Method and apparatus for manufacturing intermittently cut optical fiber ribbon

Abstract

To reduce the deviation of a cutting position in the width direction of a coated optical fiber ribbon.SOLUTION: A method for manufacturing an intermittent cut optical fiber ribbon is a method for manufacturing an intermittent ribbon by intermittently making cuts in a longitudinal direction and a width direction between adjacent optical fibers in an optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in parallel and integrated by a common coating, the method including: The method includes a moving step of moving the optical fiber ribbon in a longitudinal direction, a cutting step of making a cut using a cutter blade at a first position in the longitudinal direction during execution of the moving step, and a step of supporting the optical fiber ribbon by bringing a support surface into contact with the optical fiber ribbon from a thickness direction of the optical fiber ribbon at a position in a width direction other than between the optical fibers at which a first cut is made at the first position during execution of the cutting step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a gap-notched optical fiber ribbon. [Background technology]

[0002] Optical fiber ribbons (hereinafter also referred to as "tape core wires") are known, in which a plurality of optical fiber core wires are arranged in parallel and integrated. In such ribbon core wires, a plurality of optical fiber core wires are arranged in parallel, and some of these ribbon core wires have coupled sections where adjacent optical fiber core wires are coupled in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber core wire, and non-coupled sections where adjacent optical fiber core wires are not coupled, alternately formed. In addition, manufacturing apparatuses and methods are known for manufacturing intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon core wires by making intermittent notches in the longitudinal and width directions between adjacent optical fiber core wires in the ribbon core wire. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-132682 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When making intermittent cuts between adjacent optical fibers, the optical fibers may be misaligned in the width direction, which intersects with the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers, and the position where the blade is to be inserted may be shifted.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing a segmented optical fiber ribbon that can reduce deviation in the cutting position in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The method for manufacturing an intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing an intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon by intermittently making notches in the longitudinal and width directions between adjacent optical fibers in an optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in a parallel row and integrated with a common coating, the method comprising: an optical fiber ribbon moving step of moving the optical fiber ribbon in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon; and a first notching step of making a first notch included in the notch at a first position in the longitudinal direction using a first cutter blade during the optical fiber ribbon moving step. During the first cutting step, the method includes a first support step of supporting the optical fiber ribbon at a first position in the longitudinal direction other than between the optical fiber ribbons where the first cut is made by contacting a first support surface with the optical fiber ribbon from the thickness direction of the optical fiber ribbon, and supporting the optical fiber ribbon, wherein in the first cutting step, the cutting edge of the first cutter blade is advanced toward a first recess formed on the first support surface at a position corresponding to the first cut position where the first cut is made. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce deviation of the cutting position in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a gapped-slit optical fiber ribbon. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section intersecting the longitudinal direction of the intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon, showing a state in which the intermittent portions are opened in the width direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a support base and a cutter blade of the intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5]5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section intersecting the longitudinal direction of the support base of the intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a support stand of the intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an intermittent optical fiber ribbon, a cutter blade, and a support stand in a manufacturing method of an intermittent optical fiber ribbon according to a comparative example, and shows a cross section intersecting the longitudinal direction of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view showing a support base of a manufacturing apparatus for a intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon according to the first modification. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view showing a support base of a manufacturing apparatus for a intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon according to the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] [1] A method for manufacturing an intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing an intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon by intermittently making notches in the longitudinal direction and width direction between adjacent optical fibers in an optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in parallel in a row and integrated with a common coating, the method comprising the steps of: an optical fiber ribbon moving step of moving the optical fiber ribbon in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon; and, during the optical fiber ribbon moving step, cutting the cutting edges by using a first cutter blade at a first position in the longitudinal direction. and a first supporting step of supporting the optical fiber ribbon at a first position in the longitudinal direction during the first cutting step by bringing a first support surface into contact with the optical fiber ribbon from a thickness direction of the optical fiber ribbon at a position in the width direction other than between the optical fiber ribbons where the first notch is to be made, wherein in the first cutting step, the cutting edge of the first cutter blade is advanced toward a first recess formed on the first support surface at a position corresponding to the first cutting position where the first notch is to be made, thereby making the first notch.

[0011] According to this aspect, when making the first incision in the optical fiber ribbon, the cutting edge of the first cutter blade can be inserted into the first recess, thereby ensuring reliable cutting. Furthermore, by inserting the cutting edge into the first recess, the first incision can be made without the cutting edge coming into contact with the first support surface, preventing damage to the cutting edge and the first support surface. Furthermore, according to this aspect, the first incision is made at a first position in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon, while the optical fiber ribbon is in contact with the first support surface at a widthwise position other than between the optical fibers where the first incision is made. This minimizes movement of the optical fiber ribbon in the thickness direction. Therefore, in this aspect, the optical fiber ribbon is prevented from bending downward in an inverted arch shape. As a result, it is possible to reduce misalignment of the optical fiber ribbon in the widthwise direction and reduce misalignment of the cutting position when making incisions other than the first incision.

