Title of the invention: Optical fiber alignment method, optical fiber fusion method, method for manufacturing optical fiber tape with connector, and intermittent connection type optical fiber tape. Technical field [0001] 　The present invention relates to an optical fiber alignment method, an optical fiber fusion method, a method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape with a connector, and an intermittent connection type optical fiber tape. Background technology [0002] 　Patent Document 1 describes that the outer diameter of an optical fiber is reduced from 250 μm to 200 μm, and optical fibers having an outer diameter of 200 μm are arranged in parallel at a pitch of 250 μm to form an optical fiber tape. Further, Patent Document 1 describes an intermittently connected optical fiber tape in which a plurality of parallel optical fibers are intermittently connected. Prior art literature Patent documents [0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 564026 Outline of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention [0004] 　When the 250 μm pitch optical fiber tapes are collectively fused with a 200 μm pitch fusion splicer, it is necessary to align the optical fibers parallel at the 250 μm pitch at the 200 μm pitch. During such optical fiber alignment work, the ends of the 250 μm pitch optical fiber tape have been single-core separated, and the plurality of separated single-core separated optical fibers are held in the holder for the 200 μm pitch. As a result, the optical fibers were aligned at a pitch of 200 μm. 　However, the work of holding a plurality of optical fibers separated by a single core in the holder is inconvenient to handle the optical fibers, and the workability is poor. It should be noted that such a problem of workability is not limited to the case where a plurality of optical fibers of an optical fiber tape having a 250 μm pitch are aligned at a pitch of 200 μm, and is not limited to the case of batch fusion splicing. This is a problem that can occur when arranging a plurality of optical fibers of optical fiber tapes arranged in parallel at a certain pitch (first pitch) at different pitches (second pitch). [0005] 　An object of the present invention is to simplify the work of aligning optical fibers. Means to solve problems [0006] 　The main invention for achieving the above object is to prepare an intermittently connected optical fiber tape provided with a plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel at a first pitch wider than the fiber diameter, and to provide a non-connected region of the optical fiber tape. By holding the optical fiber in the holder, the width of the optical fiber tape is narrowed inside the holder, and the plurality of optical fibers extending from the holder are held in the holder. This is an optical fiber alignment method in which a plurality of the optical fibers extending from the holder are aligned at a second pitch narrower than the first pitch by removing the connecting portion for connecting the optical fibers. [0007] 　Other features of the present invention will be clarified by the description of the description and drawings described later. The invention's effect [0008] 　According to the present invention, the work of arranging optical fibers is simplified. A brief description of the drawing [0009] 1A and 1B are explanatory views of the optical fiber tape 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of two optical fibers 2 connected by a connecting portion 11 and is a cross-sectional view of a portion where the connecting portion 11 is formed. FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram of the connecting portion 11 of the first modification. FIG. 2C is an explanatory diagram of the connecting portion 11 of the second modification. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the length of the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 and the holder 50. FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a process in which an optical fiber tape 1 having a 250 μm pitch is collectively fused by a fusion splicing device 40 for a 200 μm pitch. 5A and 5B are explanatory views showing a state in which the unconnected region 30 is sandwiched between the holders 50. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a cross section taken along the line BB of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C is an explanatory diagram of the holder 50 of the modified example. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of how the coating of the optical fiber 2 is removed by the coating removing device 60. FIG. 6B is an explanatory view of the optical fiber tape 1 held in the holder 50 after the coating is removed. [FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a state at the time of fusion splicing. FIG. 8 is a model diagram of the curvature of the Nth fiber. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the optical fiber tape 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram of how to use the mark 8. 10A and 10B are explanatory views of the optical fiber tape 1 of the second embodiment. 11A and 11B are explanatory views of the optical fiber tape 1 of the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the optical fiber tape 1 of the third embodiment is placed on the holder 50. FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the optical fiber tape 1 of the third embodiment is held by the holder 50. FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of a cross section of B'-B' in FIG. 13A. FIG. 13C is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber tape 1 held in the holder 50 after the coating is removed. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an allowable number of connecting portions 11 in the second connected section 21B. 15A and 15B are explanatory views of the optical fiber tape 1 of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of an XX cross section of FIG. 15B. FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a manufacturing process of the optical fiber tape 1 with a connector. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the process of S106 of the fifth embodiment. Embodiment for carrying out the invention [0010] 　At least the following matters will be clarified from the description of the specification and the drawings described later. [0011] 　By preparing an intermittently connected optical fiber tape having a plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel at a first pitch wider than the fiber diameter, and by holding the non-connected region of the optical fiber tape with a holder, the inside of the holder. By narrowing the width of the optical fiber tape and removing the connecting portion connecting the plurality of optical fibers extending from the holder while the plurality of the optical fibers are held in the holder. An optical fiber alignment method for aligning a plurality of the optical fibers extending from the holder at a second pitch narrower than the first pitch will be clarified. According to such an optical fiber alignment method, the optical fiber alignment work becomes simple. [0012] 　It is desirable to remove the connecting portion by removing the coatings of the plurality of optical fibers extending from the holder while the plurality of the optical fibers are held in the holder. As a result, the connection portion of the optical fiber tape can be removed and the coating of a plurality of optical fibers can be removed at the same time, so that the work of arranging the optical fibers becomes simple. [0013] 　It is desirable that a mark is formed in the non-connected region, the optical fiber tape and the holder are aligned based on the position of the mark, and the non-connected region of the optical fiber tape is held by the holder. This facilitates the work of holding the unconnected region of the optical fiber tape in the holder. [0014] 　A connected region is configured by intermittently arranging a plurality of connected sections in which the connected portions are intermittently arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber tape in the longitudinal direction, and the connected section adjacent to the non-connected region. It is desirable that the number of the connecting portions arranged in is smaller than the number of the connecting portions arranged in the connected section not adjacent to the non-connected region. As a result, when the non-connected region of the optical fiber tape is sandwiched between the holders, the influence of the connecting portion is reduced, so that the width of the optical fiber tape can be easily narrowed. [0015] 　A connecting region is configured by intermittently arranging a plurality of connecting sections in which the connecting portions are intermittently arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber tape in the longitudinal direction, and the connecting section adjacent to the non-connecting region is formed. It is desirable that the non-connecting portion is arranged outside the connecting portion arranged in the width direction. As a