Method for manufacturing optical fiber tape and manufacturing system

Abstract

[Problem] To detect abnormality early during the manufacture of an optical fiber tape of an intermittently-coupled type. [Solution] The method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape of an intermittently-coupled type according to the present disclosure comprises: (1) forming coupling parts intermittently between optical fibers by a coupling device; (2) measuring the load of the coupling device during the intermittent formation of the coupling parts; and (3) detecting abnormality on the basis of the load.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a manufacturing system for manufacturing an optical fiber tape. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-083455 filed in Japan on May 17, 2021, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an inspection method for inspecting an intermittently connected optical fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fibers are intermittently connected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the manufacturing method described in Patent Document 1, after manufacturing an intermittently connected optical fiber tape, inspection of the optical fiber tape is performed, so there is a risk that detection of abnormalities will be delayed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to detect abnormalities during the manufacture of an intermittently connected optical fiber tape at an early stage.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is a method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape, characterized by forming an intermittent connection portion between optical fibers by a connection device, measuring a load of the connection device when forming the intermittent connection portion, and detecting an abnormality based on the load.

[0007] Other features of the present invention will be clarified by the description of the specification and drawings described later.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, abnormalities during the production of an intermittently connected optical fiber tape can be detected at an early stage.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] From the descriptions of the specification and drawings described below, at least the following matters will become clear.

[0011] It becomes clear that a method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape is characterized by forming an intermittent connection part between optical fibers by a connection device, measuring the load of the connection device when forming the connection part intermittently, and detecting an abnormality based on the load. According to such a manufacturing method, an abnormality during the manufacture of an intermittently connected optical fiber tape can be detected at an early stage.

[0012] It is desirable that the connection device has a motor, measures the torque of the motor as the load, and detects an abnormality based on the torque. Thereby, an abnormality can be detected at an early stage based on the torque of the motor.

[0013] It is desirable that the connection device has a separation part that intermittently separates between optical fibers, measures the torque of the motor that drives the separation part as the load, and detects an abnormality based on the torque.

[0014] It is desirable that the separation part has a rotary blade, measures the rotational position of the rotary blade, and detects an abnormality in the arrangement of the connection part based on the torque and the rotational position. Thereby, an abnormality in the arrangement (pattern) of the connection part can be detected at an early stage.

[0015] When the load when the connection device is operated for the first time is measured and it is determined that there is no abnormality based on the load when the connection device is operated for the first time, it is desirable to operate the connection device that was operated for the first time for the second time to form the connection part. Thereby, damage to the connection device can be suppressed.

[0016] When detecting an abnormality based on the load when the connecting device is operated in the first operation, compare the predetermined initial determination data with the load. When detecting an abnormality based on the load when the connecting device is operated in the second operation, it is desirable to compare the data updated based on the load when the connecting device is operated in the second operation with the load. This can suppress false determination.

[0017] The connecting device has a dispenser for applying a connecting agent, and it is desirable to measure the load of the actuator of the dispenser and detect an abnormality based on the load of the actuator.

[0018] The actuator has a piezoelectric element. After driving the piezoelectric element to apply the connecting agent to the optical fiber, it is desirable to measure the residual vibration of the connecting agent by the piezoelectric element and detect an abnormality based on the residual vibration. Thereby, the actuator can also serve as a part of the measuring device.

[0019] A manufacturing system for an optical fiber tape is revealed, which includes a connecting device that intermittently forms a connecting portion between optical fibers, a measuring device that measures the load of the connecting device when intermittently forming the connecting portion, and a control device that detects an abnormality based on the load. According to such a manufacturing system, an abnormality during the manufacture of an intermittently connected optical fiber tape can be detected at an early stage.

[0020] ===First Embodiment=== <Structure of Intermittently Connected Optical Fiber Tape> FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1.

[0021] In the following description, as shown in FIG. 1A, the direction parallel to the optical fibers 11 in a state where a plurality of optical fibers 11 constituting the optical fiber tape 1 are arranged side by side on a plane so as to be substantially parallel (the state shown in FIG. 1A) is referred to as the "longitudinal direction". Further, the direction in which the plurality of optical fibers 11 are arranged in the state shown in FIG. 1A is referred to as the "width direction". Further, the direction perpendicular to the tape surface of the optical fiber tape 1 in the state shown in FIG. 1A is referred to as the "tape thickness direction".

[0022] The optical fiber tape 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called intermittent connection type (intermittent fixing type) optical fiber tape. The intermittent connection type optical fiber tape 1 is an optical fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fibers 11 are arranged in parallel and intermittently connected. Two adjacent optical fibers 11 are connected by a connection portion 12. The plurality of connection portions 12 for connecting two adjacent optical fibers 11 are arranged intermittently in the longitudinal direction. Further, the plurality of connection portions 12 of the optical fiber tape 1 are arranged two-dimensionally intermittently in the longitudinal direction and the width direction. The connection portion 12 is formed, for example, by applying an ultraviolet curable resin (connecting agent 14) and then curing it by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. Regions other than the connection portion 12 between two adjacent optical fibers 11 are non-connection portions 13 (separation portions). Between two adjacent optical fibers 11, the connection portions 12 and the non-connection portions 13 are arranged alternately. In the non-connection portion 13, two adjacent optical fibers 11 are not constrained. A non-connection portion 13 is arranged in the tape width direction of the connection portion 12. The optical fiber tape 1 can be rolled into a cylindrical (bundled) shape or folded, and a large number of optical fibers 11 can be accommodated at high density.

[0023] Note that the intermittent connection type optical fiber tape 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, the number of optical fibers 11 may be changed. Also, the arrangement of the connecting portions 12 arranged intermittently may be changed. Further, instead of intermittently connecting single optical fibers to each other, a plurality of optical fibers (for example, two optical fibers) may be grouped together, and the groups may be intermittently connected to each other. Also, although the optical fiber tape 1 in the figure has an identification mark 15, the optical fiber tape 1 may not be provided with the identification mark 15. Further, the optical fibers 11 may not be connected with an ultraviolet curable resin. For example, the optical fibers 11 may be connected with a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin.

[0024] <Method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape> FIG. 2A is an explanatory view of a manufacturing system 100.

[0025] The manufacturing system 100 is a manufacturing system for manufacturing an intermittent connection type optical fiber tape 1. The manufacturing system 100 includes a fiber supply device 20 and a connecting device 30. Note that the manufacturing system 100 of the present embodiment includes an abnormality detection device 40.

[0026] The fiber supply device 20 is a device that supplies a plurality of optical fibers 11 to the connecting device 30. The fiber supply device 20 includes a plurality of supply sources 21, a printing device 22, and a coloring device 23. The supply source 21 is a device that supplies the optical fibers 11 before forming the coloring layer. The printing device 22 is a device that prints an identification mark 15 on the optical fibers 11. Note that when the identification mark 15 is not formed on the optical fiber tape 1, the manufacturing system 100 may not include the printing device 22. The coloring device 23 is a device that forms a coloring layer on the optical fibers 11. The coloring device 23 colors each of the optical fibers 11 with a predetermined identification color. Note that the colored optical fibers 11 may be supplied from the supply source 21 to the connecting device 30, or the optical fibers 11 may not be colored. In this case, the manufacturing system 100 may not include the coloring device 23.

