JP2022187862A - Method for manufacturing optical fiber assembly, optical fiber assembly and method for connecting the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly capable of easily connecting and controlling an optical fiber cable including a multi-core optical fiber.SOLUTION: A method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly, capable of manufacturing the optical fiber assembly by assembling a plurality of bodies to be assembled including a multi-core optical fiber including a plurality of cores comprises: the first step of acquiring first arrangement information associated with the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber included in the body to be assembled; and the second step of determining whether the core arrangement of the plurality of the bodies to be assembled is the same on the basis of the first arrangement information. The core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber is the arrangement of the plurality of cores in the cross section of the multi-core optical fiber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly having multi-core optical fibers, an optical fiber assembly, and a method for connecting the optical fiber assembly.

A multi-core optical fiber is known that includes multiple cores, markers, and a common clad that covers the multiple cores and markers (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this multi-core optical fiber, a plurality of cores are arranged so as to have symmetry in the cross section of the fiber, and markers are arranged at positions where this symmetry is broken.

JP 2011-170099 A

By the way, in the manufacturing process of an optical fiber cable, the optical fiber strand and the optical cable core wire are rewound on another bobbin (so-called "rewinding"). Such rewinding operations occur in conjunction with cutting to required lengths, highly accurate measurement of transmission characteristics, screening, or the like.

On the other hand, in the above-described multi-core optical fiber, each core is identified with reference to the marker, so that the symmetry of the core arrangement in the fiber cross section is lost, and the core arrangement in the cross-sectional shape when the optical fiber is viewed from one end side. Since the (normal arrangement) and the core arrangement (reverse arrangement) in the cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber when viewed from the other end side are contradictory, the core arrangement changes between the normal arrangement and the reverse arrangement each time the above rewinding work is performed. will be replaced. For this reason, there is a case where the core arrangement of the multiple multi-core optical fibers constituting the optical fiber cable is not aligned, and there is a problem that the core connection management becomes complicated when connecting the optical fiber cable to the other party. be.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is a method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly, an optical fiber assembly, and an optical fiber assembly that can facilitate connection management of an optical fiber cable having multi-core optical fibers. is to provide a connection method for

[1] A method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to the present invention manufactures an optical fiber assembly by assembling a plurality of assemblies each including a multi-core optical fiber including a plurality of cores. a first step of acquiring first arrangement information associated with the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber of the assembly; and based on the first arrangement information, the plurality of and a second step of determining whether or not the core arrangements of the aggregated bodies are the same, and the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber is the arrangement of the plurality of cores in the cross section of the multi-core optical fiber. A method of manufacturing an optical fiber assembly.

[2] In the above invention, the first arrangement information may be given to the object to be assembled or to the first winding object around which the object to be assembled is wound.

[3] In the above invention, the first array information is associated with a first identifier of the assembled object or a second identifier of the first winding object on which the assembled object is wound. may be

[4] In the above invention, the first array information may include rewinding number information indicating the number of rewindings of the assembled object.

[5] In the above invention, the manufacturing method may transfer the second arrangement information associated with the core arrangement of the plurality of multi-core optical fibers included in the optical fiber assembly to the optical fiber assembly or the optical fiber assembly. A third step of applying the fiber assembly to the second wound body around which the fiber assembly is wound may be further included.

[6] In the above invention, the second arrangement information given to the optical fiber assembly includes a linear marking portion inclined with respect to the axial direction of the optical fiber assembly, an axis of the optical fiber assembly A marking portion extending spirally around a direction, a marking portion having patterns of mutually different colors, or a marking portion having two or more patterns of mutually different shapes may be included.

[7] In the above invention, the manufacturing method uses the second array information associated with the core array of the plurality of multi-core optical fibers included in the optical fiber assembly as a third identifier of the optical fiber assembly. Alternatively, it may further comprise a third step of associating with a fourth identifier of a second winding on which said optical fiber assembly is wound.

[8] In the above invention, the second array information may include rewinding number information indicating the number of times the optical fiber assembly is rewound.

[9] In the above invention, the manufacturing method includes: a fourth step of acquiring the second array information; and a core array of the optical fiber assembly based on the second array information. and a fifth step of determining the opposite of the body core sequence.

[10] In the above invention, the manufacturing method includes a sixth step of determining the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber when forming the multi-core optical fiber or detecting the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber; The first arrangement information is given to the assembled body or the first winding body around which the assembled body is wound, or the first identifier of the assembled body or the first and a seventh step of associating the first arrangement information with a second identifier of the wound body.

[11] An optical fiber assembly according to the present invention is an optical fiber assembly comprising a plurality of mutually aggregated bodies each including a multi-core optical fiber including a plurality of cores, wherein the plurality of The core arrangement of the multi-core optical fibers in the assembly is the same, and the optical fiber assembly is provided with second arrangement information associated with the core arrangement of the plurality of multi-core optical fibers in the optical fiber assembly. and the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber is an optical fiber assembly that is the arrangement of the plurality of cores in the cross section of the multi-core optical fiber.

[12] In the above invention, the second array information may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber assembly.

[13] An optical fiber assembly connection method according to the present invention is an optical fiber assembly manufactured by the above optical fiber assembly manufacturing method, or a connection method for connecting the above optical fiber assembly to a connector. and a method of connecting an optical fiber assembly, comprising the step of referring to the second arrangement information.

According to the present invention, the first arrangement information associated with the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber possessed by the object to be assembled is obtained, and the core arrangement of the plurality of objects to be assembled is the same based on the first arrangement information. It is determined whether or not. Thereby, in the present invention, it is possible to facilitate connection management of an optical fiber cable having a multi-core optical fiber.

1(a) and 1(b) are cross-sectional views showing a multi-core optical fiber according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1(a) shows the multi-core optical fiber as viewed from one end side. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the multi-core optical fiber when viewed from the other end side. 2(a) and 2(b) are plan views showing the multi-core optical fiber according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2(b) shows the state of the multi-core optical fiber from the state of FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which reversed the axial direction. 3(a) and 3(b) are plan views showing a first modification of the marking portion of the multi-core optical fiber according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. ) is a diagram showing a state in which the axial direction is reversed. 4(a) and 4(b) are plan views showing a second modification of the marking portion of the multi-core optical fiber according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. ) is a diagram showing a state in which the axial direction is reversed. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical fiber ribbon according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6(a) and 6(b) are plan views showing the optical fiber ribbon according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6(b) is an axial view from the state of FIG. 6(a) It is a figure which shows the state which reversed . FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a manufacturing system for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a method for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are diagrams for explaining a method of adding the second arrangement information to the bobbin appearance according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a manufacturing system for manufacturing optical fiber ribbons according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an optical fiber cable according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an optical fiber cable according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. 13(a) to 13(e) are plan views showing first to fifth modifications of the marking portion of the optical fiber cable according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<<First Embodiment>>
In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the multi-core optical fiber 30 is the "collected body" and the optical fiber ribbon 20 is the "optical fiber assembly".

First, the configuration of the multi-core optical fiber 30 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1(a) to 2(b). 1(a) and 1(b) are cross-sectional views showing a multi-core optical fiber 30 according to the present embodiment, showing cross-sections perpendicular to the axial direction of the multi-core optical fiber 30. FIG. 2(a) and 2(b) are plan views showing the multi-core optical fiber 30 in this embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 2(a), the multi-core optical fiber 30 in this embodiment includes four cores 31a to 31d, a marker (tracer) 32, a clad 33, a coating layer 34, It has This multi-core optical fiber 30 has a circular cross-sectional shape as a whole.

Each of the cores 31a to 31d has a circular cross-sectional shape and extends along the axial direction of the multi-core optical fiber 30. As shown in FIG. Similarly, the marker 32 also has a circular cross-sectional shape and extends along the axial direction of the multi-core optical fiber 30 . Although the diameters of the cores 31a to 31d are the same in this embodiment, the diameters of the cores 31a to 31d may be different from each other. A cladding 33 is a common cladding surrounding all cores 31 a - 31 d and markers 32 . A coating layer 34 covers the outer circumference of the clad 33 .