[0012] [2] In [1], the width W1 of the first recess intersecting the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon satisfies the following formula (1).

[0013] D <W1<2D···(1) In the above formula (1), D is the diameter of the optical fiber.

[0014] In this case, by forming the first recess with a width appropriate for the diameter of the coated optical fiber, the cutting edge can be reliably inserted into the first recess.

[0015] [3] In [1] or [2], the method further includes a second cutting step of using a second cutter blade to make a second incision included in the incision at a second position, which is different from the first position in the longitudinal direction, during the optical fiber ribbon moving step; and a second support step of bringing a second support surface into contact with the optical fiber ribbon from the thickness direction of the optical fiber ribbon at a position in the width direction other than between the optical fiber ribbons where the second incision is made, during the second cutting step, to support the optical fiber ribbon, wherein in the second cutting step, the cutting edge of the second cutter blade is advanced toward a second recess formed on the second support surface at a position corresponding to the second incision position where the second incision is made, and the second incision is made in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon, and the second incision position is a position different from the first incision position.

[0016] In this case, the second incision can be made at a position different from the first incision in the longitudinal and width directions of the optical fiber ribbon. When making the second incision, the cutting edge of the second cutter blade can be inserted into the second recess, preventing contact between the cutting edge of the second cutter blade and the second support surface. Also in this embodiment, by making the second incision at the second position in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon while the optical fiber ribbon is in contact with the second support surface at a widthwise position other than between the optical fibers where the incision is made, it is possible to minimize movement of the optical fiber ribbon in the thickness direction. This prevents the optical fiber ribbon from bending downward in an inverted arch shape. As a result, it is possible to reduce positional deviation of the optical fiber ribbon in the width direction and reduce deviation of the cutting position when making incisions other than the second incision.

[0017] [4] An apparatus for manufacturing an intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an apparatus for manufacturing an intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon by intermittently making notches in the longitudinal and width directions between adjacent optical fiber ribbons in an optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of optical fiber ribbons are arranged in a parallel row and integrated with a common coating, the apparatus comprising: a first cutter blade that makes a first notch included in the notch at a first position in the longitudinal direction of the moving optical fiber ribbon; and a first support stand that supports the optical fiber ribbon at a position in the width direction other than between the optical fiber ribbons where the first notch is made at the first position in the longitudinal direction, the first support stand having a first support surface that contacts the optical fiber ribbon from the thickness direction of the optical fiber ribbon, the first support stand having a first recess formed in the first support stand at a position corresponding to the first notch position where the first notch is made, into which the cutting edge of the first cutter blade can enter.

[0018] According to this aspect, when making the first incision in the optical fiber ribbon, the cutting edge of the first cutter blade can be inserted into the first recess, allowing the incision to be made reliably. Furthermore, by inserting the cutting edge into the first recess, the first incision can be made without the cutting edge coming into contact with the first support surface, preventing damage to the cutting edge and the first support surface. Furthermore, according to this aspect, the first incision is made at a first position in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon, while the optical fiber ribbon is in contact with the first support surface at a widthwise position other than between the optical fibers where the first incision is made. This minimizes the movement of the optical fiber in the thickness direction. Therefore, in this aspect, the optical fiber is prevented from bending downward in an inverse arch shape. As a result, the positional deviation of the optical fiber ribbon in the widthwise direction can be reduced, and the deviation of the cutting position when making incisions other than the first incision can be reduced.

[0019] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration may be designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description. In the following description, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is used, but this coordinate system is defined for the purpose of explanation. When viewed from an arbitrary point, the -Z side may be referred to as the upper side, top side, or top, and the +Z side may be referred to as the lower side, bottom side, or bottom. In this disclosure, "planar view" refers to viewing an object from above, and "planar shape" refers to the shape of an object viewed from above.

[0020] In each figure, arrows indicating the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are shown. The X-axis direction is an example of the longitudinal direction of a gaptly notched optical fiber ribbon. The Y-axis direction is an example of the width direction of a gaptly notched optical fiber ribbon. The Z-axis direction is an example of the thickness direction of a gaptly notched optical fiber ribbon. The X-axis direction includes the direction indicated by the arrow (+X direction) and its opposite direction (-X direction). The Y-axis direction includes the direction indicated by the arrow (+Y direction) and its opposite direction (-Y direction). The Z-axis direction includes the direction indicated by the arrow (+Z direction) and its opposite direction (-Z direction).