[0027] The connecting device 30 is a device for manufacturing an intermittently connected type of optical fiber tape 1 by intermittently forming a connecting portion 12 between the optical fibers 11. The connecting device 30 may also be called a tape manufacturing device or a taping device.

[0028] FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram of the connecting device 30. The connecting device 30 in the figure includes an application portion 31, a separation portion 32, and a curing portion 33.

[0029] The application portion 31 is a device for applying a liquid connecting agent 14 (ultraviolet curable resin) between adjacent optical fibers 11. The application portion 31 in the figure has a coating die (not shown), and the inside of the coating die is filled with the connecting agent 14 (ultraviolet curable resin). By passing a plurality of optical fibers 11 through the coating die, the connecting agent 14 is applied around the optical fibers 11 and between the optical fibers 11. Here, the application portion 31 applies the connecting agent 14 continuously in the longitudinal direction between the optical fibers 11.

[0030] The separating unit 32 is a device that intermittently separates between the optical fibers 11. Here, the separating unit 32 is a device (removing unit) that removes a part of the liquid coupling agent 14 applied between the optical fibers 11 while leaving a part. The separating unit 32 in the figure has a plurality of rotating blades 321. The rotating blade 321 is a member that intermittently removes the coupling agent 14 applied between the optical fibers 11. The rotating blade 321 rotates at a predetermined rotational speed according to the conveyance speed of the optical fibers 11. On the periphery of the rotating blade 321, a convex portion 321A and a concave portion 321B are formed. When the convex portion 321A is inserted between the optical fibers 11, the coupling agent 14 is removed from between the optical fibers 11. In the concave portion 321B, since the periphery of the rotating blade 321 is not inserted between the optical fibers 11, the coupling agent 14 between the optical fibers 11 remains. As a result, between the optical fibers 11, a portion where the coupling agent 14 remains (the portion where the convex portion 321A of the rotating blade 321 is not inserted; the first portion) and a portion where the coupling agent 14 is removed (the portion where the convex portion 321A of the rotating blade 321 is inserted; the second portion) are alternately formed. In other words, the coupling agent 14 is intermittently applied between the optical fibers 11.

[0031] Note that the separating unit 32 is not limited to the configuration using the rotating blade 321. For example, the separating unit 32 may remove the coupling agent 14 using a suction port that sucks the coupling agent 14. However, in this case, since it is necessary to control the intermittent suction (removal of the coupling agent 14) by the suction port, it becomes difficult to increase the conveyance speed (linear speed) of the optical fibers 11. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, by rotating the rotating blade 321 of the separating unit 32, a part of the coupling agent 14 can be removed while leaving a part, so it is easy to apply the coupling agent 14 even if the conveyance speed of the optical fibers 11 is increased. Further, the separating unit is not limited to a device (removing unit) that removes the coupling agent 14 (see, for example, the separating unit 34 described later).

[0032] As described above, the connecting device 30 shown in FIG. 2B intermittently applies the coupling agent 14 between the optical fibers using the application section 31 and the separation section 32. However, the connecting device 30 is not limited to those using the application section 31 and the separation section 32. For example, as will be described later, the connecting device 30 may intermittently apply the coupling agent 14 between the optical fibers using a dispenser. However, if the coupling agent 14 is intermittently applied by the dispenser, it is necessary to control the discharge / non-discharge of the coupling agent 14 from the dispenser, making it difficult to increase the conveyance speed (linear speed) of the optical fiber 11. In contrast, in the present embodiment, by using the application section 31 and the separation section 32, it is possible to intermittently apply the coupling agent 14 between the optical fibers even when the conveyance speed of the optical fiber 11 is increased.

[0033] The curing section 33 is a device for curing the coupling agent 14. Here, since the coupling agent 14 is an ultraviolet curable resin, the curing section 33 is an ultraviolet irradiation device. By curing the coupling agent 14 applied between two adjacent optical fibers 11, a connecting section 12 for connecting the two adjacent optical fibers 11 is formed. Note that the portion from which the coupling agent 14 has been removed becomes the non-connecting section 13 (that is, the separation section 32 intermittently separates the space between the optical fibers 11 by intermittently removing the coupling agent 14 between the optical fibers 11, and intermittently forms non-connecting sections 13 between the optical fibers 11).

[0034] The connecting device 30 (specifically, the separating part 32) shown in FIG. 2B has a plurality of rotary blades 321, a shaft 322, and a motor 323. The plurality of rotary blades 321 are arranged side by side in the width direction and are supported by a common shaft 322. The shaft 322 is a member that serves as the rotation axis of the rotary blade 321. The motor 323 is a driving device for rotating the shaft 322. For simplicity, the output shaft of the motor 323 in the figure is directly provided on the shaft 322. However, the motor 323 may rotate the shaft 322 via gears (not shown). As will be described later, the connecting device 30 also has a guide 324 (see FIG. 5A) for guiding the rotary blade 321. Note that the plurality of rotary blades 321 do not necessarily have to be arranged side by side on the same shaft. For example, the plurality of rotary blades 321 may be arranged on different shafts respectively.

[0035] <Regarding abnormality detection> If an abnormality is detected by inspecting the optical fiber tape 1 after manufacturing (completion), the abnormality cannot be detected until an abnormality appears in the shape, appearance, etc. of the optical fiber tape 1. Therefore, there is a risk that the detection of the abnormality will be delayed. Thus, in the present embodiment, it is possible to detect the abnormality at an early stage by detecting the abnormality during the manufacturing of the optical fiber tape 1. Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to detect a sign of an abnormality before an abnormality appears in the shape, appearance, etc. of the optical fiber tape 1 after manufacturing (completion).

[0036] The abnormality detection device 40 is a device for detecting an abnormality during the manufacturing of the intermittently connected type optical fiber tape 1 (see FIG. 2A). As will be described below, the abnormality detection device 40 measures the load of the connecting device 30 when intermittently forming the connecting portion 12 and detects an abnormality based on the measured load. The abnormality detection device 40 has a measuring device 41 and a control device 42.

