TWI754240B - Optical fiber tape, manufacturing method of optical fiber tape, and optical fiber - Google Patents

Abstract

[Subject] To provide an optical fiber tape that can be recognized without relying on visual inspection. [Solution] An optical fiber tape comprising an array of plural optical fibers, wherein a concavo-convex portion for identifying the optical fiber tape is formed on the side of the tape surface of the coating portion of the optical fiber.

Description

Optical fiber tape, manufacturing method of optical fiber tape, and optical fiber

The present invention relates to an optical fiber tape, a method for producing the optical fiber tape, and an optical fiber.

In order to identify the optical fiber tape, an identification mark (mark) may be printed on the optical fiber constituting the optical fiber tape. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that an identification mark is provided on an optical fiber tape of the discontinuous connection type.

In addition, Patent Document 2 describes that, in order to easily remove the tape material of the optical fiber tape of the discontinuous connection type, an opening part which exposes the surface of the optical fiber core wire is provided in the covering part.

[Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-88619

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-1338

Identification by the identification mark described in Patent Document 1 In other methods, since it is difficult to visually recognize the mark in a dark place, there are cases where it is difficult to recognize the optical fiber tape.

An object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber tape that can be recognized without relying on visual inspection.

In order to achieve the above object, the main invention is an optical fiber tape comprising a plurality of optical fibers arranged in the width direction, wherein a concave and convex portion for identifying the optical fiber tape is formed on the side of the tape surface of the covering portion of the optical fiber.

Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the description of the specification and drawings to be described later.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the optical fiber tape which can be recognized without relying on sight can be provided.

1: Optical fiber tape

2: Optical fiber

2A: Optical fiber bare wire

2B: Coating

2C: Coloring layer

2P: Fiber Pair

3: Connection part

4: Non-connecting part

5: Mark

6: Tape chemical layer

7: Concave part (concave and convex part)

8: convex part (concave and convex part)

10: Fiber Supply Department

20: Printing device

30: Coloring Device

40: Taping device

40 ' : Taping device

41: Coating Department

42: Removal part

43: Light source

43A: Light source for temporary hardening

43B: Light source for formal hardening

44: Recess formation part

50: Roller

60: Protrusion forming device

61: Liquid tank

62: Supply Roller

63: The convex part forms the roller

63A: Pattern

64: scraper blade

65: Conveying mechanism

66: Hardening device

70: Ink

100: Manufacturing Systems

200: Manufacturing Systems

421: Spinning Blade

421A: Defects

441: Roller

442: convex part

1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams of a discontinuous connection type optical fiber tape 1 .

[ Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the optical fiber tape 1 according to the first embodiment as viewed in the longitudinal direction.

[ Fig. 3] Fig. 3A is an X-X sectional view of Fig. 2 . 3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view.

[ Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a concave pattern.

[ FIG. 5 ] A diagram showing the evaluation results of the visibility of the concave portion 7 .

6A and 6B are diagrams showing evaluation results of the visibility of a pattern (a concave pattern) by the concave portion 7 .

[ Fig. 7] Fig. 7A is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing system. 7B is an explanatory diagram of the tape forming apparatus.

[ Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber tape 1 according to the second embodiment.

[ Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber tape 1 of the third embodiment.

[ Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber 2 according to the fourth embodiment.

[ Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber tape 1 according to the fifth embodiment.

[ Fig. 12] Fig. 12A is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing system 200 for manufacturing the optical fiber tape 1 of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the convex portion forming apparatus 60 .

[ Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a concavo-convex portion of a first modification.

[ Fig. 14] Figs. 14A and 14B are explanatory views of the uneven portion of the second modification.

[ Fig. 15] Fig. 15A is an explanatory view of a concavo-convex portion of a third modification. 15B is an explanatory diagram of a concavo-convex portion of another third modification.

At least the following matters will be clarified from the description of the specification and drawings to be described later.

An optical fiber tape is disclosed, which is an optical fiber tape composed of a plurality of optical fibers arranged, wherein, on the side of the tape surface of the coating portion of the aforementioned optical fiber, an optical fiber tape is formed. form the concavo-convex part used to identify the fiber optic tape. According to this optical fiber tape, since it can be recognized by palpation, it can be recognized without relying on sight.

The uneven portion may be formed as a concave portion recessed from the surface of the coating portion. According to this optical fiber tape, identification by palpation is possible.

The concavo-convex portion may be formed as a convex portion protruding from the surface of the covering portion. According to this optical fiber tape, identification by palpation is possible.

It is preferable to form an angle in the peripheral edge of the said uneven|corrugated part when it sees from the normal line direction of the said tape surface. Thereby, it is easy to recognize by touch.

The concave-convex portions are respectively provided on each of the optical fibers; the concave-convex portions of one optical fiber and the concave-convex portions of other optical fibers are preferably arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber tape. Thereby, the concavo-convex portion can be easily recognized.

The marking for identifying the optical fiber tape is further provided on the inner side of the covering portion, and at least a part of the uneven portion and the marking are preferably arranged in the normal direction of the tape surface. Thereby, the position to be touched can be grasped.

It has a connection part which connects two adjacent said optical fibers intermittently, and it is preferable that the said uneven|corrugated part is arrange|positioned beside the said connection part in the width direction of the said optical fiber tape. Thereby, the operator can easily touch the concavo-convex part of the upper part (or lower part) of the optical fiber.

It is preferable that the said concave-convex part is also formed on the side opposite to the side of the said tape surface. Thereby, since the concavo-convex portion can be easily twisted, the contact thickness can be increased, and the pattern of the concave-convex portion can be easily recognized.

It is preferable that the height difference of the peripheral edge of the said uneven part is 3.2 micrometers or more. Thereby, the visibility can be improved.

It is preferable that the height difference of the peripheral edge of the said uneven part is 4.8 micrometers or more. Thereby, the visibility can be further improved.

The surface roughness of the inner side of the uneven portion may be the same as the surface roughness of the outer side of the uneven portion. Since there is a height difference at the periphery of the uneven portion, it can be recognized by palpation.

It is preferable that the surface roughness of the inner side of the uneven portion is different from the surface roughness of the outer side of the uneven portion. Thereby, even if the height difference of the peripheral edge of the said uneven|corrugated part is small, visibility can be improved.

