WO2016084465A1 - Optical fiber, method for centering optical fiber and connection structure for same, tape core wire, and method for manufacturing same - Google Patents

Optical fiber, method for centering optical fiber and connection structure for same, tape core wire, and method for manufacturing same Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016084465A1
WO2016084465A1 PCT/JP2015/076873 JP2015076873W WO2016084465A1 WO 2016084465 A1 WO2016084465 A1 WO 2016084465A1 JP 2015076873 W JP2015076873 W JP 2015076873W WO 2016084465 A1 WO2016084465 A1 WO 2016084465A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
optical fiber
core
cross
clad
longitudinal direction
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PCT/JP2015/076873
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
邦男 小倉
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古河電気工業株式会社
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Priority to JP2016561434A priority Critical patent/JP6632544B2/en
Publication of WO2016084465A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016084465A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/02—Optical fibres with cladding with or without a coating
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/255—Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an optical fiber that can be easily aligned when connecting optical fibers.
  • each core of the multi-core fiber needs to be connected to a different optical fiber, optical element, or the like to send and receive transmission signals.
  • the core is arranged in addition to the center of the cross section of the multi-core fiber, there is a problem that alignment is difficult compared to a single-core optical fiber.
  • the present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an optical fiber and the like that can be easily aligned.
  • the first invention is an optical fiber having a core group composed of a plurality of cores, a clad for covering the core group, and a resin coating for covering the clad,
  • the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and the position of the center of the cladding and the core group
  • An optical fiber characterized in that the center position is different.
  • the core group is formed by arranging a plurality of cores so as to have symmetry in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber.
  • a cross-sectional shape of the clad in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is a non-true circle.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the clad in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber may be an ellipse.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the cladding in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber may be a drop shape.
  • the position of the center of the clad is different from the position of the center of the core group, so that the position of a specific core can be identified. Further, if the cores constituting the core group are arranged symmetrically, the structure is simple, and connection with another optical fiber, optical element, or the like is easy.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the clad is a non-circular shape, since the approximate position of the core can be specified by the outer shape during alignment, alignment is easy.
  • the direction of the rotation direction of the optical fiber can be regulated using a V-groove jig or the like by making the cross-sectional shape of the clad into an elliptical shape or a drop shape.
  • a second invention is an optical fiber having a core, a cladding that covers the core, and a resin coating that covers the cladding, wherein the cladding has a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber.
  • the cross-sectional shape is a non-circular shape, and the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and
  • the optical fiber is characterized in that the position of the center of the clad is different from the position of the center of the core.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the clad is not even in a single-core optical fiber in which the position of the center of the clad and the position of the core are different in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. Since it is a perfect circle, the position of the core can be specified by the outer shape during alignment, so alignment is easy.
  • a third invention is a tape core wire in which a plurality of optical fibers according to the first invention are provided side by side and the outer periphery thereof is covered with a tape resin coating, all in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tape core wire.
  • the optical fiber is arranged such that the clads of the optical fiber face in the same direction.
  • a fourth invention is a tape core wire in which a plurality of optical fibers according to the second invention are provided, and the outer periphery thereof is coated with a tape resin coating, all in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tape core wire.
  • the optical fiber is arranged such that the clads of the optical fiber face in the same direction.
  • the optical fibers since all the optical fibers have the same orientation at any position in the longitudinal direction, it is easy to connect to another optical fiber or optical element.
  • the 5th invention is the alignment method of a pair of optical fiber which has the core group which consists of a plurality of cores, the clad which coats the core group, and the resin coating which coats the clad,
  • the optical fiber The cross-sectional form perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and the position of the center of the cladding and the center of the core group
  • a centering method for an optical fiber characterized by comprising a centering step of rotating the.
  • the core group is eccentric with respect to the clad in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, it is possible to prevent the optical fibers from being connected in the wrong direction.
  • the 6th invention is the manufacturing method of the tape core wire using the several optical fiber which has the core which consists of a several core, the clad which coat
  • the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and the position of the center of the cladding and the core group
  • the center position of the clad is different, the cross-sectional shape of the clad is a drop shape, and includes a bending step of bending each optical fiber along a roller, and a tape forming step for tapering the optical fiber.
  • This is a method for manufacturing a tape core wire.
  • a tape core wire can be manufactured by aligning the directions of the fibers.
  • connection structure of a pair of optical fiber which has the core group which consists of a plurality of cores, the clad which coats the core group, and the resin coating which coats the clad
  • the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and the position of the center of the clad and the position of the center of the core group Are different, and in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, the outer shape of the pair of optical fibers and the arrangement of the cores are substantially the same, and the cores and the clads are connected to each other.
  • connection structure between optical fibers in which a core group or a core is eccentric with respect to a clad in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a multicore fiber 1. It is a figure which shows the alignment process of multi-core fiber 1, Comprising: The figure which shows the state before alignment. It is a figure which shows the alignment process of multi-core fiber 1, Comprising: The figure which shows the state after alignment. Sectional drawing which shows the multi-core fiber 1a. Sectional drawing which shows the state which hold
  • Sectional drawing which shows the multi-core fiber 1b Sectional drawing which shows the state which hold
  • the top view which shows the optical fiber tape core wire manufacturing apparatus 10.
  • FIG. The side view which shows the optical fiber tape cable manufacturing apparatus 10.
  • FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the multi-core fiber 1b in the H section of FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the tape core wire 17.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the multicore fiber 1 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multicore fiber 1 that is an optical fiber.
  • the multi-core fiber 1 includes a plurality of cores 5, a clad 3 having a refractive index lower than that of the core 5 disposed on the outer periphery of the core 5, and a resin coating 7 that covers the clad 3.
  • the plurality of cores 5 are arranged at a predetermined interval.
  • the plurality of cores 5 are collectively referred to as a core group 5a.
  • the core group 5a is composed of, for example, seven cores 5 in total, and the core 5 is disposed at each vertex of a regular hexagon around the center of the core group 5a and covered therewith. That is, the central core 5 and the surrounding six cores 5 are all at a constant interval, and the cores 5 are arranged to have symmetry within the core group 5a.
  • the core 5 having symmetry in the core group 5a means that the arrangement of the cores 5 has an axis of symmetry.
  • the core 5 serves as a signal light waveguide.
  • the arrangement of the cores 5 is not limited to the illustrated example.
  • a resin coating 7 is formed on the outer periphery of the cladding 3.
  • the clad 3 and the resin coating 7 have a substantially circular cross section. Further, in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1, the center positions of the clad 3 and the resin coating 7 are substantially the same.
  • the position of the center of the multi-core fiber 1 (cladding 3) and the position of the center of the core group 5a are different.
  • the center line of the multi-core fiber 1 (cladding 3) is A
  • the center line perpendicular thereto is B
  • the center line of the core group 5a is A
  • the center line perpendicular thereto is C.
  • the center line A is common
  • the center line B and the center line C are shifted from each other.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example in which the center line A is common, both may be shifted in a direction perpendicular to the center line A.
  • the amount of deviation between the center position of the multi-core fiber 1 and the center position of the core group 5a is preferably larger than 1 ⁇ m, more preferably 2 ⁇ m or more from the viewpoint of identification.
  • the amount of deviation is too large, there arises a problem that the outer diameter of the clad needs to be increased, so that the thickness is preferably 10 ⁇ m or less.
  • FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are diagrams showing the alignment process between the multi-core fibers 1.
  • the resin coating 7 at the tip of each of the pair of multi-core fibers 1 to be connected is removed by a predetermined length (resin coating removing step).
  • a pair of multi-core fibers 1 are arranged so as to face each other (fiber arrangement step).
  • the position of the cladding 3 and the like is confirmed from a plurality of directions (for example, the D direction and the E direction in FIG. 1) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multicore fiber 1.
  • the positional deviation in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cladding 3 (the vertical direction in the figure and the direction perpendicular to the paper surface, hereinafter referred to as the X direction and the Y direction) can be adjusted by confirming the position of the outer shape. it can.
  • the position in the rotation direction with the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1 as the rotation axis (hereinafter simply referred to as the rotation direction) is aligned.
  • the rotation direction As described above, by confirming the clad 3 and the core 5 from a plurality of directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1, the position of the core 5 inside the clad 3 can be confirmed.
  • the position of the core group 5a is decentered from the center of the clad 3, if the desired cores 5 are not positioned to face each other, the positions of the cores 5 are visually recognized as shifted.
  • one or both of the multi-core fibers 1 are rotated with the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1 as the axis of rotation (arrow F, arrow G in the figure), and the core 5 Match the positions (alignment process).
  • the alignment work between the multicore fibers 1 is completed.
  • the ends of the multi-core fibers 1 are fusion-spliced to each other so that each of the multi-core fibers 1 whose outer shapes and core arrangements are substantially the same in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fibers 1.
  • the core group 5a is eccentric in the cross section of the clad 3 during the alignment work between the multi-core fibers 1, the erroneous cores 5 are not connected to each other. Further, since it is not necessary to arrange a marker for identifying the core at a position where the symmetry is broken, the structure is not complicated.
  • the core 5 has a symmetrical arrangement, the layout design of the core 5 is easy, and connection with another optical fiber or optical element is also easy.
  • the core group 5a is formed by arranging the plurality of cores 5 so as to have symmetry in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1 has been described.
  • the present invention is applicable as long as the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of 1 has directionality with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1.
  • the arrangement of the cores in the cross section has symmetry will be described unless otherwise specified, but it may be directional with respect to the rotation direction.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a multi-core fiber 1a according to the second embodiment.
  • components having the same functions as those of the multi-core fiber 1 and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.
  • the multi-core fiber 1a has substantially the same configuration as the multi-core fiber 1, but differs in that the cladding 3a is non-circular. More specifically, the clad 3a of the multicore fiber 1a is substantially elliptical.
  • the multicore fiber 1a includes the center of the clad 3a of the multicore fiber 1a (intersection of the center line A in the major axis direction and the center line B in the minor axis direction) and the center of the core group 5a (center line A). And the intersection of the center line C) are shifted. That is, the core group 5a is arranged eccentrically with respect to the clad 3a.
  • the eccentric direction of the core group 5a is preferably the long axis direction.
  • the center line A in the major axis direction of the clad 3a and the center line A in the same direction of the core group 5a are common.
  • the cross-sectional external shape of the resin coating 7 is a substantially perfect circle. Further, the center of the resin coating 7 and the center of the clad 3a substantially coincide.
  • the resin coating 7 at each end of the pair of multi-core fibers 1a to be connected is removed by a predetermined length.
  • the clad 3a is sandwiched between a pair of V-groove jigs 9a and 9b within a range where the resin coating 7 is removed.
  • the V-groove jigs 9a and 9b are members each having a V-groove.
  • V-groove jig is generally used for mechanical splices and the like.
  • the major axis direction of the cross-section of the multi-core fiber 1a can be naturally restrained so as to be opposite to the V-groove jig. Therefore, it becomes easy to align so as to always be in a constant rotational direction.
  • this mechanism is provided in the fiber holder of the fusion splicer, batch connection with multi-fiber tape is possible. This is because the rotation direction can be adjusted if the clad 3a with the resin coating 7 peeled is pressed by the V-groove if the multi-core tape is aligned to some extent.
  • the rotation direction of the multi-core fiber 1a can be substantially aligned with the direction shown in the figure simply by sandwiching the clad 3a with the V-groove jigs 9a and 9b. it can.
  • alignment can be easily performed.
  • alignment may be performed by aligning the V-groove as a temporary alignment, and then rotating at least one of the multi-core fibers 1a so that the positions of the cores 5 coincide. As described above, by rotating at least one of the multi-core fibers 1a so that the positions of the cores 5 of the respective multi-core fibers 1a coincide with each other in the confirmation directions (D direction and E direction in FIG. 1) of the plurality of cores 5. Alignment can be performed.