result, the optical fiber located at the end of the optical fiber tape is easily displaced inward, so that the space between the optical fibers is easily narrowed inside the holder. [0016] 　It is desirable that the region where the holding portion of the holder holds the optical fiber tape is the non-connected region. As a result, by holding the non-connected region of the optical fiber tape with the holder, it becomes easy to narrow the width of the optical fiber tape inside the holder. [0017] 　On the other hand, a part of the connecting region in which the connecting portion is provided may be included in the region where the holding portion of the holder sandwiches the optical fiber tape. In this case, the connected region is longitudinally composed of a plurality of first connected sections in which the connected portions are intermittently arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber tape and a second connected section arranged adjacent to the non-connected region. It is configured by intermittently arranging in the direction, and the distance between the first connected section and the second connected section in the longitudinal direction is the longitudinal distance between the first connected section and the first connected section. It is preferable that the second connecting section is included in the region where the holding portion of the holder holds the optical fiber tape, which is longer than the interval in the direction. As a result, the second connected section sandwiched between the holders is arranged so as to be biased toward the non-connected region, so that it becomes easy to narrow the distance between the optical fibers that are not constrained by the connected portion in the second connected section. [0018] 　A state in which a plurality of the optical fibers extending from the holder are aligned at the second pitch narrower than the first pitch by the above-mentioned optical fiber alignment method, and then the plurality of the optical fibers are held by the holder. Then, the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers extending from the holder and having the coating removed are cut to a predetermined length, and the plurality of optical fibers are held in the holder. An optical fiber fusion method in which a holder is set in a fusion splicing device and a plurality of the optical fibers aligned at the second pitch are fused using the fusion splicing device becomes clear. According to such an optical fiber fusion method, the optical fiber alignment work is simplified, so that the fusion work is also simplified. [0019] 　Further, by the above-mentioned optical fiber alignment method, a plurality of the optical fibers extending from the holder are aligned at the second pitch narrower than the first pitch, and then the plurality of optical fibers are held by the holder. In this state, the ends of the plurality of optical fibers extending from the holder and having the coating removed are cut to a predetermined length, and the plurality of the optical fibers are held in the holder. , A method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape with a connector, which inserts a plurality of the optical fibers aligned at the second pitch into a fiber hole of the ferrule and attaches an end portion of the plurality of the optical fibers to the ferrule. It becomes. According to such a method for manufacturing an optical fiber tape with a connector, the work of arranging the optical fibers is simplified, so that the work of manufacturing the optical fiber tape with a connector is also simplified. [0020] 　An intermittent connection type optical fiber provided with a plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel at a pitch wider than the fiber diameter and a plurality of connecting portions for connecting two adjacent optical fibers, and the plurality of connecting portions are intermittently arranged. In the case of tape, a plurality of the connecting portions are intermittently arranged to form the connecting portion between the connecting region in which the plurality of optical fibers are intermittently connected and the connecting region and the connecting region. Intermittently connected optical fiber tapes characterized by having unconnected regions are revealed. Such an optical fiber tape simplifies the work of arranging a plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel at a pitch wider than the fiber diameter at a narrow pitch. [0021] 　It is desirable that a mark used for aligning the optical fiber tape and the holder holding the optical fiber tape is formed in the non-connected region. As a result, the optical fiber tape and the holder can be aligned based on the position of the mark, and the non-connected region of the optical fiber tape can be held by the holder. [0022] 　The connected region is configured by intermittently arranging a plurality of connected sections in which the connected portions are arranged intermittently in the width direction of the optical fiber tape in the longitudinal direction, and is adjacent to the non-connected region. It is desirable that the number of the connected portions arranged in the connected section is smaller than the number of the connected portions arranged in the connected section not adjacent to the non-connected region. As a result, when the non-connected region of the optical fiber tape is sandwiched between the holders, the influence of the connecting portion is reduced, so that the width of the optical fiber tape can be easily narrowed. [0023] 　The connecting region is configured by intermittently arranging a plurality of connecting sections in which the connecting portions are arranged intermittently in the width direction of the optical fiber tape in the longitudinal direction, and is adjacent to the non-connecting region. It is desirable that the non-connecting portion is arranged outside the connecting portion in the width direction of the connecting portion arranged in the connecting section. As a result, the optical fiber located at the end of the optical fiber tape is easily displaced inward, so that the width of the optical fiber tape is easily narrowed inside the holder. [0024] 　In the connecting region, a plurality of first connecting sections in which the connecting portions are intermittently arranged in the width direction of the optical fiber tape and a second connecting section arranged adjacent to the non-connecting region are arranged in the longitudinal direction. It is configured by intermittently arranging, and the distance between the first connected section and the second connected section in the longitudinal direction is the longitudinal distance between the first connected section and the first connected section. It is desirable that it is longer than the interval. As a result, the second connected section sandwiched between the holders is arranged so as to be biased toward the non-connected region, so that it becomes easy to narrow the distance between the optical fibers that are not constrained by the connected portion in the second connected section. [0025] 　=== 1st Embodiment === 　 　FIGS. 1A and 1B are explanatory views of the optical fiber tape 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram of a connected region 20 and a non-connected region 30. FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of the connecting region 20. FIG. 1B shows the arrangement of a plurality of connecting portions 11 formed in the connecting region 20. [0026] 　In the following description, each direction is defined as follows. As shown in the figure, the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape 1 is simply referred to as the "longitudinal direction". The direction parallel to the optical fiber 2 in a state (shown) in which a plurality of optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber tape 1 are arranged side by side on a plane so as to be substantially parallel is called a "longitudinal direction". Sometimes. Further, the optical axis direction of the optical fiber 2 constituting the optical fiber tape 1 may be referred to as a "longitudinal direction". Further, the direction in which the plurality of optical fibers 2 are lined up in the illustrated state is referred to as a "width direction". Further, the direction perpendicular to the tape surface of the optical fiber tape 1 in the illustrated state (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the drawing) is referred to as a "tape thickness direction". [0027] 　The optical fiber tape 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called intermittent connection type (intermittently fixed type) optical fiber tape. The intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 is an optical fiber tape in which a plurality of optical fibers 2 are connected in parallel and intermittently connected. The two adjacent optical fibers 2 are connected by a connecting portion 11. A plurality of connecting portions 11 for connecting two adjacent optical fibers 2 are intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction. Further, the