JPH08171033A - Spacer type optical fiber cable - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] To minimize the micro-bending given to a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber cores to be stacked and stored, to reduce the increase of transmission loss and improve the workability. [Structure] The bottom surface of a rectangular storage groove 6 formed on the outer periphery of a spacer 5 having a circular cross section is coated with a UV-curable resin having a specific color to make it smooth, and a plurality of optical fiber core wires 1 are formed into a strip shape. Band-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 3 formed
A plurality of are stacked and housed to form a spacer type optical fiber cable.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a spacer type optical fiber cable, and in particular, even if a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons are stacked and housed in a spacer, they are not affected by microbending and can be installed. The present invention relates to a spacer type optical fiber cable capable of improving workability at the time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A spacer type optical fiber cable is shown in FIG.
As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG.
As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, a tensile strength member (tension member) 4 is formed at the center of a strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 3 integrally formed in a strip shape (tape shape) with a covering member 2 such as V resin.
A plurality of spacers 5 each having a circular cross section, which are pierced with
The outer layer is covered and protected with a pressing tape 7.

The spacer 5 is made of PE (polyethylene).
Although formed by resin, minute protrusions 8 (generally referred to as surface roughness) are generated on the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 as shown in FIG. 7 in the cooling process after forming the spacer 5. The size of the minute protrusions 8 formed on the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 is 1.25 to 1.26 μm when actually measured using a surface roughness meter. When a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons 3 are stacked with the minute protrusions 8 existing on the bottom surface of the storage groove 6, microbending is induced in the inserted strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons 3 to transmit the optical fiber. It caused an increase in loss.

As long as the spacer 5 is made of PE resin, not only the outer peripheral surface of the spacer 5,
It is impossible to mold the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 formed in a spiral shape on the outer peripheral surface of the spacer 5 so as to be completely smooth even with the current manufacturing technology. Therefore, conventionally, for example, as shown in FIG. 8 shown in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 4-11409, a storage groove 6 for accommodating a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons 3 by stacking them.
There is a device in which the smoothness of the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 is obtained by interposing a smooth belt-shaped auxiliary member 9 between the bottom surface of the belt and the ribbon-shaped optical fiber ribbon core wire 3.

[0005]

However, according to the conventional Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 4-114090, the band-shaped auxiliary member 9 is accommodated in addition to the band-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 3 having the number of core wires required to construct the optical fiber cable. It is necessary to insert it into the groove 6 and twist it together with the belt-shaped optical fiber ribbon 3, and a step of inserting the belt-shaped auxiliary member 9 into the storage groove 6 of the spacer 5 must be provided. The lowermost strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 3 on which the strip-shaped auxiliary member 9 is laminated in the storage groove 6
The belt-shaped auxiliary member 9 having a small surface friction resistance is interposed between the storage groove 6 of the spacer 5 and the bottom of the storage groove 6.
Although the effect of the bottom surface roughness of can be reduced,
As a result of measuring the transmission loss of the entire strip-shaped optical fiber ribbon 3, the increase in loss due to microbending still remained. As a result of further study on this cause,
It was found that the surface of the band-shaped auxiliary member 9 itself had a small amount of minute projections, and the transmission loss of the fiber caused by the surface roughness of the band-shaped auxiliary member 9 due to the minute projections has not been eliminated.

An object of the present invention is to minimize the microbending given to a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber cores to be stacked and housed, to reduce the increase of transmission loss and to improve the workability.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
Spacer type optical fiber cable in which a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons are stacked and stored in a rectangular storage groove formed on the outer periphery of a spacer having a circular cross section In the above, the bottom surface of the rectangular groove is smoothed by coating with a UV-curable resin having a specific color.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the sheath constituting the ribbon-shaped optical fiber ribbon is colored with the same color as the bottom of the housing groove.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the coloring applied to the sheath of the ribbon-shaped optical fiber ribbon is a UV containing a coloring agent.
This is performed by extruding and coating a curable resin. According to the invention described in claim 4, the coloring of the sheath of the ribbon-shaped optical fiber ribbon is performed by applying a coloring agent on the sheath formed of a transparent color.