  • the outer shape varies depending on the position of the multi-core fibers 1a in the rotational direction. Visible. Therefore, for example, by measuring the shape of the cladding 3a from the side surface of the multi-core fiber 1a with a plurality of external measuring instruments and rotating at least one multi-core fiber 1a so that the long axis and the short axis are aligned with each other, FIG. ), Alignment can be performed. Thereafter, it may be further confirmed that the positions of the cores 5 are matched. In this state, the ends of the multi-core fibers 1a are fusion-spliced so that the multi-core fibers can be connected to each other and a multi-core fiber connection structure can be obtained.
  • the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.
  • the clad 3a is non-circular (elliptical)
  • alignment can be easily performed with a V-groove jig.
  • alignment can be performed by checking the outer shape.
  • the clad 3a has an elliptical shape, it can be expected that, for example, end portions in the major axis direction of the clad 3a are attracted to each other due to the surface tension of the molten glass. For this reason, there is a possibility that some displacement in the rotational direction is alleviated at the time of fusion.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a multi-core fiber 1b according to the third embodiment.
  • the multi-core fiber 1b has substantially the same configuration as that of the multi-core fiber 1a, except that the clad 3b has a substantially drop shape. That is, the cladding 3b is also non-circular.
  • the cross-sectional external shape of the resin coating 7 is a substantially perfect circle shape. Further, the center of the resin coating 7 and the center of the clad 3a substantially coincide.
  • the drop shape is formed in an arc shape having a continuous entire circumference, and has a major axis and a minor axis perpendicular to the major axis, and is substantially line symmetric with the major axis as a symmetry axis.
  • the radius of curvature of one arc portion on the long axis and the other arc portion facing the arc portion are different from each other.
  • the upper arc portion on the center line A in the major axis direction is the small diameter portion 4a
  • the lower arc portion is the large diameter portion 4b having a larger curvature radius than the small diameter portion 4a.
  • the multicore fiber 1b includes the center of the clad 3b of the multicore fiber 1b (intersection of the center line A in the major axis direction and the center line B in the minor axis direction) and the center of the core group 5a (center line A). And the intersection of the center line C) are shifted.
  • the center line B in the minor axis direction of the clad 3b is orthogonal to the center line A, and the length of the clad 3b in the major axis direction on the center line A (maximum length) is 1 / The center line passing through the position of 2.
  • the core group 5a is arranged eccentrically with respect to the clad 3b.
  • the eccentric direction of the core group 5a is preferably the long axis direction and the large diameter portion 4b side having a large curvature radius.
  • the center line A in the major axis direction of the clad 3b and the center line in the same direction of the core group 5a are common.
  • V-groove jigs 9a and 9b can be used as in the multi-core fiber 1a.
  • the clad 3b is paired with a pair of V-grooves in the range where the resin coating 7 is removed as shown in FIG. It is sandwiched between jigs 9a and 9b.
  • the V groove shape of the V groove jig 9a is a shape suitable for the large diameter portion 4b of the clad 3b
  • the V groove shape of the V groove jig 9b is a shape suitable for the small diameter portion 4a of the clad 3b.
  • the direction of the clad 3b can be naturally aligned.
  • the rotation direction of the multi-core fiber 1b can be substantially aligned with the direction shown in the figure simply by sandwiching the clad 3b with the V groove jigs 9a and 9b. it can.
  • alignment can be performed by making the multi-core fibers 1a sandwiched between the V-groove jigs 9a and 9b face each other.
  • alignment may be performed by aligning the V-groove as a temporary alignment, and then rotating at least one of the multi-core fibers 1b so that the positions of the cores 5 coincide. As described above, by rotating at least one of the multi-core fibers 1b so that the positions of the cores 5 of the respective multi-core fibers 1b coincide with each other in the confirmation directions of the plurality of cores 5 (D direction and E direction in FIG. 1). Alignment can be performed.
  • the outer shape of the clad 3b is measured in a state where the pair of multi-core fibers 1b are arranged so as to face each other without using a V-groove jig, and at least the long axis and the short axis are aligned with each other. Alignment can also be performed by rotating one multi-core fiber 1b. Thereafter, it may be further confirmed that the positions of the cores 5 are matched.
  • V-groove jigs 9a and 9b can be taped with the respective rotational direction positions of the plurality of multicore fibers 1b aligned, but other methods can also be used. .
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing the optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 10
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing the optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 10.
  • the optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a roller 13, a tape resin coating portion 15, and the like.
  • an example in which four multicore fibers 1b are taped is shown, but the number of multicore fibers 1b is not limited.
  • the multi-core fibers 1b fed out from the bobbin 11 are respectively sent to the rollers 13.
  • the multi-core fiber 1b is bent in contact with the roller 13 in a state where a predetermined tension is applied.
  • FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along a portion H in FIG.
  • the multi-core fiber 1b when the multi-core fiber 1b is brought into contact with the roller 13 and bent in a state where a predetermined tension is applied, the multi-core fiber 1b rotates by itself so as to be in a more stable rotation direction. . Specifically, the multi-core fiber 1b rotates so that the center of gravity position (large diameter portion 4b) of the clad 3b is on the roller 13 side (inner peripheral side of the bent portion).
  • the large-diameter portion 4b side is lighter and less stretchable than the small-diameter portion 4a side, and therefore the deformable small-diameter portion 4a faces the outer peripheral side and is deformed close to the center of gravity. This seems to be because the large-diameter portion 4 b that is difficult to press is pressed against the roller 13.
  • the cross-section of the multi-core fiber 1b is taken along the center line of the resin coating 7 perpendicular to the major axis of the cladding 3b (ie, the center line B in FIG. 6).
  • the proportion of the clad 3b in each region of the cross section of the multi-core fiber 1b is compared, and the proportion of the clad 3b is larger on the large-diameter portion 4b side than on the small-diameter portion 4a side.
  • the ratio of the resin coating 7 is larger on the small diameter portion 4a side than on the diameter portion 4b side.
  • the large diameter portion 4b side rotates in a direction in which it is pressed against the roller 13 side.
  • each multi-core fiber 1b is aligned in a more stable direction by contact with the roller 13, and the multi-core fibers 1b all aligned in a certain direction pass through the tape resin coating portion 15.
  • the tape resin coating portion 15 is an extruder composed of, for example, an alignment die or an extrusion die.
  • the tape resin coating applied at the tape resin coating portion 15 is cured by drying or UV irradiation as necessary.
  • the tape core wire 17 in which a plurality of multi-core fibers 1b are integrated is wound up by a winding device (not shown). Thus, the tape core wire 17 is manufactured.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the tape core wire 17.
  • the tape core wire 17 is formed by providing a plurality of multi-core fibers 1b and coating the outer periphery with the tape resin coating 19 so as to be integrated.
  • the clads 3 b of all the multicore fibers 1 b are arranged so as to face in the same direction. More specifically, the large-diameter portion 4b of the clad 3b is arranged so as to align with the same surface direction of the tape core wire 17.
  • the multi-core fibers 1b are arranged so that the cores 5 of all the multi-core fibers 1b are arranged in the same direction.
  • the multi-core fiber 1 is disposed so that one center line of each of the multi-core fibers 1 connecting the three cores 5 is all directed in the thickness direction (vertical direction in the figure) of the tape core wire 17.
  • the arrangement of the cores 5 is substantially constant over the entire length of the tape core wire 17 in the longitudinal direction. That is, the arrangement of the cores 5 is always substantially constant in any cross section in the longitudinal direction of the tape core wire 17.
  • the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained. Further, since the clad 3b has a drop shape, the optical fiber tape core manufacturing apparatus 10 can easily manufacture the tape core other than the alignment method similar to that of the clad 3a.
  • the self-rotation force of the multi-core fiber 1b is used. For this reason, it is necessary to provide a sufficient distance between the bobbin 11 and the roller 13 (if there is another configuration, between the other configuration and the roller 13). This is because if the distance is short, the rotation of the multi-core fiber 1b is restricted by the bobbin 11 or the like, and free rotation may be hindered.
  • the multi-core fiber applicable to the present invention is not limited to the above-described form.
  • the present invention can also be applied to a multi-core fiber 1d in which cores 5 are arranged in a row.
  • the cores 5 are arranged in two rows is shown.
  • the minimum circle including the core 5 may be the core group 5a, and the center may be arranged so as to be shifted from the center of the clad 3.
  • such an arrangement of the core 5 may be combined with the elliptical clad 3a.
  • such an arrangement of the cores 5 may be combined with a drop-shaped clad 3b.
  • FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a tape core wire 17a using the multicore fiber 1 as an example.
  • the tape core wire 17a is manufactured by observing the position of the core 5 by side observation of the end face of the multi-core fiber 1 and providing a coating resin on the outer periphery while aligning the directions of all the multi-core fibers 1 to form a tape. The By doing in this way, in the cross section perpendicular
  • optical fiber embodiments The present invention can also be applied to an optical fiber having a single core 5.
  • an optical fiber 1f shown in FIG. 14A includes a single core 5, a clad 3b that covers the core 5, and a resin coating 7 that covers the clad 3b.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the cladding 3b in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 1f is a non-true circle (an example of a drop shape is shown in the figure).
  • the position of the core 5 (intersection of the center line A and the line C) is arranged at a position shifted from the center position of the clad 3b (intersection of the center lines A and B). Therefore, the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 1f is directional with respect to the rotation direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 1f.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the clad 3b is non-circular, the cross-section of the optical fiber 1f is suppressed by using the V-groove jigs 9a and 9b shown in FIG. Can be naturally restrained so that the major axis direction of this is the opposite direction of the V-groove jig. Therefore, it becomes easy to align so as to always be in a constant rotational direction.
  • aligning a pair of optical fibers 1f at least one of the optical fibers 1f is aligned so that the positions of the cores 5 coincide with each other in the confirmation direction of the core 5 (D direction and E direction in FIG. 1). By rotating the fiber 1f, the pair of optical fibers 1f can be aligned.
  • the outer shape is visually recognized to be different depending on the position of the optical fiber 1f in the rotation direction. Therefore, for example, the shape of the clad 3b is measured from the side surface of the optical fiber 1f with a plurality of outer shape measuring instruments, and alignment is performed by rotating at least one of the optical fibers 1f so that the major axis and the minor axis are aligned with each other. be able to.
  • the resin coating 7 at the tip of each of the pair of optical fibers 1f to be connected is removed by a predetermined length (resin coating removing step), and the pair of optical fibers 1f are arranged to face each other (fiber Placement step), the pair of optical fibers are sandwiched and held by a pair of V-groove jigs, respectively, and the optical fibers 1f are reliably aligned by aligning the rotation direction of the optical fibers (alignment step). It can be performed.
  • the optical fibers 1f having substantially the same outer shape and core arrangement of the optical fibers, and the cores 5 and the clad 3b.
  • a connection structure of a pair of optical fibers can be obtained by fusing together.
  • FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an optical fiber 1g in which a marker 6 is arranged separately from the core 5 with respect to the optical fiber 1f.
  • the marker 6 may be arranged at a position that is easier to confirm than the core 5 from the side of the clad 3 b separately from the core 5.
  • alignment is performed by rotating at least one of the optical fibers 1g so that the positions of the markers 6 of the respective optical fibers 1g coincide in the confirmation direction of the marker 6 (D direction and E direction in FIG. 1). Can be taped and connected.
