WO2021005826A1 - Optical fiber tape, method for manufacturing optical fiber tape, and optical fiber - Google Patents

Optical fiber tape, method for manufacturing optical fiber tape, and optical fiber Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021005826A1
WO2021005826A1 PCT/JP2020/007952 JP2020007952W WO2021005826A1 WO 2021005826 A1 WO2021005826 A1 WO 2021005826A1 JP 2020007952 W JP2020007952 W JP 2020007952W WO 2021005826 A1 WO2021005826 A1 WO 2021005826A1
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Prior art keywords
optical fiber
tape
fiber tape
uneven portion
uneven
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PCT/JP2020/007952
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
諒 倉光
富川　浩二
大里　健
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株式会社フジクラ
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Publication of WO2021005826A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021005826A1/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
    • G02B6/44—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 tape, a method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape, and an optical fiber.
  • Patent Document 1 describes that an identification mark is provided on an intermittently connected optical fiber tape.
  • Patent Document 2 describes that an opening for exposing the surface of the optical fiber core wire is provided in the covering portion in order to facilitate removal of the taped material of the intermittently connected optical fiber tape. ..
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber tape that can be identified without visual inspection.
  • the main invention for achieving the above object is a fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged side by side in the width direction, and the fiber tape is identified on the tape surface side of the coating portion of the optical fiber. It is a fiber tape characterized in that a recess is formed.
  • FIG. 1A to 1C are explanatory views of an intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1. It is a perspective view seen from the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape 1 of 1st Embodiment.
  • FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG.
  • FIG. 3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view. It is explanatory drawing of the concave pattern. It is a figure which shows the evaluation result of the distinctiveness of the recess 7.
  • 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the evaluation result of the distinctiveness of the pattern (concave pattern) by the concave portion 7.
  • FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of the manufacturing system.
  • FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of the tape making device.
  • FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing system 200 for manufacturing the optical fiber tape 1 of the fifth embodiment.
  • FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the convex portion forming device 60.
  • FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the uneven portion of the first modified example.
  • 14A and 14B are explanatory views of the uneven portion of the second modification.
  • FIG. 15A is an explanatory view of the uneven portion of the third modified example.
  • FIG. 15B is an explanatory view of the uneven portion of another third modification.
  • optical fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged side by side, and is characterized in that an uneven portion for identifying the optical fiber tape is formed on the tape surface side of the coating portion of the optical fiber. Fiber optic tape becomes apparent. According to such an optical fiber tape, it can be identified by palpation, so that it can be identified without visual inspection.
  • the uneven portion may be formed as a concave portion recessed from the surface of the covering portion. According to such an optical fiber tape, it can be identified by palpation.
  • the uneven portion may be formed as a convex portion protruding from the surface of the covering portion. According to such an optical fiber tape, it can be identified by palpation.
  • the uneven portion is provided for each optical fiber, and the uneven portion of a certain optical fiber and the uneven portion of another optical fiber are arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber tape. desirable. This makes it easier to identify the uneven portion.
  • a mark for identifying the optical fiber tape is further provided inside the covering portion, and at least a part of the uneven portion is arranged so as to overlap the mark in the normal direction of the tape surface. Is desirable. This makes it possible to grasp the part to be touched.
  • the optical fiber has a connecting portion for intermittently connecting the two adjacent optical fibers, and the uneven portion is arranged next to the connecting portion in the width direction of the optical fiber tape. As a result, the operator can easily come into contact with the uneven portion of the upper part (or lower part) of the optical fiber.
  • the uneven portion is also formed on the side opposite to the side of the tape surface. As a result, the uneven portion can be easily picked, and the contact thickness can be increased, so that the pattern of the uneven portion can be easily identified.
  • the height difference of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion is 3.2 ⁇ m or more. Thereby, the distinctiveness can be enhanced.
  • the height difference of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion is 4.8 ⁇ m or more. Thereby, the distinctiveness can be further enhanced.
  • the inner surface roughness of the uneven portion may be the same as the outer surface roughness of the uneven portion. It can be identified by palpation due to the height difference on the periphery of the uneven portion.
  • the inner surface roughness of the uneven portion and the outer surface roughness of the uneven portion are different. As a result, it is possible to improve the distinctiveness even if the height difference of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion is small.
  • a plurality of the uneven portions are formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape.
  • the concavo-convex portion of the longitudinal direction of the length L is larger than S L L (mm) is, in the longitudinal direction are formed at intervals, it is desirable to satisfy L L ⁇ L S +14. As a result, uneven portions having different lengths in the longitudinal direction can be satisfactorily identified.
  • an optical fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged side by side, in which a step of forming an uneven portion with an ultraviolet curable resin on the tape surface side of the coating portion of the optical fiber and irradiation with ultraviolet rays.
  • the optical fiber tape is characterized by having a step of forming an uneven portion for identifying the optical fiber tape on the tape surface side of the coating portion of the optical fiber by curing the uneven portion.
  • the manufacturing method of is clarified. According to such a method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape, uneven portions can be reliably formed.
  • an optical fiber having an optical fiber bare wire and a covering portion formed outside the optical fiber bare wire, and an uneven portion for identifying the optical fiber is provided on the surface of the covering portion.
  • An optical fiber characterized by being formed becomes apparent. According to such an optical fiber, it can be identified by palpation, so that it can be identified without visual inspection.
  • FIG. 1A is a perspective view
  • FIG. 1B is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1A
  • FIG. 1C is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 1A.
  • each direction is defined as follows.
  • the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape 1 is simply referred to as the "longitudinal direction”.
  • the direction parallel to the optical fiber 2 in a state where a plurality of optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber tape 1 are arranged side by side on a plane so that the longitudinal directions are substantially parallel is "longitudinal”.
  • direction the direction in which the plurality of optical fibers 2 are arranged in the state shown in FIG. 1A is referred to as "tape width direction (corresponding to the width direction)”.
  • the tape thickness direction is a surface of the surface of the optical fiber tape 1 parallel to the "longitudinal direction” and the “tape width direction” (for example, the upper edges of the optical fibers 2 along the longitudinal direction in FIG. 1A (for example). Or a surface formed by connecting the lower edges) in the tape width direction.
  • the optical fiber tape 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called intermittent connection type (intermittently fixed type) optical fiber tape.
  • the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 is an optical fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fibers 2 are connected in parallel and intermittently connected.
  • the two adjacent optical fibers 2 are connected by a connecting portion 3.
  • a plurality of connecting portions 3 for connecting the two adjacent optical fibers 2 are intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction.
  • the plurality of connecting portions 3 of the optical fiber tape 1 are two-dimensionally and intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction and the tape width direction.
  • the connecting portion 3 is formed by applying an ultraviolet curable resin as an adhesive (tape material) and then irradiating with ultraviolet rays to solidify the connecting portion 3 (described later).
  • the connecting portion 3 can also be made of a thermoplastic resin.
  • the region other than the connecting portion 3 between the two adjacent optical fibers 2 is the non-connecting portion 4 (separated portion).
  • the non-connecting portion 4 is arranged in the tape width direction of the connecting portion 3.
  • the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1A.
  • the number of cores of the optical fiber tape 1 may be changed.
  • the optical fiber tape 1 is not limited to the intermittently connected optical fiber tape, and may be, for example, a batch coating type in which all the optical fibers 2 are connected.
  • a mark 5 is formed on the optical fiber tape 1 of the present embodiment.
  • the mark 5 is a mark for identifying the optical fiber tape 1.
  • the pattern of the mark 5 indicates an identification number (tape number).
  • the marks 5 are repeatedly formed at predetermined intervals (for example, 15 cm intervals) in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape 1.
  • the marks 5 formed in a pattern common to each optical fiber 2 are arranged in the tape width direction to form the marks 5 of the optical fiber tape 1. By visually observing the pattern of the mark 5, it is possible to identify the type of the optical fiber tape 1.
  • identification by the mark 5 for example, it is difficult to visually recognize the mark 5 (identification mark) in a dark place, so that the optical fiber tape 1 may be difficult to identify. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to identify without visual inspection.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical fiber tape 1 of the first embodiment as viewed from the longitudinal direction.
  • 3A is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 2
  • FIG. 3B is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line XX.
  • the optical fiber 2 has an optical fiber bare wire 2A, a coating layer 2B, and a colored layer 2C.
  • the diameter of the optical fiber 2 is, for example, about 250 ⁇ m.
  • the optical fiber bare wire 2A is composed of a core and a cladding.
  • the diameter (clad diameter) of the optical fiber bare wire 2A is, for example, about 125 ⁇ m.
  • the coating layer 2B is a layer that covers the optical fiber bare wire 2A.
  • the coating layer 2B is composed of, for example, a primary coating layer (primary coating) and a secondary coating layer (secondary coating).
  • the diameter (outer diameter) of the coating layer 2B is, for example, about 240 ⁇ m.
  • the colored layer 2C is a layer formed on the surface of the coating layer 2B.
  • the colored layer 2C is formed by applying a coloring material to the surface of the coating layer 2B.
  • the secondary coating layer may be used as a coloring layer by mixing a coloring material with the secondary coating layer (secondary coating).
  • the "diameter of the optical fiber 2" or fiber diameter means the outer diameter of the colored layer 2C.
  • the mark 5 may be formed between the coating layer 2B and the colored layer 2C. In this case, for this reason, the mark 5 is visually recognized through the colored layer 2C. Since the colored layer 2C is formed on (outside) the mark 5, the mark 5 is protected by the colored layer 2C. The mark 5 is printed with marking ink.
  • a mark 5 is formed in a part of the optical fiber 2 in the circumferential direction.
  • the mark 5 may be formed on the entire circumferential direction of the optical fiber 2.
  • the marks 5 of the respective optical fibers 2 are arranged at substantially the same positions in the circumferential direction.
  • the marks 5 of the respective optical fibers 2 may be arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction.
  • the two adjacent optical fibers 2 are connected by a taped material (ultraviolet curable resin) constituting the connecting portion 3, and the surface of the colored layer 2C is a taped material layer made of the taped material. 6 (corresponding to the covering portion) is formed. That is, the mark 5 is formed inside the taped material layer 6 (covering portion).
  • a taped material ultraviolet curable resin
  • an uneven portion (here, a concave portion 7) is formed on the surface of the taped material layer 6.
  • the uneven portion is a portion having unevenness (step portion having a height difference; boundary portion of unevenness) on the peripheral edge.
  • the uneven portion specifically, the stepped portion on the periphery of the uneven portion
  • the concave portion 7 is formed as the uneven portion.
  • the uneven portion is not limited to the concave portion 7, and the uneven portion may be composed of the convex portion.
  • the unevenness (stepped portion having a height difference) on the peripheral edge of the uneven portion does not have to be formed on all the peripheral edges of the uneven portion, and may be formed on at least a part of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion (described later). See also FIGS. 14A and 14B).
  • the unevenness (stepped portion having a height difference) on the periphery of the concave portion 7 (concave and convex portion) has an angular structure, and the concave portion 7 can be easily identified by tactile sensation.
  • the upper and lower corners are formed at substantially right angles in the unevenness (stepped portion having a height difference) on the periphery of the concave portion 7 (concave and convex portion), but the concave portion 7 (concave and convex portion) is tactilely formed.
  • it can be identified it does not have to be substantially right-angled, may be formed in an acute-angled or obtuse-angled shape, or may be rounded.
  • the recess 7 is a portion recessed from the surface of the taped material layer 6. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the recess 7 is not a hole but a recess (recess). As a result, the covering portion (here, the taped material layer 6) remains on the surface of the optical fiber 2, so that the optical fiber strand can be protected. If a hole (opening) is formed instead of being recessed, the optical fiber wire will be exposed, and therefore the durability will be lower than when it is protected by the covering portion (here, the tape material layer 6). Will be done.
  • the recess 7 may be formed in a hole shape, and a covering portion (here, the taped material layer 6) is formed at the bottom of the recess 7. It does not have to be.
  • the recess 7 has a function of identifying the tape number, and a pattern for identification (hereinafter, also referred to as a concave pattern) is formed depending on the length, number, arrangement, etc. of the recess 7.
  • FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the concave pattern.
  • the concave pattern (recess 7) is formed in the upper part (or lower part) of the optical fiber 2 as shown in FIG. 3A. That is, since the recess 7 is formed on the tape surface, the operator can contact the recess 7 (with a finger).
  • a concave pattern is defined for each tape number. For example, if the tape number No. 4, the longitudinal direction of the short length (of length L S in the drawing) recesses 7, (at intervals L i in the figure) spaced by a distance alongside four longitudinally .. Also, if the tape number No.
  • the operator can identify the optical fiber tape 1 by tactile sensation (feeling of touching with the operator's fingertip), and the tape number can be identified without visual inspection. Can be identified. Therefore, for example, the optical fiber tape 1 can be identified even in a dark place where the mark 5 cannot be visually recognized.
  • the recess 7 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above (tape thickness direction). As a result, the recess 7 has an angular structure, and the recess 7 can be easily identified by tactile sensation.
  • the concave portion 7 (concave and convex portion) when viewed from above is not limited to a rectangular shape. For example, it suffices if a corner is formed on the peripheral edge of the concave portion 7 (concave and convex portion) when viewed from above. In order for the recess 7 to be easily identified by the sense of touch, it is desirable that the angle of the recess 7 when viewed from above is a right angle (that is, 90 degrees or less) from an acute angle. However, if the concave portion 7 (concave and convex portion) can be identified by tactile sensation, the peripheral edge of the concave portion 7 when viewed from above may have rounded corners.
  • the recess 7 is provided for each optical fiber 2. If these recesses 7 are not arranged in the width direction, it becomes difficult to identify the pattern of the recesses 7.
  • the recesses 7 of each optical fiber 2 are arranged side by side in the tape width direction (that is, the recesses 7 of one optical fiber 2 are arranged with other light. It is aligned with the recess 7 of the fiber 2 in the tape width direction). This makes it easier to identify the pattern of the recess 7.
  • the recesses 7 are formed in all the optical fibers 2, but the recesses 7 are formed in some of the optical fibers 2 without forming the recesses 7 in all the optical fibers 2. It may be formed.
  • the recess 7 is arranged on the mark 5, and at least a part of the recess 7 overlaps the mark 5 in the tape thickness direction. This makes it easier for the operator to know where to touch.
  • the recess 7 may not be provided on the mark 5 (for example, the recess 7 may be formed between the mark 5 and the mark 5 which are periodically arranged in the longitudinal direction).
  • the recess 7 is arranged next to the connecting portion 3. Since the optical fiber 2 is difficult to rotate in the circumferential direction in the vicinity of the connecting portion 3, the recess 7 is arranged next to the connecting portion 3, so that the operator contacts the recess 7 in the upper part (or lower part) of the optical fiber 2. Easy to do. However, the recess 7 does not have to be next to the connecting portion 3.
  • the recesses 7 are formed on both the upper and lower sides of the optical fiber 2 (in other words, the lower recesses 7 are arranged on the opposite side of the upper recesses 7).
  • the operator can come into contact with the recess 7 while pinching with two fingertips.
  • the contact pressure of the recess 7 can be increased, so that the pattern of the recess 7 can be easily identified.
  • the depth d (height difference of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion) of the recess 7 shown in FIG. 3B is preferably 3.2 ⁇ m or more, and more preferably 4.8 ⁇ m or more (see Examples described later). ..
  • the depth d of the recess 7 is less than the thickness Tn (15 to 20 ⁇ m in this embodiment) of the taped material layer 6. This is to leave the taped material layer 6 (covering portion) around the optical fiber 2 (if there is a hole in the taped material layer 6, the waterproof property will be impaired).
  • the bottom surface of the recess 7 and the surface of the covering portion have different surface roughness.
  • the surface roughness of the bottom surface of the recess 7 is coarser than the surface roughness of the surface of the covering portion (tape material layer 6). This makes it easier for the operator to identify the recess 7 when palpating.
  • the surface roughness means "arithmetic mean roughness Ra (JISB0601-2001)" (since the purpose is palpation, the surface roughness is defined by the maximum valley depth Rv and the maximum height Rz. Is not suitable, so the arithmetic mean roughness Ra is used).