[0010]

According to the present invention, a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons are formed by forming a plurality of strips of optical fibers in a storage groove formed in the outer periphery of a spacer having a circular cross-section and having a rectangular cross-section. Spacer type optical fiber cables that are stacked and stored are coated with a UV-curable resin with a specific color on the bottom of the rectangular storage groove to make them smooth. It is possible to minimize the microbending given to the optical fiber core, reduce the increase in transmission loss, and improve the workability.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the bottom surface of the storage groove having a rectangular cross section of the spacer type optical fiber cable is coated with a UV-curing resin having a specific color to make it smooth, the spacer type optical fiber cable is stacked and stored. It is possible to minimize the micro-bending given to a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber core wires as much as possible, and further, since one surface of each strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire is coated with a UV-curable resin having a specific color, The contact surface between the strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons is smoothed, and micro-bending between the strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons due to the surface roughness of the circumference of the strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons can be minimized and the transmission can be minimized. The increase in loss can be further reduced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the bottom surface of the storage groove having a rectangular cross section of the spacer type optical fiber cable is coated with a UV-curable resin having a specific color to make it smooth, the spacer optical fiber cables are stacked and stored. It is possible to minimize the micro-bending given to a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber core wires as much as possible, and one surface of each strip-shaped optical fiber core wire is coated with a UV-curable resin with a specific color. The contact surface between the strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons is smoothed, and micro-bending between the strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons due to the surface roughness of the circumference of the strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons can be minimized, resulting in a transmission loss. Can be further reduced.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the coloring of the sheath of the ribbon-shaped optical fiber tape is performed by applying a coloring agent on the sheath formed of a transparent color. You can do well.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a spacer type optical fiber cable according to the invention of claim 1 of the present application. FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of a portion in which a plurality of band-shaped optical fiber ribbons 3 are stacked and housed in a housing groove 6 of a cross-sectional view of a spacer type optical fiber cable.

In the figure, a plurality of optical fiber core wires 1 spirally formed on the outer periphery of a spacer 5 having a circular cross section are connected to UV.
On the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 having a rectangular cross section for accommodating a plurality of (four in FIG. 1) band-shaped optical fiber ribbons 3 integrally molded in a band shape (tape shape) with the resin 2, a coloring agent is applied. The colored layer 10 is formed by applying the compounded UV curable resin. The colored layer 10 is composed of a UV curable resin, and the UV curable resin is cured in a very short time by irradiating with ultraviolet rays, so that the smooth state is maintained as it is due to the surface tension and the surface smoothness is maintained. Can be obtained. As the colorant to be added to the UV curable resin, for example, titanium oxide is used. The method of forming the colored layer 10 by applying a UV-curable resin containing a colorant to the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 of the spacer 5 is to supply the UV-curable resin in the number corresponding to the number of the storage groove 6 of the spacer 5. A nozzle (not shown) is arranged so as to surround the spacer 5. Then, the UV curable resin supply nozzle spray-applies a UV curable resin containing a colorant onto the bottom surface of the storage groove 6,
After that, by passing through a UV curing oven, the UV curable resin is cured by ultraviolet rays in a very short time, and the colored layer 10
Is formed. By the formation of the colored layer 10, the minute projections 8 formed on the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 as shown in FIG. 7 are filled with the colored layer 10, and when the colored layer 10 is formed, UV curability is caused by surface tension. The smoothness of the surface when the resin is applied does not change due to the irradiation of ultraviolet rays and is carried over and solidified as it is, so that the smoothness of the surface of the colored layer 10 can be obtained.