plurality of connecting portions 11 of the optical fiber tape 1 are arranged two-dimensionally intermittently in the longitudinal direction and the width direction. The connecting portion 11 is formed by applying an ultraviolet curable resin serving as an adhesive (tape material) and then irradiating with ultraviolet rays to solidify the connecting portion 11. The connecting portion 11 can also be made of a thermoplastic resin. The region other than the connecting portion 11 between the two adjacent optical fibers 2 is the non-connecting portion 13 (separated portion). In the non-connecting portion 13, the two adjacent optical fibers 2 are not constrained to each other. The non-connecting portion 13 is arranged in the width direction of the connecting portion 11. The optical fiber tape 1 can be rolled into a tubular shape (bundle shape) or folded, and can accommodate a large number of optical fibers 2 at a high density. [0028] 　The intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1A. For example, the number of cores of the optical fiber tape 1 (the number of optical fibers 2) may be changed. Further, the arrangement of the connecting portion 11 may be changed within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present application. [0029] 　In this embodiment, a plurality of optical fibers 2 are arranged in parallel at intervals wider than the outer diameter of the optical fibers 2. Here, the outer diameter (fiber diameter D) of the optical fiber 2 is 200 μm, and the interval in the width direction of the optical fiber 2 (first fiber pitch Pf1) is 250 μm. In the following description, the outer diameter of the optical fiber 2 may be referred to as "fiber diameter D". Further, in the following description, the interval in the width direction of the optical fiber 2 in the optical fiber tape 1 may be referred to as "first fiber pitch Pf1". The fiber diameter D is not limited to 200 μm, but may be 220 μm or less. Further, the first fiber pitch Pf1 is not limited to 250 μm, but is 250 ± 30 μm (within the range of 220 μm to 280 μm), and may be an interval at which a gap is formed between two adjacent optical fibers 2. It's fine. [0030] 　As shown in FIG. 1A, the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 is provided with a connected region 20 and a non-connected region 30. The connecting region 20 is a region in which a plurality of connecting portions 11 are formed so as to connect all the optical fibers 2 (here, 12 optical fibers 2). The non-connected region 30 is a region between the connected region 20 and the connected region 20 without a connecting portion 11. The connected region 20 and the non-connected region 30 are formed alternately in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the unconnected region 30 is formed between the connected region 20 and the connected region 20, and the connected region 20 is formed between the unconnected region 30 and the unconnected region 30. As shown in FIG. 1A, the connecting regions 20 are repeatedly arranged at predetermined intervals P1 in the longitudinal direction. In the following description, the distance between the connecting regions 20 in the longitudinal direction may be referred to as "region pitch P1". [0031] 　As shown in FIG. 1B, a plurality of connected sections 21 are provided in the connected region 20. Here, two connected sections 21 are provided in one connected area 20. In each connecting section 21, 5 to 6 connecting portions 11 are formed intermittently in the width direction. In each connected section 21, the connected portion 11 and the non-connected portion 13 are alternately formed in the width direction. The positions of the connecting portions 11 in each connected section 21 are different from each other. In other words, the plurality of connecting portions 11 in each connecting section 21 are arranged alternately in the width direction. As a result, the two adjacent optical fibers 2 are connected by at least one connecting portion 11 of the connecting region 20, and all the optical fibers 2 are intermittently connected by the plurality of connecting portions 11 belonging to one connecting region 20. Is linked to. When the number of connected sections 21 in one connected region 20 is i, i is not limited to 2, and i may be 3 or more (described later). Further, when the number of connected portions 11 in one connected section 21 is j, j is not limited to 5 to 6, and may be another number (described later). [0032] 　Between the connected section 21 and the connected section 21, a non-connected section 23 in which the connecting portion 11 does not exist in the width direction is provided. As shown in FIG. 1B, a plurality of (here, two) connecting sections 21 in the connecting region 20 are arranged at predetermined intervals P2 in the longitudinal direction. In the following description, the interval in the longitudinal direction of the connected section 21 in the connected region 20 may be referred to as “section pitch P2”. Since the section pitch P2 is longer than the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 11, the unconnected section 23 is formed between the connected section 21 and the connected section 21. The length of the non-connected region 30 in the longitudinal direction is set to be longer than the section pitch P2. [0033] 　FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of two optical fibers 2 connected by the connecting portion 11, and is a cross-sectional view of a portion where the connecting portion 11 is formed. [0034] 　The optical fiber 2 has an optical fiber bare wire 4, a coating layer 5, and a colored layer 6. The optical fiber bare wire 4 is composed of a core and a cladding. The coating layer 5 is a layer that covers the optical fiber bare wire 4. The coating layer 5 is composed of, for example, a primary coating layer (primary coat) and a secondary coating layer (secondary coat). The colored layer 6 is a layer formed on the surface of the coating layer 5. The colored layer 6 is formed by applying a colorant to the surface of the coating layer 5. [0035] 　The two adjacent optical fibers 2 are connected by a taped material (ultraviolet curable resin; connecting agent) constituting the connecting portion 11. A taped material layer 15 made of a taped material is formed on the entire circumference of the colored layer 6. Further, the taped material layer 15 made of the taped material is formed on the surface of the colored layer 6 over the entire area in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 2. The connecting portion 11 has a concave shape at an intermediate portion between the two optical fibers 2. [0036] 　FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram of the connecting portion 11 of the first modification. As shown in the first modification, the connecting portion 11 does not have to be recessed in the intermediate portion between the two optical fibers 2.　 　FIG. 2C is an explanatory diagram of the connecting portion 11 of the second modification. As shown in the second modification, the taped material layer 15 by the taped material may not be formed on the entire circumference of the colored layer 6. According to the second modification, the diameter of the optical fiber 2 can be further reduced.　 　The connecting portions 11 (or the taped material layer 15) may not be formed on both the upper and lower sides of the line connecting the centers of the two adjacent optical fibers 2, and the two adjacent optical fibers may not be formed. The connecting portion 11 (or the taped material layer 15) may be formed only on one side of the upper side or the lower side of the line connecting the centers of 2. Further, the connecting portion 11 (or the taped material layer 15) may not be formed evenly on the upper and lower sides of the line connecting the centers of the two adjacent optical fibers 2. [0037] 　FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the length of the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 and the holder 50. [0038] 　The holder 50 is a member that holds the optical fiber tape 1. The holder 50 has a base portion 51 and a lid portion 52. [0039] 　The base portion 51 is a member on which the optical fiber tape 1 is placed, and has a mounting surface 51A on which the optical fiber tape 1 is placed. A V-groove (see FIG. 5B) for aligning the optical fibers 2 at a predetermined pitch is formed on the mounting surface 51A. [0040] 　The lid portion 52 is a member that can be opened and closed with respect to the base portion 51. When the lid portion 52 is closed, the optical fiber tape 1 is sandwiched (held) between the mounting surface 51A of the base portion 51 and the lid portion 52. Therefore, the mounting surface 51A of the base portion 51 and the lid portion 52 form a holding portion for sandwiching the optical fiber tape 1. Here, the length Lh in the longitudinal direction of the holding portion is defined by the width (dimension in the longitudinal direction) of the lid portion 52. However, when the pad in contact with the optical fiber tape 1 is provided on the inner surface of the lid portion 52, the length Lh in the longitudinal direction of the holding portion is not the width (dimension in the longitudinal direction) of the lid portion 52, but the length Lh in the longitudinal direction. It will be defined by the width of the pad (dimension in the longitudinal direction). [0041] 　When the lid portion 52 is closed and the optical fiber tape 1 is held in the holder 50, the optical fiber 2 extends from both sides of the holder 50 (or the holding portion). In the following description, among the optical fibers 2 extending from the holder 50, the side on which the optical fiber 2 on the side to be processed later (the side for removing or cutting the coating: the tip side of the optical fiber 2) extends. Is sometimes called the "machining side", and the opposite side is sometimes called the "base end side". [0042] 　In the present embodiment, the length of the non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 is set to be longer than the width Lh (dimension in the longitudinal direction) of the sandwiching portion. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the sandwiching portion is configured to be able to sandwich the non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 (the holder 50 without sandwiching the region formed by the connecting portion 11 in the sandwiching portion). It is a configuration that can hold the optical fiber tape 1). As a result, as will be described later, when the optical fiber tape 1 is held by the holder 50, the gaps between the plurality of optical fibers 2 inside the holder 50 (pinching portion) can be easily narrowed as compared with the first fiber pitch Pf1. It becomes easy to narrow the width of the optical fiber tape 1 (see FIG. 5B). [0043] 　Further, in the present embodiment, when the sandwiching portion sandwiches the non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1, the non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 extends from both sides of the sandwiching portion (see also FIG. 5A). .. Here, when the sandwiching portion sandwiches the non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1, the length of the non-connecting region 30 extending from the base end side (left side of FIG. 3 (or FIG. 5A)) of the sandwiching portion in the longitudinal direction. Let L1 be, and let L2 be the length of the unconnected region 30 extending from the machined side (right side in the drawing) of the holder 50 in the longitudinal direction. As will be described later, it is desirable that the length L1 is set so that the bending radius of the optical fiber 2 becomes longer than the allowable bending radius R when the holder 50 holds the optical fiber 2. Specifically, the length L1 is preferably 9.42 mm or more. Further, it is desirable that the length L2 is such that the pair of blades 61A of the coating removing device 60 can sandwich the portion of the non-connecting region 30. Specifically, it is desirable that the length L2 is 2 mm or more. Therefore, it is desirable that the length of the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 is longer than the length (Lh + L1 + L2) obtained by adding the length L1 and the length L2 to the width Lh of the sandwiching portion, and specifically, the length. It is desirable that the length is longer than the length obtained by adding 11.42 mm to Lh (Lh + 11.42 mm). [0044] 　 　FIG. 4 shows a batch fusion of optical fiber tapes 1 in which optical fibers 2 having a fiber diameter of 200 μm are connected in parallel at a pitch of 250 μm and intermittently connected by a fusion splicing device 40 for a pitch of 200 μm. It is a flow diagram of the process at the time of dressing. In the figure, a processing flow (S001 to S004) for aligning the optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber tape 1 in which optical fibers 2 having a fiber diameter of 200 μm are connected in parallel at a pitch of 250 μm at a pitch of 200 μm. Is also included. In the following description, the interval in the width direction of the optical fiber 2 for batch fusion in the fusion splicing device 40 may be referred to as "second fiber pitch Pf2". The second fiber pitch Pf2 may be narrower than the first fiber pitch Pf1 and is not limited to 200 μm. [0045] 　First, the operator prepares a 250 μm pitch optical fiber tape 1 to be fused and connected, and a holder 50 for a 200 μm pitch (S001). In other words, the operator prepares the optical fiber tape 1 having the first fiber pitch Pf1 and the holder 50 for the second fiber pitch Pf2. Here, the operator prepares the optical fiber tape 1 shown in FIG. 1A as the optical fiber tape 1 having a pitch of 250 μm. The holder 50 for a 200 μm pitch is a holder for setting the optical fiber tape 1 in the fusion splicing device 40 for a 200 μm pitch. A plurality of V-grooves (described later: see FIG. 5B) are formed on the mounting surface 51A of the base portion 51 of the holder 50 of the present embodiment at a pitch of 200 μm (second fiber pitch Pf2). [0046] 　Next, the operator places the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50 (S002). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the length of the non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 is set to be longer than the width Lh of the lid portion 52, and the operator is not the optical fiber tape 1. The non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 is placed on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50 so that the connecting region 30 faces the lid portion 52. [0047] 　When the unconnected region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 is placed on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50, the end portion (the portion on the right side in the figure) of the optical fiber 2 extends outside the holder 50 (the right side in the figure). It will be in the out state. Then, in the present embodiment, when the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 is placed on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50, a part of the non-connected region 30 (the portion on the right side in the drawing) is outside the holder 50. It will be in a state of extending to (right side in the figure). [0048] 　Next, the operator closes the lid portion 52 and causes the holder 50 to hold the optical fiber tape 1 (S003). Since the non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 is placed on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50 so as to face the lid portion 52 in S002, when the lid portion 52 is closed in S003, the optical fiber tape 1 The non-connected region 30 is sandwiched between the mounting surface 51A of the base portion 51 and the lid portion 52. If necessary, the operator holds the optical fiber tape 1 while narrowing the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 with a finger in the width direction (while narrowing the distance between the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the non-connected region 30). It may be held at 50. [0049] 　5A and 5B are explanatory views of a state in which the unconnected region 30 is sandwiched between the holders 50. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a cross section taken along the line BB of FIG. 5A. [0050] 　Since the connecting portion 11 is not formed in the non-connecting portion 30 of the optical fiber tape 1, there is a non-connecting portion 13 (separation portion) between the respective optical fibers 2, and the optical fiber 2 is formed in the non-connecting region 30. They are not restrained from each other. Therefore, when the unconnected region 30 is sandwiched between the holders 50, the distance between the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the unconnected region 30 is narrowed according to the pitch of the V groove of the mounting surface 51A (second fiber pitch Pf2). Become. As a result, by holding the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 in the holder 50, a plurality of optical fibers 2 are placed inside the holder 50 (specifically, inside the holding portion of the holder 50) at the first fiber pitch Pf1 (more specifically, inside the holding portion of the holder 50). It can be aligned at a pitch narrower than (= 250 μm), and the width of the optical fiber tape 1 can be narrowed. [0051] 　FIG. 5C is an explanatory diagram of the holder 50 of the modified example. A pair of stepped portions are formed on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50 of the modified example, and the distance between the optical fibers 2 at both ends in the width direction is defined by the pair of stepped portions, whereby a plurality of light rays are used. Fibers 2 are aligned at a pitch of 200 μm. As described above, the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50 for a 200 μm pitch is not limited to the one having a V groove having a 200 μm pitch, and may have another shape. In other words, when the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 is held in the holder 50, it suffices if the gaps between the plurality of optical fibers 2 can be narrowed inside the holder 50 to