JP7297643B2 - Optical fiber tape core wire manufacturing method and optical fiber tape core wire manufacturing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape core wire and an optical fiber tape core wire manufacturing apparatus .

"Multicore fibers" are known, which have multiple cores within the fiber. Transmission capacity can be increased by using a multi-core fiber as a transmission line. When such a multi-core fiber is viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the cores are arranged in places other than the center, so the core arrangement of the plurality of cores has directionality. Therefore, when connecting multi-core fibers to each other or when connecting a multi-core fiber to an optical element, it is necessary to align the core arrangement of the multi-core fibers (in other words, the rotational positions of the multi-core fibers in the circumferential direction) in a predetermined direction. be. Patent Literature 1 describes forming an optical fiber tape by aligning the cores of a plurality of multi-core fibers in a fixed direction.

JP 2017-173514 A

In Patent Document 1, by detecting the leaked light leaking from the core to the outside, the rotational position of the multi-core fiber in the circumferential direction is detected, and by controlling the posture of the bobbin that sends out the multi-core fiber, the circumferential direction of the multi-core fiber is detected. It controls the rotation position. However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, the control of the rotational position of the multi-core fiber in the circumferential direction becomes complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to align the rotational positions of a plurality of multi-core fibers in the circumferential direction by a simple method.

Some embodiments of the present invention include feeding a multi-core fiber having a plurality of cores and key portions formed at predetermined positions in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores; and the key portion and the positioning portion are brought into contact with each other to align the plurality of multi-core fibers with predetermined rotational positions in the circumferential direction, and to connect the plurality of multi- core fibers to generate light. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape core wire for forming a fiber tape core wire.

Other features of the present invention will be clarified by the description of the specification and drawings described later.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to align the rotational positions of a plurality of multi-core fibers in the circumferential direction by a simple method.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the first embodiment (cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1A). FIG. 2A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the multicore fiber 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram regarding the orientation of the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 . FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the fiber manufacturing apparatus 60 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram of the ribbon fiber manufacturing apparatus 80 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram of the tape forming unit 82. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4C is a front view of the wire entry portion 89 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4D is an explanatory diagram showing a tapered portion 85A formed in the positioning portion 85. FIG. 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams of states of a plurality of multi-core fibers 2 before and after alignment. FIG. 6A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a multi-core fiber 2 of a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 6B is a front view of the incoming line portion 89 of the modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the first comparative example. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second comparative example. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment (cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 8A). FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along BB in FIG. 8A) of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 9A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 9B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of another modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 10A) of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of another modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along BB in FIG. 10A) of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of another modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a key portion 6A of a multi-core fiber 2 constituting an optical fiber ribbon 1 of another modified example of the second embodiment.

At least the following matters will become clear from the description of the specification and drawings described later.

feeding out a multi-core fiber having a plurality of cores and key portions formed at predetermined positions in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores; inserting the multi-core fiber through an insertion hole having a positioning portion formed therein; By bringing the portion and the positioning portion into contact with each other, the multi-core fiber is aligned with a predetermined rotational position in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of multi-core fibers are connected to form an optical fiber tape core wire. A manufacturing method of the tape cord becomes clear. According to such an optical fiber tape core wire manufacturing method, it is possible to align the rotational positions of a plurality of multi-core fibers in the circumferential direction by a simple method.

It is preferable that the key portion is formed so as to have a stepped portion in the radial direction of the multi-core fiber on the outer peripheral surface of the multi-core fiber. This makes it possible to align the rotational positions of a plurality of multi-core fibers in the circumferential direction by a simple method.

It is desirable that the key portion is formed between two cores that are arranged on the outermost side of the plurality of cores and that are adjacent in the circumferential direction. As a result, it is possible to suppress transmission loss (microbend loss) due to the influence of the layer thickness of the key portion.

Manufacture of a multi-core fiber by drawing a multi-core fiber having a plurality of cores, and forming key portions at predetermined positions in the circumferential direction of the plurality of cores when drawing the multi-core fiber. The method becomes clear. According to such a method for manufacturing a multi-core fiber, when forming an optical fiber ribbon, it is possible to align the rotational positions of a plurality of multi-core fibers in the circumferential direction by a simple method.

a sending portion for sending out a multi-core fiber having a plurality of cores and a key portion formed at a predetermined position in a circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores; and inserting the multi-core fiber through an insertion hole having a positioning portion formed therein, a taping unit that aligns the multi-core fiber to a predetermined rotational position in the circumferential direction by bringing the key portion and the positioning portion into contact with each other, and connects the plurality of multi-core fibers to form an optical fiber tape core wire; A manufacturing apparatus for an optical fiber tape core wire having According to such an optical fiber tape cable core wire manufacturing apparatus, it is possible to align the rotational positions of a plurality of multi-core fibers in the circumferential direction by a simple method.

An optical fiber ribbon having a plurality of multi-core fibers having a plurality of cores, wherein the multi-core fiber has a key portion formed at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores, and the key portion is the The optical fiber ribbon is characterized in that the plurality of multi-core fibers are connected so as to be arranged at predetermined rotational positions in the circumferential direction. Such an optical fiber tape core wire facilitates connection work when connecting multi-core fibers constituting the optical fiber tape core wire or when connecting a multi-core fiber and an optical element.

A multi-core fiber having a plurality of cores and key portions formed at predetermined positions in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores is revealed. According to such a multi-core fiber, when forming an optical fiber ribbon, it is possible to align the rotational positions of a plurality of multi-core fibers in the circumferential direction by a simple method.

