundle 40 that is bundled by the bundling means 20 and 31, and before bundling the plurality of optical fibers 13 constituting the distal end side portion 18 of the end portion of the bundle body 11 with an adhesive, A plurality of optical fiber core wires 14 constituting the base end portion 19 are bundled by bundling means 20 and 31.

  According to the above configuration, before the plurality of optical fibers 13 constituting the distal end side portion 18 of the end portion of the bundle main body 11 are bundled with the adhesive, the plurality of optical fiber core wires 14 constituting the proximal end portion 19. Are bound by a binding means. For this reason, when the bundle of the exposed optical fibers 13 is bonded and fixed, it is not necessary to pay attention so that the optical fibers 13 are already bundled by the bundling means 20 and 31 and the optical fibers 13 are not separated. Therefore, workability is improved accordingly.

  Further, the exposed optical fiber 13 is more fragile than the optical fiber core wire 14 covered with the protective film 15, and is easily damaged by particles of adhesive used for bonding, rubbing between fibers, or the like. The bundle of optical fibers 14 is bundled by a bundling means before the optical fiber 13 is bonded and fixed with an adhesive. For this reason, when the optical fiber 13 is bonded and fixed with an adhesive, the optical fiber core wire 14 is fixed and does not move. Therefore, it is possible to restrict the optical fiber 13 from being scratched by the adhesive particles by the force applied to the optical fiber 13 by the movement of the optical fiber 14 at the time of bonding, and the deterioration of the quality of the optical fiber 13 can be suppressed. can do.

  As described above, the present invention is useful for optical fiber bundles and optical fiber bundle manufacturing methods.

It is the schematic which shows the incident side edge part of the optical fiber bundle 10 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the output side edge part of the optical fiber bundle 10 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. Cross sections are (a) round, (b) split, (c) square, (d) random, (e) line, (f) array, (g) multistage The type | mold and (h) are figures which show the optical fiber bundle which has an arrangement | sequence which becomes a concentric type. It is the schematic which shows the incident side edge part of the optical fiber bundle 30 which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the output side edge part of the optical fiber bundle 30 which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the incident side edge part of the optical fiber bundle 40 which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the output side edge part of the optical fiber bundle 40 which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the conventional common optical fiber bundle 50. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 30, 40, 50 Optical fiber bundle 11 Bundle body 12a, 12b Focusing tool 13 Optical fiber 14 Optical fiber core wire 15 Protective film 18 Front end side part 19 Base end side part 20 Adhesive 21 Incident end 22 Outgoing end 24 Cotton thread 31 bands

Claims (3)

A bundle body formed by a bundle of a plurality of optical fiber core wires each having an optical fiber and a covering portion covering the optical fiber, and a focusing tool externally fitted to at least one bundle end of the bundle body An optical fiber bundle comprising
The bundle body includes an optical fiber core having a distal end side portion in which a bundle end portion fitted in the focusing tool is formed of a bundle of optical fibers having no covering portion and a covering portion continuous to the distal end side portion. And a plurality of optical fibers constituting the distal end portion are bound by an adhesive, and a plurality of components constituting the proximal end portion are formed. An optical fiber bundle in which optical fiber core wires are bound by a binding means. The optical fiber bundle according to claim 1,
An optical fiber bundle in which the binding means is an adhesive. A bundle body formed by a bundle of a plurality of optical fiber core wires each having an optical fiber and a covering portion covering the optical fiber, and a focusing tool externally fitted to at least one bundle end of the bundle body With
The bundle body includes an optical fiber core having a distal end side portion in which a bundle end portion fitted in the focusing tool is formed of a bundle of optical fibers having no covering portion and a covering portion continuous to the distal end side portion. A proximal end portion composed of a bundle of wires, and
A method of manufacturing an optical fiber bundle in which a plurality of optical fibers constituting the distal end side portion are bundled by an adhesive and a plurality of optical fiber cores constituting the proximal end side portion are bundled by a bundling means. There,
A method of manufacturing an optical fiber bundle in which a plurality of optical fiber cores constituting a base end side portion are bundled by a bundling means before a plurality of optical fibers constituting a distal end side portion of an end portion of the bundle body are bound by an adhesive. .

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