  • the depth d (height difference of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion) of the recess 7 is 3.2 ⁇ m or more, more preferably 4.8 ⁇ m or more, the distinctiveness of the recess 7 is good. It is shown to be. However, this is a case where the surface roughness of the bottom surface of the recess 7 and the surface roughness of the surface of the covering portion are the same.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an evaluation result of the distinctiveness of the recess 7.
  • an intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 (12 cores) in which 12 optical fibers 2 were arranged in the tape width direction was manufactured and palpation was evaluated.
  • the recess 7 could be identified by palpation by waving the conditions of the depth d, the width W, and the length L in the longitudinal direction of the recess 7.
  • the state of being separated into a single core was also evaluated.
  • r is the radius of the optical fiber 2 (that is, D / 2).
  • the depth d of the recess 7 is 1.4 ⁇ m, even a relatively large recess 7 (specifically, the recess 7 having W of 95.2 ⁇ m and L of 10 mm) cannot be identified, but the depth d
  • the value is 3.2 ⁇ m
  • the smaller recess 7 for example, the recess 7 where W is 51.9 ⁇ m and L is 5 ⁇ m
  • the distinctiveness is high. Therefore, the depth d of the recess 7 is preferably 3.2 ⁇ m or more.
  • the distinctiveness is further improved. Specifically, in the recess 7 having a length L of 5 mm or more, good results with a tape-like distinctiveness of 90% or more were obtained. Therefore, it is more desirable that the depth d is 4.8 ⁇ m or more.
  • the discriminability of the single core is tape-shaped (slightly lower than the discriminability of the optical fiber tape 1 (discrimination is slightly difficult)), but the depth d is 6.
  • the length was 9.9 ⁇ m or more and the length L was 1 mm or more, good results with a discriminative property of 90% or more were obtained in both the tape form and the single core.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the evaluation results of the distinctiveness of the pattern (concave pattern) by the recess 7.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the evaluation results of the distinctiveness based on the length and spacing of the recesses 7 arranged in the longitudinal direction.
  • the evaluation result of the distinctiveness of the recess 7 is shown in FIG. 5 described above, in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the discriminability of the pattern (concave pattern) formed by the recess 7 is shown. The evaluation results are shown.
  • the length of the recess 7 having a short length in the longitudinal direction is defined as LS (mm), and the length of the recess 7 having a long length in the longitudinal direction is defined as the length in the longitudinal direction.
  • LS mm
  • Li the distance between the recesses 7 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction.
  • the length L S, the length L L, the condition evaluation of identifiability waving distance L i went.
  • an intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 (12 cores) in which 12 optical fibers 2 are arranged in the tape width direction is used, and the same pattern is arranged in the tape width direction of each optical fiber 2 to form the optical fiber 2.
  • the depth d of the recess 7 was set to 10 ⁇ m or more.
  • the number of evaluations and the judgment of successful identification are the same as in Fig. 5 (that is, evaluation was performed 10 times for each condition, and ⁇ , ⁇ , and ⁇ were set according to the number of successful identifications).
  • Figure 6A in the 2-4 th pattern of Figure 4 shows the identification of the evaluation results when the (in this case L S) longitudinal length L of the recess portion 7 was changed to the interval L i.
  • L S longitudinal length of the recess portion 7
  • the interval L i is (satisfy L i ⁇ L S +14) 14mm or more larger than the length L S is desirable.
  • the recesses 7 arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction can be satisfactorily identified.
  • FIG. 6B shows the result of the distinctiveness when the length L S and the length L L are changed in the pattern No. 6 of FIG.
  • the length L L of the length L S is greater than 14 mm, the results can be satisfactorily identified were obtained. Therefore, the length L L is (satisfy L L ⁇ L S +14) 14mm or more larger than the length L S is desirable. Thereby, the recesses 7 having different lengths in the longitudinal direction can be satisfactorily identified.
  • the features and effects described here can also be applied to embodiments and examples described later.
  • FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing system 100 for manufacturing the optical fiber tape 1.
  • 7B and 7C are explanatory views of an example of the tape making device 40.
  • the four-core optical fiber tape manufacturing system 100 will be described.
  • the manufacturing system 100 includes a fiber supply unit 10, a printing device 20, a coloring device 30, a tape making device 40, and a drum 50.
  • the fiber supply unit 10 is a device (supply source) for supplying the optical fiber 2 to the printing device 20.
  • the fiber supply unit 10 supplies a single-core optical fiber 2 (an optical fiber composed of an optical fiber bare wire 2A and a coating layer 2B; an optical fiber before forming the colored layer 2C) to the printing apparatus 20.
  • the printing device 20 is a device that prints the mark 5 on the optical fiber 2.
  • the printing apparatus 20 prints a mark 5 indicating a tape number on each optical fiber 2.
  • the plurality of optical fibers 2 marked by the printing device 20 will be supplied to the coloring device 30.
  • the coloring device 30 is a device for forming the colored layer 2C of the optical fiber 2.
  • the coloring device 30 forms a coloring layer 2C for each optical fiber 2 with an identification color for identifying the optical fiber 2.
  • the coloring device 30 has a coloring portion (not shown) for each optical fiber 2, and each coloring portion uses an optical fiber with a colorant (ultraviolet curable resin) of a predetermined identification color. It is applied to the surface of 2 (the surface of the coating layer 2B).
  • the coloring device 30 has an ultraviolet irradiation unit (not shown), and the ultraviolet irradiation unit irradiates the coloring agent (ultraviolet curing resin) applied to the optical fiber 2 with ultraviolet rays to cure the coloring agent. Let me. As a result, the colored layer 2C is formed.
  • the optical fiber 2 colored by the coloring device 30 will be supplied to the tape making device 40.
  • the colored optical fiber 2 may be supplied from the fiber supply unit 10 to the tape making device 40.
  • the tape making device 40 is a device for manufacturing an optical fiber tape 1 by connecting a plurality of optical fibers 2.
  • the tape-making device 40 is a device that intermittently forms the connecting portion 3 to manufacture the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1.
  • the optical fiber tape 1 manufactured by the tape forming apparatus 40 is not limited to the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1.
  • a plurality of optical fibers 2 arranged in the tape width direction are supplied to the tape forming device 40.
  • the tape-making device 40 for manufacturing the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 forms a coating portion 41, a removing portion 42, a light source 43, and a recess as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C. It has a part 44 and.
  • the tape-making device 40 shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C shows an example of the tape-making device.
  • the taper is not limited to the one shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C.
  • the coating unit 41 is a device for applying a connecting agent (tape material).
  • the linking agent is, for example, an ultraviolet curable resin, and the connecting portion 3 is formed by curing the linking agent.
  • the coating portion 41 connects the liquid fibers 2 to the outer periphery of the optical fibers 2 and between adjacent optical fibers 2 in the longitudinal direction. Apply the agent.
  • the removing unit 42 is a device that removes a part of the binder applied by the coating unit 41 while leaving a part of the binder.
  • the removing portion 42 has a rotary blade 421 having a notch portion 421A (see FIG. 7B), and rotates the rotary blade 421 according to the supply speed of the optical fiber 2.
  • the binder applied by the coating portion 41 is removed by being blocked by the outer edge of the rotary blade 421, but the binder remains in the notch portion 421A of the rotary blade 421.
  • the portion where the binder remains is the connecting portion 3 (see FIG. 1), and the portion from which the binder has been removed is the non-connecting portion 4.
  • the length and arrangement of the connecting portion 3 can be adjusted by adjusting the rotation speed of the rotary blade 421 and the size of the notch portion 421A. For example, when cutting after curing to form a connecting portion and a non-connecting portion, or when resin is applied to a portion to be a connecting portion with a dispenser or the like, the removing portion is unnecessary.
  • the light source 43 is a device that irradiates a binder made of an ultraviolet curable resin with ultraviolet rays.
  • the light source 43 includes a temporary curing light source 43A and a main curing light source 43B.
  • the temporary curing light source 43A is arranged on the upstream side of the main curing light source 43B.
  • the binder is temporarily cured when it is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the temporary curing light source 43A.
  • the temporarily cured binder is not completely cured, but is in a state where curing has progressed on the surface.
  • the main curing light source 43B irradiates ultraviolet rays stronger than the temporary curing light source 43A to main cure the binder.
  • the main-cured UV-curable resin is in a state of being cured to the inside (however, the main-cured connector (connecting portion 3) has appropriate elasticity, and the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 is rolled into a cylinder. It is possible to make it into a shape).
  • the optical fibers 2 immediately after coming out of the coating portion 41 and the removing portion 42 may be spaced apart from each other.
  • the temporary curing light source 43A irradiates the binder with ultraviolet rays to temporarily cure the binder.
  • the tape forming apparatus 40 gradually narrows the interval between the optical fibers 2 and arranges a plurality of optical fibers 2 in parallel to collect the wires in a tape shape. Since the binder is temporarily cured, even if the portions (non-connecting portions 4) from which the binder has been removed come into contact with each other, they do not need to be connected.
  • the main curing light source 43B irradiates ultraviolet rays to main cure the binder, the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 shown in FIG. 1 is manufactured. It is not necessary to concentrate the optical fiber 2 according to the optical fiber tape 1 to be manufactured.
  • the recess forming portion 44 is arranged between the main curing light source 43B and the temporary curing light source 43A, and has a pair of rollers 441. Convex portions 442 protruding outward are provided on the outer periphery of the pair of rollers 441. The convex portion 442 is provided in a shape corresponding to the concave portion 7.
  • the binder (tape material) temporarily cured by the temporary curing light source 43A is sandwiched between a pair of rollers 441 before passing through the main curing light source 43B (before the main curing). Then, the side (upper and lower) of the tape surface is pressed by the convex portion 442 of the pair of rollers 441, and the concave portion 7 is formed in the taped material. That is, after the binder (tape material) is temporarily cured, the recess 7 is formed before the main curing.
  • the stepped portion (boundary portion of the unevenness) on the peripheral edge of the concave portion 7 will be rounded (in other words, the height difference of the stepped portion on the peripheral edge of the concave portion 7 will be small. ), It becomes difficult to identify the recess 7 during palpation. Further, if the recess 7 is formed after the main curing, the recess 7 cannot be formed deeply because the binder (tape material) has already hardened.
  • the recess 7 since the recess 7 is formed after the temporary curing and before the main curing, the recess 7 can be formed so that the step portion on the peripheral edge of the recess 7 becomes clear, and the recess 7 can be identified by palpation. It will be easier to do. However, if an identifiable recess 7 can be formed, it is not always necessary to form the recess 7 between the temporary curing and the main curing.
  • the concave portion 7 may be formed before the temporary curing or the concave portion may be formed after the main curing. 7 may be formed.
  • the drum 50 is a member that winds up the optical fiber tape 1 (see FIG. 7A).
  • the optical fiber tape 1 manufactured by the tape forming device 40 will be wound around the drum 50.
  • FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber tape 1 of the second embodiment.
  • the optical fiber tape 1 of the second embodiment includes a plurality of pairs (fiber pairs 2P) of two pairs of optical fibers 2 continuously connected in the longitudinal direction (here, 6 pairs), and adjacent fiber pairs.
  • the 2Ps are intermittently connected by the connecting portion 3. In this way, the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 may be configured by intermittently connecting the two fiber pairs 2P.
  • FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber tape 1 of the third embodiment.
  • the optical fiber tape 1 of the third embodiment is a batch coating type, and the periphery of a plurality of (here, four) optical fibers 2 are collectively coated with a tape material (tape material layer 6).
  • the recess 7 may be formed in such a batch coating type optical fiber tape 1.
  • the taped material of the batch coating corresponds to the covering portion, and the recess 7 is formed on the tape surface side of the taped material (tape material layer 6).
  • FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber 2 of the fourth embodiment.
  • the concave portion 7 is formed on the surface of the single-core optical fiber 2 (hereinafter, also referred to as the single-core fiber 2) without being taped.
  • the recess 7 may be formed in the single core fiber 2.
  • the colored layer 2C of the single core fiber 2 corresponds to the covering portion, and the recess 7 is formed in the colored layer 2C.
  • an optical fiber tape provided with a plurality of single-core fibers 2 2, an optical fiber tape that can be identified by palpation may be configured as in the case of the optical fiber tapes of other embodiments.
  • FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber tape 1 of the fifth embodiment.
  • the same parts as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.
  • the description of the same configuration as the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted, and the configurations different from the first to fourth embodiments will be mainly described.
  • the convex portion 8 is formed as the uneven portion.
  • the convex portion 8 is formed so as to project from the surface of the taped material layer 6 of the optical fiber 2. By providing such a convex portion 8, it is possible to identify by palpation as in the case of the concave portion 7.
  • the height (height difference) of the stepped portion of the convex portion 8 is the thickness of the taped material layer 6 at a portion outside the convex portion 8 from the thickness of the taped material layer 6 at the convex portion 8 (FIG. 3B). It can be obtained by subtracting T n ) of.
  • FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing system 200 for manufacturing the optical fiber tape 1 of the fifth embodiment.
  • the same reference numerals are given to the parts having the same configuration as that of FIG. 7A, and the description thereof will be omitted.
  • the manufacturing system 200 includes a tape forming device 40'and a convex portion forming device 60.
  • the tape-forming device 40' may adopt, for example, substantially the same configuration as the above-mentioned tape-forming device 40. However, the tape forming device 40'does not include the recess forming portion 44.
  • the tape forming device 40' cures the taped material to form the optical fiber tape 1, and supplies the optical fiber tape 1 to the convex portion forming device 60.
  • the convex portion forming device 60 is a device for forming a convex portion 8 on a taped optical fiber tape 1 (a plurality of optical fibers 2), and is a device downstream of the taped device 40'in the transport direction (taping device 40). It is provided between ⁇ and the drum 50).
  • FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the convex portion forming device 60.
  • the convex portion forming device 60 includes a liquid tank 61, a supply roller 62, a convex portion forming roller 63, a doctor blade 64, a transport mechanism 65, and a curing device 66.
  • the liquid tank 61 is a container (ink pan) that houses the liquid ultraviolet curable resin 70.
  • the supply roller 62 is a roller for supplying the ultraviolet curable resin 70 to the convex portion forming roller 63.
  • the supply roller 62 rotates in the direction of the arrow A in the drawing to scoop up the ultraviolet curable resin 70 in the liquid tank 61 and supply the ultraviolet curable resin 70 to the convex portion forming roller 63.
  • the convex portion forming roller 63 is a roller for transferring the ultraviolet curable resin 70 to the optical fiber tape 1 (optical fiber 2) to form the convex portion 8 on the optical fiber 2.
  • a pattern 63A for forming the convex portion 8 is formed on the surface of the convex portion forming roller 63.
  • the convex portion forming roller 63 rotates in the direction of the arrow B in the drawing. During the rotation of the convex portion forming roller 63, the ultraviolet curable resin 70 of the supply roller 62 adheres to the surface of the convex portion forming roller 63, and the ultraviolet curable resin 70 adhering to the pattern 63A is transferred to the optical fiber 2.
  • the convex portion 8 is formed on the optical fiber 2.
  • the doctor blade 64 is a member that scrapes off excess ultraviolet curable resin 70 adhering to the convex portion forming roller 63.
  • the transport mechanism 65 transports the optical fiber tape 1 (plurality of optical fibers 2) supplied from the tape-making device 40'(see FIG. 12A) on the upstream side in the transport direction to the downstream side in the transport direction.
  • the transport mechanism 65 is composed of, for example, a transport roller, and transports the optical fiber tape 1 by rotating with a driving force of a transport motor (not shown).
  • the transport mechanism 65 transports the plurality of optical fibers 2 of the optical fiber tape 1 side by side in the width direction.
  • the ultraviolet curable resin 70 adhering to the printing pattern 63A of the convex portion forming roller 63 is transferred to each optical fiber 2 of the optical fiber tape 1 being conveyed.
  • the curing device 66 is an ultraviolet irradiation device (ultraviolet light source) and cures the ultraviolet curing resin 70 transferred to the optical fiber 2.
  • the curing device 66 is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the convex portion forming roller 63.
  • the convex portion 8 is formed on the tape surface side of the optical fiber tape 1 by the ultraviolet curing resin 70, and the ultraviolet rays are formed from the curing device 66. Is irradiated to cure the convex portion 8.
  • the convex portion 8 can be formed on the tape surface of the optical fiber tape 1 by the roll printing method.
  • FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the uneven portion of the first modified example.
  • the concave portion 7 is formed as an uneven portion on the surface of the taped material layer 6.
  • the recess 7 of the first modification has no bottom surface.
  • the recess 7 of the first modification is not formed with a surface parallel to the circumferential direction.
  • unevenness stepped portion having a height difference; boundary portion of unevenness
  • the operator can palpate the concave portion 7. .. In this way, the uneven portion may be formed as shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 14A and 14B are explanatory views of the uneven portion of the second modification.
  • FIG. 14A is an enlarged view of the recess 7 of the second modification as seen from the tape width direction.
  • FIG. 14B is an enlarged cross-sectional view (AA cross-sectional view of FIG. 14A) of the recess 7 of the second modified example viewed from the longitudinal direction.
  • unevenness step portion having a height difference; boundary portion of unevenness
  • FIG. 14A unevenness (step portion having a height difference; boundary portion of unevenness) is formed on the peripheral edge 7A (periphery parallel to the width direction) of the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the concave portion 7. ing.
  • FIG. 14A unevenness (step portion having a height difference; boundary portion of unevenness) is formed on the peripheral edge 7A (periphery parallel to the width direction) of the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the concave portion 7. ing.
  • FIG. 14A unevenness (step portion having a height difference; boundary portion of uneven
  • unevenness is not formed on the peripheral edge 7A (periphery parallel to the longitudinal direction) of the end portion of the concave portion 7 in the tape width direction.
  • the unevenness is not formed on all the peripheral edges of the concave portion 7, and the unevenness may be formed on a part of the peripheral edge of the concave portion 7.
  • unevenness step portion having a height difference; boundary portion of unevenness
  • the operator can palpate the concave portion 7.
  • the peripheral edge 7A (parallel to the width direction) of the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the recess 7 is as in the second modification. If unevenness (stepped portion having a height difference; boundary portion of unevenness) is formed on the peripheral edge), the operator can easily identify the uneven portion.
  • FIG. 15A is an explanatory view of the uneven portion of the third modified example.
  • a plurality of (two in this case) uneven portions are formed along the longitudinal direction, and the plurality of uneven portions are formed by a combination of the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8.
  • the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8 may be combined to form the pattern of the uneven portion.
  • the number of types of patterns can be increased by forming the pattern of the uneven portion by combining the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8.
  • FIG. 15B is an explanatory view of the uneven portion of another third modified example. Similar to FIG. 15A, a plurality of (two in this case) uneven portions are formed along the longitudinal direction, and the plurality of uneven portions are formed by a combination of the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8. Therefore, even in the case shown in FIG. 15B, the types of patterns can be increased by forming the pattern of the concave-convex portion by combining the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8. Further, here, the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8 are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction. As a result, a stepped portion having a large height difference is formed at the boundary portion between the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
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Abstract

[Problem] To provide an optical fiber tape that can be identified without visual inspection. [Solution] An optical fiber tape made up of a plurality of optical fibers arranged side by side is characterized by an uneven section for identifying the optical fiber tape, said uneven section being formed in the surface of a cover part of the optical fibers on the tape face side.

Description

光ファイバテープ、光ファイバテープの製造方法、及び、光ファイバOptical fiber tape, manufacturing method of optical fiber tape, and optical fiber
　本発明は、光ファイバテープ、光ファイバテープの製造方法、及び、光ファイバに関する。 The present invention relates to an optical fiber tape, a method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape, and an optical fiber.
　光ファイバテープの識別のために、光ファイバテープを構成する光ファイバに識別マークを印刷すること（マーキング）がある。例えば特許文献１には、間欠連結型の光ファイバテープに識別マークを設けることが記載されている。 In order to identify the optical fiber tape, there is a case where an identification mark is printed (marking) on the optical fiber constituting the optical fiber tape. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that an identification mark is provided on an intermittently connected optical fiber tape.
　なお、特許文献２には、間欠連結型の光ファイバテープのテープ化材の除去を容易にするために、光ファイバ心線の表面を露出させる開口部を被覆部に設けることが記載されている。 In addition, Patent Document 2 describes that an opening for exposing the surface of the optical fiber core wire is provided in the covering portion in order to facilitate removal of the taped material of the intermittently connected optical fiber tape. ..
特開２０１３－８８６１９号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-88619 特開２０１６－１３３８号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-1338
　特許文献１に記載されているような識別マークによる識別方法では、暗所では識別マークを目視し難いため、光ファイバテープの識別が困難になるおそれがある。 In the identification method using the identification mark as described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to visually recognize the identification mark in a dark place, so that the optical fiber tape may be difficult to identify.
　本発明は、目視によらずに識別可能な光ファイバテープを提供することを目的とする。 An object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber tape that can be identified without visual inspection.
　上記目的を達成するための主たる発明は、複数の光ファイバが幅方向に並んで構成されたファイバテープであって、前記光ファイバの被覆部のテープ面の側に、ファイバテープを識別するための凹部が形成されていることを特徴とするファイバテープである。 The main invention for achieving the above object is a fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged side by side in the width direction, and the fiber tape is identified on the tape surface side of the coating portion of the optical fiber. It is a fiber tape characterized in that a recess is formed.
　本発明の他の特徴については、後述する明細書及び図面の記載により明らかにする。 Other features of the present invention will be clarified by the description of the description and drawings described later.
　本発明によれば、目視によらずに識別可能な光ファイバテープを提供することができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical fiber tape that can be identified without visual inspection.
図１Ａ～図１Ｃは、間欠連結型の光ファイバテープ１の説明図である。1A to 1C are explanatory views of an intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1. 第１実施形態の光ファイバテープ１の長手方向から見た斜視図である。It is a perspective view seen from the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape 1 of 1st Embodiment. 図３Ａは、図２のＸ－Ｘ断面図である。図３Ｂは、拡大断面図である。FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG. FIG. 3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view. 凹パターンの説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the concave pattern. 凹部７の識別性の評価結果を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the evaluation result of the distinctiveness of the recess 7. 図６Ａ及び図６Ｂは、凹部７によるパターン（凹パターン）の識別性の評価結果を示す図である。6A and 6B are diagrams showing the evaluation result of the distinctiveness of the pattern (concave pattern) by the concave portion 7. 図７Ａは、製造システムの説明図である。図７Ｂは、テープ化装置の説明図である。FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of the manufacturing system. FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of the tape making device. 第２実施形態の光ファイバテープ１の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the optical fiber tape 1 of 2nd Embodiment. 第３実施形態の光ファイバテープ１の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the optical fiber tape 1 of 3rd Embodiment. 第４実施形態の光ファイバ２の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the optical fiber 2 of 4th Embodiment. 第５実施形態の光ファイバテープ１の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the optical fiber tape 1 of 5th Embodiment. 図１２Ａは、第５実施形態の光ファイバテープ１を製造する製造システム２００の説明図である。図１２Ｂは、凸部形成装置６０の構成の説明図である。FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing system 200 for manufacturing the optical fiber tape 1 of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the convex portion forming device 60. 図１３は、第１変形例の凹凸部の拡大断面図である。FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the uneven portion of the first modified example. 図１４Ａ及び図１４Ｂは、第２変形例の凹凸部の説明図である。14A and 14B are explanatory views of the uneven portion of the second modification. 図１５Ａは、第３変形例の凹凸部の説明図である。図１５Ｂは、別の第３変形例の凹凸部の説明図である。FIG. 15A is an explanatory view of the uneven portion of the third modified example. FIG. 15B is an explanatory view of the uneven portion of another third modification.
　後述する明細書及び図面の記載から、少なくとも以下の事項が明らかとなる。 At least the following items will be clarified from the description and drawings described later.
　複数の光ファイバが並んで構成された光ファイバテープであって、前記光ファイバの被覆部のテープ面の側に、光ファイバテープを識別するための凹凸部が形成されていることを特徴とする光ファイバテープが明らかとなる。このような光ファイバテープによれば、触診にて識別できるので、目視によらずに識別可能である。 It is an optical fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged side by side, and is characterized in that an uneven portion for identifying the optical fiber tape is formed on the tape surface side of the coating portion of the optical fiber. Fiber optic tape becomes apparent. According to such an optical fiber tape, it can be identified by palpation, so that it can be identified without visual inspection.
　前記凹凸部は、前記被覆部の表面から凹んだ凹部として形成されていてもよい。このような光ファイバテープによれば、触診にて識別することができる。 The uneven portion may be formed as a concave portion recessed from the surface of the covering portion. According to such an optical fiber tape, it can be identified by palpation.
　前記凹凸部は、前記被覆部の表面から突出した凸部として形成されていてもよい。このような光ファイバテープによれば、触診にて識別することができる。 The uneven portion may be formed as a convex portion protruding from the surface of the covering portion. According to such an optical fiber tape, it can be identified by palpation.
　前記テープ面の法線方向から見たときの前記凹凸部の周縁に角が形成されていることが望ましい。これにより、触覚によって識別され易い。 It is desirable that corners are formed on the peripheral edge of the uneven portion when viewed from the normal direction of the tape surface. This makes it easier to identify by touch.
　前記凹凸部は、前記光ファイバ毎にそれぞれ設けられており、或る光ファイバの前記凹凸部と、他の光ファイバの前記凹凸部とが、前記光ファイバテープの幅方向に並んでいることが望ましい。これにより、凹凸部が識別され易くなる。 The uneven portion is provided for each optical fiber, and the uneven portion of a certain optical fiber and the uneven portion of another optical fiber are arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber tape. desirable. This makes it easier to identify the uneven portion.
　前記被覆部よりも内側に、光ファイバテープを識別するためのマークをさらに有し、前記テープ面の法線方向において、前記凹凸部の少なくとも一部が、前記マークと重なって配置されていることが望ましい。これにより、触るべき箇所を把握可能にすることができる。 A mark for identifying the optical fiber tape is further provided inside the covering portion, and at least a part of the uneven portion is arranged so as to overlap the mark in the normal direction of the tape surface. Is desirable. This makes it possible to grasp the part to be touched.
　隣接する２本の前記光ファイバを間欠的に連結する連結部を有し、前記光ファイバテープの幅方向において、前記凹凸部は、前記連結部の横に配置されていることが望ましい。これにより、光ファイバの上部（又は下部）の凹凸部を作業者が接触しやすい。 It is desirable that the optical fiber has a connecting portion for intermittently connecting the two adjacent optical fibers, and the uneven portion is arranged next to the connecting portion in the width direction of the optical fiber tape. As a result, the operator can easily come into contact with the uneven portion of the upper part (or lower part) of the optical fiber.
　記凹凸部は、前記テープ面の側とは反対側にも形成されていることが望ましい。これにより、凹凸部を摘まみやすくなり、また、接触厚を強くできので、凹凸部のパターンを識別しやすくなる。 It is desirable that the uneven portion is also formed on the side opposite to the side of the tape surface. As a result, the uneven portion can be easily picked, and the contact thickness can be increased, so that the pattern of the uneven portion can be easily identified.
　前記凹凸部の周縁の高低差は３．２μｍ以上であることが望ましい。これにより、識別性を高めることができる。 It is desirable that the height difference of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion is 3.2 μm or more. Thereby, the distinctiveness can be enhanced.
　前記凹凸部の周縁の高低差は４．８μｍ以上であることが望ましい。これにより、識別性をさらに高めることができる。 It is desirable that the height difference of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion is 4.8 μm or more. Thereby, the distinctiveness can be further enhanced.
　前記凹凸部の内側の表面粗さと、前記凹凸部の外側の表面粗さとが同じであってもよい。凹凸部の周縁に高低差があることによって触診にて識別することができる。 The inner surface roughness of the uneven portion may be the same as the outer surface roughness of the uneven portion. It can be identified by palpation due to the height difference on the periphery of the uneven portion.
　前記凹凸部の内側の表面粗さと、前記凹凸部の外側の表面粗さとが異なることが望ましい。これにより、凹凸部の周縁の高低差が小さくても識別性を良好にすることが可能である。 It is desirable that the inner surface roughness of the uneven portion and the outer surface roughness of the uneven portion are different. As a result, it is possible to improve the distinctiveness even if the height difference of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion is small.
　前記凹凸部は、前記光ファイバテープの長手方向に間隔を空けて複数形成されており、
前記凹凸部の前記長手方向の長さをＬ（ｍｍ）、前記間隔をＬｉ（ｍｍ）としたとき、Ｌｉ≧Ｌ＋１４を満たすことが望ましい。これにより、長手方向に間隔を空けて並ぶ凹凸部を良好に識別できる。 A plurality of the uneven portions are formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape.
The longitudinal length of the uneven portion L (mm), when the distance was L i (mm), it is desirable to satisfy L i ≧ L + 14. As a result, the uneven portions arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction can be satisfactorily identified.
　前記光ファイバテープの長手方向の長さがＬＳ（ｍｍ）の前記凹凸部と、前記長手方向の長さが前記ＬＳよりも大きいＬＬ（ｍｍ）の前記凹凸部が、前記長手方向に間隔を空けて形成されており、ＬＬ≧ＬＳ+１４を満たすことが望ましい。これにより、長手方向の長さの異なる凹凸部を良好に識別できる。 And the uneven portion in the longitudinal direction of the length L S (mm) of the optical fiber tapes, the concavo-convex portion of the longitudinal direction of the length L is larger than S L L (mm) is, in the longitudinal direction are formed at intervals, it is desirable to satisfy L L ≧ L S +14. As a result, uneven portions having different lengths in the longitudinal direction can be satisfactorily identified.
　また、複数の光ファイバが並んで構成された光ファイバテープの製造方法であって、前記光ファイバの被覆部のテープ面の側に、紫外線硬化樹脂により凹凸部を形成する工程と、紫外線を照射して前記凹凸部を硬化させることによって、前記光ファイバの被覆部のテープ面の側に、光ファイバテープを識別するための凹凸部を形成する工程と、を有することを特徴とする光ファイバテープの製造方法が明らかとなる。このような光ファイバテープの製造方法によれば、凹凸部を確実に形成できる。 Further, it is a method of manufacturing an optical fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged side by side, in which a step of forming an uneven portion with an ultraviolet curable resin on the tape surface side of the coating portion of the optical fiber and irradiation with ultraviolet rays. The optical fiber tape is characterized by having a step of forming an uneven portion for identifying the optical fiber tape on the tape surface side of the coating portion of the optical fiber by curing the uneven portion. The manufacturing method of is clarified. According to such a method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape, uneven portions can be reliably formed.
　前記紫外線硬化樹脂により構成されたテープ化材を、前記光ファイバの周囲に塗布する工程と、前記紫外線を照射して、前記テープ化材を仮硬化させる工程と、を更に有し、仮硬化された前記テープ化材の前記テープ面の側に、前記凹凸部となる凹部を形成するとともに、前記紫外線を照射して、前記凹部の形成された前記テープ化材を本硬化させることが望ましい。これにより凹凸部として凹部を形成できるとともに、凹部の縁に角を形成でき、凹部を触診で識別しやすくなる。 It further has a step of applying the taped material composed of the ultraviolet curable resin around the optical fiber and a step of irradiating the ultraviolet rays to temporarily cure the taped material, and is temporarily cured. It is desirable to form recesses to be the uneven portions on the side of the tape surface of the taped material and to irradiate the ultraviolet rays to cure the taped material in which the recesses are formed. As a result, a concave portion can be formed as an uneven portion, and a corner can be formed on the edge of the concave portion, which makes it easy to identify the concave portion by palpation.
前記テープ化材を前記光ファイバの周囲に塗布する工程と、前記テープ化材を硬化させ、前記光ファイバテープを形成する工程とを更に有し、前記光ファイバテープを形成した後、前記テープ面の側に、前記凹凸部となる凸部を紫外線硬化樹脂により形成するとともに、前記紫外線を照射して、前記凸部を硬化させることが望ましい。これにより凹凸部として凸部を形成できる。 It further includes a step of applying the taped material around the optical fiber and a step of curing the taped material to form the optical fiber tape, and after forming the optical fiber tape, the tape surface. It is desirable to form the convex portion to be the uneven portion on the side of the surface with an ultraviolet curable resin and to irradiate the ultraviolet ray to cure the convex portion. As a result, a convex portion can be formed as an uneven portion.