narrow the width of the optical fiber tape 1. [0052] 　As shown in FIG. 5A, when the non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 is sandwiched by the holder 50, the optical fiber 2 extends from both sides of the sandwiched portion. Further, in the present embodiment, when the non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 is sandwiched by the holder 50, a part of the non-connecting region 30 extends outward from the sandwiched portion. Here, the non-connecting region 30 extends by the length L1 from the base end side of the holding portion, and the non-connecting region 30 extends by the length L2 from the processed side of the holder 50. [0053] 　At the stage of S003, as shown in FIG. 5A, the connecting portion 11 exists between the optical fibers 2 on the outside of the lid portion 52 of the holder 50 (outside of the holding portion), and the optical fiber 2 is present in the connecting portion 11. The distance between them is constrained to 250 μm. Therefore, at the stage of S003, the plurality of optical fibers 2 outside the lid portion 52 of the holder 50 (outside the sandwiching portion) are affected by the connecting portion 11, and are therefore arranged substantially at the first fiber pitch Pf1. There is. [0054] 　Next, the operator removes the coating of the optical fiber 2 (S004). [0055] 　FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of how the coating of the optical fiber 2 is removed by the coating removing device 60. [0056] 　The coating removing device 60 is a device that removes the coating of a plurality of optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber tape 1. The decoating device 60 is a so-called hot jacket stripper. The coating removing device 60 has a main body portion 61 having a pair of blades 61A, and a gripping portion 62 for gripping the holder 50. The operator sets the holder 50 holding the optical fiber tape 1 on the grip portion 62 of the coating removing device 60, and sandwiches the optical fiber 2 (optical fiber tape 1) with the pair of blades 61A of the main body portion 61 to sandwich the optical fiber 2 (optical fiber tape 1). After making a notch in the coating of the optical fiber 2, the coating of the optical fiber 2 is pulled out by the pair of blades 61A by separating the main body portion 61 and the grip portion 62, whereby the coating of the optical fiber 2 is removed. In the present embodiment, a part of the non-connected region 30 (the part on the right side in the figure) extends outward from the holder 50 (the right side in the figure: the processing side), and the pair of blades 61A The optical fiber 2 (optical fiber tape 1) is sandwiched at the portion of the non-connected region 30, and the coating of the optical fiber 2 on the end side of the sandwiched portion is removed. [0057] 　By the way, when the holder 50 is set in the grip portion 62 of the coating removing device 60, the connecting portion 11 exists between the plurality of optical fibers 2 extending from the holder 50 (see FIG. 5A). Since the connecting portion 11 is arranged outside the coating layer 5 of the optical fiber 2 (see FIG. 2A), when the coating of the optical fiber 2 is removed by the coating removing device 60, the optical fiber tape is combined with the coating of the optical fiber 2. The connecting portion 11 (tape material layer 15) of 1 is also removed. That is, when the coating of the optical fiber 2 is removed by the coating removing device 60, the plurality of optical fibers 2 (optical fiber bare wire 4) are single-core separated. [0058] 　FIG. 6B is an explanatory view of the optical fiber tape 1 held in the holder 50 after the coating is removed. [0059] 　A plurality of optical fibers 2 (optical fiber bare wires 4) extend from the processed side (right side in the drawing) of the holder 50. On the processed side of the holder 50 (on the right side in the drawing), the removal of the connecting portion 11 eliminates the restraint of the optical fiber 2 by the connecting portion 11. As a result, the influence of the connecting portion 11 disappears on the processed side (right side in the drawing) of the holder 50, so that the distance between the plurality of optical fibers 2 (optical fiber bare wire 4) follows the pitch of the V groove of the mounting surface 51A. , The second fiber pitch Pf2 (= 200 μm). That is, on the processed side of the holder 50 (on the right side in the drawing), the optical fiber 2 (optical fiber bare wire 4) is aligned at the second fiber pitch Pf2 by removing the coating of the optical fiber 2 in S004 (note that the optical fiber bare wire 4) is aligned (note that). , The optical fiber 2 is aligned at the first fiber pitch Pf1 on the base end side (left side in the drawing) of the holder 50 because it is affected by the connecting portion 11). [0060] 　In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 11 of the optical fiber tape is removed by removing the coatings of the plurality of optical fibers 2 extending from the processed side (right side in the drawing) of the holder 50, whereby the holder 50 of the holder 50 is removed. A plurality of optical fibers on the processing side (right side in the figure) are aligned at the second fiber pitch Pf2. However, even if the coating of the optical fiber 2 is not removed, if the connecting portion 11 of the optical fiber tape 1 extending from the processed side (right side in the figure) of the holder 50 is removed, the processed side of the holder 50 (in the figure). The plurality of optical fibers 2 extending from the right side of the fiber 2 are separated from each other in a single core, and the plurality of optical fibers can be aligned at the second fiber pitch Pf2. On the other hand, if the coating removing device 60 is used as in the present embodiment, the connection portion 11 of the optical fiber tape 1 can be removed and the coatings of the plurality of optical fibers 2 can be removed at the same time. Alignment work becomes easy. [0061] 　In FIG. 6B, the length from the end of the holder 50 on the processed side to the edge of the coating is 2 mm. When stripping the coating, the pair of blades 61A of the coating removing device 60 corresponds to a portion where the portion of the non-connecting region 30 is sandwiched and the coating is cut. As shown in FIG. 6B, the above-mentioned length L2 (see FIG. 5A: the length in the longitudinal direction of the unconnected region 30 extending from the machined side of the holder 50) is stripped from the end of the holder 50 on the machined side. It is desirable that the length is longer than the length up to the edge (the part where the pair of blades 61A of the coating removing device 60 makes a cut in the coating). That is, it is desirable that the length L2 is 2 mm or more. [0062] 　After removing the coating of the optical fiber 2, the operator cuts the end portion of the optical fiber 2 so that the optical fiber bare wire 4 has a predetermined length (S005). Normally, the holder 50 holding the optical fiber tape 1 is set in the fiber cutter, and the end portion of the optical fiber 2 is cut by using the fiber cutter. [0063] 　Next, the operator makes a fusion splicing of a plurality of optical fibers 2 by using the fusion splicing device 40 (S006). The operator sets the holder 50 holding the optical fiber tape 1 in the fusion splicing device 40, and the optical fibers 2 of the optical fiber tape 1 are fused and connected to each other by using the fusion splicing device 40. [0064] 　FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a state at the time of fusion splicing. [0065] 　The fusion splicing device 40 has an electrode portion 41 and a pair of holder set portions 42. The electrode portion 41 has a pair of electrodes for fusion-bonding the optical fiber 2. An arc discharge is generated in the electrode portion 41 to heat the tip portion of the optical fiber 2, and the tip portion of the optical fiber 2 is melted, so that the optical fibers 2 are fused and connected to each other. The holder set portion 42 is a portion (holder mounting portion) for setting the holder 50. The holder set portion 42 is configured to be movable in order to align the optical fibers 2 with each other at the time of fusion splicing. [0066] 　As shown in FIG. 7, the operator sets the holder 50 in the holder set portion 42 in a state where the plurality of optical fibers 2 are held in the holder 50. When the holders 50 are set in the pair of holder set portions 42, the end faces of the optical fibers 2 (optical fiber bare wires 4) extending from the processed side of the holder 50 are arranged to face each other in the electrode portion 41. [0067] 　The fusion splicing device 40 of the present embodiment is a fusion splicing device 40 for a 200 μ pitch, and is configured to collectively fuse a plurality of optical fibers 2 arranged at a 200 μ pitch. In the present embodiment, on the processing side of the holder 50 (the side of the electrode portion 41 when the holder 50 is set in the holder set portion 42), the optical fibers 2 (optical fiber bare wire 4) are aligned at