[DESCRIPTION]
[Title of Invention] MANUFACTURING METHOD OF OPTICAL
FIBER RIBBON, MANUFACTURING DEVICE FOR OPTICAL FIBER
RIBBON IMPLEMENTING SAID MANUFACTURING METHOD, AND
OPTICAL FIBER RIBBON MANUFACTURED WITH SAID MANUFACTURING
METHOD
[Technical Field]
[0001]
The present invention relates to a manufacturing
method of an optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of
optical fiber core cables are arranged in parallel and
coupled, a manufacturing device for an optical fiber
ribbon implementing the manufacturing method and an
optical fiber ribbon manufactured with the manufacturing
method.
[Background Art]
[0002]
Conventionally, an optical fiber ribbon as shown
in Fig. 14 has been proposed, in which a plurality of
subunits 53, each of which are formed by covering a
plurality of optical fiber core cables 51 with a covering
portion 52 in an entire length in a longitudinal
direction, are assembled. The plurality of subunits 53
are integrally fixed over the entire length in the
longitudinal direction by a coupling/covering portion 54.
An optical fiber ribbon 50 thus formed can be divided
into the separate subunits 53 by breaking the
coupling/covering portion 54. The optical fiber ribbon
50 has good workability regarding connection of the
respective subunits 53.
[0003]

Incidentally, recent growth in optical fiber cable
network has become a factor to increase demands for
efficient use-of conduits and the like as an optical
fiber cable network infrastructure, cost reduction of
network construction goods themselves, and cost reduction
of cabling (construction), and so on.
[0004]
For the efficient use of conduits and the like,
the optical fiber cables, which are main goods used in
constructing the optical fiber cable network, need to
become thinner and more densified. Further, for the cost
reduction of network construction goods themselves, a
Tianufacturing cost of the optical fiber cables needs to
be reduced. Also, for the cost reduction of cabling
(construction), the optical fiber cables need to be
handled easier, in addition to being made thinner and
more densified.
[0005]
In order to thin and density each of the optical
fiber cables., one needs to be put into practice, in which
packaging density of optical fiber core cables in the
optical fiber cable is increased, so that an outer
diameter of the optical fiber cable becomes smaller even
when a number of optical fiber core cables used remains
the same. The above-described optical fiber ribbon 50 is
difficult to be deformed in a width direction and warps
greatly by being curled and folded; therefore, the
configuration thereof Is not suitable for being used as
an optical fiber cable.
[0006]
As an optical fiber ribbon suitable for being used

as an optical fiber cable, as shown in Figs. 15(a) and 15
(b), an optical fiber ribbon 60 is disclosed in Patent
Literature 1, in which a plurality of optical fiber core
cables 61 are arranged in parallel and the neighboring
optical fiber core cables 61 are coupled to each other by
coupled portions 62 at given intervals in the
longitudinal direction.
[0007]
The optical fiber ribbon 60 in which the optical
fiber core cables 61 are coupled at given intervals is
deformed easily in the width direction, and warp caused
when being curled and folded can be suppressed as much as
possible. Accordingly, the optical fiber ribbon 60 can
be thinned, densified and lightened when applied as "an
optical fiber cable, and is suitable for being used as
the optical fiber cable.
[0008]
In order to reduce the manufacturing cost of
optical fiber cables, it is effective to configure one
optical fiber ribbon with as much optical fiber core
cables as possible. For example, to configure 200-core
optical fiber cable, 50 sheets of optical fiber ribbons
are required when using 4-core optical fiber core cables.
However, only 25 sheets of the optical fiber ribbons are
required when using 8-core optical fiber core cables, and
only 10 sheets of the optical fiber ribbons are needed
when using 20-core optical fiber core cables. In other
words, the more the number of cores of the optical fiber
core cables is used, the less the number of sheets of the
optical fiber ribbon is required upon configuring the
optical fiber cable. This can reduce the manufacturing