　また、光ファイバ裸線と、前記光ファイバ裸線よりも外側に形成された被覆部と、を有する光ファイバであって、前記被覆部の表面に、前記光ファイバを識別するための凹凸部が形成されていることを特徴とする光ファイバが明らかとなる。このような光ファイバによれば、触診にて識別できるので、目視によらずに識別可能である。 Further, it is an optical fiber having an optical fiber bare wire and a covering portion formed outside the optical fiber bare wire, and an uneven portion for identifying the optical fiber is provided on the surface of the covering portion. An optical fiber characterized by being formed becomes apparent. According to such an optical fiber, it can be identified by palpation, so that it can be identified without visual inspection.
　＝＝＝第１実施形態＝＝＝
　＜光ファイバテープの構造＞
　図１Ａ～図１Ｃは、間欠連結型の光ファイバテープ１の説明図である。図１Ａは、斜視図であり、図１Ｂは、図１ＡのＡ－Ａ断面図であり、図１Ｃは、図１ＡのＢ－Ｂ断面図である。 === 1st Embodiment ===
<Structure of optical fiber tape>
1A to 1C are explanatory views of an intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1. 1A is a perspective view, FIG. 1B is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 1A.
　以下の説明では、次のように、各方向を定義する。図１Ａ～図１Ｃに示すように、光ファイバテープ１の長手方向のことを単に「長手方向」と呼ぶ。なお、光ファイバテープ１を構成する複数の光ファイバ２を長手方向が略平行になるように平面上に並べて配置した状態（図１Ａに示す状態）での光ファイバ２に平行な方向を「長手方向」と呼ぶこともある。また、図１Ａに示す状態での複数の光ファイバ２の並ぶ方向を「テープ幅方向（幅方向に相当）」と呼ぶ。また、図１Ａに示す状態での光ファイバテープ１のテープ面に垂直な方向を「テープ厚方向」と呼ぶ（すなわち、テープ厚方向は、テープ面の法線方向に相当する）。なお、テープ面とは、光ファイバテープ１の表面のうち、「長手方向」及び「テープ幅方向」に平行な面（例えば、図１Ａにおいて長手方向に沿った各光ファイバ２の上縁同士（又は下縁同士）をテープ幅方向に繋いで構成される面）である。 In the following explanation, each direction is defined as follows. As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape 1 is simply referred to as the "longitudinal direction". In addition, the direction parallel to the optical fiber 2 in a state where a plurality of optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber tape 1 are arranged side by side on a plane so that the longitudinal directions are substantially parallel (the state shown in FIG. 1A) is "longitudinal". Sometimes called "direction". Further, the direction in which the plurality of optical fibers 2 are arranged in the state shown in FIG. 1A is referred to as "tape width direction (corresponding to the width direction)". Further, the direction perpendicular to the tape surface of the optical fiber tape 1 in the state shown in FIG. 1A is referred to as a "tape thickness direction" (that is, the tape thickness direction corresponds to the normal direction of the tape surface). The tape surface is a surface of the surface of the optical fiber tape 1 parallel to the "longitudinal direction" and the "tape width direction" (for example, the upper edges of the optical fibers 2 along the longitudinal direction in FIG. 1A (for example). Or a surface formed by connecting the lower edges) in the tape width direction.
　本実施形態の光ファイバテープ１は、いわゆる間欠連結型（間欠固定型）の光ファイバテープである。間欠連結型の光ファイバテープ１は、複数の光ファイバ２を並列させて間欠的に連結した光ファイバテープである。隣接する２心の光ファイバ２は、連結部３によって連結されている。隣接する２心の光ファイバ２を連結する複数の連結部３は、長手方向に間欠的に配置されている。また、光ファイバテープ１の複数の連結部３は、長手方向及びテープ幅方向に２次元的に間欠的に配置されている。連結部３は、接着剤（テープ化材）となる紫外線硬化樹脂を塗布した後に紫外線を照射して固化することによって、形成されている（後述）。なお、連結部３を熱可塑性樹脂で構成することも可能である。隣接する２心の光ファイバ２間の連結部３以外の領域は、非連結部４（分離部）になっている。非連結部４では、隣接する２心の光ファイバ２同士は拘束されていない。連結部３のテープ幅方向には非連結部４が配置されている。これにより、光ファイバテープ１を丸めて筒状（束状）にしたり、折りたたんだりすることが可能になり、多数の光ファイバ２を高密度に収容することが可能になる。 The optical fiber tape 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called intermittent connection type (intermittently fixed type) optical fiber tape. The intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 is an optical fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fibers 2 are connected in parallel and intermittently connected. The two adjacent optical fibers 2 are connected by a connecting portion 3. A plurality of connecting portions 3 for connecting the two adjacent optical fibers 2 are intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction. Further, the plurality of connecting portions 3 of the optical fiber tape 1 are two-dimensionally and intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction and the tape width direction. The connecting portion 3 is formed by applying an ultraviolet curable resin as an adhesive (tape material) and then irradiating with ultraviolet rays to solidify the connecting portion 3 (described later). The connecting portion 3 can also be made of a thermoplastic resin. The region other than the connecting portion 3 between the two adjacent optical fibers 2 is the non-connecting portion 4 (separated portion). In the non-connecting portion 4, the two adjacent optical fibers 2 are not restrained from each other. The non-connecting portion 4 is arranged in the tape width direction of the connecting portion 3. As a result, the optical fiber tape 1 can be rolled into a tubular shape (bundle shape) or folded, and a large number of optical fibers 2 can be accommodated at a high density.
　なお、間欠連結型の光ファイバテープ１は、図１Ａに示す構成に限られるものではない。例えば、光ファイバテープ１の心数を変更しても良い。また、間欠的に配置されている連結部３の配置を変更しても良い。また、光ファイバテープ１は、間欠連結型の光ファイバテープに限られるものではなく、例えば全ての光ファイバ２が連結さされた一括被覆型でも良い。 Note that the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1A. For example, the number of cores of the optical fiber tape 1 may be changed. Moreover, you may change the arrangement of the connecting part 3 which is arranged intermittently. Further, the optical fiber tape 1 is not limited to the intermittently connected optical fiber tape, and may be, for example, a batch coating type in which all the optical fibers 2 are connected.
　本実施形態の光ファイバテープ１には、マーク５が形成されている。マーク５は、光ファイバテープ１を識別するためのマークである。マーク５のパターンは、識別番号（テープ番号）を示している。マーク５は、光ファイバテープ１の長手方向に所定間隔（例えば１５ｃｍ間隔）で繰り返し形成されている。それぞれの光ファイバ２に共通のパターンで形成されたマーク５がテープ幅方向に並ぶことによって、光ファイバテープ１のマーク５が構成されている。このマーク５のパターンを目視することで光ファイバテープ１の種類を識別することが可能となる。 A mark 5 is formed on the optical fiber tape 1 of the present embodiment. The mark 5 is a mark for identifying the optical fiber tape 1. The pattern of the mark 5 indicates an identification number (tape number). The marks 5 are repeatedly formed at predetermined intervals (for example, 15 cm intervals) in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape 1. The marks 5 formed in a pattern common to each optical fiber 2 are arranged in the tape width direction to form the marks 5 of the optical fiber tape 1. By visually observing the pattern of the mark 5, it is possible to identify the type of the optical fiber tape 1.
　但し、マーク５による識別の場合、例えば、暗所ではマーク５（識別マーク）を目視し難いため、光ファイバテープ１の識別が困難になるおそれがある。そこで、本実施形態では、目視によらずに識別できるようにしている。 However, in the case of identification by the mark 5, for example, it is difficult to visually recognize the mark 5 (identification mark) in a dark place, so that the optical fiber tape 1 may be difficult to identify. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to identify without visual inspection.
　図２は、第１実施形態の光ファイバテープ１の長手方向から見た斜視図である。また、図３Ａは、図２のＸ－Ｘ断面図であり、図３Ｂは、拡大断面図である。 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical fiber tape 1 of the first embodiment as viewed from the longitudinal direction. 3A is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line XX.
　光ファイバ２は、図３Ａに示すように、光ファイバ裸線２Ａと、被覆層２Ｂと、着色層２Ｃとを有する。光ファイバ２の直径は、例えば約２５０μｍである。光ファイバ裸線２Ａは、コア及びクラッドから構成されている。光ファイバ裸線２Ａの直径（クラッド径）は、例えば約１２５μｍである。被覆層２Ｂは、光ファイバ裸線２Ａを被覆する層である。被覆層２Ｂは、例えば一次被覆層（プライマリー・コーティング）及び二次被覆層（セカンダリー・コーティング）から構成されている。被覆層２Ｂの直径（外径）は、例えば約２４０μｍである。着色層２Ｃは、被覆層２Ｂの表面に形成された層である。着色層２Ｃは、被覆層２Ｂの表面に着色材を塗布することによって形成される。なお、二次被覆層（セカンダリー・コーティング）に着色材を混ぜることによって、二次被覆層を着色層としても良い。以下の説明において、「光ファイバ２の直径」（又はファイバ径）とは、着色層２Ｃの外径を意味する。 As shown in FIG. 3A, the optical fiber 2 has an optical fiber bare wire 2A, a coating layer 2B, and a colored layer 2C. The diameter of the optical fiber 2 is, for example, about 250 μm. The optical fiber bare wire 2A is composed of a core and a cladding. The diameter (clad diameter) of the optical fiber bare wire 2A is, for example, about 125 μm. The coating layer 2B is a layer that covers the optical fiber bare wire 2A. The coating layer 2B is composed of, for example, a primary coating layer (primary coating) and a secondary coating layer (secondary coating). The diameter (outer diameter) of the coating layer 2B is, for example, about 240 μm. The colored layer 2C is a layer formed on the surface of the coating layer 2B. The colored layer 2C is formed by applying a coloring material to the surface of the coating layer 2B. The secondary coating layer may be used as a coloring layer by mixing a coloring material with the secondary coating layer (secondary coating). In the following description, the "diameter of the optical fiber 2" (or fiber diameter) means the outer diameter of the colored layer 2C.
　図３Ａに示すように、マーク５は、被覆層２Ｂと着色層２Ｃとの間に形成されていても良い。この場合、このため、マーク５は、着色層２Ｃ越しに視認されることになる。マーク５の上（外側）に着色層２Ｃが形成されるため、マーク５が着色層２Ｃによって保護されている。マーク５は、マーキング用のインクによって印刷されている。 As shown in FIG. 3A, the mark 5 may be formed between the coating layer 2B and the colored layer 2C. In this case, for this reason, the mark 5 is visually recognized through the colored layer 2C. Since the colored layer 2C is formed on (outside) the mark 5, the mark 5 is protected by the colored layer 2C. The mark 5 is printed with marking ink.
　本実施形態の光ファイバテープ１では、図３Ａに示すように、光ファイバ２の周方向の一部にマーク５が形成されている。但し、光ファイバ２の周方向の全体にマーク５が形成されていても良い。 In the optical fiber tape 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, a mark 5 is formed in a part of the optical fiber 2 in the circumferential direction. However, the mark 5 may be formed on the entire circumferential direction of the optical fiber 2.
　また、本実施形態の光ファイバテープ１では、それぞれの光ファイバ２のマーク５が周方向のほぼ同じ位置に配置されている。但し、それぞれの光ファイバ２のマーク５が周方向の異なる位置に配置されていても良い。 Further, in the optical fiber tape 1 of the present embodiment, the marks 5 of the respective optical fibers 2 are arranged at substantially the same positions in the circumferential direction. However, the marks 5 of the respective optical fibers 2 may be arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction.
　前述したように、隣接する２本の光ファイバ２は、連結部３を構成するテープ化材（紫外線硬化樹脂）によって連結されており、着色層２Ｃの表面にはテープ化材によるテープ化材層６（被覆部に相当）が形成されている。すなわち、マーク５は、テープ化材層６（被覆部）よりも内側に形成されている。 As described above, the two adjacent optical fibers 2 are connected by a taped material (ultraviolet curable resin) constituting the connecting portion 3, and the surface of the colored layer 2C is a taped material layer made of the taped material. 6 (corresponding to the covering portion) is formed. That is, the mark 5 is formed inside the taped material layer 6 (covering portion).
　本実施形態では、テープ化材層６の表面に凹凸部（ここでは凹部７）が形成されている。凹凸部は、周縁に凹凸（高低差のある段差部；凹凸の境界部）を有する部位である。作業者が凹凸部（詳しくは凹凸部の周縁の段差部）に触れることによって、作業者が凹凸部を触診することが可能である。本実施形態では、凹凸部として、凹部７が形成されている。但し、後述するように、凹凸部は凹部７に限られるものではなく、凹凸部は凸部で構成されても良い。また、凹凸部の周縁の凹凸（高低差のある段差部）は、凹凸部の全ての周縁に形成されなくてもよく、凹凸部の少なくとも一部の周縁に形成されていれば良い（後述する図１４Ａ及び図１４Ｂも参照）。 In the present embodiment, an uneven portion (here, a concave portion 7) is formed on the surface of the taped material layer 6. The uneven portion is a portion having unevenness (step portion having a height difference; boundary portion of unevenness) on the peripheral edge. When the operator touches the uneven portion (specifically, the stepped portion on the periphery of the uneven portion), the operator can palpate the uneven portion. In the present embodiment, the concave portion 7 is formed as the uneven portion. However, as will be described later, the uneven portion is not limited to the concave portion 7, and the uneven portion may be composed of the convex portion. Further, the unevenness (stepped portion having a height difference) on the peripheral edge of the uneven portion does not have to be formed on all the peripheral edges of the uneven portion, and may be formed on at least a part of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion (described later). See also FIGS. 14A and 14B).
　図３Ｂに示すように、凹部７（凹凸部）の周縁の凹凸（高低差のある段差部）が角張った構成となっており、触覚によって凹部７が識別され易い。なお、図３Ｂでは、凹部７（凹凸部）の周縁の凹凸（高低差のある段差部）において、上側及び下側の角が略直角に形成されているが、触覚によって凹部７（凹凸部）を識別可能であれば、略直角でなくても良く、鋭角状や鈍角状に形成されても良く、丸みを帯びていても良い。 As shown in FIG. 3B, the unevenness (stepped portion having a height difference) on the periphery of the concave portion 7 (concave and convex portion) has an angular structure, and the concave portion 7 can be easily identified by tactile sensation. In FIG. 3B, the upper and lower corners are formed at substantially right angles in the unevenness (stepped portion having a height difference) on the periphery of the concave portion 7 (concave and convex portion), but the concave portion 7 (concave and convex portion) is tactilely formed. As long as it can be identified, it does not have to be substantially right-angled, may be formed in an acute-angled or obtuse-angled shape, or may be rounded.
　凹部７は、テープ化材層６の表面から凹んだ部位である。図３Ａ及び図３Ｂに示すように、凹部７は、穴ではなく、凹んでいる（窪んでいる）。これにより、被覆部（ここでは、テープ化材層６）が光ファイバ２の表面に残るため、光ファイバ素線を保護することができる。仮に、凹ませる代わりに穴（開口部）を形成すると、光ファイバ素線が露出してしまうため、被覆部（ここでは、テープ化材層６）により保護された場合と比べて耐久性が低下することになる。但し、光ファイバ素線の耐久性の低下が許容できるのであれば、凹部７が穴状に形成されて良く、凹部７の底に被覆部（ここでは、テープ化材層６）が形成されていなくても良い。 The recess 7 is a portion recessed from the surface of the taped material layer 6. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the recess 7 is not a hole but a recess (recess). As a result, the covering portion (here, the taped material layer 6) remains on the surface of the optical fiber 2, so that the optical fiber strand can be protected. If a hole (opening) is formed instead of being recessed, the optical fiber wire will be exposed, and therefore the durability will be lower than when it is protected by the covering portion (here, the tape material layer 6). Will be done. However, if the decrease in durability of the optical fiber wire can be tolerated, the recess 7 may be formed in a hole shape, and a covering portion (here, the taped material layer 6) is formed at the bottom of the recess 7. It does not have to be.
　凹部７は、テープ番号の識別の機能を有しており、凹部７の長さ、数、配置などによって識別用のパターン（以下、凹パターンともいう）が形成される。 The recess 7 has a function of identifying the tape number, and a pattern for identification (hereinafter, also referred to as a concave pattern) is formed depending on the length, number, arrangement, etc. of the recess 7.