The concave-convex portion is formed with plural intervals in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape; when the length of the concave-convex portion in the longitudinal direction is L (mm) and the interval is L _i (mm), L _i ≧ is satisfied L+14 is preferred. Thereby, the uneven|corrugated part arrange|positioned at intervals in the longitudinal direction can be recognized favorably.

The optical fiber tape has the concave-convex portion whose length in the longitudinal direction is L _S (mm), and the concave-convex portion whose length in the longitudinal direction is L _L (mm) greater than the L _S , in the longitudinal direction. It is formed with an empty space, and it is preferable to satisfy L _L ≧ L _S +14. Thereby, the uneven|corrugated part which differs in the length in the longitudinal direction can be recognized favorably.

In addition, a method for producing an optical fiber tape, a method for producing an optical fiber tape composed of an array of plural optical fibers, includes: a process of forming a concave and convex portion with an ultraviolet curable resin on the side of the tape surface of the covering portion of the optical fiber; Irradiation with ultraviolet light hardens the uneven portion, and forms a process for identifying the uneven portion of the optical fiber tape on the side of the tape surface of the coating portion of the optical fiber. According to the manufacturing method of such an optical fiber tape, the concave can be reliably formed convex part.

It also has: the process of coating the adhesive tape material made of the ultraviolet curing resin around the optical fiber; the process of irradiating the ultraviolet light to temporarily harden the adhesive tape material; wherein, in the temporarily cured adhesive tape On the side of the tape surface of the chemical material, a concave portion that becomes the concave-convex portion is formed, and at the same time, the ultraviolet light is irradiated to fully harden the tape chemical material forming the concave portion. As a result, the concave portion can be formed as the concave-convex portion, the edge of the concave portion can be formed with an angle, and the concave portion can be easily recognized by palpation.

It also has: the process of coating the above-mentioned tape chemical material around the optical fiber; the process of hardening the above-mentioned tape chemical material to form the above-mentioned optical fiber tape; wherein, after forming the above-mentioned optical fiber tape, on the side of the above-mentioned tape surface, by It is preferable that the ultraviolet-curable resin is formed into the convex portion to be the concave-convex portion, and the convex portion is cured by irradiating the ultraviolet light at the same time. Thereby, the convex part can be formed as a concave-convex part.

An optical fiber is disclosed which has a bare optical fiber, and a covering portion formed on the outer side of the bare optical fiber, wherein a concavo-convex portion for identifying an optical fiber tape is formed on the surface of the covering portion. According to this optical fiber, since it can be recognized by palpation, it can be recognized without relying on visual inspection.

===First Embodiment ===

<Structure of Optical Fiber Tape>

1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams of the optical fiber tape 1 of the discontinuous connection type. 1A is a perspective view, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1A , and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 1A .

In the following description, each direction is defined as follows. As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C , the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape 1 is simply referred to as the “long-side direction”. In addition, the direction parallel to the optical fibers 2 in a state (the state shown in FIG. 1A ) in which the plurality of optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber tape 1 are arranged on a plane so that the longitudinal direction becomes substantially parallel is also referred to as “long”. side direction". In addition, the arrangement direction of the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the state shown in FIG. 1A is referred to as "the tape width direction (corresponding to the width direction)". In addition, the direction perpendicular to the tape surface of the optical fiber tape 1 in the state shown in FIG. 1A is referred to as the "tape thickness direction" (that is, the tape thickness direction corresponds to the normal direction of the tape surface). In addition, the tape surface is the surface parallel to the "long-side direction" and the "tape width direction" among the surfaces of the optical fiber tape 1 (for example, the upper edges of the optical fibers 2 along the long-side direction in FIG. 1A are or lower edges) are connected to each other in the tape width direction.

The optical fiber tape 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called intermittent connection type (intermittent fixed type) optical fiber tape. The discontinuous connection type optical fiber tape 1 is an optical fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fibers 2 are connected in parallel and intermittently. The adjacent two-core optical fibers 2 are connected by the connecting portion 3 . The plural connecting portions 3 connecting the adjacent two-core optical fibers 2 are arranged intermittently in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the plurality of connecting portions 3 of the optical fiber tape 1 are arranged intermittently in two dimensions in the longitudinal direction and the tape width direction. The connection part 3 is formed by irradiating ultraviolet light curing after applying the ultraviolet curing resin used as an adhesive (tape material) (described later). In addition, the connection part 3 may be comprised with thermoplastic resin. A region other than the connecting portion 3 between the adjacent two-core optical fibers 2 serves as a non-connecting portion 4 (separating portion). In the non-connecting portion 4, the adjacent two-core optical fibers 2 are not constrained to each other. Arranged in the tape width direction of the connecting portion 3 Non-connecting part 4 . Thereby, the optical fiber tapes 1 can be bundled in a cylindrical shape (bundle shape) or folded, and a large number of optical fibers 2 can be accommodated in a high density

In addition, the optical fiber tape 1 of the discontinuous connection type is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 1A . For example, the number of cores of the optical fiber tape 1 may be changed. In addition, the arrangement of the intermittently arranged connection portions 3 may be changed. In addition, the optical fiber tape 1 is not limited to the optical fiber tape of the discontinuous connection type, and may be, for example, a general covering mold in which all the optical fibers 2 are connected.

The optical fiber tape 1 of the present embodiment forms the mark 5 . Mark 5 is a mark for identifying the optical fiber tape 1 . The pattern of the mark 5 represents the identification number (tape number). The marks 5 are repeatedly formed at predetermined intervals (for example, 15 cm intervals) in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape 1 . The marks 5 formed in a common pattern on the respective optical fibers 2 are arranged in the tape width direction, and constitute the marks 5 of the optical fiber tape 1 . The type of the optical fiber tape 1 can be recognized by visually observing the pattern of the mark 5 .

However, in the case of identification by the mark 5, for example, the mark 5 (identification mark) is difficult to be visually observed in a dark place, and there is a possibility that the identification of the optical fiber tape 1 may be difficult. Here, in the present embodiment, it can be recognized without visual inspection.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical fiber tape 1 according to the first embodiment as viewed in the longitudinal direction. 3A is an X-X cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 , and FIG. 3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view.

