Optical fiber arrangement method, optical fiber fusion splicing method, method for manufacturing optical fiber ribbon with connector, and intermittent connection type optical fiber ribbon

Abstract

The present invention relates to an optical fiber arrangement method, an optical fiber fusion splicing method, a method for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon with a connector, and an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon. The operation of holding a plurality of optical fibers separated from single cores in a disordered manner in a bracket is inconvenient to handle and has poor workability. The optical fiber arrangement method of the present invention performs the following steps: preparing an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon having a plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel at a first pitch wider than the diameter of the optical fiber; holding a non-connected area of ​​the optical fiber ribbon with a bracket, thereby narrowing the width of the optical fiber ribbon inside the bracket; and removing a connecting portion connecting the plurality of optical fibers extending from the bracket while holding the plurality of optical fibers in the bracket, thereby arranging the plurality of optical fibers extending from the bracket at a second pitch narrower than the first pitch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical fiber arrangement method, an optical fiber fusion splicing method, a method for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon with a connector, and an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for reducing the outer diameter of an optical fiber from 250 μm to 200 μm and arranging optical fibers with an outer diameter of 200 μm at a pitch of 250 μm to form an optical fiber ribbon. Patent Document 1 also describes an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of parallel optical fibers are intermittently connected.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5564026

[0004] When a 250μm pitch optical fiber ribbon is fused together using a 200μm pitch fusion splicing machine, the optical fibers arranged in parallel at a 250μm pitch need to be arranged at a 200μm pitch. In the past, when arranging such optical fibers, the ends of the 250μm pitch optical fiber ribbon were separated into single cores, and a plurality of randomly separated single cores were held in a 200μm pitch holder, thereby arranging the optical fibers at a 200μm pitch.

[0005] However, the operation of holding a plurality of optical fibers separated from single cores in a disordered manner on a holder makes it inconvenient to handle the optical fibers and has poor workability. In addition, such workability problems are not limited to the case where a plurality of optical fibers of an optical fiber ribbon with a pitch of 250 μm are arranged at a pitch of 200 μm, nor are they limited to the case where they are uniformly fused and connected, but are problems that may occur when a plurality of optical fibers of an optical fiber ribbon arranged at a certain pitch (first pitch) are arranged at another pitch (second pitch). Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to simplify the operation of arranging optical fibers.

[0007] The main invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose is a method for arranging optical fibers, which performs the following steps: preparing an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon having a plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel at a first pitch wider than the diameter of the optical fibers; holding a non-connected area of ​​the optical fiber ribbon with a bracket, thereby narrowing the width of the optical fiber ribbon inside the bracket; and removing the connecting portion connecting the plurality of optical fibers extending from the bracket while holding the plurality of optical fibers in the bracket, thereby arranging the plurality of optical fibers extending from the bracket at a second pitch narrower than the first pitch.

[0008] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings.

[0009] According to the present invention, the optical fiber arrangement operation becomes simple. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1A as well as Figure 1B It is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber ribbon 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2A 1 is a cross-sectional view of two optical fibers 2 connected by a connection portion 11 , and is a cross-sectional view of a portion where the connection portion 11 is formed. Figure 2B It is an explanatory diagram of the connection portion 11 according to the first modified example. Figure 2C It is an explanatory diagram of the connecting portion 11 according to the second modified example.

[0012] Figure 3 It is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the length of the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 and the holder 50 .

[0013] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a process when the optical fiber ribbons 1 with a pitch of 250 μm are collectively fusion-spliced ​​using the fusion-splicing device 40 for a pitch of 200 μm.

[0014] Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B This is an explanatory diagram of a state where the non-connecting region 30 is sandwiched by the brackets 50 . Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Fig. 5C is an explanatory diagram of a stent 50 according to a modified example.

[0015] Fig. 6A This is an explanatory diagram of a state where the coating of the optical fiber 2 is removed by the coating removal device 60 . Figure 6B It is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber ribbon 1 after the outer covering held by the holder 50 is removed.

[0016] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram of the situation during welding connection.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a model diagram of the bending of N-type optical fiber.

[0018] Fig.9A It is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the optical fiber ribbon 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 9B This is an explanatory diagram of how to use the mark 8.

[0019] Fig. 10A as well as Fig. 10B It is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber ribbon 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Fig.11A as well as Fig. 11B It is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber ribbon 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0021] Fig.12It is an explanatory diagram of a state where the optical fiber ribbon 1 according to the third embodiment is placed on a holder 50 .

[0022] Fig.13A This is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the optical fiber ribbon 1 according to the third embodiment is held by a holder 50 . Fig. 13B yes Fig.13A An enlarged view of the B′-B′ section. Fig. 13C It is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber ribbon 1 after the outer covering held by the holder 50 is removed.

[0023] Fig.14 It is an explanatory diagram of the number of connection parts 11 that can be allowed in the second connection section 21B.

[0024] Fig.15A as well as Fig. 15B It is an explanatory diagram of an optical fiber ribbon 1 according to a fourth embodiment.

[0025] Fig.16 yes Fig. 15B An enlarged view of the XX section.

[0026] Fig.17 1 is a flowchart of a manufacturing process of the optical fiber ribbon 1 with connectors.

[0027] Fig.18 It is an explanatory diagram of the process of S106 in the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] At least the following matters will be clarified from the description of the following specification and drawings.

[0029] A method for arranging optical fibers is disclosed, which comprises the following steps: preparing an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon having a plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel at a first pitch wider than the diameter of the optical fibers; holding a non-connected region of the optical fiber ribbon with a bracket, thereby narrowing the width of the optical fiber ribbon inside the bracket; and removing a connecting portion connecting the plurality of optical fibers extending from the bracket while the plurality of optical fibers are held in the bracket, thereby arranging the plurality of optical fibers extending from the bracket at a second pitch narrower than the first pitch. According to such an optical fiber arranging method, the optical fiber arranging operation becomes simple.

[0030] Preferably, the outer coverings of the plurality of optical fibers extending from the holder are removed while the plurality of optical fibers are held in the holder, thereby removing the connection portion. Thus, the connection portion of the optical fiber ribbon and the outer coverings of the plurality of optical fibers can be removed simultaneously, so the optical fiber arrangement operation becomes simple.

[0031] Preferably, a mark is formed on the non-connected area, and the optical fiber ribbon is aligned with the bracket based on the position of the mark, and the non-connected area of ​​the optical fiber ribbon is held by the bracket. Thus, the operation of holding the non-connected area of ​​the optical fiber ribbon on the bracket becomes easy.

[0032] Preferably, the connection sections where the connection parts are intermittently arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon are intermittently arranged in a plurality in the long side direction, thereby forming a connection area, and the number of the connection parts arranged in the connection section adjacent to the non-connection area is less than the number of the connection parts arranged in the connection section not adjacent to the non-connection area. Thus, when the non-connection area of ​​the optical fiber ribbon is clamped by the bracket, the influence of the connection parts is reduced, so it is easy to narrow the width of the optical fiber ribbon.

[0033] Preferably, a plurality of connection sections in which the connection section is intermittently arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon are intermittently arranged in the long side direction, thereby forming a connection area, and a non-connection section is arranged on the outside of the connection section arranged in the connection section adjacent to the non-connection area in the width direction. As a result, the optical fiber located at the end of the optical fiber ribbon is easily displaced inward, so that the interval between the internal optical fibers of the bracket is easily narrowed.

[0034] Preferably, the region where the clamping portion of the holder clamps the optical fiber ribbon is the non-connected region. Thus, the non-connected region of the optical fiber ribbon is held by the holder, and the width of the optical fiber ribbon can be easily narrowed inside the holder.

[0035] On the other hand, the area where the optical fiber ribbon is clamped by the clamping portion of the bracket may also include a part of the connection area where the connection portion is provided. In this case, it is preferred that the connection area is composed of a plurality of first connection sections intermittently arranged along the long side direction and intermittently arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon, and a second connection section arranged adjacent to the non-connection area, the interval between the first connection section and the second connection section in the long side direction is longer than the interval between the first connection section and the first connection section in the long side direction, and the area where the optical fiber ribbon is clamped by the clamping portion of the bracket includes the second connection section. Thus, the second connection section clamped by the bracket is configured to be biased toward the non-connection area side, so that it is easy to narrow the interval between the optical fibers that are not restrained by the connection portion in the second connection section.

[0036] A fiber fusion splicing method is clarified, wherein after arranging the plurality of optical fibers extending from the bracket at the second pitch narrower than the first pitch by using the optical fiber arrangement method, the fiber fusion splicing method performs the following steps: while the plurality of optical fibers are held in the bracket, the ends of the plurality of optical fibers extending from the bracket and having the outer skin removed are cut to a predetermined length, and while the plurality of optical fibers are held in the bracket, the bracket is placed in a fusion splicing device, and the plurality of optical fibers arranged at the second pitch are fusion spliced ​​using the fusion splicing device. According to such a fiber fusion splicing method, the arrangement of the optical fibers becomes simple, so the fusion splicing operation also becomes simple.