[0021] [Intermittently Slit Optical Fiber Ribbon 10] Before describing the manufacturing method and manufacturing device for a gaptly notched optical fiber ribbon according to the embodiment, a gaptly notched optical fiber ribbon 10 will be described. Hereinafter, "gaptly notched optical fiber ribbon" may be abbreviated to "gaptly notched optical fiber ribbon." Fig. 1 is a plan view showing the gaptly notched optical fiber ribbon 10. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section intersecting the longitudinal direction of the gaptly notched optical fiber ribbon 10. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the gaptly notched optical fiber ribbon 10.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the intermittent ribbon fiber 10 has a plurality of optical fiber core wires 11 and a common coating 14. The plurality of optical fiber core wires 11 are arranged in a row in parallel. The optical fiber core wires 11 are arranged in the Y-axis direction. The plurality of optical fiber core wires 11 are integrated by the common coating 14. The common coating 14 may be, for example, an ultraviolet-curable resin.

[0023] The intermittent ribbon 10 has, for example, three or more optical fibers 11. The number of optical fibers 11 may be either an even number or an odd number.

[0024] The optical fiber 11 may be what is also called an optical fiber bare wire, in which a fiber coating is applied to a glass fiber, or may be a single-core optical fiber (single-core optical fiber) including one in which a colored layer is applied to the outer surface of the fiber coating, or may be a multi-core optical fiber. The optical fiber 11 has a glass portion 16 and a fiber coating 17. The fiber coating 17 covers the glass portion 16.

[0025] The diameter D16 of the glass portion 16 of the optical fiber 11 may be approximately 125 μm. The outer diameter D11 of the optical fiber 11 including the fiber coating 17 may be 190 μm or more and 220 μm or less. The outer diameter D11 of the optical fiber 11 may also be approximately 250 μm. In this case, an intermittent ribbon fiber 10 can be manufactured with a ribbon thickness T10 of approximately 250 μm, including the pitch between the optical fibers 11 and the common coating 14. The intermittent structure increases the flexibility of the intermittent ribbon fiber 10, making it less likely for transmission loss to increase even with increased density, thereby enabling the diameter of an optical cable including the intermittent ribbon fiber 10 to be reduced. Furthermore, for example, the optical fiber 11 may have a colored layer for identifying the fiber. The outer diameter D11 of the optical fiber 11 having a colored layer may be approximately 205 μm, for example, and in this case, the coating diameter of the optical fiber 11 may be approximately 200 μm.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 3, the intermittent ribbon fiber 10 has connected portions 12 and non-connected portions (separated portions) 13. The connected portions 12 are portions where adjacent optical fibers 11 in the Y-axis direction are connected by a common coating 14. The non-connected portions 13 are portions where adjacent optical fibers 11 in the Y-axis direction are not connected by the common coating 14. The non-connected portions 13 are formed by making cuts along the X-axis direction in the portion of the common coating 14 that connects adjacent optical fibers 11. The multiple non-connected portions 13 are formed intermittently in the Y-axis and X-axis directions.

[0027] [Apparatus 100 for manufacturing intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon according to the embodiment] Next, a manufacturing apparatus 100 for a gaptly notched optical fiber ribbon according to an embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the "manufacturing apparatus for a gaptly notched optical fiber ribbon" may be abbreviated to "manufacturing apparatus." FIG. 4 is a side view showing a support base 30 and a cutter blade 20 of the manufacturing apparatus 100 for a gaptly notched optical fiber ribbon 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section intersecting the longitudinal direction of the support base 30 of the manufacturing apparatus 100 for a gaptly notched optical fiber ribbon 10 according to an embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section along line VV in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the support base 30 of the manufacturing apparatus 100 for a gaptly notched optical fiber ribbon 10 according to an embodiment.

[0028] The manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a moving mechanism that moves the intermittent ribbon fiber 10 in the longitudinal direction, a cutting mechanism that uses a cutter blade 20 to make cuts in the intermittent ribbon fiber 10 while it is moving, and a support stand 30 that supports the intermittent ribbon fiber 10 while it is moving.

[0029] The moving mechanism may have, for example, a guide roller that guides the movement of the intermittent ribbon fiber 10, a take-up roller that takes up the intermittent ribbon fiber 10, and a motor that generates a driving force to move the intermittent ribbon fiber 10.