cost of the optical fiber cables.
[0009]
The optical fiber ribbon 60 as mentioned above, in
which the neighboring optical fiber core cables 61 are
coupled to each other by the coupled portions 62 at given
intervals in the longitudinal direction, is effective to
meet the above demands. However, regarding the optical
fiber ribbons as such, distinguishability of each of the
optical fiber core cables becomes a problem upon
handling.
[0010]
That is, in facilities in the optical fiber cable
network, a technique is generally used in which optical
fiber core cables are connected with each other in a
bundle of plurality of cables to enhance construction
efficiency. For this reason, a fusion splicer for
collectively connecting a plurality of optical fiber core
cables and a mechanically transferable (MT) connector
which is an optical connector for collective connection
of multi-core cables, and the like are used. However, a
number of connection cores of the connectors does not
necessarily coincide with a number of the optical fiber
core cables arranged in the optical fiber cable.
Further, it is essential that connection can be made by a
unit of number of cores made by dividing the total number
of cores. From this aspect, the optical fiber ribbon
configured by a plurality of subunits as described above
is effective upon cabling.
[0011]
Moreover, in order to improve the
distinguishability of each of the subunits, coatings of

the optical fiber core cables are colored with an
ultraviolet curing resin and the like so that the cables,
are distinguished by colors. However, a number of
available colors is not infinite and only a limited
number of colors is used to keep distinguishability.
Accordingly, the subunits are distinguished from each
other by combination of colors of the optical fiber core
cables configuring the subunits.
[Citation List]
[Patent Literature]
[0012]
[PTL 1] Japanese Patent No. 4143651
[Summary of Invention]
[0013]
In the optical fiber ribbon as described above, in
which the neighboring optical fiber core cables are
coupled to each other by the coupled portions at given
intervals in the longitudinal direction, the optical
fiber core cables which are not coupled to each other are
not integrally formed, and are respectively in a single-
core state. Accordingly, in the optical fiber ribbon as
such, it is difficult to distinguish the subunits from
each other by the combination of colors of the optical
fiber core cables. If the subunits are difficult to be
distinguished from each other, construction operation
becomes difficult, and further, the construction cost
increases.
[0014]
Accordingly, regarding the optical fiber ribbon in
which the neighboring optical fiber core cables are
coupled to each other by the coupled portions at given

intervals in the longitudinal direction, a multi-core
optical fiber ribbon in which subunits are easily
distinguished from each other and a manufacturing method
of the optical fiber ribbon as such are desired.
[0015]
The present invention is made in consideration of
the above problems and circumstances, and it is an object
of the present invention to provide: a manufacturing
method of a multi-core optical fiber ribbon in which a
plurality of optical fiber core cables are arranged in
parallel and the neighboring optical fiber core cables
are coupled to each other at given intervals, wherein
subunits are easily distinguished from each other; a
manufacturing device for an optical fiber ribbon
implementing the manufacturing.method; and an optical
fiber ribbon manufactured with the manufacturing method.
[Solution to Problem]
[0016]
(Configuration 1)
A manufacturing method for an optical fiber
ribbon, in which: a plurality of optical fiber core
cables are arranged in parallel and the neighboring
optical fiber core cables are partially coupled with each
other at given intervals in a longitudinal direction to
form a subunit; and the optical fiber core cables
positioned at side edges of the neighboring subunits are
partially coupled with each other at a given intervals in
the longitudinal direction, comprises: a resin applying
step for sending out the plurality of the optical fiber
core cables in a parallel manner with intervals provided
therebetween, in the longitudinal direction of the

optical fiber core cables, applying an uncured resin to
the plurality of the optical fiber core cables, moving a
plurality of interrupt members which are arranged
corresponding to positions between each of the optical
fiber core cables to interrupt the uncured resin, and
continuously changing positions at which the uncured
resin is interrupted and positions at which the uncured
resin is ejected without interruption by the interrupt
members; and a resin curing step for irradiating
positions, at which the plurality of the optical fiber
core cables are arranged in parallel, concentrated and in
contact with each other, with resin curing energy
required for the uncured resin coated on the optical
fiber core cables to cure, thereby forming coupled
portions at which the optical fiber core cables are
coupled to each other, wherein a moving period or phase
of the interrupt members is changed for every arbitrary
optical fiber core cables.
[0017]
(Configuration 2)
In the manufacturing method of the optical fiber
ribbon having the configuration 1, upon applying the
resin for coupling the optical fiber core cables
configuring the subunit with each other, movements of the
respective interrupt members are set to a first period
and set to different phases with each other, and upon
applying the resin for coupling the subunits with each
other, movements of the respective interrupt members are
set to a second period which is longer than the first
period and set to different phases with each other.
[0018]