[0037] In addition, a method for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon with a connector is clarified, wherein after arranging the plurality of optical fibers extending from the bracket at the second pitch narrower than the first pitch by using the optical fiber arrangement method, the method for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon with a connector performs the following steps: while the plurality of optical fibers are held in the bracket, the ends of the plurality of optical fibers extending from the bracket and having the outer skins removed are cut to a predetermined length, and while the plurality of optical fibers are held in the bracket, the plurality of optical fibers arranged at the second pitch are inserted into the optical fiber holes of the ferrule, and the ends of the plurality of optical fibers are mounted on the ferrule. According to such a method for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon with a connector, the optical fiber arrangement operation becomes simple, so the manufacturing operation of the optical fiber ribbon with a connector also becomes simple.

[0038] An intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon is defined, which is a plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel at a pitch wider than the diameter of the optical fiber, and a plurality of connecting portions connecting two adjacent optical fibers, and the plurality of the connecting portions are intermittently arranged, and has: a connecting region where the plurality of optical fibers are intermittently connected by intermittently arranging the plurality of connecting portions; and a non-connecting region where the connecting portions are not formed between the connecting regions. According to such an optical fiber ribbon, it is easy to arrange the plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel at a pitch wider than the diameter of the optical fiber at a narrow pitch.

[0039] Preferably, a mark for aligning the optical fiber ribbon with a holder holding the optical fiber ribbon is formed in the non-connected region, so that the optical fiber ribbon and the holder can be aligned based on the position of the mark and the non-connected region of the optical fiber ribbon can be held by the holder.

[0040] Preferably, the connection area is composed of a plurality of connection sections in which the connection parts are intermittently arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon, and the number of the connection parts arranged in the connection section adjacent to the non-connection area is less than the number of the connection parts arranged in the connection section not adjacent to the non-connection area. Thus, when the non-connection area of ​​the optical fiber ribbon is clamped by the bracket, the influence of the connection parts is reduced, so it is easy to narrow the width of the optical fiber ribbon.

[0041] Preferably, the connection region is composed of a plurality of connection sections in which the connection parts are intermittently arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon, and the non-connection part is arranged on the outside of the connection part arranged in the connection section adjacent to the non-connection region in the width direction. Thus, since the optical fiber located at the end of the optical fiber ribbon is easily displaced inward, it is easy to narrow the width of the optical fiber ribbon inside the bracket.

[0042] Preferably, the connection area is composed of a plurality of first connection sections intermittently arranged along the long side direction and intermittently arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon, and a second connection section arranged adjacent to the non-connection area, and the interval between the first connection section and the second connection section in the long side direction is longer than the interval between the first connection section and the first connection section in the long side direction. Thus, the second connection section clamped by the bracket is configured to be biased toward the non-connection area side, so that the interval between the optical fibers not bounded by the connection section is easily narrowed in the second connection section.

[0043] ===First Embodiment===

[0044] <Structure of optical fiber ribbon 1>

[0045] Figure 1A as well as Figure 1B It is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber ribbon 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1A It is an explanatory diagram of the connection area 20 and the non-connection area 30. Figure 1B 2 is an explanatory diagram of the connection area 20. Figure 1B 2 shows the arrangement of the plurality of connection portions 11 formed in the connection region 20 .

[0046] In the following description, each direction is defined as follows. As shown in the figure, the long side direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is simply referred to as the "long side direction". In addition, the direction parallel to the optical fiber 2 in the state where the multiple optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 1 are arranged on a plane in a substantially parallel manner (the state shown in the figure) is sometimes referred to as the "long side direction". In addition, the optical axis direction of the optical fiber 2 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 1 is sometimes referred to as the "long side direction". In addition, the direction in which the multiple optical fibers 2 are arranged in the state shown in the figure is referred to as the "width direction". In addition, the direction perpendicular to the ribbon surface of the optical fiber ribbon 1 in the state shown in the figure (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the figure) is referred to as the "ribbon thickness direction".

[0047] The optical fiber ribbon 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called intermittently connected type (intermittently fixed type) optical fiber ribbon. The intermittently connected type optical fiber ribbon 1 is an optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of optical fibers 2 are arranged in parallel and intermittently connected. The adjacent two-core (two) optical fibers 2 are connected by a connecting portion 11. The plurality of connecting portions 11 connecting the adjacent two-core optical fibers 2 are intermittently arranged along the long side direction. In addition, the plurality of connecting portions 11 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 are two-dimensionally intermittently arranged in the long side direction and the width direction. The connecting portion 11 is formed by coating an ultraviolet curing resin as an adhesive (tape material) and then irradiating it with ultraviolet rays and curing it. In addition, the connecting portion 11 can also be composed of a thermoplastic resin. The area other than the connecting portion 11 between the adjacent two-core optical fibers 2 becomes a non-connecting portion 13 (separation portion). In the non-connecting portion 13, the adjacent two-core optical fibers 2 are not bound to each other. The non-connecting portion 13 is arranged in the width direction of the connecting portion 11. The optical fiber ribbon 1 can be rolled into a tube (bundle) or folded, and can store a plurality of optical fibers 2 at a high density.

[0048] In addition, the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon 1 is not limited to Figure 1A For example, the number of cores of the optical fiber ribbon 1 (the number of optical fibers 2) may be changed. In addition, the arrangement of the connecting portion 11 may be changed within the scope of the present application.

[0049] In the present embodiment, a plurality of optical fibers 2 are arranged in parallel at intervals wider than the outer diameter of the optical fibers 2. Here, the outer diameter of the optical fibers 2 (optical fiber diameter D) is 200 μm, and the interval in the width direction of the optical fibers 2 (first optical fiber pitch Pf1) is 250 μm. In the following description, the outer diameter of the optical fibers 2 is sometimes referred to as the "optical fiber diameter D". In addition, in the following description, the interval in the width direction of the optical fibers 2 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is sometimes referred to as the "first optical fiber pitch Pf1". In addition, the optical fiber diameter D is not limited to 200 μm, as long as it is 220 μm or less. In addition, the first optical fiber pitch Pf1 is not limited to 250 μm, as long as it is 250±30 μm (within the range of 220 μm to 280 μm), and a gap is formed between two adjacent optical fibers 2.

[0050] like Figure 1AAs shown, the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon 1 is provided with a connection area 20 and a non-connection area 30. The connection area 20 is an area where a plurality of connection portions 11 are formed in a manner that all optical fibers 2 (here, 12 optical fibers 2) are connected. The non-connection area 30 is an area between the connection area 20 and the connection area 20 where there is no connection portion 11. The connection area 20 and the non-connection area 30 are formed alternately along the long side direction. In other words, the non-connection area 30 is formed between the connection area 20 and the connection area 20, and the connection area 20 is formed between the non-connection area 30 and the non-connection area 30. As shown in FIG. Figure 1A As shown in FIG. 1 , the connection regions 20 are repeatedly arranged at a predetermined interval P1 in the longitudinal direction. In the following description, the interval in the longitudinal direction of the connection regions 20 may be referred to as "region pitch P1".

[0051] like Figure 1B As shown, a plurality of connection sections 21 are provided in the connection area 20. Here, two connection sections 21 are provided in one connection area 20. In each connection section 21, 5 to 6 connection parts 11 are intermittently formed in the width direction. In each connection section 21, connection parts 11 and non-connection parts 13 are alternately formed in the width direction. The positions of the connection parts 11 in each connection section 21 are different from each other. In other words, the plurality of connection parts 11 in each connection section 21 are arranged differently from each other in the width direction. Thus, the adjacent two-core optical fibers 2 are connected by at least one connection part 11 in the connection area 20, and all the optical fibers 2 are intermittently connected by the plurality of connection parts 11 belonging to one connection area 20. In addition, when the number of connection sections 21 in one connection area 20 is set to i, i is not limited to 2, and i can also be 3 or more (described later). In addition, when the number of connection parts 11 in one connection section 21 is set to j, j is not limited to 5 to 6, and can also be other numbers (described later).

[0052] A non-connection section 23 in which no connection portion 11 exists in the width direction is provided between the connection sections 21 and the connection sections 21. Figure 1B As shown, a plurality of (here two) connection sections 21 of the connection area 20 are arranged at a predetermined interval P2 in the long side direction. In the following description, the interval in the long side direction of the connection section 21 in the connection area 20 is sometimes referred to as "section spacing P2". The section spacing P2 is longer than the dimension in the long side direction of the connection portion 11, so a non-connection section 23 is formed between the connection section 21 and the connection section 21. In addition, the length of the non-connection area 30 in the long side direction is set to be longer than the section spacing P2.