The cores 31a to 31d, the marker 32, and the clad 33 are made of a material whose main component is silica glass, and are doped with impurities as necessary to adjust their refractive indices. The refractive index of the cores 31a-31d is higher than that of the clad 33. As shown in FIG. The refractive index of the marker 32 is also higher than that of the clad 33 . Although the cores 31a to 31d have the same refractive index in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the cores 31a to 31d may have different refractive indices.

The coating layer 34 is formed by applying a resin material such as an ultraviolet curable resin to the outer peripheral surface of the clad 33 and curing the resin material. The coating layer 34 may have a two-layer structure, or may have a single-layer structure. Also, the coating layer 34 may contain a colored layer for identifying the multi-core optical fiber 30 .

The four cores 31a to 31d are arranged at the vertices of a virtual square VS that shares the center CP with the multicore optical fiber 30, and have symmetry in the cross section of the fiber. On the other hand, the marker 32 is arranged near a specific core (the core 31a in this embodiment), and is provided at a position that breaks the above symmetry.

The four cores 31a to 31d are individually identified by allocating core numbers based on the marker 32. FIG. For example, core 31a is the "first" core, core 31b is the "second" core, core 31c is the "third" core, and core 31d is the "fourth" core. th” core. As will be described later, this core number is used for connection management of each core when an optical fiber cable including the multi-core optical fiber 30 is connected to the other party's connected object (the other party's optical fiber cable, optical parts, etc.). used for

In the present embodiment, since the cores 31a to 31d are individually numbered as described above, the arrangement of the four cores 31a to 31d in the cross section of the multi-core optical fiber 30 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "core arrangement"). As such, there are two types of core sequences, a “normal sequence” shown in FIG. 1(a) and a “reverse sequence” shown in FIG. 1(b).

Note that FIG. 1(a) is a view of the multi-core optical fiber 30 viewed from the first end (one end) 301 side, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line IA-IA in FIG. 2(a). is. On the other hand, FIG. 1(b) is a view from the second end (the other end) 302 side of the multi-core optical fiber 30, along line IB-IB in FIG. 2(b). It is a sectional view.

FIG. 2A is a diagram in which the first end portion 301 of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is positioned on the right side of the drawing, and the second end portion 302 is positioned on the left side of the drawing. On the other hand, FIG. 2B is a diagram in which the first end 301 of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is positioned on the left side of the drawing and the second end 302 is positioned on the right side of the drawing. It is a figure which shows the state which reversed the axial direction from the state of (a).

Specifically, in the "normal arrangement" shown in FIG. 1A, the first core 31a located near the marker 32 is located on the left side in the figure, and the second core 31b is located on the upper side in the figure. , the third core 31c is positioned on the right side in the drawing, the fourth core 31d is positioned on the lower side in the drawing, and the first to fourth cores 31a to 31d are arranged clockwise in the drawing. On the other hand, in the "reverse arrangement" shown in FIG. 1(b), the marker 32 moves to the right in the figure as compared with FIG. The second core 31b is positioned on the upper side in the drawing, the third core 31c is positioned on the left side in the drawing, the fourth core 31d is positioned on the lower side in the drawing, and the second core 31d is positioned on the lower side in the drawing. The first to fourth cores 31a to 31d are arranged counterclockwise in the figure. That is, the "normal arrangement" shown in FIG. 1(a) and the "reverse arrangement" shown in FIG. 1(b) are in a mirror image relationship.

In this way, in the present embodiment, the cores 31a to 31d are individually numbered, so that the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 viewed from the first end 301 side and the second end 302 The core sequences viewed from the side are different from each other, and these core sequences are mutually inverted.

In addition, the "core arrangement" of the multi-core optical fiber in this embodiment means that each position and relative positional relationship of unnumbered cores (cores that are not individually identified) in the cross section of the fiber are known. , means the order of arrangement of numbered cores (cores individually identified based on the marker 32) in the fiber cross section, and indicates the positions and relative positional relationships of the unnumbered cores in the fiber cross section. not a thing

Note that the number of cores that the multi-core optical fiber 30 has is not particularly limited to the above. Also, the arrangement of the unnumbered cores in the cross section of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is not particularly limited to the above. For example, the arrangement of the unnumbered cores may not have symmetry. In this case, since the cores can be identified individually, the markers 32 may be omitted.

Further, the markers for individually identifying the plurality of cores 31a to 31d are not particularly limited to the above as long as they are arranged so as to lose the symmetry of the arrangement of the unnumbered cores in the cross section of the multi-core optical fiber 30. FIG. For example, instead of the marker 32 embedded in the clad 33, a marker composed of, for example, a colored portion may be applied to the outer peripheral surface of the coating layer 34. FIG.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A, the multi-core optical fiber 30 of the present embodiment has a marking portion 35 (first arrangement information) associated with the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30. ). The marking portion 35 is composed of a pair of dot groups 351 and 352 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the coating layer 34 .

One dot group 351 is composed of, for example, a plurality of dotted blue dots 361 arranged in a line along the axial direction of the multi-core optical fiber 30 . On the other hand, the other dot group 352 is composed of, for example, a plurality of dotted red dots 362 arranged in a line along the axial direction of the multi-core optical fiber 30 . The pair of dot groups 351 and 352 are formed on the surface of the coating layer 34 and extend parallel to each other.

When the blue dot group 351 is positioned on the upper side and the red dot group 352 is positioned on the lower side as shown in FIG. Thirty core sequences are shown to be "normal" (see FIG. 1(a)). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the blue dot group 351 is positioned on the lower side of the drawing and the red dot group 352 is positioned on the upper side of the drawing, the marking unit 35 is a multi-core This indicates that the core arrangement of the optical fiber 30 is "reverse arrangement" (see FIG. 1(b)).

Note that the colors of the dot groups 351 and 352 are not particularly limited to the above colors as long as they are different from each other. Also, if the dot group 351 on one side and the dot group 352 on the other side can be distinguished, the dot groups 351 and 352 do not have to have different colors. For example, instead of the colors of the dot groups 351 and 352, the shapes (size, length, etc.) of the dots 361 and 362 may be made different so that one dot group 351 and the other dot group 352 can be distinguished. .

Here, the multi-core optical fiber 30 is manufactured as follows (so-called spinning process). That is, an optical fiber base material (preform) is heat-melted and drawn to form a fiber bare wire (bare fiber) having a plurality of cores 31a to 31d, markers 32, and a clad 33. FIG. The multi-core optical fiber 30 is then formed by covering the bare fiber wire with a coating layer 34 .

At this time, the marking portion 35 is formed as follows. That is, when forming the bare fiber, the arrangement of the four numbered cores 31a to 31d with reference to the marker 32 is determined in advance. Then, after covering the bare fiber wire with the coating layer 34, a marking portion 35 is formed on the coating layer 34 by, for example, a printing method such as an intaglio roll printing method or an inkjet method based on a predetermined core arrangement. be. The multi-core optical fiber 30 with the marking portion 35 formed thereon is wound on a bobbin 60 .

Note that the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 may be detected by visually checking the cross section of the multi-core optical fiber 30 manufactured by the above-described method.

The configuration of the marking portion is not particularly limited to the above, and may be, for example, a configuration as shown in FIGS. good too.

3(a) and 3(b) are plan views showing a first modified example of the marking portion 35B of the multi-core optical fiber 30 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3A is a diagram in which the first end 301 of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is positioned on the right side of the drawing and the second end 302 is positioned on the left side of the drawing. On the other hand, FIG. 3B is a diagram in which the first end 301 of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is positioned on the left side of the drawing and the second end 302 is positioned on the right side of the drawing. It is a figure which shows the state which reversed the axial direction from the state of (a).

As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the marking section 35B includes two types of dot groups 353 and 354 alternately arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the multi-core optical fiber 30. ing. Each of the dot groups 353 and 354 is composed of a plurality of dot-like dots 363, but the number of dots 363 forming one dot group 353 is greater than the number of dots 363 forming the other dot group 354. is also decreasing. The marking portion 35B indicates the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 by the positional relationship of the dot groups 353 and 354, as indicated by the dashed-dotted lines in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b).