As shown in FIG. 3A , the optical fiber 2 has a bare optical fiber 2A, a coating layer 2B, and a colored layer 2C. The diameter of the optical fiber 2 is, for example, about 250 μm. The bare optical fiber 2A is composed of a core and a clad. The diameter (cladding diameter) of the bare optical fiber 2A is, for example, about 125 μm. The coating layer 2B is a layer that coats the bare optical fiber 2A. The coating layer 2B consists of For example, the primary coating layer (primary coating) and the secondary coating (secondary coating) are constituted. The diameter (outer diameter) of the coating layer 2B is, for example, about 240 μm. The colored layer 2C is a layer formed on the surface of the coating layer 2B. The colored layer 2C is formed by coating a colored material on the surface of the coating layer 2B. In addition, the secondary coating layer may be used as a coloring layer by mixing a coloring material into the secondary coating layer (secondary coating). In the following description, "the diameter of the optical fiber 2" (or fiber diameter) refers to the outer diameter of the coloring layer 2C.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the mark 5 may be formed between the coating layer 2B and the coloring layer 2C. At this time, by this, the mark 5 is seen across the colored layer 2C. Since the coloring layer 2C is formed on (outside) the mark 5, the mark 5 is protected by the coloring layer 2C. The marking 5 is printed with the ink for marking.

In the optical fiber tape 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A , a mark 5 is formed on a part of the circumferential direction of the optical fiber 2 . However, the mark 5 may be formed on the entire circumferential direction of the optical fiber 2 .

In addition, in the optical fiber tape 1 of the present embodiment, the marks 5 of the respective optical fibers 2 are arranged at substantially the same position in the circumferential direction. However, the marks 5 of the respective optical fibers 2 may be arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction.

As described above, the two adjacent optical fibers 2 are connected by the tape material (ultraviolet light curing resin) constituting the connecting portion 3, and the tape material layer 6 (corresponding to the covering portion) formed of the tape material is formed on the surface of the colored layer 2C. ). That is, the mark 5 is formed on the inner side of the tape-forming material layer 6 (covering portion).

In the present embodiment, concavo-convex portions (here, concave portions 7 ) are formed on the surface of the tape-forming material layer 6 . The concavo-convex portion is a portion having concavities and convexities (a level difference portion having a height difference; a concavo-convex boundary portion) on the periphery. operator by contact The concavo-convex portion (in detail, the step portion of the peripheral edge of the concave-convex portion) allows the operator to palpate the concave-convex portion. In the present embodiment, the concave portion 7 is formed as a concave-convex portion. However, as will be described later, the concave-convex portion is not limited to the concave portion 7, and the concave-convex portion may be constituted by a convex portion. In addition, the unevenness of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion (a step portion with a height difference) may not be formed on the entire peripheral edge of the uneven portion, but may be formed on at least a part of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion (also refer to later-described FIGS. 14A and 14B ).

As shown in FIG. 3B , the concavities and convexities (steps with height difference) of the peripheral edge of the concave portion 7 (concave-convex portion) have an angular structure, and the concave portion 7 can be easily recognized by touch. In addition, in FIG. 3B , in the concavity and convexity of the peripheral edge of the concave portion 7 (concave-convex portion) (a step portion with a height difference), the upper and lower corners form a slightly right angle, but if the concave portion 7 (the concave and convex portion) can be recognized by touch ), not a slightly right angle, an acute angle or an obtuse angle, or a rounded corner.

The concave portion 7 is a portion recessed from the surface of the tape-forming material layer 6 . As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , the concave portion 7 is not a hole but a depression (groove). Thereby, since the coating portion (here, the tape-forming material layer 6 ) remains on the surface of the optical fiber 2 , the optical fiber bus bar can be protected. If a hole (opening portion) is formed instead of being recessed, the optical fiber bus bar will be exposed, and the durability will be lowered compared to the case where the optical fiber is protected by the covering portion (here, the tape chemical layer 6 ). However, as long as the durability of the optical fiber bus bar can be tolerated, the concave portion 7 may be formed into a hole shape, and the coating portion (here, the tape-forming material layer 6 ) may not be formed on the bottom of the concave portion 7 .

The recessed portion 7 has a tape number identification function, and a pattern for identification (hereinafter, also referred to as a recessed pattern) is formed according to the length, number, arrangement, and the like of the recessed portions 7 .

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a concave pattern. Further, a concave pattern (recess 7 ) is formed on the upper portion (or lower portion) of the optical fiber 2 as shown in FIG. 3A . That is, since the concave portion 7 is formed on the tape surface, the operator (with a finger) can touch the concave portion 7 . As shown in Figure 4, in each tape number, the concave pattern is determined. For example, when the tape number is No. 4, four concave portions 7 having a short length in the longitudinal direction (length L _S in the _figure ) are arranged in the longitudinal direction with an interval (interval Li in the figure). In addition, when the tape number is No. 6, the concave portions 7 having a long length in the longitudinal direction (length _LL in the figure) and the concave portions 7 having a short length in the longitudinal direction are aligned in the longitudinal direction with a gap therebetween. By palpating such a concave pattern (the concave portion 7 ), the operator can recognize the optical fiber tape 1 tactilely (touching with the operator's fingertip), and can recognize the tape number without relying on sight. Therefore, for example, even in a dark place where the marking 5 cannot be seen, the optical fiber tape 1 can be recognized.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the concave portion 7 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above (the tape thickness direction). Thereby, the concave portion 7 has an angular structure, and the concave portion 7 can be easily recognized by touch. In addition, the concave part 7 (concave-convex part) when viewed from above is not limited to a rectangular shape. For example, an angle may be formed on the peripheral edge of the recessed portion 7 (concave-convex portion) when viewed from above. In order to easily recognize the concave portion 7 by touch, the angle of the concave portion 7 when viewed from above is preferably from an acute angle to a right angle (that is, 90 degrees or less). However, as long as the concave portion 7 (concave-convex portion) can be recognized by touch, the corners may be rounded on the periphery of the concave portion 7 when viewed from above.