Therefore, since the colored layer 10 thus formed on the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 is kept in a smooth state, a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons 3 are stored in the storage groove 6. Even if they are stacked and housed, microbending is not caused to the belt-shaped optical fiber ribbon 3 inserted by the projection 8. The optical fiber core wire 1 and the UV resin 2 of the band-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 3 in FIG. 1 are both formed in a transparent color which is not colored. Therefore, when a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wires 3 are stored in the storage groove 6 of the spacer 5, the optical fiber core wire 1 of the strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 3 and the UV resin 2 are transmitted and the storage groove 6 The color of the colored layer 10 on the bottom surface can be visually recognized. As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to minimize the microbending given to the plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber cores to be stacked and stored, and to reduce the increase in transmission loss.
The workability can be improved.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the spacer type optical fiber cable according to the inventions of claims 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the strip-shaped optical fiber ribbon 11 which is laminated in plurals in the storage groove 6 in the sectional view of the spacer type optical fiber cable. In the figure, the present embodiment is different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has an optical fiber core wire 1 of a strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 3.
The UV resin 2 and the UV resin 2 are both formed in a transparent color that is not colored, whereas in the present embodiment, the belt-shaped optical fiber ribbon 1
This is that the UV resin 12 forming the sheath 1 is colored in the same color as the coloring of the colored layer 10 formed on the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 of the spacer 5. Other than that, there is no difference from the embodiment shown in FIG. The coloring of the UV resin, which is the sheath forming the belt-shaped optical fiber core 11, is performed by forming the entire surface of the colored UV resin 12; Resin 13
Alternatively, the other surface may be formed to constitute the whole. When the entire UV resin is composed of the colored UV resin 12, the UV resin containing the colorant is introduced from both sides of the resin pool formed by the die and the nipple, and the resin is extruded and covered and UV-cured. As described above, since the UV resin, which is the sheath of the strip-shaped optical fiber core 11, is mixed and colored with the coloring agent, the whole is composed of the colored UV resin 12, and by adding the coloring agent to the UV resin, The surface is smoother than that of the transparent UV resin, and when the plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber cores 11 are laminated between the bottom of the storage groove 6 and the strip-shaped optical fiber cores 11, the micros between the strip-shaped optical fiber cores 11 are stacked. Bending can be reduced as much as possible.

If one side is formed by the colored UV resin 12 and the other side is formed by the transparent UV resin 13 to form the whole as shown in FIG. 2, it is constituted by a die and a nipple. A UV resin containing a colorant is introduced from one side of the resin pool, and a colorless and transparent UV resin is introduced from the other side and simultaneously extruded for coating and UV curing. Then, as shown in FIG.
A boundary line between the colored UV resin 12 and the transparent UV resin 13 is generated on the belt 11A as shown by the line 11A.
Only one side of will be colored. As described above, since the coloring agent is mixed and colored on one surface of the UV resin that is the sheath of the strip-shaped optical fiber core 11, the whole is constituted by the colored UV resin 12, and the coloring agent is mixed with the UV resin. By doing so, the surface becomes smoother than that of the transparent UV resin, and when a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber core wires 11 are laminated, the strip-shaped optical fiber core can ensure the smoothness at the contact surface of each strip-shaped optical fiber core wire 11. Microbending can be reduced as much as possible between the lines 11. With this configuration, the coloring of the UV resin 12 and the coloring of the colored layer 10 are the same, so that the colors can be more clearly distinguished and the workability can be improved. When coating the UV resin 12, the optical fiber core wires 1 are arranged in parallel and then the UV resin 12 is coated.
Are collectively covered.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a spacer type optical fiber cable according to the invention of claim 4 of the present application. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 14 laminated in plurality in the storage groove 6 of the cross-sectional view of the spacer type optical fiber cable. In the figure, the present embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has an optical fiber core wire 1 of a band-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 3 and a UV resin 2.
In contrast to the transparent color which is not colored together, in the present embodiment, the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 of the spacer 5 is provided on the transparent UV resin 2 which constitutes the sheath of the belt-shaped optical fiber tape 14. The same color as the coloring layer 10 formed on the colored layer 10 is applied and colored, or the same coloring as the colored layer 10 is applied.
The point is that the colored layer 15 is formed by applying a UV resin of a material. Other than that, there is no difference from the embodiment shown in FIG. The strip-shaped optical fiber ribbon 14 shown in FIG. 4 is manufactured by extruding the UV resin 2 in parallel to cover the optical fiber 1 in parallel, and coating the outside with a coloring agent. Further, the strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 1 of FIG.
In order to manufacture 4, the optical fiber core wire 1 is extruded in parallel with the UV resin 2 and is collectively covered, and the same coloring as the coloring of the coloring layer 10 formed on the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 of the spacer 5 is provided outside thereof. This is performed by applying a UV resin material to form the colored layer 15.

