Tape supply device, optical cable manufacturing device, and optical cable manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide a tape feeding device capable of stably feeding a tape by stabilizing tape tension, and to provide an optical cable manufacturing device and optical cable manufacturing method.SOLUTION: A tape feeding device disclosed herein is for feeding a tape to an optical cable and comprises a multi-unit accumulator consisting of multiple units connected in series, each having multiple movable rollers and multiple fixed rollers; and a control unit for controlling an order in which the tape is fed from each unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tape supply device, an optical cable manufacturing device, and an optical cable manufacturing method.

Background Art

[0002] An optical cable has a tape for pressing and a sheath provided outside the cable core. When the tape is vertically attached to the outer circumference of the cable core, the tape is supplied from a bobbin or the like. However, when the length of the cable to be manufactured is longer than the supply length (remaining length) of the tape, it is necessary to replace the tape bobbin. In order to continuously supply the tape even while replacing the bobbin, an accumulator that can store the tape in advance is used.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an accumulator that stores a tape by alternately passing the tape between a fixed roller group and a moving roller group. When replenishing the tape, the moving roller group is moved in a direction approaching the fixed roller group, and the tape stored in the accumulator is supplied, so that the tape can be continuously supplied even while replenishing the tape.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The accumulator disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses a group of moving rollers equipped with a large number of rollers and a fixed roller equipped with a large number of rollers, so that tape stored in the accumulator can be continuously supplied even while the bobbin is being replaced during tape replenishment. However, if the tape is moved back and forth many times, the tape may twist along the way, potentially causing a malfunction in its operation.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention solves the problems of the prior art described above, that is, the object of the present invention is Having multiple units accumulator In the department , This prevents the tape from breaking if the two units being switched over simultaneously stop during a unit changeover. The objective is to provide a tape supply device, an optical cable manufacturing device, and an optical cable manufacturing method that can stabilize the movement of the tape. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The tape supply device of this disclosure is a tape supply device for supplying tape to an optical cable, comprising a plurality of movable rollers and a plurality of fixed rollers A movable roller drive mechanism for raising and lowering the plurality of movable rollers The accumulator unit comprises a multi-stage unit type, divided into units having a certain characteristic, with each unit connected in series, and a control unit that controls the order in which tapes are supplied from each unit. Each of the aforementioned units' movable roller drive mechanisms is equipped with a disc brake for stopping the movable roller, and the control unit controls the disc brakes of the two units before and after the switch so that they do not operate simultaneously when switching units. ru. Furthermore, the optical cable manufacturing apparatus disclosed herein uses the tape supply device described above. Furthermore, the optical cable manufacturing method disclosed herein uses the tape supply device described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the above, it is possible to provide a tape supply device, an optical cable manufacturing device, and an optical cable manufacturing method that can stabilize the tape's movement while supplying the tape using an accumulator. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating optical cable manufacturing equipment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating a tape supply device. [Figure 3] This is a side view of the accumulator section. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the accumulator section. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. The tape supply device of the present disclosure is (1) a tape supply device that supplies tape to an optical cable, comprising a plurality of movable rollers and a plurality of fixed rollers A movable roller drive mechanism for raising and lowering the plurality of movable rollers The accumulator unit comprises a multi-stage unit type, divided into units having a certain characteristic, with each unit connected in series, and a control unit that controls the order in which tapes are supplied from each unit. Each of the aforementioned units' movable roller drive mechanisms is equipped with a disc brake for stopping the movable roller, and the control unit controls the disc brakes of the two units before and after the switch so that they do not operate simultaneously when switching units. ru. By incorporating a multi-stage accumulator unit in which each unit is connected in series, the tape's movement can be stabilized. Furthermore, by controlling the disc brakes of the two units before and after the switch so that they do not operate simultaneously, it is possible to prevent the two units from stopping at the same time during the unit switch, which would generate excessive tension on the tape and cause it to break.

[0011] In the tape supply device described in (1) above, (2) it is preferable that the tape is a vertically attached tape. Since longitudinal tape can be supplied as tape in this manner, by using the tape supply device of this disclosure in an optical cable manufacturing apparatus, longitudinal tape to be longitudinally attached to the outer circumference of the cable core can be continuously supplied even when changing the tape bobbin.