[0053] Figure 2A 1 is a cross-sectional view of two optical fibers 2 connected by a connection portion 11 , and is a cross-sectional view of a portion where the connection portion 11 is formed.

[0054] The optical fiber 2 has a bare optical fiber 4, a cladding layer 5, and a coloring layer 6. The bare optical fiber 4 is composed of a core and a cladding layer. The cladding layer 5 is a layer that covers the bare optical fiber 4. The cladding layer 5 is composed of, for example, a primary cladding layer (primary coating) and a secondary cladding layer (secondary coating). The coloring layer 6 is a layer formed on the surface of the cladding layer 5. The coloring layer 6 is formed by coating a colorant on the surface of the cladding layer 5.

[0055] Two adjacent optical fibers 2 are connected by a tape material (ultraviolet curing resin; connecting agent) constituting a connecting portion 11. A tape material layer 15 of the tape material is formed around the entire periphery of the colored layer 6. In addition, a tape material layer 15 of the tape material is formed on the surface of the colored layer 6 over the entire area in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 2. The connecting portion 11 is in a concave shape at a position between the two optical fibers 2.

[0056] Figure 2B 1 is an explanatory diagram of the connecting portion 11 according to the first modification. As shown in the first modification, the connecting portion 11 does not need to be recessed in the middle portion between the two optical fibers 2.

[0057] Figure 2C 1 is an explanatory diagram of the connecting portion 11 of the second modification. As shown in the second modification, the tape material layer 15 of the tape material need not be formed on the entire circumference of the colored layer 6. According to the second modification, the diameter of the optical fiber 2 can be further reduced.

[0058] Furthermore, the connecting portion 11 (or the tape material layer 15) may not be formed on both sides of the upper side and the lower side of the line connecting the centers of the two adjacent optical fibers 2, or the connecting portion 11 (or the tape material layer 15) may be formed only on one side of the upper side or the lower side of the line connecting the centers of the two adjacent optical fibers 2. Furthermore, the connecting portion 11 (or the tape material layer 15) may not be formed uniformly above and below the line connecting the centers of the two adjacent optical fibers 2.

[0059] Figure 3 It is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the length of the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 and the holder 50 .

[0060] The holder 50 is a member that holds the optical fiber ribbon 1. The holder 50 includes a base portion 51 and a cover portion 52.

[0061] The base portion 51 is a member for placing the optical fiber ribbon 1, and has a placing surface 51A for placing the optical fiber ribbon 1. The placing surface 51A is formed with a V-groove for arranging the optical fibers 2 at a predetermined pitch (see Figure 5B ).

[0062] The cover 52 is a component that can be opened and closed relative to the base 51. When the cover 52 is closed, the optical fiber ribbon 1 is clamped (held) between the mounting surface 51A of the base 51 and the cover 52. Therefore, a clamping portion that clamps the optical fiber ribbon 1 is formed by the mounting surface 51A of the base 51 and the cover 52. Here, the length Lh of the clamping portion in the long side direction is determined by the width (the dimension in the long side direction) of the cover 52. However, when a pad that contacts the optical fiber ribbon 1 is provided on the inner surface of the cover 52, the length Lh of the clamping portion in the long side direction is not determined by the width (the dimension in the long side direction) of the cover 52, but by the width (the dimension in the long side direction) of the pad.

[0063] Furthermore, when the cover 52 is closed and the optical fiber ribbon 1 is held in the holder 50, the optical fibers 2 extend from both sides of the holder 50 (or the clamping portion). In the following description, the side of the optical fiber 2 extending from the holder 50 that is to be processed later (the side where the outer coating is removed or cut: the front end side of the optical fiber 2) is sometimes referred to as the "processing side", and the opposite side is sometimes referred to as the "base end side".

[0064] In the present embodiment, the length of the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is set to be longer than the width Lh (dimension in the long side direction) of the clamping portion. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the clamping portion is a structure capable of clamping the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 (a structure capable of enabling the holder 50 to hold the optical fiber ribbon 1 without the clamping portion clamping the region where the connecting portion 11 is formed). Thus, as described later, when the holder 50 holds the optical fiber ribbon 1, it is easy to make the gap between the plurality of optical fibers 2 narrower than the first optical fiber pitch Pf1 inside the holder 50 (clamping portion), and it is easy to narrow the width of the optical fiber ribbon 1 (refer to Figure 5B ).

[0065] In addition, in this embodiment, when the clamping portion clamps the non-connected area 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1, the non-connected area 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 extends from both sides of the clamping portion (see also Figure 5A Here, when the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is clamped by the clamping portion, the base end side ( Figure 3 (or Figure 5A) is set to L1, and the length of the non-connected area 30 in the long side direction extending from the processing side of the bracket 50 (the right side in the figure) is set to L2. As described later, the length L1 is preferably set so that the bending radius of the optical fiber 2 is longer than the allowable bending radius R when the bracket 50 holds the optical fiber 2. Specifically, the preferred length L1 is 9.42 mm or more. In addition, the preferred length L2 is the length of the portion where the pair of blades 61A of the sheath removal device 60 clamps the non-connected area 30. Specifically, the preferred length L2 is 2 mm or more. Therefore, it is preferred that the length of the non-connected area 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is longer than the length (Lh+L1+L2) obtained by adding the length L1 and the length L2 to the width Lh of the clamping portion, and specifically, it is preferably longer than the length (Lh+11.42mm) obtained by adding 11.42mm to the length Lh.

[0066] <Method of fusion splicing optical fiber 2>

[0067] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the process of collectively fusing an optical fiber ribbon 1 in which optical fibers 2 with a diameter of 200 μm are arranged in parallel and intermittently connected at a pitch of 250 μm using a fusion splicing device 40 for a pitch of 200 μm. In addition, the figure also includes a process flow (S001 to S004) for arranging the optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 1 in which optical fibers 2 with a diameter of 200 μm are arranged in parallel and intermittently connected at a pitch of 200 μm. In the following description, the interval in the width direction of the optical fibers 2 for collectively fusing by the fusion splicing device 40 is sometimes referred to as the "second optical fiber pitch Pf2". In addition, the second optical fiber pitch Pf2 only needs to be narrower than the first optical fiber pitch Pf1, and is not limited to 200 μm.

[0068] First, the operator prepares the optical fiber ribbon 1 with a 250 μm pitch and the holder 50 for a 200 μm pitch to be fusion-connected (S001). In other words, the operator prepares the optical fiber ribbon 1 with a first optical fiber pitch Pf1 and the holder 50 for a second optical fiber pitch Pf2. Here, the operator prepares the optical fiber ribbon 1 with a 250 μm pitch and the holder 50 for a 200 μm pitch. Figure 1A The optical fiber ribbon 1 shown in the figure. The 200 μm pitch holder 50 is a holder for placing the optical fiber ribbon 1 on the 200 μm pitch fusion splicing device 40. A plurality of V-grooves (described later: refer to the mounting surface 51A of the base portion 51 of the holder 50 in the present embodiment) are formed at a 200 μm pitch (second optical fiber pitch Pf2). Figure 5B ).

[0069] Next, the operator places the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 on the placement surface 51A of the holder 50 (S002). Figure 3As shown, the length of the non-connected area 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is set to be longer than the width Lh of the cover 52, and the operator places the non-connected area 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 on the mounting surface 51A of the bracket 50 in a manner that the non-connected area 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is opposite to the cover 52.

[0070] When the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is placed on the placement surface 51A of the holder 50, the end portion of the optical fiber 2 (the portion on the right side in the figure) is extended outward (to the right side in the figure) from the holder 50. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is placed on the placement surface 51A of the holder 50, a portion of the non-connected region 30 (the portion on the right side in the figure) is extended outward (to the right side in the figure) from the holder 50.

[0071] Next, the operator closes the cover 52, and the holder 50 holds the optical fiber ribbon 1 (S003). In addition, in S002, the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is placed on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50 in a manner opposite to the cover 52. Therefore, if the cover 52 is closed in S003, the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is sandwiched between the mounting surface 51A of the base 51 and the cover 52. If necessary, the operator may hold the optical fiber ribbon 1 on the holder 50 while narrowing the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 in the width direction (narrowing the intervals between the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the non-connected region 30) with fingers.

[0072] Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B This is an explanatory diagram of a state where the non-connecting region 30 is sandwiched by the brackets 50 . Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Magnified view of the BB section.