[0030] The cutting mechanism includes a plurality of cutter blades 20 for making cuts in the intermittent ribbon fiber 10, and an actuator for driving the cutter blades 20. The plurality of cutter blades 20 include cutter blade 21, cutter blade 22, and cutter blade 23. The number of cutter blades 21, cutter blade 22, and cutter blade 23 is not limited. The cutter blade 20 may move in the Z-axis direction or may swing around the Y-axis.

[0031] 2 and 5, the multiple cutter blades 20 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the Y-axis direction. The multiple cutter blades 20 are arranged at different positions in the Y-axis direction. In this case, the cutter blade 21 is arranged in the center in the width direction of the intermittent ribbon fiber 10. The cutter blade 21 is arranged between the cutter blade 22 and the cutter blade 23 in the Y-axis direction.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 4, the cutter blade 21, the cutter blade 22, and the cutter blade 23 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the X-axis direction. The multiple cutter blades 20 are arranged at different positions in the X-axis direction. The cutter blade 21 is arranged between the cutter blades 22 and 23 in the X-axis direction. In the movement direction of the intermittent ribbon fiber 10, the cutter blade 23, the cutter blade 21, and the cutter blade 22 are arranged in this order, for example. The arrangement and number of the multiple cutter blades 20 are not particularly limited.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the support table 30 is continuous in the X-axis direction. The support table 30 has a support surface 31 that supports the moving intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 from below. The support surface 31 includes a surface parallel to the XY plane and a surface that contacts the outer surface 10a (see Figure 2) of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10. The support surface 31 contacts the outer surface 10a of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 from below, for example. The intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 moves on the support surface 31 in the X-axis direction.

[0034] 5, the support surface 31 is formed to be recessed downward from the first surface 32 of the support base 30. The first surfaces 32 are surfaces along the XY plane, and are arranged on both sides of the intermittent ribbon fiber 10 in the Y-axis direction.

[0035] The support base 30 may be formed with a guide surface 33 that guides the position of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 in the width direction. The guide surface 33 is formed between the support surface 31 and the first surface 32 in the Y-axis direction. The guide surface 33 is inclined with respect to the XY plane. The guide surfaces 33 are formed on both sides of the support surface 31 in the Y-axis direction. The upper end of the guide surface 33 is positioned outward in the width direction of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 than the lower end of the guide surface 33. The guide surface 33 may include, for example, a surface perpendicular to the XY plane.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a plurality of recesses 40 are formed in the support base 30. The plurality of recesses 40 includes recesses 41, 42, and 43. The plurality of recesses 40 are arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of cutter blades 20 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Recess 41 is arranged at a position corresponding to cutter blade 21. Recess 42 is arranged at a position corresponding to cutter blade 22. Recess 43 is arranged at a position corresponding to cutter blade 23. The positions corresponding to cutter blades 20 include positions into which cutting edges 20a of cutter blades 20 can enter.

[0037] The multiple recesses 40 are formed to be recessed below the support surface 31. The multiple recesses 40 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the Y-axis direction. The multiple recesses 40 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the X-axis direction. When making a cut in the intermittent ribbon fiber 10, the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 20 can enter the recesses 40. The recess 41 is formed so that the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 21 can enter. The recess 42 is formed so that the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 22 can enter. The recess 43 is formed so that the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 23 can enter. The "recess 41" is an example of a "first recess." The "recess 42" is an example of a "second recess." The "recess 43" is an example of a "third recess."

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, the width W1 of the recess 40 satisfies the following formula (1).

[0039] D <W1<2D···(1) "D" in the above formula (1) is the diameter D11 of the optical fiber core 11 shown in FIG.

[0040] [Method of manufacturing an intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon according to the embodiment] Next, a method for manufacturing the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 according to the embodiment will be described. The method for manufacturing the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 includes an optical fiber ribbon moving step of moving the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 in the longitudinal direction of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10. In the optical fiber ribbon moving step, the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 is moved in the X-axis direction at a predetermined speed. For example, the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 may be moved by rotating a roller that takes up the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 and winding the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 onto the roller. In the optical fiber ribbon moving step, the roller may be rotated using, for example, a motor. In the optical fiber ribbon moving step, the movement of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 may be guided using, for example, a guide roller. In the optical fiber ribbon moving step, the movement of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 may be guided using a guide member that comes into contact with the outer surface of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10.

[0041] The manufacturing method for the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 includes a first cutting step of making a cut (first cut) using a cutter blade 21 at a first position P11 in the X-axis direction during the optical fiber ribbon moving step, as shown in Fig. 4. The first position P11 may include a position where the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 21 is disposed. In the first cutting step, the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 is cut intermittently in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction by the cutter blade 21. As a result, non-connected portions 13, which are the first cuts, are formed in the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10.