(Configuration 3)
In the manufacturing method of the optical fiber
ribbon having the configuration 1, upon applying the
resin for coupling the optical fiber core cables
configuring the subunit with each other, movements of the
respective interrupt members are set to: a first period;
and different phases with each other for the coupling of
the neighboring optical fiber core cables in a width
direction of the optical fiber ribbon, and upon applying
the resin for coupling the subunits with each other,
movements of the respective interrupt members are set to
a second period which is longer than the first period.
[0019]
(Configuration 4)
An optical fiber ribbon according to the present
invention is manufactured with the manufacturing method
of the optical fiber ribbon having any one of the
configurations 1 to 3.
[0020]
(Configuration 5)
A manufacturing device for an optical fiber
ribbon, in which: a plurality of optical fiber core
cables are arranged in parallel and partially coupling
the neighboring optical fiber core cables are partially
coupled with each other at given intervals in a
longitudinal direction to form a subunit; and the optical
fiber core cables positioned at side edges of the
neighboring subunits are partially coupled with each
other at a given intervals in the longitudinal direction,
wherein: the plurality of the optical fiber core cables
is sent out in a parallel manner with intervals provided

therebetween, in the longitudinal direction of the
optical fiber core cables, an uncured resin is applied to
the plurality of the optical fiber core cables, a
plurality of interrupt members,, which are arranged
corresponding to positions between each of the optical
fiber core cables, are moved to interrupt the uncured
resin, and positions are continuously changed at which
the uncured resin is interrupted and positions at which
the uncured resin is ejected without interruption by the
interrupt members; and positions at which the plurality
of the optical fiber core cables are arranged in
parallel, concentrated and in contact with each other,
are irradiated with resin curing energy required for the
uncured resin coated on the optical fiber core cables to
cure, thereby forming coupled portions at which the
optical fiber core cables are coupled to each other.
[0021]
(Configuration 6)
In the manufacturing device of the optical fiber
ribbon having the configuration 5, upon applying the
resin for coupling the optical fiber core cables
configuring the subunit with each other', movements of the
respective interrupt members are set to a first period
and set to different phases with each other, and upon
applying the resin for coupling the subunits with each
other, movements of the respective interrupt members are
set to a second period which is longer than the first
period and set to different phases with each other.
[0022]
(Configuration 7}
In the manufacturing device of the optical fiber

ribbon having the configuration 5, upon applying the
resin for coupling the optical fiber core cables
configuring the subunit with each other, movements of the
respective interrupt members are set to: a first period;
and different phases with each other for the coupling of
the neighboring optical fiber core cables in a width
direction of the optical fiber ribbon, and upon applying
the resin for coupling the subunits with each other,
movements of the respective interrupt members are set to
a second period which is longer than the first period.
[0023]
(Configuration 8)
An optical fiber ribbon according to the present
invention is manufactured with the manufacturing device
of the optical fiber ribbon having any one of the
configurations 5 to 7.
[0024]
In the optical fiber ribbon manufactured in the
present invention, the plurality of optical fiber core
cables are sent out in the parallel manner with the
intervals provided therebetween, the uncured resin is
applied to the plurality of optical fiber core cables,
the plurality of interrupt members are moved, the
interrupt members being arranged corresponding to the
positions between each of the optical fiber core cables
to interrupt the uncured resin, the positions at which
the uncured resin is interrupted by the interrupt members
and the positions at which the uncured resin is ejected
without interruption are continuously changed, and the
uncured resin is cured at the positions where the optical
fiber core cables are arranged in parallel, concentrated

and in contact with each other, thereby forming the
coupled portions in which the optical fiber core cables
are coupled with each other. Therefore, intervals and
fixed lengths between the coupled portions can be changed
for every neighboring optical fiber cables, making the
subunits be distinguished from each other easily.
[0025]
In other words, the present invention provides a
manufacturing method of a multi-core optical fiber ribbon
in which a plurality of optical fiber core cables are
arranged in parallel and the neighboring optical fiber
core cables are coupled to each other at given intervals,
wherein subunits are easily distinguished from each
other; a manufacturing device for an optical fiber ribbon
implementing the manufacturing method; and an optical
fiber ribbon 'manufactured with the manufacturing method.
[Brief Description of Drawings]
[0026]
[Fig. 1]
Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing manufacturing
processes of a manufacturing method of an optical fiber
ribbon according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[Fig. 2]
Fig. 2 is a graph showing a . moving pattern of an
interrupt member.
[Fig. 3]
Fig. 3 is a graph showing a different moving
pattern of the interrupt member.
[Fig. 4]
Fig. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration of