A method for fixing an optical fiber ribbon having a plurality of multi-core fibers having a plurality of cores, wherein the multi-core fiber has a key portion formed at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores, and preparing an optical fiber ribbon in which the plurality of multi-core fibers are connected such that the portion is arranged at a predetermined rotational position in the circumferential direction; and fixing the plurality of multi-core fibers collectively. A method for fixing the fiber tape cable becomes clear. According to such a method of fixing the optical fiber ribbon, the work of fixing the multi-core fiber is easy.

=== First Embodiment ===
<Optical fiber tape cord>
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the first embodiment (cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1A). FIG. 2A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the multicore fiber 2 of the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 2A shows the multi-core fiber 2 after removing the tape material 7 from the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and separating the single fibers.

In the following, explanation may be given according to the directions shown in the drawings. That is, as shown in FIG. 1A, the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is simply referred to as the "longitudinal direction". Here, the longitudinal direction is the direction along the central axis of the optical fiber (multi-core fiber 2 ) forming the optical fiber ribbon 1 . Note that the direction parallel to the multi-core fibers 2 in a state in which the plurality of multi-core fibers 2 are arranged on a plane so that their longitudinal directions are substantially parallel (the state shown in FIG. 1A) is sometimes referred to as the “longitudinal direction”. . Also, the direction in which the plurality of multi-core fibers 2 are arranged in the state shown in FIG. 1A is called the "tape width direction (corresponding to the width direction)". Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the tape surface of the optical fiber ribbon 1 in the state shown in FIG. 1A is called the "tape thickness direction" (that is, the tape thickness direction corresponds to the normal direction of the tape surface). Here, as shown in FIG. 1B, the tape surface is a surface of the optical fiber ribbon 1 that is parallel to the "longitudinal direction" and the "tape width direction". The terms “longitudinal direction”, “tape width direction”, “tape thickness direction” and “tape surface” refer to the directions in which the plurality of multi-core fibers 2 are arranged side by side when the optical fiber ribbon 1 is manufactured. It may also be used in a state where

Also, as shown in FIG. 2A, the direction along the outer peripheral surface of the multi-core fiber 2 (the outer peripheral surface of the colored layer 6) when the multi-core fiber 2 is viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is called the "circumferential direction". Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2A, when the multi-core fiber 2 is viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a direction parallel to the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and passing through the center 10 of the multi-core fiber 2 is It is called "radial direction". In the radial direction, the side away from the center 10 is called "outer" and the side toward the center 10 is called "inner". In this embodiment, the center 10 of the multi-core fiber 2 is positioned at the center of a circle when the outer peripheral surface of the colored layer 6 (or coating layer 5) is a circle. The central axis of the multicore fiber 2 is a line passing through the center 10 of each cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multicore fiber 2 .

The optical fiber tape core wire 1 of this embodiment is a so-called collectively coated optical fiber tape core wire. A collectively coated optical fiber ribbon 1 is an optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of optical fibers (here, multi-core fibers 2) are arranged in parallel and collectively coated with a tape material. The optical fiber tape core wire 1 has a plurality (here, four cores) of multi-core fibers 2 and a tape material 7 . As shown in FIG. 1A, in the optical fiber ribbon 1 of this embodiment, four multi-core fibers 2 are arranged side by side on a plane so that their longitudinal directions are substantially parallel. The four-core multi-core fibers 2 arranged side by side in this way are collectively covered with a tape material 7 . By collectively coating a plurality of multi-core fibers 2, handling of a plurality of multi-core fibers 2 becomes easy. For example, by coating a plurality of multi-core fibers 2 collectively, fusion splicing can be performed collectively for each optical fiber tape core wire 1, so that the splicing work time can be greatly shortened.

The collectively coated optical fiber ribbon 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1A. For example, the number of cores of the multi-core fiber 2 to be collectively coated with the tape material 7 is not limited to four, and may be any number other than four as long as it is plural. Further, the optical fiber tape core wire 1 may not be a collectively coated optical fiber tape core wire. For example, a so-called intermittently connected type (intermittently fixed type) optical fiber ribbon may be used like the optical fiber ribbon 1 of a second embodiment described later.

The multi-core fiber 2 is an optical fiber that constitutes the optical fiber ribbon 1 of this embodiment. The multicore fiber 2 of this embodiment is an optical fiber having multiple cores in one common clad. The multicore fiber 2 has a core 3, a clad 4, a coating layer 5, a colored layer 6, a key portion 6A and an identification mark 6C. In the following description, a configuration in which a plurality of cores 3 are arranged in one common clad 4 is called "optical fiber bare wire".

The core 3 is a member through which light propagates in the multicore fiber 2 . The core 3 has a higher refractive index than the clad 4 . In the multi-core fiber 2 of this embodiment, a plurality (here, four) of cores 3 (cores 3A to 3D in FIG. 2A) are arranged. Here, in the case of a single-core optical fiber, generally one core is arranged on the central axis of the optical fiber. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2A, in the multicore fiber 2 of this embodiment, a plurality of cores 3 (cores 3A to 3D) are arranged in a portion other than the center 10. FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, in the multicore fiber 2 of the present embodiment, the plurality of cores 3 are arranged on the same circumference (chain line in FIG. 2A) with reference to the center 10 of the multicore fiber 2. , the intervals between the cores 3 in the circumferential direction are uniform. That is, when the multi-core fiber 2 is viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the multiple cores 3 are evenly arranged. By arranging the plurality of cores 3 evenly in this manner, the optical properties of the plurality of cores 3 can be made uniform.

Note that the plurality of cores 3 are not limited to the core arrangement shown in FIG. 2A. For example, in addition to the four cores 3 shown in FIG. 2A, cores 3 may also be arranged on center 10 . Also, the number of cores 3 is not limited to four, and may be any number other than four as long as the number is plural. Furthermore, when the multi-core fiber 2 is viewed in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the plurality of cores 3 may not be evenly arranged.

FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram regarding the orientation of the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 . The left side of FIG. 2B shows the multicore fiber 2 at a rotational position in the circumferential direction. The right side of FIG. 2B shows the multicore fiber 2 in another rotational position in the circumferential direction. Since the multi-core fiber 2 of this embodiment has a plurality of cores 3 , at least one or more cores 3 are positioned in a portion other than the center 10 . 2B and the multicore fiber 2 shown on the right side of FIG. 2B have different rotational positions in the circumferential direction, the multicore fiber 2 shown on the left side of FIG. The core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 (rotational positions of the plurality of cores 3 in the circumferential direction) is different from the multicore fiber 2 shown. Specifically, the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 of the multicore fiber 2 shown on the right side of FIG. 2B is rotated clockwise by an angle A relative to the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 of the multicore fiber 2 shown on the left side of FIG. 2B. only rotated. In this way, in the case of the multi-core fiber 2 having a plurality of cores 3, the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 has directionality when the multi-core fiber 2 is viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The clad 4 is a member that covers the multiple cores 3 in the multicore fiber 2 . The clad 4 has a lower refractive index than the core 3 . The clad 4 may have a single refractive index, or may be composed of a plurality of layers having different refractive indices.

The coating layer 5 is a member that covers the outer periphery of the bare optical fiber in the multi-core fiber 2 . As the coating layer 5, it is possible to use, for example, an ultraviolet curable resin. The coating layer 5 may be composed of a plurality of layers (eg, primary layer, secondary layer, etc.).

The colored layer 6 is a member colored with an identification color for distinguishing from other multicore fibers 2 . The colored layer 6 covers the outer circumference of the coating layer 5 . In addition, the colored layer 6 may not be provided separately from the coating layer 5 but may also serve as the coating layer 5 . Also, the colored layer 6 may not be formed. If the colored layer 6 is not formed, the key portion 6A, which will be described later, may be formed on the coating layer 5. FIG.

The key portion 6A is a member for positioning the multi-core fiber 2 at a predetermined rotational position in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 2A, in the multicore fiber 2 of this embodiment, the key portion 6A has a stepped portion 6B. The step portion 6B is a portion that creates a step (height difference) in the radial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the multi-core fiber 2 . That is, the stepped portion 6B is a boundary portion of the unevenness. In the multi-core fiber 2 of the present embodiment, the key portion 6A is a member (convex portion) formed in a convex shape with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the colored layer 6 (the coating layer 5 if the colored layer 6 is not formed). . Therefore, when the key portion 6A is a convex portion, the side surface of the convex portion becomes the stepped portion 6B. However, the key portion 6A does not have to be a convex member. For example, like the multi-core fiber 2 (see FIG. 6A) of a modified example of the first embodiment described later, the key portion 6A may be a member (concave portion) formed in a concave shape.

By the way, the cross section of the multi-core fiber 2 shown in FIG. 2A shows the core arrangement (circumferential rotational position) of the four cores 3 (cores 3A to 3D) in a certain state. Specifically, the cores 3A to 3D when viewed radially from the center 10 in FIG. 2A are positioned in directions of 45 degrees, 135 degrees, 225 degrees, and 315 degrees clockwise. In the multi-core fiber 2 having such a core arrangement, the key portion 6A is arranged in a direction of 0 degrees when viewed from the center 10 in the radial direction. That is, in the multi-core fiber 2 of this embodiment, the key portions 6A are arranged at predetermined positions in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores 3 . Conversely, in the multi-core fiber 2 of this embodiment, the plurality of cores 3 are arranged at predetermined rotational positions in the circumferential direction when the position of the key portion 6A in the circumferential direction is used as a reference. That is, when the rotational position of the key portion 6A viewed from the center 10 is 0 degrees (reference), the cores 3A to 3D are rotated clockwise at predetermined rotational positions of 45 degrees, 135 degrees, 225 degrees, and 315 degrees. are placed. However, the positional relationship between the multiple cores 3 and the key portion 6A is not limited to the relationship shown in FIG. 2A.

2A, the key portion 6A is integrally formed with the colored layer 6 (or the coating layer 5 if the colored layer 6 is not formed). However, the key portion 6A does not have to be formed as part of the colored layer 6 (coating layer 5). Furthermore, when viewed in the cross section of the multicore fiber 2 shown in FIG. 2A, the key portion 6A is arranged between two circumferentially adjacent cores (here, core 3A and core 3D). Since the key portion 6A is not arranged on the radially outer side of the core 3, it is possible to suppress transmission loss (microbend loss) due to the thickness of the layer of the key portion 6A. In this embodiment, all the cores 3 are arranged equidistantly from the center 10. However, if there are some cores 3 with different distances from the center 10, the key portion 6A may be arranged with a plurality of cores 3 It is desirable that the outermost cores 3 be arranged between two adjacent cores 3 in the circumferential direction. However, the key portion 6A does not have to be arranged between such two cores 3 (two cores 3 arranged on the outermost side among the plurality of cores 3 and adjacent in the circumferential direction).

As shown in FIG. 1A, the key portion 6A is formed on a portion of the multicore fiber 2 in the longitudinal direction. Further, the key portion 6A is formed along the longitudinal direction. However, the arrangement in the longitudinal direction of the key portion 6A is not limited to this. In addition, in FIG. 1A, one key portion 6A formed in a part of the longitudinal direction is arranged in the longitudinal direction. However, the number and length of the key portions 6A are not limited to this.