[0042] The manufacturing method for the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 includes a first supporting step of supporting the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 by bringing a supporting surface 31 into contact with the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 from the Z-axis direction at a first position P11 in the X-axis direction during a first cutting step. As shown in FIG. 6 , the supporting surface 31 includes portions 31a formed on both sides of a recess 41 in the Y-axis direction. The outer surface 10a of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 is in contact with the portions 31a of the supporting surface 31 on both sides of the recess 41 in the Y-axis direction. The "portions 31a of the supporting surface 31" is an example of a "first supporting surface."

[0043] In the first cutting step, the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 21 is inserted into a recess 41 formed on the support surface 31 at a position (first position P11) corresponding to the first cutting position where the first cut is to be made, to make the first cut. In the first cutting step, the cutter blade 21 makes the first cut while the intermittent fiber ribbon 10 is in contact with the portion 31a of the support surface 31. Even if a downward force is applied to the intermittent fiber ribbon 10 by the cutter blade 21, the intermittent fiber ribbon 10 is not deformed to bend downward because it is in contact with the portion 31a of the support surface 31.

[0044] The manufacturing method for the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 includes, during the optical fiber ribbon moving step, a second cutting step of making a cut (second cut) using a cutter blade 22 at a second position P21 that is different from the first position P11 in the X-axis direction, as shown in Fig. 4. The manufacturing method also includes a third cutting step of making a cut (third cut) using a cutter blade 23 at a third position P31 that is different from the first position P11 and the second position P21 in the X-axis direction. In the second cutting step, the cutter blade 22 intermittently cuts the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, thereby forming non-connecting portions 13 that are the second cuts. In the third cutting step, the cutter blade 23 intermittently cuts the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, thereby forming non-connecting portions 13 that are the third cuts.

[0045] The manufacturing method for the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 includes a second supporting step of supporting the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 by bringing the support surface 31 into contact with the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 from the Z-axis direction at a second position P21 in the X-axis direction during the second cutting step. As shown in FIG. 6, the support surface 31 includes portions 31b formed on both sides of the recess 42 in the Y-axis direction, and the "portions 31b of the support surface 31" are an example of a "second supporting surface." Furthermore, the manufacturing method for the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 includes a third supporting step of supporting the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 by bringing the support surface 31 into contact with the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 from the Z-axis direction at a third position P31 in the X-axis direction during the third cutting step. As shown in FIG. 6, the support surface 31 includes portions 31c formed on both sides of the recess 43 in the Y-axis direction, and the "portions 31c of the support surface 31" are an example of a "third supporting surface."

[0046] In the second cutting step, the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 22 is inserted into a recess 42 formed in the support surface 31 at a position (second position P21) corresponding to the second cutting position where the second cut will be made, to make the second cut. In the third cutting step, the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 23 is inserted into a recess 43 formed in the support surface 31 at a position (third position P31) corresponding to the third cutting position where the third cut will be made, to make the third cut. Even if a downward force is applied to the intermittent fiber ribbon 10 by the cutter blades 22, 23, the intermittent fiber ribbon 10 is not deformed by bending downward because it is in contact with the portions 31b, 31c of the support surface 31.

[0047] The manufacturing method for the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 may include an nth incision process in which, during the optical fiber ribbon moving process, a cutter blade 20 is used to make an incision (nth incision) at an nth position, which is a position different from the first position P11, the second position P21, and the third position P31 in the X-axis direction, where "n" is a natural number. In this nth incision process, the cutter blade 20 intermittently cuts the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. As a result, a non-connected portion 13, which is the nth incision, is formed in the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10.

[0048] The manufacturing method for the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 may include an nth supporting step of supporting the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 by bringing the support surface 31 into contact with the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 from the Z-axis direction at the nth position in the X-axis direction during the slitting step. The support surface 31 includes portions 31d formed on both sides of the recess 42 in the Y-axis direction. The outer surface 10a of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 is in contact with the portions 31d of the support surface 31 on both sides of the recess 40 in the Y-axis direction.

[0049] In the nth incision step, the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 20 is inserted into a recess 40 formed at a position (nth position) on the support surface 31 corresponding to the nth incision position where the nth incision is to be made, to make a third incision. In the nth incision step, the nth incision is made by the cutter blade 20 while the intermittent fiber ribbon 10 is in contact with the portion 31c of the support surface 31. Even if a downward force is applied by the cutter blade 20 to the intermittent fiber ribbon 10, the intermittent fiber ribbon 10 is in contact with the portion 31d of the support surface 31, and therefore is not deformed to bend downward.