FIGS. 4A and 4B are plan views showing a second modified example of the marking portion of the multi-core optical fiber according to this embodiment. FIG. 4A is a diagram in which the first end 301 of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is positioned on the right side of the drawing and the second end 302 is positioned on the left side of the drawing. On the other hand, FIG. 4B is a diagram in which the first end portion 301 of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is positioned on the left side of the drawing and the second end portion 302 is positioned on the right side of the drawing. It is a figure which shows the state which reversed the axial direction from the state of (a).

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the marking section 35C includes a plurality of dot groups 355 arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the multi-core optical fiber 30. FIG. Each dot group 355 is composed of a plurality of dot-like dots 363 . In the marking portion 35C, the spacing SP1 on one side of the dot group 355 (left side in FIG. 4A) is narrower than the spacing SP2 on the other side of the dot group 355 (right side in FIG. 4A). It's becoming 4A and 4B, the marking section 35C defines the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 according to the positional relationship of the intervals SP1 and SP2 on both sides of the dot group 355. showing.

Next, the configuration of the optical fiber ribbon 20 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 6B.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical fiber ribbon 20 in this embodiment. 6(a) and 6(b) are plan views showing the optical fiber ribbon 20 in this embodiment. In addition, FIG. 5 is sectional drawing along the VV line of Fig.6 (a). FIG. 6A is a diagram in which one end (first end) of the optical fiber ribbon 20 is positioned on the right side of the drawing and the other end (second end) is positioned on the left side of the drawing. be. On the other hand, in FIG. 6B, one end (first end) of the optical fiber ribbon 20 is positioned on the left side of the drawing, and the other end (second end) is positioned on the right side of the drawing. 6A is a diagram showing a state in which the axial direction is reversed from the state of FIG. 6A. FIG.

The optical fiber ribbon 20 in this embodiment is a so-called intermittently fixed ribbon. 5 and 6A, this optical fiber tape core wire 20 includes a plurality of (four in this example) multi-core optical fibers 30 and a connecting portion 21. As shown in FIG.

Specifically, the multiple multi-core optical fibers 30 are arranged on the same plane so as to extend substantially parallel to each other. The multi-core optical fibers 30 adjacent to each other are fixed by connecting portions 21 with a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape core wire 20, and the connecting portions 21 are connected to each other by the optical fiber tape core. They are arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the line 20 . The connecting portion 21 is made of a resin material such as an ultraviolet curable resin.

The number of multi-core optical fibers 30 forming the optical fiber ribbon 20 is not particularly limited to the above. Moreover, the configuration of the optical fiber ribbon 20 is not particularly limited to the above. For example, the connecting portions 21 may be provided not intermittently but over the entire length of the optical fiber ribbon 20 . Alternatively, instead of the connecting portion 21, the plurality of multi-core optical fibers 30 may be collectively coated with a resin layer, and the plurality of multi-core optical fibers 30 may be connected by this resin layer.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the optical fiber tape core wire 20 of this embodiment corresponds to the core arrangement of the plurality of multi-core optical fibers 30 included in the optical fiber tape core wire 20. It has a marking portion 22 (second array information) attached thereto. As will be described later, since all the multi-core optical fibers 30 included in the optical fiber ribbon 20 have the same core arrangement, the marking section 22 marks one core arrangement common to all the multi-core optical fibers 30. showing. The marking portion 22 is formed across the coating layer 34 of the plurality of multi-core optical fibers 30 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 20 by a printing method such as an intaglio roll printing method or an ink jet method. It is arranged on one main surface 201 of the fiber tape cable core 20 .

The marking portion 22 is a diagonal line that is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the optical fiber ribbon 20 . For example, as shown in FIG. 6( a ), when the oblique lines rise toward the right in the drawing, this marking section 22 corresponds to all the cores of the multi-core optical fibers 30 included in the optical fiber ribbon 20 . It indicates that the sequence is a “normal sequence” (see FIG. 1(a)). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6(b), when the oblique line descends toward the right in the drawing, this marking portion 22 covers all the multi-core optical fibers 30 included in the optical fiber ribbon 20. is the "reverse sequence" (see FIG. 1(b)).

In addition, you may form in both main surfaces 201 and 202 of the above-mentioned marking part 22. FIG. Moreover, the configuration of the marking portion 22 is not particularly limited to the above as long as the cross section of the optical fiber ribbon 20 is asymmetrical. In addition, as the marking portion 22, by using a plurality of types of patterns as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-97350 (see reference numeral 8 in FIG. 7 of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-97350), the optical fiber tape The marking portion 22 may be provided with a function of distinguishing the core wires 20 from each other.

Next, a method for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon 20 described above will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a manufacturing system 100 for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon according to this embodiment.

First, the bobbin 60 around which the multi-core optical fiber 30 is wound is set in the manufacturing system 100 . Specifically, for example, after inserting the shaft of the supply device 110 of the manufacturing system 100 into the inner hole of the bobbin 60 and fixing the stopper, the multi-core optical fiber 30 is fed from the bobbin 60 to the assembly device 120 of the manufacturing system 100. send out towards The above operation is performed for all the bobbins 60 around which the multi-core optical fibers 30 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 20 are respectively wound. That is, four bobbins 60 are set in the manufacturing system 100 in this embodiment.

Note that the above-described rewinding operation is performed between the manufacturing process (spinning process) of the multi-core optical fiber 30 described above and the setting of the bobbin 60 in the manufacturing system 100 shown in FIG. , the multi-core optical fiber 30 is wound on another bobbin 60, and the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 may be changed.

Then, the multi-core optical fibers 30 sent out from the respective bobbins 60 pass through the assembly device 120 so that the four multi-core optical fibers 30 are aligned on the same plane, and the space between the adjacent multi-core optical fibers 30 is increased. A connecting portion 21 is formed in the . The connecting portion 21 is formed by intermittently applying an ultraviolet curable resin between adjacent multi-core optical fibers 30 and then curing the ultraviolet curable resin by irradiating it with ultraviolet rays. Alternatively, the connecting portion 21 may be formed by continuously applying an ultraviolet curable resin between the adjacent multi-core optical fibers 30 and curing the resin, and then partially removing the cured resin. The optical fiber ribbon 20 formed into a tape by the collecting device 120 is then wound onto the bobbin 70 mounted on the winding device 130 of the manufacturing system 100 .

Furthermore, the manufacturing system 100 of this embodiment includes a first acquisition device 140 , a determination device 150 , a printing device 160 and a second acquisition device 170 .

The first acquisition device 140 comprises, for example, a camera. This first acquisition device 140 captures the above-described marking portion 35 of the multi-core optical fiber 30 sent from the supply device 110 to the gathering device 120, thereby converting the multi-core optical fiber 30 before being formed into a tape into the relevant multi-core optical fiber 30. Image information of the marking portion 35 is acquired. The first acquisition device 140 performs the above operation on all the multi-core optical fibers 30 forming the optical fiber ribbon 20 . In addition, the first acquisition device 140 may be provided individually for each multi-core optical fiber 30, or even if the four multi-core optical fibers 30 are imaged by one first acquisition device 140, good.

The determination device 150 performs image processing and the like on the image information of the marking section 35 acquired by the first acquisition device 140, recognizes the core arrangement of each multi-core optical fiber 30, and recognizes all multi-core light beams. It is determined whether or not the core arrangement of the fibers 30 is the same. This determination device 150 is functionally implemented by a computer constituting a management device of the manufacturing system 100, for example.

Specifically, when the core arrangement of all (four in this example) multi-core optical fibers 30 constituting the optical fiber tape cable core 20 is a "regular arrangement" (see FIG. 1(a)), The determination device 150 determines that all the multicore optical fibers 30 have the same core arrangement. Further, even when the core arrangement of all (four in this example) multi-core optical fibers 30 is "reverse arrangement" (see FIG. 1(b)), the determination device 150 are identical to each other. If the core arrangements match when the multi-core optical fiber 30 is rotated about the center CP, it is determined that the core arrangements of the multi-core optical fiber 30 are the same.