[0073] Since the connection portion 11 is not formed in the non-connection region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1, the non-connection portion 13 (separation portion) is formed between each optical fiber 2, and the optical fibers 2 are not bound to each other in the non-connection region 30. Therefore, if the non-connection region 30 is clamped by the holder 50, the interval between the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the non-connection region 30 becomes narrower with the pitch of the V-grooves (the second optical fiber pitch Pf2) of the mounting surface 51A. Thus, by holding the non-connection region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 on the holder 50, the plurality of optical fibers 2 can be arranged at a pitch narrower than the first optical fiber pitch Pf1 (=250 μm) inside the holder 50 (more specifically, inside the clamping portion of the holder 50), and the width of the optical fiber ribbon 1 can be reduced.

[0074] FIG5C is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of a bracket 50. A pair of steps are formed on the mounting surface 51A of the modified example of the bracket 50, and the spacing between the optical fibers 2 at both ends in the width direction is defined by the pair of steps, thereby arranging a plurality of optical fibers 2 at a pitch of 200 μm. Thus, the mounting surface 51A of the bracket 50 for a 200 μm pitch is not limited to a V-groove having a pitch of 200 μm, but may also be other shapes. In other words, when the non-connected area 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is held in the bracket 50, it is sufficient to narrow the gap between the plurality of optical fibers 2 inside the bracket 50 to narrow the width of the optical fiber ribbon 1.

[0075] In addition, if Figure 5A As shown, when the non-connected area 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is clamped by the holder 50, the optical fiber 2 is extended from both sides of the clamping portion. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the non-connected area 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is clamped by the holder 50, a part of the non-connected area 30 is extended outward from the clamping portion. Here, the non-connected area 30 extends from the base end side of the clamping portion by a length L1, and the non-connected area 30 extends from the processing side of the holder 50 by a length L2.

[0076] In the S003 stage, if Figure 5A As shown, there is a connection portion 11 between the optical fibers 2 outside the cover portion 52 of the holder 50 (outside the clamping portion), and the interval between the optical fibers 2 in the connection portion 11 is limited to 250 μm. Therefore, in the stage S003, the plurality of optical fibers 2 outside the cover portion 52 of the holder 50 (outside the clamping portion) are substantially arranged at the first fiber pitch Pf1 due to the influence of the connection portion 11.

[0077] Next, the operator removes the outer coating of the optical fiber 2 ( S004 ).

[0078] Fig. 6A This is an explanatory diagram of a state where the coating of the optical fiber 2 is removed by the coating removal device 60 .

[0079] The outer coating removal device 60 is a device for removing the outer coating of the plurality of optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 1. The outer coating removal device 60 is a so-called heat-stripping device. The outer coating removal device 60 includes a main body 61 having a pair of blades 61A, and a gripping portion 62 for gripping the holder 50. The operator places the holder 50 holding the optical fiber ribbon 1 on the gripping portion 62 of the outer coating removal device 60, clamps the optical fiber 2 (optical fiber ribbon 1) with the pair of blades 61A of the main body 61, and after forming an incision in the outer coating of the optical fiber 2, separates the main body 61 from the gripping portion 62, thereby peeling off the outer coating of the optical fiber 2 with the pair of blades 61A, thereby removing the outer coating of the optical fiber 2. In the present embodiment, a portion of the non-connected area 30 (the right side in the figure) extends outward (the right side in the figure: the processing side) further than the bracket 50, and a pair of blades 61A clamp the optical fiber 2 (optical fiber ribbon 1) in the non-connected area 30 to remove the outer sheath of the optical fiber 2 on the end side of the clamped portion.

[0080] However, when the stent 50 is placed on the gripping portion 62 of the sheath removal device 60, the connecting portion 11 (see FIG. 1 ) exists between the plurality of optical fibers 2 extending from the stent 50. Figure 5A The connecting portion 11 is arranged outside the coating layer 5 of the optical fiber 2 (see Figure 2A ), so if the outer coating of the optical fiber 2 is removed by the outer coating removal device 60, the connecting portion 11 (tape material layer 15) of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is also removed together with the outer coating of the optical fiber 2. That is, if the outer coating of the optical fiber 2 is removed by the outer coating removal device 60, the plurality of optical fibers 2 (optical fiber bare wires 4) are separated into single cores.

[0081] Figure 6B It is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber ribbon 1 after the outer covering held by the holder 50 is removed.

[0082] A plurality of optical fibers 2 (bare optical fibers 4) extend from the processing side (right side in the figure) of the holder 50. On the processing side (right side in the figure) of the holder 50, the connecting portion 11 is removed, thereby eliminating the restraint of the optical fibers 2 by the connecting portion 11. As a result, on the processing side (right side in the figure) of the holder 50, the influence of the connecting portion 11 disappears, so that the spacing between the plurality of optical fibers 2 (bare optical fibers 4) becomes the second fiber pitch Pf2 (=200 μm) along with the pitch of the V-grooves of the mounting surface 51A. That is, on the processing side (right side in the figure) of the holder 50, the outer coating of the optical fiber 2 is removed in S004, thereby arranging the optical fibers 2 (bare optical fibers 4) at the second fiber pitch Pf2 (in addition, on the base end side (left side in the figure) of the holder 50, the optical fibers 2 are arranged at the first fiber pitch Pf1 due to the influence of the connecting portion 11).

[0083] In the present embodiment, the outer coatings of the plurality of optical fibers 2 extending from the processing side (right side in the figure) of the holder 50 are removed, thereby removing the connecting portion 11 of the optical fiber ribbon, thereby arranging the plurality of optical fibers on the processing side (right side in the figure) of the holder 50 at the second optical fiber pitch Pf2. However, even if the outer coatings of the optical fibers 2 are not removed, as long as the connecting portion 11 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 extending from the processing side (right side in the figure) of the holder 50 is removed, the plurality of optical fibers 2 extending from the processing side (right side in the figure) of the holder 50 can be separated into single cores, and the plurality of optical fibers can be arranged at the second optical fiber pitch Pf2. On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, if the outer coating removal device 60 is used, the connection portion 11 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 and the outer coatings of the plurality of optical fibers 2 can be removed simultaneously, so that the optical fiber arrangement operation becomes simple.

[0084] exist Figure 6B In the embodiment, the length from the end of the processing side of the stent 50 to the time of peeling the outer skin is 2 mm. When peeling the outer skin, the pair of blades 61A of the outer skin removal device 60 clamp the non-connected area 30 and form a cut in the outer skin. Figure 6B As shown, the preferred length L2 (refer to Figure 5A : The length of the non-connected area 30 in the long side direction extending from the processed side of the stent 50) is longer than the length from the end of the processed side of the stent 50 to the point where the outer skin is peeled off (the portion where the pair of blades 61A of the outer skin removal device 60 form an incision in the outer skin). That is, the length L2 is preferably 2 mm or more.

[0085] After removing the outer coating of the optical fiber 2, the operator cuts the end of the optical fiber 2 so that the bare optical fiber 4 has a predetermined length (S005). Usually, the holder 50 holding the optical fiber ribbon 1 is placed on a fiber cleaver, and the end of the optical fiber 2 is cut using the fiber cleaver.

[0086] Next, the operator performs fusion splicing of the plurality of optical fibers 2 using the fusion splicing device 40 ( S006 ). The operator places the holder 50 holding the optical fiber ribbon 1 on the fusion splicing device 40 , and uses the fusion splicing device 40 to fusion splice the optical fibers 2 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 .

[0087] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram of the situation during welding connection.

[0088] The fusion splicing device 40 includes an electrode portion 41 and a pair of holder placement portions 42. The electrode portion 41 includes a pair of electrodes for fusion splicing the optical fibers 2. Arc discharge is generated in the electrode portion 41 to heat the front end of the optical fiber 2, so that the front end of the optical fiber 2 melts, thereby fusion splicing the optical fibers 2. The holder placement portion 42 is a portion (holder mounting portion) where the holder 50 is placed. The holder placement portion 42 is configured to be movable in order to align the optical fibers 2 during fusion splicing.

[0089] like Figure 7 As shown, the operator places the holders 50 on the holder placement parts 42 while holding the plurality of optical fibers 2 on the holders 50. When the holders 50 are placed on a pair of holder placement parts 42, the end faces of the optical fibers 2 (bare optical fibers 4) extending from the processing side of the holders 50 are arranged opposite to each other in the electrode part 41.

[0090] The fusion splicing device 40 of this embodiment is a fusion splicing device 40 for 200μ pitch, and is configured to fuse a plurality of optical fibers 2 arranged at a 200μ pitch together. In this embodiment, the optical fibers 2 (bare optical fibers 4) are arranged at the second optical fiber pitch Pf2 on the processing side of the holder 50 (the side of the electrode portion 41 when the holder 50 is placed on the holder placement portion 42), so that the optical fiber ribbons 1 at a 250μ pitch can be fused together using the fusion splicing device 40 for 200μ pitch.