[0013] From (1) above 2 In any of the tape supply devices of ), 3 ) Each of the movable rollers in the aforementioned unit is fitted with a weight for controlling the tension of the tape, and it is preferable that the weights of the weights in each of the aforementioned units are different. When switching units, the two units before and after the switch diskWhen the brakes do not operate simultaneously, it is possible to select the unit that uses up the tape first by varying the weights of the weights of each unit.

[0014] In any of the tape supply devices from (1) above to 3 ), 4 for each of the units it is preferable that the number of turns of the tape by the movable roller and the fixed roller is 5 reciprocations or less. is preferable. If the number of turns of the tape by the movable roller and the fixed roller of each unit is too large, the tape may be twisted and the tape may run poorly. Therefore, by setting the number of turns of the tape by the movable roller and the fixed roller of each unit to 5 reciprocations or less, it is possible to stabilize the tape tension and the running of the tape in each unit. roller and the fixed roller, there is a risk of tape twisting and poor tape running. Therefore, by setting the number of turns of the tape by the movable roller and the fixed roller of each unit to 5 reciprocations or less, it is possible to stabilize the tape tension and the running of the tape in each unit. roller and the fixed roller, the tape tension can be stabilized and the running of the tape can be stabilized in each unit. unit, the tape tension can be stabilized and the running of the tape can be stabilized.

[0015] The optical cable manufacturing apparatus of the present disclosure preferably uses any of the tape supply devices from (1) to 4 ). is preferable. Thereby, it is possible to provide an optical cable manufacturing apparatus having the same effect as (1) above. be able to.

[0016] The optical cable manufacturing method of the present disclosure preferably uses any of the tape supply devices from (1) to 4 ). is preferable.

[0017] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Hereinafter, a tape supply device, an optical cable manufacturing device, and an optical cable manufacturing method according to embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are illustrative examples of a tape supply device, an optical cable manufacturing device, and an optical cable manufacturing method for realizing the technical concept of this disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to these, and is equally applicable to other embodiments included in the claims.

[0018] [First Embodiment] A tape supply device, an optical cable manufacturing device, and an optical cable manufacturing method according to the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0019] <1. Optical Cable Manufacturing Equipment> First, a method for manufacturing an optical cable and an apparatus for manufacturing an optical cable according to the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described based on Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an optical cable manufacturing apparatus. Optical cables SC are manufactured in units of several kilometers, for example. In contrast, the length of the longitudinal tape T wound on a single bobbin may be shorter than the length of the cable to be manufactured. In such cases, it is necessary to replace the bobbin while supplying the longitudinal tape T to the cable core C. Therefore, an accumulator unit 24 is provided in the tape supply device 20 so that the longitudinal tape T can be continuously supplied even when the bobbin is replaced, and the manufacturing of optical cables SC can be continued continuously.

[0020] The optical cable manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a cable core supply 11, a tape supply device 20, a tape winder 12, an outer sheath extrusion molding machine 13, a capstan 14, and a winding machine 15.

[0021] The tape winder 12 is supplied with cable cores C from the cable core supply 11 and longitudinal tape T from the tape supply device 20. In the tape winder 12, the longitudinal tape T is longitudinally attached around the cable cores C. After the cable cores C are covered with the longitudinal tape T in the tape winder 12, the outer sheath is extruded around the longitudinal tape T in the outer sheath extrusion molding machine 13. The outer sheath is not particularly limited, but can be made of a resin material such as flame-retardant polyethylene resin.

[0022] The optical cable SC, whose outer sheath has been extruded in the outer sheath extrusion molding machine 13, is transported by the capstan 14 and wound onto a bobbin by the winding machine 15.

[0023] The tape supply device 20 includes a first bobbin 21, a second bobbin 22, a first tape catcher 23, an accumulator unit 24, a second tape catcher 25, and a capstan 26.