In this embodiment, the key portion 6A is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the multicore fiber 2. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the key portion 6A is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the colored layer 6. As shown in FIG. When the colored layer 6 is not formed, the key portion 6A can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the coating layer 5. FIG. Therefore, the multi-core fiber 2 itself can be moved by bringing the key portion 6A into contact with a reference position provided outside the multi-core fiber 2 (here, a positioning portion 85 of the wire entry portion 89 described later). For example, by bringing the key portion 6A into contact with a positioning portion provided on one side, the key portion 6A can be positioned on the one side, and the rotational positions of the multi-core fibers 2 in the circumferential direction can be aligned. That is, the core arrangement of each core 3 of a plurality of multi-core fibers 2 can be matched. The details of matching the core arrangement of the cores 3 of the plurality of multi-core fibers 2 will be described later.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, in the optical fiber ribbon 1 of this embodiment, the key portions 6A of the respective multi-core fibers 2 are aligned on one tape surface side. As will be described later, by bringing the key portion 6A into contact with the positioning portion 85 arranged on the one tape surface side, the key portion 6A is positioned on the one tape surface side, and the tape is moved. This is because

As shown in FIG. 1B, in the optical fiber ribbon 1 of this embodiment, the cores 3 of each multi-core fiber 2 are aligned. In each multi-core fiber 2 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 1, the plurality of cores 3 of each multi-core fiber 2 are arranged at predetermined rotational positions in the circumferential direction when viewed from the position of the key portion 6A in the circumferential direction. ing. That is, in each multi-core fiber 2 constituting the optical fiber tape core wire 1, when the rotational position of the key portion 6A viewed from the center 10 is 0 degrees (reference), the cores 3A to 3D rotate clockwise by 45 degrees. , 135 degrees, 225 degrees, and 315 degrees.

The identification mark 6C is a member for identifying the optical fiber ribbon. The identification mark 6C indicates, for example, a tape number for identifying a certain optical fiber tape core wire from another optical fiber tape core wire. The identification mark 6C is formed according to a predetermined pattern. For example, the identification mark 6C has a size (width) of about 3 to 30 mm in the longitudinal direction of the multicore fiber 2. FIG. A plurality of identification marks 6C are arranged as a set, and the optical fiber ribbon 1 is identified by the number of the identification marks 6C. Thereby, a certain optical fiber tape core wire can be distinguished from another optical fiber tape core wire by the arrangement of the identification mark 6C. The widths of the two identification marks 6C in the longitudinal direction do not have to be the same length, and identification marks 6C having different widths may be combined. Also, the identification mark 6C may form one character string as a whole. Note that the identification mark 6C may not be provided. At this time, the key portion 6A may have the function of the identification mark 6C.

It is desirable that the identification marks 6C of the multi-core fibers 2 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 are arranged side by side in the width direction. In other words, in the optical fiber ribbon 1 of this embodiment, it is desirable that the identification marks 6C of the multi-core fibers 2 have the same longitudinal position. This makes it easier to visually recognize the identification mark. However, the position of the identification mark 6C of each multi-core fiber 2 in the longitudinal direction may be different.

The taping material 7 is a member for arranging a plurality of optical fibers (here, the multi-core fibers 2) in parallel and covering them collectively. The tape material 7 is made of, for example, an ultraviolet curable resin. Moreover, the tape material 7 is formed of a transparent material. This makes the identification mark 6C visible. However, if there is no need to visually recognize the identification mark 6C, the tape material 7 may be formed of an opaque material.

<Manufacturing method (manufacturing equipment) of optical fiber ribbon>
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the fiber manufacturing apparatus 60 of the first embodiment. The drawing shows a spinning process (drawing process) for manufacturing the multi-core fiber 2 that constitutes the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the present embodiment. Also, on the right side of the colored layer coating device 64 in the figure, the state of formation of the key portion 6A when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (feeding direction) of the multi-core fiber 2 is shown. The spinning process (drawing process) in the figure is the manufacturing process of the multi-core fiber 2 wound around the fiber bobbin 67 shown in FIG. 4A. In the description below, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are used according to the feeding direction of the multi-core fiber 2 .

The fiber manufacturing device 60 is a device that manufactures the multicore fiber 2 . The multi-core fiber 2 manufactured by the fiber manufacturing apparatus 60 will be used for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon 1 of this embodiment (see FIG. 4A). The fiber manufacturing apparatus 60 of this embodiment forms the key portion 6A when manufacturing the multicore fiber 2 . That is, in this embodiment, the key portion 6A is formed in the multi-core fiber 2 in the spinning process (drawing process).

The fiber manufacturing device 60 has a preform 61 , a heating furnace 62 , an outer diameter monitor 63 , a coating layer forming device 68 , a colored layer forming device 69 and a fiber bobbin 67 . A preform 61 is a base material for the multicore fiber 2 . The heating furnace 62 is a furnace for heating the preform 61 in order to melt-spun the preform 61, such as an electric furnace. The outer diameter monitor 63 is a monitor that monitors the outer diameter of the melt-spun preform 61 in order to form the multicore fiber 2 having a predetermined outer diameter.

The coating layer forming device 68 is a device that forms the coating layer 5 on the multicore fiber 2 . The coating layer forming device 68 has a coating layer coating device 65 and a coating layer curing device 66 . The coating layer coating device 65 is a device that coats the multi-core fiber 2 with the coating layer 5 . The covering layer coating device 65 is arranged upstream of the colored layer forming device 69 . Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the colored layer 6 is arranged outside the covering layer 5 as shown in FIG. 2A. Note that the multi-core fiber 2 is cooled between the heating furnace 62 and the coating layer coating device 65 . The coating layer curing device 66 is a device for curing the resin (coating layer 5) coated by the coating layer coating device 65, and is, for example, an ultraviolet irradiation device.