Moreover, the recessed part 7 is provided in each optical fiber 2, respectively. If these concave portions 7 are not arranged side by side in the width direction, it becomes difficult to recognize the pattern of the concave portions 7 . On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , the concave portions 7 of each optical fiber 2 are arranged in a row in the tape width direction (that is, the concave portions 7 of one optical fiber 2 and the The concave portions 7 of the other optical fibers 2 are arranged in the tape width direction). Thereby, the pattern of the recessed part 7 can be recognized easily. In the present embodiment, the concave portions 7 (concave-convex portions) are formed in all the optical fibers 2 , but the concave portions 7 may not be formed in all the optical fibers 2 , and the concave portions 7 may be formed in some of the optical fibers 2 .

Moreover, the recessed part 7 is arrange|positioned on the marking 5, and at least a part of the recessed part 7 overlaps with the marking 5 in the tape thickness direction. Thereby, the operator can easily grasp the place to be touched. However, the marks 5 may not have the recesses 7 (for example, the recesses 7 may be formed between the marks 5 periodically arranged in the longitudinal direction).

Moreover, the recessed part 7 is arrange|positioned by the connection part 3 side. Since the optical fiber 2 is difficult to rotate in the circumferential direction in the vicinity of the connecting portion 3 , the concave portion 7 on the upper (or lower) portion of the optical fiber 2 can be easily touched by the operator by arranging the concave portion 7 beside the connecting portion 3 . However, the concave portion 7 may not be provided beside the connecting portion 3 .

Also, as shown in FIG. 3A , the concave portions 7 are formed on both sides of the upper portion and the lower portion of the optical fiber 2 (in other words, the lower concave portion 7 is arranged on the opposite side of the upper concave portion 7 ). Thereby, an operator can twist and touch the recessed part 7 with two fingertips. At this time, since the optical fiber 2 is sandwiched from the top and bottom with two fingertips, the contact pressure of the concave portion 7 can be strengthened, so that the pattern of the concave portion 7 can be easily recognized.

Moreover, the depth d of the recessed part 7 shown in FIG. 3B (the height difference of the peripheral edge of the uneven part) is preferably 3.2 μm or more, more preferably 4.8 μm or more (refer to the embodiments described later). However, the depth d of the recessed portion 7 is less than the thickness T _n of the tape-forming material layer 6 (15 to 20 μm in the present embodiment). This is because the tape-forming material layer 6 (coating portion) does not remain around the optical fiber 2 (if the tape-forming material layer 6 has holes, the waterproofness is lowered).

Moreover, it is preferable that the surface roughness differs between the bottom surface of the recessed part 7 and the surface of the covering part (here, the surface of the tape chemical layer 6). In addition, the surface roughness of the bottom surface of the recessed part 7 is rougher than the surface roughness of the surface of the coating part (tape-forming material layer 6). Thereby, the operator can easily recognize the concave portion 7 when palpating. In addition, in this embodiment, the surface roughness is "arithmetic mean roughness Ra (JIS B0601-2001)" (for the purpose of palpation, it is not appropriate to define the surface roughness as the maximum valley depth Rv and the maximum height Rz, so Let it be the arithmetic mean roughness Ra). Further, in the examples to be described later, when the depth d of the concave portion 7 (the difference in height between the peripheries of the concave-convex portion) is 3.2 μm or more, more preferably 4.8 μm or more, the visibility of the concave portion 7 is good. However, this is the case where the surface roughness of the bottom surface of the recessed portion 7 is the same as the surface roughness of the surface of the coating portion. Therefore, when the surface roughness of the bottom surface of the concave portion 7 is different from the surface roughness of the surface of the coating portion, even if the depth d of the concave portion 7 (the difference in height of the periphery of the concave-convex portion) is shallower than 3.2 μm, the visibility of the concave portion 7 can be improved. good.

In addition, the features and effects described so far can also be applied to the embodiments and examples to be described later.

<Example>

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an evaluation result of the visibility of the recessed portion 7 .

In this example, the discontinuous connection type optical fiber tape 1 in which 12 optical fibers 2 (12 cores) were arranged in the tape width direction was produced and evaluated by palpation. Among them, the conditions of the depth d, the width W, and the length L of the longitudinal direction of the concave portion 7 are divided into the conditions, and whether or not the concave portion 7 can be recognized is evaluated by palpation. Moreover, the evaluation of the state which isolate|separated into a single core was also performed.

In addition, the dimensions of the depth d and the width W of the concave portion 7 are observed in a vertical cross section in the longitudinal direction with a microscope (see FIG. 3B ), and the thickness T _n of the tape material layer 6 and the thickness T of the bottom of the concave portion 7 are measured at plural positions, respectively. _a (N: 2 to 4) was measured and calculated by the following formulas (1) and (2).

where r is the radius of the fiber 2 (ie D/2).

Next, in each condition of FIG. 5 , the evaluation of whether or not the recognition was possible by palpation was performed 10 times, the number of times of recognition was counted, and 90% or more of the recognition success times were regarded as pass (◯). In addition, the number of times of recognition success is 10% or more and less than 90% is defined as Δ, and the number of times of recognition success 0% is defined as ×.

In FIG. 5 , when the depth d of the concave portion 7 is 1.4 μm, even a relatively large concave portion 7 (specifically, the concave portion 7 with W of 95.2 μm and L of 10 mm) cannot be recognized, but when the depth d is 3.2 μm , the recognition succeeded several times in the smaller concave portion 7 (for example, the concave portion 7 with W of 51.9 μm and L of 5 μm) (high visibility). Therefore, the depth d of the recessed portion 7 is preferably 3.2 μm or more. Moreover, when the depth d is 4.8 micrometers or more, the visibility becomes high. Specifically, the concave portion 7 having a length L of 5 mm or more obtained a good result of 90% or more of visibility in the tape form. Therefore, the depth d is more preferably 4.8 μm or more.

Furthermore, from the evaluation results in FIG. 5 , it can be seen that the visibility of the single core is slightly lower than that of the tape type (optical tape 1 is slightly difficult to recognize). However, the depth d is 6.9 μm or more and the length L is 1 mm. In the above cases, good visibility of 90% or more was obtained in both the tape form and the single core. good result.