[0024] The longitudinal tape T is supplied from one of the two bobbins, the first bobbin 21 and the second bobbin 22 (for example, the first bobbin 21), while the other bobbin (for example, the second bobbin 22) is a replacement bobbin. When the amount of longitudinal tape T wound on the first bobbin 21 falls below a predetermined amount, the first tape catcher 23 grips the longitudinal tape T at the inlet side of the accumulator section 24. Simultaneously with or before the first tape catcher 23 grips the longitudinal tape T, the lock on the movable roller 45 is released.

[0025] When the longitudinally supported tape T is held by the first tape catcher 23 at the inlet side of the accumulator unit 24, the longitudinally supported tape T, which has been stored by alternately passing it between the multiple movable rollers 45 and multiple fixed rollers 47 of the accumulator unit 24, is transported from the outlet of the accumulator unit 24 by the capstan 26 and supplied to the tape winder. Therefore, even while the longitudinally supported tape T is being held by the first tape catcher 23 for bobbin replacement, the longitudinally supported tape T stored in the accumulator unit 24 continues to be supplied to the outlet side, allowing for continuous production of optical cables SC.

[0026] After the first tape catcher 23 grips the longitudinal tape T, the longitudinal tape T on the first bobbin 21 is cut, and the tip of the longitudinal tape T on the second bobbin 22 is adhered to the rear end of the longitudinal tape T gripped by the first tape catcher 23.

[0027] After the ends of the two longitudinal tape T are bonded together, the grip of the longitudinal tape T by the first tape catcher 23 is released, and the supply of the longitudinal tape T from the second bobbin 22 to the accumulator unit 24 is resumed. When the supply of the longitudinal tape T from the second bobbin 22 to the accumulator unit 24 is resumed, the supply of the longitudinal tape T from the accumulator unit 24 to the tape winder 12 continues, and the longitudinal tape T is stored again inside the accumulator unit 24.

[0028] A second tape catcher 25 is provided between the accumulator unit 24 and the capstan 26. This second tape catcher 25 can grip the longitudinal tape T at the exit side of the accumulator unit 24 when the optical cable SC is finished being manufactured, when the optical cable manufacturing apparatus 10 is being maintained, or when the accumulator unit 24 is being maintained.

[0029] In the optical cable manufacturing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, paper tape for pressing and winding is exemplified as the longitudinal support tape T. However, the longitudinal support tape T in this disclosure is not limited to paper tape, and the accumulator unit 24 can handle various types of tape T other than paper tape, such as resin tape and metal tape. Furthermore, for example, as paper tape, materials with water absorption or hygroscopic properties, or materials containing water-absorbing powder can be used.

[0030] Furthermore, the width and thickness of the vertical support tape T that can be handled by the accumulator unit 24 of this embodiment are not particularly limited. For example, it can handle vertical support tape T with a width of about 10 mm to 100 mm and vertical support tape T with a thickness of about 0.05 mm to 1 mm.

[0031] The movable roller 45 and fixed roller 47 of the accumulator section 24 use rollers such as crown rollers, drum rollers, inverted crown rollers, bar rollers, or flat groove rollers. The rollers should guide the longitudinal support tape T to the center in the width direction of the roller, and also prevent the longitudinal support tape T from meandering in the width direction of the roller.

[0032] Furthermore, the cable core C in this embodiment is not particularly limited and can be applied to various cable cores such as stranded wires and cables with slot rods.

[0033] <2. Replacing the bobbin>. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the tape supply device 20. The first bobbin 21 consists of a shaft 32, a support part that supports the shaft 32, and a wound tape 31 which is a laminate of longitudinal support tape T wound around the shaft 32. The longitudinal support tape Ta drawn from the first bobbin 21 is guided by a plurality of guides 34 and supplied to the accumulator part 24. When the remaining amount of wound tape 31 falls below a predetermined amount, the shaft 32 is removed from the support part and replaced with a shaft 32 with a long length of longitudinal support tape T wound around it. Alternatively, the shaft 32 may remain as is, and only the wound tape 31 may be replaced.

[0034] Similarly, the second bobbin 22 consists of a shaft 36, a support portion that supports the shaft 36, and a wound tape 35 which is a laminate of longitudinal support tape T wound around the shaft 36. The longitudinal support tape Tb drawn out from the second bobbin 22 is guided by a plurality of guides 38 and supplied to the accumulator portion 24. When the remaining amount of wound tape 35 falls below a predetermined amount, the shaft 36 is removed from the support portion and replaced with a shaft 36 with a long length of longitudinal support tape T wound around it. Alternatively, the shaft 36 may remain as is, and only the wound tape 35 may be replaced.