[0091] <About length L1>

[0092] like Figure 5A As shown, when the holder 50 clamps the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1, the plurality of optical fibers 2 are arranged at the first fiber pitch Pf1 outside the holder 50 (outside the clamping part), while the plurality of optical fibers 2 are arranged at the second fiber pitch Pf2 inside the holder 50 (inside the clamping part). Therefore, when the holder 50 clamps the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1, the optical fibers 2 are bent near both ends of the holder 50 (clamping part). In particular, the optical fibers 2 are bent continuously for a long time on the base end side of the clamping part, so it is preferable to set the bending radius of the optical fibers 2 to be greater than the allowable bending radius. In addition, the optical fibers 2 located at the endmost part (in the case of the N-core optical fiber ribbon 1, the No. 1 optical fiber or the No. N optical fiber) of the plurality of optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 1 are bent most sharply, so it is preferable to set the bending radius of the optical fibers 2 located at the endmost part to be greater than the allowable bending radius. Here, the minimum value L0 of the length L1 required for the allowable bending radius of the optical fiber is described.

[0093] Figure 8 1 is a model diagram of the bending of optical fiber No. N. The curved solid line in the figure shows the center of optical fiber No. N.

[0094] The optical fiber 2 is bent between the position closest to the connection portion 11 of the clamping portion of the stent 50 and the end portion (end portion on the proximal end side) of the clamping portion of the stent 50 (see Figure 5A ). Figure 8 Point A shows the center position of optical fiber No. N at the position in the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 11 of the clamping portion of the holder 50. On the proximal side (left side in the figure) of point A, a plurality of optical fibers 2 are arranged at a first fiber pitch Pf1. Figure 8Point B shows the center position of optical fiber No. N at the end of the clamping portion of the bracket 50. On the processing side (right side in the figure) closer to point B, multiple optical fibers 2 are arranged in parallel at a second fiber pitch Pf2. Between point A and point B, the optical fiber 2 is bent in an S shape. Point C is the center of the portion bent in the S shape. Here, between AC, the optical fiber 2 makes the upper side in the figure convex and bends with an allowable bending radius R. Point O1 is the bending center of the optical fiber 2 bent between AC. Point O1 is located at a position in the long side direction of the connecting portion 11 of the clamping portion closest to the bracket 50. In addition, between CB, the optical fiber 2 makes the lower side in the figure convex and bends with an allowable bending radius R. Point O2 is the bending center of the optical fiber 2 bent between CB. Point O2 is located at the end of the clamping portion of the bracket 50. In addition, as Figure 8 As shown, the intersection of the extension line of the center line of the N optical fiber when the optical fibers are arranged at the second optical fiber pitch Pf2 and the line connecting the point A and the point O1 is set as point D. In addition, the intersection of the extension line of the center line of the N optical fiber when the optical fibers are arranged at the second optical fiber pitch Pf2 and the line connecting the point O2 and the point O1 is set as point E. Here, the length between O1-D is set as y, and the length between O1-E is set as x.

[0095] Due to the bend shown in the figure, the position of the Nth optical fiber in the width direction changes by a displacement amount Ls. The displacement amount Ls is equivalent to the value obtained by subtracting the coordinates of the width direction of point B from the coordinates of the width direction of point A. Therefore, Ls is expressed as follows.

[0096] Ls=(Pf1-Pf2)×(N-1) / 2

[0097] The first fiber pitch Pf1 and the second fiber pitch Pf2 in the above formula are known values. In addition, N in the above formula is the number of cores of the optical fiber ribbon 1 (the number of optical fibers 2), and is therefore a known value. Therefore, the displacement Ls can be calculated by the above formula.

[0098] The length y is equivalent to the value obtained by subtracting the allowable bending radius R from the displacement Ls (see Figure 8 ). The allowable bending radius R is specified as 5 mm, which is a known value. Therefore, the length y can be calculated by y=Ls-R.

[0099] like Figure 8 As shown, triangle EBO2 is similar to triangle EDO1. Therefore, the ratio of length E-O2 to length E-O1 is the same as the ratio of length B-O2 to length D-O1. That is, the relationship 2R+x:x=R:y holds. Based on this relationship, x can be calculated from R and y.

[0100] When the holder 50 holds the optical fiber 2 , the length L0 required to make the bending radius of the optical fiber 2 longer than the allowable bending radius R corresponds to the length DB in the figure and can be expressed by the following equation and can be calculated from R and x.

[0101] [Number 1]

[0102]

[0103] In this embodiment, Pf1 = 0.25 (mm), Pf2 = 0.20 (mm), N = 12, and R = 5 (mm). In this case, L0 = 9.42 (mm) is calculated. That is, when the holder 50 holds the optical fiber 2, the length L0 required to make the bending radius of the optical fiber 2 longer than the allowable bending radius R is 9.42 mm.

[0104] like Figure 5A As shown, when the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is clamped by the clamping portion, the base end side ( Figure 5A The length of the non-connected area 30 extending from the left side of the optical fiber 2 (in the left side of the optical fiber 2) in the long side direction is set as L1. In order to set the length L1 in such a way that the bending radius of the optical fiber 2 is longer than the allowable bending radius R when the optical fiber 2 is held by the holder 50, it is preferred that the length L1 is greater than the length L0. Therefore, in the present embodiment, L1 is greater than 9.42 mm.

[0105] <Modification>

[0106] Fig.9A It is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the optical fiber ribbon 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig.9A The optical fiber ribbon 1 of the modified example shown is Figure 1A The optical fiber ribbon 1 shown is different in that it has a reference numeral 8 .

[0107] The mark 8 is a mark formed on the non-connected area 30. In other words, the mark 8 is a mark indicating the position of the non-connected area 30. In addition, the mark 8 serves as a mark for aligning the optical fiber ribbon 1 and the bracket 50. The mark 8 is formed in the same position in the long side direction of the plurality of optical fibers 2, and is formed in a strip shape across the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1. The mark 8 may also have the function of identifying the optical fiber ribbon 1. For example, the mark 8 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 in the figure is formed by a pattern indicating the No. 2 band, and has the function of identifying the optical fiber ribbon 1.

[0108] In addition, the mark 8 of the present embodiment is formed on all the optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 1, and is thus formed over the entire area in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon 1. However, the mark 8 only needs to be formed on a part of the optical fibers 2 among the plurality of optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 1. In addition, when the mark 8 is formed on only a part of the optical fibers 2, in order to facilitate alignment with the bracket 50, it is preferred that the mark 8 is formed on at least the optical fiber 2 (optical fiber No. 1 or optical fiber No. N) at the end in the width direction.

[0109] Fig. 9B This is an explanatory diagram of how to use the mark 8.

[0110] In S002 (refer to Figure 4 ) in which the operator Fig. 9B As shown in the figure, the optical fiber ribbon 1 is positioned with the mark 8 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 at the center of the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50, and the optical fiber ribbon 1 is mounted on the holder 50 by aligning the optical fiber ribbon 1 with the holder 50 based on the mark 8. Thus, the non-connected area 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 can be mounted on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50. In addition, even if it is difficult for the operator to recognize the position of the connecting portion 11, the connecting area 20, or the non-connected area 30, since the mark 8 is easy to recognize, according to the modified example, the operation of mounting the non-connected area 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50 is simple ( Figure 4 S002) becomes easy.

[0111] Furthermore, an alignment mark (not shown) for alignment with the mark 8 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 may be formed on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50. This facilitates the alignment of the optical fiber ribbon 1 and the holder 50 based on the mark 8.

[0112] In addition, in this embodiment, if Fig. 9B As shown, when the optical fiber ribbon 1 and the holder 50 are aligned according to the mark 8 and the optical fiber ribbon 1 is held in the holder 50, the non-connected region 30 of a predetermined length (the above-mentioned length L1) extends from the base end side of the clamping portion, and the non-connected region 30 of a predetermined length (the above-mentioned length L2) extends from the processing side of the holder 50. In this way, the mark 8 is formed on the optical fiber ribbon 1, so that the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 extends from both sides of the clamping portion by a desired length, and the optical fiber ribbon 1 is easily placed on the holder 50.