  • the optical fiber tape core manufacturing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. It is also possible to produce a 1 g tape core. That is, a tape core wire can be manufactured from a bending step of bending each optical fiber 1f, 1g along a roller and a tape forming step of forming the optical fibers 1f, 1g into a tape. Thus, a plurality of optical fibers 1f and 1g are provided side by side, and a tape core wire whose outer periphery is coated with a tape resin coating can be obtained. At this time, in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tape core wire, the clads 3b of all the optical fibers 1f and 1g can be arranged so as to face in the same direction.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the non-circular clad may be other than an elliptical shape or a drop shape.

Abstract

Provided is a multicore fiber 1 comprising a plurality of cores 5, a cladding 3 sheathing around the cores 5 and having a lower refractive index than the cores 5, and a sheathing resin 7 sheathing the cladding 3. The plurality of cores 5 together serve as a core group 5a. The cores 5 are arranged to have symmetry within the range of the core group 5a. In a cross section taken perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the multicore fiber 1, the locations of the centers of the cladding 3 and the resin sheath are approximately aligned. On the other hand, in a cross section taken perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the multicore fiber 1, the location of the center of the multicore fiber and the location of the center of the core group 5a are offset.

Description

光ファイバ、光ファイバの調芯方法およびその接続構造、テープ心線およびその製造方法Optical fiber, optical fiber alignment method and connection structure thereof, tape core wire and manufacturing method thereof
　本発明は、光ファイバ同士の接続時における調芯作業が容易な光ファイバ等に関するものである。 The present invention relates to an optical fiber that can be easily aligned when connecting optical fibers.
　近年の光通信におけるトラフィックの急増により、一般的に用いられているシングルコアの光ファイバにおいて伝送容量の限界が近づいている。そこで、さらに通信容量を拡大する手段として、一本の光ファイバに複数のコアが形成されたマルチコアファイバが提案されている。マルチコアファイバを用いることで、光ファイバの敷設コストを抑え、伝送容量の拡大が可能となる。 Due to the rapid increase in traffic in optical communication in recent years, the limit of transmission capacity is approaching in commonly used single-core optical fibers. Therefore, as a means for further expanding the communication capacity, a multi-core fiber in which a plurality of cores are formed on one optical fiber has been proposed. By using a multi-core fiber, the installation cost of the optical fiber can be suppressed and the transmission capacity can be increased.
　マルチコアファイバが伝送路として用いられた場合、このマルチコアファイバの各コアは、それぞれ別の光ファイバや光素子等と接続されて伝送信号を送受する必要がある。別の光ファイバや光素子等と接続にあたっては、マルチコアファイバを調芯する必要がある。しかし、マルチコアファイバは、断面の中心以外にもコアが配置されているため、シングルコアの光ファイバと比較して調芯が難しいという問題がある。 When a multi-core fiber is used as a transmission path, each core of the multi-core fiber needs to be connected to a different optical fiber, optical element, or the like to send and receive transmission signals. When connecting to another optical fiber or optical element, it is necessary to align the multi-core fiber. However, since the core is arranged in addition to the center of the cross section of the multi-core fiber, there is a problem that alignment is difficult compared to a single-core optical fiber.
　このようなマルチコアファイバの調芯作業を容易にする方法としては、例えば、コアとは別にマーカを配置する方法がある（例えば特許文献１）。
　また、マルチコアファイバ以外であっても、光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面形態が前記光ファイバの長手方向を軸とする回転方向に対して方向性を有する光ファイバは、マルチコアファイバと同様に中心に１つだけコアを有する一般的なシングルコアの光ファイバと比較して調芯が難しいという問題がある。 As a method for facilitating the alignment work of such a multi-core fiber, for example, there is a method of arranging a marker separately from the core (for example, Patent Document 1).
In addition to the multi-core fiber, an optical fiber having a cross-sectional configuration perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber having a directivity with respect to the rotation direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is the same as the multi-core fiber There is a problem that alignment is difficult as compared with a general single-core optical fiber having only one core at the center.
国際公開公報ＷＯ２０１２／１２１０２７International Publication No. WO2012 / 121027
　このような、光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面において、コアの配置が光ファイバの長手方向を軸とする回転方向に対して方向性を有する光ファイバの調芯作業を容易にする方法が望まれている。 A method of facilitating the alignment work of an optical fiber in which the arrangement of the core is directional with respect to the rotation direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. Is desired.
　本発明は、このような問題に鑑みてなされたもので、調芯作業が容易な光ファイバ等を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an optical fiber and the like that can be easily aligned.
　前述した目的を達成するため、第１の発明は、複数のコアからなるコア群と、前記コア群を被覆するクラッドと、前記クラッドを被覆する樹脂被覆と、を有する光ファイバであって、前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面の形態が、前記光ファイバの長手方向を軸とする回転方向に対して方向性を有し、かつ、前記クラッドの中心の位置と、前記コア群の中心の位置が異なることを特徴とする光ファイバである。 In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first invention is an optical fiber having a core group composed of a plurality of cores, a clad for covering the core group, and a resin coating for covering the clad, The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and the position of the center of the cladding and the core group An optical fiber characterized in that the center position is different.
　前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面において、複数の前記コアが対称性を有するように配置されて前記コア群が形成されることが望ましい。 It is desirable that the core group is formed by arranging a plurality of cores so as to have symmetry in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber.
　前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面における前記クラッドの断面形状が、非真円形であることが望ましい。 It is desirable that a cross-sectional shape of the clad in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is a non-true circle.
　前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面における前記クラッドの断面形状が楕円形であってもよい。 The cross-sectional shape of the clad in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber may be an ellipse.
　前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面における前記クラッドの断面形状がしずく形であってもよい。 The cross-sectional shape of the cladding in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber may be a drop shape.
　第１の発明によれば、光ファイバの長手方向に垂直な断面において、クラッドの中心の位置と、コア群の中心の位置が異なるため、特定のコアの位置を識別可能である。また、コア群を構成するコアが対称性を有する配置となっていれば、構造が簡易であり、別の光ファイバや光素子等と接続も容易である。 According to the first invention, in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, the position of the center of the clad is different from the position of the center of the core group, so that the position of a specific core can be identified. Further, if the cores constituting the core group are arranged symmetrically, the structure is simple, and connection with another optical fiber, optical element, or the like is easy.
　また、クラッドの断面形状が非真円形であれば、調芯時において、外形によってもコアのおおよその位置を特定することができるため、調芯が容易である。この場合、クラッドの断面形状を楕円形やしずく形とすることで、Ｖ溝治具等を利用して、光ファイバの回転方向の向きを規制することができる。 In addition, if the cross-sectional shape of the clad is a non-circular shape, since the approximate position of the core can be specified by the outer shape during alignment, alignment is easy. In this case, the direction of the rotation direction of the optical fiber can be regulated using a V-groove jig or the like by making the cross-sectional shape of the clad into an elliptical shape or a drop shape.
　第２の発明は、コアと、前記コアを被覆するクラッドと、前記クラッドを被覆する樹脂被覆と、を有する光ファイバであって、前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面における前記クラッドの断面形状が、非真円形であり、前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面の形態が、前記光ファイバの長手方向を軸とする回転方向に対して方向性を有し、かつ、前記クラッドの中心の位置と、前記コアの中心の位置が異なることを特徴とする光ファイバである。 A second invention is an optical fiber having a core, a cladding that covers the core, and a resin coating that covers the cladding, wherein the cladding has a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. The cross-sectional shape is a non-circular shape, and the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and The optical fiber is characterized in that the position of the center of the clad is different from the position of the center of the core.
　第２の発明によれば、光ファイバの長手方向に垂直な断面において、クラッドの中心の位置と、コアの位置が異なるような、単心の光ファイバであっても、クラッドの断面形状が非真円形であるため、調芯時において、外形によってコアの位置を特定することができるため、調芯が容易である。 According to the second aspect of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the clad is not even in a single-core optical fiber in which the position of the center of the clad and the position of the core are different in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. Since it is a perfect circle, the position of the core can be specified by the outer shape during alignment, so alignment is easy.
　第３の発明は、第１の発明にかかる光ファイバを複数本併設し、その外周をテープ樹脂被覆により被覆したテープ心線であって、前記テープ心線の長手方向に垂直な断面において、全ての前記光ファイバの前記クラッドが同一の方向に向くように配置されていることを特徴とするテープ心線である。 A third invention is a tape core wire in which a plurality of optical fibers according to the first invention are provided side by side and the outer periphery thereof is covered with a tape resin coating, all in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tape core wire. The optical fiber is arranged such that the clads of the optical fiber face in the same direction.
　第４の発明は、第２の発明にかかる光ファイバを複数本併設し、その外周をテープ樹脂被覆により被覆したテープ心線であって、前記テープ心線の長手方向に垂直な断面において、全ての前記光ファイバの前記クラッドが同一の方向に向くように配置されていることを特徴とするテープ心線である。 A fourth invention is a tape core wire in which a plurality of optical fibers according to the second invention are provided, and the outer periphery thereof is coated with a tape resin coating, all in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tape core wire. The optical fiber is arranged such that the clads of the optical fiber face in the same direction.
　第３、第４の発明によれば、長手方向のいずれの位置においても、全ての光ファイバの向きがそろっているため、別の光ファイバや光素子等と接続も容易である。 According to the third and fourth inventions, since all the optical fibers have the same orientation at any position in the longitudinal direction, it is easy to connect to another optical fiber or optical element.
　第５の発明は、複数のコアからなるコア群と、前記コア群を被覆するクラッドと、前記クラッドを被覆する樹脂被覆と、を有する一対の光ファイバの調芯方法であって、前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面の形態が、前記光ファイバの長手方向を軸とする回転方向に対して方向性を有し、かつ、前記クラッドの中心の位置と、前記コア群の中心の位置が異なっており、一対の前記光ファイバの先端の前記樹脂被覆を所定長さ除去する樹脂被覆除去工程と、一対の前記光ファイバを対向するように配置するファイバ配置工程と、前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な複数方向から、前記クラッドにおける前記コアの位置を確認し、それぞれの前記光ファイバの前記コアの位置が一致するように、一方または両方の前記光ファイバを回転させる調芯工程と、を具備することを特徴とする光ファイバの調芯方法である。 5th invention is the alignment method of a pair of optical fiber which has the core group which consists of a plurality of cores, the clad which coats the core group, and the resin coating which coats the clad, The optical fiber The cross-sectional form perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and the position of the center of the cladding and the center of the core group A resin coating removing step of removing a predetermined length of the resin coating at the tip of the pair of optical fibers, a fiber arranging step of arranging the pair of optical fibers so as to face each other, The position of the core in the clad is confirmed from a plurality of directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and one or both of the optical fibers are aligned so that the positions of the cores of the respective optical fibers coincide. A centering method for an optical fiber, characterized by comprising a centering step of rotating the.
　第５の発明によれば、光ファイバの長手方向に垂直な断面において、コア群がクラッドに対して偏心しているため、誤った向きで光ファイバ同士を接続することを防止することができる。 According to the fifth aspect, since the core group is eccentric with respect to the clad in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, it is possible to prevent the optical fibers from being connected in the wrong direction.
　第６の発明は、複数のコアからなるコアと、前記コアを被覆するクラッドと、前記クラッドを被覆する樹脂被覆と、を有する複数の光ファイバを用いたテープ心線の製造方法であって、前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面の形態が、前記光ファイバの長手方向を軸とする回転方向に対して方向性を有し、かつ、前記クラッドの中心の位置と、前記コア群の中心の位置が異なっており、前記クラッドの断面形状がしずく形であり、それぞれの前記光ファイバをローラに沿って屈曲させる屈曲工程と、前記光ファイバをテープ化するテープ化工程と、を具備することを特徴とするテープ心線の製造方法である。 6th invention is the manufacturing method of the tape core wire using the several optical fiber which has the core which consists of a several core, the clad which coat | covers the said core, and the resin coating which coat | covers the said clad, The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and the position of the center of the cladding and the core group The center position of the clad is different, the cross-sectional shape of the clad is a drop shape, and includes a bending step of bending each optical fiber along a roller, and a tape forming step for tapering the optical fiber. This is a method for manufacturing a tape core wire.