the second fiber pitch Pf2. Therefore, the optical fiber tape 1 having a 250 μm pitch can be collectively fused by the fusion splicing device 40 for a 200 μm pitch. [0068] 　 　As shown in FIG. 5A, when the holder 50 sandwiches the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1, on the outside of the holder 50 (outside of the sandwiched portion), the plurality of optical fibers 2 are first. While the fiber pitch Pf1 is used, the plurality of optical fibers 2 are arranged at the second fiber pitch Pf2 inside the holder 50 (inside the holding portion). Therefore, when the holder 50 sandwiches the non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1, the optical fiber 2 bends in the vicinity of both ends of the holder 50 (pinching portion). In particular, since the optical fiber 2 continues to bend for a long time on the proximal end side of the sandwiched portion, it is desirable that the bending radius of the optical fiber 2 is equal to or larger than the allowable bending radius. Further, among the plurality of optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber tape 1, the curvature of the optical fiber 2 located at the end (in the case of the N-core optical fiber tape 1, the first fiber or the Nth fiber) becomes the steepest. Therefore, it is desirable that the bending radius of the optical fiber 2 located at the end thereof is equal to or larger than the allowable bending radius. Here, the minimum value L0 of the length L1 required for the bending radius of the optical fiber to be allowed will be described. [0069] 　FIG. 8 is a model diagram of the curvature of the Nth fiber. The curved solid line in the figure indicates the center of the Nth fiber. [0070] 　The optical fiber 2 is curved from the position of the connecting portion 11 closest to the holding portion of the holder 50 to the end (end on the proximal end side) of the holding portion of the holder 50 (see FIG. 5A). Point A in FIG. 8 indicates the center position of the Nth fiber at the position in the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 11 closest to the holding portion of the holder 50. On the proximal end side (left side in the figure) of the point A, the plurality of optical fibers 2 are arranged in parallel at the first fiber pitch Pf1. Point B in FIG. 8 indicates the center position of the Nth fiber at the end of the holding portion of the holder 50. On the processing side (right side in the figure) of the point B, the plurality of optical fibers 2 are arranged in parallel at the second fiber pitch Pf2. From the point A to the point B, the optical fiber 2 is curved in an S shape. The point C is the center of the S-shaped curved portion. Here, it is assumed that the optical fiber 2 is curved with an allowable bending radius R so that the upper side in the figure is convex between A and C. Point O1 is the bending center of the optical fiber 2 curved between AC and C. The point O1 is located at a position in the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 11 closest to the holding portion of the holder 50. Further, between C and B, the optical fiber 2 is curved with an allowable bending radius R with the lower side in the figure convex. The point O2 is the bending center of the optical fiber 2 curved between C and B. The point O2 is located at the end of the holding portion of the holder 50. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the intersection of the extension line of the center line of the Nth fiber when paralleled at the second fiber pitch Pf2 and the line connecting the point A and the point O1 is defined as the point D. Further, the intersection of the extension line of the center line of the Nth fiber when paralleled at the second fiber pitch Pf2 and the line connecting the point O2 and the point O1 is defined as the point E. Here, the length between O1 and D is y, and the length between O1 and E is x. [0071] 　Due to the curvature shown in the figure, the position of the Nth fiber in the width direction changes by the shift amount Ls. The shift amount Ls corresponds to the value obtained by subtracting the coordinates in the width direction of the point B from the coordinates in the width direction of the point A. Therefore, Ls is as follows. 　Ls = (Pf1-Pf2) × (N-1) / 2 [0072] 　The first fiber pitch Pf1 and the second fiber pitch Pf2 in the above equation are known values. Further, N in the above equation is a known value because it is the number of cores of the optical fiber tape 1 (the number of optical fibers 2). Therefore, the shift amount Ls can be calculated by the above equation. [0073] 　The length y corresponds to a value obtained by subtracting the allowable bending radius R from the shift amount Ls (see FIG. 8). The allowable bending radius R is defined as 5 mm, which is a known value. Therefore, the length y can be calculated as y = Ls−R. [0074] 　As shown in FIG. 8, the triangle EBO2 and the triangle EDO1 are similar. Therefore, the ratio of the length EO2 to the length EO1 is the same as the ratio of the length B-O2 to the length DO1. That is, the relationship of 2R + x: x = R: y is established. Based on this relationship, x can be calculated from R and y. [0075] 　Since the length L0 required for the bending radius of the optical fiber 2 to be longer than the allowable bending radius R when the holder 50 holds the optical fiber 2 corresponds to the lengths DB in the figure, the following equation is used. It can be shown by and can be calculated from R and x. [0076] [Number 1] [0077] 　In this embodiment, Pf1 = 0.25 (mm), Pf2 = 0.20 (mm), N = 12, R = 5 (mm). In this case, it is calculated as L0 = 9.42 (mm). That is, when the holder 50 holds the optical fiber 2, the length L0 required for the bending radius of the optical fiber 2 to be longer than the allowable bending radius R is 9.42 mm. [0078] 　As shown in FIG. 5A, when the sandwiching portion sandwiches the non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1, the length of the non-connecting region 30 extending from the proximal end side (left side of FIG. 5A) of the sandwiching portion in the longitudinal direction. Is L1, and in order to set the length L1 so that the bending radius of the optical fiber 2 becomes longer than the allowable bending radius R when the holder 50 holds the optical fiber 2, the length L1 is longer than the length L0. Is desirable. Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, it is desirable that L1 is 9.42 mm or more. [0079] 　 　FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of a modification of the optical fiber tape 1 of the first embodiment. The modified optical fiber tape 1 shown in FIG. 9A is different from the optical fiber tape 1 shown in FIG. 1A in that it has a mark 8. [0080] [0080] 　The mark 8 is a mark formed in the non-connected region 30. In other words, the mark 8 is a mark indicating the position of the unconnected region 30. Further, the mark 8 serves as a mark for aligning the optical fiber tape 1 and the holder 50. The mark 8 is formed in a band shape over the width direction of the optical fiber tape 1 by being formed at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of optical fibers 2. The mark 8 may also serve as an identification function of the optical fiber tape 1. For example, the mark 8 of the optical fiber tape 1 in the drawing is formed by a pattern indicating that it is the second tape, and has an identification function of the optical fiber tape 1. [0081] 　The mark 8 of the present embodiment is formed on all the optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber tape 1, so that the mark 8 is formed over the entire width direction of the optical fiber tape 1. However, the mark 8 may be formed on a part of the optical fibers 2 among the plurality of optical fibers 2 constituting the optical fiber tape 1. When the mark 8 is formed only on a part of the optical fibers 2, the optical fiber 2 (No. 1 fiber or No. N) at least at the end in the width direction is used to facilitate the alignment with the holder 50. It is desirable that the mark 8 is formed on the fiber). [0082] 　FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram of how to use the mark 8. [0083] 　In S002 (see FIG. 4) of the above-mentioned fusion splicing method of the optical fiber 2 (or the method of aligning the optical fiber 2), the operator can see that the mark 8 of the optical fiber tape 1 is the holder 50 as shown in FIG. 9B. The optical fiber tape 1 and the holder 50 are aligned with each other based on the mark 8 so as to be located at the center of the mounting surface 51A, and the optical fiber tape 1 is placed on the holder 50. As a result, the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 can be placed on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50. Even if it is difficult for the operator to visually recognize the position of the connecting portion 11 or the position of the connecting region 20 or the non-connecting region 30, the mark 8 is easily visible. The work of mounting the non-connected region 30 of the fiber tape 1 on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50 (S002 in FIG. 4) becomes easy. [0084] 　An alignment mark (not shown) for aligning with the mark 8 of the optical fiber tape 1 may be formed on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50. This facilitates the work of aligning the optical fiber tape 1 and the holder 50 based on the mark 8. [0085] 　Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the optical fiber tape 1 and the holder 50 are aligned with each other based on the mark 8 and the optical fiber tape 1 is held by the holder 50, the base end of the holding portion is held. The unconnected region 30 having a predetermined length (the above-mentioned length L1) extends from the side, and the unconnected region 30 having a predetermined length (the above-mentioned length L2) extends from the processing side of the holder 50. By forming the mark 8 on the optical fiber tape 1 in this way, the optical fiber tape 1 is attached to the holder 50 so that the non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 extends from both sides of the sandwiching portion to a desired length. It will be easier to place. [0086] 　