[0037] The measuring device 41 is a device that measures the load of the connecting device 30 when the connecting device 30 intermittently forms the connecting portion 12 between the optical fibers 11. The measuring device 41 shown in FIG. 2A measures the torque of the motor 323 as the load of the connecting device 30. Further, in the present embodiment, the measuring device 41 measures the torque of the motor 323 while measuring the rotational position of the rotary blade 321. For this reason, the measuring device 41 includes a torque measuring unit 41A and a position measuring unit 41B. The torque measuring unit 41A measures the torque of the motor 323. The position measuring unit 41B measures the rotational position of the rotary blade 321. The position measuring unit 41B is, for example, a rotary encoder. When the motor 323 rotates the shaft 322 via a gear (not shown), the position measuring unit 41B may directly measure the rotational position of the rotary blade 321 (or the shaft 322), or may indirectly measure the rotational position of the rotary blade 321 by measuring the rotational position of the output shaft of the motor 323. The measuring device 41 may measure the torque of the motor 323 without measuring the rotational position of the rotary blade 321. The measuring device 41 outputs the measurement results (here, the torque of the motor 323 and the rotational position of the rotary blade 321) to the control device 42. When a plurality of rotary blades 321 are arranged on different shafts, the measuring device 41 may measure the torque of the motor that rotates each shaft respectively, and output the total value of the torques of the plurality of motors to the control device 42 as the measurement result, or may output the torque of each of the plurality of motors to the control device 42 as the measurement result.

[0038] The control device 42 is a device that controls the anomaly detection device 40. The control device 42 is configured by, for example, a computer and has, as hardware, for example, an arithmetic processing unit and a storage device. The arithmetic processing unit is configured by, for example, a CPU or the like. The storage device is configured by a main storage device such as a RAM and an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive or an SSD. By the arithmetic processing unit reading and executing the program stored in the storage device, various processes described later are executed. Note that the storage device includes a non-transitory storage medium that records a program for causing the arithmetic processing unit to execute various processes described later. Note that the control device 42 of the present embodiment can also control the fiber supply device 20 and the connection device 30. For example, when an anomaly is detected (described later), the control device 42 can stop the fiber supply device 20 and the connection device 30.

[0039] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functions of the control device 42.

[0040] The control device 42 has a processing unit 43 and a data storage unit 45. The processing unit 43 is realized by the arithmetic processing unit executing a control program stored in the storage device to perform various controls. The processing unit 43 has a data acquisition unit 431 and an anomaly determination unit 432.

[0041] The data acquisition unit 431 acquires various data and stores the acquired data in the data storage unit 45. For example, the data acquisition unit 431 acquires a measurement result from the measurement device 41 and stores data related to the measurement result (measurement data 451; for example, the torque of the motor 323, the rotational position of the rotary blade 321, etc.) in the data storage unit 45. Further, the data acquisition unit 431 calculates data (determination data 452; for example, a threshold value) for determining an anomaly based on the measurement data 451 and stores the determination data 452 in the data storage unit 45.

[0042] The abnormality determination unit 432 determines an abnormality based on the measurement data 451. Note that the abnormality determination unit 432 may not only determine the presence or absence of an abnormality but also discriminate the type of abnormality. For example, as will be described later, the abnormality determination unit 432 may determine an abnormality in the contact state of the rotary blade 321 (contact abnormality determination), an abnormality in the coupling agent 14 (coupling agent abnormality determination), or an abnormality in the arrangement pattern of the coupling portion 12 (pattern abnormality determination) based on the measurement data 451. The abnormality determination process of the abnormality determination unit 432 will be described later.

[0043] The data storage unit 45 is a storage unit for storing predetermined data. The data storage unit 45 is mainly realized by a part of the storage area of the storage device. Here, the data storage unit 45 stores the measurement data 451 and the determination data 452. The measurement data 451 is data regarding measurement results (for example, the torque of the motor 323 (load on the coupling device 30), the rotational position of the rotary blade 321). The determination data 452 is data for determining an abnormality, for example, a threshold value. The determination data 452 may be data indicating a predetermined value (initial value), or may be data calculated by the data acquisition unit 431 based on the measurement data 451 (data updated as needed). The determination data 452 will be described later.

[0044] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the measurement data 451. The horizontal axis indicates time. The left vertical axis indicates torque. Here, the maximum torque of the motor 323 is set to 100%, and the torque value is indicated by a numerical value from 0 to 100%. The right vertical axis is the value of sinθ when the rotation angle with respect to the reference position of the rotary blade 321 is θ, and indicates the rotational position (phase) of the rotary blade 321 by a numerical value from -1 to +1. The thick-line graph in the figure shows the time change of the torque. The thin-line graph in the figure shows the time change of the rotational position of the rotary blade 321. When the rotary blade 321 rotates at a predetermined rotational speed, the thin-line graph draws a sine curve. One cycle of the thin-line graph corresponds to one rotation of the rotary blade 321.

[0045] The figure shows the measurement data in the normal state (a non-abnormal state). As already explained, when the convex portion 321A of the rotary blade 321 is inserted between the optical fibers 11, the coupling agent 14 between the optical fibers 11 is removed. When the coupling agent 14 is removed by the convex portion 321A of the rotary blade 321, the load applied to the rotary blade 321 increases, so the torque becomes relatively high. Conversely, when the rotary blade 321 is not inserted between the optical fibers 11 by the concave portion 321B, the load applied to the rotary blade 321 is reduced, so the torque becomes relatively low. As a result, as shown by the thick line in the figure, in the normal state, the torque periodically changes with time within a predetermined numerical range.

[0046] The abnormality determination unit 432 determines an abnormality in the contact state of the rotary blade 321 based on the measurement data 451 (contact abnormality determination). As will be described below, when the torque indicated by the measurement data 451 is large, the abnormality determination unit 432 determines that there is an abnormality in the contact state of the rotary blade 321. Further, the abnormality determination unit 432 discriminates, as an abnormality in the contact state of the rotary blade 321, an abnormality due to the initial setting of the rotary blade 321, an abnormality due to damage of the rotary blade 321, and an abnormality due to foreign matter. This will be described below.

[0047] FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram of the normal state. FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram of the state when there is an abnormality in the initial setting. Above each figure, a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of the portion where the convex portion 321A of the rotary blade 321 is inserted between the optical fibers 11 is shown. Guides 324 for guiding the convex portion 321A are provided on both sides in the width direction of the rotary blade 321. The plurality of guides 324 are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction. The convex portion 321A of the rotary blade 321 is inserted between the guides 324 and is inserted between the optical fibers 11. Note that graphs of the measurement data are shown below FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5B, if there is an abnormality in the setting of the rotary blade 321, the convex portion 321A of the rotary blade 321 may come into contact with the guide 324. For example, when the rotary blade 321 is attached obliquely to the shaft 322 or when the shaft 322 is attached obliquely to the guide 324, the rotary blade 321 (especially the convex portion 321A) may come into contact with the guide 324. When the rotary blade 321 comes into contact with the guide 324 due to an abnormality in the initial setting, the torque continuously becomes relatively large from the initial stage compared to the normal state. Therefore, the abnormality determination unit 432 compares the torque indicated by the measurement data 451 with the threshold value (threshold value for detecting setting abnormality) indicated by the determination data 452 in the data storage unit 45, and if the torque indicated by the measurement data 451 is continuously greater than the threshold value from the initial stage, it determines that there is an abnormality in the initial setting of the rotary blade 321. For example, the abnormality determination unit 432 calculates the maximum value of the torque based on the measurement data 451, compares the threshold value (threshold value for determining setting abnormality) indicated by the determination data 452 in the data storage unit 45 with the maximum value of the torque, and if the calculated maximum value of the torque is continuously greater than the threshold value from the initial stage, it determines that there is an abnormality in the initial setting of the rotary blade 321. Note that instead of calculating the maximum value of the torque, the abnormality determination unit 432 may calculate the average value or amplitude of the torque, etc., and compare the calculated value with the threshold value to determine the abnormality.