The colored layer 15 thus constructed is UV
Although cured by irradiation, the surface roughness of the colored layer 15 has higher smoothness than that of the uncolored UV resin.
Such a strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 14 is attached to the spacer 5
When laminated in each of the storage grooves 6 to form a cable, the microbending loss due to the surface roughness of the circumference of the belt-shaped optical fiber ribbon 14 can be significantly reduced.

In addition, in a recent spacer type optical fiber cable having a multi-core fiber (100 cores), the outer side of the band-shaped optical fiber ribbon 14 is colored to identify each storage groove 6 and at the same time each optical fiber core. It is possible to identify each line 1,
This has the advantage of improving the efficiency of connection work.

[0022]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the microbending applied to a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber cores to be stacked and stored can be minimized, the increase of transmission loss can be reduced, and the workability can be improved. can do.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the smoothness of the bottom surface of the storage groove makes it possible to minimize the micro-bending given to the plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber cores to be stacked and stored, and each strip-shaped optical fiber tape core. Due to the smoothness of the contact surface between the wires, the micro-bending between the belt-shaped optical fiber ribbon core wires due to the surface roughness around the belt-shaped optical fiber tape core wires can be made as small as possible, and the increase in transmission loss is further reduced. be able to.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the smoothness of the bottom surface of the storage groove makes it possible to minimize the microbending given to the plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber cores to be stacked and stored, and further, each strip-shaped optical fiber tape. By smoothing the colored layer that coats the contact surface between the cores, the microbending between the cores of the band-shaped optical fiber tapes due to the surface roughness around the cores of the band-shaped optical fiber tapes can be minimized and the transmission loss can be reduced. Can be further reduced.

According to the invention described in claim 4, the workability can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an accommodating portion accommodating a band-shaped optical fiber tape core wire, showing an embodiment of a spacer type optical fiber cable according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire showing an embodiment of a spacer type optical fiber cable according to the invention of claim 2.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire showing an embodiment of a spacer type optical fiber cable according to the invention of claim 3.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional ribbon-shaped optical fiber ribbon.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a conventional spacer type optical fiber cable.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a state of a bottom surface of a storage groove of a conventional spacer type optical fiber cable.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional improved spacer type optical fiber cable.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 …………………………………………………… Optical fiber core 2 ……………………………………………… Coating member 3 ……………… ……………………………………… Strip optical fiber ribbon 5 ……………………………………………… Spacer 6 ………………………… …………………… Storage groove 7 ……………………………………………… Holding tape 8 ……………………………………………… … Protrusion 9 …………………………………………………… Strip-shaped auxiliary member 10 ……………………………………………… Coloring layer 11 ……………… …………………………………… Strip-shaped optical fiber ribbon 12 …………………………………………… UV resin 13 ………………………………… ……………… UV resin 14 ……………………………………………… Strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 1 5 …………………………………………………… Coloring layer

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] April 7, 1995

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Full text

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Document name] Clarification

[Title of Invention] Spacer type optical fiber cable

[Claims]

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a spacer type optical fiber cable, and in particular, even if a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons are stacked and housed in a spacer, they are not affected by microbending and can be installed. The present invention relates to a spacer type optical fiber cable capable of improving workability at the time.