　第６の発明によれば、ローラに対して所定の張力で光ファイバを接触させると、しずく形クラッドの重心の偏心方向がローラの接触部に近い側に向くことを利用して、容易に光ファイバの向きを揃えて、テープ心線を製造することができる。 According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the optical fiber is brought into contact with the roller with a predetermined tension, light is easily generated by utilizing the fact that the eccentric direction of the center of gravity of the drop clad is directed to the side closer to the contact portion of the roller. A tape core wire can be manufactured by aligning the directions of the fibers.
　第７の発明は、複数のコアからなるコア群と、前記コア群を被覆するクラッドと、前記クラッドを被覆する樹脂被覆と、を有する一対の光ファイバの接続構造であって、前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面の形態が、前記光ファイバの長手方向を軸とする回転方向に対して方向性を有し、かつ、前記クラッドの中心の位置と、前記コア群の中心の位置が異なっており、前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面において、一対の前記光ファイバの外形および前記コアの配置が、ほぼ同じであり、それぞれのコア同士およびクラッド同士が接続されていることを特徴とする光ファイバの接続構造である。 7th invention is a connection structure of a pair of optical fiber which has the core group which consists of a plurality of cores, the clad which coats the core group, and the resin coating which coats the clad, The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and the position of the center of the clad and the position of the center of the core group Are different, and in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, the outer shape of the pair of optical fibers and the arrangement of the cores are substantially the same, and the cores and the clads are connected to each other. This is an optical fiber connection structure.
　第７の発明によれば、光ファイバの長手方向に垂直な断面において、コア群またはコアがクラッドに対して偏心している光ファイバ同士の接続構造を得ることができる。 According to the seventh invention, it is possible to obtain a connection structure between optical fibers in which a core group or a core is eccentric with respect to a clad in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber.
　本発明によれば、調芯作業が容易な光ファイバ等を提供することができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical fiber that can be easily aligned.
マルチコアファイバ１を示す断面図。1 is a cross-sectional view showing a multicore fiber 1. マルチコアファイバ１同士の調芯工程を示す図で、調芯前の状態を示す図。It is a figure which shows the alignment process of multi-core fiber 1, Comprising: The figure which shows the state before alignment. マルチコアファイバ１同士の調芯工程を示す図で、調芯後の状態を示す図。It is a figure which shows the alignment process of multi-core fiber 1, Comprising: The figure which shows the state after alignment. マルチコアファイバ１ａを示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the multi-core fiber 1a. マルチコアファイバ１ａのクラッドをＶ溝治具で保持した状態を示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the state which hold | maintained the clad of the multi-core fiber 1a with the V-groove jig | tool. マルチコアファイバ１ａ同士の調芯工程を示す図で、調芯前の状態を示す図。It is a figure which shows the alignment process of multi-core fiber 1a, and is a figure which shows the state before alignment. マルチコアファイバ１ａ同士の調芯工程を示す図で、調芯後の状態を示す図。It is a figure which shows the alignment process of multi-core fiber 1a, and is a figure which shows the state after alignment. マルチコアファイバ１ｂを示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the multi-core fiber 1b. マルチコアファイバ１ｂのクラッドをＶ溝治具で保持した状態を示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the state which hold | maintained the clad of the multi-core fiber 1b with the V-groove jig | tool. 光ファイバテープ心線製造装置１０を示す平面図。The top view which shows the optical fiber tape core wire manufacturing apparatus 10. FIG. 光ファイバテープ心線製造装置１０を示す側方図。The side view which shows the optical fiber tape cable manufacturing apparatus 10. FIG. 図９のＨ部におけるマルチコアファイバ１ｂを示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the multi-core fiber 1b in the H section of FIG. テープ心線１７を示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the tape core wire 17. FIG. マルチコアファイバ１ｃを示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the multi-core fiber 1c. マルチコアファイバ１ｄを示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows multi-core fiber 1d. マルチコアファイバ１ｅを示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the multi-core fiber 1e. テープ心線１７ａを示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the tape core wire 17a. 光ファイバ１ｆを示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the optical fiber 1f. 光ファイバ１ｇを示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the optical fiber 1g.
（第１実施形態）
　以下、本発明にかかる光ファイバについて説明する。図１は光ファイバであるマルチコアファイバ１の長手方向と垂直な断面におけるマルチコアファイバ１の断面図である。 (First embodiment)
The optical fiber according to the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the multicore fiber 1 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multicore fiber 1 that is an optical fiber.
　マルチコアファイバ１は、複数のコア５と、コア５の外周に配置されたコア５よりも屈折率が低いクラッド３と、クラッド３を被覆する樹脂被覆７とからなる。複数のコア５は所定の間隔で配置される。ここで、本発明では、複数のコア５をまとめて、コア群５ａとする。コア群５ａは、例えば、全部で７つのコア５からなり、コア５は、コア群５ａの中心と、その周囲に正六角形の各頂点位置に配置され、クラッド３で被覆される。すなわち、中心のコア５と周囲の６つのコア５とは全て一定の間隔となり、コア群５ａの範囲内において、コア５は対称性を有するように配置される。 The multi-core fiber 1 includes a plurality of cores 5, a clad 3 having a refractive index lower than that of the core 5 disposed on the outer periphery of the core 5, and a resin coating 7 that covers the clad 3. The plurality of cores 5 are arranged at a predetermined interval. Here, in the present invention, the plurality of cores 5 are collectively referred to as a core group 5a. The core group 5a is composed of, for example, seven cores 5 in total, and the core 5 is disposed at each vertex of a regular hexagon around the center of the core group 5a and covered therewith. That is, the central core 5 and the surrounding six cores 5 are all at a constant interval, and the cores 5 are arranged to have symmetry within the core group 5a.
　ここで、コア群５ａにおいてコア５が対称性を有するとは、コア５の配置が対称軸を有することとする。コア５は、信号光の導波路となる。なお、コア５の配置は、図示した例には限られない。 Here, the core 5 having symmetry in the core group 5a means that the arrangement of the cores 5 has an axis of symmetry. The core 5 serves as a signal light waveguide. The arrangement of the cores 5 is not limited to the illustrated example.
　クラッド３の外周には、樹脂被覆７が形成される。クラッド３および樹脂被覆７は、断面が略真円形状である。また、マルチコアファイバ１の長手方向と垂直な断面において、クラッド３と樹脂被覆７の中心位置は略一致する。 A resin coating 7 is formed on the outer periphery of the cladding 3. The clad 3 and the resin coating 7 have a substantially circular cross section. Further, in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1, the center positions of the clad 3 and the resin coating 7 are substantially the same.
　一方、マルチコアファイバ１の長手方向と垂直な断面において、マルチコアファイバ１（クラッド３）の中心の位置と、コア群５ａの中心の位置は異なっている。ここで、マルチコアファイバ１（クラッド３）の中心線をＡとし、これと垂直な中心線をＢとする。また、同様に、コア群５ａの中心線をＡ、これと垂直な中心線をＣとする。図に示した例では、中心線Ａが共通し、中心線Ｂと中心線Ｃがずれた位置となる。なお、図１は、中心線Ａが共通する例を示したが、中心線Ａと垂直な方向にも、両者がずれていてもよい。 On the other hand, in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1, the position of the center of the multi-core fiber 1 (cladding 3) and the position of the center of the core group 5a are different. Here, the center line of the multi-core fiber 1 (cladding 3) is A, and the center line perpendicular thereto is B. Similarly, the center line of the core group 5a is A, and the center line perpendicular thereto is C. In the example shown in the figure, the center line A is common, and the center line B and the center line C are shifted from each other. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the center line A is common, both may be shifted in a direction perpendicular to the center line A.
　また、マルチコアファイバ１の中心の位置と、コア群５ａの中心の位置のずれ量は、識別の観点から１μｍより大きいことが好ましく、より好ましくは２μｍ以上である。ただし、ずれ量が大きすぎるとクラッド外径を大きくする必要があるなどの問題が生じるため、１０μｍ以下であることが好ましい。 Further, the amount of deviation between the center position of the multi-core fiber 1 and the center position of the core group 5a is preferably larger than 1 μm, more preferably 2 μm or more from the viewpoint of identification. However, if the amount of deviation is too large, there arises a problem that the outer diameter of the clad needs to be increased, so that the thickness is preferably 10 μm or less.
　マルチコアファイバ１の長手方向に対して垂直な断面の形態は、マルチコアファイバ１の長手方向を軸とする回転方向に対して方向性を有する。そこで、次に、マルチコアファイバ１を接続する際の調芯方法について説明する。図２（ａ）、図２（ｂ）は、マルチコアファイバ１同士の調芯工程を示す図である。まず、接続対象である一対のマルチコアファイバ１のそれぞれの先端の樹脂被覆７を所定長さ除去する（樹脂被覆除去工程）。次に、図２（ａ）に示すように、一対のマルチコアファイバ１を対向するように配置する（ファイバ配置工程）。 The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multicore fiber 1 has directivity with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the multicore fiber 1. Then, next, the alignment method at the time of connecting the multi-core fiber 1 is demonstrated. FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are diagrams showing the alignment process between the multi-core fibers 1. First, the resin coating 7 at the tip of each of the pair of multi-core fibers 1 to be connected is removed by a predetermined length (resin coating removing step). Next, as shown in FIG. 2A, a pair of multi-core fibers 1 are arranged so as to face each other (fiber arrangement step).
　この状態で、クラッド３の側方から、コア５の位置を確認する。より具体的には、まず、マルチコアファイバ１の長手方向に対して垂直な複数方向（例えば、図１のＤ方向およびＥ方向）から、クラッド３等の位置を確認する。クラッド３の長手方向に垂直な方向（図の上下方向および紙面に垂直な方向。以下、Ｘ方向およびＹ方向とする。）の位置ずれは、外形の位置を確認することで、調整することができる。 In this state, confirm the position of the core 5 from the side of the clad 3. More specifically, first, the position of the cladding 3 and the like is confirmed from a plurality of directions (for example, the D direction and the E direction in FIG. 1) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multicore fiber 1. The positional deviation in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cladding 3 (the vertical direction in the figure and the direction perpendicular to the paper surface, hereinafter referred to as the X direction and the Y direction) can be adjusted by confirming the position of the outer shape. it can.
　Ｘ方向、Ｙ方向の調芯が完了すると、マルチコアファイバ１の長手方向を回転軸とした回転方向の位置（以下、単に回転方向とする）を調芯する。前述した様に、マルチコアファイバ１の長手方向に対して垂直な複数方向からクラッド３、コア５を確認することで、クラッド３内部のコア５の位置を確認することができる。本発明では、コア群５ａの位置が、クラッド３の中心から偏心しているため、所望のコア５同士が対向する位置にないと、コア５の位置がずれて視認される。 When the alignment in the X direction and the Y direction is completed, the position in the rotation direction with the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1 as the rotation axis (hereinafter simply referred to as the rotation direction) is aligned. As described above, by confirming the clad 3 and the core 5 from a plurality of directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1, the position of the core 5 inside the clad 3 can be confirmed. In the present invention, since the position of the core group 5a is decentered from the center of the clad 3, if the desired cores 5 are not positioned to face each other, the positions of the cores 5 are visually recognized as shifted.