When the determination device 150 determines that all the multicore optical fibers 30 have the same core arrangement (that is, when the determination result is positive), the plurality of multicore optical fibers 30 are taped by the assembly device 120. and wound up by the winding device 130 .

On the other hand, for example, among the four multi-core optical fibers 30 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 20, the core arrangement of three multi-core optical fibers 30 is "normal arrangement", while the remaining one When the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fibers 30 is "reverse arrangement", the determining device 150 determines that the core arrangements of the multi-core optical fibers 30 are not the same. That is, when the core arrangement of at least one multi-core optical fiber 30 is not the same as the core arrangement of the other multi-core optical fibers 30, the determination device 150 judges that the core arrangements of the multi-core optical fibers 30 are not the same.

Then, when the determination device 150 determines that the core arrangements of the multi-core optical fibers 30 are not the same (that is, when the determination result is negative), for example, the manufacturing system 100 is stopped, and a sound or noise is generated. The operator is notified by the screen display. As a result, it is possible to prevent the manufacturing of the optical fiber ribbon 20 having the multi-core optical fibers 30 with the cores not aligned.

The printing device 160 is composed of, for example, an intaglio printing machine or an inkjet printer. This printing device 160 forms the above-described marking portion 22 on the optical fiber ribbon 20 being sent from the collecting device 120 to the winding device 130 . This printing device 160 sets the core arrangement determined to be the same by the determination device 150 as the core arrangement of the optical fiber tape core wire 20, and sets the marking part 22 corresponding to the core arrangement of the optical fiber tape core wire 20. The optical fiber ribbon 20 is printed. Since the core arrangement of the optical fiber ribbon 20 shows the core arrangement after winding the optical fiber ribbon 20 on the bobbin 70, it was sent out from the bobbin 60 on the same principle as the above-described winding. The core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is reversed.

The second acquisition device 170, like the first acquisition device 140 described above, comprises, for example, a camera. This second acquisition device 170 captures an image of the marking portion 22 formed on the optical fiber tape core wire 20 by the printing device 160, so that the optical fiber tape core wire 20 before being wound on the bobbin 70 is converted into the relevant Image information of the marking portion 22 is acquired.

Then, the determination device 150 described above performs image processing and the like on the image information of the marking section 22, recognizes the core arrangement of the optical fiber tape core wire 20, and recognizes the core arrangement of the optical fiber tape core wire 20 as multi-core. It is determined whether or not the core arrangement of the optical fiber 30 is opposite. Accordingly, it can be confirmed by the printing device 160 that the marking portion 22 is properly formed.

Note that the step of imaging the marking portion 22 and determining whether or not the core arrangement of the optical fiber ribbon 20 is opposite to the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is performed by placing the optical fiber ribbon 20 on the bobbin 70 . It may be done after winding up.

As described above, in this embodiment, the marking section 35 associated with the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is imaged, and based on the marking section 35, whether the core arrangement of the plurality of multi-core optical fibers 30 is the same or not is determined. determine whether or not As a result, in this embodiment, the core arrangement of all the multi-core optical fibers 30 constituting the optical fiber tape core wire 20 can be aligned, and the connection management of the optical fiber cable using the optical fiber tape core wire 20 can be facilitated. can be improved.

<<Second embodiment>>
In the first embodiment described above, the marking section 35 associated with the core arrangement is given to the multi-core optical fiber 30 itself. It differs from the first embodiment in that it is stored.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a method for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon 20 according to this embodiment.

For example, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the flow of processing executed by a management device of a manufacturing system for manufacturing optical fiber ribbons 20 having multiple multi-core optical fibers 30 . The manufacturing system according to the present embodiment differs from the manufacturing system 100 shown in FIG. 7 in that it does not include the first acquisition device 140, the printing device 160, and the second acquisition device 170. FIG.

In this embodiment, first, in step S10 of FIG. 8, for example, an operator performs an input operation to the management device. In this input step, an aggregate identifier (aggregate ID) for identifying the multi-core optical fiber 30 (aggregate) constituting the optical fiber ribbon 20 and the multi-core in the optical fiber ribbon 20 Correlation with the core number of the optical fiber 30 is performed. This step S10 is executed before the bobbin 60 around which the multi-core optical fiber 30 is wound is attached to the supply device 110 of the manufacturing system.

In this embodiment, when forming the bare fiber of each multi-core optical fiber 30, the core arrangement is determined in advance (that is, spinning is performed with the core arrangement determined), and at this point, the core arrangement corresponds to the core arrangement. The obtained first array information is stored in the storage unit 101 of the management device of the manufacturing system. At this time, the first array information is stored in association with the assembly ID of the multi-core optical fiber 30 . This first array information constitutes a part of aggregated object information (fiber information). Note that the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 may be detected by visually checking the cross section of the multi-core optical fiber 30 after spinning. Then, this first arrangement information is updated to the first arrangement information corresponding to the core arrangement after the rewinding each time the multi-core optical fiber 30 is rewound.

An example of the first arrangement information associated with the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is numerical data indicating the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 . For example, when the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is "regular arrangement", "0" is associated with the assembly ID as the first arrangement information. On the other hand, when the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is "reverse arrangement", "1" is associated with the assembly ID as the first arrangement information.

Then, for example, when the core array changes from "normal array" to "reverse array" due to rewinding, "0" stored as the first array information is updated to "1". On the other hand, when the core arrangement changes from "reverse arrangement" to "normal arrangement" due to rewinding, "1" stored as the first arrangement information is updated to "0".

When the input operation by the operator is completed in step S10 described above, in step S20 of FIG. 8, the management device of the manufacturing system reads the first array information stored in the storage unit 101 in association with the object ID to be assembled. . Next, in step S30, the management device of the manufacturing system determines that all the multi-core optical fibers 30 have the same core arrangement based on the first arrangement information read from the storage unit 101 in the same manner as the determination device 150 described above. Determine whether or not Specifically, when all the numerical data associated with the assembly IDs are the same, it is determined that all the multi-core optical fibers 30 have the same core arrangement. On the other hand, if the numerical data associated with at least one identifier is different from the numerical data associated with other identifiers, it is determined that the core arrangements of the multi-core optical fibers 30 are not the same.

As another example of the first arrangement information corresponding to the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30, the "number of times of rewinding" of the multi-core optical fiber 30 can be cited. For example, numeric data indicating the number of times the multi-core optical fiber 30 is rewound from the initial state in which the bare optical fiber is manufactured is associated with the assembly ID.

Specifically, as shown in Table 1 below, when the number of rewinds is 1, "1" is added to the end of the aggregate ID, and when the number of rewinds is 2, the aggregate ID "2" is associated with the object ID, and "0" is added to the end of the aggregated object ID when unwinding is not performed. The number of times of rewinding is counted from the initial state in which the bare optical fiber is manufactured, and is updated each time the number of times of rewinding increases.

In this case, as shown in Table 1, if all the winding numbers associated with the multi-core optical fiber 30 are even (including 0), or if all the winding numbers are odd, all of the multi-core optical fibers 30 are the same. On the other hand, if at least one winding number is odd or even and the other winding number is the other even or odd, it is determined that the core arrangements of the multi-core optical fiber 30 are not the same. It should be noted that whether the number of rewinds of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is an “odd number” or an “even number” may be associated with the assembly ID.

Then, when it is determined in step S30 in FIG. 8 that all the multi-core optical fibers 30 have the same core arrangement, the plurality of multi-core optical fibers 30 are taped by the assembly device 120. FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30 that the core arrangements of the multi-core optical fibers 30 are not the same, for example, the manufacturing system is stopped and the operator is notified by sound or screen display. By this notification, for example, before mounting the bobbin 60 on the supply device 110, the operator associates the correct assembly ID of the multi-core optical fiber 30 with the core number.