6A and 6B are diagrams showing evaluation results of the visibility of the pattern (concave pattern) by the concave portion 7 . Specifically, FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing evaluation results of visibility by the length and spacing of the concave portions 7 arranged in the longitudinal direction. 5 shows the evaluation results of the visibility of the recessed portion 7 (single), whereas FIGS. 6A and 6B show the evaluation results of the visibility of the pattern (concave pattern) formed by the recessed portion 7 .

As described above, among the recesses 7 in FIG. 4 , the length in the longitudinal direction of the recess 7 having a short length in the longitudinal direction is L _S (mm), and the length in the longitudinal direction of the recess 7 having a longer length in the longitudinal direction is L S (mm). Set to L _L (mm). Moreover, let the space|interval of the recessed part 7 adjoining the longitudinal direction be L _i (mm). Next, the conditions of the length L _S , the length L _L , and the interval _Li were divided into the conditions of the identifiability evaluation. Also here, a discontinuous connection type optical fiber tape 1 in which 12 optical fibers 2 are arranged in the tape width direction (12 cores) is used, and the optical fibers 2 are arranged in the same pattern in the tape width direction. Therefore, the depth d of the concave portion 7 is all set to 10 μm or more.

The number of evaluations and the judgment of successful recognition are the same as in the case of FIG. 5 (that is, 10 evaluations are performed according to each condition, and the number of times of successful recognition is set to ○, Δ, and ×).

6A shows the evaluation results of the visibility when the length L (here, L _S ) and the interval L _i in the longitudinal direction of the recessed portion 7 are changed in the patterns Nos. 2 to 4 in FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG. 6A , when the interval _Li was larger by 14 mm or more with respect to the length L _S , a result of being able to be recognized well was obtained. Therefore, it is preferable that the interval L _i is larger than the length L _S by 14 mm or more (satisfies L _i ≧ L _S +14). Thereby, the concave parts 7 arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction can be recognized favorably. In addition, the features and effects described so far can also be applied to the embodiments and examples to be described later.

6A shows the evaluation results of the visibility when the length _{L S} and the length LL are changed in the pattern No. 6 in FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG. 6B , when the length L _L is larger than the length L _S by 14 mm or more, a result that can be recognized well was obtained. Therefore, the length L _L is preferably greater than the length L _S by 14 mm or more (satisfying L _L ≧ L _S +14). Thereby, the recessed part 7 which differs in the length of the longitudinal direction can be recognized favorably. In addition, the features and effects described so far can also be applied to the embodiments and examples to be described later.

<Manufacturing method of optical fiber tape 1>

FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing system 100 for manufacturing the optical fiber tape 1 . 7B and 7C are explanatory diagrams of the tape forming apparatus 40 . Here, for the simplification of the drawings, the manufacturing system 100 for a four-core optical fiber tape will be described.

The manufacturing system 100 includes a fiber supply unit 10 , a printing device 20 , a coloring device 30 , a tape forming device 40 , and a cylinder 50 .

The fiber supply part 10 is a device (supply source) that supplies the optical fiber 2 to the printing device 20 . The fiber supply unit 10 supplies the single-core optical fiber 2 (the optical fiber formed by the bare optical fiber 2A and the coating layer 2B; the optical fiber before the colored layer 2C is formed) to the printing device 20 .

The printing device 20 is a device that prints the mark 5 on the optical fiber 2 . For example, the printing device 20 prints the marks 5 indicating the tape numbers on the respective optical fibers 2 . The plurality of optical fibers 2 marked by the printing device 20 are supplied to the coloring device 30 .

The coloring device 30 is a device for forming the coloring layer 2C of the optical fiber 2 . The coloring device 30 forms the coloring layer 2C with the identification color for identifying the optical fiber 2 for each optical fiber 2 . Specifically, the coloring device 30 has a coloring part (not shown) on each of the optical fibers 2, and each coloring part applies a colorant (ultraviolet curing resin) of a predetermined identification color to the surface of the optical fiber 2 (the surface of the coating layer 2B). ). Moreover, the coloring apparatus 30 has an ultraviolet light irradiation part (not shown), and the ultraviolet light irradiation part irradiates an ultraviolet light to the coloring agent (ultraviolet light curing resin) coated on the optical fiber 2, and hardens the coloring agent. Thereby, the colored layer 2C is formed. The optical fiber 2 colored by the coloring device 30 is supplied to the tape-forming device 40 . In addition, the colored optical fiber 2 may be supplied to the tape forming apparatus 40 from the fiber supply unit 10 .

The tape forming apparatus 40 is an apparatus for connecting a plurality of optical fibers 2 to manufacture the optical fiber tape 1 . Here, the tape forming apparatus 40 is an apparatus that intermittently forms the connection portion 3 and manufactures an intermittent connection type optical fiber tape 1 . However, the optical fiber tape 1 produced by the tape forming apparatus 40 is not limited to the optical fiber tape 1 of the discontinuous connection type. The plurality of optical fibers 2 arranged in the tape width direction are supplied to the tape forming apparatus 40 . When manufacturing the tape forming apparatus 40 of the optical fiber tape 1 of the discontinuous connection type, the tape forming apparatus 40 has an application part 41 , a removal part 42 , a light source 43 , and a recessed part forming part 44 as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C . In addition, the tape forming apparatus 40 shown to FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C shows an example of a tape forming apparatus. The tape-forming device is not limited to those shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C .

The coating unit 41 is a device for coating a coupling agent (tape material). The coupling agent is, for example, an ultraviolet curing resin, and the coupling portion 3 is formed by curing the coupling agent. The coating portion 41 penetrates the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the coating die filled with the liquid coupling agent, and extends over the longitudinal direction, on the outer periphery of the optical fibers 2 or between the adjacent optical fibers 2 . Coating liquid linking agent.