　次に、図２（ｂ）に示すように、それぞれのマルチコアファイバ１の一方または両方を、マルチコアファイバ１の長手方向を回転軸として回転させて（図中矢印Ｆ、矢印Ｇ）、コア５の位置を一致させる（調芯工程）。いずれのコア５の確認方向（図１のＤ方向およびＥ方向）においても、それぞれのマルチコアファイバ１のコア５の位置が一致すると、マルチコアファイバ１同士の調芯作業が完了する。この状態で、マルチコアファイバ１同士の先端を融着接続することで、マルチコアファイバ１の長手方向に対して垂直な断面において、互いの外形およびコアの配置がほぼ同じであるマルチコアファイバ１同士のそれぞれのコア同士およびクラッド同士が接続され、一対のマルチコアファイバの接続構造を得ることができる。 Next, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), one or both of the multi-core fibers 1 are rotated with the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1 as the axis of rotation (arrow F, arrow G in the figure), and the core 5 Match the positions (alignment process). In any of the confirmation directions of the cores 5 (D direction and E direction in FIG. 1), when the positions of the cores 5 of the respective multicore fibers 1 coincide with each other, the alignment work between the multicore fibers 1 is completed. In this state, the ends of the multi-core fibers 1 are fusion-spliced to each other so that each of the multi-core fibers 1 whose outer shapes and core arrangements are substantially the same in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fibers 1. These cores and clads are connected to each other, and a connection structure of a pair of multi-core fibers can be obtained.
　以上、本実施の形態によれば、マルチコアファイバ１同士の調芯作業の際、コア群５ａがクラッド３の断面において偏心しているため、誤ったコア５同士を接続してしまうことがない。また、対称性を壊す位置にコア識別のためのマーカ等を配置する必要がないため、構造が複雑化しない。 As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the core group 5a is eccentric in the cross section of the clad 3 during the alignment work between the multi-core fibers 1, the erroneous cores 5 are not connected to each other. Further, since it is not necessary to arrange a marker for identifying the core at a position where the symmetry is broken, the structure is not complicated.
　また、コア５が対称性を有する配置であるため、コア５のレイアウト設計が容易である上、別の光ファイバや光素子等と接続も容易である。 In addition, since the core 5 has a symmetrical arrangement, the layout design of the core 5 is easy, and connection with another optical fiber or optical element is also easy.
　なお、以上の説明では、マルチコアファイバ１の長手方向に対して垂直な断面において、複数のコア５が対称性を有するように配置されてコア群５ａが形成される例について説明したが、マルチコアファイバ１の長手方向に対して垂直な断面の形態が、マルチコアファイバ１の長手方向を軸とする回転方向に対して方向性を有するものであれば、本発明は適用可能である。以下の説明では、特に記載がない限り、断面のコアの配置が対称性を有する場合について説明するが、回転方向に対して方向性を有するものであってもよい。 In the above description, the example in which the core group 5a is formed by arranging the plurality of cores 5 so as to have symmetry in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1 has been described. The present invention is applicable as long as the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of 1 has directionality with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1. In the following description, a case where the arrangement of the cores in the cross section has symmetry will be described unless otherwise specified, but it may be directional with respect to the rotation direction.
（第２実施形態）
　次に、第２の実施形態について説明する。図３は、第２の実施の形態にかかるマルチコアファイバ１ａを示す断面図である。なお、以下の説明において、マルチコアファイバ１等と同様の機能を奏する構成については、図１等と同一の符号を付して、重複する説明を省略する。 (Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a multi-core fiber 1a according to the second embodiment. In the following description, components having the same functions as those of the multi-core fiber 1 and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.
　マルチコアファイバ１ａは、マルチコアファイバ１とほぼ同様の構成であるが、クラッド３ａが非真円形である点で異なる。より具体的には、マルチコアファイバ１ａのクラッド３ａは略楕円形である。 The multi-core fiber 1a has substantially the same configuration as the multi-core fiber 1, but differs in that the cladding 3a is non-circular. More specifically, the clad 3a of the multicore fiber 1a is substantially elliptical.
　マルチコアファイバ１ａは、マルチコアファイバ１と同様に、マルチコアファイバ１ａのクラッド３ａの中心（長軸方向の中心線Ａと短軸方向の中心線Ｂの交点）と、コア群５ａの中心（中心線Ａと中心線Ｃの交点）がずれている。すなわち、コア群５ａは、クラッド３ａに対して偏心して配置される。なお、コア群５ａの偏心方向は、長軸方向であることが望ましい。この場合、クラッド３ａの長軸方向の中心線Ａとコア群５ａの同一方向の中心線Ａとが共通する。なお、樹脂被覆７の断面外形は略真円である。また、樹脂被覆７の中心とクラッド３ａの中心は略一致する。 Similarly to the multicore fiber 1, the multicore fiber 1a includes the center of the clad 3a of the multicore fiber 1a (intersection of the center line A in the major axis direction and the center line B in the minor axis direction) and the center of the core group 5a (center line A). And the intersection of the center line C) are shifted. That is, the core group 5a is arranged eccentrically with respect to the clad 3a. The eccentric direction of the core group 5a is preferably the long axis direction. In this case, the center line A in the major axis direction of the clad 3a and the center line A in the same direction of the core group 5a are common. In addition, the cross-sectional external shape of the resin coating 7 is a substantially perfect circle. Further, the center of the resin coating 7 and the center of the clad 3a substantially coincide.
　マルチコアファイバ１ａの調芯を行う場合には、マルチコアファイバ１と同様に、まず、接続対象である一対のマルチコアファイバ１ａのそれぞれの先端の樹脂被覆７を所定長さ除去する。 When aligning the multi-core fiber 1a, as with the multi-core fiber 1, first, the resin coating 7 at each end of the pair of multi-core fibers 1a to be connected is removed by a predetermined length.
　次に、図４に示すように、樹脂被覆７を除去した範囲において、クラッド３ａを一対のＶ溝治具９ａ、９ｂで挟み込む。Ｖ溝治具９ａ、９ｂは、それぞれＶ溝が形成された部材である。 Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the clad 3a is sandwiched between a pair of V-groove jigs 9a and 9b within a range where the resin coating 7 is removed. The V-groove jigs 9a and 9b are members each having a V-groove.
　なお、このようなＶ溝治具は、メカニカルスプライスなどで一般に使用されている。適切な形状のＶ溝で抑え込むと、マルチコアファイバ１ａの断面の長軸方向がＶ溝治具の対向方向になるように自然と抑え込むことができる。従って、常に一定の回転方向にそろうように整列することが容易になる。例えば、融着機のファイバホルダーにこの機構を設ければ、多心テープで一括接続も可能になる。多心テープである程度の整列がされていれば、樹脂被覆７を剥いだ状態のクラッド３ａをＶ溝で押さえ込めば、回転方向が合わせられるためである。 Note that such a V-groove jig is generally used for mechanical splices and the like. When restrained with an appropriately shaped V-groove, the major axis direction of the cross-section of the multi-core fiber 1a can be naturally restrained so as to be opposite to the V-groove jig. Therefore, it becomes easy to align so as to always be in a constant rotational direction. For example, if this mechanism is provided in the fiber holder of the fusion splicer, batch connection with multi-fiber tape is possible. This is because the rotation direction can be adjusted if the clad 3a with the resin coating 7 peeled is pressed by the V-groove if the multi-core tape is aligned to some extent.
　このように、Ｖ溝の形状をクラッド３ａに対応させることで、クラッド３ａをＶ溝治具９ａ、９ｂで挟み込むだけで、マルチコアファイバ１ａの回転方向の向きを、概ね図示した方向に揃えることができる。このような、Ｖ溝治具９ａ、９ｂで挟み込まれたマルチコアファイバ１ａ同士を対向させることで、調芯を容易に行うことができる。 Thus, by making the shape of the V-groove correspond to the clad 3a, the rotation direction of the multi-core fiber 1a can be substantially aligned with the direction shown in the figure simply by sandwiching the clad 3a with the V-groove jigs 9a and 9b. it can. By aligning such multi-core fibers 1a sandwiched between the V-groove jigs 9a and 9b, alignment can be easily performed.
　なお、Ｖ溝での調芯を仮調芯として、その後、それぞれのマルチコアファイバ１ａの少なくとも一方を回転させて、コア５の位置を一致させることで、調芯を行ってもよい。前述した様に、複数のコア５の確認方向（図１のＤ方向およびＥ方向）において、それぞれのマルチコアファイバ１ａのコア５の位置が一致するように少なくとも一方のマルチコアファイバ１ａを回転させることで調芯を行うことができる。 Note that alignment may be performed by aligning the V-groove as a temporary alignment, and then rotating at least one of the multi-core fibers 1a so that the positions of the cores 5 coincide. As described above, by rotating at least one of the multi-core fibers 1a so that the positions of the cores 5 of the respective multi-core fibers 1a coincide with each other in the confirmation directions (D direction and E direction in FIG. 1) of the plurality of cores 5. Alignment can be performed.
　また、図５（ａ）に示すように、Ｖ溝治具を用いなくても、一対のマルチコアファイバ１ａを対向するように配置すると、マルチコアファイバ１ａの回転方向の位置によって、外形が異なるように視認される。したがって、例えば、マルチコアファイバ１ａの側面から複数の外形計測器でクラッド３ａの形を計測し、互いの長軸と短軸を合わせるよう少なくとも一方のマルチコアファイバ１ａを回転させることで、図５（ｂ）に示すように、調芯を行うことができる。その後さらに、コア５の位置が一致していることを確認してもよい。この状態で、マルチコアファイバ１ａ同士の先端を融着接続することで、マルチコアファイバ同士を接続し、マルチコアファイバの接続構造を得ることができる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, when a pair of multi-core fibers 1a are arranged so as to face each other without using a V-groove jig, the outer shape varies depending on the position of the multi-core fibers 1a in the rotational direction. Visible. Therefore, for example, by measuring the shape of the cladding 3a from the side surface of the multi-core fiber 1a with a plurality of external measuring instruments and rotating at least one multi-core fiber 1a so that the long axis and the short axis are aligned with each other, FIG. ), Alignment can be performed. Thereafter, it may be further confirmed that the positions of the cores 5 are matched. In this state, the ends of the multi-core fibers 1a are fusion-spliced so that the multi-core fibers can be connected to each other and a multi-core fiber connection structure can be obtained.
　第２の実施形態によれば、第１の実施形態と同様の効果を得ることができる。また、クラッド３ａが非真円形（楕円形）であるため、Ｖ溝治具によって、容易に調芯を行うことができる。また、外形を確認することで、調芯を行うこともできる。 According to the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, since the clad 3a is non-circular (elliptical), alignment can be easily performed with a V-groove jig. In addition, alignment can be performed by checking the outer shape.
　また、楕円形同士のクラッド３ａを有するため、融着の際、溶融したガラスの表面張力によって、例えばクラッド３ａの長軸方向の端部同士が引き寄せあうことが期待できる。このため、多少の回転方向の位置ずれが、融着時に緩和される可能性もある。 In addition, since the clad 3a has an elliptical shape, it can be expected that, for example, end portions in the major axis direction of the clad 3a are attracted to each other due to the surface tension of the molten glass. For this reason, there is a possibility that some displacement in the rotational direction is alleviated at the time of fusion.
（第３実施形態）
　次に、第３の実施形態について説明する。図６は、第３の実施の形態にかかるマルチコアファイバ１ｂを示す断面図である。マルチコアファイバ１ｂは、マルチコアファイバ１ａとほぼ同様の構成であるが、クラッド３ｂが略しずく形である点が異なる。すなわち、クラッド３ｂも非真円形である。なお、樹脂被覆７の断面外形は略真円形状である。また、樹脂被覆７の中心とクラッド３ａの中心は略一致する。 (Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a multi-core fiber 1b according to the third embodiment. The multi-core fiber 1b has substantially the same configuration as that of the multi-core fiber 1a, except that the clad 3b has a substantially drop shape. That is, the cladding 3b is also non-circular. In addition, the cross-sectional external shape of the resin coating 7 is a substantially perfect circle shape. Further, the center of the resin coating 7 and the center of the clad 3a substantially coincide.