the optical fiber ribbon according to the first
embodiment.
[Fig. 5]
Fig. 5 is a plan view showing a configuration of
another example of the optical fiber ribbon according to
the first embodiment.
[Fig. 6]
Fig. 6 is a graph showing moving patterns of
interrupt members according to a second embodiment.
[Fig. 7]
Fig. 7 is a plan view showing a configuration of
an optical fiber ribbon according to the second
embodiment.
[Fig. 8]
Fig. 8 is a graph showing moving patterns of
interrupt members according to a third embodiment.
[Fig. 9]
Fig. 9 is a plan view showing a configuration of
an optical fiber ribbon according to the third
embodiment.
[Fig. 10]
Fig. 10 is a graph showing moving patterns of
interrupt members according to a fourth embodiment.
[Fig. 11]
Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a configuration of
an optical fiber ribbon according to the fourth
embodiment.
[Fig. 12]
Fig. 12 is a graph showing moving patterns of
interrupt members according to a fifth embodiment
[Fig. 13]

Fig. 13 is a plan view showing a configuration of
an optical fiber ribbon according to the fifth
embodiment.
[Fig. 14]
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a
conventional optical fiber ribbon.
[Fig. 15]
Fig. 15(a) is a plan view and Fig. 15(b) is a
cross-sectional view in a line F-F of Fig. 15(a) of
another conventional optical fiber ribbon.
[Description of Embodiments]
[0027]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention
are described with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
(First Embodiment)
In a manufacturing method for an optical fiber
ribbon concerned, subunits are configured by arranging a
plurality of optical fiber core cables in parallel and
partially coupling the neighboring optical fiber core
cables with each other at given intervals in a
longitudinal direction. Moreover, the plurality of
subunits arranged in parallel are partially coupled with
each other by coupling together the optical fiber core .
cables positioned at side edges of the respective
subunits at given intervals in the longitudinal
direction, thereby manufacturing the optical fiber
ribbon.
[0029]
Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing manufacturing
processes of the manufacturing method for the optical

fiber ribbon according to a first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0030]
Specifically, a plurality of optical fiber core
cables 2 are sent out from a plurality of optical fiber
core cable sending-out devices 101 and sent to an
intermittent resin-coating device 102. The respective
optical fiber core cables 2 are sent to the intermittent
resin-coating device 102, so that at a location PI, the
plurality of optical- fiber core cables 2 are arranged in
a parallel manner with intervals provided therebetween.
[0031]
In addition, the optical fiber core cable 2 may
not only be a single optical fiber, but may also be the
one in which a plurality of optical fibers are integrally
formed, or the one in which a plurality'of optical fibers
are coupled in a tape form.
[0032]
The intermittent resin-coating device 102 performs
a resin coating process for coating a resin material
intermittently at a constant period onto predetermined
positions of each of the sent-out optical fiber core
cables 2. The resin material used for coating is, for
example, an ultraviolet curing resin and the like, which
is coated in a uncured state and cured thereafter to
couple the optical fiber core cables with each other and
becomes a coupled portion.
[0033]
The intermittent resin-coating device 102
performs: coating of the uncured resin on the plurality
of optical fiber core cables; moving of a plurality of

interrupt members which are arranged at positions
corresponding to gaps between the respective optical
fiber core cables and interrupt uncured resin; and
continuous changing of interrupting and ejecting
positions of the uncured resin using the interrupt
members. In other words, when the interrupt member is
present, the uncured resin is interrupted and the optical
fiber core cables 2 are separated from each other. When
the interrupt member is not present, the uncured resin is
ejected because the interrupt member does not interrupt
the uncured resin.
[0034]
Fig. 2 is a graph showing a moving pattern of an
interrupt member.
[0035]
By the movement of the interrupt member, as shown,
in Fig. 2, resin coated portions of the optical fiber
core cables 2 or coupled portions 4 and portions on which
the resin is not coated or uncoupled portions are formed
between the optical fiber core cables 2.
[0036]
A moving period or a phase of the interrupt member
can be changed for every arbitrary optical fiber core
cables 2. . That is, an interval between the coupled
portions 4 of the optical fiber core cables in the
longitudinal direction can be set for every optical fiber
core cable 2.
[0037]
Fig. 3 is a graph showing a different moving
pattern of the interrupt member.
[0038]