The removing part 42 is a device for removing a part of the coupling agent applied by the application part 41 while remaining. The removal part 42 has the rotating blade 421 (refer FIG. 7B) provided with the missing part 421A, and rotates the rotating blade 421 in accordance with the supply speed of the optical fiber 2. FIG. The coupling agent applied by the coating portion 41 is removed by being blocked by the outer edge of the rotary blade 421 , but the coupling agent remains in the missing portion 421A of the rotary blade 421 . In addition, the portion where the coupling agent remains becomes the coupling portion 3 (see FIG. 1 ), and the portion where the coupling agent is removed becomes the non-connecting portion 4 . Therefore, by adjusting the rotational speed of the rotating blade 421 and the size of the notch portion 421A, the length and arrangement of the connection portion 3 can be adjusted. In addition, for example, when cutting to form a connection part and a non-connection part after curing, or when applying resin with a dispenser or the like at a position to be a connection part, the removal part is not required.

The light source 43 is a device for irradiating ultraviolet light to a coupling agent made of an ultraviolet curable resin. The light source 43 has a light source 43A for temporary curing and a light source 43B for main curing. The light source 43A for temporary hardening is arrange|positioned upstream rather than the light source 43B for main hardening. The bonding agent is temporarily cured when irradiated with ultraviolet light from the light source 43A for temporary curing. The temporarily hardened coupling agent is not completely hardened, but the surface is in a state where hardening is progressing. The light source 43B for main hardening irradiates the ultraviolet light stronger than the light source 43A for temporary hardening, and the coupling agent is main hardened. The main-hardened UV-curable resin is in a state of being hardened inside (however, the main-hardened connecting agent (connecting portion 3 ) has moderate elasticity and can bundle the discontinuous-connection-type optical fiber tape 1 into a cylindrical shape).

As shown in FIG. 7C , the optical fibers 2 after being taken out from the coating part 41 and the removing part 42 may be spaced apart from each other. For temporary hardening in this state The light source 43A irradiates the bonding agent with ultraviolet light to temporarily harden the bonding agent. In the tape forming apparatus 40, after the temporary curing of the bonding agent, the interval between the optical fibers 2 is gradually narrowed, and the plurality of optical fibers 2 are lined up in a tape shape. In addition, since the coupling agent is temporarily hardened, even if the portions (non-connecting portions 4 ) from which the coupling agent is temporarily removed come into contact with each other, they are not coupled. In addition, since it is before the actual hardening, the space between the optical fibers 2 can be narrowed (concentrated) even in the region connected by the bonding agent. When the main curing light source 43B is irradiated with ultraviolet light and the coupling agent is mainly cured, the optical fiber tape 1 of the discontinuous connection type shown in FIG. 1 is produced. In addition, depending on the optical fiber tape 1 to be produced, the optical fibers 2 may not be bundled.

As shown in FIG. 7B , the recessed portion forming portion 44 is disposed between the light source 43B for main curing and the light source 43A for temporary curing, and has a pair of rollers 441 . On the outer periphery of the pair of rollers 441 , convex portions 442 protruding to the outside are respectively provided. The convex portion 442 has a shape corresponding to the concave portion 7 .

The coupling agent (tape chemical material) temporarily cured by the light source 43A for temporary curing is sandwiched by a pair of rollers 441 before passing through the light source 43B for main curing (before the main curing). Next, the concave portion 7 is formed in the tape chemical material by pressing the sides (upper and lower portions) of the tape surface by the convex portions 442 of the pair of rollers 441 . That is, the concave portion 7 is formed before the actual hardening after the temporary hardening of the bonding agent (tape chemical material).

If the concave portion 7 is formed before temporary hardening, the step portion (boundary portion of the concave and convex) at the periphery of the concave portion 7 is rounded (in other words, the height difference of the step portion at the periphery of the concave portion 7 becomes smaller). It becomes difficult to recognize the recessed portion 7 . In addition, if the concave portion 7 is formed after the actual hardening, the concave portion 7 cannot be formed deeply because the bonding agent (tape chemical material) is hardened. In contrast to this, in this In the embodiment, since the concave portion 7 is formed after the temporary hardening and before the actual hardening, the step portion of the peripheral edge of the concave portion 7 can be clearly formed, and the concave portion 7 can be easily recognized by palpation. However, as long as the identifiable concave portion 7 can be formed, the concave portion 7 need not be formed between the temporary hardening and the main hardening. For example, the concave portion 7 may be formed before the temporary hardening or after the main hardening.

The drum 50 is a member for winding up the optical fiber tape 1 (see FIG. 7A ). The optical fiber tape 1 produced by the tape forming apparatus 40 is wound up to the drum 50 .

===Second Embodiment ===

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber tape 1 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, the illustration of the reference numeral 5 is omitted. In the following description, the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted, and the configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be mainly described. The optical fiber tape 1 of the second embodiment includes a plurality of pairs of two optical fibers 2 (fiber pairs 2P) (here, six pairs) continuously connected in the longitudinal direction, and the adjacent fiber pairs 2P are intermittently connected by connecting portions 3 link. Therefore, the optical fiber tape 1 of the discontinuous connection type may be configured by intermittently connecting the two fiber pairs 2P.

===The third embodiment ===

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber tape 1 according to the third embodiment. In the following description, the description of the same configuration as that of the first and second embodiments is omitted, and the configuration that is different from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described. The optical fiber tape 1 of the third embodiment is of a collective coating type, and the periphery of a plurality of (here, four) optical fibers 2 is collectively coated with a tape material (tape material layer 6 ).

The concave portion 7 may be formed in the optical fiber tape 1 of the collective coating type. At this time, the tape-forming material to be coated collectively corresponds to the covering portion, and the concave portion 7 is formed on the side of the tape surface of the tape-forming material (the tape-forming material layer 6 ).

=== Fourth Embodiment ===

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber 2 according to the fourth embodiment. In the following description, the description of the same configuration as that of the first to third embodiments is omitted, and the configuration that is different from the first to third embodiments will be mainly described. In the fourth embodiment, the concave portion 7 is formed on the surface of the single-core optical fiber 2 (hereinafter, also referred to as the single-core fiber 2) without tape-forming. In this way, the concave portion 7 may be formed in the single core fiber 2 . In addition, at this time, the colored layer 2C of the single core fiber 2 corresponds to the covering portion, and the concave portion 7 is formed in the colored layer 2C. Furthermore, by producing an optical fiber tape including a plurality of single-core fibers 2, it is possible to configure an optical fiber tape that can be recognized by palpation, like the optical fiber tapes of other embodiments.