[0002]

BACKGROUND ART spacer type optical fiber cable 4
As shown in the sectional view, the optical fiber element wires 1 of the plurality of U of
As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 , a tensile strength member (tension member) 4 is formed at the center of a belt-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 3 integrally formed in a belt shape (tape shape) with a covering member 2 such as V resin.
A plurality of spacers 5 each having a circular cross section, which are pierced with
The outer layer is covered and protected with a pressing tape 7.

The spacer 5 is made of PE (polyethylene).
Although formed by resin, minute protrusions 8 (generally referred to as surface roughness) are generated on the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 as shown in FIG. 6 in the cooling process after the spacer 5 is formed. The size of the minute protrusions 8 formed on the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 is 1.25 to 1.26 μm when actually measured using a surface roughness meter. When a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons 3 are stacked with the minute protrusions 8 existing on the bottom surface of the storage groove 6, microbending is induced in the inserted strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons 3 to transmit the optical fiber. It caused an increase in loss.

As long as the spacer 5 is made of PE resin, not only the outer peripheral surface of the spacer 5,
It is impossible to mold the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 formed in a spiral shape on the outer peripheral surface of the spacer 5 so as to be completely smooth even with the current manufacturing technology. Therefore, conventionally, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 of Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 4-11409, a storage groove 6 for accommodating a plurality of belt-shaped optical fiber ribbons 3 by stacking them.
There is a device in which the smoothness of the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 is obtained by interposing a smooth belt-shaped auxiliary member 9 between the bottom surface of the belt and the ribbon-shaped optical fiber ribbon core wire 3.

[0005]

However, according to the conventional Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 4-114090, the band-shaped auxiliary member 9 is accommodated in addition to the band-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 3 having the number of core wires required to construct the optical fiber cable. It is necessary to insert it into the groove 6 and twist it together with the belt-shaped optical fiber ribbon 3, and a step of inserting the belt-shaped auxiliary member 9 into the storage groove 6 of the spacer 5 must be provided. The lowermost strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 3 on which the strip-shaped auxiliary member 9 is laminated in the storage groove 6
The belt-shaped auxiliary member 9 having a small surface friction resistance is interposed between the storage groove 6 of the spacer 5 and the bottom of the storage groove 6.
Although the effect of the bottom surface roughness of can be reduced,
As a result of measuring the transmission loss of the entire strip-shaped optical fiber ribbon 3, the increase in loss due to microbending still remained. As a result of further study on this cause,
It was found that the surface of the band-shaped auxiliary member 9 itself had a small amount of minute projections, and the transmission loss of the fiber caused by the surface roughness of the band-shaped auxiliary member 9 due to the minute projections has not been eliminated.

An object of the present invention is to minimize the microbending given to a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber cores to be stacked and housed, to reduce the increase of transmission loss and to improve the workability.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
Circular cross section of the spacer periphery to form the rectangular receiving groove into a plurality of optical fibers comprising the element wires to form a strip band optical fiber ribbon a formed by accommodating a plurality of stacked spacers type optical fiber cable In the above, the bottom surface of the rectangular groove is smoothed by coating with a UV-curable resin having a specific color.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the sheath constituting the ribbon-shaped optical fiber ribbon is colored with the same color as the bottom of the housing groove.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the coloring applied to the sheath of the ribbon-shaped optical fiber ribbon is a UV containing a coloring agent.
This is performed by extruding and coating a curable resin.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the coloring of the sheath of the ribbon-shaped optical fiber ribbon is performed by applying a coloring agent on the sheath formed of a transparent color.