[0049] FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of the state during an abnormality due to breakage of the rotary blade 321. FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram of the state during an abnormality due to foreign matter. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the rotary blade 321 is damaged (for example, when the rotary blade 321 is bent), the damaged rotary blade 321 (especially the convex portion 321A) may come into contact with the guide 324 from the time of damage. Thus, when the rotary blade 321 is damaged, as shown in FIG. 6A, the torque (for example, the maximum value of the torque) continuously increases from the time of damage. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6B, when the rotary blade 321 comes into contact with a foreign object, the torque increases. Examples of foreign objects that the rotary blade 321 may come into contact with include dust mixed in the coupling agent 14 and the optical fiber 11 (e.g., an identification mark 15 with an abnormal film thickness). After the torque increases due to the foreign object, the torque returns to a normal state as the foreign object is transported together with the optical fiber 11. Therefore, when the rotary blade 321 comes into contact with a foreign object, the torque increases locally as shown in Fig. 6B. Therefore, the abnormality determination unit 432 compares the torque indicated by the measurement data 451 with a threshold indicated by the determination data 452 in the data storage unit 45. Then, if the state in which the torque is greater than the threshold continues for a predetermined period (for example, a period corresponding to a plurality of cycles), the abnormality determination unit 432 determines that there is an abnormality due to breakage of the rotary blade 321. Furthermore, if the state in which the torque is greater than the threshold does not continue (if the torque becomes equal to or less than the threshold after becoming greater than the threshold), the abnormality determination unit 432 determines that there is an abnormality due to the inclusion of a foreign matter. Note that the abnormality determination unit 432 may calculate the maximum value of the torque (or the average value or amplitude of the torque) based on the measurement data 451 and compare the calculated torque value with the threshold.

[0050] As described above, the abnormality determination unit 432 can distinguish between an abnormality due to the initial setting of the rotary blade 321, an abnormality due to breakage of the rotary blade 321, and an abnormality due to a foreign object as abnormalities in the contact state of the rotary blade 321. The abnormality determination unit 432 may determine another contact abnormality as abnormality in the contact state of the rotary blade 321. The abnormality determination unit 432 may also determine an abnormality other than the abnormality in the contact state of the rotary blade 321. For example, as described next, the abnormality determination unit 432 may determine an abnormality in the linking agent 14 or an abnormality in the arrangement of the pattern of the linking portion 12.

[0051] FIG. 6C is an explanatory diagram when the coupling agent 14 is depleted. When the coupling agent 14 is depleted, the rotary blade 321 no longer receives a load from the coupling agent 14, so the torque decreases. Therefore, the abnormality determination unit 432 compares the torque indicated by the measurement data 451 with the threshold value (threshold value for abnormality determination of the coupling agent 14) indicated by the determination data 452 in the data storage unit 45, and if the state where the torque is smaller than the threshold value continues, it determines that there is an abnormality of the coupling agent running out. Note that the abnormality determination unit 432 may calculate the average value of the temporal variation of the torque, the extreme value (maximum value or minimum value) of the torque, etc., and compare the calculated value (average value, extreme value, etc.) with the threshold value to determine the abnormality of the coupling agent running out. Further, the abnormality determination unit 432 may not only determine the presence or absence of the coupling agent 14, but also determine the abnormality of the viscosity of the coupling agent 14 based on the measurement data 451.

[0052] FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of the normal state of the arrangement pattern of the connecting portion 12. FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of the abnormal state of the arrangement pattern of the connecting portion 12. On the upper side of each figure, the arrangement pattern of the connecting portion 12 formed intermittently is shown. Also, on the lower side of each figure, a graph of the measurement data is shown.

[0053] At the position α in the upper figure of FIG. 7A, one connecting portion 12 and two non-connecting portions 13 are formed in the width direction. At this position α, the convex portions 321A of two of the three rotary blades 321 are inserted between the optical fibers 11, and these two rotary blades 321 receive resistance. On the other hand, at the position β in the upper figure of FIG. 7A, two connecting portions 12 and one non-connecting portion 13 are formed in the width direction. At this position β, the convex portion 321A of one of the three rotary blades 321 is inserted between the optical fibers 11, and this one rotary blade 321 receives resistance. That is, at the position β, the load applied to the three rotary blades 321 is reduced compared to the position α. Thus, the load applied to the three rotary blades 321 increases or decreases according to the number of non-connecting portions 13 arranged in the width direction. If the arrangement (pattern) of the intermittently formed connecting portions 12 is normal, the torque also changes with time in a predetermined pattern. Further, since the torque changes with time at a predetermined period in synchronization with the rotational position of the rotary blade 321, if the arrangement (pattern) of the intermittently formed connecting portions 12 is normal, the torque becomes an extreme value (maximum value, minimum value) when the rotary blade 321 is at a predetermined rotational position.

[0054] The upper figure of FIG. 7B shows the arrangement (pattern) of the connecting portions 12 in case of abnormality. In FIG. 7B, for the sake of explanation, the arrangement of the connecting portions 12 in case of abnormality is extremely different from that in the normal state. When an abnormality occurs in the arrangement of the intermittently formed connecting portions 12, the load received by the three rotary blades 321 increases and decreases at different timings from those in the normal state. As a result, when an abnormality occurs in the arrangement of the intermittently formed connecting portions 12, the torque changes with time in a pattern different from that in the normal state. For example, when an abnormality occurs in the arrangement of the connecting portions 12, the rotational position of the rotary blade 321 when the torque becomes an extreme value (maximum value, minimum value) is different from that in the normal state. Even when the arrangement of the connecting portions 12 does not change extremely as in FIG. 7B, if the arrangement of the connecting portions 12 is different from that in the normal state, the torque changes with time in a pattern different from that in the normal state.

[0055] Therefore, the abnormality determination unit 432 determines whether there is an abnormality in the arrangement (pattern) of the connecting portion 12 based on the torque and the rotational position indicated by the measurement data 451. For example, the abnormality determination unit 432 calculates the rotational position of the rotary blade 321 when the torque reaches an extreme value (maximum value, minimum value) based on the torque and the rotational position of the measurement data 451, and determines that there is an abnormality in the arrangement of the connecting portion 12 if the rotational position of the rotary blade 321 when the torque reaches the extreme value is different from that in the normal state. Note that the abnormality determination unit 432 may calculate the number of extreme values (maximum value, minimum value) of the torque during one cycle (while the rotary blade 321 makes one rotation), and determine that there is an abnormality in the arrangement of the connecting portion 12 if the number of extreme values is different from that in the normal state. Alternatively, the abnormality determination unit 432 calculates the rotational position of the rotary blade 321 when the torque reaches an extreme value (maximum value, minimum value) during one cycle, and also calculates the difference between the rotational position of the rotary blade 321 corresponding to one extreme value and the rotational position of the rotary blade 321 corresponding to another extreme value (that is, the rotational angle of the rotary blade 321), and determines that there is an abnormality in the arrangement of the connecting portion 12 if the difference between the two rotational positions is different from that in the normal state. Note that the abnormality determination unit 432 may determine the abnormality in the arrangement of the connecting portion 12 without calculating the extreme value of the torque. For example, the abnormality determination unit 432 may perform a fast Fourier transform (FFT transform) on the torque indicated by the measurement data 451 and determine the abnormality in the arrangement of the connecting portion 12 based on the conversion result.