[0113] <Brief Summary>

[0114] According to the optical fiber arrangement method (or fusion splicing method) of the present embodiment, an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon ( Figure 4 S001), the non-connected area 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is held by the bracket 50, thereby reducing the width of the optical fiber ribbon 1 inside the bracket 50 ( Figure 4 S003, reference Figure 5B ). In addition, in the present embodiment, the connecting portion 11 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 extending from the bracket 50 is removed, thereby enabling the plurality of optical fibers 2 (optical fiber bare wires 4) separated from the single core to be arranged at the second optical fiber pitch Pf2 ( Figure 4 S004, reference Figure 6BIn this embodiment, when the optical fiber ribbon 1 is held in the holder 50, the optical fibers 2 are not randomly separated into single cores at the end of the optical fiber ribbon 1 (the end on the processing side), and the connecting portion 11 is retained to connect the plurality of optical fibers 2 ( Figure 3 , refer to Figure 5A ). Therefore, compared with the operation of holding a plurality of optical fibers separated into single cores in a disordered manner in a holder, in this embodiment, the operation of the plurality of optical fibers 2 becomes simple, and the operability of holding the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the holder 50 is improved. As a result, in this embodiment, the arrangement operation of the optical fibers 2 becomes simple. In addition, in this embodiment, since the arrangement operation of the optical fibers 2 becomes simple, the fusion splicing operation also becomes simple.

[0115] In addition, the optical fiber ribbon 1 is an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon having a plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel at a first optical fiber pitch Pf1 wider than the optical fiber diameter D, and a plurality of connecting portions 11, and the plurality of connecting portions 11 are intermittently arranged. The intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon 1 of this embodiment has: a connecting region 20 in which a plurality of optical fibers (N optical fibers) are intermittently connected by intermittently arranging the plurality of connecting portions 11, and a non-connecting region 30 in which no connecting portion 11 is formed between the connecting regions 20. According to such an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon 1, the holder 50 for the second optical fiber pitch Pf2 is used to hold the non-connecting region 30 ( Figure 4 S003, reference Figure 5B ), and removing the connecting portion 11 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 extending from the bracket 50, thereby enabling the plurality of optical fibers 2 to be arranged at a second optical fiber pitch Pf2 ( Figure 4 S004, reference Figure 6B ). Therefore, according to the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon 1 of this embodiment, the operation of arranging the plurality of optical fibers 2 arranged in parallel at the first optical fiber pitch Pf1 to the second optical fiber pitch Pf2 (optical fiber arrangement operation) becomes simple.

[0116] ===Second Embodiment===

[0117] When the number of connection sections 21 in one connection area 20 is i, in the first embodiment, i is 2. However, i is not limited to 2, and may be another number. In addition, when the number of connection portions 11 in one connection section 21 is j, in the first embodiment, j is 5 to 6. However, j is not limited to 5 or 6, and may be another number.

[0118] Fig. 10A as well as Fig. 10B 1 is an explanatory diagram of an optical fiber ribbon 1 according to a second embodiment. Fig. 10B 2 shows the arrangement of the plurality of connection portions 11 formed in the connection region 20 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0119] like Fig. 10A As shown, the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment is also an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon 1. In addition, the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment is also provided with a connection area 20 and a non-connection area 30. Fig. 10B As shown, a plurality of connection sections 21 are also provided in the connection area 20 of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the number i of connection sections 21 in one connection area 20 is increased compared with the first embodiment, and four connection sections 21 are provided in one connection area 20. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the number of connection parts 11 in one connection area 21 is reduced compared with the first embodiment, and the number j of connection parts 11 in one connection area 21 is 2 to 3. In each connection area 21, three non-connection parts 13 are arranged between the connection parts 11 and the connection parts 11. The positions of the connection parts 11 in each connection area 21 are different from each other. In other words, the plurality of connection parts 11 in each connection area 21 are arranged differently from each other in the width direction. Thus, the adjacent two-core optical fibers 2 are connected by at least one connection part 11 in the connection area 20, and all the optical fibers 2 are intermittently connected by the plurality of connection parts 11 belonging to one connection area 20.

[0120] In the second embodiment, the connection section 21 ( Fig. 10B The number of connection sections 11 (here, 2) in the rightmost connection section 21 of FIG. 3 is greater than that in the connection section 21 not adjacent to the non-connection region 30 (for example, Fig. 10B The number of connecting sections 11 (here, 3) of the second connecting section 21 from the right is small. Figure 5A As shown, when the non-connected area 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment is clamped by the bracket 50, the influence of the connecting portion 11 on the outside of the clamping portion becomes less, so it is easy to reduce the spacing of the optical fibers 2 and the width of the optical fiber ribbon 1 inside the bracket 50 (specifically, inside the clamping portion of the bracket 50).

[0121] In the second embodiment, the connection section 21 ( Fig. 10B The rightmost connecting section 21 of the connecting portion 11 is close to the outer side in the width direction ( Fig. 10B A non-connecting portion 13 (here, three non-connecting portions 13) is arranged on the upper side or the lower side of the connecting portion. Figure 5A As shown, when the non-connected area 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 of the second embodiment is clamped by the bracket 50, the optical fibers 2 located at the ends of the optical fiber ribbon 1 (the optical fibers 2 located on the outside in the width direction; optical fibers No. 1 and No. N) are easily displaced inward, so it is easy to reduce the spacing between the optical fibers 2 inside the bracket 50 (clamping portion) and the width of the optical fiber ribbon 1.

[0122] ===Third Embodiment===

[0123] In the above embodiment, the clamping portion of the holder 50 clamps the non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 (the holder 50 holds the optical fiber ribbon 1 without clamping the region where the connecting portion 11 is formed). However, the clamping portion of the holder 50 may clamp a portion of the connecting region 20 of the optical fiber ribbon 1.

[0124] Fig.11A as well as Fig. 11B 1 is an explanatory diagram of an optical fiber ribbon 1 according to a third embodiment. Fig. 11B 2 shows the arrangement of the plurality of connection portions 11 formed in the connection region 20 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0125] In the third embodiment, three connection sections 21 are provided in one connection area 20 (i.e., i is 3). In the following description, the two connection sections 21 on the left of the three connection sections 21 in the figure are sometimes referred to as first connection sections 21A, and the connection section 21 on the right in the figure is sometimes referred to as second connection section 21B. The second connection section 21B is a connection section 21 arranged adjacent to the non-connection area 30. In addition, the second connection section 21B is a connection section 21 arranged on one side of the clamping portion compared to the first connection section 21A when the optical fiber ribbon 1 is clamped in the holder 50.

[0126] In the third embodiment, a non-connected section 23 in which the connecting portion 11 does not exist in the width direction is also provided between the connecting sections 21 and the connecting sections 21. In the following description, the non-connected section 23 between the two first connecting sections 21A is sometimes referred to as a first non-connected section 23A. In addition, the non-connected section 23 between the first connecting section 21A and the second connecting section 21B is sometimes referred to as a second non-connected section 23B.

[0127] In the third embodiment, the length of the second non-connected section 23B in the long-side direction is longer than the length of the first non-connected section 23A in the long-side direction. In other words, the interval in the long-side direction between the first connection section 21A and the second connection section 21B (interval interval P2′ in the figure) is longer than the interval in the long-side direction between the first connection section 21A and the first connection section 21A (interval interval P2 in the figure). Therefore, the second connection section 21B ( Fig. 11B The rightmost connection section 21) is arranged to be offset from the first connection section 21A to the non-connection region 30 side.

[0128] Fig.12 It is an explanatory diagram of a state where the optical fiber ribbon 1 according to the third embodiment is placed on a holder 50 . Fig.13A This is an explanatory diagram of a state where the optical fiber ribbon 1 according to the third embodiment is held by a holder 50 . Fig. 13B yes Fig.13A An enlarged view of the B′-B′ section.

[0129] In the third embodiment, the second connection section 21B arranged adjacent to the non-connection area 30 is arranged to be offset from the first connection section 21A to the non-connection area 30 side, so the second connection section 21B is often included in the area sandwiched by the clamping portion of the bracket 50 (here, the mounting surface 51A of the base portion 51 and the cover portion 52). In other words, in the third embodiment, the connection portion 11 is included in the area sandwiched by the clamping portion of the bracket 50 (here, the mounting surface 51A of the base portion 51 and the cover portion 52).

[0130] In the third embodiment, the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is also arranged on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50 (see Fig.12 ), so if the cover 52 of the bracket 50 is closed, the non-connected area 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is clamped by the mounting surface 51A of the base 51 and the cover 52. In the non-connected area 30, the optical fibers 2 are not bound to each other, so in the third embodiment, if the non-connected area 30 is clamped by the bracket 50, the intervals between the multiple optical fibers 2 in the non-connected area 30 are also narrowed along with the pitch of the V-grooves of the mounting surface 51A (the second optical fiber pitch Pf2).