By changing a moving pattern of the interrupt
member, as shown in Fig. 3, positions, lengths and the
like of the coupled portions 4 formed between the optical
fiber core cables 2 in the optical fiber ribbon can be
changed in the width direction of the optical fiber
ribbon. Also, a change of a pattern means a change of a
moving period or phase of the interrupt members. A
pattern A shown in Fig. 2 and a pattern B shown in Fig. 3
have the same period but phases thereof are changed from
each other, that is, the patterns A and B are identical
in periods and different in phases.
[0039]
After passing the intermittent resin-coating
device 102, each of the optical fiber core cables 2 is
sent to a resin curing device 103, in a state of the
resin being coated thereon intermittently between the
respective optical fiber core cables 2 at a location P2
shown in Fig, 1. The resin-curing device 103 cures the
resin material of the uncured resin coated on the
positions where the plurality of optical fiber core
cables 2 are arranged in parallel, concentrated and in
contact with each other, either by irradiating the resin
material with resin curing energy required for the
uncured resin coated on the optical fiber core cables 2
to cure, such as an ultraviolet ray, or by heating the
resin material, thereby performing a coupled portion
resin-curing process for forming the coupled portions
that connect the optical fiber core cables 2 with each
other. At a location P3 after passing the resin-curing
device 103, the resin is cured in a state of being
intermittently coated on the respective optical fiber

core cables 2, forming an optical fiber ribbon 1 which is
in a state of the final form. Thereafter, the optical
fiber ribbon 1 is wound up by a winding device 106 via a
picking up device 104 and a dancer 105.
[0040]
Fig. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration of
the optical fiber ribbon according to the first
embodiment.
[0041]
As shown in Fig. 4, the optical fiber ribbon is
manufactured by arranging 20 optical fiber core cables 2
in parallel and coating the resin thereon while moving
the interrupt members. Here, the optical fiber core
cables 2 are arranged by repeatedly using cables having a
combination of, for example, a first color, white, brown
and gray. The first color is selected from blue, yellow,
green, red and purple, so that 4-core subunits can be
distinguished from each other. The coupled portions 4
between the optical fiber core cables 2 are formed by
using the above described moving pattern A.
[0042]
Because each of the optical fiber core cables 2
usually has a very thin outer diameter of about 0.25 mm,
distinguishing color thereof is difficult. Especially
under an environment having insufficient lighting, among
20 optical fiber core cables, it is extremely difficult
to accurately distinguish the color of an arbitrary
optical fiber core cable 2 or subunit. Further, because
the number of colors usable by the optical fiber core
cables 2 is limited, white, brown and grey are used
repeatedly in this embodiment. The colors are used for

the plurality of optical fiber core cables 2 in the same
optical fiber ribbon, therefore the distinguishability
thereof becomes lower than that of the respective first
colors, which are blue, yellow, green, red and purple,
used for only one optical fiber core cable in the same
optical fiber ribbon.
[0043]
Fig. 5 is a plan view showing a configuration of
another example of the optical fiber ribbon according to
the first embodiment.
[0044]
As shown in Fig. 5, the optical fiber ribbon
having the same optical fiber core cables and colors as
the one described above is manufactured by using two
types of moving patterns. The difference from the
optical fiber ribbon illustrated in Fig. 4 is that in the
optical fiber ribbon concerned, coupled portions 5
between the 4th and 5th, the 8th and 9th, the 12th and
13th, and the 16th and 17th optical fiber core cables 2
respectively are formed by using the above mentioned
moving pattern B.
[0045]
In the optical fiber ribbon concerned, the coupled
portions 4 coupling the optical fiber core cables 2
forming one subunit (4-core optical fiber core cables)
and the coupled portions 5 coupling the subunits with
each other respectively have the different moving
patterns A and B, making positions of the formed coupled
portions 4 and 5 differ from each other. Accordingly,
the subunits can be distinguished easily.
[0046]