=== Fifth Embodiment ===

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber tape 1 according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 11, the same reference numerals are attached to the same components as those in FIG. 3, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the following description, the description of the same configuration as that of the first to fourth embodiments is omitted, and the configuration that is different from the first to fourth embodiments will be mainly described. In the fifth embodiment, the convex portion 8 is formed as the concave and convex portion. The protrusions 8 are formed to protrude from the surface of the tape-forming material layer 6 of the optical fiber 2 . By providing such a convex part 8, like the case of the concave part 7, it can recognize by palpation. In addition, the height (height difference) of the step portion of the convex portion 8 can be obtained by subtracting the thickness of the tape-forming material layer 6 at the position other than the convex portion 8 from the thickness of the tape-forming material layer 6 in the convex portion 8 ( FIG. 3B ). T _n ) of .

FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing system 200 for manufacturing the optical fiber tape 1 of the fifth embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 12A, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the part with the same structure as FIG. 7A, and description is abbreviate|omitted.

The manufacturing system 200 includes a tape forming apparatus 40 ′ and a convex portion forming apparatus 60 .

The tape forming apparatus 40 ′ may have substantially the same configuration as the above-described tape forming apparatus 40 , for example. However, the tape forming apparatus 40 ′ does not include the concave portion forming portion 44 . The tape forming apparatus 40 ′ hardens the tape forming material to form the optical fiber tape 1 , and supplies the optical fiber tape 1 to the convex portion forming apparatus 60 .

The convex portion forming device 60 is a device for forming convex portions 8 on the optical fiber tape 1 (plurality of optical fibers 2) that has been taped, and is provided on the downstream side in the conveyance direction from the tape forming device 40 ′ (the tape forming device 40 ′ and the roller 50 ). between).

FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the convex portion forming apparatus 60 . In the figure, the schematic structure of the convex part formation apparatus 60 when seen from the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the printing roller 63 is shown. The convex portion forming device 60 includes a liquid tank 61 , a supply roller 62 , a convex portion forming roller 63 , a doctor blade 64 , a conveying mechanism 65 , and a curing device 66 .

The liquid tank 61 is a container (ink tray) that accommodates the liquid ultraviolet curable resin 70 . The supply roller 62 is a roller for supplying the ultraviolet curable resin 70 to the convex portion forming roller 63 . The supply roller 62 is rotated in the direction of the arrow A in the figure to scrape the UV-curable resin 70 in the liquid tank 61 and supply the UV-curable resin 70 to the protrusion forming roller 63 . The convex portion forming roller 63 is A roller for forming the convex portion 8 on the optical fiber 2 by transferring the ultraviolet curable resin 70 to the optical fiber tape 1 (optical fiber 2 ). A pattern 63A for forming the convex portion 8 is formed on the surface of the convex portion forming roller 63 . The convex portion forming roller 63 rotates in the direction of the arrow B in the drawing. During the rotation of the convex portion forming roller 63, the ultraviolet curing resin 70 of the supply roller 62 is attached to the surface of the convex portion forming roller 63, and by transferring the ultraviolet curing resin 70 attached to the pattern 63A to the optical fiber 2, the optical fiber 2 The convex portion 8 is formed. The scraper blade 64 is a member for scraping off the remaining ultraviolet curable resin 70 adhering to the convex portion forming roller 63 .

The transport mechanism 65 transports the optical fiber tape 1 (plurality of optical fibers 2) supplied from the tape forming apparatus 40 ' (see FIG. 12A ) on the upstream side in the transport direction to the downstream side in the transport direction. The conveyance mechanism 65 is constituted by, for example, a conveyance roller, and is rotated by the driving force of a conveyance motor (not shown) to convey the optical fiber tape 1 . In the present embodiment, the transport mechanism 65 transports the plurality of optical fibers 2 of the optical fiber tape 1 aligned in the width direction. On each optical fiber 2 of the optical fiber tape 1 being conveyed, the ultraviolet curable resin 70 adhered to the printing pattern 63A of the convex portion forming roller 63 is transferred.

The curing device 66 is an ultraviolet irradiation device (ultraviolet light source), and cures the ultraviolet curing resin 70 transferred to the optical fiber 2 . The curing device 66 is provided on the downstream side in the conveyance direction from the convex portion forming roller 63 .

In the present embodiment, after the optical fiber tape 1 is formed in the tape forming apparatus 40 ′ , the protrusions 8 are formed on the tape surface side of the optical fiber tape 1 by the ultraviolet curing resin 70 , and the curing apparatus 66 is irradiated with ultraviolet light to make the protrusions Section 8 hardened. As described above, by the roller printing method, the protrusions 8 can be formed on the tape surface of the optical fiber tape 1 .

===Other implementations===

<1st Variation>

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a concavo-convex portion according to the first modification. In the first modification, the concave portion 7 is formed as the concave-convex portion on the surface of the tape-forming material layer 6 . The concave portion 7 of the first modification has no bottom surface. In other words, in the concave portion 7 of the first modification, a surface parallel to the circumferential direction is not formed. However, in the concave portion 7 according to the first modification example, the concave portion 7 is also formed on the periphery of the concave portion 7 by forming concavities and convexities (a step portion with a height difference; a concave-convex boundary portion), so that the operator can palpate the concave portion 7 . Thereby, as shown in FIG. 13 , the uneven portion may be formed.

<Second modification>

14A and 14B are explanatory views of the uneven portion of the second modification. FIG. 14A is an enlarged view of the concave portion 7 of the second modification as viewed in the tape width direction. FIG. 14B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the concave portion 7 of the second modification as viewed in the longitudinal direction (cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 14A ). In the second modification, as shown in FIG. 14A , concavities and convexities (a step portion with a height difference; a concavo-convex boundary portion) are formed on a peripheral edge 7A (a peripheral edge parallel to the width direction) of the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the recessed portion 7 . On the other hand, in the second modification, as shown in FIG. 14B , irregularities are not formed on the peripheral edge 7A (peripheral edge parallel to the longitudinal direction) of the end portion in the tape width direction of the recessed portion 7 . Therefore, in the second modification, the concavities and convexities may not be formed on the entire periphery of the concave portion 7 , but the concavities and convexities may be formed on a part of the periphery of the concave portion 7 . However, in the second modification, the concave portion 7 can be palpated by the operator because the concave portion 7 is formed with concavities and convexities (a step portion having a height difference; a boundary portion of the concavity and convexity). In addition, because In order for the operator to slide his/her finger along the optical fiber 2 when palpating the concave-convex portion, as in the second modification, concave-convex (with a height difference) is formed on the peripheral edge 7A (periphery parallel to the width direction) of the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the concave portion 7 . After the level difference part; the boundary part of the unevenness), the operator can easily recognize the unevenness.