　ここで、しずく形とは、全周が連続した円弧状に形成されており、楕円と同様に、長軸およびこれと直交する短軸とを有し、長軸を対称軸として略線対称な形状であるとともに、長軸上の一方の円弧部とこれと対向する他方の円弧部の曲率半径が互いに異なる形状である。図示した例では、長軸方向の中心線Ａ上の上方の円弧部が小径部４ａであり、下方の円弧部が小径部４ａよりも曲率半径の大きな大径部４ｂとなる。 Here, the drop shape is formed in an arc shape having a continuous entire circumference, and has a major axis and a minor axis perpendicular to the major axis, and is substantially line symmetric with the major axis as a symmetry axis. In addition to the shape, the radius of curvature of one arc portion on the long axis and the other arc portion facing the arc portion are different from each other. In the illustrated example, the upper arc portion on the center line A in the major axis direction is the small diameter portion 4a, and the lower arc portion is the large diameter portion 4b having a larger curvature radius than the small diameter portion 4a.
　マルチコアファイバ１ｂは、マルチコアファイバ１と同様に、マルチコアファイバ１ｂのクラッド３ｂの中心（長軸方向の中心線Ａと短軸方向の中心線Ｂの交点）と、コア群５ａの中心（中心線Ａと中心線Ｃの交点）がずれている。ここで、クラッド３ｂの短軸方向の中心線Ｂは、中心線Ａと直交し、中心線Ａ上の長軸方向のクラッド３ｂの長さ（最大長さ）に対し、端部からその１／２となる位置を通る中心線をいう。 Similarly to the multicore fiber 1, the multicore fiber 1b includes the center of the clad 3b of the multicore fiber 1b (intersection of the center line A in the major axis direction and the center line B in the minor axis direction) and the center of the core group 5a (center line A). And the intersection of the center line C) are shifted. Here, the center line B in the minor axis direction of the clad 3b is orthogonal to the center line A, and the length of the clad 3b in the major axis direction on the center line A (maximum length) is 1 / The center line passing through the position of 2.
　このように、コア群５ａは、クラッド３ｂに対して偏心して配置される。なお、コア群５ａの偏心方向は、長軸方向であって、曲率半径の大きな大径部４ｂ側であることが望ましい。この場合、クラッド３ｂの長軸方向の中心線Ａとコア群５ａの同一方向の中心線とが共通する。 Thus, the core group 5a is arranged eccentrically with respect to the clad 3b. The eccentric direction of the core group 5a is preferably the long axis direction and the large diameter portion 4b side having a large curvature radius. In this case, the center line A in the major axis direction of the clad 3b and the center line in the same direction of the core group 5a are common.
　マルチコアファイバ１ｂの調芯を行う場合には、マルチコアファイバ１ａと同様に、Ｖ溝治具９ａ、９ｂを用いることができる。まず、接続対象である一対のマルチコアファイバ１ｂのそれぞれの先端の樹脂被覆７を所定長さ除去した後、図７に示すように、樹脂被覆７を除去した範囲において、クラッド３ｂを一対のＶ溝治具９ａ、９ｂで挟み込む。 When aligning the multi-core fiber 1b, V-groove jigs 9a and 9b can be used as in the multi-core fiber 1a. First, after removing a predetermined length of the resin coating 7 at each end of the pair of multi-core fibers 1b to be connected, the clad 3b is paired with a pair of V-grooves in the range where the resin coating 7 is removed as shown in FIG. It is sandwiched between jigs 9a and 9b.
　なお、適切な形状のＶ溝で抑え込むと、マルチコアファイバ１ｂの断面の長軸方向がＶ溝治具の対向方向になるように自然と抑え込むことができる。特に、Ｖ溝治具９ａのＶ溝形状を、クラッド３ｂの大径部４ｂに適した形状とし、Ｖ溝治具９ｂのＶ溝形状を、クラッド３ｂの小径部４ａに適した形状とすれば、クラッド３ｂの向きを自然とそろえることもできる。 In addition, if it suppresses with the V-shaped groove | channel of an appropriate shape, it can suppress naturally so that the major axis direction of the cross section of the multi-core fiber 1b may become the opposing direction of a V-groove jig. In particular, if the V groove shape of the V groove jig 9a is a shape suitable for the large diameter portion 4b of the clad 3b, and the V groove shape of the V groove jig 9b is a shape suitable for the small diameter portion 4a of the clad 3b. In addition, the direction of the clad 3b can be naturally aligned.
　このように、Ｖ溝の形状をクラッド３ｂに対応させることで、クラッド３ｂをＶ溝治具９ａ、９ｂで挟み込むだけで、マルチコアファイバ１ｂの回転方向の向きを、概ね図示した方向に揃えることができる。このようにして、Ｖ溝治具９ａ、９ｂで挟み込まれたマルチコアファイバ１ａ同士を対向させることで、調芯を行うことができる。 Thus, by making the shape of the V groove correspond to the clad 3b, the rotation direction of the multi-core fiber 1b can be substantially aligned with the direction shown in the figure simply by sandwiching the clad 3b with the V groove jigs 9a and 9b. it can. Thus, alignment can be performed by making the multi-core fibers 1a sandwiched between the V-groove jigs 9a and 9b face each other.
　なお、Ｖ溝での調芯を仮調芯として、その後、それぞれのマルチコアファイバ１ｂの少なくとも一方を回転させて、コア５の位置を一致させることで、調芯を行ってもよい。前述した様に、複数のコア５の確認方向（図１のＤ方向およびＥ方向）において、それぞれのマルチコアファイバ１ｂのコア５の位置が一致するように少なくとも一方のマルチコアファイバ１ｂを回転させることで調芯を行うことができる。 Note that alignment may be performed by aligning the V-groove as a temporary alignment, and then rotating at least one of the multi-core fibers 1b so that the positions of the cores 5 coincide. As described above, by rotating at least one of the multi-core fibers 1b so that the positions of the cores 5 of the respective multi-core fibers 1b coincide with each other in the confirmation directions of the plurality of cores 5 (D direction and E direction in FIG. 1). Alignment can be performed.
　また、前述した様に、Ｖ溝治具を用いなくても、一対のマルチコアファイバ１ｂを対向するように配置した状態でクラッド３ｂの外形を計測し、互いの長軸と短軸を合わせるよう少なくとも一方のマルチコアファイバ１ｂを回転させることで、調芯を行うこともできる。その後さらに、コア５の位置が一致していることを確認してもよい。 In addition, as described above, the outer shape of the clad 3b is measured in a state where the pair of multi-core fibers 1b are arranged so as to face each other without using a V-groove jig, and at least the long axis and the short axis are aligned with each other. Alignment can also be performed by rotating one multi-core fiber 1b. Thereafter, it may be further confirmed that the positions of the cores 5 are matched.
　次に、マルチコアファイバ１ｂを用いたテープ心線の製造方法について説明する。前述したマルチコアファイバ１ａと同様に、Ｖ溝治具９ａ、９ｂによって、複数のマルチコアファイバ１ｂのそれぞれの回転方向位置を揃えた状態でテープ化することもできるが、他の方法を用いることもできる。 Next, a method for manufacturing a tape core using the multi-core fiber 1b will be described. Similar to the multicore fiber 1a described above, the V-groove jigs 9a and 9b can be taped with the respective rotational direction positions of the plurality of multicore fibers 1b aligned, but other methods can also be used. .
　図８は、光ファイバテープ心線製造装置１０を示す概略平面図、図９は、光ファイバテープ心線製造装置１０を示す概略側方図である。光ファイバテープ心線製造装置１０は、ローラ１３、テープ樹脂被覆部１５等からなる。なお、図示した例では、４本のマルチコアファイバ１ｂをテープ化する例を示すが、マルチコアファイバ１ｂの本数は問わない。 8 is a schematic plan view showing the optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 10, and FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing the optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. The optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a roller 13, a tape resin coating portion 15, and the like. In the illustrated example, an example in which four multicore fibers 1b are taped is shown, but the number of multicore fibers 1b is not limited.
　ボビン１１から繰り出されたマルチコアファイバ１ｂは、それぞれローラ１３に送られる。マルチコアファイバ１ｂは、所定の張力が付与された状態でローラ１３に接して屈曲する。 The multi-core fibers 1b fed out from the bobbin 11 are respectively sent to the rollers 13. The multi-core fiber 1b is bent in contact with the roller 13 in a state where a predetermined tension is applied.
　図１０は、図９のＨ部における部分断面図である。図１０に示すように、所定の張力を付した状態でマルチコアファイバ１ｂをローラ１３に接触させて屈曲させると、マルチコアファイバ１ｂは、より安定な回転方向の向きとなるように、自身で回転する。具体的には、クラッド３ｂの重心位置（大径部４ｂ）が、ローラ１３側（屈曲部の内周側）にくるように、マルチコアファイバ１ｂが回転する。これは、大径部４ｂ側は、小径部４ａ側と比較して、軽量で伸びやすい樹脂被覆７の量が少ないため、変形のしやすい小径部４ａが外周側に向き、重心に近く変形のしにくい大径部４ｂがローラ１３に押し付けられるようになるためと思われる。 FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along a portion H in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, when the multi-core fiber 1b is brought into contact with the roller 13 and bent in a state where a predetermined tension is applied, the multi-core fiber 1b rotates by itself so as to be in a more stable rotation direction. . Specifically, the multi-core fiber 1b rotates so that the center of gravity position (large diameter portion 4b) of the clad 3b is on the roller 13 side (inner peripheral side of the bent portion). This is because the large-diameter portion 4b side is lighter and less stretchable than the small-diameter portion 4a side, and therefore the deformable small-diameter portion 4a faces the outer peripheral side and is deformed close to the center of gravity. This seems to be because the large-diameter portion 4 b that is difficult to press is pressed against the roller 13.
　より具体的には、マルチコアファイバ１ｂの長手方向に垂直な断面において、クラッド３ｂの長軸と直交する樹脂被覆７の中心線（すなわち、図６の中心線Ｂ）でマルチコアファイバ１ｂの断面を二つの領域に区分した場合、マルチコアファイバ１ｂの断面のそれぞれの領域におけるクラッド３ｂが占める割合を比較すると、小径部４ａ側よりも大径部４ｂ側の方が、クラッド３ｂの占める割合が多く、大径部４ｂ側よりも小径部４ａ側の方が、樹脂被覆７の占める割合が多い。ここで、マルチコアファイバ１ｂの断面における任意の中心線で領域を区分した場合において、最もクラッド３ｂの割合が多くなる方向が、ローラ１３側となる方向に安定しやすい。したがって、大径部４ｂ側がローラ１３側に押し付けられる方向に回転する。 More specifically, in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multi-core fiber 1b, the cross-section of the multi-core fiber 1b is taken along the center line of the resin coating 7 perpendicular to the major axis of the cladding 3b (ie, the center line B in FIG. 6). When divided into two regions, the proportion of the clad 3b in each region of the cross section of the multi-core fiber 1b is compared, and the proportion of the clad 3b is larger on the large-diameter portion 4b side than on the small-diameter portion 4a side. The ratio of the resin coating 7 is larger on the small diameter portion 4a side than on the diameter portion 4b side. Here, when the region is divided by an arbitrary center line in the cross section of the multi-core fiber 1b, the direction in which the ratio of the clad 3b is the largest is easily stabilized in the direction toward the roller 13 side. Therefore, the large diameter portion 4b side rotates in a direction in which it is pressed against the roller 13 side.