　図４は、凹パターンの一例を示す説明図である。なお、凹パターン（凹部７）は、図３Ａに示すように、光ファイバ２の上部（又は下部）に形成されている。すなわち、テープ面に凹部７が形成されるため、作業者が（指で）凹部７に接触可能である。図４に示すように、テープ番号毎に、凹パターンが定められている。例えば、テープ番号が４番の場合、長手方向の長さが短い（図において長さＬＳの）凹部７が、間隔を空けて（図において間隔Ｌｉで）長手方向に４つ並んでいる。また、テープ番号６番の場合、長手方向の長さが長い（図において長さＬＬの）凹部７と、長手方向の長さの短い凹部７が、間隔を空けて長手方向に並んでいる。作業者は、このような凹パターン（凹部７）を触診することにより、触覚（作業者の指先で触れた感覚）で光ファイバテープ１を識別することが可能となり、目視によらずにテープ番号を識別することができる。よって、例えば、マーク５を視認できないような暗所においても、光ファイバテープ１を識別することができる。 FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the concave pattern. The concave pattern (recess 7) is formed in the upper part (or lower part) of the optical fiber 2 as shown in FIG. 3A. That is, since the recess 7 is formed on the tape surface, the operator can contact the recess 7 (with a finger). As shown in FIG. 4, a concave pattern is defined for each tape number. For example, if the tape number No. 4, the longitudinal direction of the short length (of length L S in the drawing) recesses 7, (at intervals L i in the figure) spaced by a distance alongside four longitudinally .. Also, if the tape number No. 6, the longitudinal direction of the long length (of length L L in the drawing) recesses 7, the longitudinal direction of the short recess 7 of length, aligned in the longitudinal direction at intervals .. By palpating such a concave pattern (recess 7), the operator can identify the optical fiber tape 1 by tactile sensation (feeling of touching with the operator's fingertip), and the tape number can be identified without visual inspection. Can be identified. Therefore, for example, the optical fiber tape 1 can be identified even in a dark place where the mark 5 cannot be visually recognized.
　図４に示すように、凹部７は上（テープ厚方向）から見て矩形状である。これにより、凹部７は角張った構成となっており、触覚によって凹部７が識別され易い。なお、上から見たときの凹部７（凹凸部）は矩形状に限られるものではない。例えば、上から見たときの凹部７（凹凸部）の周縁に角が形成されていれば良い。触覚によって凹部７が識別され易くなるためには、上から見たときの凹部７の角は、鋭角から直角（つまり９０度以下）であることが望ましい。但し、触覚によって凹部７（凹凸部）を識別可能であれば、上から見たときの凹部７の周縁に角が丸みを帯びていても良い。 As shown in FIG. 4, the recess 7 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above (tape thickness direction). As a result, the recess 7 has an angular structure, and the recess 7 can be easily identified by tactile sensation. The concave portion 7 (concave and convex portion) when viewed from above is not limited to a rectangular shape. For example, it suffices if a corner is formed on the peripheral edge of the concave portion 7 (concave and convex portion) when viewed from above. In order for the recess 7 to be easily identified by the sense of touch, it is desirable that the angle of the recess 7 when viewed from above is a right angle (that is, 90 degrees or less) from an acute angle. However, if the concave portion 7 (concave and convex portion) can be identified by tactile sensation, the peripheral edge of the concave portion 7 when viewed from above may have rounded corners.
　また、凹部７は光ファイバ２毎にそれぞれ設けられている。仮に、これらの凹部７が幅方向に並ばずに配置されていると、凹部７のパターンの識別が困難になる。これに対し、本実施形態では、図２に示すように、各光ファイバ２の凹部７がテープ幅方向に並んで配置されている（すなわち、或る光ファイバ２の凹部７が、他の光ファイバ２の凹部７とテープ幅方向に並んでいる）。これにより、凹部７のパターンが識別され易くなる。なお、本実施形態では、全ての光ファイバ２に凹部７（凹凸部）が形成されているが、全ての光ファイバ２に凹部７を形成せずに、一部の光ファイバ２に凹部７を形成しても良い。 Further, the recess 7 is provided for each optical fiber 2. If these recesses 7 are not arranged in the width direction, it becomes difficult to identify the pattern of the recesses 7. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the recesses 7 of each optical fiber 2 are arranged side by side in the tape width direction (that is, the recesses 7 of one optical fiber 2 are arranged with other light. It is aligned with the recess 7 of the fiber 2 in the tape width direction). This makes it easier to identify the pattern of the recess 7. In the present embodiment, the recesses 7 (concavo-convex portions) are formed in all the optical fibers 2, but the recesses 7 are formed in some of the optical fibers 2 without forming the recesses 7 in all the optical fibers 2. It may be formed.
　また、凹部７はマーク５の上に配置されており、テープ厚方向において、凹部７の少なくとも一部がマーク５と重なっている。これにより、作業者が触るべき場所を把握しやすい。但し、マーク５の上に凹部７が無くても良い（例えば、長手方向に周期的に配置されているマーク５とマーク５の間に凹部７が形成されても良い）。 Further, the recess 7 is arranged on the mark 5, and at least a part of the recess 7 overlaps the mark 5 in the tape thickness direction. This makes it easier for the operator to know where to touch. However, the recess 7 may not be provided on the mark 5 (for example, the recess 7 may be formed between the mark 5 and the mark 5 which are periodically arranged in the longitudinal direction).
　また、凹部７は連結部３の横に配置されている。連結部３近傍では光ファイバ２が周方向に回転し難いため、連結部３の横に凹部７が配置されていることにより、光ファイバ２の上部（又は下部）の凹部７を作業者が接触し易い。但し、凹部７が連結部３の横に無くても良い。 Further, the recess 7 is arranged next to the connecting portion 3. Since the optical fiber 2 is difficult to rotate in the circumferential direction in the vicinity of the connecting portion 3, the recess 7 is arranged next to the connecting portion 3, so that the operator contacts the recess 7 in the upper part (or lower part) of the optical fiber 2. Easy to do. However, the recess 7 does not have to be next to the connecting portion 3.
　また、図３Ａに示すように、凹部７は光ファイバ２の上部と下部の両側に形成されている（言い換えると、上側の凹部７の反対側に下側の凹部７が配置されている）。これにより、作業者が２本の指先で摘まみながら凹部７に接触できる。このとき、２本の指先で光ファイバ２を上下から挟み込むため、凹部７の接触圧を強くできるので、凹部７のパターンを識別しやすくなる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the recesses 7 are formed on both the upper and lower sides of the optical fiber 2 (in other words, the lower recesses 7 are arranged on the opposite side of the upper recesses 7). As a result, the operator can come into contact with the recess 7 while pinching with two fingertips. At this time, since the optical fiber 2 is sandwiched between the two fingertips from above and below, the contact pressure of the recess 7 can be increased, so that the pattern of the recess 7 can be easily identified.
　また、図３Ｂに示す凹部７の深さｄ（凹凸部の周縁の高低差）は、３．２μｍ以上であることが望ましく、４．８μｍ以上であることが更に望ましい（後述の実施例参照）。但し、凹部７の深さｄは、テープ化材層６の厚さＴｎ（本実施形態では１５～２０μｍ）未満である。これは、光ファイバ２の周囲にテープ化材層６（被覆部）を残すためである（仮に、テープ化材層６に穴が空いていると、防水性を損なってしまうことになる）。 Further, the depth d (height difference of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion) of the recess 7 shown in FIG. 3B is preferably 3.2 μm or more, and more preferably 4.8 μm or more (see Examples described later). .. However, the depth d of the recess 7 is less than the thickness Tn (15 to 20 μm in this embodiment) of the taped material layer 6. This is to leave the taped material layer 6 (covering portion) around the optical fiber 2 (if there is a hole in the taped material layer 6, the waterproof property will be impaired).
　また、凹部７の底面と、被覆部表面（ここではテープ化材層６の表面）とでは、表面粗さが異なっていることが好ましい。例えば、凹部７の底面の表面粗さは、被覆部（テープ化材層６）の表面の表面粗さよりも粗い。これにより、作業者が触診する際に凹部７を識別しやすくなる。なお、本実施形態において表面粗さとは「算術平均粗さＲａ（ＪＩＳＢ０６０１－２００１）」のことである（触診が目的なので、表面粗さを最大谷深さＲｖや最大高さＲｚでの定義するのは不向きのため、算術平均粗さＲａとしている）。なお、後述の実施例では、凹部７の深さｄ（凹凸部の周縁の高低差）が３．２μｍ以上の場合、更に望ましくは４．８μｍ以上の場合に、凹部７の識別性が良好であることが示されている。但し、これは、凹部７の底面の表面粗さと被覆部表面の表面粗さが同じ場合である。このため、凹部７の底面の表面粗さと被覆部表面の表面粗さが異なる場合には、凹部７の深さｄ（凹凸部の周縁の高低差）が３．２μｍより浅くても、凹部７の識別性を良好にすることが可能である。　
　なお、これまでに述べた特徴や効果は、後述する実施形態や実施例にも適用可能である。 Further, it is preferable that the bottom surface of the recess 7 and the surface of the covering portion (here, the surface of the taped material layer 6) have different surface roughness. For example, the surface roughness of the bottom surface of the recess 7 is coarser than the surface roughness of the surface of the covering portion (tape material layer 6). This makes it easier for the operator to identify the recess 7 when palpating. In this embodiment, the surface roughness means "arithmetic mean roughness Ra (JISB0601-2001)" (since the purpose is palpation, the surface roughness is defined by the maximum valley depth Rv and the maximum height Rz. Is not suitable, so the arithmetic mean roughness Ra is used). In the examples described later, when the depth d (height difference of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion) of the recess 7 is 3.2 μm or more, more preferably 4.8 μm or more, the distinctiveness of the recess 7 is good. It is shown to be. However, this is a case where the surface roughness of the bottom surface of the recess 7 and the surface roughness of the surface of the covering portion are the same. Therefore, when the surface roughness of the bottom surface of the recess 7 and the surface roughness of the surface of the covering portion are different, even if the depth d of the recess 7 (height difference of the peripheral edge of the concave-convex portion) is shallower than 3.2 μm, the recess 7 It is possible to improve the distinctiveness of.
The features and effects described so far can also be applied to embodiments and examples described later.
　＜実施例＞
　図５は、凹部７の識別性の評価結果を示す図である。　
　この実施例では、光ファイバ２をテープ幅方向に１２個並べた（１２心の）間欠連結型の光ファイバテープ１を製造して触診の評価を行った。ここでは、凹部７の深さｄ、幅Ｗ、長手方向の長さＬの条件を振って、触診にて凹部７を識別できるか否かを評価した。また、単心に分離した状態の評価も行った。 <Example>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an evaluation result of the distinctiveness of the recess 7.
In this example, an intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 (12 cores) in which 12 optical fibers 2 were arranged in the tape width direction was manufactured and palpation was evaluated. Here, it was evaluated whether or not the recess 7 could be identified by palpation by waving the conditions of the depth d, the width W, and the length L in the longitudinal direction of the recess 7. In addition, the state of being separated into a single core was also evaluated.
　なお、凹部７の深さｄと幅Ｗの寸法は、長手方向の垂直断面（図３Ｂ参照）を顕微鏡で観察して、テープ化材層６の厚さＴｎと凹部７の底部の厚さＴａをそれぞれ複数個所（Ｎ：２～４）測定し、以下の式（１）、式（２）で算出した。 Incidentally, the dimension of depth d and width W of the recess 7, the longitudinal direction of the vertical section (see FIG. 3B) was observed under a microscope, the bottom of the thickness T n and the recess 7 of the taped material layer 6 thickness T a respective plurality of locations (N: 2 ~ 4) were measured, the following equation (1) was calculated by the equation (2).
Figure JPOXMLDOC01-appb-I000001
　ここで、ｒは、光ファイバ２の半径（すなわちＤ／２）である。
Figure JPOXMLDOC01-appb-I000001
Here, r is the radius of the optical fiber 2 (that is, D / 2).
　そして、図５の各条件において、触診で識別できるか否かの評価を１０回行ない、識別出来た回数をカウントし、識別成功回数９０％以上を合格（○）とした。また、識別成功回数１０％以上９０％未満を△とし、識別成功回数０％を×とした。 Then, under each condition of FIG. 5, it was evaluated whether or not it could be identified by palpation 10 times, the number of times it could be identified was counted, and 90% or more of the number of successful identifications was regarded as acceptable (○). Further, the number of successful identifications was 10% or more and less than 90%, and the number of successful identifications was 0%.
　図５において、凹部７の深さｄが１．４μｍでは、比較的大きい凹部７（具体的には、Ｗが９５．２μｍ、Ｌが１０ｍｍの凹部７）でも識別できていないが、深さｄが３．２μｍでは、それより小さい凹部７（例えば、Ｗが５１．９μｍ、Ｌが５μｍの凹部７）で数回識別成功している（識別性が高くなっている）。よって、凹部７の深さｄは３．２μｍ以上が望ましい。また、深さｄが４．８μｍ以上では、識別性がさらに高くなっている。具体的には、長さＬが５ｍｍ以上の凹部７で、テープ状において識別性が９０％以上の良好な結果が得られた。よって、深さｄは４．８μｍ以上であることが更に望ましい。 In FIG. 5, when the depth d of the recess 7 is 1.4 μm, even a relatively large recess 7 (specifically, the recess 7 having W of 95.2 μm and L of 10 mm) cannot be identified, but the depth d However, when the value is 3.2 μm, the smaller recess 7 (for example, the recess 7 where W is 51.9 μm and L is 5 μm) has been successfully identified several times (the distinctiveness is high). Therefore, the depth d of the recess 7 is preferably 3.2 μm or more. Further, when the depth d is 4.8 μm or more, the distinctiveness is further improved. Specifically, in the recess 7 having a length L of 5 mm or more, good results with a tape-like distinctiveness of 90% or more were obtained. Therefore, it is more desirable that the depth d is 4.8 μm or more.
　また、図５の評価結果より、単心での識別性は、テープ状（光ファイバテープ１の識別性よりもやや低い（識別がやや困難である）ことがわかる。しかし、深さｄが６．９μｍ以上及び長さＬが１ｍｍ以上では、テープ状及び単心のどちらにおいても識別性が９０％以上の良好な結果が得られた。 Further, from the evaluation result of FIG. 5, it can be seen that the discriminability of the single core is tape-shaped (slightly lower than the discriminability of the optical fiber tape 1 (discrimination is slightly difficult)), but the depth d is 6. When the length was 9.9 μm or more and the length L was 1 mm or more, good results with a discriminative property of 90% or more were obtained in both the tape form and the single core.
　図６Ａ及び図６Ｂは、凹部７によるパターン（凹パターン）の識別性の評価結果を示す図である。具体的には、図６Ａ及び図６Ｂは、長手方向に並ぶ凹部７の長さと間隔による識別性の評価結果を示す図である。なお、前述の図５には凹部７（単体）の識別性の評価結果が示されているのに対し、図６Ａ及び図６Ｂでは、凹部７により形成されたパターン（凹パターン）の識別性の評価結果が示されている。 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the evaluation results of the distinctiveness of the pattern (concave pattern) by the recess 7. Specifically, FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the evaluation results of the distinctiveness based on the length and spacing of the recesses 7 arranged in the longitudinal direction. In addition, while the evaluation result of the distinctiveness of the recess 7 (single substance) is shown in FIG. 5 described above, in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the discriminability of the pattern (concave pattern) formed by the recess 7 is shown. The evaluation results are shown.
　前述したように、図４の各凹部７のうち長手方向の長さの短い凹部７の長手方向の長さをＬＳ（ｍｍ）とし、長手方向の長さの長い凹部７の長手方向の長さをＬＬ（ｍｍ）とする。また、長手方向に隣接する凹部７の間隔をＬｉ（ｍｍ）とする。そして、長さＬＳ、長さＬＬ、間隔Ｌｉの条件を振って識別性の評価を行った。なお、ここでも光ファイバ２をテープ幅方向に１２個並べた（１２心の）間欠連結型の光ファイバテープ１を用いており、各光ファイバ２のテープ幅方向に同一パターンを並べて形成した。また、凹部７の深さｄは、何れも１０μｍ以上とした。 As described above, of the recesses 7 in FIG. 4, the length of the recess 7 having a short length in the longitudinal direction is defined as LS (mm), and the length of the recess 7 having a long length in the longitudinal direction is defined as the length in the longitudinal direction. Let LL (mm). Further, the distance between the recesses 7 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction is Li (mm). The length L S, the length L L, the condition evaluation of identifiability waving distance L i went. Also here, an intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 (12 cores) in which 12 optical fibers 2 are arranged in the tape width direction is used, and the same pattern is arranged in the tape width direction of each optical fiber 2 to form the optical fiber 2. Further, the depth d of the recess 7 was set to 10 μm or more.