[0035] As described above, one of the two bobbins, the first bobbin 21 and the second bobbin 22 (for example, the first bobbin 21), is the bobbin that supplies the longitudinal tape T, and the other bobbin (for example, the second bobbin 22) is a replacement bobbin. When the amount of longitudinal tape T wound on the first bobbin 21 falls below a predetermined amount, the supply of longitudinal tape T is switched to the second bobbin 22.

[0036] When the supply of longitudinal support tape T is switched from the first bobbin 21 to the second bobbin 22, first, the longitudinal support tape T is gripped by the first tape catcher 23 at the inlet side of the accumulator section 24. Next, the longitudinal support tape T of the first bobbin 21 is cut in the exchange device 27, and the tip of the longitudinal support tape T of the second bobbin 22 is bonded to the rear end of the longitudinal support tape T gripped by the first tape catcher 23. For this bonding, an adhesive such as a thermosetting adhesive is used. When a thermosetting adhesive is used, the adhesive is applied to the end of the longitudinal support tape T, the ends of the two longitudinal support tapes T are bonded together, and then heated to irreversibly harden the adhesive, completely bonding the two longitudinal support tapes T.

[0037] After the ends of the two longitudinal support tapes T have been bonded together, the grip of the longitudinal support tapes T by the first tape catcher 23 is released, and the supply of the longitudinal support tapes T from the second bobbin 22 to the accumulator unit 24 is resumed.

[0038] The bobbin switching operation, which includes the bonding process of the ends of the two vertically attached tapes T, can be performed manually, but some or all of it may be performed automatically by a replacement device 27 or the like.

[0039] When the remaining amount of vertical tape T in the second bobbin 22 falls below a predetermined amount, it is replaced with one that has a longer length of vertical tape T wound around it, and then switched to the first bobbin 21. In this way, the first bobbin 21 and the second bobbin 22 are switched alternately each time the remaining amount of vertical tape T falls below a predetermined amount.

[0040] <3. Overall configuration of the accumulator unit 24>. The accumulator unit 24 includes a first tape catcher 23, a plurality of movable rollers 45, and a plurality of fixed rollers 47. The movable rollers 45 and fixed rollers 47 are divided into multiple units, for example, four units in Figure 2, which are divided in order from the inlet side as the first unit 40, second unit 41, third unit 42, and fourth unit 43. The plurality of movable rollers 45 of each unit 40 to 43, for example, five movable rollers 45 in Figure 2, are rotatably fixed to a movable frame 46.

[0041] The fixed rollers 47 of each unit 40-43 are rotatably fixed to the lower frame of the accumulator section 24 (not shown). The longitudinal tape T introduced from the inlet side is guided by the fixed roller 47 on the inlet side, then alternately passed between the movable rollers 45 and the fixed rollers 47, and the longitudinal tape T guided by the fixed roller 47 on the outlet side is supplied to the outlet side.

[0042] The movable frame 46 is slidably guided along the frame of the accumulator section 24 by a slider (not shown).

[0043] The frame of the accumulator unit 24 is provided with multiple proximity switches 50 to 53 for detecting the position of the movable frames 46 of each unit 40 to 43. While not particularly limited, for example, four are provided in Figure 2. More specifically, in the example in Figure 2, the proximity switches 50 to 53 are, from bottom to top, a lower limit proximity switch 50, a brake release proximity switch 51, an upward deceleration proximity switch 52, and an upper limit proximity switch 53.

[0044] The accumulator unit 24 is equipped with a control unit (not shown) that controls the supply order of the tapes T from each unit 40 to 43. A motor 60 is located above the accumulator unit 24, and a movable frame drive mechanism such as a clutch 61 and a disc brake 62 is connected to each unit 40 to 43. (Movable roller drive mechanism) A control unit controls the supply order of tapes T from each unit 40 to 43 by controlling these movable frame drive mechanisms based on signals from proximity switches 50 to 53.