[0056] The control device 42 may detect an abnormality in another way. For example, based on a determination model generated by machine learning (another example of the determination data 452), an abnormality may be detected. Specifically, as a learning phase of machine learning, the control device 42 or an external computer acquires learning data (teacher data) in which torque is associated with the presence or absence of an abnormality (or the type of abnormality), uses the torque of the learning data as input data, and generates a learning model in which the presence or absence of an abnormality (or the type of abnormality) is used as output data by machine learning. As a result, a learned model in which torque is used as input data and the presence or absence of an abnormality (or the type of abnormality) is used as output data is generated. The learned model generated by machine learning is stored in the data storage unit as the determination data 452. Then, as a determination phase, the control device 42 (abnormality determination unit 432) uses the torque (load on the coupling device 30) measured by the measuring device as input data and determines the presence or absence of an abnormality (or the type of abnormality) using the learned model stored in the determination data 452. In this way, an abnormality may be detected by machine learning.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the abnormality determination process. Each process in the figure is realized by the control device 42 by the arithmetic processing unit reading and executing a program stored in the storage device.

[0058] First, at the start of manufacturing the optical fiber tape 1, the control device 42 sets the conveyance speed (linear speed) of the optical fiber 11 supplied from the fiber supply device 20 to a relatively low speed V1 and sets the rotary blade 321 to a relatively low rotational speed ω1 (S001). The manufacturing system 100 performs a test run (first operation) at a relatively low conveyance speed and rotational speed.

[0059] Next, the control device 42 (abnormality determination unit 432) measures the torque when the rotary blade 321 is rotated at the rotational speed ω1, and based on the measurement data 451 measured by the measuring device 41, makes an initial abnormality determination (S002). For example, the abnormality determination unit 432 determines the presence or absence of an initial setting abnormality (see FIG. 5B) or the presence or absence of an abnormality of the coupling agent 14 (see FIG. 6C) based on the measurement data 451 of the torque of the motor 323. When making such an initial abnormality determination, initial determination data (determination data 452) indicating a predetermined value (initial value) stored in advance in the data storage unit 45 is used.

[0060] If there is no initial abnormality ( "No" in S003), the control device 42 sets the conveyance speed (linear speed) of the optical fiber 11 supplied from the optical fiber supply device 20 to a predetermined speed V2 and sets the rotary blade 321 to a predetermined rotational speed ω2 in order to switch from the test operation (first operation) to the normal operation (second operation) (S004). The speed V2 is the conveyance speed of the optical fiber 11 during normal operation and is faster than the speed V1 during the test operation (V2 > V1). Also, the rotational speed ω2 is the rotational speed of the rotary blade 321 during normal operation and is faster than the rotational speed ω1 during the test operation (ω2 > ω1). Note that the torque of the motor 323 (load on the coupling device 30) during normal operation (second operation) is greater than the torque of the motor 323 during the test operation (first operation). By conveying the optical fiber 11 at a conveyance speed V2 faster than during the test operation while rotating the rotary blade 321 at a rotational speed ω2 faster than during the test operation, the optical fiber tape 1 can be manufactured at high speed.

[0061] During normal operation, the control device 42 (data acquisition unit 431) acquires the measurement data 451 from the measuring device 41 with the rotary blade 321 rotated at the rotational speed ω2 and updates the determination data 452 (S005). For example, the control device 42 acquires torque data for a plurality of cycles of the measurement data 451, calculates a threshold value for abnormality determination, and stores the threshold value in the data storage unit 45 as the determination data 452. For example, the control device 42 calculates the threshold value by multiplying the average value or maximum value of the torque for 10 cycles of the measurement data 451 by a coefficient.

[0062] Also, during normal operation, the control device 42 measures the torque when the rotary blade 321 is rotated at the rotational speed ω2, and makes an abnormality determination based on the measurement data 451 acquired from the measuring device 41 (S006). For example, the abnormality determination unit 432 determines the presence or absence of an abnormality in the breakage of the rotary blade 321 (see FIG. 6A), the presence or absence of an abnormality due to foreign matter (see FIG. 6B), and the presence or absence of an abnormality in the arrangement pattern of the connecting portion 12 (FIG. 7B) based on the measurement data 451 of the torque of the motor 323. When making an abnormality determination during normal operation, the determination data 452 (threshold value) acquired in S005 is used.

[0063] By the way, when making an abnormality determination (S006) during normal operation, the determination data 452 indicating a predetermined value stored in advance in the data storage unit 45 may be used. In this case, the update process of the determination data 452 in S005 becomes unnecessary. However, since the torque of the motor 323 may vary depending on the environment during manufacturing (for example, temperature and humidity), it is difficult to set the determination data 452 to an appropriate value in advance (or, if an abnormality determination is made based on the pre-set determination data 452, there is a risk of misjudging the abnormality). On the other hand, as in this embodiment, after confirming that there is no initial abnormality in S002, if the determination data 452 is acquired (updated) based on the normal measurement data 451, the determination data 452 corresponding to the manufacturing environment can be obtained, and the abnormality determination can be made appropriately. As already described, during the initial abnormality determination (S002), the determination data 452 (initial determination data) stored in advance in the data storage unit 45 is used. However, in the initial abnormality determination, since the transport speed V1 of the optical fiber 11 and the rotational speed ω1 of the rotary blade 321 are set relatively low, the torque of the motor 323 is set in a state where it is less affected by the environment. Therefore, in the initial abnormality determination (S002), it is permitted to use the determination data 452 (initial determination data) indicating a predetermined value (initial value) stored in advance in the data storage unit 45.

[0064] If there is no abnormality (i.e., "no" in S007), the control device 42 will repeat S005 to S007 during the production of the optical fiber tape 1 (during normal operation). If there is an abnormality (i.e., "yes" in S003 or S007), the control device 42 will notify the abnormality (S008). For example, as the abnormality notification process in S008, the control device 42 may display a message indicating that there is an abnormality on a display, output a warning sound, or stop the production of the optical fiber tape 1 by the manufacturing system 100. When the control device 42 (abnormality determination unit 432) discriminates the type of abnormality, the control device 42 may vary the notification method according to the type of abnormality.