　According to the above-mentioned optical fiber alignment method (or fusion splicing method) of the present embodiment, the intermittent connection type provided with a plurality of optical fibers 2 parallel to each other at a first fiber pitch Pf1 wider than the fiber diameter D. (S001 in FIG. 4), the width of the optical fiber tape 1 is narrowed inside the holder 50 by holding the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 in the holder 50 (FIG. 4). S003, see FIG. 5B). Then, in the present embodiment, the plurality of optical fibers 2 (optical fiber bare wires 4) separated by a single core are separated by the second fiber pitch Pf2 by removing the connecting portion 11 of the optical fiber tape 1 extending from the holder 50. Can be aligned with (see S004 in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6B). In the present embodiment, when the optical fiber tape 1 is held by the holder 50, the optical fiber 2 is not separated into pieces at the end of the optical fiber tape 1 (the end on the processing side), and the connecting portion 11 is left. A plurality of optical fibers 2 are connected to each other (see FIGS. 3 and 5A). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the handling of the plurality of optical fibers 2 becomes easier and the plurality of optical fibers 2 are used in the holder 50 as compared with the work of holding the plurality of optical fibers separated by a single core in the holder. Workability to hold is improved. As a result, in the present embodiment, the alignment work of the optical fiber 2 becomes simple. Further, in the present embodiment, since the alignment work of the optical fibers 2 is simplified, the fusion work is also simplified. [0087] 　Further, the above-mentioned optical fiber tape 1 includes a plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel at a first fiber pitch Pf1 wider than the fiber diameter D, and a plurality of connecting portions 11, and the plurality of connecting portions 11 are intermittently arranged. It is an intermittent connection type optical fiber tape. The intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 of the present embodiment is connected to a connecting region 20 in which a plurality of connecting portions 11 are intermittently arranged and a plurality of optical fibers (N optical fibers) are intermittently connected. It has an unconnected region 30 in which a connecting portion 11 is not formed between the regions 20. According to such an intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1, the holder 50 for the second fiber pitch Pf2 holds the non-connected region 30 (see S003 in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5B), and extends from the holder 50. By removing the connecting portion 11 of the optical fiber tape 1, a plurality of optical fibers 2 can be aligned at the second fiber pitch Pf2 (see S004 and FIG. 6B in FIG. 4). Therefore, according to the intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1 of the present embodiment, the work of aligning a plurality of optical fibers 2 parallel to each other at the first fiber pitch Pf1 to the second fiber pitch Pf2 (optical fiber alignment work) is performed. It will be easy. [0088] 　=== Second embodiment === 　When the number of connected sections 21 in one connected region 20 is i, i is 2 in the first embodiment. However, i is not limited to 2, and may be any other number. Further, when the number of connecting portions 11 in one connected section 21 is j, j is 5 to 6 in the first embodiment. However, j is not limited to 5 or 6, and may be any other number. [0089] 　10A and 10B are explanatory views of the optical fiber tape 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 10B shows the arrangement of the plurality of connecting portions 11 formed in the connecting region 20 of the optical fiber tape 1 of the second embodiment. [0090] 　As shown in FIG. 10A, the optical fiber tape 1 of the second embodiment is also an intermittently connected optical fiber tape 1. Further, the optical fiber tape 1 of the second embodiment is also provided with a connecting region 20 and a non-connecting region 30. As shown in FIG. 10B, a plurality of connected sections 21 are also provided in the connected region 20 of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the number i of the connected sections 21 of one connected area 20 is increased as compared with the first embodiment, and four connected sections 21 are provided in one connected area 20. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the number of connecting portions 11 in one connected section 21 is reduced as compared with the first embodiment, and the number j of the connecting portions 11 in one connected section 21 is 2 to 3. In each connected section 21, three non-connected portions 13 are arranged between the connected portion 11 and the connected portion 11. The positions of the connecting portions 11 in each connected section 21 are different from each other. In other words, the plurality of connecting portions 11 in each connecting section 21 are arranged alternately in the width direction. As a result, the two adjacent optical fibers 2 are connected by at least one connecting portion 11 of the connecting region 20, and all the optical fibers 2 are intermittently connected by the plurality of connecting portions 11 belonging to one connecting region 20. Is linked to. [0091] 　In the second embodiment, the number of connected portions 11 (here, 2) arranged in the connected section 21 (the rightmost connected section 21 in FIG. 10B) adjacent to the unconnected region 30 is adjacent to the unconnected region 30. It is less than the number of connected portions 11 (here, 3) arranged in the connected section 21 (for example, the second connected section 21 from the right in FIG. 10B). As a result, when the non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 of the second embodiment is sandwiched by the holder 50 as shown in FIG. 5A, the influence of the connecting portion 11 outside the sandwiching portion is reduced, so that the optical fiber 2 It becomes easy to narrow the space between the optical fiber tapes 1 and the width of the optical fiber tape 1 inside the holder 50 (specifically, inside the holding portion of the holder 50). [0092] 　Further, in the second embodiment, the outer side in the width direction (upper or lower in FIG. 10B) than the connecting portion 11 arranged in the connected section 21 (the rightmost connected section 21 in FIG. 10B) adjacent to the non-connected region 30. On the side), the non-connecting portion 13 is arranged (here, three non-connecting portions 13 are arranged). As a result, when the unconnected region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 of the second embodiment is sandwiched by the holder 50 as shown in FIG. 5A, the optical fiber 2 located at the end of the optical fiber tape 1 (positioned outside in the width direction). Since the optical fiber 2 (No. 1 fiber and No. N fiber) is easily displaced inward, the distance between the optical fibers 2 is easily narrowed inside the holder 50 (pinching portion), and the width of the optical fiber tape 1 is easily narrowed. Become. [0093] 　=== Third Embodiment === In the 　above-described embodiment, the sandwiching portion of the holder 50 sandwiches the non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 (the region formed by the connecting portion 11 is sandwiched between the sandwiching portions). The optical fiber tape 1 was held in the holder 50 without being allowed to do so). However, the sandwiching portion of the holder 50 may sandwich a part of the connecting region 20 of the optical fiber tape 1. [0094] 　11A and 11B are explanatory views of the optical fiber tape 1 of the third embodiment. FIG. 11B shows the arrangement of a plurality of connecting portions 11 formed in the connecting region 20 of the optical fiber tape 1 of the third embodiment. [0095] 　In the third embodiment, one connected