　このように、それぞれのマルチコアファイバ１ｂがローラ１３との接触によって、より安定な向きに揃えられ、すべて一定の向きに揃ったマルチコアファイバ１ｂは、テープ樹脂被覆部１５を通過する。テープ樹脂被覆部１５では、複数本のマルチコアファイバ１ｂが整列されて、外周部にテープ樹脂被覆が塗布される。テープ樹脂被覆部１５は、例えば、整列ダイスや押出ダイスからなる押出機である。 Thus, each multi-core fiber 1b is aligned in a more stable direction by contact with the roller 13, and the multi-core fibers 1b all aligned in a certain direction pass through the tape resin coating portion 15. In the tape resin coating portion 15, a plurality of multi-core fibers 1b are aligned, and a tape resin coating is applied to the outer peripheral portion. The tape resin coating portion 15 is an extruder composed of, for example, an alignment die or an extrusion die.
　テープ樹脂被覆部１５で塗布されたテープ樹脂被覆は、必要に応じて、乾燥やＵＶ照射によって硬化する。複数本のマルチコアファイバ１ｂが一体化されたテープ心線１７は、図示を省略した巻き取り装置によって巻き取られる。以上により、テープ心線１７が製造される。 The tape resin coating applied at the tape resin coating portion 15 is cured by drying or UV irradiation as necessary. The tape core wire 17 in which a plurality of multi-core fibers 1b are integrated is wound up by a winding device (not shown). Thus, the tape core wire 17 is manufactured.
　図１１は、テープ心線１７の断面図である。前述した様に、テープ心線１７は、複数のマルチコアファイバ１ｂが併設されて、その外周をテープ樹脂被覆１９で被覆して一体化されたものである。テープ心線１７の長手方向に垂直な断面において、全てのマルチコアファイバ１ｂのクラッド３ｂが同一の方向に向くように配置される。より具体的には、クラッド３ｂの大径部４ｂが、テープ心線１７の同一の面方向に揃うように配置される。 FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the tape core wire 17. As described above, the tape core wire 17 is formed by providing a plurality of multi-core fibers 1b and coating the outer periphery with the tape resin coating 19 so as to be integrated. In the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tape core wire 17, the clads 3 b of all the multicore fibers 1 b are arranged so as to face in the same direction. More specifically, the large-diameter portion 4b of the clad 3b is arranged so as to align with the same surface direction of the tape core wire 17.
　この結果、全てのマルチコアファイバ１ｂのコア５の配置が、全て同じ向きに配列するようにマルチコアファイバ１ｂが配置される。例えば、図示した例では、３つのコア５をつなぐそれぞれのマルチコアファイバ１の一つの中心線が、全て、テープ心線１７の厚み方向（図の上下方向）に向くようにマルチコアファイバ１が配置される。また、テープ心線１７は、テープ心線１７の長手方向の全長にわたって、コア５の配列が略一定である。すなわち、テープ心線１７の長手方向の任意の断面において、常に、コア５の配列が略一定となる。 As a result, the multi-core fibers 1b are arranged so that the cores 5 of all the multi-core fibers 1b are arranged in the same direction. For example, in the illustrated example, the multi-core fiber 1 is disposed so that one center line of each of the multi-core fibers 1 connecting the three cores 5 is all directed in the thickness direction (vertical direction in the figure) of the tape core wire 17. The Further, in the tape core wire 17, the arrangement of the cores 5 is substantially constant over the entire length of the tape core wire 17 in the longitudinal direction. That is, the arrangement of the cores 5 is always substantially constant in any cross section in the longitudinal direction of the tape core wire 17.
　第３の実施形態によれば、第２の実施形態と同様の効果を得ることができる。また、クラッド３ｂがしずく形であるため、クラッド３ａと同様の調芯方法以外に、光ファイバテープ心線製造装置１０によって、容易にテープ心線を製造することができる。 According to the third embodiment, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained. Further, since the clad 3b has a drop shape, the optical fiber tape core manufacturing apparatus 10 can easily manufacture the tape core other than the alignment method similar to that of the clad 3a.
　なお、光ファイバテープ心線製造装置１０においては、マルチコアファイバ１ｂの自己の回転力を利用する。このため、ボビン１１とローラ１３との間（他の構成がある場合には、他の構成とローラ１３との間）の距離を十分にとる必要がある。この距離が短いと、マルチコアファイバ１ｂの回転がボビン１１等によって拘束されて、自由な回転が阻害される恐れがあるためである。 In the optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus 10, the self-rotation force of the multi-core fiber 1b is used. For this reason, it is necessary to provide a sufficient distance between the bobbin 11 and the roller 13 (if there is another configuration, between the other configuration and the roller 13). This is because if the distance is short, the rotation of the multi-core fiber 1b is restricted by the bobbin 11 or the like, and free rotation may be hindered.
（他のマルチコアファイバの実施形態）
　本発明に適用可能なマルチコアファイバは、前述したような形態には限られない。例えば、図１２（ａ）に示すように、コア５が列をなして配列したマルチコアファイバ１ｄにも適用が可能である。図示した例では、コア５が２列に配列した例を示す。この場合でも、コア５を包含する最小円をコア群５ａとし、この中心がクラッド３の中心とずれるように配置すればよい。 (Other multi-core fiber embodiments)
The multi-core fiber applicable to the present invention is not limited to the above-described form. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, the present invention can also be applied to a multi-core fiber 1d in which cores 5 are arranged in a row. In the illustrated example, an example in which the cores 5 are arranged in two rows is shown. Even in this case, the minimum circle including the core 5 may be the core group 5a, and the center may be arranged so as to be shifted from the center of the clad 3.
　また、図１２（ｂ）に示すマルチコアファイバ１ｄのように、このようなコア５の配置を、楕円形のクラッド３ａと組み合わせてもよい。また、図１２（ｃ）に示すマルチコアファイバ１ｅのように、このようなコア５の配置を、しずく形のクラッド３ｂと組み合わせてもよい。 Further, like the multi-core fiber 1d shown in FIG. 12B, such an arrangement of the core 5 may be combined with the elliptical clad 3a. Further, like the multi-core fiber 1e shown in FIG. 12C, such an arrangement of the cores 5 may be combined with a drop-shaped clad 3b.
　また、本発明は、マルチコアファイバ１ｂ以外の他のマルチコアファイバについても、テープ心線とすることができる。図１３は、一例としてマルチコアファイバ１を用いたテープ心線１７ａの断面図である。テープ心線１７ａは、マルチコアファイバ１の端面の側方観察で、コア５の位置を観察し、全てのマルチコアファイバ１の方向を合わせながら、外周に被覆樹脂を設けてテープ化することで製造される。このようにすることで、テープ心線１７ａの長手方向に垂直な断面において、全てのマルチコアファイバ１のクラッド３が同一の方向に向くように配置することができる。 Moreover, the present invention can also be used as a tape core wire for other multicore fibers other than the multicore fiber 1b. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a tape core wire 17a using the multicore fiber 1 as an example. The tape core wire 17a is manufactured by observing the position of the core 5 by side observation of the end face of the multi-core fiber 1 and providing a coating resin on the outer periphery while aligning the directions of all the multi-core fibers 1 to form a tape. The By doing in this way, in the cross section perpendicular | vertical to the longitudinal direction of the tape core wire 17a, it can arrange | position so that the clad | crud 3 of all the multi-core fibers 1 may face the same direction.
（他の光ファイバの実施形態）
　本発明は、単一のコア５を有する光ファイバにも適用が可能である。 (Other optical fiber embodiments)
The present invention can also be applied to an optical fiber having a single core 5.
　例えば、図１４（ａ）に示す光ファイバ１ｆは、単一のコア５と、コア５を被覆するクラッド３ｂと、クラッド３ｂを被覆する樹脂被覆７とを有する。光ファイバ１ｆの長手方向に対して垂直な断面におけるクラッド３ｂの断面形状は、非真円形（図ではしずく形の例を示す）である。コア５の位置（中心線Ａと線Ｃとの交点）は、クラッド３ｂの中心位置（中心線Ａ，Ｂの交点）からずれた位置に配置される。したがって、光ファイバ１ｆの長手方向に対して垂直な断面の形態が、光ファイバ１ｆの長手方向を軸とする回転方向に対して方向性を有する。 For example, an optical fiber 1f shown in FIG. 14A includes a single core 5, a clad 3b that covers the core 5, and a resin coating 7 that covers the clad 3b. The cross-sectional shape of the cladding 3b in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 1f is a non-true circle (an example of a drop shape is shown in the figure). The position of the core 5 (intersection of the center line A and the line C) is arranged at a position shifted from the center position of the clad 3b (intersection of the center lines A and B). Therefore, the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 1f is directional with respect to the rotation direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 1f.
　この場合には、クラッド３ｂの断面形状は、非真円形であるので、図７に示したＶ溝治具９ａ、９ｂを用い、適切な形状のＶ溝で抑え込むことで、光ファイバ１ｆの断面の長軸方向がＶ溝治具の対向方向になるように自然と抑え込むことができる。従って、常に一定の回転方向にそろうように整列することが容易になる。また、一対の光ファイバ１ｆを調芯する場合は、コア５の確認方向（図１のＤ方向およびＥ方向）において、それぞれの光ファイバ１ｆのコア５の位置が一致するように少なくとも一方の光ファイバ１ｆを回転させることで、一対の光ファイバ１ｆの調芯を行うこともできる。 In this case, since the cross-sectional shape of the clad 3b is non-circular, the cross-section of the optical fiber 1f is suppressed by using the V-groove jigs 9a and 9b shown in FIG. Can be naturally restrained so that the major axis direction of this is the opposite direction of the V-groove jig. Therefore, it becomes easy to align so as to always be in a constant rotational direction. In the case of aligning a pair of optical fibers 1f, at least one of the optical fibers 1f is aligned so that the positions of the cores 5 coincide with each other in the confirmation direction of the core 5 (D direction and E direction in FIG. 1). By rotating the fiber 1f, the pair of optical fibers 1f can be aligned.
　また、図５（ａ）に示すように、一対の光ファイバ１ｆを対向するように配置した場合、光ファイバ１ｆの回転方向の位置によって、外形が異なるように視認される。したがって、例えば、光ファイバ１ｆの側面から複数の外形計測器でクラッド３ｂの形を計測し、互いの長軸と短軸を合わせるよう少なくとも一方の光ファイバ１ｆを回転させることで、調芯を行うことができる。 Also, as shown in FIG. 5A, when a pair of optical fibers 1f are arranged so as to face each other, the outer shape is visually recognized to be different depending on the position of the optical fiber 1f in the rotation direction. Therefore, for example, the shape of the clad 3b is measured from the side surface of the optical fiber 1f with a plurality of outer shape measuring instruments, and alignment is performed by rotating at least one of the optical fibers 1f so that the major axis and the minor axis are aligned with each other. be able to.
　このように、接続対象である一対の光ファイバ１ｆのそれぞれの先端の樹脂被覆７を所定長さ除去し（樹脂被覆除去工程）、一対の一対の光ファイバ１ｆを対向するように配置し（ファイバ配置工程）、一対の前記光ファイバを、一対のＶ溝治具でそれぞれ挟み込んで保持し、前記光ファイバの回転方向の向きを揃える（調芯工程）によって、確実に光ファイバ１ｆ同士の調芯を行うことができる。 In this way, the resin coating 7 at the tip of each of the pair of optical fibers 1f to be connected is removed by a predetermined length (resin coating removing step), and the pair of optical fibers 1f are arranged to face each other (fiber Placement step), the pair of optical fibers are sandwiched and held by a pair of V-groove jigs, respectively, and the optical fibers 1f are reliably aligned by aligning the rotation direction of the optical fibers (alignment step). It can be performed.