The colored layer forming device 69 is a device that forms the colored layer 6 on the multicore fiber 2 . The colored layer forming device 69 has a colored layer coating device 64 and a colored layer curing device 70 . The colored layer coating device 64 is a device that coats the multicore fiber 2 with the colored layer 6 . As shown in the enlarged sectional view on the right side of FIG. 3, in the colored layer coating device 64 of the present embodiment, the colored layer 6 and the key portion 6A are integrally formed. The colored layer 6 is formed so that the key portions 6A are arranged at predetermined positions in the circumferential direction with respect to the cores 3 of the multi-core fiber 2 . Thereby, the colored layer coating device 64 can form the key portions 6A at predetermined positions in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores 3 of the multi-core fiber 2 . As described above, when the key portion 6A is formed on a portion of the multi-core fiber 2 in the longitudinal direction, the colored layer coating device 64 controls when to form the key portion 6A and when not to form it. The colored layer coating device 64 is arranged downstream of the coating layer forming device 68 , and forms the colored layer 6 on the multi-core fiber 2 after coating the coating layer 5 on the multi-core fiber 2 . Thereby, the key portion 6A integrally formed with the colored layer 6 can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the multi-core fiber 2. As shown in FIG. If the colored layer 6 is not formed, the key portion 6A may be formed in the coating layer coating device 65 described above. If the colored layer 6 is not formed, the coating layer 5 is formed so that the key portions 6A are arranged at predetermined positions in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores 3 of the multi-core fiber 2 . Also, a resin that forms the key portion 6A may be applied on the colored layer 6 (coating layer 5). When the key portion 6A is not formed as part of the colored layer 6 (covering layer 5), that is, when the key portion 6A is formed separately from the colored layer 6 (covering layer 5), the device for forming the key portion 6A is It may be provided separately from the colored layer forming device 69 (coating layer forming device 68). The colored layer curing device 70 is a device for curing the resin (colored layer 6) coated by the colored layer coating device 64, and is, for example, an ultraviolet irradiation device.

By the way, in the present embodiment, at least during the period from the heating of the preform 61 in the heating furnace 62 to the formation of the colored layer 6 on the multi-core fiber 2 by the colored layer coating device 64, for example, polarization mode dispersion (PMD) No spin is imparted to the multi-core fiber 2 for the purpose of suppressing . That is, the multi-core fiber 2 does not rotate in the circumferential direction during this period. Therefore, the key portion 6A can be arranged at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores 3 simply by disposing the key portion 6A at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores 3. can be done.

The fiber bobbin 67 is a bobbin around which the multi-core fiber 2 on which the coated coating layer 5 is cured and the colored layer 6 is formed is wound. In this embodiment, the multi-core fiber 2 in which the key portions 6A are formed at predetermined circumferential positions on the plurality of cores 3 is wound around the fiber bobbin 67 .

FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram of the ribbon fiber manufacturing apparatus 80 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram of the tape forming unit 82. As shown in FIG. In the tape core wire manufacturing apparatus 80 shown in FIG. 4A, a plurality of (here, four) multi-core fibers 2 manufactured in the spinning process are collectively coated to form the collectively coated optical fiber ribbon 1. The process (tape process) is shown.

The tape core wire manufacturing apparatus 80 is an apparatus for coating a plurality of multi-core fibers 2 with the tape forming material 7 to form the collectively coated optical fiber tape core wire 1 . The tape core wire manufacturing apparatus 80 has a delivery section 81 , a tape forming section 82 , and a tape core wire bobbin 90 .

The delivery unit 81 is a device that delivers a plurality of multicore fibers 2 . The feeding section 81 of this embodiment has a plurality of fiber bobbins 67 , a controller 83 , and a mark detection device 84 . The fiber bobbin 67 is a bobbin around which the multi-core fiber 2 is wound by the fiber manufacturing apparatus 60 described above. In this embodiment, the multi-core fibers 2 are sent out from the respective fiber bobbins 67 . However, the delivery unit 81 may include a plurality of fiber manufacturing devices 60 and the multi-core fiber 2 manufactured in the spinning process (drawing process) may be directly delivered without being wound around the fiber bobbin 67 . The controller 83 is a device that controls the delivery speed of each multicore fiber 2 based on the position of the identification mark 6C of the multicore fiber 2 detected by the mark detection device 84 . Here, the controller 83 controls the delivery speed of each multi-core fiber 2 by controlling the rotation speed of each fiber bobbin 67 . The mark detection device 84 is a device for detecting the position of the identification mark 6C provided on the multicore fiber 2. FIG. In this embodiment, based on the positions of the identification marks 6C of the multi-core fibers 2 detected by the mark detection device 84, the controller 83 aligns the positions of the identification marks 6C of the multi-core fibers 2 in the longitudinal direction. to control the delivery speed of the multi-core fiber 2.

The taping unit 82 is a device that collectively applies the taping material 7 to the plurality of multi-core fibers 2 and cures it. The tape forming section 82 has a tape forming material application device 87 and a tape forming material curing device 88 .

The tape-forming material application device 87 is a device for applying the tape-forming material 7 . The tape-forming material 7 is, for example, an ultraviolet curable resin as described above, and the plurality of multi-core fibers 2 are collectively coated by curing the tape-forming material 7 . The tape-forming material application device 87 applies the tape-forming material 7 to the plurality of multi-core fibers 2 arranged in parallel. A wire entry portion 89 (insertion hole) is provided in the tape material coating device 87 of the present embodiment. The wire entry part 89 is a part for introducing each multi-core fiber 2 into the inside of the taping material coating device 87 . The taping material coating device 87 collectively tapes the plurality of multi-core fibers 2 along the longitudinal direction by inserting each multi-core fiber 2 through a coating die filled with the liquid tape-forming material 7 from the wire entry portion 89 . Apply material 7.