[0045] The control unit controls the system so that when the first unit 40 releases the vertical tape T, it then releases the vertical tape T of the second unit 41, then the vertical tape T of the third unit 42, and finally the vertical tape T of the fourth unit 43.

[0046] In this embodiment, the accumulator section 24 is divided into multiple units consisting of first to fourth units 40 to 43, each of which is connected in series, and each of the multiple movable rollers 45 and the multiple fixed rollers 47. Thus, the accumulator section 24 is a multi-stage unit type accumulator in which each of the units 40 to 43 is connected in series. Although not particularly limited, each of the units 40 to 43 has 5 movable rollers 45 and 5 fixed rollers 47, so the number of turns of the vertical tape T in each of the units 40 to 43 is 5 back and forth.

[0047] As described in Patent Document 1, if the number of reciprocating cycles of the longitudinal support tape T is large, the longitudinal support tape T may twist midway, potentially causing running problems. In particular, when the number of reciprocating cycles is large, if all movable rollers are moved simultaneously to accumulate and release the tape, the tension fluctuates, and the longitudinal support tape T may detach from the movable roller 45 or fixed roller 47, shift, fall off, or loosen. In contrast, when the movable roller 45 or fixed roller 47 is divided into multiple units, as in this embodiment, the number of movable rollers that move simultaneously is small, and the tension applied to the longitudinal support tape T can be stabilized. This prevents the longitudinal support tape T from detaching from the movable roller 45 or fixed roller 47, shifting, falling off, or loosening, and allows for stable tension to be applied to the longitudinal support tape T, thereby stabilizing the running of the longitudinal support tape T.

[0048] In this embodiment, each unit 40-43 has five movable rollers 45 and five fixed rollers 47, and the number of turns of the longitudinal support tape T in each unit 40-43 is five reciprocations. In this case, it was confirmed that tension is stably applied to the longitudinal support tape T and the movement of the longitudinal support tape T is stabilized. For this reason, in this disclosure, the number of turns of the longitudinal support tape T in each unit 40-43 is set to five reciprocations or less, thereby stably applying tension to the longitudinal support tape T and stabilizing the movement of the longitudinal support tape T.

[0049] <4. Drive mechanism of movable frame 46>. Figure 3 is a side view of the accumulator section 24, and Figure 4 is a plan view of the accumulator section. The weight drive mechanism 70 includes a weight-side gear 71, a roller-side gear 72, and a roller chain 73. The movable frame 46 is connected to the weight mounting base 49 via a wire 65. The wire 65 is routed between the pulley of the weight-side gear 71 and the pulley of the roller-side gear 72. The movable frame 46 is attached to one end of the wire 65, and the weight mounting base 49 is attached to the other end of the wire 65. Multiple weights 48 can be installed on the weight mounting base 49, and there are no particular limitations, but for example, up to four rows of 500g weights 48 can be installed horizontally and eight rows vertically. The number of weights 48 installed on the weight mounting base 49 can be changed, and it is set so that the weight on the weight 48 side is heavier than the weight on the movable frame 46 side by a predetermined amount.

[0050] A roller chain 73 meshes with the weight-side gear 71 and the roller-side gear 72, so that the weight-side gear 71 and the roller-side gear 72 rotate in synchronously. The weight-side gear 71 is attached to the weight-side shaft 74.

[0051] The roller-side gear 72 is mounted on the roller-side shaft 63. A disc brake 62 is mounted on one end of the roller-side shaft 63, and a clutch 61 is mounted on the other end of the roller-side shaft 63. The roller-side shaft 63 rotates integrally with the roller-side gear 72, and the rotation of the roller-side shaft 63 is transmitted to the clutch 61 and the disc brake 62. The clutch 61 can transmit the rotation of the clutch-side gear 82 to the roller-side shaft 63 or disconnect the rotation of the roller-side shaft 63.

[0052] The motor drive mechanism 80 includes a motor-side gear 81, a clutch-side gear 82, and a motor chain 83. The motor chain 83 meshes with the clutch-side gear 82 and the motor-side gear 81. The motor-side gear 81 is mounted on a motor-side shaft 64 driven by the motor 60. The driving force of the motor 60 is transmitted to the roller-side shaft 63 via the motor-side gear 81, the motor chain 83, the clutch-side gear 82, and the clutch 61. The motor-side shaft 64 is provided across all units to transmit power from the motor 60 to all units, but a motor may be provided in each unit.