[0011]

According to the action invention of claim 1, wherein the strip-like optical fiber ribbon obtained by forming a strip of the plurality of optical fibers element wires rectangular cross section of the receiving groove formed in the outer periphery of the circular cross section of the spacer plurality Spacer type optical fiber cables that are stacked and stored are coated with a UV-curable resin with a specific color on the bottom of the rectangular storage groove to make them smooth. It is possible to minimize the microbending given to the optical fiber core, reduce the increase in transmission loss, and improve the workability.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the bottom surface of the storage groove having a rectangular cross section of the spacer type optical fiber cable is coated with a UV-curing resin having a specific color to make it smooth, the spacer type optical fiber cable is stacked and stored. It is possible to minimize the micro-bending given to a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber core wires as much as possible, and further, since one surface of each strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire is coated with a UV-curable resin having a specific color, The contact surface between the strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons is smoothed, and micro-bending between the strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons due to the surface roughness of the circumference of the strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons can be minimized and the transmission can be minimized. The increase in loss can be further reduced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the bottom surface of the storage groove having a rectangular cross-section of the spacer type optical fiber cable is coated with a UV-curing resin having a specific color to make it smooth, the spacer type optical fiber cable is stacked and stored. It is possible to minimize the micro-bending given to a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber core wires as much as possible, and one surface of each strip-shaped optical fiber core wire is coated with a UV-curable resin with a specific color. The contact surface between the strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons is smoothed, and micro-bending between the strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons due to the surface roughness of the circumference of the strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons can be minimized, resulting in a transmission loss. Can be further reduced.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the coloring of the sheath of the ribbon-shaped optical fiber tape is performed by applying the coloring agent on the sheath formed of transparent color, the workability is improved. You can do well.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a spacer type optical fiber cable according to the invention of claim 1 of the present application. FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of a portion in which a plurality of band-shaped optical fiber ribbons 3 are stacked and housed in a housing groove 6 of a cross-sectional view of a spacer type optical fiber cable.

In the figure, a plurality of optical fiber core wires 1 spirally formed on the outer circumference of a spacer 5 having a circular cross section are connected to UV.
On the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 having a rectangular cross section for accommodating a plurality of (four in FIG. 1) band-shaped optical fiber ribbons 3 integrally molded in a band shape (tape shape) with the resin 2, a coloring agent is applied. The colored layer 10 is formed by applying the compounded UV curable resin. The colored layer 10 is composed of a UV curable resin, and the UV curable resin is cured in a very short time by irradiating with ultraviolet rays, so that the smooth state is maintained as it is due to the surface tension and the surface smoothness is maintained. Can be obtained. As the colorant to be added to the UV curable resin, for example, titanium oxide is used. The method of forming the colored layer 10 by applying a UV-curable resin containing a colorant to the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 of the spacer 5 is to supply the UV-curable resin in the number corresponding to the number of the storage groove 6 of the spacer 5. A nozzle (not shown) is arranged so as to surround the spacer 5. Then, the UV curable resin supply nozzle spray-applies a UV curable resin containing a colorant onto the bottom surface of the storage groove 6,
After that, by passing through a UV curing oven, the UV curable resin is cured by ultraviolet rays in a very short time, and the colored layer 10
Is formed. By the formation of the colored layer 10, the minute projections 8 formed on the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 as shown in FIG. 6 are filled with the colored layer 10, and when the colored layer 10 is formed, UV curability is caused by surface tension. The smoothness of the surface when the resin is applied does not change due to the irradiation of ultraviolet rays and is carried over and solidified as it is, so that the smoothness of the surface of the colored layer 10 can be obtained.