[0065] In the above description, during the trial operation (the first operation), the torque (load) when the rotary blade 321 is rotated at the rotational speed ω1 is measured, and during the normal operation (the second operation), the torque (load) when the rotary blade 321 is rotated at the rotational speed ω2 is measured, and an abnormality is detected based on the measurement result of the torque. However, as will be described later, the load measured for abnormality detection is not limited to torque. Also, even when the measured load is torque, the measured torque is not limited to the torque when the rotary blade 321 is rotated.

[0066] <Modification Example> FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory views of the connecting device 30 of the modification example.

[0067] Also in the modification example, the connecting device 30 intermittently forms the connecting portion 12 between the optical fibers 11. The connecting device 30 of the modification example has a separating portion 34 together with the aforementioned coating portion 31 and curing portion 33. The separating portion 34 intermittently forms a non - connecting portion 13 between the optical fibers 11. After the connecting device 30 of the modification example connects a plurality of optical fibers 11 together with the connecting agent 14 at once (for example, after the coating portion 31 applies the connecting agent 14 around or between the optical fibers 11 and the curing portion 33 cures the connecting agent 14), the separating portion 34 in the figure forms a non - connecting portion 13 between the optical fibers 11, thereby intermittently forming the connecting portion 12.

[0068] The separating part 34 forms the unconnected part 13 at the part where the blade 341 is inserted between the optical fibers 11 by moving the blade 341 up and down, and forms the connected part 12 at the part where the blade 341 is pulled out from between the optical fibers 11. That is, in the modified example, after a plurality of optical fibers 11 are collectively connected with the connecting agent 14 (after the connecting agent 14 is cured), the connecting agent 14 (the cured connecting agent 14) between the optical fibers 11 is separated by the blade 341 to form the unconnected part 13.

[0069] The connecting device 30 (specifically, the separating part 34) of the modified example includes a blade 341, a swing member 342, a cam mechanism 343 (a cam member 343A and a driven member 343B), and a motor 344. The blade 341 is provided on the swing member 342. The cam member 343A rotates by the motor 344, and the swing member 342 swings around the support shaft by the force received from the cam mechanism 343. As a result, the blade 341 moves up and down.

[0070] In the modified example, the measuring device 41 (see FIG. 2A) of the abnormality detection device 40 measures the torque of the motor 344 (the load of the connecting device 30). Further, the measuring device 41 may measure the rotational position of the cam member 343A (or the output shaft of the motor 344). In the modified example, when the blade 341 is inserted between the optical fibers 11, the torque becomes relatively high. Conversely, when the blade 341 is pulled out from between the optical fibers 11, the torque becomes relatively low. Therefore, also in the modified example, during normal operation, the torque periodically changes with time within a predetermined numerical range. Thus, also in the modified example, the abnormality determination unit 432 can detect an abnormality when intermittently forming the connected part 12 based on the torque (and rotational position) measured by the measuring device 41 in the same manner as described above.

[0071] As shown in this modification example, the connecting device 30 does not necessarily use the rotary blade 321. Also, as shown in this modification example, the abnormality detection device 40 does not necessarily measure the load of the motor 323 that rotates the rotary blade 321. For example, the connecting device 30 may apply the coupling agent 14 in a predetermined pattern (e.g., a zigzag pattern) to the tape surface of the optical fiber tape 1 using a transfer roller, thereby applying the coupling agent 14 in a zigzag manner to the tape surface of the optical fiber tape 1, and thereby forming the connecting portions 12 intermittently between the optical fibers 11. In this case, the measuring device 41 of the abnormality detection device 40 may measure the load of the connecting device 30 by measuring the torque of the motor for rotating the transfer roller.

[0072] ===Second Embodiment=== FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the connecting device 30 of the second embodiment.

[0073] Also in the second embodiment, the connecting device 30 intermittently forms the connecting portions 12 between the optical fibers 11. The connecting device 30 of the second embodiment intermittently forms the connecting portions 12 by intermittently applying the coupling agent 14 between the optical fibers 11. The portions where the coupling agent 14 is not applied become the non-connecting portions 13.

[0074] The connecting device 30 (coating portion 31) of the second embodiment includes a plurality of dispensers 35. The dispenser 35 is a device that discharges the coupling agent 14. The discharge port 351 of the dispenser 35 is disposed to face between the optical fibers 11. The dispenser 35 discharges the coupling agent 14 from the discharge port 351 by driving the actuator 352. The actuator 352 is constituted by, for example, a pump, an on-off valve, or the like. The dispenser 35 intermittently discharges the coupling agent 14 toward between the optical fibers 11 by intermittently driving the actuator 352.

[0075] In the second embodiment, the measuring device 41 (see FIG. 2A) of the abnormality detection device 40 measures the load on the actuator 352 (the load on the connecting device 30). For example, the measuring device 41 measures the load on the connecting device 30 by measuring the voltage (or current) for driving the actuator 352. In the second embodiment, the voltage for driving the actuator 352 becomes high when the coupling agent 14 is discharged from the discharge port 351, and the voltage for driving the actuator 352 becomes low when the coupling agent 14 is not discharged from the discharge port 351. Therefore, also in the second embodiment, during normal operation, the load on the connecting device 30 (here, the load on the actuator 352) periodically changes with time within a predetermined numerical range. Thus, also in the second embodiment, the abnormality determination unit 432 can detect an abnormality when intermittently forming the connecting portion 12 based on the load on the connecting device 30 measured by the measuring device 41.

[0076] <Modification Example> FIGS. 11A and 11B are explanatory views of the connecting device 30 according to a modification of the second embodiment. Also in the modification, as shown in FIG. 10, the connecting device 30 (coating portion 31) includes a plurality of dispensers 35, and the discharge ports 351 of the dispensers 35 are arranged to face each other between the optical fibers 11.

[0077] The dispenser 35 of the modification includes a piezoelectric element (piezo element) as the actuator 352. The piezoelectric element is provided on the diaphragm 353. The diaphragm 353 is provided on the wall surface of the chamber filled with the coupling agent 14. As shown in FIG. 11B, when the actuator 352 (piezoelectric element) is driven by a drive signal, the diaphragm 353 vibrates, and thereby the coupling agent 14 is pushed out from the discharge port 351. When the coupling agent 14 pushed out from the discharge port 351 adheres to the optical fiber 11, the coupling agent 14 is applied between the optical fibers 11.