[0053] A driving force acts on the movable frame 46, causing it to be lifted upward by the weight 48 installed on the weight mounting base 49. That is, when the disc brake 62 is released, the tension of the longitudinal support tape T acts on the movable frame 46 in a downward direction via the movable roller 45, and at the same time, a driving force acts on the movable frame 46, causing it to be lifted upward by the weight 48. In a unit where the longitudinal support tape T is released while being gripped by the first tape catcher 23, the driving force acting on the movable frame 46 is greater than the driving force acting on it in a downward direction via the movable roller 45 due to the tension of the longitudinal support tape T, than the driving force lifting it upward by the weight 48. Therefore, as the longitudinal support tape T is released, the movable frame 46 descends, and at the lower limit position, the disc brake 62 is activated, fixing the movable frame 46 in place. To prevent all units' movable frames 46 from being fixed simultaneously, when the movable frame 46 of one unit reaches the brake release position via the brake release proximity switch 51, the disc brake 62 of the next unit is released. For example, if the movable frame 46 in the first unit 40 reaches the brake release position due to the brake release proximity switch 51, the disc brake 62 of the second unit 41 is released.

[0054] When switching the unit that releases the vertically guided tape T, the disc brakes 62 are released on both units. At this time, the amount (weight) of the weights 48 placed on the weight mounting bases 49 of each unit 40 to 43 is set to be different so that the vertically guided tape T can be released from one unit first. The difference in weight between the weights 48 of the first unit 40 and the second unit 41 is set so that the weight 48 of the second unit, which releases the vertically guided tape T later, is heavier than the weight 48 of the first unit 40. Although not particularly limited, the difference in weight between the weights 48 of the first unit 40 and the second unit 41 is set to be about 5%. Similarly, the difference in weight between the weights 48 of the second unit 41 and the third unit 42, and between the third unit 42 and the fourth unit 43 is set to be about 5%.

[0055] Once the bobbin switching is complete and the grip of the longitudinally supported tape T by the first tape catcher 23 is released, and the supply of the longitudinally supported tape T to the accumulator unit 24 is resumed, the motor 60 is driven and the clutch 61 is connected to the roller-side shaft 63 in order to store the longitudinally supported tape T in the accumulator unit 24, thereby lifting the movable frame 46 in the upward direction by the driving force of the motor 60.

[0056] <5. Control of the movable frame 46 by the control unit> When the bobbin is replaced, the first tape catcher 23 grips the longitudinal tape T. Simultaneously with or before the first tape catcher 23 grips the longitudinal tape T, the disc brake 62 of the first unit 40 is released. When the disc brake 62 of the first unit 40 is released, the tension of the longitudinal tape T acts on the movable frame 46 in a downward direction via the movable roller 45. As the movable frame 46 descends against the weight of the counterweight 48, the first unit 40 releases the longitudinal tape T stored between the movable roller 45 and the fixed roller 47.

[0057] In this embodiment, the control unit controls the supply order of the longitudinal tape T from each unit 40 to 43 by controlling the movable frame drive mechanism, i.e., the weight drive mechanism 70 and the motor drive mechanism 80, based on signals from proximity switches 50 to 53. The control unit controls the system so that when the first unit 40 releases the longitudinal tape T, it then releases the longitudinal tape T from the second unit 41, then the longitudinal tape T from the third unit 42, and finally the longitudinal tape T from the fourth unit 43.

[0058] When the brake release proximity switch 51 of the first unit 40 detects that the movable frame 46 has reached the brake release position of the next unit, the disc brake 62 of the second unit 41 is released. At this time, since the weight 48 of the second unit 41 is set to be heavier than the weight 48 of the first unit 40, the first unit 40 continues to descend, and the vertical support tape T is released from the first unit 40 first.

[0059] When the lower-limit proximity switch 50 of the first unit 40 detects that the movable frame 46 has reached its lower limit proximity, the control unit activates the disc brake 62 of the first unit 40 to fix the movable frame 46 of the first unit 40.