　評価の回数や識別成功の判断は図５の場合と同じである（すなわち、各条件につき１０回評価を行い、識別成功の回数に応じて○、△、×とした）。 The number of evaluations and the judgment of successful identification are the same as in Fig. 5 (that is, evaluation was performed 10 times for each condition, and ○, △, and × were set according to the number of successful identifications).
　図６Ａは、図４の２～４番のパターンにおいて、凹部７の長手方向の長さＬ（ここではＬＳ）と間隔Ｌｉを変えた時の識別性の評価結果を示している。図６Ａに示すように、長さＬＳに対して間隔Ｌｉが１４ｍｍ以上大きいとき、良好に識別できる結果が得られた。よって、間隔Ｌｉは長さＬＳよりも１４ｍｍ以上大きい（Ｌｉ≧ＬＳ＋１４を満たす）ことが望ましい。これにより、長手方向に間隔を空けて並ぶ凹部７を良好に識別できる。なお、ここで述べた特徴や効果は、後述する実施形態や実施例にも適用可能である。 Figure 6A, in the 2-4 th pattern of Figure 4 shows the identification of the evaluation results when the (in this case L S) longitudinal length L of the recess portion 7 was changed to the interval L i. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the larger than 14mm spacing L i with respect to the length L S, results can be satisfactorily identified were obtained. Therefore, the interval L i is (satisfy L i ≧ L S +14) 14mm or more larger than the length L S is desirable. As a result, the recesses 7 arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction can be satisfactorily identified. The features and effects described here can also be applied to embodiments and examples described later.
　また、図６Ｂは、図４の６番のパターンにおいて、長さＬＳと長さＬＬを変えたときの識別性の結果を示している。図６Ｂに示すように、長さＬＳに対して長さＬＬが１４ｍｍ以上大きいとき、良好に識別できる結果が得られた。よって、長さＬＬは長さＬＳよりも１４ｍｍ以上大きい（ＬＬ≧ＬＳ+１４を満たす）ことが望ましい。これにより、長手方向の長さの異なる凹部７を良好に識別できる。なお、ここで述べた特徴や効果は、後述する実施形態や実施例にも適用可能である。 Further, FIG. 6B shows the result of the distinctiveness when the length L S and the length L L are changed in the pattern No. 6 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6B, when the length L L of the length L S is greater than 14 mm, the results can be satisfactorily identified were obtained. Therefore, the length L L is (satisfy L L ≧ L S +14) 14mm or more larger than the length L S is desirable. Thereby, the recesses 7 having different lengths in the longitudinal direction can be satisfactorily identified. The features and effects described here can also be applied to embodiments and examples described later.
　＜光ファイバテープ１の製造方法＞ <Manufacturing method of optical fiber tape 1>
　図７Ａは、光ファイバテープ１を製造する製造システム１００の説明図である。図７Ｂ及び図７Ｃは、テープ化装置４０の一例の説明図である。ここでは、図面の簡略化のため、４心の光ファイバテープの製造システム１００について説明する。 FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing system 100 for manufacturing the optical fiber tape 1. 7B and 7C are explanatory views of an example of the tape making device 40. Here, for the sake of simplification of the drawings, the four-core optical fiber tape manufacturing system 100 will be described.
　製造システム１００は、ファイバ供給部１０と、印刷装置２０と、着色装置３０と、テープ化装置４０と、ドラム５０とを有する。 The manufacturing system 100 includes a fiber supply unit 10, a printing device 20, a coloring device 30, a tape making device 40, and a drum 50.
　ファイバ供給部１０は、光ファイバ２を印刷装置２０に供給する装置（供給源）である。ここでは、ファイバ供給部１０は、単心の光ファイバ２（光ファイバ裸線２Ａ及び被覆層２Ｂからなる光ファイバ；着色層２Ｃを形成する前の光ファイバ）を印刷装置２０に供給する。 The fiber supply unit 10 is a device (supply source) for supplying the optical fiber 2 to the printing device 20. Here, the fiber supply unit 10 supplies a single-core optical fiber 2 (an optical fiber composed of an optical fiber bare wire 2A and a coating layer 2B; an optical fiber before forming the colored layer 2C) to the printing apparatus 20.
　印刷装置２０は、光ファイバ２にマーク５を印刷する装置である。例えば、印刷装置２０は、テープ番号を示すマーク５をそれぞれの光ファイバ２に印刷する。印刷装置２０によってマーキングを施された複数の光ファイバ２は、着色装置３０に供給されることになる。 The printing device 20 is a device that prints the mark 5 on the optical fiber 2. For example, the printing apparatus 20 prints a mark 5 indicating a tape number on each optical fiber 2. The plurality of optical fibers 2 marked by the printing device 20 will be supplied to the coloring device 30.
　着色装置３０は、光ファイバ２の着色層２Ｃを形成する装置である。着色装置３０は、それぞれの光ファイバ２に対して、光ファイバ２を識別するための識別色によって着色層２Ｃを形成する。具体的には、着色装置３０は、それぞれの光ファイバ２ごとに着色部（不図示）を有しており、それぞれの着色部は、所定の識別色の着色剤（紫外線硬化樹脂）を光ファイバ２の表面（被覆層２Ｂの表面）に塗布する。また、着色装置３０は、紫外線照射部（不図示）を有しており、紫外線照射部は、光ファイバ２に塗布された着色剤（紫外線硬化樹脂）に紫外線を照射して、着色剤を硬化させる。これによって、着色層２Ｃが形成される。着色装置３０によって着色された光ファイバ２は、テープ化装置４０に供給されることになる。なお、着色済みの光ファイバ２をファイバ供給部１０からテープ化装置４０に供給しても良い。 The coloring device 30 is a device for forming the colored layer 2C of the optical fiber 2. The coloring device 30 forms a coloring layer 2C for each optical fiber 2 with an identification color for identifying the optical fiber 2. Specifically, the coloring device 30 has a coloring portion (not shown) for each optical fiber 2, and each coloring portion uses an optical fiber with a colorant (ultraviolet curable resin) of a predetermined identification color. It is applied to the surface of 2 (the surface of the coating layer 2B). Further, the coloring device 30 has an ultraviolet irradiation unit (not shown), and the ultraviolet irradiation unit irradiates the coloring agent (ultraviolet curing resin) applied to the optical fiber 2 with ultraviolet rays to cure the coloring agent. Let me. As a result, the colored layer 2C is formed. The optical fiber 2 colored by the coloring device 30 will be supplied to the tape making device 40. The colored optical fiber 2 may be supplied from the fiber supply unit 10 to the tape making device 40.
　テープ化装置４０は、複数の光ファイバ２を連結して光ファイバテープ１を製造する装置である。ここでは、テープ化装置４０は、連結部３を間欠的に形成して、間欠連結型の光ファイバテープ１を製造する装置である。但し、テープ化装置４０が製造する光ファイバテープ１は、間欠連結型の光ファイバテープ１に限られるものではない。テープ化装置４０には、テープ幅方向に並ぶ複数の光ファイバ２が供給される。間欠連結型の光ファイバテープ１を製造するテープ化装置４０の場合、テープ化装置４０は、図７Ｂ及び図７Ｃに示すように、塗布部４１と、除去部４２と、光源４３と、凹部形成部４４とを有する。なお、図７Ｂ及び図７Ｃに示すテープ化装置４０はテープ化装置の一例を示している。テープ化装置は、図７Ｂ及び図７Ｃに示すものに限られるものではない。 The tape making device 40 is a device for manufacturing an optical fiber tape 1 by connecting a plurality of optical fibers 2. Here, the tape-making device 40 is a device that intermittently forms the connecting portion 3 to manufacture the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1. However, the optical fiber tape 1 manufactured by the tape forming apparatus 40 is not limited to the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1. A plurality of optical fibers 2 arranged in the tape width direction are supplied to the tape forming device 40. In the case of the tape-making device 40 for manufacturing the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1, the tape-making device 40 forms a coating portion 41, a removing portion 42, a light source 43, and a recess as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C. It has a part 44 and. The tape-making device 40 shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C shows an example of the tape-making device. The taper is not limited to the one shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C.
　塗布部４１は、連結剤（テープ化材）を塗布する装置である。連結剤は、例えば紫外線硬化樹脂であり、連結剤が硬化することによって連結部３が形成される。塗布部４１は、液状の連結剤を充填させたコーティングダイスに複数の光ファイバ２を挿通させることによって、長手方向にわたって、光ファイバ２の外周や、隣接する光ファイバ２の間に、液状の連結剤を塗布する。 The coating unit 41 is a device for applying a connecting agent (tape material). The linking agent is, for example, an ultraviolet curable resin, and the connecting portion 3 is formed by curing the linking agent. By inserting a plurality of optical fibers 2 into a coating die filled with a liquid connecting agent, the coating portion 41 connects the liquid fibers 2 to the outer periphery of the optical fibers 2 and between adjacent optical fibers 2 in the longitudinal direction. Apply the agent.
　除去部４２は、塗布部４１によって塗布された連結剤の一部を残しつつ、一部を除去する装置である。除去部４２は、切欠き部４２１Ａを有する回転刃４２１を有しており（図７Ｂ参照）、光ファイバ２の供給速度に合わせて回転刃４２１を回転させる。塗布部４１によって塗布された連結剤は、回転刃４２１の外縁によって堰き止められることによって除去されるが、回転刃４２１の切欠き部４２１Ａでは連結剤が残留する。なお、連結剤の残留した部位が連結部３（図１参照）となり、連結剤の除去された部位が非連結部４となる。このため、回転刃４２１の回転速度や切欠き部４２１Ａの大きさを調整することによって、連結部３の長さや配置を調整することができる。なお、例えば、硬化後に切断して連結部と非連結部を形成したり、連結部となるべき箇所にディスペンサ等で樹脂を塗布したりする場合には、除去部は不要である。 The removing unit 42 is a device that removes a part of the binder applied by the coating unit 41 while leaving a part of the binder. The removing portion 42 has a rotary blade 421 having a notch portion 421A (see FIG. 7B), and rotates the rotary blade 421 according to the supply speed of the optical fiber 2. The binder applied by the coating portion 41 is removed by being blocked by the outer edge of the rotary blade 421, but the binder remains in the notch portion 421A of the rotary blade 421. The portion where the binder remains is the connecting portion 3 (see FIG. 1), and the portion from which the binder has been removed is the non-connecting portion 4. Therefore, the length and arrangement of the connecting portion 3 can be adjusted by adjusting the rotation speed of the rotary blade 421 and the size of the notch portion 421A. For example, when cutting after curing to form a connecting portion and a non-connecting portion, or when resin is applied to a portion to be a connecting portion with a dispenser or the like, the removing portion is unnecessary.
　光源４３は、紫外線硬化樹脂で構成された連結剤に紫外線を照射する装置である。光源４３は、仮硬化用光源４３Ａと、本硬化用光源４３Ｂとを有する。仮硬化用光源４３Ａは、本硬化用光源４３Ｂよりも上流側に配置されている。連結剤は、仮硬化用光源４３Ａから紫外線を照射されると、仮硬化する。仮硬化した連結剤は、完全には硬化していないが、表面では硬化が進行した状態になる。本硬化用光源４３Ｂは、仮硬化用光源４３Ａよりも強い紫外線を照射して連結剤を本硬化させる。本硬化した紫外線硬化樹脂は、内部まで硬化した状態になる（但し、本硬化した連結剤（連結部３）は適度な弾性を有しており、間欠連結型の光ファイバテープ１を丸めて筒状にすることは可能である）。 The light source 43 is a device that irradiates a binder made of an ultraviolet curable resin with ultraviolet rays. The light source 43 includes a temporary curing light source 43A and a main curing light source 43B. The temporary curing light source 43A is arranged on the upstream side of the main curing light source 43B. The binder is temporarily cured when it is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the temporary curing light source 43A. The temporarily cured binder is not completely cured, but is in a state where curing has progressed on the surface. The main curing light source 43B irradiates ultraviolet rays stronger than the temporary curing light source 43A to main cure the binder. The main-cured UV-curable resin is in a state of being cured to the inside (however, the main-cured connector (connecting portion 3) has appropriate elasticity, and the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 is rolled into a cylinder. It is possible to make it into a shape).
　図７Ｃに示すように、塗布部４１及び除去部４２から出た直後の光ファイバ２は、互いに間隔が空いていても良い。この状態で仮硬化用光源４３Ａが連結剤に紫外線を照射し、連結剤を仮硬化させる。テープ化装置４０は、連結剤の仮硬化後に、光ファイバ２の間隔を徐々に狭めて、複数の光ファイバ２を並列に並べてテープ状に集線する。なお、連結剤が仮硬化しているため、仮に連結剤の除去された部分（非連結部４）同士が接触しても、連結せずに済む。また、本硬化前であるため、連結剤で連結された領域においても光ファイバ２の間隔を狭めること（集線）が可能である。本硬化用光源４３Ｂが紫外線を照射して連結剤が本硬化すれば、図１に示す間欠連結型の光ファイバテープ１が製造される。なお、製造する光ファイバテープ１に応じて、光ファイバ２を集線しなくても良い。 As shown in FIG. 7C, the optical fibers 2 immediately after coming out of the coating portion 41 and the removing portion 42 may be spaced apart from each other. In this state, the temporary curing light source 43A irradiates the binder with ultraviolet rays to temporarily cure the binder. After the binder is temporarily cured, the tape forming apparatus 40 gradually narrows the interval between the optical fibers 2 and arranges a plurality of optical fibers 2 in parallel to collect the wires in a tape shape. Since the binder is temporarily cured, even if the portions (non-connecting portions 4) from which the binder has been removed come into contact with each other, they do not need to be connected. Further, since it is before the main curing, it is possible to narrow the interval (concentration) of the optical fibers 2 even in the region connected by the connecting agent. When the main curing light source 43B irradiates ultraviolet rays to main cure the binder, the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 shown in FIG. 1 is manufactured. It is not necessary to concentrate the optical fiber 2 according to the optical fiber tape 1 to be manufactured.
　凹部形成部４４は、図７Ｂに示すように、本硬化用光源４３Ｂと仮硬化用光源４３Ａとの間に配置されており、一対のローラー４４1を有している。一対のローラー４４１の外周には外側に突出する凸部４４２がそれぞれ設けられている。凸部４４２は、凹部７と対応する形状に設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 7B, the recess forming portion 44 is arranged between the main curing light source 43B and the temporary curing light source 43A, and has a pair of rollers 441. Convex portions 442 protruding outward are provided on the outer periphery of the pair of rollers 441. The convex portion 442 is provided in a shape corresponding to the concave portion 7.
　仮硬化用光源４３Ａで仮硬化された連結剤（テープ化材）は、本硬化用光源４３Ｂを通るよりも前（本硬化される前）に、一対のローラー４４１で挟まれる。そして、一対のローラー４４１の凸部４４２によってテープ面の側（上部及び下部）が押圧され、テープ化材に凹部７が形成される。すなわち、連結剤（テープ化材）を仮硬化させた後、本硬化前に凹部７が形成される。 The binder (tape material) temporarily cured by the temporary curing light source 43A is sandwiched between a pair of rollers 441 before passing through the main curing light source 43B (before the main curing). Then, the side (upper and lower) of the tape surface is pressed by the convex portion 442 of the pair of rollers 441, and the concave portion 7 is formed in the taped material. That is, after the binder (tape material) is temporarily cured, the recess 7 is formed before the main curing.