FIG. 4C is a front view of the wire entry portion 89 of the first embodiment. A positioning portion 85 is provided in the wire entry portion 89 . The positioning portion 85 is a portion that positions the multi-core fiber 2 at a predetermined rotational position in the circumferential direction by contacting the key portion 6A of the multi-core fiber 2 . Here, the positioning portion 85 is formed in a concave shape so as to fit with the key portion 6A (here, a convex portion). Thereby, the positioning part 85 can position the multi-core fiber 2 at a predetermined rotational position in the circumferential direction by contacting the key part 6A of the multi-core fiber 2 . However, the positioning portion 85 does not have to be formed in a concave shape as long as it has a shape that fits with the key portion 6A. As shown in FIG. 4C, in the fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 80 of the present embodiment, the positions of the positioning portions 85 of the plurality of wire entry portions 89 are aligned in the circumferential direction. Specifically, in the ribbon manufacturing apparatus 80 of the present embodiment, a plurality of wire entry portions 89 are arranged so that the positioning portions 85 face one side in the tape thickness direction. Thereby, the core arrangement of each multi-core fiber 2 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 1 can be aligned.

5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams of states of a plurality of multi-core fibers 2 before and after alignment.

FIG. 5A shows a state of a plurality of multi-core fibers 2 before the multi-core fibers 2 are inserted into the wire entry portion 89. FIG. A state of a plurality of multi-core fibers 2 at point AA in FIG. 4B is shown.

When each multi-core fiber 2 is sent out from the sending part 81, each multi-core fiber 2 may rotate in the circumferential direction. That is, when each multi-core fiber 2 is sent out from the sending part 81 , the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 may differ in the circumferential direction for each multi-core fiber 2 . This is because, for example, when each multi-core fiber 2 is sent out from the fiber bobbin 67 or when each multi-core fiber 2 passes through the mark detection device 84, the multi-core fiber 2 may be twisted in the circumferential direction. be. By twisting each multi-core fiber 2, the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 may differ in the circumferential direction for each multi-core fiber 2, as shown in FIG. 5A. If the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 is taped, the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 may be changed in the circumferential direction when connecting the multi-core fibers 2 to each other or when connecting the multi-core fiber 2 and an optical element. The rotational positions must be matched, and the connection work becomes complicated. Therefore, in the fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 80 of the present embodiment, the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 of each multi-core fiber 2 is matched by the positioning portion 85 of the wire entry portion 89 immediately before forming the tape.

FIG. 5B shows a state of a plurality of multicore fibers 2 when the multicore fibers 2 are inserted through the wire entry portion 89 . FIG. 4B shows a state of a plurality of multi-core fibers 2 at point BB in FIG. 4B.

The positioning portion 85 of the wire entry portion 89 aligns the respective key portions 6A of the plurality of multicore fibers 2 in a predetermined direction. The key portion 6A of each multi-core fiber 2 is arranged at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores 3 . Therefore, by aligning the key portions 6A of each multi-core fiber 2 in the same direction, the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 of each multi-core fiber 2 can be aligned. In this embodiment, the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 of each multi-core fiber 2 can be aligned simply by aligning them with the positioning portion 85 of the incoming line portion 89 . Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a device for rotating each multi-core fiber 2 in the circumferential direction. That is, the fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 80 of the present embodiment can align the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 with a simple apparatus.

By the way, it is not necessary to completely align the core arrangement of the cores 3 of each multi-core fiber 2 in the line entry portion 89 . That is, even if the core arrangement of the cores 3 is not aligned at all in the circumferential direction, it is effective even if the cores are aligned to some extent. If the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 is aligned to some extent, the amount of rotation (adjustment angle) of each multi-core fiber 2 in the circumferential direction can be reduced. Therefore, for example, when the multi-core fibers 2 are collectively fusion-spliced or mechanically spliced, the core arrangement of the cores 3 of each multi-core fiber 2 can be aligned and set easily. become. In other words, the amount of rotation (adjustment angle) of each multi-core fiber 2 in the circumferential direction can be reduced by the amount of rotation of the multi-core fiber 2 in the circumferential direction so that the key portion 6A of the multi-core fiber 2 contacts the positioning portion 85.

FIG. 4D is an explanatory diagram showing a tapered portion 85A formed in the positioning portion 85. FIG. The incoming line portion 89 is tapered such that the width of the positioning portion 85 narrows toward the downstream side. As shown in FIG. 4D, in the wire entry portion 89 of the present embodiment, the positioning portion 85 is formed with a tapered portion 85A. As a result, the key portion 6A of the multi-core fiber 2 enters the tapered portion 85A while being in contact with the tapered portion 85A, thereby facilitating introduction of the multi-core fiber 2 into the wire entry portion 89 in which the positioning portion 85 is provided.

The tape-forming material curing device 88 is a device for irradiating the tape-forming material 7 made of an ultraviolet curable resin with ultraviolet rays. By curing the taped material 7 with the taped material curing device 88, the optical fiber ribbon 1 is manufactured.

FIG. 6A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a multi-core fiber 2 of a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 6B is a front view of the incoming line portion 89 of the modified example of the first embodiment.