[0060] Next, when the brake release proximity switch 51 of the second unit 41 detects that the movable frame 46 has reached the brake release position of the next unit, the disc brake 62 of the third unit 42 is released. Subsequently, similar to the switching from the first unit 40 to the second unit 41, the switching from the second unit 41 to the third unit 42, and then from the third unit 42 to the fourth unit 43 takes place.

[0061] When the control unit switches units, that is, when the brake release proximity switch 51 detects that the movable frame 46 has reached the brake release position for the next unit, it releases the disc brake 62 of the next unit, thus preventing the disc brakes 62 of both units from operating simultaneously. This prevents all movable frames 46 from being locked at the same time, thus preventing a sudden increase in the tension of the longitudinal support tape T and stabilizing the movement of the longitudinal support tape T.

[0062] Once the bobbin switching is complete, the control unit releases the grip of the longitudinal tape T by the first tape catcher 23 and resumes supplying the longitudinal tape T to the accumulator unit 24. In order to store the longitudinal tape T in the accumulator unit 24, the motor 60 is driven and the clutch 61 is connected to the roller-side shaft 63, thereby lifting the movable frame 46 in the upward direction by the driving force of the motor 60. The order in which the movable frame 46 is lifted is fourth unit 43, third unit 42, second unit 41, and first unit 40. A load from the weight 48 is applied to the movable frame 46 in the upward direction, but due to the tension of the longitudinal tape T, the load from the weight 48 alone is not sufficient to reliably and stably lift the movable frame 46. Therefore, by lifting the movable frame 46 in the upward direction with the driving force of the motor 60, the movable frame 46 can be lifted stably.

[0063] The control unit releases the disc brake 62 of the fourth unit 43, drives the motor 60, and connects the clutch 61 to the roller-side shaft 63, thereby using the driving force of the motor 60 to lift the movable frame 46 of the fourth unit 43 upward. When the upper deceleration proximity switch 52 of the fourth unit 43 detects that the movable frame 46 has reached the deceleration position, the control unit reduces the rotational speed of the motor 60, thereby reducing the upward speed of the movable frame 46. Next, when the upper limit proximity switch 53 of the fourth unit 43 detects that the movable frame 46 has reached the upper limit position, the control unit activates the disc brake 62 and disengages the clutch 61, fixing the movable frame 46 of the fourth unit 43. Before the movable frame 46 is locked, that is, when the upper deceleration proximity switch 52 detects that the movable frame 46 has reached the deceleration position, the control unit reduces the rotational speed of the motor 60, thereby reducing the upward speed of the movable frame 46. This prevents abrupt increases in the upward speed of the movable frame 46, thereby stabilizing the movement of the vertically guided tape T.

[0064] Next, the control unit releases the disc brake 62 of the third unit 42, drives the motor 60, and connects the clutch 61 to the roller-side shaft 63, thereby using the driving force of the motor 60 to lift the movable frame 46 of the fourth unit 43 upward. Subsequently, in the same manner as with the fourth unit 43, vertical support tape T is stored in each unit 40-43 in the order of the third unit 42, the second unit 41, and the first unit 40. Furthermore, when the bobbin switching is completed and the supply of vertically attached tape T to the accumulator unit 24 is resumed, if the movable frame 46 of the fourth unit 43 has already reached its upper limit position, the control unit controls the movable frame 46 of the third unit 42 to be raised. Similarly, if the third unit 42 has already reached its upper limit position, the control unit controls the movable frame 46 of the second unit 41 to be raised. Also, if the second unit 41 has already reached its upper limit position, the control unit controls the movable frame 46 of the first unit 40 to be raised, thereby accumulating vertically attached tape T in each of the units 40 to 43.

[0065] [Second Embodiment] A tape supply device, optical cable manufacturing device, and optical cable manufacturing method according to a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Compared with the tape supply device, optical cable manufacturing device, and optical cable manufacturing method according to the first embodiment, the tape supply device, optical cable manufacturing device, and optical cable manufacturing method according to the second embodiment differ in the order in which the longitudinally supported tape T is supplied from each unit 40 to 43 when the longitudinally supported tape T is gripped by the first tape catcher 23 and supplied from the accumulator unit 24.