　また、この様にして、一対の光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面において、それぞれの光ファイバの外形およびコアの配置がほぼ同じ光ファイバ１ｆ同士に対し、互いのコア５同士およびクラッド３ｂ同士を融着して接続することで、一対の光ファイバの接続構造を得ることができる。 Further, in this manner, in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pair of optical fibers, the optical fibers 1f having substantially the same outer shape and core arrangement of the optical fibers, and the cores 5 and the clad 3b. A connection structure of a pair of optical fibers can be obtained by fusing together.
　また、図１４（ｂ）は、光ファイバ１ｆに対して、コア５とは別にマーカ６が配置された光ファイバ１ｇを示す図である。光ファイバ１ｇのように、コア５とは別に、クラッド３ｂの側方から、コア５よりも確認しやすい位置にマーカ６を配置してもよい。この場合、マーカ６の確認方向（図１のＤ方向およびＥ方向）において、それぞれの光ファイバ１ｇのマーカ６の位置が一致するように少なくとも一方の光ファイバ１ｇを回転させることで調芯を行い、テープ化や接続を行うことができる。 FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an optical fiber 1g in which a marker 6 is arranged separately from the core 5 with respect to the optical fiber 1f. Like the optical fiber 1 g, the marker 6 may be arranged at a position that is easier to confirm than the core 5 from the side of the clad 3 b separately from the core 5. In this case, alignment is performed by rotating at least one of the optical fibers 1g so that the positions of the markers 6 of the respective optical fibers 1g coincide in the confirmation direction of the marker 6 (D direction and E direction in FIG. 1). Can be taped and connected.
　また、光ファイバ１ｆ、１ｇのように、クラッドの外径がしずく形の場合には、図８、図９に示した光ファイバテープ心線製造装置１０を用いて、単心の光ファイバ１ｆ、１ｇからなるテープ心線を製造することも可能である。すなわち、それぞれの光ファイバ１ｆ、１ｇをローラに沿って屈曲させる屈曲工程と、光ファイバ１ｆ、１ｇをテープ化するテープ化工程とから、テープ心線を製造することができる。このように、複数の光ファイバ１ｆ、１ｇが複数本併設され、その外周がテープ樹脂被覆により被覆されたテープ心線を得ることができる。また、この際、テープ心線の長手方向に垂直な断面において、全ての光ファイバ１ｆ、１ｇのクラッド３ｂが同一の方向に向くように配置することができる。 Further, when the outer diameter of the cladding is a drop shape like the optical fibers 1f and 1g, the optical fiber tape core manufacturing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. It is also possible to produce a 1 g tape core. That is, a tape core wire can be manufactured from a bending step of bending each optical fiber 1f, 1g along a roller and a tape forming step of forming the optical fibers 1f, 1g into a tape. Thus, a plurality of optical fibers 1f and 1g are provided side by side, and a tape core wire whose outer periphery is coated with a tape resin coating can be obtained. At this time, in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tape core wire, the clads 3b of all the optical fibers 1f and 1g can be arranged so as to face in the same direction.
　以上、添付図を参照しながら、本発明の実施の形態を説明したが、本発明の技術的範囲は、前述した実施の形態に左右されない。当業者であれば、特許請求の範囲に記載された技術的思想の範疇内において各種の変更例または修正例に想到し得ることは明らかであり、それらについても当然に本発明の技術的範囲に属するものと了解される。 The embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the technical scope of the present invention is not affected by the above-described embodiment. It is obvious for those skilled in the art that various modifications or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood that it belongs.
　例えば、非真円形のクラッドの断面形状としては、楕円形やしずく形以外であってもよい。 For example, the cross-sectional shape of the non-circular clad may be other than an elliptical shape or a drop shape.
１、１ａ、１ｂ、１ｃ………マルチコアファイバ
１ｆ、１ｇ………光ファイバ
３、３ａ、３ｂ………クラッド
４ａ………小径部
４ｂ………大径部
５………コア
５ａ………コア群
６………マーカ
７………樹脂被覆
９ａ、９ｂ………Ｖ溝治具
１０………光ファイバテープ心線製造装置
１１………ボビン
１３………ローラ
１５………テープ樹脂被覆部
１７………テープ心線
１９………テープ樹脂被覆 1, 1 a, 1 b, 1 c ............ multi-core fiber 1 f, 1 g ............ optical fibers 3, 3 a, 3 b ............ cladding 4 a ............ small diameter part 4 b ............ large diameter part 5 ............ core 5 a ...... ... Core group 6 ......... Marker 7 ......... Resin coating 9a, 9b ......... V-groove jig 10 ......... Optical fiber tape core manufacturing apparatus 11 ......... Bobbin 13 ......... Roller 15 ......... Tape Resin coating 17 ......... Tape core 19 ......... Tape resin coating

Claims (11)

  1. 　複数のコアからなるコア群と、前記コア群を被覆するクラッドと、前記クラッドを被覆する樹脂被覆と、を有する光ファイバであって、
    　前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面の形態が、前記光ファイバの長手方向を軸とする回転方向に対して方向性を有し、かつ、前記クラッドの中心の位置と、前記コア群の中心の位置が異なることを特徴とする光ファイバ。     An optical fiber having a core group composed of a plurality of cores, a clad for covering the core group, and a resin coating for covering the clad,
    The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and the position of the center of the cladding and the core group An optical fiber characterized in that the position of the center is different.
  2. 　前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面において、複数の前記コアが対称性を有するように配置されて前記コア群が形成されることを特徴とする請求項１記載の光ファイバ。 2. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the cores are arranged so as to have symmetry in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber to form the core group.
  3. 　前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面における前記クラッドの断面形状が、非真円形であることを特徴とする請求項１記載の光ファイバ。 The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the clad in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is a non-true circle.
  4. 　前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面における前記クラッドの断面形状が楕円形であることを特徴とする請求項３記載の光ファイバ。 The optical fiber according to claim 3, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the clad in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is an ellipse.
  5. 　前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面における前記クラッドの断面形状がしずく形であることを特徴とする請求項３記載の光ファイバ。 The optical fiber according to claim 3, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the clad in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is a drop shape.
  6. 　コアと、前記コアを被覆するクラッドと、前記クラッドを被覆する樹脂被覆と、を有する光ファイバであって、
    　前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面における前記クラッドの断面形状が、非真円形であり、
    　前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面の形態が、前記光ファイバの長手方向を軸とする回転方向に対して方向性を有し、かつ、前記クラッドの中心の位置と、前記コアの中心の位置が異なることを特徴とする光ファイバ。     An optical fiber having a core, a cladding that covers the core, and a resin coating that covers the cladding,
    The cross-sectional shape of the clad in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is a non-true circle,
    The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and the position of the center of the cladding and the core An optical fiber characterized in that the center position is different.
  7. 　請求項１記載の光ファイバを複数本併設し、その外周をテープ樹脂被覆により被覆したテープ心線であって、
    　前記テープ心線の長手方向に垂直な断面において、全ての前記光ファイバの前記クラッドが同一の方向に向くように配置されていることを特徴とするテープ心線。     A plurality of optical fibers according to claim 1, wherein the outer periphery of the optical fiber is coated with a tape resin coating,
    A tape core, wherein the clads of all the optical fibers are arranged in the same direction in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tape core.
  8. 　請求項６記載の光ファイバを複数本併設し、その外周をテープ樹脂被覆により被覆したテープ心線であって、
    　前記テープ心線の長手方向に垂直な断面において、全ての前記光ファイバの前記クラッドが同一の方向に向くように配置されていることを特徴とするテープ心線。     A plurality of optical fibers according to claim 6, wherein the outer periphery of the optical fiber is coated with a tape resin coating,
    A tape core, wherein the clads of all the optical fibers are arranged in the same direction in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tape core.
  9. 　複数のコアからなるコア群と、前記コア群を被覆するクラッドと、前記クラッドを被覆する樹脂被覆と、を有する一対の光ファイバの調芯方法であって、
    　前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面の形態が、前記光ファイバの長手方向を軸とする回転方向に対して方向性を有し、かつ、前記クラッドの中心の位置と、前記コア群の中心の位置が異なっており、
    　一対の前記光ファイバの先端の前記樹脂被覆を所定長さ除去する樹脂被覆除去工程と、
    　一対の前記光ファイバを対向するように配置するファイバ配置工程と、
    　前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な複数方向から、前記クラッドにおける前記コアの位置を確認し、それぞれの前記光ファイバの前記コアの位置が一致するように、一方または両方の前記光ファイバを回転させる調芯工程と、
    　を具備することを特徴とする光ファイバの調芯方法。     A method of aligning a pair of optical fibers, comprising: a core group composed of a plurality of cores; a clad that covers the core group; and a resin coating that covers the clad,
    The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and the position of the center of the cladding and the core group The center position of
    A resin coating removing step of removing a predetermined length of the resin coating at the ends of the pair of optical fibers;
    A fiber placement step of placing the pair of optical fibers so as to face each other;
    Confirm the position of the core in the clad from a plurality of directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and align one or both of the optical fibers so that the positions of the cores of the respective optical fibers coincide. A rotating alignment process;
    An optical fiber alignment method comprising:
  10. 　複数のコアからなるコア群と、前記コア群を被覆するクラッドと、前記クラッドを被覆する樹脂被覆と、を有する複数の光ファイバを用いたテープ心線の製造方法であって、
    　前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面の形態が、前記光ファイバの長手方向を軸とする回転方向に対して方向性を有し、かつ、前記クラッドの中心の位置と、前記コア群の中心の位置が異なっており、前記クラッドの断面形状がしずく形であり、
    　それぞれの前記光ファイバをローラに沿って屈曲させる屈曲工程と、
    　前記光ファイバをテープ化するテープ化工程と、
    　を具備することを特徴とするテープ心線の製造方法。     A method of manufacturing a tape core wire using a plurality of optical fibers, each of which includes a core group composed of a plurality of cores, a clad covering the core group, and a resin coating covering the clad,
    The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and the position of the center of the cladding and the core group The center position of the clad is different, the cross-sectional shape of the cladding is a drop shape,
    A bending step of bending each optical fiber along a roller;
    A tape forming step for forming the optical fiber into a tape;
    The manufacturing method of the tape core wire characterized by comprising.
  11. 　複数のコアからなるコア群と、前記コア群を被覆するクラッドと、前記クラッドを被覆する樹脂被覆と、を有する一対の光ファイバの接続構造であって、
    　前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面の形態が、前記光ファイバの長手方向を軸とする回転方向に対して方向性を有し、かつ、前記クラッドの中心の位置と、前記コア群の中心の位置が異なっており、
    　前記光ファイバの長手方向に対して垂直な断面において、一対の前記光ファイバの外形および前記コアの配置が、ほぼ同じであり、それぞれのコア同士およびクラッド同士が接続されていることを特徴とする光ファイバの接続構造。     A connection structure of a pair of optical fibers having a core group composed of a plurality of cores, a clad covering the core group, and a resin coating covering the clad,
    The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is directional with respect to the rotational direction about the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and the position of the center of the cladding and the core group The center position of
    In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, the outer shape of the pair of optical fibers and the arrangement of the cores are substantially the same, and the cores and the clads are connected to each other. Optical fiber connection structure.
PCT/JP2015/076873 2014-11-27 2015-09-24 Optical fiber, method for centering optical fiber and connection structure for same, tape core wire, and method for manufacturing same WO2016084465A1 (en)

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