[0050] [Problems with conventional technology] Next, the problems associated with the conventional technology will be described. Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10, a cutter blade 20, and a support base 30B in a method for manufacturing an intermittent optical fiber ribbon according to a comparative example, and shows a cross section intersecting the longitudinal direction of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10. Note that Fig. 7 shows a portion of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 near one end in the width direction.

[0051] In the manufacturing device for the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 according to the comparative example, a recess 40D is formed across the entire width direction at the position where the incision is to be made. The recess 40D is recessed downward from the support surface 31B of the support stand 30B. The bottom surface 40d of the recess 40D is located below the support surface 31B. Therefore, when the incision process for making the incision in the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 is performed, the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 and the bottom surface 40d of the recess 40D are not in contact across the entire width direction at the position where the incision is to be made. In other words, when the incision process according to the comparative example is performed, the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 is arranged in a floating state across the entire width direction in the recess 40D.

[0052] When the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 21 moves downward to make a cut in the intermittent fiber ribbon 10, the intermittent fiber ribbon 10 is pushed downward by the cutter blade 21. This causes the intermittent fiber ribbon 10 to bend downward. As a result, a portion of the intermittent fiber ribbon 10 is displaced in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the position where the cutter blade 22 is intended to make the next cut in the longitudinal direction will be different from the actual position of the intermittent fiber ribbon 10, which may cause damage to the intermittent fiber ribbon 10. For example, the cutter blade 22 may come into contact with a portion 19 of the intermittent fiber ribbon 10 that is located below the cutter blade 22, causing damage.

[0053] [Functions and Effects of the Method for Manufacturing the Intermittent Optical Fiber Ribbon 10 According to the Embodiment] The manufacturing method for the intermittent ribbon fiber 10 according to the embodiment is a manufacturing method for manufacturing the intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon fiber 10 by intermittently making incisions in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction between adjacent optical fibers 11 in the optical fiber ribbon fiber 10, in which a plurality of optical fibers 11 are arranged in parallel in a row and integrated with a common coating 14. The manufacturing method for the intermittent ribbon fiber 10 includes an optical fiber ribbon moving step of moving the optical fiber ribbon fiber 10 in the X-axis direction, a first slitting step of making a first incision using a cutter blade 21 at a first position P11 in the X-axis direction during the optical fiber ribbon moving step, and a first supporting step of supporting the optical fiber ribbon fiber 10 from below at the first position P11 in the X-axis direction, at a position in the Y-axis direction other than between the optical fibers 11 where the first incisions are made, by bringing a support surface 31 into contact with the optical fiber ribbon fiber 10 during the first slitting step. In the first cutting step, the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 21 is advanced toward the recess 41 formed at a position on the support surface 31 corresponding to the first cutting position where the first cut is to be made, thereby making the first cut.

[0054] According to the method for manufacturing the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 of this aspect, when making the first incision in the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10, the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 21 can be inserted into the recess 41, thereby ensuring reliable incision. Furthermore, by inserting the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 21 into the recess 41, the first incision can be made without the cutting edge 20a coming into contact with the support surface 31, preventing damage to the cutting edge 20a and the support surface 31. Furthermore, according to this aspect, the first incision is made at the first position P11 in the X-axis direction while the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 is in contact with the support surface 31 at a position in the Y-axis direction other than between the optical fiber ribbons 11 where the first incision is to be made, thereby minimizing movement of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 in the Z-axis direction. Because the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 is in contact with the support surface 31, the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 is prevented from bending downward in an inverse arch shape. As a result, it is possible to reduce the positional deviation of the optical fiber ribbon 10 in the Y-axis direction, and it is possible to reduce the deviation of the cutting position when making incisions other than the first incision.

[0055] In the manufacturing method of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 according to this embodiment, the width W1 of the recess 40 intersecting the longitudinal direction of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 may satisfy the following formula (1).

[0056] D <W1<2D···(1) "D" in the above formula (1) is the diameter D11 of the optical fiber core 11. When the width W1 of the recess 40 is within the range of the above formula (1), it is easy to arrange the recess 40 at a position corresponding to the space between adjacent optical fiber cores 11 in the Y-axis direction. When making a cut with the cutter blade 20, by reliably inserting the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 20 into the recess 40, damage to the cutter blade 20 and the support surface 31 can be prevented.

[0057] The method for manufacturing the intermittent ribbon 10 according to this embodiment may include a second cutting step of making a second incision using the cutter blade 22 at a second position P21 that is different from the first position P11 in the X-axis direction during an optical fiber ribbon moving step, and a second supporting step of supporting the intermittent ribbon 10 at the second position P21 in the X-axis direction by bringing a support surface 31 into contact with the intermittent ribbon 10 from below at a position in the Y-axis direction other than between the optical fiber fibers 11 where the second incision is to be made. In the second cutting step, the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 22 is advanced toward a recess 42 formed on the support surface 31 at a position corresponding to the second incision position where the second incision is to be made, and the second incision is made at a position different from the first incision position in the Y-axis direction.