[0066] In the first embodiment, the control unit controls the first unit 40 to release the vertical tape T, then the second unit 41 to release the vertical tape T, then the third unit 42 to release the vertical tape T, and finally the fourth unit 43 to release the vertical tape T. In contrast, in this embodiment, the control unit controls the fourth unit 43 to release the vertical tape T first, then the third unit 42 to release the vertical tape T, then the second unit 41 to release the vertical tape T, and finally the first unit 40 to release the vertical tape T.

[0067] Since the fourth unit 43 is the unit closest to the outlet of the accumulator section 24, when the longitudinal support tape T is being released from the fourth unit 43, the movable rollers 45 and fixed rollers 47 of the first to third units 40 to 42 are stopped. By controlling the system to release the longitudinal support tape T from the fourth unit 43 first, the number of rotating movable rollers 45 and fixed rollers 47 is minimized, making it easier to prevent the longitudinal support tape T from detaching, slipping, falling off, or becoming loose from the movable rollers 45 or fixed rollers 47. This allows for stable tension to be applied to the longitudinal support tape T, making the movement of the longitudinal support tape T more stable.

[0068] In this embodiment as well, once the bobbin switching is complete and the supply of longitudinal tape T to the accumulator unit 24 is resumed, the motor 60 is driven and the clutch 61 is connected to the roller-side shaft 63 in order to store the longitudinal tape T in the accumulator unit 24, thereby lifting the movable frame 46 in the upward direction by the driving force of the motor 60. At this time, the order in which the movable frame 46 is lifted is the first unit 40, the second unit 41, the third unit 42, and the fourth unit 43.

[0069] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples of optical cable manufacturing methods and manufacturing apparatus for realizing the technical concept of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to these embodiments. The present invention can be equally applied to other embodiments, and it is possible to omit, add, or modify parts of these embodiments, or to combine the aspects of each embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 10 Optical cable manufacturing equipment 11 Cable Core Supply 12 Tape winder 13 Extrusion molding machine 14 Capstan 15 Winder 20 Tape supply device 21 First bobbin 22. Second bobbin 23. Tape Catcher No. 1 24 Accumulator section 25. Second Tape Catcher 26 Capstan 27 Exchange device 31 Wrapped Tape 32 axes 34 Guide 35-wrap tape 36 axes 38 Guide 40 Unit 1 41 Unit 2 42 Unit 3 43 Unit 4 45 Movable rollers 46 movable frame 47 Fixed roller 48 Weight 49 Weight installation stand 50 Lower-limit proximity switch 51 Brake release proximity switch 52 Upward deceleration proximity switch 53. Upper Proximity Switch 60 motor 61 Clutch 62 Disc Brakes 63 Roller side shaft 64 Motor side shaft 65 wires 70 Weight drive mechanism 71. Weight-side gear 72 Roller-side gear 73 Roller chain 74 Weight side axis 80 Motor drive mechanism 81 Motor-side gear 82 Clutch side gear 83 Motor Chain C Cable Core SC Optical Cable T, Ta, Tb vertical tape

Claims

1. A tape supply device that supplies tape to an optical cable, A multi-stage unit type accumulator section is divided into units, each having multiple movable rollers, multiple fixed rollers, and a movable roller drive mechanism for raising and lowering the multiple movable rollers, and each of the units is connected in series. A control unit that controls the order in which tapes are supplied from each of the aforementioned units, Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned units is equipped with a disc brake for stopping the movable roller, A tape supply device in which the control unit controls the disc brakes of the two units before and after the switch so that they do not operate simultaneously when the units are switched.

2. The tape supply device according to claim 1, wherein the tape is a vertically guided tape.

3. Each of the aforementioned units has a movable roller fitted with a weight for controlling the tension of the tape. The tape supply device according to claim 1, wherein the weights of the weights in each of the aforementioned units are different.

4. The tape supply device according to claim 1, wherein the number of turns of the tape by the movable roller and the fixed roller of each unit is five or less.

5. Optical cable manufacturing equipment using the tape supply device described in any one of claims 1 to 4 Place.

6. A method for manufacturing optical cables using the tape supply device described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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