Then, in step S40 of FIG. 8, the management device of the manufacturing system sets the core arrangement determined to be the same in step S30 as the core arrangement of the optical fiber ribbon 20, and sets the core arrangement of the optical fiber ribbon 20. is stored in the storage unit 101 of the management device of the manufacturing system. At this time, the second array information is stored in association with an aggregate identifier (aggregate ID) of the optical fiber ribbon 20 (aggregate). This second array information constitutes a part of aggregate information (core information). An example of the second arrangement information corresponding to the core arrangement of the optical fiber ribbon 20 is numerical data associated with the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 . This second arrangement information is updated to the second arrangement information corresponding to the core arrangement after the rewinding every time the optical fiber ribbon 20 is rewound. The second array information corresponding to the core array of the optical fiber ribbon 20 is used, for example, when manufacturing the optical fiber cable 1 described later.

As another example of the second arrangement information corresponding to the core arrangement of the optical fiber ribbon 20, the "number of times of rewinding" of the optical fiber ribbon 20 can be mentioned. For example, numeric data indicating the number of times the optical fiber ribbon 20 is rewound from the time the optical fiber ribbon 20 is formed is associated with the aggregate ID. That is, when the optical fiber ribbon 20 is manufactured, numerical data "0" indicating the number of times the optical fiber ribbon 20 is rewound is associated with the aggregate ID, and each time the number of times of rewinding increases, the numerical data is updated.

Further, even after the optical fiber ribbon 20 is formed, the counting of the number of times each multi-core optical fiber 30 is rewound may be continued. Alternatively, when the optical fiber ribbon 20 is formed, the number of times each multi-core optical fiber 30 is rewound may be reset and counting of the number of times of rewound may be newly started.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the first arrangement information associated with the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is stored in association with the assembly ID, and a plurality of of the multi-core optical fibers 30 are the same. As a result, in this embodiment, the core arrangement of all the multi-core optical fibers 30 constituting the optical fiber tape core wire 20 can be aligned, and the connection management of the optical fiber cable using the optical fiber tape core wire 20 can be facilitated. can be improved.

<<Third Embodiment>>
In the above-described second embodiment, the grouped body ID is associated with the first array information. This differs from the second embodiment in that sequence information is associated.

In this embodiment, a dedicated bobbin 60 corresponding to the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is prepared, and the winding body ID of the bobbin 60 is associated in advance with the first arrangement information. When the multi-core optical fiber 30 is wound on the bobbin 60, the bobbin 60 having the winding body ID to which the first array information corresponding to the core array after winding is assigned is selected, and the selected bobbin 60 is selected. The multi-core optical fiber 30 is wound around the bobbin 60 .

Specifically, a bobbin 60 for winding the multi-core optical fiber 30 having the core arrangement of "normal arrangement" (see FIG. 1(a)) is prepared, and the winding body ID of the bobbin 60 corresponds to "normal arrangement". The first sequence information obtained is given in advance. Similarly, a bobbin 60 for winding the multi-core optical fiber 30 having the core arrangement of "reverse arrangement" (see FIG. 1(b)) is prepared, and the winding body ID of the bobbin 60 corresponds to the "normal arrangement". 1 sequence information is assigned in advance.

For example, by adding numerical data indicating the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 wound around the bobbin 60 to the end of the wound body ID, the first arrangement information is associated with the wound body ID. For example, as shown in Table 2 below, "0" is assigned in advance as the first arrangement information to the end of the wound body ID of the bobbin 60 for "normal arrangement". On the other hand, "1" is added in advance as the first arrangement information to the end of the winding body ID of the bobbin 60 for "reverse arrangement".

Then, in this embodiment, in step S10 of FIG. Corresponding with the core number of the optical fiber 30 . Next, in step S20 of FIG. 8, the management device of the manufacturing system reads from the storage unit 101 the first array information stored in association with the wound body ID.

Next, in step S30 of FIG. 8, the management device of the manufacturing system determines whether or not all the multi-core optical fibers 30 have the same core arrangement based on the first arrangement information read from the storage unit 101. FIG. In this embodiment, as shown in Table 2 below, when all the wound body IDs have the same end, it is determined that all the multi-core optical fibers 30 have the same core arrangement. On the other hand, when the end of at least one wound body ID is different from the end of other wound body IDs, it is determined that the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is not the same.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, similarly to the bobbin 60 described above, a dedicated bobbin 70 corresponding to the core arrangement of the optical fiber ribbon 20 is prepared, and the second arrangement information is added to the winding body ID of the bobbin 70. keep it related. When the optical fiber ribbon 20 is wound around the bobbin 70, the bobbin 70 having the winding body ID to which the second array information corresponding to the core array after winding is assigned is selected, and the bobbin 70 is selected. The optical fiber ribbon 20 is wound around the selected bobbin 70 .

As described above, in the present embodiment, the first arrangement information associated with the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is stored in association with the winding body ID of the bobbin 60, and the first arrangement information Based on this, it is determined whether or not the core arrangements of the plurality of multi-core optical fibers 30 are the same. As a result, in this embodiment, the core arrangement of all the multi-core optical fibers 30 constituting the optical fiber tape core wire 20 can be aligned, and the connection management of the optical fiber cable using the optical fiber tape core wire 20 can be facilitated. can be improved.

<<Fourth Embodiment>>
In the first embodiment described above, the marking section 35 associated with the core arrangement is given to the multi-core optical fiber 30 itself. , which is different from the first embodiment.

FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are diagrams for explaining the method of adding the second arrangement information to the appearance of the bobbin in this embodiment, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the manufacturing system which manufactures.

In this embodiment, similar to the above-described third embodiment, a dedicated bobbin 60 corresponding to the core arrangement is prepared, and the bobbin 60 is colored in advance with a color corresponding to the core arrangement. When winding the multi-core optical fiber 30 around the bobbin 60 , the bobbin 60 having a color corresponding to the core arrangement after winding is selected, and the multi-core optical fiber 30 is wound around the selected bobbin 60 .

For example, a white bobbin 60A is prepared as the bobbin 60 for winding the multi-core optical fiber 30 having the core arrangement of "normal arrangement" (see FIG. 1(a)). On the other hand, an orange bobbin 60B is prepared as the bobbin 60 for winding the multi-core optical fiber 30 having the core arrangement of "reverse arrangement" (see FIG. 1(b)).

For example, when winding the multi-core optical fiber 30 whose core arrangement after winding is "normal arrangement", the multi-core optical fiber 30 is wound around a white bobbin 60 as shown in FIG. Further, when the multi-core optical fiber 30 having the core arrangement of "normal arrangement" is to be rewound, the multi-core optical fiber 30 is wound around an orange bobbin 60 as shown in FIG. 9(b).

Note that the colors of the bobbins 60A and 60B are not particularly limited as long as the bobbins 60A and 60B can be identified. Also, instead of colors, marks or patterns corresponding to the core arrangement may be applied to the outer appearance of the bobbin 60 . Alternatively, a piece of paper on which a character string or the like describing the core arrangement is written may be attached to the bobbin 60 .

A method of manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon 20 using the bobbin 60 described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a manufacturing system 100B for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon 20 in this embodiment.

The manufacturing system 100B of this embodiment differs in that it does not include a printing device 160 and in that the first and second acquisition devices 140 and 170 capture images of the bobbins 60 and 70 .

In the present embodiment, the first acquisition device 140 captures an image of the bobbin 60 attached to the supply device 110 to acquire image information of the appearance of the bobbin 60 . The first acquisition device 140 performs the above operation on all the bobbins 60 around which the multi-core optical fibers 30 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 20 are wound. The first acquisition device 140 may be individually provided for each bobbin 60 , or the four bobbins 60 may be imaged by one first acquisition device 140 .

The determination device 150 performs image processing and the like on the image information of the appearance of the bobbin 60 acquired by the first acquisition device 140, and determines the core arrangement of each multi-core optical fiber 30 based on the color of the bobbin 60. Along with recognition, it is determined whether or not the core arrangements of all the multi-core optical fibers 30 are the same. In this embodiment, the determining device 150 determines that all the multi-core optical fibers 30 have the same core arrangement when all the bobbins 60 have the same color.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when all the bobbins 60 are white in color, it is determined that all the multi-core optical fibers 30 have the same core arrangement. Also, although not shown, it is determined that all the multi-core optical fibers 30 have the same core arrangement when all the bobbins 60 are orange. On the other hand, when the color of at least one bobbin 60 is different from the color of the other bobbins 60, it is determined that the core arrangements of the multi-core optical fibers 30 are not the same.