[0078] Figures 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of the measurement method in the modified example. After the actuator 352 is driven by the drive signal, the diaphragm 353 (and the actuator 352) undergoes residual vibration. In the modified example, the actuator 352 composed of a piezoelectric element can convert the pressure (load) received by the residual vibration of the diaphragm 353 (and the coupling agent 14 in the chamber) into an electrical signal and output it as a measurement signal. That is, in the modified example, the actuator 352 also serves as a part of the measuring device 41, and the actuator 352 (piezoelectric element) measures the pressure (load) received by the actuator 352 immediately after the actuator 352 is driven.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 12A, when a normal amount of the coupling agent 14 is applied to the optical fiber 11, the diaphragm 353 (and the coupling agent 14 in the chamber) undergoes residual vibration at a predetermined natural frequency X, and the actuator 352 (piezoelectric element) outputs a measurement signal corresponding to the natural frequency X. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12B, when an abnormal amount of the coupling agent 14 is applied to the optical fiber 11, the diaphragm 353 undergoes residual vibration at a natural frequency X' different from the predetermined natural frequency X, and the actuator 352 (piezoelectric element) outputs a measurement signal corresponding to the residual vibration of the natural frequency X'. For example, when only a smaller amount of the coupling agent 14 than normal is applied to the optical fiber 11, the amount of the coupling agent 14 remaining in the chamber increases. As a result, the natural frequency X' of the diaphragm 353 becomes lower than the natural frequency X during normal times. Therefore, in the modified example, the measuring device 41 measures the pressure (load) received by the actuator 352 (piezoelectric element), and the abnormality determination unit 432 obtains the natural frequency of the diaphragm 353 (and the coupling agent 14 in the chamber) based on the measurement result, and detects an abnormality in the application of the coupling agent 14 by the coupling device 30 based on the natural frequency.

[0080] Incidentally, when there is an abnormality on the surface of the optical fiber 11, the amount of the coupling agent 14 adhering to the optical fiber 11 may be abnormal. By utilizing this phenomenon, in a modified example, it is possible to indirectly detect the abnormality of the optical fiber 11. When droplets of the coupling agent 14 are ejected from the ejection port 351 and the coupling agent 14 is applied to the optical fiber 11, since the space between the ejection port 351 and the optical fiber 11 is always non-contact, it is difficult to detect the abnormality of the optical fiber 11 using the actuator 352 (piezoelectric element). Therefore, when indirectly detecting the abnormality of the optical fiber 11 using the actuator 352 (piezoelectric element) as in the modified example, instead of ejecting droplets of the coupling agent 14 from the ejection port 351, as shown in FIG. 11B, it is desirable to attach the coupling agent 14 extruded from the ejection port 351 to the optical fiber 11 so that the ejection port 351 and the optical fiber 11 are indirectly in contact via the coupling agent 14.

[0081] Note that the dispenser of the connecting device 30 does not necessarily have to intermittently discharge the coupling agent 14. For example, the dispenser may continuously discharge the coupling agent 14 while reciprocating in the width direction, and the coupling agent 14 may be applied in a zigzag pattern on the tape surface of the optical fiber tape 1, so that the connecting portions 12 are intermittently formed between the optical fibers 11. In this case, the measuring device 41 of the abnormality detection device 40 may measure the load of the connecting device 30 by measuring the voltage (or current) for driving the actuator 352, substantially in the same manner as in the second embodiment described above, or may measure the load of the connecting device 30 by measuring the torque of the motor for reciprocating the dispenser in the width direction, in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0082] ===Parentheses=== In the manufacturing method of the optical fiber tape 1 of the above-described first embodiment and second embodiment (and their modified examples), (1) the connecting device 30 manufactures an intermittently connected type optical fiber tape 1 by intermittently forming the connecting portions 12 between the optical fibers 11, (2) measures the load of the connecting device 30 when intermittently forming the connecting portions 12, and (3) detects an abnormality based on the measured load. According to such a manufacturing method of the optical fiber tape 1, an abnormality during the manufacture of the intermittently connected type optical fiber tape 1 can be detected at an early stage.

[0083] In the above-described first embodiment (and its modified example), the connecting device 30 has a motor (motor 323 or motor 344), measures the torque of the motor as the load of the connecting device 30, and detects an abnormality based on the torque. Thereby, an abnormality during manufacture can be detected at an early stage. Note that, for example, as shown in the second embodiment, it is not necessary to detect an abnormality based on the torque.

[0084] In the above-described first embodiment, the connecting device 30 has separating portions 32, 34 (separating portion 32 that removes a part while leaving a part of the connecting agent 14 by rotating the rotary blade 321 by the motor 323, and separating portion 34 that forms the non-connected portion 13 between the optical fibers 11 by driving the blade 341 by the motor 344) that intermittently separate between the optical fibers 11. And in the first embodiment, the torques of the motors 323, 344 of the separating portions 32, 34 are measured, and an abnormality is detected based on the torque. In the case of such a connecting device 30, since the torque periodically changes with time within a predetermined numerical range during normal operation, it is possible to detect an abnormality based on the torque.

[0085] In the above-described first embodiment, the separating unit 32 has a rotary blade 321, measures the torque of the motor 323 that rotates the rotary blade 321, measures the rotational position of the rotary blade 321, and detects an abnormality in the arrangement of the connecting portion 12 based on the torque and the rotational position (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). Note that even if the rotational position of the rotary blade 321 is not measured, it is also possible to detect an abnormality (for example, an abnormality in the contact state of the rotary blade 321) based on the torque.

[0086] In the above-described first embodiment, when the torque when the rotary blade 321 is rotated at a rotational speed ω1 (first rotational speed) is measured and it is determined that there is no abnormality based on the measured torque, (1) manufacturing the optical fiber tape 1 while rotating the rotary blade 321 at a rotational speed ω2 (second rotational speed) faster than the rotational speed ω1, (2) measuring the torque when forming the connecting portion 12 by rotating the rotary blade 321 at the rotational speed ω2, and (3) detecting an abnormality based on the torque when the rotary blade 321 is rotated at the rotational speed ω2 are performed (see FIG. 8). Thus, after confirming that there is no initial abnormality, it is desirable to manufacture the optical fiber tape 1 while rotating the rotary blade 321 at a high rotational speed. Thereby, damage to the connecting device 30 can be suppressed.

[0087] In the above-described first embodiment, during the test run (when the rotary blade 321 is rotated at the rotational speed ω1), an abnormality is detected by comparing the predetermined initial determination data with the measured torque. During the test run, since the rotational speed of the rotary blade 321 is set relatively low, the torque of the motor 323 is less likely to be affected by the environment. Therefore, even if an abnormality is detected using the predetermined initial determination data, false determination can be suppressed. On the other hand, during normal operation (when the rotary blade 321 is rotated at the rotational speed ω2), if an abnormality is detected based on the predetermined determination data, the torque of the motor 323 may vary according to the environment during manufacturing (for example, temperature and humidity). Therefore, in the above-described first embodiment, during normal operation (when the rotary blade 321 is rotated at the rotational speed ω2), the determination data 452 is updated at any time based on the torque when the rotary blade 321 is rotated at the rotational speed ω2, and an abnormality is detected by comparing the updated determination data 452 with the measured torque. Thereby, false determination can be suppressed.