(Second Embodiment)
In this embodiment, distinguishability between the
subunits in an optical fiber ribbon is improved by making
repeated periods and phases different for respective
moving patterns of the interrupt members.
[0047]
Fig.. 6 is a graph showing the moving patterns of
the interrupt members according to the second embodiment.
[0048]
In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the
optical fiber ribbon is manufactured by using movement
patterns C to F of which respective periods and phases
have a constant relationship with each other. The
coupled portions 4 within each subunit are formed by
using the movement patterns C, D and E having the same
period but different phases. The coupled portions 5
coupling the subunits with each other are formed by using
the movement pattern F having a different period from
that of the coupled portions 4 within each subunit.
[0049]
Fig. 7 is a plan view showing a configuration of
the optical fiber ribbon according to the second
embodiment.
[0050]
As shown in Fig. 7, the 20-core optical fiber
ribbon is manufactured. In the optical fiber ribbon thus
manufactured, a period of the coupled portions 4 within
each subunit is different from that of the coupled
portions 5 coupling the subunits with each other, making
it easier for the subunits to be distinguished from each
other.

[0051]
Further, in the width direction of the optical
fiber ribbon, the coupled portions 4 are not formed
successively in the neighboring gaps between the core
cables 2, therefore, the optical fiber ribbon can be
deformed (bent) easily in the width direction.
[0052]
(Third Embodiment)
Fig. 8 is a graph showing moving patterns of the
interrupt members according to a third embodiment.
[0053]
In a case of reducing the number of coupled
portions present in the same position in the width
direction of an optical fiber ribbon, phases can be made
different as shown in Fig. 8 for moving patterns of the
interrupt members for forming the coupled portions
between the subunits. In this case, two types of
patterns, F and G, are used for the movement patterns for
forming the coupled portions between the subunits.
[0054]
Fig. 9 is a plan view showing a configuration of
the optical fiber ribbon according to the third
embodiment.
[0055]
As shown in Fig. 9, the optical fiber ribbon is
manufactured by using two types of patterns, F and G, for
the movement patterns for forming the coupled portions 5
between the subunits.
[0056]
Moreover, when the period of the movement patterns
for forming the coupled portions 4 within each subunit is

set to integral multiple of that of the movement patterns
for forming the coupled portions 5 between the subunits,
the coupled portions 5 between the subunits and the
coupled portions 4 within each subunit adjacent thereto
do not overlap in the width direction of the optical
fiber ribbon. Accordingly, the optical fiber ribbon can
be deformed (bent) easily.
[0057]
(Fourth Embodiment)
Fig. 10 is a graph showing moving patterns of the
interrupt members according to a fourth embodiment.
[0058]
As shown in Fig. 10, the coupled portions 4 within
each subunit can be formed by using movement patterns H
and I, and the coupled portions 5 between the subunits
can be formed by using a movement pattern J.
[0059]
Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a configuration of
an optical fiber- ribbon according to the fourth
embodiment.
[0060]
In the optical fiber ribbon concerned, as shown in
Fig. 11, among four optical fiber core cables 2
configuring the subunit, two in the both ends are
respectively coupled with each other by using the
movement pattern H at identical period and phase. Then,
the respective coupled pairs are coupled together by the
coupled portions 5 formed by using the movement pattern I
at the identical period to but different phase from that
of the movement pattern H. In the optical fiber ribbon
concerned, difference between the coupled portions 4

within each subunit and the coupled portions 5 between
the subunits becomes prominent, making the subunits be
easily distinguished from each other.
[0061]
(Fifth Embodiment)
Fig. 12 is a graph showing moving patterns of the
interrupt members according to a fifth embodiment.
[0062]
In this embodiment, as in the above described
third embodiment, a plurality of movement patterns is
used for forming the coupled portions 4 within each
subunit. In other words, a movement pattern K is added
as shown in Fig. 12 to the movement patterns used in the
third embodiment.
[0063]
Fig. 13 is a plan view showing a configuration of
an optical fiber ribbon according to the fifth
embodiment.
[0064]
As shown in Fig. 13, the optical fiber ribbon is
manufactured by using the movement patterns including the
movement pattern K. In the optical fiber ribbon
concerned, difference between the coupled portions 4
within each subunit and the coupled portions 5 between
the subunits becomes distinct, making the subunits be
easily distinguished from each other.
[0065]
(Sixth Embodiment)
In this embodiment, ratios between a period of the
coupled portions 4 within each subunit and a period of
the coupled portions 5 between the subunits are