Further, in this embodiment, similarly to the bobbin 60 described above, a dedicated bobbin 70 corresponding to the core arrangement of the optical fiber ribbon 20 is prepared, and the bobbin 70 is colored according to the core arrangement. . Then, a bobbin 70 of a color corresponding to the core arrangement of the optical fiber ribbon 20 after winding is attached to the winding device 130 .

The second acquisition device 170 captures an image of the bobbin 70 attached to the winding device 130 to acquire image information of the appearance of the bobbin 70 . Then, the determination device 150 performs image processing and the like on the image information of the appearance of the bobbin 70, recognizes the core arrangement of the optical fiber tape core wire 20, and recognizes the core arrangement of the optical fiber tape core wire 20 as multi-core light. Determine if it is opposite to the core arrangement of the fiber 30 . Thereby, it can be confirmed that the appropriate color bobbin 70 is attached to the winding device 130 .

As described above, in the present embodiment, the bobbin 60 having the color associated with the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is imaged, and based on the color of the bobbin 60, the core arrangement of the plurality of multi-core optical fibers 30 is the same. It is determined whether or not. As a result, in this embodiment, the core arrangement of all the multi-core optical fibers 30 constituting the optical fiber tape core wire 20 can be aligned, and the connection management of the optical fiber cable using the optical fiber tape core wire 20 can be facilitated. can be improved.

Instead of the external appearance of the bobbins 60 and 70, RF tags corresponding to the core arrangement may be embedded in the bobbins 60 and 70. In this case, the first and second acquisition devices 140, 170 consist, for example, of RFID readers.

Alternatively, instead of the external appearance of the bobbins 60,70, barcodes corresponding to the core arrangement may be given to the bobbins 60,70. In this case, the first and second acquisition devices 140, 170 consist, for example, of barcode readers.

<<Fifth Embodiment>>
In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the optical fiber tape cable core 20 is the "collected body" and the optical fiber cable 1 is the "optical fiber assembly".

First, the configuration of the optical fiber cable 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the optical fiber cable 1 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the optical fiber cable 1 according to this embodiment. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIB-XIB in FIG.

The optical fiber cable 1 in this embodiment is a so-called slotless type optical fiber cable. This optical fiber cable 1 includes an optical fiber unit 10, a pressure wrap 40, and a sheath 50, as shown in FIG. The configuration of the optical fiber cable 1 is not limited to the slotless type, and may be, for example, a loose tube type or a slot type.

The optical fiber unit 10 is formed by twisting a plurality of optical fiber tape core wires 20 described above. Specific examples of how to twist the plurality of optical fiber ribbons 20 include SZ twist and unidirectional twist.

In addition, in this embodiment, instead of the optical fiber tape core wire 20, a single core optical fiber core wire having one multi-core optical fiber 30 may be used. A marking portion corresponding to the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber included in the optical fiber core wire is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber core wire.

This optical fiber unit 10 is wrapped with a pressing wrap 40 . In this embodiment, the press wrap 40 is formed by longitudinally wrapping a press wrap tape around the outer periphery of the optical fiber unit 10 . The method of winding the pressure winding tape is not particularly limited to the above, and may be, for example, horizontal winding (spiral winding).

The sheath (outer cover) 50 is a cylindrical member that covers the outer circumference of the pressure wrap 40 . The optical fiber unit 10 wrapped in the pressure wrap 40 is housed in the inner hole of this sheath 50 . A tensile strength member 55 and a ripcord 56 are embedded in the sheath 50 .

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the optical fiber cable 1 of the present embodiment is associated with the core arrangement of the multiple multi-core optical fibers 30 of the multiple optical fiber tape core wires 20 of the optical fiber cable 1. A marking section 51 (second array information) is provided. As will be described later, since all the multicore optical fibers 30 included in the optical fiber cable 1 have the same core arrangement, the marking part 51 indicates one core arrangement common to all the multicore optical fibers 30. there is The marking portion 51 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sheath 50 of the optical fiber cable 1 by a printing method such as an intaglio roll printing method or an inkjet method.

This marking portion 51 is a diagonal line that is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the optical fiber cable 1 . For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the oblique line rises toward the right in the figure, the marking portion 51 indicates that the core arrangement of all the multi-core optical fibers 30 included in the optical fiber cable 1 is "normal arrangement." ” (see FIG. 1(a)). On the other hand, although not shown, if the slope of the slanted lines is opposite to the slope of the slanted lines shown in FIG. It indicates that the sequence is "reverse sequence" (see FIG. 1(b)).

The configuration of the marking section is not particularly limited to the above, and may be configured as shown in FIGS. 13(a) to 13(e), for example. FIGS. 13(a) to 13(e) are plan views showing first to fifth modifications of the marking of the optical fiber cable according to the present embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 13A, the marking portion 51B spirally extends around the axial direction of the optical fiber cable 1 . This marking portion 51B indicates the core arrangement of the optical fiber cable 1 by the direction of rotation of the spiral.

In the example shown in FIG. 13(b), the marking portion 51C is composed of a plurality of arrows pointing in the same direction. The marking portion 51C indicates the core arrangement of the optical fiber cable 1 in the direction indicated by the arrow.

As shown in FIG. 13(c), the marking portion 51D is composed of two characters 515,516. One character 515 (“S”) is formed along the circumferential direction of the optical fiber cable 1 so that it can be read from one end side (right side in the drawing) of the optical fiber cable 1 . On the other hand, the other character 516 (“E”) is formed along the circumferential direction of the optical fiber cable 1 so that it can be read from the other end (left side in the drawing) of the optical fiber cable 1. there is This marking portion 51F indicates the core arrangement of the optical fiber cable 1 by the directions in which the characters 515 and 516 are readable.

In the example shown in FIG. 13(c), one letter 515 (“S”) indicates that the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is “regular arrangement” (see FIG. 1(a)). . On the other hand, the other letter 516 ("E") indicates that the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 is "reverse arrangement" (see FIG. 1(b)). Note that a string of characters may be used instead of the characters 515 described above. Similarly, a string of characters may be used in place of the character 516 described above.

As shown in FIG. 13(d), the marking portion 51E is composed of a pair of linear portions 511 and 512 arranged parallel to each other. One linear portion 511 has, for example, a green color, while the other linear portion 512 has, for example, a red color. This marking portion 51E indicates the core arrangement of the optical fiber cable 1 by the positional relationship between the straight portions 511 and 512. As shown in FIG. Note that the colors of the linear portions 511 and 512 are not particularly limited as long as they are different from each other.

As shown in FIG. 13(e), the marking portion 51F is composed of a pair of linear portions 513 and 514 arranged parallel to each other. The length of the straight portion 514 is shorter than the length of the straight portion 513 . This marking portion 51F also indicates the core arrangement of the optical fiber cable 1 by the positional relationship between the straight portions 513 and 514. As shown in FIG.

The configuration of the marking portions is not limited to the marking portions 51E and 51F described above as long as the cross section of the optical fiber cable 1 is asymmetrical. For example, the marking portion may be composed of a pair of straight portions having mutually different thicknesses.

The manufacturing system for manufacturing this optical fiber cable 1 differs from the manufacturing system 100 shown in FIG.

First, the bobbin 70 around which the optical fiber ribbon 20 is wound is attached to the supply device 110 , and the optical fiber ribbon 20 is sent out from the bobbin 70 toward the gathering device 120 . A plurality of optical fiber tape core wires 20 sent out from the bobbins 70 pass through the assembly device 120, and the optical fiber tape core wires 20 are twisted to form the optical fiber unit 10. FIG. Moreover, the optical fiber unit 10 is wrapped with the pressure wrap 40 and the pressure wrap 40 is covered with the sheath 50 by the gathering device 120 . The sheath 50 is formed by extruding a resin around the press wrap 40 using an extruder of the assembly device 120 . The optical fiber cable 1 formed by the collecting device 120 is wound around the drum 80 mounted on the winding device 130 .