<The third modification>

FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram of a concavo-convex portion of a third modification. In the third modification, plural (here, two) concave-convex portions are formed along the longitudinal direction, and the plural concave-convex portions are constituted by a combination of the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8 . In this way, a pattern of concave and convex portions may be formed by combining the concave portions 7 and the convex portions 8 . As in the third modification, by combining the concave portions 7 and the convex portions 8 to form the pattern of the concave and convex portions, the types of patterns can be increased.

15B is an explanatory diagram of a concavo-convex portion of another third modification. As in FIG. 15A , plural (here, two) concave-convex portions are formed along the longitudinal direction, and the plural concave-convex portions are constituted by a combination of the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8 . Therefore, as in the case shown in FIG. 15B , by combining the concave portions 7 and the convex portions 8 to form the pattern of the concave and convex portions, the types of patterns can be increased. Here, the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8 are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction. As a result, a step portion with a large height difference is formed at the boundary portion between the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8 . In addition, by arranging the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, since the boundary portion between the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8 can be formed with large concavities and convexities (a step portion with a height difference), the operator can easily recognize the concavo-convex portion.

===Other===

The above-described embodiments are for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the interpreter of the present invention. The present invention can be changed without departing from the gist. Modifications/improvements, the present invention may also include equivalents thereof.

1: Optical fiber tape

2: Optical fiber

3: Connection part

4: Non-connecting part

5: Mark

Claims (17)

An optical fiber tape, an optical fiber tape composed of a plurality of optical fibers arranged in an array, wherein a concave-convex portion for identifying the optical fiber tape is formed on the side of the tape surface of the coating portion of the optical fiber; and a coloring layer is formed on the inner side of the coating portion. , and a mark for identifying the optical fiber tape beyond the coloring layer; in the normal direction of the tape surface, at least a part of the uneven portion and the mark are arranged to overlap. The optical fiber tape according to claim 1, wherein the uneven portion is formed as a concave portion recessed from the surface of the coating portion. The optical fiber tape according to claim 1, wherein the concavo-convex portion is formed as a convex portion protruding from the surface of the coating portion. The optical fiber tape according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein a peripheral edge of the uneven portion when viewed from the normal direction of the tape surface forms an angle. The optical fiber tape according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the concave and convex portions are respectively provided on each of the optical fibers; the concave and convex portions of one optical fiber and the concave and convex portions of the other optical fibers are arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber tape . The optical fiber tape according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a connecting portion for intermittently connecting two adjacent optical fibers, wherein the uneven portion is disposed beside the connecting portion in the width direction of the optical fiber tape. The optical fiber tape according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the uneven portion is also formed on the side opposite to the side of the tape surface. The optical fiber tape according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the height difference of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion is 3.2 μm or more. The optical fiber tape according to claim 8, wherein the height difference of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion is 4.8 μm or more. The optical fiber tape according to claim 8, wherein the surface roughness of the inner side of the uneven portion is the same as the surface roughness of the outer side of the uneven portion. The optical fiber tape according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the surface roughness of the inner side of the uneven portion is different from the surface roughness of the outer side of the uneven portion. The optical fiber tape according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the concavo-convex portion is formed in a plurality of intervals in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape; and the length of the concave-convex portion in the longitudinal direction is L (mm ), when the aforementioned interval is L _i (mm), L _i ≧ L+14 is satisfied. The optical fiber tape according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the optical fiber tape has the concave-convex portion whose length in the longitudinal direction is L _S (mm), and the length in the longitudinal direction is greater than the L _S The concave-convex portion having a large L _L (mm) is formed with a gap in the longitudinal direction, and satisfies L _L ≧ L _S +14. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape, which is a method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape composed of a plurality of optical fibers arranged in an array, comprising: on the side of the tape surface of the coating portion of the aforementioned optical fiber, a process of forming a concave and convex portion by ultraviolet light curing resin; by irradiating ultraviolet light The concavo-convex portion is hardened, and a process for identifying the concavo-convex portion of the optical fiber tape is formed on the side of the tape surface of the coating portion of the optical fiber; the inner side of the coating portion is further provided with a coloring layer and a coloring layer for passing over the above-mentioned coloring layer. A mark for identifying the optical fiber tape; and at least a part of the uneven portion is arranged to overlap with the mark in the normal direction of the tape surface. The method for producing an optical fiber tape according to claim 14, further comprising: a process of coating the periphery of the optical fiber with the tape material made of the ultraviolet curable resin; The process of irradiating the above-mentioned ultraviolet light to temporarily harden the above-mentioned adhesive tape chemical material; wherein, on the side of the tape surface of the temporarily hardened above-mentioned adhesive tape chemical material, a concave part to become the above-mentioned uneven part is formed, and the above-mentioned ultraviolet light is irradiated at the same time to form the above-mentioned concave part. The aforementioned tape chemical material is officially hardened. The method for producing an optical fiber tape according to claim 14, further comprising: a process of coating a tape-forming material around the optical fibers; a process of curing the tape-forming material to form the optical fiber tape; wherein, after forming the optical fiber tape and, on the side of the tape surface, the convex portion that becomes the concave-convex portion is formed by an ultraviolet curing resin, and the ultraviolet light is irradiated at the same time to harden the convex portion. An optical fiber comprising a bare optical fiber wire and a covering portion formed on the outer side of the bare optical fiber wire, wherein a concavo-convex portion for identifying the optical fiber tape is formed on the surface of the covering portion; Further, it has a colored layer and a mark for identifying the optical fiber tape beyond the colored layer; in the normal direction of the surface, at least a part of the concave-convex portion is arranged to overlap with the mark.

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