Also in the multi-core fiber 2 of the modified example of the present embodiment, the key portion 6A has a stepped portion 6B. However, as shown in FIG. 6A, the key portion 6A is a member (recess) formed in a concave shape with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the colored layer 6 (or the coating layer 5 if the colored layer 6 is not formed). Therefore, when the key portion 6A is a concave portion, the side surface of the concave portion becomes the stepped portion 6B. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the positioning portion 85 formed in the wire entry portion 89 is formed in a convex shape so as to fit with the key portion 6A (here, the concave portion). As a result, even in the modified example of the present embodiment, the key portion 6A and the positioning portion 85 are in contact with each other, so that the multi-core fiber 2 can be positioned at a predetermined rotational position in the circumferential direction.

<How to fix the optical fiber ribbon>
As in the present embodiment, the key portions 6A are formed at predetermined positions in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores 3, and the plurality of multi-core fibers 2 are arranged such that the key portions 6A are arranged at predetermined rotational positions in the circumferential direction. By using the optical fiber tape core wire 1 in which the multi-core fibers 2 are connected, it is particularly advantageous when removing the taped material of the optical fiber tape core wire 1 and fixing the multi-core fibers 2 collectively. That is, as described above, if the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 is aligned to some extent, when the multi-core fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 1 are collectively fusion-spliced, the fusion splicer This facilitates the work of aligning and setting (fixing) the cores 3 of each multi-core fiber 2 . Further, if the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 of each multi-core fiber 2 is aligned to some extent, the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 of each multi-core fiber 2 can be adjusted to the ferrule when the multi-core fibers 2 are collectively fixed to the ferrule. The work of aligning and setting (fixing) becomes easy.

<Comparative optical fiber ribbon>
FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the first comparative example. FIG. 7A also shows the optical fiber ribbon 1 with 4 cores in order to clarify the difference from the optical fiber ribbon 1 of this embodiment.

In the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the first comparative example, the core arrangement (rotational position in the circumferential direction) of the cores 3 of each multicore fiber 2 is different for each multicore fiber 2 . Therefore, when connecting the multi-core fibers 2 to each other, or when connecting the multi-core fiber 2 and an optical element, the core arrangement of the multi-core fiber 2 (in other words, the rotational position of the multi-core fiber 2 in the circumferential direction) is set in a predetermined direction. It becomes inconvenient to work to match. Since each multi-core fiber 2 of the first comparative example is not provided with the key portion 6A, each multi-core fiber 2 of the first comparative example cannot be rotated in the circumferential direction.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second comparative example. FIG. 7B also shows the optical fiber tape core wire 1 of four cores in order to clarify the difference from the optical fiber tape core wire 1 of this embodiment.

In the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second comparative example, each multi-core fiber 2 is provided with a key portion 6A, but the key portion 6A is not formed at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores 3. . That is, the position of the key portion 6A in the circumferential direction differs for each multi-core fiber 2 with respect to the plurality of cores 3 . Therefore, even if the key portion 6A and the positioning portion 85 of the wire entry portion 89 come into contact with each other, the rotational positions of the multi-core fibers 2 in the circumferential direction cannot be aligned. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7B, the core arrangement (rotational position in the circumferential direction) of the plurality of cores 3 differs for each multi-core fiber 2 when taped.

Compared to these first and second comparative examples, in the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. is formed in Therefore, when connecting the multi-core fibers 2 to each other, or when connecting the multi-core fiber 2 and an optical element, the core arrangement of the multi-core fiber 2 (in other words, the rotational position of the multi-core fiber 2 in the circumferential direction) is set in a predetermined direction. It becomes easy to work to match. Further, compared with the second comparative example, the key portion 6A of each multi-core fiber 2 of the present embodiment is arranged at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores 3, so that the key portion of each multi-core fiber 2 6A and the positioning portion 85 of the wire entry portion 89 are brought into contact with each other, so that the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 of each multi-core fiber 2 can be aligned.

=== Second Embodiment ===
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment (cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 8A). FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along BB in FIG. 8A) of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 9A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment.

The optical fiber ribbon 1 of the first embodiment described above was a collectively coated optical fiber ribbon. However, the optical fiber tape core wire 1 may not be a collectively coated optical fiber tape core wire. For example, the optical fiber ribbon 1 may be a so-called intermittently connected (intermittently fixed) optical fiber ribbon. An intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon 1 is an optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of multi-core fibers 2 are arranged in parallel and intermittently connected. As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, in the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment, two adjacent multi-core fibers 2 are connected by a connecting portion 8. FIG. A plurality of connecting portions 8 connecting two adjacent multi-core fibers 2 are intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction. Moreover, the plurality of connecting portions 8 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 are intermittently arranged two-dimensionally in the longitudinal direction and the tape width direction. The connecting portion 8 is formed by applying an ultraviolet curable resin as an adhesive and then curing it by irradiating ultraviolet rays. It should be noted that the connecting portion 8 can also be made of a thermoplastic resin. As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, in the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment, regions other than the connecting portions 8 between the two adjacent multi-core fibers 2 are formed into non-connecting portions 9 (separating portions). It's becoming In the non-connecting portion 9, the two adjacent multi-core fibers 2 are not restrained. A non-connecting portion 9 is arranged in the tape width direction of the connecting portion 8 . As a result, the optical fiber ribbon 1 can be rolled into a tubular shape (bundle shape) or folded, and a large number of multi-core fibers 2 can be accommodated at high density. As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, in the case of the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon 1, the tape surface is such that the upper edges (or the lower edges) of the multi-core fibers 2 along the longitudinal direction are taped. It is a surface configured by connecting in the width direction.