In this embodiment, the first acquisition device 140 captures the above-described marking portion 22 (first array information) of the optical fiber ribbon 20 being sent from the supply device 110 to the gathering device 120, Image information of the marking portion 22 is obtained from the optical fiber ribbon 20 before being covered with the sheath 50 . Next, the determination device 150 performs image processing and the like on the image information of the marking section 22 acquired by the first acquisition device 140, recognizes the core arrangement of each optical fiber tape core wire 20, and It is determined whether or not the core arrangement of all the optical fiber tape core wires 20 is the same.

When the first array information of the optical fiber ribbon 20 is associated with an assembly identifier (assembly ID) for identifying the optical fiber ribbon 20 (assembly), The array information is obtained in the same manner as in the above-described second embodiment. Further, when the first arrangement information of the optical fiber tape core wire 20 is associated with a winding body identifier (winding body ID) for identifying the bobbin 70, the same arrangement as in the above-described third embodiment can be performed. Acquire the sequence information according to the procedure. Alternatively, when the first arrangement information of the optical fiber ribbon 20 is attached to the bobbin 70 itself, the arrangement information is obtained in the same manner as in the above-described fourth embodiment.

Next, the printing device 160 forms the marking portion 51 on the optical fiber cable 1 sent from the collecting device 120 to the winding device 130 . The printing device 160 sets the core arrangement determined to be the same by the determination device 150 as the core arrangement of the optical fiber cable 1, and the marking section 51 associated with the core arrangement of the optical fiber cable 1 is printed on the optical fiber cable. Print to 1. Since the core arrangement of the optical fiber cable 1 shows the core arrangement after the optical fiber cable 1 has been wound around the drum 80, the optical fiber tape cores fed out from the bobbin 70 can be arranged according to the same principle as the above-described winding. The core sequence of line 20 is reversed.

Next, the second acquisition device 170 captures an image of the marking portion 51 formed on the optical fiber cable 1 by the printing device 160, so that the marking portion 51 is removed from the optical fiber cable 1 before being wound around the drum 80. Get image information. Then, the determination device 150 performs image processing or the like on the image information of the marking section 51 to recognize the core arrangement of the optical fiber cable 1, and confirms the core arrangement of the optical fiber cable 1 according to the optical fiber tape core wire 20. Determine if it is opposite to the core sequence. Accordingly, it can be confirmed by the printing device 160 that the marking portion 51 is properly formed.

Note that the step of imaging the marking portion 51 and determining whether or not the core arrangement of the optical fiber cable 1 is opposite to the core arrangement of the optical fiber ribbon 20 is performed by winding the optical fiber cable 1 around the drum 80. You can go after taking it.

Further, in the present embodiment, the second array information associated with the core array of the optical fiber cable 1 is given to the optical fiber cable 1 itself. The associated second array information may be given to the drum 80 itself around which the optical fiber cable 1 is wound.

For example, when laying the optical fiber cable 1 manufactured as described above in order to connect it to an optical fiber cable that has already been installed in an underground conduit, an operator has formed the sheath 50 of the optical fiber cable 1 After confirming that the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 of the optical fiber cable 1 is the same as the core arrangement set in advance by referring to the marking portion 51, the optical fiber cable 1 is laid. As a result, it is possible to prevent the core arrangement of the optical fiber cable 1 from being found to be incorrect after laying and the laying to be redone.

Further, the optical fiber cable 1 manufactured as described above is connected to a mating optical fiber cable, for example, in a closure, an optical termination box, or the like installed at the installation site. Specifically, the multi-core optical fiber of this optical fiber cable 1 is fusion-spliced to the optical fiber of the other optical fiber cable, or optically connected via an optical connector. At this time, in the present embodiment, the operator refers to the marking portion 51 formed on the sheath 50 of the optical fiber cable 1 and, for example, the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 of the optical fiber cable 1 is set in advance. After confirming that the arrangement is the same, the multi-core optical fiber is connected to the other optical fiber.

Although specific examples of the optical connector are not particularly limited, examples include an optical connector having a ferrule and a sleeve, an optical connector having a spatial optical system including a lens, or an optical connector having an optical waveguide. can do.

Alternatively, the optical fiber cable 1 may be connected to a mating optical component such as a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) or a silicon waveguide chip. Specifically, the multi-core optical fiber of this optical fiber cable 1 is optically connected to the optical waveguide of the other optical component via an optical fiber array. At this time, in the present embodiment, the operator refers to the marking portion 51 formed on the sheath 50 of the optical fiber cable 1 and, for example, the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber 30 of the optical fiber cable 1 is set in advance. After confirming that the arrangement is the same, the multi-core optical fiber is connected to the other optical waveguide.

As an example of an optical fiber array, optical fibers are positioned in a plurality of V-grooves formed in the substrate so as to extend to the edge of the substrate, and the end faces of the optical fibers are arranged at the edge of the substrate. can be mentioned.

Thus, in this embodiment, after referring to the marking portion 51 of the optical fiber cable 1, the multi-core optical fiber 30 of the optical fiber cable 1 is connected to the counterpart optical fiber or waveguide. It is possible to facilitate the connection management of the optical fiber cable 1 provided with, and to prevent connection errors of the cores of the multi-core optical fiber 30 .

If the drum 80 on which the optical fiber cable 1 is wound is provided with the second arrangement information instead of the marking portion 51, the operator refers to the appearance of the drum 80 and then The multi-core optical fiber 30 of the optical fiber cable 1 is connected to the other party's optical fiber or waveguide.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the marking section 22 associated with the core arrangement of the optical fiber ribbon 20 is imaged, and based on the marking section 22, the core arrangement of the plurality of multi-core optical fibers 30 is the same. Determine whether or not there is Thereby, in this embodiment, the core arrangement of all the multi-core optical fibers 30 constituting the optical fiber cable 1 can be aligned, and the connection management of the optical fiber cable 1 can be facilitated.

It should be noted that the embodiments described above are described to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not described to limit the present invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above embodiments is meant to include all design changes and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described first to fourth embodiments, examples were explained in which the multi-core optical fiber 30 was the "collected body" and the optical fiber ribbon 20 was the "optical fiber assembly". Further, in the fifth embodiment described above, an example was explained in which the optical fiber ribbon 20 was the "collected object" and the optical fiber cable 1 was the "optical fiber assembly". However, the "collected body" and the "optical fiber assembly" are not particularly limited to this, and may be as follows.

For example, the multi-core optical fiber 30 may be the "collected body", and the first unit intermediate formed by assembling a plurality of the multi-core optical fibers 30 may be the "optical fiber assembly". This first unit intermediate is an intermediate to be incorporated into the optical fiber cable 1, and is configured by, for example, bundling a plurality of multi-core optical fibers 30 with a string, film, or tube.

In this case, the assembly device 120 described above has a function of winding a string or a film around the plurality of multi-core optical fibers 30 or pushing out a tube. In addition, the first array information is given to the multi-core optical fiber 30 or the bobbin 60 on which the multi-core optical fiber 30 is wound, or the aggregate ID of the multi-core optical fiber 30 or the bobbin 60 on which the multi-core optical fiber 30 is wound. is associated with the winding body ID of . On the other hand, the second arrangement information is given to the first unit intermediate or the bobbin on which the first unit intermediate is wound, or the aggregate ID of the first unit intermediate or the first unit intermediate It is associated with the winding body ID of the bobbin on which the unit intermediate is wound.

Note that the multi-core optical fibers 30 may be twisted together in the first unit intermediate. In this case, the assembly device 120 described above has a function of twisting a plurality of multi-core optical fibers 30 together. Also, in this case, the string, film, or tube described above may be omitted.