[0131] In the third embodiment, the connection portion 11 of the second connection section 21B is clamped by the clamping portion of the bracket 50, and the interval between the two optical fibers 2 connected by the connection portion 11 is limited by the connection portion 11, so it is roughly the first fiber pitch Pf1 (=250μm). However, in the non-connection portion 13 included in the second connection section 21B, the optical fibers 2 are not bound to each other, so the interval between the optical fibers 2 in a part of the second connection section 21B becomes narrower than the first fiber pitch Pf1 according to the pitch of the V-grooves of the mounting surface 51A (see Fig. 13B ). In particular, in the present embodiment, the second connection section 21B clamped by the bracket 50 is configured to be biased toward the non-connection area 30 side, so that the intervals between the optical fibers 2 that are not bound by the connection portion 11 in the second connection section 21B are likely to become narrower than the first optical fiber pitch Pf1. As a result, the width dimension of the optical fiber ribbon 1 in the second connection section 21B ( Fig. 13B The width dimension of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is narrower than before being held by the bracket 50.

[0132] Fig. 13C It is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber ribbon 1 after the outer covering held by the holder 50 is removed.

[0133] In the third embodiment, if the connecting portion 11 is removed on the processing side (right side in the figure) of the holder 50, the binding of the optical fiber 2 by the connecting portion 11 disappears, and the interval between the plurality of optical fibers 2 (bare optical fibers 4) becomes the second optical fiber pitch Pf2 (=200 μm) along with the pitch of the V-grooves of the mounting surface 51A. That is, on the processing side (right side in the figure) of the holder 50, the outer coating of the optical fiber 2 is removed, thereby arranging the optical fibers 2 (bare optical fibers 4) at the second optical fiber pitch Pf2.

[0134] <Number of connecting parts 11>

[0135] Fig.14 It is an explanatory diagram of the number of connection parts 11 that can be allowed in the second connection section 21B.

[0136] The upper side of the figure shows a plurality of optical fibers 2 in the second connection section 21B. In the third embodiment, the operator holds the optical fiber ribbon 1 on the bracket 50 while narrowing the second connection section 21B of the optical fiber ribbon 1 in the width direction with fingers. Therefore, the optical fiber ribbon 1 in the figure is narrowed in the width direction. In the non-connection section 13, two adjacent optical fibers 2 are in contact with each other. In the connection section 11, the two adjacent optical fibers 2 are bound by the connection section 11, so only the amount of the connection section 11 (width C) is separated.

[0137] The lower side of the figure shows a V-groove formed on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50. In the third embodiment, after the operator aligns the optical fiber 2 (here, No. 1 optical fiber) at one end of the optical fiber ribbon 1 with the V-groove, the intervals between the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the second connection section 21B are reduced, and the other optical fibers 2 are aligned with the V-groove. Therefore, the center position of the V-groove (V-groove for No. 1 optical fiber) at the left end in the figure is shown to coincide with the position of the optical fiber 2 (No. 1 optical fiber) at the left end in the figure.

[0138] Assuming that the number n of the connecting portions 11 is too large, even if the intervals between the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the second connecting section 21B are reduced, the center position of the optical fiber 2 at the other end (the Nth optical fiber at the right end in the figure) is located outside the V-groove, and there is a concern that the optical fiber 2 cannot be arranged in the V-groove. Therefore, when the intervals between the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the second connecting section 21B are reduced, it is preferred that the center position of the optical fiber 2 at the other end of the optical fiber ribbon 1 (here, the Nth optical fiber) is located above the V-groove for the Nth optical fiber.

[0139] Here, the center-to-center distance between the optical fibers 2 (optical fiber No. 1 and optical fiber No. N) at both ends when the intervals between the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the second connection section 21B are reduced is set as Wt. In addition, the width from the center position of the V-groove at one end (here, the V-groove for optical fiber No. 1) to the inner side of the mountain portion constituting the V-groove at the other end (here, the V-groove for optical fiber No. N) is set as W1. In addition, the width from the center position of the V-groove at one end (here, the V-groove for optical fiber No. 1) to the outer side of the mountain portion constituting the V-groove at the other end (here, the V-groove for optical fiber No. N) is set as W2. At this time, it is preferred that Wt, W1, and W2 have the following relationship.

[0140] W1<Wt<W2

[0141] In other words, it is preferable that the number n of the connection portions 11 in the second connection section 21B is set to such an extent that the above-mentioned relationship (W1<Wt<W2) is established.

[0142] In addition, as shown on the upper side of the figure, when the fiber diameter of the optical fiber 2 is set to D, the number of optical fibers 2 is set to N, the width of the connecting portion 11 is set to C, and the number of connecting portions 11 is set to n, the center distance Wt of the optical fibers 2 (optical fiber No. 1 and optical fiber No. N) at both ends of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is as shown in the following formula.

[0143] Wt=D×(N-1)+C×n

[0144] In addition, as shown in the lower side of the figure, the pitch of the V-groove is equivalent to the second fiber pitch Pf2 described above. In addition, the number of V-grooves is the same as the number of optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 1, which is N. When the width of one V-groove is set to Wv, the width from the center position of the V-groove for optical fiber No. 1 (or optical fiber No. N) to the inner side of the mountain portion of the V-groove constituting the Nth optical fiber is set to W1, and the width from the center position of the V-groove for optical fiber No. 1 (or optical fiber No. N) to the outer side of the mountain portion of the V-groove constituting the Nth optical fiber is set to W2, which are respectively shown as follows.

[0145] W1=Pf2×(N-1)-(Wv / 2)

[0146] W2=Pf2×(N-1)+(Wv / 2)

[0147] ===Fourth Embodiment===

[0148] Fig.15A as well as Fig. 15B It is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber ribbon 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig.16 yes Fig. 15B An enlarged view of the XX section.

[0149] In the fourth embodiment, the optical fiber ribbon 1 is an optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of optical fibers 2 are arranged in parallel and intermittently connected. In the fourth embodiment, a ribbon material is applied in a ribbon shape to the ribbon surface (a surface parallel to the long side direction and the width direction) of the optical fiber ribbon 1, and the ribbon material is solidified, thereby forming a ribbon material layer 15 in a ribbon shape. The ribbon material is applied / solidified between two optical fibers 2, thereby forming a connecting portion 11 between the two optical fibers 2. In the fourth embodiment, a plurality of connecting portions 11 are also intermittently arranged along the long side direction between two adjacent optical fibers 2. In addition, a non-connecting portion 13 (separation portion) is formed between the connecting portions 11 intermittently formed along the long side direction. In this embodiment, the ribbon material layer 15 is arranged obliquely with respect to the width direction. Thus, the non-connecting portion 13 is arranged in the width direction of the connecting portion 11 formed by the ribbon material layer 15.

[0150] In the fourth embodiment, a plurality of optical fibers 2 are arranged in parallel at intervals wider than the outer diameter of the optical fibers 2. Here, the outer diameter of the optical fibers 2 (optical fiber diameter D) is 200 μm, and the interval in the width direction of the optical fibers 2 (first optical fiber pitch Pf1) is 250 μm. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, a gap is formed between two adjacent optical fibers 2.

[0151] In the fourth embodiment, the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon 1 is also provided with the connection area 20 and the non-connection area 30, and the connection area 20 and the non-connection area 30 are formed alternately along the longitudinal direction. In the fourth embodiment, in the connection area 20, all the optical fibers 2 (here, 12 optical fibers 2) are also connected by a plurality of connection parts 11. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the connection part 11 is not formed in the non-connection area 30. The connection area 20 is repeatedly arranged at a predetermined interval P1 in the longitudinal direction.

[0152] like Fig. 15B As shown, a plurality of connection sections 21 are provided in the connection area 20. Here, two connection sections 21 are provided in one connection area 20. In addition, when the number of connection sections 21 in one connection area 20 is i, i is not limited to 2, and i may be 1 or 3 or more.

[0153] In the fourth embodiment, the holder 50 for the second fiber pitch Pf2 holds the non-connected region 30 ( Figure 4 S003, reference Figure 5B ), and removing the outer skin of the plurality of optical fibers 2 extending from the bracket 50, thereby enabling the plurality of optical fibers 2 to be arranged at a second optical fiber pitch Pf2 ( Figure 4 S004, reference Figure 6B). Therefore, in the intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon 1 of the fourth embodiment, the operation of arranging the plurality of optical fibers 2 arranged in parallel at the first optical fiber pitch Pf1 at the second optical fiber pitch Pf2 (optical fiber arrangement operation) becomes simple.

[0154] ===Fifth Embodiment===

[0155] In the above embodiment, the method of arranging optical fibers 2 at a pitch of 200 μm, which are arranged in parallel at a pitch of 250 μm, is used for the fusion splicing method of optical fibers 2. However, the method of arranging optical fibers 2 of the present invention can be used for other than fusion splicing of optical fibers 2.