[0058] According to this manufacturing method of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10, the second incision can be made at a second position P21, which is different from the first position P11. The second position P21 may be different from the first position P11 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Also, in this embodiment, by making the second incision at the second position P21 in the X-axis direction while the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 is in contact with the support surface 31 at a position in the Y-axis direction other than between the optical fibers 11 where the second incision is to be made, it is possible to minimize the movement of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 in the Z-axis direction. This prevents the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 from bending downward in an inverted arch shape. As a result, it is possible to reduce the positional deviation of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 in the Y-axis direction and reduce the deviation of the cutting position when making incisions other than the second incision.

[0059] [Operation and effect of the manufacturing apparatus 100 for the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 according to the embodiment] The manufacturing apparatus 100 for the intermittent ribbon fiber 10 according to this embodiment is a manufacturing apparatus 100 for manufacturing the intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon fiber 10 by intermittently making incisions in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction between adjacent optical fibers 11 in the optical fiber ribbon fiber 10, which is formed by arranging a plurality of optical fibers 11 in parallel and integrating them with a common coating 14. The manufacturing apparatus 100 for the intermittent ribbon fiber 10 includes a cutter blade 21 that makes a first incision in the moving optical fiber ribbon fiber 10 at a first position P11 in the X-axis direction, and a support base 30 that supports the intermittent ribbon fiber 10 at the first position P11 in the X-axis direction and has a support surface 31 that contacts the optical fiber ribbon fiber 10 from below at a position in the Y-axis direction other than between the optical fibers 11 where the first incision is made. The support base 30 is formed with a recess 41 into which the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 21 can enter, at a position corresponding to the first incision position where the first incision is made.

[0060] According to the manufacturing device for the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 of this aspect, when making the first incision in the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10, the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 21 can be inserted into the recess 41, so the incision can be made reliably. Furthermore, by inserting the cutting edge 20a of the cutter blade 21 into the recess 41, the first incision can be made without the cutting edge 20a coming into contact with the support surface 31, preventing damage to the cutting edge 20a and the support surface 31. Furthermore, according to this aspect, the first incision is made at the first position P11 in the X-axis direction while the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 is in contact with the support surface 31 at a position in the Y-axis direction other than between the optical fiber ribbons 11 where the first incision is to be made, so that movement of the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 in the Z-axis direction can be minimized. Because the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 is in contact with the support surface 31, the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 is prevented from bending downward in an inverse arch shape. As a result, it is possible to reduce the positional deviation of the optical fiber ribbon 10 in the Y-axis direction, and it is possible to reduce the deviation of the cutting position when making incisions other than the first incision.

[0061] [Apparatus 100B for manufacturing the intermittent optical fiber ribbon 10 according to the first modified example] Next, a manufacturing apparatus 100B for the intermittent ribbon fiber 10 according to a first modified example will be described. Fig. 8 is a side view showing the support base 30 of the manufacturing apparatus 100B for the intermittently slit optical fiber ribbon fiber 10 according to the first modified example. The manufacturing apparatus 100B according to the first modified example shown in Fig. 8 differs from the manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 in that the shape of the recess 40B formed in the support base 30 is different. Note that in the description of the manufacturing apparatus 100B according to the first modified example, descriptions that are the same as those of the manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the above embodiment may be omitted.

[0062] A plurality of recesses 40B are formed in the support base 30 of the manufacturing apparatus 100B according to the first modification. The plurality of recesses 40B include recesses 41 to 43. The cross-sectional shape of each recess 40B along the XZ plane is, for example, semicircular. The recess 40B may have a curved surface.

[0063] The manufacturing apparatus 100B according to the first modified example also achieves the same effects as the manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the above embodiment. In the manufacturing method for manufacturing the intermittent ribbon fiber 10, the recess 40B may have a curved surface.

[0064] [Apparatus 100C for Manufacturing Intermittent Fiber Ribbon 10 According to Second Modification] Next, a manufacturing apparatus 100C for the intermittent ribbon fiber 10 according to a second modified example will be described. FIG. 9 is a side view showing the support base 30 of the manufacturing apparatus 100C for the intermittently slit optical fiber ribbon fiber 10 according to the second modified example. The manufacturing apparatus 100C according to the second modified example shown in FIG. 9 differs from the manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 in that the shape of the recess 40C formed in the support base 30 is different. Note that, in the description of the manufacturing apparatus 100C according to the second modified example, descriptions that are the same as those of the manufacturing apparatus 100 and the manufacturing apparatus 100B described above may be omitted.