Alternatively, the above-described first unit intermediate may be defined as a "collected body", and a second unit intermediate formed by assembling a plurality of the first unit intermediates may be defined as an "aggregate". This second unit intermediate is an intermediate to be incorporated into the optical fiber cable 1, and is configured by, for example, bundling a plurality of first unit intermediates with a string, film, or tube.

In this case, the assembly device 120 described above has a function of winding a string or a film around a plurality of first unit intermediates, or pushing out a tube. In addition, the first arrangement information is given to the first unit intermediate or the bobbin on which the first unit intermediate is wound, or the assembly ID of the first unit intermediate or the first unit Associated with the winding body ID of the bobbin on which the intermediate is wound. On the other hand, the second arrangement information is given to the second unit intermediate or the bobbin on which the second unit intermediate is wound, or the aggregate ID of the second unit intermediate or the second unit intermediate It is associated with the winding body ID of the bobbin on which the unit intermediate is wound.

In addition, in the second unit intermediate described above, the first unit intermediate may be twisted together. In this case, the gathering device 120 described above has the function of twisting together the plurality of first unit intermediates. Also, in this case, the string, film, or tube described above may be omitted.

Alternatively, the optical fiber tape core wires 20 may be defined as the "to-be-assembled body", and the third unit intermediate formed by collecting a plurality of the optical fiber tape core wires 20 may be defined as the "optical fiber assembly". This third unit intermediate is an intermediate to be incorporated into the optical fiber cable 1, and is configured by, for example, bundling a plurality of optical fiber ribbons 20 with a string, film, or tube.

In this case, the assembly device 120 described above has a function of winding a string or a film around the plurality of optical fiber ribbons 20 or pushing out a tube. Further, the first array information is given to the optical fiber tape core wire 20 or the bobbin 70 on which the optical fiber tape core wire 20 is wound, or the assembly ID of the optical fiber tape core wire 20 or the optical fiber tape It is associated with the winding body ID of the bobbin 70 on which the core wire 20 is wound. On the other hand, the second arrangement information is given to the third unit intermediate or the bobbin on which the third unit intermediate is wound, or the third unit intermediate aggregate ID or the third unit intermediate It is associated with the winding body ID of the bobbin on which the unit intermediate is wound.

In addition, in the above-mentioned third unit intermediate, the optical fiber ribbons 20 may be twisted together. In this case, the assembly device 120 described above has a function of twisting a plurality of optical fiber ribbons 20 together. Also, in this case, the string, film, or tube described above may be omitted.

Alternatively, the above-described third unit intermediate may be the "aggregate", and the fourth unit intermediate formed by assembling a plurality of the third unit intermediates may be the "aggregate". This fourth unit intermediate is an intermediate to be incorporated into the optical fiber cable 1, and is configured, for example, by bundling a plurality of third unit intermediates with a string, film, or tube.

In this case, the assembly device 120 described above has a function of winding a string or a film around a plurality of third unit intermediates, or pushing out a tube. In addition, the first arrangement information is given to the third unit intermediate or the bobbin on which the third unit intermediate is wound, or the assembled body ID of the third unit intermediate or the third unit Associated with the winding body ID of the bobbin on which the intermediate is wound. On the other hand, the second arrangement information is given to the fourth unit intermediate or the bobbin on which the fourth unit intermediate is wound, or the assembly ID of the fourth unit intermediate or the fourth unit intermediate It is associated with the winding body ID of the bobbin on which the unit intermediate is wound.

In addition, in the above-described fourth unit intermediate, the third unit intermediate may be twisted together. In this case, the gathering device 120 described above has the function of twisting together the plurality of third unit intermediates. Also, in this case, the string, film, or tube described above may be omitted.

Alternatively, any one of the above unit intermediate bodies may be defined as the "collected body", and the optical fiber cable 1 configured by assembling a plurality of the unit intermediate bodies may be defined as the "optical fiber assembly". That is, the optical fiber unit 10 in the fifth embodiment described above may be used as any of the unit intermediates described above.

In this case, the first arrangement information is given to the unit intermediate or the bobbin on which the unit intermediate is wound, or the assembly ID of the unit intermediate or the winding of the bobbin on which the unit intermediate is wound. Associated with body ID. On the other hand, the second arrangement information is given to the optical fiber cable 1 or the drum 80 on which the optical fiber cable 1 is wound.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the manufacturing process of the optical fiber tape core wire 20 and the unit intermediate body, the optical fiber tape core wire 20 and the unit intermediate body are once wound around the bobbin, and then the bobbin is attached to the optical fiber cable 1 . but is not particularly limited to this. The manufactured optical fiber ribbon 20 and unit intermediate may be continuously supplied to the manufacturing process of the optical fiber cable 1 as they are without being wound on bobbins. That is, the manufacturing process of the optical fiber tape core wire 20 and the unit intermediate and the manufacturing process of the optical fiber cable 1 may be a so-called tandem system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Optical fiber cable 10... Optical fiber unit 20... Optical fiber tape core wire 201, 202... Main surface 21... Connection part 22... Marking part 30... Multi-core optical fiber
301, 302 end portions 31a to 31d first to fourth cores 32 markers 33 clads 34 coating layers 35, 35B, 35C marking portions
351 to 354... Dot group
361 to 363 Dot 40 Presser winding 50 Sheath 51, 51B to 51F Marking section 55 Tensile member 56 Rip cord 60 Bobbin 70 Bobbin 80 Drum 100, 100B Manufacturing system 101 Storage section 110 Supply Device 120 Collecting device 130 Winding device 140 First acquisition device 150 Determination device 160 Printing device 170 Second acquisition device

Claims (9)

A method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly by assembling a plurality of assemblies each including a multi-core optical fiber including a plurality of cores,
a first step of acquiring first arrangement information associated with the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber of the assembly;
a second step of determining whether the core sequences of the plurality of aggregates are the same based on the first sequence information;
The method of manufacturing an optical fiber assembly, wherein the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber is the arrangement of the plurality of cores in the cross section of the multi-core optical fiber. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to claim 1,
A method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly, wherein the first arrangement information is given to the assembly or a first winding body around which the assembly is wound. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to claim 1,
The first arrangement information is an optical fiber assembly associated with a first identifier of the assembly or a second identifier of the first winding body around which the assembly is wound. Production method. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the manufacturing method, the second array information associated with the core array of the plurality of multi-core optical fibers included in the optical fiber assembly is transferred to the optical fiber assembly or the optical fiber assembly around which the optical fiber assembly is wound. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly, further comprising a third step of applying to the second wound body. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the manufacturing method, the second array information associated with the core array of the plurality of multi-core optical fibers included in the optical fiber assembly is used as a third identifier of the optical fiber assembly or the optical fiber assembly. A method of manufacturing an optical fiber assembly, further comprising a third step of associating with a fourth identifier of a second winding on which the body is wound. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to claim 4 or 5,
The manufacturing method is
a fourth step of obtaining the second sequence information;
an optical fiber assembly further comprising a fifth step of determining, based on the second arrangement information, that the core arrangement of the optical fiber assembly is opposite to the core arrangement of the to-be-assembled object. manufacturing method. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The manufacturing method is
a sixth step of determining the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber when forming the multi-core optical fiber or detecting the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber;
The first arrangement information is given to the assembled body or the first winding body around which the assembled body is wound, or the first identifier of the assembled body or the first and a seventh step of associating the first array information with a second identifier of the wound body of (1). An optical fiber assembly comprising a plurality of mutually assembled aggregates each comprising a multi-core optical fiber comprising a plurality of cores,
The core arrangement of the multi-core optical fibers possessed by the plurality of aggregated bodies is the same,
The optical fiber assembly is provided with second arrangement information associated with the core arrangement of the plurality of multi-core optical fibers included in the optical fiber assembly,
An optical fiber assembly, wherein the core arrangement of the multi-core optical fiber is an arrangement of the plurality of cores in the cross section of the multi-core optical fiber. A connection method for connecting an optical fiber assembly manufactured by the optical fiber assembly manufacturing method according to claim 4 or an optical fiber assembly according to claim 8 to a connected object,
A method of connecting an optical fiber assembly, comprising the step of referring to the second arrangement information.

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