region 20 is provided with three connected sections 21 (that is, i is 3). In the following description, the two connected sections 21 on the left of the three connected sections 21 in the figure are referred to as the first connected section 21A, and the connected section 21 on the right side in the figure is referred to as the second connected section 21B. May be called. The second connected section 21B is a connected section 21 arranged adjacent to the non-connected area 30. Further, the second connected section 21B is a connected section 21 arranged on the side of the sandwiched portion as compared with the first connected section 21A when the optical fiber tape 1 is sandwiched by the holder 50. [0096] 　Also in the third embodiment, a non-connected section 23 in which the connected portion 11 does not exist in the width direction is provided between the connected section 21 and the connected section 21. In the following description, the unconnected section 23 between the two first connected sections 21A may be referred to as the first unconnected section 23A. Further, the unconnected section 23 between the first connected section 21A and the second connected section 21B may be referred to as a second unconnected section 23B. [0097] 　In the third embodiment, the length of the second unconnected section 23B in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the first unconnected section 23A in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the distance between the first connected section 21A and the second connected section 21B in the longitudinal direction (section pitch P2'in the figure)'is the distance between the first connected section 21A and the first connected section 21A in the longitudinal direction (in other words. It is longer than the section pitch P2) in the figure. Therefore, the second connected section 21B (the rightmost connected section 21 in FIG. 11B) arranged adjacent to the unconnected area 30 is arranged so as to be biased toward the non-connected area 30 from the first connected section 21A. Has been done. [0098] 　FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the optical fiber tape 1 of the third embodiment is placed on the holder 50. FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the optical fiber tape 1 of the third embodiment is held by the holder 50. FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of a cross section of B'-B' in FIG. 13A. [0099] 　In the third embodiment, since the second connected section 21B arranged adjacent to the unconnected area 30 is arranged so as to be biased from the first connected section 21A toward the non-connected area 30, the holder 50 is sandwiched. The second connected section 21B may be included in the region sandwiched between the portions (here, the mounting surface 51A of the base portion 51 and the lid portion 52). In other words, in the third embodiment, the connecting portion 11 may be included in the region sandwiched by the sandwiching portion of the holder 50 (here, the mounting surface 51A and the lid portion 52 of the base portion 51). [0100] 　Also in the third embodiment, since the non-connecting region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 is placed on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50 so as to face the lid portion 52 (see FIG. 12), the lid portion of the holder 50 When the 52 is closed, the non-connected region 30 of the optical fiber tape 1 is sandwiched between the mounting surface 51A of the base portion 51 and the lid portion 52. Since the optical fibers 2 are not constrained in the unconnected region 30, even in the third embodiment, when the unconnected region 30 is sandwiched between the holders 50, the distance between the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the unconnected region 30 becomes large. It narrows according to the pitch of the V-groove of the mounting surface 51A (second fiber pitch Pf2). [0101] 　In the third embodiment, the connecting portion 11 of the second connecting section 21B is sandwiched between the sandwiching portions of the holder 50, and the distance between the two optical fibers 2 connected by the connecting portion 11 is the connecting portion 11. Since it is constrained by, the first fiber pitch is Pf1 (= 250 μm). However, since the optical fibers 2 are not constrained in the non-connected portion 13 included in the second connected section 21B, the distance between some of the optical fibers 2 in the second connected section 21B is the V groove of the mounting surface 51A. It becomes narrower than the first fiber pitch Pf1 according to the pitch of (see FIG. 13B). In particular, in the present embodiment, since the second connected section 21B sandwiched between the holders 50 is arranged so as to be biased toward the non-connected region 30, the light is not constrained by the connecting portion 11 in the second connected section 21B. The distance between the fibers 2 is more likely to be narrower than that of the first fiber pitch Pf1. As a result, the width direction dimension of the optical fiber tape 1 in the second connected section 21B (the width direction dimension of the optical fiber tape 1 in FIG. 13B) is narrower than that before being held by the holder 50. [0102] 　FIG. 13C is an explanatory diagram of the optical fiber tape 1 held in the holder 50 after the coating is removed. [0103] 　Also in the third embodiment, when the connecting portion 11 is removed on the processed side (right side in the drawing) of the holder 50, the restraint of the optical fiber 2 by the connecting portion 11 is removed, and a plurality of optical fibers 2 (optical fiber bare wire) are removed. The interval of 4) becomes the second fiber pitch Pf2 (= 200 μm) according to the pitch of the V groove of the mounting surface 51A. That is, on the processed side of the holder 50 (on the right side in the drawing), the optical fiber 2 (optical fiber bare wire 4) is aligned at the second fiber pitch Pf2 by removing the coating of the optical fiber 2. [0104] 　 　FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the number of connecting portions 11 that can be tolerated in the second connected section 21B. [0105] 　On the upper side of the figure, a plurality of optical fibers 2 in the second connected section 21B are shown. In the third embodiment, the operator holds the optical fiber tape 1 in the holder 50 while narrowing the second connected section 21B of the optical fiber tape 1 with a finger in the width direction. Therefore, the optical fiber tape 1 in the figure is narrowed in the width direction. In the non-connecting portion 13, two adjacent optical fibers 2 are in contact with each other. In the connecting portion 11, the two adjacent optical fibers 2 are restrained by the connecting portion 11, so that they are separated by the amount (width C) of the connecting portion 11. [0106] 　On the lower side in the figure, a V groove formed on the mounting surface 51A of the holder 50 is shown. In the third embodiment, the operator aligns the optical fiber 2 (here, the first fiber) at one end of the optical fiber tape 1 with the V-groove, and then connects the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the second connecting section 21B. The other optical fibers 2 are aligned with the V-grooves while narrowing the interval. Therefore, the center position of the V-groove (V-groove for the first fiber) at the left end in the figure is shown so as to match the position of the optical fiber 2 (No. 1 fiber) at the left end in the figure. [0107] 　If the number n of the connecting portions 11 is too large, even if the distance between the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the second connecting section 21B is narrowed, the center position of the optical fiber 2 at the other end (Nth fiber at the right end in the figure). Will be outside the V-groove, and there is a possibility that the optical fiber 2 cannot be arranged in the V-groove. Therefore, when the distance between the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the second connected section 21B is narrowed, the center position of the optical fiber 2 (here, the Nth fiber) at the other end of the optical fiber tape 1 is the Nth fiber. It is desirable to be located above the V-groove for light fiber. [0108] 　Here, the distance between the centers of the optical fibers 2 (the first fiber and the Nth fiber) at both ends when the distance between the plurality of optical fibers 2 in the second connected section 21B is narrowed is defined as Wt. Further, from the center position of the V-groove at one end (here, the V-groove for the first fiber) to the inner mountain portion constituting the V-groove at the other end (here, the V-groove for the N-fiber). Let the width of be W1. Further, from the center position of the V-groove at one end (here, the V-groove for the first fiber) to the outer mountain portion constituting the V-groove at the other end (here, the V-groove for the N-fiber). Let the width of be W2. At this time, it is desirable that Wt, W1 and W2 have the following relationship. 　W1