Therefore, since the colored layer 10 thus formed on the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 is kept in a smooth state, a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons 3 are stored in the storage groove 6. Even if they are stacked and housed, microbending is not caused to the belt-shaped optical fiber ribbon 3 inserted by the projection 8. Optical fiber element wires 1 and UV resin 2 of strip-like optical fiber ribbons 3 in FIG. 1 is formed on the transparent color which is not colored together. Therefore, when a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wires 3 are stored in the storage groove 6 of the spacer 5, the optical fiber core wire 1 of the strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 3 and the UV resin 2 are transmitted and the storage groove 6 The color of the colored layer 10 on the bottom surface can be visually recognized. As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to minimize the microbending given to the plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber cores to be stacked and stored, and to reduce the increase in transmission loss.
The workability can be improved.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the spacer type optical fiber cable according to the inventions of claims 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the strip-shaped optical fiber ribbon 11 which is laminated in plurals in the storage groove 6 in the sectional view of the spacer type optical fiber cable. In the figure, that the present embodiment is different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the optical fiber element wires embodiment is strip-like optical fiber ribbon 3 shown in FIG. 1 1
The UV resin 2 and the UV resin 2 are both formed in a transparent color that is not colored, whereas in the present embodiment, the belt-shaped optical fiber ribbon 1
This is that the UV resin 12 forming the sheath 1 is colored in the same color as the coloring of the colored layer 10 formed on the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 of the spacer 5. Other than that, there is no difference from the embodiment shown in FIG. The coloring of the UV resin, which is the sheath forming the belt-shaped optical fiber core 11, is performed by forming the entire surface of the colored UV resin 12; Resin 13
Alternatively, the other surface may be formed to constitute the whole. When the entire UV resin is composed of the colored UV resin 12, the UV resin containing the colorant is introduced from both sides of the resin pool formed by the die and the nipple, and the resin is extruded and covered and UV-cured. As described above, since the UV resin, which is the sheath of the strip-shaped optical fiber core 11, is mixed and colored with the coloring agent, the whole is composed of the colored UV resin 12, and by adding the coloring agent to the UV resin, The surface is smoother than that of the transparent UV resin, and when the plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber cores 11 are laminated between the bottom of the storage groove 6 and the strip-shaped optical fiber cores 11, the micros between the strip-shaped optical fiber cores 11 are stacked. Bending can be reduced as much as possible.

When one side is formed by the colored UV resin 12 and the other side is formed by the transparent UV resin 13 to form the whole as shown in FIG. 2, it is constituted by a die and a nipple. A UV resin containing a colorant is introduced from one side of the resin pool, and a colorless and transparent UV resin is introduced from the other side and simultaneously extruded for coating and UV curing. Then, as shown in FIG.
A boundary line between the colored UV resin 12 and the transparent UV resin 13 is generated on the belt 11A as shown by the line 11A.
Only one side of will be colored. Thus, since are colored by blending a coloring agent to one surface UV resin is a sheath of the strip optical fibers 11, by incorporating a coloring agent into U V resin surface than the transparent UV resin Is smoothed and a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber cores 11 are laminated, the micro-bending can be reduced as much as possible between the strip-shaped optical fiber cores 11 capable of ensuring smoothness at the contact surface of each strip-shaped optical fiber core 11. You can With this configuration, the coloring of the UV resin 12 and the coloring of the colored layer 10 are the same, so that the colors can be more clearly distinguished and the workability can be improved. In the coating of the UV resin 12, on which the optical fiber element wires 1 in parallel, UV resin 1
Cover 2 together.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the spacer type optical fiber cable according to the invention of claim 4 of the present application. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 14 laminated in plurality in the storage groove 6 of the cross-sectional view of the spacer type optical fiber cable. In the figure, this embodiment is different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the optical fiber element wires 1 and UV resin 2 of Example strip-shaped optical fiber ribbon 3 shown in FIG. 1
In contrast to the transparent color which is not colored together, in the present embodiment, the bottom surface of the storage groove 6 of the spacer 5 is provided on the transparent UV resin 2 which constitutes the sheath of the belt-shaped optical fiber tape 14. The same color as the coloring layer 10 formed on the colored layer 10 is applied and colored, or the same coloring as the colored layer 10 is applied.
The point is that the colored layer 15 is formed by applying a UV resin of a material. Other than that, there is no difference from the embodiment shown in FIG. To manufacture a band optical fiber ribbon 14 of Figure 4, the optical fiber element wire 1 a UV resin 2 are extruded simultaneously coated in parallel and further carried out by coating a colorant on the outside. Furthermore, strip-shaped optical fiber ribbon 1 in FIG. 3
To produce 4, the optical fiber element wire 1 a UV resin 2 are extruded simultaneously coated in parallel, further the same coloring-coloring of the colored layer 10 formed on the bottom surface of the receiving groove 6 of the spacer 5 on the outside This is performed by applying a UV resin material to form the colored layer 15.