As shown in FIG. 9A, also in the intermittently connected (intermittently fixed) optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment, the key portions 6A are formed at predetermined positions in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores 3. . Each multi-core fiber 2 is connected so that the key portion 6A is arranged at a predetermined rotational position in the circumferential direction. When the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 in each multi-core fiber 2 is aligned in this way, the connection work becomes easy when connecting the multi-core fibers 2 to each other or when connecting the multi-core fiber 2 and an optical element. . In the intermittently connected (intermittently fixed) optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment, the spinning process (drawing process) of the multi-core fiber 2, that is, the manufacturing method of the multi-core fiber 2, is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment. is similar to

FIG. 9B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the modified example of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9B, in the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment, the connecting portion 8 between two adjacent multi-core fibers 2 covers the entire circumference of the multi-core fiber 2 (the entire circumference of the coating layer 5). It's okay to be there. Even in such a case, the key portions 6A are arranged at predetermined positions in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores 3, and each multi-core fiber 2 is arranged so that the key portions 6A are arranged at predetermined rotational positions in the circumferential direction. The connection is the same as in FIG. 9A. When the core arrangement of the plurality of cores 3 in each multi-core fiber 2 is aligned in this way, the connection work becomes easy when connecting the multi-core fibers 2 to each other or when connecting the multi-core fiber 2 and an optical element. .

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of another modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 10A) of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of another modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along BB in FIG. 10A) of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of another modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a key portion 6A of a multi-core fiber 2 constituting an optical fiber ribbon 1 of another modified example of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 10A to 11, in another modification of the second embodiment, the key portions 6A are intermittently formed in the longitudinal direction of the multicore fiber 2. FIG. Moreover, the key portions 6A of the plurality of multi-core fibers 2 are two-dimensionally intermittently formed in the longitudinal direction and the tape width direction. Furthermore, when viewed in the cross section of each multicore fiber 2 shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, in another modification of the second embodiment, the key portion 6A is formed in the width direction. Specifically, the key portion 6A is formed so that the rotational position of the key portion 6A when viewed from the center 10 of the multi-core fiber 2 is 90 degrees. In the optical fiber ribbon 1 of another modified example of the second embodiment, by connecting the plurality of multi-core fibers 2 two-dimensionally and intermittently with the key portions 6A, the two-dimensional Intermittently arranged connecting portions 8 are formed. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, when viewed in cross section of the optical fiber ribbon 1, a connecting portion 8 is formed between the key portion 6A and the side surface of the adjacent multi-core fiber 2. It will be. Such a connecting portion 8 is formed by applying an ultraviolet curable resin as an adhesive to the key portion 6A and then curing it by irradiating ultraviolet rays.

8A to 8C of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. Apply UV curable resin as an adhesive. Then, the non-connecting portion 9 is formed by removing the ultraviolet curable resin in the region where the non-connecting portion 9 is to be formed before the ultraviolet curable resin is solidified by irradiating the ultraviolet rays. On the other hand, in the process of tape forming the optical fiber ribbon 1 of another modification of the second embodiment, an ultraviolet curable resin is applied only to the region where the connecting portion 8 is to be formed, and is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays. The connecting portion 8 and the non-connecting portion 9 can be formed by simply That is, the step of removing the ultraviolet curable resin from the regions where the non-connecting portions 9 are formed is not required. As a result, the number of man-hours for removing the ultraviolet curable resin can be reduced, and the amount of the ultraviolet curable resin used can also be reduced. Further, since the tape surface of the optical fiber ribbon 1 does not have unevenness, microbend loss can be suppressed. In addition, by using the stepped portion 6B of the key portion 6A, it is possible to easily adjust the distance between the multi-core fibers 2 when manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon 1. FIG.

===Others===
The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit interpretation of the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

1 optical fiber ribbon, 2 multi-core fiber (optical fiber),
3 (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) core, 4 clad, 5 coating layer,
6 colored layer, 6A key portion, 6B stepped portion, 6C identification mark,
7 taped material, 8 connection part, 9 non-connection part, 10 center,
60 fiber supply unit, 61 preform, 62 heating furnace,
63 outer diameter monitor, 64 colored layer coating device, 65 coating layer coating device,
66 coating layer curing device, 67 fiber drum,
68 coating layer forming device, 69 colored layer forming device, 70 colored layer curing device,
80 tape core wire manufacturing device, 81 delivery unit, 82 tape forming unit,
83 controller, 84 marking detection device, 85 positioning unit,
85A taper part, 87 tape material coating device,
88 tape forming material curing device, 89 wire entry section, 90 tape core wire drum

Claims (4)

sending out a multi-core fiber having a plurality of cores and key portions formed at predetermined positions in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores;
aligning the plurality of multi-core fibers to predetermined rotational positions in the circumferential direction by inserting the multi-core fibers through insertion holes in which positioning portions are formed and bringing the key portions and the positioning portions into contact; A method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape core wire, comprising connecting the multi-core fibers to form an optical fiber tape core wire. The method for manufacturing the optical fiber tape core wire according to claim 1,
A method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape core wire, wherein the key portion is formed so as to have a stepped portion in the radial direction of the multi-core fiber on the outer peripheral surface of the multi-core fiber. The method for manufacturing the optical fiber tape core wire according to claim 1 or 2,
A method of manufacturing an optical fiber tape core wire, wherein the key portion is formed between two cores that are arranged on the outermost side of the plurality of cores and are adjacent in the circumferential direction. a delivery unit for delivering a multi-core fiber having a plurality of cores and key portions formed at predetermined positions in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of cores;
By inserting the multi-core fibers through the insertion holes in which the positioning portions are formed and bringing the key portions into contact with the positioning portions, the plurality of multi-core fibers are aligned with predetermined rotational positions in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of the An optical fiber tape core wire manufacturing apparatus having a tape forming section for connecting multi-core fibers to form an optical fiber tape core wire.

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