[0156] Fig.17 1 is a flowchart of the manufacturing process of the optical fiber ribbon 1 with a connector. In addition, the figure includes a process flow (S001 to S004) for arranging the optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 1 at a pitch of 200 μm. The optical fiber ribbon 1 is an optical fiber ribbon in which the optical fibers 2 with a fiber diameter of 200 μm are arranged in parallel at a pitch of 250 μm and intermittently connected. In the following description, the connector (specifically, Fig.18 The interval between the plurality of optical fiber holes of the ferrule 70 shown in FIG. 7 is referred to as a “second optical fiber pitch Pf2.” The second optical fiber pitch Pf2 may be narrower than the first optical fiber pitch Pf1 and is not limited to 200 μm.

[0157] S001~S005 in the figure are the same as above Figure 4 Here, the description of S001 to S005 is omitted.

[0158] Fig.18 It is an explanatory diagram of the process of S106 in the fifth embodiment.

[0159] In S106, the operator installs the ferrule 70 at the end of the optical fiber 2. The ferrule 70 in the figure is an optical connector (MT ferrule) specified in JIS C5981 (F12 type multi-core optical fiber connector). However, the optical connector installed at the end of the optical fiber 2 is not limited to the ferrule 70 (MT ferrule), and may be another optical connector (for example, a lens ferrule having a lens formed on the end face).

[0160] A plurality of optical fiber holes (not shown) are formed in the ferrule 70 at a second optical fiber pitch Pf2. Fig.18As shown, the operator inserts the plurality of optical fibers 2 (bare optical fiber wires 4) arranged and extending at the second optical fiber pitch Pf2 from the processing side of the holder 50 into the optical fiber holes of the ferrule 70 respectively while holding the plurality of optical fibers 2 on the holder 50. After inserting the end of the optical fiber 2 into the optical fiber hole of the ferrule 70, the operator fills the adhesive into the adhesive filling window 71 of the ferrule 70 to bond and fix the optical fiber 2 to the ferrule 70. Thus, the end of the optical fiber 2 is mounted on the ferrule 70.

[0161] In the fifth embodiment, an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon (S001) is also prepared, which includes a plurality of optical fibers 2 arranged in parallel at a first optical fiber pitch Pf1 wider than the optical fiber diameter D, and the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 is held by a holder 50, thereby reducing the width of the optical fiber ribbon 1 inside the holder 50 (S003, see Figure 5B ). Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the connecting portion 11 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 extending from the bracket 50 is removed, thereby enabling the plurality of optical fibers 2 (optical fiber bare wires 4) separated from the single cores to be arranged at the second optical fiber pitch Pf2 (S004, refer to Figure 6B In addition, in the fifth embodiment, when the optical fiber ribbon 1 is held in the holder 50, the optical fibers 2 are not separated into single cores at the end of the optical fiber ribbon 1 (the end on the processing side), but the connection portion 11 is retained to connect the plurality of optical fibers 2 ( Figure 3 , refer to Figure 5A ). Therefore, compared with the operation of holding a plurality of optical fibers separated into single cores in a disordered manner in a holder, in the fifth embodiment, the handling of the plurality of optical fibers 2 is also simplified, and the operability of holding the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the holder 50 is also improved. As a result, in the fifth embodiment, the arrangement of the optical fibers 2 is simplified. In addition, in the fifth embodiment, since the arrangement of the optical fibers is simplified, the manufacturing operation of the optical fiber ribbon with connector is also simplified.

[0162] ===Others===

[0163] The above-mentioned embodiments are for facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The present invention can be changed / improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.

[0164] Description of Reference Numerals

[0165] 1...fiber ribbon, 2...optical fiber,

[0166] 4... Bare optical fiber, 5... Sheath,

[0167] 6...coloring layer, 8...marking,

[0168] 11...connecting part, 13...non-connecting part, 15...taping material layer,

[0169] 20…connection area, 21…connection interval,

[0170] 21A…first connection section, 21B…second connection section,

[0171] 23…non-connected interval,

[0172] 23A...first non-connected section, 23B...second non-connected section,

[0173] 30…non-connected area,

[0174] 40… Fusion connection device,

[0175] 41 ... electrode part, 42 ... stent placement part,

[0176] 50 ... support, 51 ... base portion, 51A ... mounting surface,

[0177] 52…cover part,

[0178] 60 ... skin removal device, 61 ... main body, 61A ... blade,

[0179] 62…Handling part,

[0180] 70 ... a ferrule, 71 ... an adhesive-filled window.

Claims

1. A method for arranging optical fibers, comprising: preparing an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel at a first pitch wider than a diameter of the optical fibers; holding the non-connected region of the optical fiber ribbon with a bracket, thereby narrowing the width of the optical fiber ribbon inside the bracket; and While the plurality of optical fibers are held in the holder, the connecting portion connecting the plurality of optical fibers extending from the holder is removed, thereby reducing the spacing between the plurality of optical fibers extending from the holder from the first spacing to a second spacing narrower than the first spacing and arranging them.

2. The optical fiber arrangement method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting portion is removed by removing the outer coverings of the plurality of optical fibers extending from the holder while the plurality of optical fibers are held by the holder.

3. The optical fiber arrangement method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A mark is formed in the non-connected area. The optical fiber ribbon is aligned with the holder based on the position of the mark, and the non-connected region of the optical fiber ribbon is held by the holder.

4. The optical fiber arrangement method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The connection section where the connection portion is intermittently arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is intermittently arranged in a plurality of connection sections in the longitudinal direction, thereby constituting a connection region. The number of the connection portions arranged in the connection section adjacent to the non-connection region is smaller than the number of the connection portions arranged in the connection section not adjacent to the non-connection region.

5. The optical fiber arrangement method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The connection section where the connection portion is intermittently arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon is intermittently arranged in a plurality of connection sections in the longitudinal direction, thereby constituting a connection region. A non-connecting portion is arranged outside in the width direction of the connecting portion arranged in the connecting section adjacent to the non-connecting region.

6. The optical fiber arrangement method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The area where the clamping portion of the bracket clamps the optical fiber ribbon is the non-connecting area.

7. The optical fiber arrangement method according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the clamping portion clamps the non-connected region, a bending radius of the optical fiber extending from a base end side of the clamping portion is equal to or larger than an allowable bending radius.

8. The optical fiber arrangement method according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the clamping portion clamps the non-connecting region, the length of the non-connecting region extending from the base end side of the clamping portion is greater than or equal to 9.42 mm.

9. The optical fiber arrangement method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The length of the non-connected region is longer than a length obtained by adding 11.42 mm to a length of the optical fiber ribbon clamped by the clamping portion of the holder.

10. The optical fiber arrangement method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The region where the optical fiber ribbon is clamped by the clamping portion of the holder includes a part of the connection region where the connection portion is provided.

11. The optical fiber arrangement method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The connection area is composed of a plurality of first connection sections intermittently arranged along the longitudinal direction and in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon, and a second connection section arranged adjacent to the non-connection area. The distance between the first connection section and the second connection section in the long side direction is longer than the distance between the first connection section and the first connection section in the long side direction. The area where the optical fiber ribbon is clamped by the clamping portion of the holder includes the second connection section.

12. The optical fiber arrangement method according to claim 11, characterized in that: W1<Wt<W2, where: Wt=D×(N-1)+C×n, W1=Pf2×(N-1)-(Wv / 2), W2=Pf2×(N-1)+(Wv / 2), D is the diameter of the above optical fiber, N is the number of optical fibers constituting the optical fiber ribbon, N is the number of V-grooves of the bracket, C is the width of the connecting portion, n is the number of the connection parts in the second connection section, Pf2 is the second spacing mentioned above, Wv is the width of the V-groove.

13. A method for optical fiber fusion splicing, wherein: After the optical fiber arrangement method according to claim 1 is used to arrange the plurality of optical fibers extending from the bracket at the second pitch narrower than the first pitch, the optical fiber fusion splicing method performs the following steps: While the plurality of optical fibers are held in the holder, the ends of the plurality of optical fibers extending from the holder and having their outer coatings removed are cut to a predetermined length; as well as In a state where the plurality of optical fibers are held in the holder, the holder is placed in a fusion splicing device, and the plurality of optical fibers arranged at the second pitch are fusion spliced ​​using the fusion splicing device.

14. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon with a connector, wherein: After the optical fiber arrangement method according to claim 1 is used to arrange the plurality of optical fibers extending from the bracket at the second pitch narrower than the first pitch, the method for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon with connectors performs the following steps: While the plurality of optical fibers are held in the holder, the ends of the plurality of optical fibers extending from the holder and having their outer coatings removed are cut to a predetermined length; as well as While the plurality of optical fibers are held in the holder, the plurality of optical fibers arranged at the second pitch are inserted into the fiber holes of the ferrule, and ends of the plurality of optical fibers are attached to the ferrule.

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