The colored layer 15 thus constructed is UV
Although cured by irradiation, the surface roughness of the colored layer 15 has higher smoothness than that of the uncolored UV resin.
Such a strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 14 is attached to the spacer 5
When laminated in each of the storage grooves 6 to form a cable, the microbending loss due to the surface roughness of the circumference of the belt-shaped optical fiber ribbon 14 can be significantly reduced.

In addition, in a recent spacer type optical fiber cable having a multi-core fiber (100 cores), the outer side of the belt-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 14 is colored to identify each storage groove 6 and at the same time each optical fiber element. It is possible to identify each line 1,
This has the advantage of improving the efficiency of connection work.

[0023]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the microbending applied to a plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber cores to be stacked and stored can be minimized, the increase of transmission loss can be reduced, and the workability can be improved. can do.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the smoothness of the bottom surface of the storage groove makes it possible to minimize the micro-bending applied to the plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber cores to be stacked and stored, and the strip-shaped optical fiber tape cores. Due to the smoothness of the contact surface between the wires, the micro-bending between the belt-shaped optical fiber ribbon core wires due to the surface roughness around the belt-shaped optical fiber tape core wires can be made as small as possible, and the increase in transmission loss is further reduced. be able to.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the smoothness of the bottom surface of the storage groove makes it possible to minimize the microbending applied to the plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber cores that are stacked and stored, and further, the strip-shaped optical fiber tapes. By smoothing the colored layer that coats the contact surface between the cores, the microbending between the cores of the band-shaped optical fiber tapes due to the surface roughness around the cores of the band-shaped optical fiber tapes can be minimized and the transmission loss can be reduced. Can be further reduced.

According to the invention described in claim 4, the workability can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an accommodating portion accommodating a band-shaped optical fiber tape core wire, showing an embodiment of a spacer type optical fiber cable according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire showing an embodiment of a spacer type optical fiber cable according to the invention of claim 2.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire showing an embodiment of a spacer type optical fiber cable according to the invention of claim 3.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional ribbon-shaped optical fiber ribbon.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a conventional spacer type optical fiber cable.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a state of a bottom surface of a storage groove of a conventional spacer type optical fiber cable.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional improved spacer type optical fiber cable.

[EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS] 1 ...................................................... optical fiber element <br/> line 2 ................................................... … Coating member 3 …………………………………………………… Strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 5 ……………………………………………… Spacer 6… ………………………………………………… Storage groove 7 ……………………………………………… Holding tape 8 …………………… ……………………………… Projection 9 ……………………………………………… Strip-shaped auxiliary member 10 ………………………………………… … Coloring layer 11 ……………………………………………… Strip-shaped optical fiber tape core wire 12 ……………………………………………… UV resin 13 …… …………………………………………… UV resin 14 ……………………………………………… Band-shaped optical fiber Ibatepu core wire 15 ................................................... colored layer

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 1

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

FIG.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of strip-shaped optical fiber ribbons each formed by stacking a plurality of optical-fiber ribbons in a strip-shaped storage groove formed on the outer periphery of a spacer having a circular cross-section and being stacked. In the spacer type optical fiber cable
U having a specific color on the bottom surface of the storage groove having a rectangular cross section
A spacer type optical fiber cable characterized by being coated with a V-curable resin and smoothed. 2. The spacer type optical fiber cable according to claim 1, wherein the sheath forming the belt-shaped optical fiber ribbon is colored in the same color as the bottom surface of the housing groove. 3. The spacer type optical fiber cable according to claim 2, wherein the coloring applied to the sheath of the belt-shaped optical fiber ribbon is carried out by extruding and coating a UV curable resin containing a coloring agent. 4. The spacer type optical fiber cable according to claim 2, wherein the coloring applied to the sheath of the belt-shaped optical fiber tape core wire is performed by applying a coloring agent on the sheath formed in a transparent color.