　仮に、仮硬化前に凹部７を形成すると、凹部７の周縁の段差部（凹凸の境界部）が丸みを帯びてしまい（言い換えると、凹部７の周縁の段差部の高低差が小さくなってしまい）、触診の際に凹部７を識別し難くなる。また、仮に、本硬化後に凹部７を形成すると、既に連結剤（テープ化材）が固まっているため、凹部７を深く形成できなくなる。これに対し、本実施形態では、仮硬化の後、本硬化する前に凹部７を形成しているので、凹部７の周縁の段差部が明確になるように形成でき、凹部７を触診で識別しやすくなる。但し、識別可能な凹部７を形成できるのであれば、必ずしも仮硬化と本硬化の間で凹部７を形成しなくても良く、例えば、仮硬化前に凹部７を形成したり、本硬化後に凹部７を形成しても良い。 If the concave portion 7 is formed before the temporary curing, the stepped portion (boundary portion of the unevenness) on the peripheral edge of the concave portion 7 will be rounded (in other words, the height difference of the stepped portion on the peripheral edge of the concave portion 7 will be small. ), It becomes difficult to identify the recess 7 during palpation. Further, if the recess 7 is formed after the main curing, the recess 7 cannot be formed deeply because the binder (tape material) has already hardened. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the recess 7 is formed after the temporary curing and before the main curing, the recess 7 can be formed so that the step portion on the peripheral edge of the recess 7 becomes clear, and the recess 7 can be identified by palpation. It will be easier to do. However, if an identifiable recess 7 can be formed, it is not always necessary to form the recess 7 between the temporary curing and the main curing. For example, the concave portion 7 may be formed before the temporary curing or the concave portion may be formed after the main curing. 7 may be formed.
　ドラム５０は、光ファイバテープ１を巻き取る部材である（図７Ａ参照）。テープ化装置４０によって製造された光ファイバテープ１は、ドラム５０に巻き取られることになる。 The drum 50 is a member that winds up the optical fiber tape 1 (see FIG. 7A). The optical fiber tape 1 manufactured by the tape forming device 40 will be wound around the drum 50.
　＝＝＝第２実施形態＝＝＝
　図８は、第２実施形態の光ファイバテープ１の説明図である。図８ではマーク５の図示を省略している。以下の説明では、第１実施形態と同じ構成の説明は省略し、主に第１実施形態とは異なる構成について説明する。第２実施形態の光ファイバテープ１は、長手方向に連続して連結されている２連の光ファイバ２の対（ファイバ対２Ｐ）を複数（ここでは６対）備えており、隣接するファイバ対２Ｐの間が間欠的に連結部３で連結されている。このように、２連のファイバ対２Ｐが間欠的に連結されることによって、間欠連結型の光ファイバテープ１が構成されても良い。 === Second embodiment ===
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber tape 1 of the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, the mark 5 is not shown. In the following description, the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted, and the configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be mainly described. The optical fiber tape 1 of the second embodiment includes a plurality of pairs (fiber pairs 2P) of two pairs of optical fibers 2 continuously connected in the longitudinal direction (here, 6 pairs), and adjacent fiber pairs. The 2Ps are intermittently connected by the connecting portion 3. In this way, the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 may be configured by intermittently connecting the two fiber pairs 2P.
　＝＝＝第３実施形態＝＝＝
　図９は、第３実施形態の光ファイバテープ１の説明図である。以下の説明では、第１、第２実施形態と同じ構成の説明は省略し、主に第１、第２実施形態とは異なる構成について説明する。第３実施形態の光ファイバテープ１は、一括被覆型であり、複数（ここでは４本）の光ファイバ２の周囲がテープ化材（テープ化材層６）で一括被覆されている。 === Third Embodiment ===
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber tape 1 of the third embodiment. In the following description, the description of the same configuration as that of the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and the configurations different from those of the first and second embodiments will be mainly described. The optical fiber tape 1 of the third embodiment is a batch coating type, and the periphery of a plurality of (here, four) optical fibers 2 are collectively coated with a tape material (tape material layer 6).
　このような一括被覆型の光ファイバテープ１に凹部７を形成しても良い。この場合、一括被覆のテープ化材が被覆部に相当し、テープ化材（テープ化材層６）のテープ面の側に凹部７が形成される。 The recess 7 may be formed in such a batch coating type optical fiber tape 1. In this case, the taped material of the batch coating corresponds to the covering portion, and the recess 7 is formed on the tape surface side of the taped material (tape material layer 6).
　＝＝＝第４実施形態＝＝＝
　図１０は、第４実施形態の光ファイバ２の説明図である。以下の説明では、第１～第３実施形態と同じ構成の説明は省略し、主に第１～第３実施形態とは異なる構成について説明する。第４実施形態では、テープ化されておらず、単心の光ファイバ２（以下、単心ファイバ２ともいう）の表面に凹部７が形成されている。このように、単心ファイバ２に凹部７が形成されてもよい。なお、この場合、単心ファイバ２の着色層２Ｃが被覆部に相当し、着色層２Ｃに凹部７が形成されることになる。また、複数の単心ファイバ２を備えた光ファイバテープを製造することによって、他の実施形態の光ファイバテープと同様に、触診による識別が可能な光ファイバテープを構成しても良い。 === Fourth Embodiment ===
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber 2 of the fourth embodiment. In the following description, the description of the same configuration as that of the first to third embodiments will be omitted, and the configuration different from that of the first to third embodiments will be mainly described. In the fourth embodiment, the concave portion 7 is formed on the surface of the single-core optical fiber 2 (hereinafter, also referred to as the single-core fiber 2) without being taped. In this way, the recess 7 may be formed in the single core fiber 2. In this case, the colored layer 2C of the single core fiber 2 corresponds to the covering portion, and the recess 7 is formed in the colored layer 2C. Further, by manufacturing an optical fiber tape provided with a plurality of single-core fibers 2, an optical fiber tape that can be identified by palpation may be configured as in the case of the optical fiber tapes of other embodiments.
　＝＝＝第５実施形態＝＝＝
　図１１は、第５実施形態の光ファイバテープ１の説明図である。図１１において、図３と同一構成の部分には同一符号を付し、説明を省略する。以下の説明では、第１～第４実施形態と同じ構成の説明は省略し、主に第１～第４実施形態とは異なる構成について説明する。第５実施形態では、凹凸部として、凸部８が形成されている。凸部８は、光ファイバ２のテープ化材層６の表面から突出して形成されている。このような凸部８を設けることによっても、凹部７の場合と同様に、触診により識別することが可能である。なお、凸部８の段差部の高さ（高低差）は、凸部８におけるテープ化材層６の厚さから、凸部８位外の部位のテープ化材層６の厚さ（図３ＢのＴｎ）を減算することで求めることができる。 === Fifth Embodiment ===
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber tape 1 of the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 11, the same parts as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the following description, the description of the same configuration as the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted, and the configurations different from the first to fourth embodiments will be mainly described. In the fifth embodiment, the convex portion 8 is formed as the uneven portion. The convex portion 8 is formed so as to project from the surface of the taped material layer 6 of the optical fiber 2. By providing such a convex portion 8, it is possible to identify by palpation as in the case of the concave portion 7. The height (height difference) of the stepped portion of the convex portion 8 is the thickness of the taped material layer 6 at a portion outside the convex portion 8 from the thickness of the taped material layer 6 at the convex portion 8 (FIG. 3B). It can be obtained by subtracting T n ) of.
　図１２Ａは、第５実施形態の光ファイバテープ１を製造する製造システム２００の説明図である。なお、図１２Ａにおいて、図７Ａと同一構成の部分には同一符号を付し説明と省略する。 FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing system 200 for manufacturing the optical fiber tape 1 of the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 12A, the same reference numerals are given to the parts having the same configuration as that of FIG. 7A, and the description thereof will be omitted.
　製造システム２００はテープ化装置４０´と凸部形成装置６０を備えている。　
　テープ化装置４０´は、例えば前述のテープ化装置４０とほぼ同様の構成を採用しても良い。但し、テープ化装置４０´は、凹部形成部４４を備えていない。テープ化装置４０´は、テープ化材を硬化させて光ファイバテープ１を形成し、光ファイバテープ１を凸部形成装置６０に供給する。　
　凸部形成装置６０は、テープ化された光ファイバテープ１（複数の光ファイバ２）に凸部８を形成する装置であり、テープ化装置４０´よりも搬送方向の下流側（テープ化装置４０´とドラム５０の間）に設けられている。 The manufacturing system 200 includes a tape forming device 40'and a convex portion forming device 60.
The tape-forming device 40'may adopt, for example, substantially the same configuration as the above-mentioned tape-forming device 40. However, the tape forming device 40'does not include the recess forming portion 44. The tape forming device 40'cures the taped material to form the optical fiber tape 1, and supplies the optical fiber tape 1 to the convex portion forming device 60.
The convex portion forming device 60 is a device for forming a convex portion 8 on a taped optical fiber tape 1 (a plurality of optical fibers 2), and is a device downstream of the taped device 40'in the transport direction (taping device 40). It is provided between ´ and the drum 50).
　図１２Ｂは、凸部形成装置６０の構成の説明図である。図中には、印刷ローラー６３の回転軸の軸方向から見たときの凸部形成装置６０の概略構成が示されている。凸部形成装置６０は、液槽６１と、供給ローラー６２と、凸部形成ローラー６３と、ドクター刃６４と、搬送機構６５と、硬化装置６６とを備えている。 FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the convex portion forming device 60. In the figure, a schematic configuration of the convex portion forming device 60 when viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis of the printing roller 63 is shown. The convex portion forming device 60 includes a liquid tank 61, a supply roller 62, a convex portion forming roller 63, a doctor blade 64, a transport mechanism 65, and a curing device 66.
　液槽６１は、液状の紫外線硬化樹脂７０を収容する容器（インクパン）である。供給ローラー６２は、凸部形成ローラー６３に紫外線硬化樹脂７０を供給するためのローラーである。供給ローラー６２は、図中の矢印Ａの方向に回転することによって、液槽６１の紫外線硬化樹脂７０を掻き揚げて、凸部形成ローラー６３に紫外線硬化樹脂７０を供給する。凸部形成ローラー６３は、光ファイバテープ１（光ファイバ２）に紫外線硬化樹脂７０を転写して、光ファイバ２に凸部８を形成するためのローラーである。凸部形成ローラー６３の表面には、凸部８を形成するためのパターン６３Ａが形成されている。凸部形成ローラー６３は、図中の矢印Ｂの方向に回転する。凸部形成ローラー６３の回転中に、供給ローラー６２の紫外線硬化樹脂７０が凸部形成ローラー６３の表面に付着し、パターン６３Ａに付着した紫外線硬化樹脂７０が光ファイバ２に転写されることによって、光ファイバ２に凸部８が形成されることになる。ドクター刃６４は、凸部形成ローラー６３に付着した余分な紫外線硬化樹脂７０を掻き落とす部材である。 The liquid tank 61 is a container (ink pan) that houses the liquid ultraviolet curable resin 70. The supply roller 62 is a roller for supplying the ultraviolet curable resin 70 to the convex portion forming roller 63. The supply roller 62 rotates in the direction of the arrow A in the drawing to scoop up the ultraviolet curable resin 70 in the liquid tank 61 and supply the ultraviolet curable resin 70 to the convex portion forming roller 63. The convex portion forming roller 63 is a roller for transferring the ultraviolet curable resin 70 to the optical fiber tape 1 (optical fiber 2) to form the convex portion 8 on the optical fiber 2. A pattern 63A for forming the convex portion 8 is formed on the surface of the convex portion forming roller 63. The convex portion forming roller 63 rotates in the direction of the arrow B in the drawing. During the rotation of the convex portion forming roller 63, the ultraviolet curable resin 70 of the supply roller 62 adheres to the surface of the convex portion forming roller 63, and the ultraviolet curable resin 70 adhering to the pattern 63A is transferred to the optical fiber 2. The convex portion 8 is formed on the optical fiber 2. The doctor blade 64 is a member that scrapes off excess ultraviolet curable resin 70 adhering to the convex portion forming roller 63.
　搬送機構６５は、搬送方向上流側のテープ化装置４０´（図１２Ａ参照）から供給された光ファイバテープ１（複数の光ファイバ２）を搬送方向下流側に搬送する。搬送機構６５は、例えば搬送ローラーで構成されており、搬送用モーター（不図示）の駆動力によって回転することによって光ファイバテープ１を搬送する。本実施形態では、搬送機構６５は、光ファイバテープ１の複数の光ファイバ２を幅方向に並べて搬送することになる。搬送中の光ファイバテープ１の各光ファイバ２には、凸部形成ローラー６３の印刷パターン６３Ａに付着した紫外線硬化樹脂７０が転写される。 The transport mechanism 65 transports the optical fiber tape 1 (plurality of optical fibers 2) supplied from the tape-making device 40'(see FIG. 12A) on the upstream side in the transport direction to the downstream side in the transport direction. The transport mechanism 65 is composed of, for example, a transport roller, and transports the optical fiber tape 1 by rotating with a driving force of a transport motor (not shown). In the present embodiment, the transport mechanism 65 transports the plurality of optical fibers 2 of the optical fiber tape 1 side by side in the width direction. The ultraviolet curable resin 70 adhering to the printing pattern 63A of the convex portion forming roller 63 is transferred to each optical fiber 2 of the optical fiber tape 1 being conveyed.
　硬化装置６６は、紫外線照射装置（紫外線光源）であり、光ファイバ２に転写された紫外線硬化樹脂７０を硬化させる。硬化装置６６は、凸部形成ローラー６３よりも搬送方向下流側に設けられている。 The curing device 66 is an ultraviolet irradiation device (ultraviolet light source) and cures the ultraviolet curing resin 70 transferred to the optical fiber 2. The curing device 66 is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the convex portion forming roller 63.
　本実施形態では、テープ化装置４０´において光ファイバテープ１が形成された後、光ファイバテープ１のテープ面の側に、紫外線硬化樹脂７０によって凸部８を形成するとともに、硬化装置６６から紫外線を照射して凸部８を硬化させている。上記のように、ロール印刷方式により、光ファイバテープ１のテープ面に凸部８を形成することができる。 In the present embodiment, after the optical fiber tape 1 is formed in the tape making device 40', the convex portion 8 is formed on the tape surface side of the optical fiber tape 1 by the ultraviolet curing resin 70, and the ultraviolet rays are formed from the curing device 66. Is irradiated to cure the convex portion 8. As described above, the convex portion 8 can be formed on the tape surface of the optical fiber tape 1 by the roll printing method.
　＝＝＝別の実施形態＝＝＝
　＜第１変形例＞
　図１３は、第１変形例の凹凸部の拡大断面図である。第１変形例では、テープ化材層６の表面に、凹凸部として凹部７が形成されている。第１変形例の凹部７は、底面が無い。言い換えると、第１変形例の凹部７には、周方向に平行な面が形成されていない。但し、第１変形例の凹部７においても、凹部７の周縁に凹凸（高低差のある段差部；凹凸の境界部）が形成されるため、作業者が凹部７を触診することが可能である。このように、図１３に示すように凹凸部を形成しても良い。 === Another embodiment ===
<First modification>
FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the uneven portion of the first modified example. In the first modification, the concave portion 7 is formed as an uneven portion on the surface of the taped material layer 6. The recess 7 of the first modification has no bottom surface. In other words, the recess 7 of the first modification is not formed with a surface parallel to the circumferential direction. However, even in the recess 7 of the first modification, since unevenness (stepped portion having a height difference; boundary portion of unevenness) is formed on the peripheral edge of the concave portion 7, the operator can palpate the concave portion 7. .. In this way, the uneven portion may be formed as shown in FIG.