[0088] Note that the load measured for abnormality detection is not limited to torque. Further, even when the load to be measured is torque, the torque to be measured is not limited to the torque when the rotary blade 321 is rotated. For example, as shown in a modification of the first embodiment, the torque of the motor 344 may be measured as the load of the connecting device 30. Further, as shown in the second embodiment, the load of the actuator 352 of the dispenser 35 may be measured as the load of the connecting device 30. Even in such a case, it is desirable to measure the load when the connecting device 30 is run in (first operation) and determine an initial abnormality based on the load during the run-in. Then, when it is determined that there is no abnormality based on the load measured during the run-in (first operation), it is desirable to form the connecting portion 12 by operating the connecting device 30 that was being run in (first operation) in normal operation (second operation). Even in such a case, damage to the connecting device 30 can be suppressed. Note that when it is determined that there is no abnormality based on the load measured during the run-in (first operation), (1) operate the connecting device 30 that was being run in (first operation) in normal operation (second operation) to form the connecting portion 12, (2) measure the load of the connecting device 30 when the connecting device 30 is operated in normal operation, and (3) it is desirable to detect an abnormality based on the load of the connecting device 30 when the connecting device 30 is operated in normal operation (second operation).

[0089] Also, in the modification of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, when detecting an initial abnormality based on the load of the connecting device 30 when the connecting device 30 is run in (first operation), it is desirable to compare the predetermined initial determination data with the measured load of the connecting device 30. This is because during the run-in, the load of the connecting device 30 is less likely to be affected by the environment, so false determination can be suppressed even if an abnormality is detected using the predetermined initial determination data. On the other hand, when detecting an abnormality based on the load of the connecting device 30 when the connecting device 30 is operated in normal operation (second operation), it is desirable to update the determination data as needed based on the load when the connecting device 30 is operated in normal operation, and compare the updated determination data with the measured load of the connecting device 30. Thereby, false determination can be suppressed.

[0090] In the above-described second embodiment (and modified example), the connecting device 30 has a dispenser 35, measures the load of the actuator 352 of the dispenser 35 as the load of the connecting device 30, and detects an abnormality based on the load of the actuator 352. Even in this case, an abnormality during manufacturing can be detected at an early stage.

[0091] Further, in the modified example of the above-described second embodiment, after driving the piezoelectric element to apply the coupling agent 14 to the optical fiber 11, the residual vibration of the coupling agent 14 is measured by the piezoelectric element, and an abnormality is detected based on the measured residual vibration. As a result, the actuator 352 of the connecting device 30 can also serve as a part of the measuring device 41.

[0092] ===Others=== The above-described embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its gist, and it goes without saying that equivalents of the present invention are included therein.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0093] 1 Optical fiber tape, 11 Optical fiber, 12 Connecting portion, 13 Non-connecting portion, 14 Coupling agent, 15 Identification mark, 20 Fiber supply device, 21 Supply source, 22 Printing device, 23 Coloring device, 30 Connecting device, 31 Coating portion, 32 Separating portion, 321 Rotating blade, 321A Protrusion, 321B Recess, 322 Shaft, 323 Motor, 324 Guide, 33 Curing portion, 34 Separating portion, 341 Blade, 342 Rocking member, 343 Cam mechanism, 343A Cam member, 343B Driven member, 344 Motor, 35 Dispenser, 351 Discharge port, 352 actuator, 353 diaphragm 40 abnormality detection device, 41 measurement device 41A torque measurement unit, 41B position measurement unit 42 control device, 43 processing unit 431 data acquisition unit, 432 abnormality determination unit 45 data storage unit, 451 measurement data, 452 determination data 100 manufacturing system

Claims

1. The connecting device intermittently forms a connecting portion between the optical fibers, measuring the load of the connecting device when intermittently forming the connecting portion, and determining the type of abnormality based on the load A method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape, comprising: The connecting device includes a rotary blade that intermittently separates between the optical fibers, and a motor that drives the rotary blade, measuring the torque of the motor that drives the rotary blade as the load, measuring the rotational position of the rotary blade, Based on the combination of the torque and the rotational position, determining that it is at least any one of foreign object detection, breakage of the rotary blade, abnormality in the arrangement of the connecting portion, and abnormality in the initial setting of the rotary blade A method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape, characterized by the above.

2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, further characterized by determining a shortage of the connecting agent or an abnormality in the viscosity of the connecting agent.

3. The connecting device intermittently forms a connecting portion between the optical fibers, measuring the load of the connecting device when intermittently forming the connecting portion, and determining the type of abnormality based on the load A method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape, comprising: The connecting device includes a dispenser that applies a connecting agent, The dispenser has a piezoelectric element as an actuator, and applies the connecting agent so that the discharge port of the connecting agent and the optical fiber are indirectly in contact via the connecting agent, after driving the piezoelectric element to apply the connecting agent to the optical fiber, measuring the residual vibration of the connecting agent by the piezoelectric element, detecting an abnormality based on the residual vibration A method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape, characterized by the above.

4. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 3, measuring the load when the connecting device is operated for the first time, When it is determined that there is no abnormality based on the load when the connecting device is operated for the first time, forming the connecting portion by operating the connecting device for the second time that was operated for the first time.

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 4, When detecting an abnormality based on the load when the connecting device is operated for the first time, comparing predetermined initial determination data with the load, When detecting an abnormality based on the load when the connecting device is operated in the second operation, compare the data updated based on the load when the connecting device is operated in the second operation with the load. A manufacturing method characterized by the above.

6. A connecting device that intermittently forms a connecting portion between optical fibers, A measuring device that measures the load of the connecting device when intermittently forming the connecting portion, A control device that determines the type of abnormality based on the load A manufacturing system for an optical fiber tape comprising: The connecting device has a rotary blade that intermittently separates between the optical fibers and a motor that drives the rotary blade. The control device Causes the measuring device to measure the torque of the motor that drives the rotary blade as the load, Causes the measuring device to measure the rotational position of the rotary blade, Based on the combination of the torque and the rotational position, determines that it is at least one of detection of foreign matter, breakage of the rotary blade, abnormality in the arrangement of the connecting portion, and abnormality in the initial setting of the rotary blade. An optical fiber tape manufacturing system characterized by the above.

7. A connecting device that intermittently forms a connecting portion between optical fibers, A measuring device that measures the load of the connecting device when intermittently forming the connecting portion, A control device that determines the type of abnormality based on the load A manufacturing system for an optical fiber tape comprising: The connecting device has a dispenser that applies a connecting agent. The dispenser has a piezoelectric element as an actuator, and applies the connecting agent so that the discharge port of the connecting agent and the optical fiber are indirectly in contact via the connecting agent. The control device After driving the piezoelectric element to apply the connecting agent to the optical fiber, causes the piezoelectric element to measure the residual vibration of the connecting agent. Detects an abnormality based on the residual vibration. An optical fiber tape manufacturing system characterized by the above.

8. The manufacturing system according to claim 6 or 7, The control device Causes the connecting device to be operated in the first operation and causes the measuring device to measure the load. When it is determined that there is no abnormality based on the load when the connecting device is operated in the first operation, the connecting device that was operated in the first operation is operated in the second operation to form the connecting portion in the connecting device. A manufacturing system characterized by the above.

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