[0065] A plurality of recesses 40C are formed in the support base 30 of the manufacturing apparatus 100C according to the second modification. The plurality of recesses 40C include recesses 41 to 43. The recesses 40C may penetrate the support base 30 in the Z-axis direction.

[0066] The manufacturing apparatus 100C according to the second modified example also achieves the same effects as the manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the above embodiment. In the manufacturing method for manufacturing the intermittent ribbon fiber 10, the recess 40C may be a through-hole that penetrates the support base 30.

[0067] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 100,100B,100C manufacturing equipment 10. Intermittent ribbon fiber (intermittently cut optical fiber ribbon fiber) 10a Outer surface of intermittent ribbon fiber 11 Optical fiber core 12 Connecting part (non-notched part) 13 Non-connecting part (notched part) 14 Common Coverage 16 Glass section 17 Fiber Coating 20 cutter blades 20a cutting edge 21 Cutter blade (1st cutter blade) 22 Cutter blade (second cutter blade) 23 Cutter blade (third cutter blade) 30 Support stand 31 Support surface 31a Support surface portion (first support surface) 31b Support surface portion (second support surface) 31c Support surface portion (third support surface) 31B Support surface (support surface according to comparative example) 32 Page 1 33 Guide surface 40, 40B, 40C recess 40D recess (recess according to comparative example) 40d Bottom surface of recess (bottom surface of recess according to comparative example) 41 Recess (first recess) 42 Recess (second recess) 43 Recess (third recess) P11 1st position P21 2nd position P31 3rd position XX axial direction (longitudinal direction of intermittently notched optical fiber core) YY axis direction (width direction of the intermittently notched optical fiber core) ZZ axis direction (thickness direction of intermittently cut optical fiber core)

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon by intermittently making notches between adjacent optical fiber core wires in the longitudinal direction and width direction for an optical fiber ribbon core wire in which a plurality of optical fiber core wires are arranged in parallel in a row and integrated with a common coating, comprising: an optical fiber ribbon moving step of moving the optical fiber ribbon in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon; a first cutting step of making a first cut included in the cuts by using a first cutter blade at a first position in the longitudinal direction during the optical fiber ribbon moving step; a first supporting step of supporting the optical fiber ribbon by bringing a first supporting surface into contact with the optical fiber ribbon from a thickness direction of the optical fiber ribbon at a position in the width direction other than between the optical fiber ribbons where the first incisions are made, at the first position in the longitudinal direction during the first incision step; In the first cutting step, the cutting edge of the first cutter blade is advanced toward a first recess formed on the first support surface at a position corresponding to the first cutting position where the first cut is to be made, thereby making the first cut.

2. The width W1 of the first recess intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber ribbon satisfies the following formula (1): D<W1<2D...(1) 2. The method for producing a gapped notched optical fiber ribbon according to claim 1, wherein D in the formula (1) is a diameter of the optical fiber.

3. a second cutting step of making a second cut, which is included in the cut, by using a second cutter blade at a second position that is different from the first position in the longitudinal direction during the optical fiber ribbon moving step; a second supporting step of supporting the optical fiber ribbon by bringing a second supporting surface into contact with the optical fiber ribbon from a thickness direction of the optical fiber ribbon at a position in the width direction other than between the optical fiber ribbons where the second incisions are made, at the second position in the longitudinal direction during the second incision step, In the second cutting step, the cutting edge of the second cutter blade is advanced toward a second recess formed in the second support surface at a position corresponding to a second cutting position where the second cut is to be made, to make the second cut; 3. The method for manufacturing a gaplessly notched optical fiber ribbon according to claim 1, wherein the second notch position is different from the first notch position in the width direction of the optical fiber ribbon.

4. A manufacturing device for manufacturing an intermittently notched optical fiber ribbon by intermittently making notches between adjacent optical fiber core wires in the longitudinal direction and width direction for an optical fiber ribbon core wire in which a plurality of optical fiber core wires are arranged in parallel in a row and integrated with a common coating, a first cutter blade that makes a first incision included in the incision in the moving optical fiber ribbon at a first position in the longitudinal direction; a first support base having a first support surface that contacts the optical fiber ribbon in a thickness direction of the optical fiber ribbon at a position in the width direction other than between the optical fiber ribbons where the first incision is made at the first position in the longitudinal direction, and that supports the optical fiber ribbon; An apparatus for manufacturing intermittently cut optical fiber ribbon, wherein the first support base has a first recess formed at a position corresponding to the first cut position where the first cut is made, into which the cutting edge of the first cutter blade can enter.

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