　＜第２変形例＞
　図１４Ａ及び図１４Ｂは、第２変形例の凹凸部の説明図である。図１４Ａは、テープ幅方向から見た第２変形例の凹部７の拡大図である。図１４Ｂは、長手方向から見た第２変形例の凹部７の拡大断面図（図１４ＡのＡ－Ａ断面図）である。第２変形例では、図１４Ａに示すように、凹部７の長手方向の端部の周縁７Ａ（幅方向に平行な周縁）に凹凸（高低差のある段差部；凹凸の境界部）が形成されている。その一方、第２変形例では、図１４Ｂに示すように、凹部７のテープ幅方向の端部の周縁７Ａ（長手方向に平行な周縁）には、凹凸が形成されていない。このように、第２変形例では、凹部７の全ての周縁に凹凸は形成されておらず、凹部７の一部の周縁に凹凸が形成されていても良い。但し、第２変形例においても、凹部７の周縁に凹凸（高低差のある段差部；凹凸の境界部）が形成されるため、作業者が凹部７を触診することが可能である。なお、作業者は、凹凸部を触診するときに指を光ファイバ２に沿って滑らせるため、第２変形例のように、凹部７の長手方向の端部の周縁７Ａ（幅方向に平行な周縁）に凹凸（高低差のある段差部；凹凸の境界部）が形成されていると、作業者が凹凸部を識別し易くなる。 <Second modification>
14A and 14B are explanatory views of the uneven portion of the second modification. FIG. 14A is an enlarged view of the recess 7 of the second modification as seen from the tape width direction. FIG. 14B is an enlarged cross-sectional view (AA cross-sectional view of FIG. 14A) of the recess 7 of the second modified example viewed from the longitudinal direction. In the second modification, as shown in FIG. 14A, unevenness (step portion having a height difference; boundary portion of unevenness) is formed on the peripheral edge 7A (periphery parallel to the width direction) of the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the concave portion 7. ing. On the other hand, in the second modification, as shown in FIG. 14B, unevenness is not formed on the peripheral edge 7A (periphery parallel to the longitudinal direction) of the end portion of the concave portion 7 in the tape width direction. As described above, in the second modification, the unevenness is not formed on all the peripheral edges of the concave portion 7, and the unevenness may be formed on a part of the peripheral edge of the concave portion 7. However, also in the second modification, since unevenness (step portion having a height difference; boundary portion of unevenness) is formed on the peripheral edge of the concave portion 7, the operator can palpate the concave portion 7. In addition, since the operator slides his / her finger along the optical fiber 2 when palpating the uneven portion, the peripheral edge 7A (parallel to the width direction) of the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the recess 7 is as in the second modification. If unevenness (stepped portion having a height difference; boundary portion of unevenness) is formed on the peripheral edge), the operator can easily identify the uneven portion.
　＜第３変形例＞
　図１５Ａは、第３変形例の凹凸部の説明図である。第３変形例では、長手方向に沿って複数（ここでは２つ）の凹凸部が形成されており、複数の凹凸部が凹部７と凸部８との組み合わせで構成されている。このように、凹部７と凸部８を組み合わせて凹凸部のパターンを構成しても良い。第３変形例のように、凹部７と凸部８とを組み合わせて凹凸部のパターンを構成することによって、パターンの種類を増やすことができる。 <Third modification example>
FIG. 15A is an explanatory view of the uneven portion of the third modified example. In the third modification, a plurality of (two in this case) uneven portions are formed along the longitudinal direction, and the plurality of uneven portions are formed by a combination of the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8. In this way, the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8 may be combined to form the pattern of the uneven portion. As in the third modification, the number of types of patterns can be increased by forming the pattern of the uneven portion by combining the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8.
　図１５Ｂは、別の第３変形例の凹凸部の説明図である。図１５Ａと同様に、長手方向に沿って複数（ここでは２つ）の凹凸部が形成されており、複数の凹凸部が凹部７と凸部８との組み合わせで構成されている。このため、図１５Ｂに示す場合においても、凹部７と凸部８とを組み合わせて凹凸部のパターンを構成することによって、パターンの種類を増やすことができる。更に、ここでは、凹部７と凸部８とが長手方向に隣接して配置されている。この結果、凹部７と凸部８との境界部において、大きな高低差の段差部が形成されている。このように、凹部７と凸部８とを長手方向に隣接して配置することによって、凹部７と凸部８との境界部に大きな凹凸（高低差のある段差部）を形成できるため、作業者が凹凸部を識別し易くなる。 FIG. 15B is an explanatory view of the uneven portion of another third modified example. Similar to FIG. 15A, a plurality of (two in this case) uneven portions are formed along the longitudinal direction, and the plurality of uneven portions are formed by a combination of the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8. Therefore, even in the case shown in FIG. 15B, the types of patterns can be increased by forming the pattern of the concave-convex portion by combining the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8. Further, here, the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8 are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction. As a result, a stepped portion having a large height difference is formed at the boundary portion between the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8. By arranging the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction in this way, it is possible to form a large unevenness (step portion having a height difference) at the boundary portion between the concave portion 7 and the convex portion 8. It becomes easier for a person to identify the uneven portion.
　＝＝＝その他＝＝＝
　上記の実施形態は、本発明の理解を容易にするためのものであり、本発明を限定して解釈するためのものではない。本発明は、その趣旨を逸脱することなく、変更・改良され得ると共に、本発明には、その等価物が含まれることは言うまでもない。 === Others ===
The above embodiment is for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and is not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. It goes without saying that the present invention can be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes an equivalent thereof.
１　光ファイバテープ、２　光ファイバ、
２Ａ　光ファイバ裸線、２Ｂ　被覆層、２Ｃ　着色層、
２Ｐ　ファイバ対、
３　連結部、４　非連結部、
５　マーク、６　テープ化材層、７　凹部（凹凸部）、８　凸部（凹凸部）
１０　ファイバ供給部、２０　印刷装置、
３０　着色装置、４０　テープ化装置、４０´　テープ化装置、
４１　塗布部、４２　除去部、
４３　光源、４３Ａ　仮硬化用光源、４３Ｂ　本硬化用光源、
４４　凹部形成部、
５０　ドラム、
６０　凸部形成装置、
６１　液槽、６２　供給ローラー、
６３　凸部形成ローラー、６３Ａ　パターン、
６４　ドクター刃、６５　搬送機構、６６　硬化装置、
７０　インク、
１００　製造システム、２００　製造システム、
４２１　回転刃、４２１Ａ　切欠き部、
４４１　ローラー、４４２　凸部
  1 optical fiber tape, 2 optical fiber,
2A optical fiber bare wire, 2B coating layer, 2C colored layer,
2P fiber pair,
3 connecting part, 4 non-connecting part,
5 mark, 6 tape layer, 7 concave part (uneven part), 8 convex part (uneven part)
10 Fiber supply unit, 20 Printing equipment,
30 coloring device, 40 taper, 40'taping device,
41 coating part, 42 removal part,
43 light source, 43A temporary curing light source, 43B main curing light source,
44 recess forming part,
50 drums,
60 Convex forming device,
61 liquid tank, 62 supply roller,
63 Convex forming roller, 63A pattern,
64 Doctor blade, 65 Conveyance mechanism, 66 Hardener,
70 ink,
100 manufacturing system, 200 manufacturing system,
421 rotary blade, 421A notch,
441 Roller, 442 Convex

Claims (18)

  1. 　複数の光ファイバが並んで構成された光ファイバテープであって、
    　前記光ファイバの被覆部のテープ面の側に、光ファイバテープを識別するための凹凸部が形成されていることを特徴とする光ファイバテープ。     An optical fiber tape composed of a plurality of optical fibers arranged side by side.
    An optical fiber tape characterized in that an uneven portion for identifying the optical fiber tape is formed on the tape surface side of the coating portion of the optical fiber.
  2. 　請求項１に記載の光ファイバテープであって、
    　前記凹凸部は、前記被覆部の表面から凹んだ凹部として形成されている、
    ことを特徴とする光ファイバテープ。     The optical fiber tape according to claim 1.
    The uneven portion is formed as a concave portion recessed from the surface of the covering portion.
    An optical fiber tape characterized by this.
  3. 　請求項１に記載の光ファイバテープであって、
    　前記凹凸部は、前記被覆部の表面から突出した凸部として形成されている、
    ことを特徴とする光ファイバテープ。     The optical fiber tape according to claim 1.
    The uneven portion is formed as a convex portion protruding from the surface of the covering portion.
    An optical fiber tape characterized by this.
  4. 　請求項１～３の何れかに記載の光ファイバテープであって、
    　前記テープ面の法線方向から見たときの前記凹凸部の周縁に角が形成されている、
    ことを特徴とする光ファイバテープ。     The optical fiber tape according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
    Corners are formed on the peripheral edge of the uneven portion when viewed from the normal direction of the tape surface.
    An optical fiber tape characterized by this.
  5. 　請求項１～４の何れかに記載の光ファイバテープであって、
    　前記凹凸部は、前記光ファイバ毎にそれぞれ設けられており、
    　或る光ファイバの前記凹凸部と、他の光ファイバの前記凹凸部とが、前記光ファイバテープの幅方向に並んでいる、
    ことを特徴とする光ファイバテープ。     The optical fiber tape according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
    The uneven portion is provided for each optical fiber, and the uneven portion is provided for each optical fiber.
    The uneven portion of a certain optical fiber and the uneven portion of another optical fiber are arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber tape.
    An optical fiber tape characterized by this.
  6. 　請求項１～５の何れかに記載の光ファイバテープであって、
    　前記被覆部よりも内側に、光ファイバテープを識別するためのマークをさらに有し、
    　前記テープ面の法線方向において、前記凹凸部の少なくとも一部が、前記マークと重なって配置されている、
    ことを特徴とする光ファイバテープ。     The optical fiber tape according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
    A mark for identifying the optical fiber tape is further provided inside the covering portion.
    At least a part of the uneven portion is arranged so as to overlap the mark in the normal direction of the tape surface.
    An optical fiber tape characterized by this.
  7. 　請求項１～６の何れかに記載の光ファイバテープであって、
    　隣接する２本の前記光ファイバを間欠的に連結する連結部を有し、
    　前記光ファイバテープの幅方向において、前記凹凸部は、前記連結部の横に配置されている、
    ことを特徴とする光ファイバテープ。     The optical fiber tape according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
    It has a connecting portion that intermittently connects two adjacent optical fibers.
    In the width direction of the optical fiber tape, the uneven portion is arranged next to the connecting portion.
    An optical fiber tape characterized by this.
  8. 　請求項１～７の何れかに記載の光ファイバテープであって、
    　前記凹凸部は、前記テープ面の側とは反対側にも形成されている、
    ことを特徴とする光ファイバテープ。     The optical fiber tape according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
    The uneven portion is also formed on a side opposite to the side of the tape surface.
    An optical fiber tape characterized by this.
  9. 　請求項１～８の何れかに記載の光ファイバテープであって、
    　前記凹凸部の周縁の高低差は３．２μｍ以上である、
    ことを特徴とする光ファイバテープ。     The optical fiber tape according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
    The height difference of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion is 3.2 μm or more.
    An optical fiber tape characterized by this.
  10. 　請求項９に記載の光ファイバテープであって、
    　前記凹凸部の周縁の高低差は４．８μｍ以上である、
    ことを特徴とする光ファイバテープ。     The optical fiber tape according to claim 9.
    The height difference of the peripheral edge of the uneven portion is 4.8 μm or more.
    An optical fiber tape characterized by this.
  11. 　請求項９又は１０に記載の光ファイバテープであって、
    　前記凹凸部の内側の表面粗さと、前記凹凸部の外側の表面粗さとが同じである、
    ことを特徴とする光ファイバテープ。     The optical fiber tape according to claim 9 or 10.
    The inner surface roughness of the uneven portion and the outer surface roughness of the uneven portion are the same.
    An optical fiber tape characterized by this.
  12. 　請求項１～８の何れかに記載の光ファイバテープであって、
    　前記凹凸部の内側の表面粗さと、前記凹凸部の外側の表面粗さとが異なる、
    ことを特徴とする光ファイバテープ。     The optical fiber tape according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
    The inner surface roughness of the uneven portion and the outer surface roughness of the uneven portion are different.
    An optical fiber tape characterized by this.
  13. 　請求項１～１２の何れかに記載の光ファイバテープであって、
    　前記凹凸部は、前記光ファイバテープの長手方向に間隔を空けて複数形成されており、
    前記凹凸部の前記長手方向の長さをＬ（ｍｍ）、前記間隔をＬｉ（ｍｍ）としたとき、
    　Ｌｉ≧Ｌ＋１４
    を満たすことを特徴とする光ファイバテープ。     The optical fiber tape according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
    A plurality of the uneven portions are formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape.
    When the length of the uneven portion in the longitudinal direction is L (mm) and the distance is Li (mm),
    Li i ≧ L + 14
    An optical fiber tape characterized by satisfying.
  14. 　請求項１～１３の何れかに記載の光ファイバテープであって、
    　前記光ファイバテープの長手方向の長さがＬＳ（ｍｍ）の前記凹凸部と、前記長手方向の長さが前記ＬＳよりも大きいＬＬ（ｍｍ）の前記凹凸部が、前記長手方向に間隔を空けて形成されており、
    　ＬＬ≧ＬＳ+１４
    を満たすことを特徴とする光ファイバテープ。     The optical fiber tape according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
    And the uneven portion in the longitudinal direction of the length L S (mm) of the optical fiber tapes, the concavo-convex portion of the longitudinal direction of the length L is larger than S L L (mm) is, in the longitudinal direction It is formed at intervals,
    L L ≧ L S +14
    An optical fiber tape characterized by satisfying.
  15. 　複数の光ファイバが並んで構成された光ファイバテープの製造方法であって、
    　前記光ファイバの被覆部のテープ面の側に、紫外線硬化樹脂により凹凸部を形成する工程と、
    　紫外線を照射して前記凹凸部を硬化させることによって、前記光ファイバの被覆部のテープ面の側に、光ファイバテープを識別するための凹凸部を形成する工程と、
    を有することを特徴とする光ファイバテープの製造方法。     A method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged side by side.
    A step of forming an uneven portion with an ultraviolet curable resin on the tape surface side of the coating portion of the optical fiber, and
    A step of forming an uneven portion for identifying the optical fiber tape on the tape surface side of the coating portion of the optical fiber by irradiating the uneven portion with ultraviolet rays and curing the uneven portion.
    A method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape, which comprises.
  16. 　請求項１５に記載の光ファイバテープの製造方法であって、
    　前記紫外線硬化樹脂により構成されたテープ化材を、前記光ファイバの周囲に塗布する工程と、
    　前記紫外線を照射して、前記テープ化材を仮硬化させる工程と、
    を更に有し、
    　仮硬化された前記テープ化材の前記テープ面の側に、前記凹凸部となる凹部を形成するとともに、
    　前記紫外線を照射して、前記凹部の形成された前記テープ化材を本硬化させる
    ことを特徴とする光ファイバテープの製造方法。     The method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape according to claim 15.
    A step of applying a tape-forming material composed of the ultraviolet curable resin around the optical fiber, and
    The step of irradiating the ultraviolet rays to temporarily cure the taped material, and
    With more
    On the side of the tape surface of the temporarily cured tape material, a recess to be the uneven portion is formed, and a recess is formed.
    A method for producing an optical fiber tape, which comprises irradiating the ultraviolet rays to mainally cure the taped material having the recesses formed therein.
  17. 　請求項１５に記載の光ファイバテープの製造方法であって、
    　前記テープ化材を前記光ファイバの周囲に塗布する工程と、
    　前記テープ化材を硬化させ、前記光ファイバテープを形成する工程と
    を更に有し、
    　前記光ファイバテープを形成した後、前記テープ面の側に、前記凹凸部となる凸部を紫外線硬化樹脂により形成するとともに、
    　前記紫外線を照射して、前記凸部を硬化させる
    ことを特徴とする光ファイバテープの製造方法。     The method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape according to claim 15.
    The step of applying the taped material around the optical fiber and
    It further includes a step of curing the taped material and forming the optical fiber tape.
    After forming the optical fiber tape, a convex portion to be the uneven portion is formed on the side of the tape surface with an ultraviolet curable resin, and at the same time.
    A method for producing an optical fiber tape, which comprises irradiating the convex portion with ultraviolet rays to cure the convex portion.
  18. 　光ファイバ裸線と、前記光ファイバ裸線よりも外側に形成された被覆部と、を有する光ファイバであって、
    　前記被覆部の表面に、前記光ファイバを識別するための凹凸部が形成されている、
    ことを特徴とする光ファイバ。
          An optical fiber having an optical fiber bare wire and a covering portion formed outside the optical fiber bare wire.
    An uneven portion for identifying the optical fiber is formed on the surface of the covering portion.
    An optical fiber characterized by that.
PCT/JP2020/007952 2019-07-09 2020-02-27 Optical fiber tape, method for manufacturing optical fiber tape, and optical fiber WO2021005826A1 (en)

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