evaluated. That is, the optical fiber ribbons are
manufactured while varying combinations of the periods of
the coupled portions 4 and 5 for inside the subunit and
for between the subunits.
[0066]
Configurations of the optical fiber ribbons are
the same as those indicated in the above described third
and fifth embodiments, respectively. Regarding the
optical fiber ribbons as above, the distinguishability
between the subunits and also dividing property in a unit
of subunits are evaluated. Moreover, an operation of
manually aligning the optical fiber ribbons is performed
together. Contents of the manufacturing and evaluation
results are shown in [Table 1] below.



* A ratio with respect to a period within a subunit
Description of Symbols:
NG: Not achieved easily
F: Acceptable but some are not achieved easily
(one having a period of 10 mm within each subunit has a period of 5mm
between subunits and there was difficulty)
G: Achieved easily
NG(2): Difficult to align optical fiber core cables inside an optical fiber
ribbon
VG: Easily achieved in both: taking out and dividing of an optical fiber
core cables and aligning of optical fiber core cables inside an optical
fiber ribbon
[0067]
In any of the optical fiber ribbons, regarding the
distinguishability between the subunits, the subunits
(gaps between the subunits) could be distinguished from
each other easily for those having a period of the
coupled portions 5 between the subunits 1.5 times as much

as that of the coupled portions 4 within each subunit.
This was because when the alignment of the optical fiber
core cables 2 in the optical fiber ribbon was widened in
the width direction, the gaps generated between the
subunits became wider than the intervals between the
optical fiber core cables 2 within the respective
subunits. Further, operations of holding the optical
fiber ribbon by hand and inserting a jig into the optical
fiber ribbon were easily achieved by dividing in a unit
of subunits.
[0068]
On the other hand, when the period of the coupled
portions 4 within each subunit was lengthened, lengths
increased at portions where the optical fiber core cables
2 were not coupled to each other. In this case, when the
period of the coupled portions 5 between the subunits was
set longer than that of the coupled portions 4 within
each subunit, lengths at portions where the subunits were
not coupled to each other became even greater than that
at portions where the optical fiber core cables 2 were
not coupled to each other. Accordingly, the alignment of
all of the subunits became difficult.
[0069]
From the above results, it has become clear that
the optical fiber ribbon has excellent usability and the
subunits configuring the optical fiber ribbon can be
distinguished from each other well when: a period of the
coupled portions 5 between the subunits is made longer
than that- of the coupled portions 4 within each subunit;
the period of the coupled portions 4 is set to 250 mm or
less; and the period of the coupled portions 5 is set to

500 mm or less.

[CLAIMS]
[Claim 1]
A manufacturing method for an optical fiber
ribbon, in which: a plurality of optical fiber core
cables are arranged in parallel and the neighboring
optical fiber core cables are partially coupled with each
other at given intervals in a longitudinal direction to
form a subunit; and the optical fiber core cables
positioned at side edges of the neighboring subunits are
partially coupled with each other at a given intervals in
the longitudinal direction, comprises:
a resin applying step for sending out the
plurality of the optical fiber core cables in a parallel
manner with intervals provided therebetween, in the
longitudinal direction of the optical fiber core cables,
applying an uncured resin to the plurality of the optical
fiber core cables, moving a plurality of interrupt
members which are arranged corresponding to positions
between each of the optical fiber core cables to
interrupt the uncured resin, and continuously changing
positions at which the uncured resin is interrupted and
positions at which the uncured resin is ejected without
interruption by the interrupt members; and
a resin curing step for irradiating positions, at
which the plurality of the optical fiber core cables are
arranged in parallel, concentrated and in contact with
each other, with resin curing energy required for the
uncured resin coated on the optical fiber core cables to
cure, thereby forming coupled portions at which the
optical fiber core cables are coupled to each other,
wherein a moving period or phase of the interrupt

members is changed for every arbitrary optical fiber core
cables.
[Claim 2]
The manufacturing method of the optical fiber
ribbon according to claim 1, wherein
upon applying the resin for coupling the optical
fiber core cables configuring the subunit with each
other, movements of the respective interrupt members are
set to a first period and set to different phases with
each other, and
upon applying the resin for coupling the subunits
with each other, movements of the respective interrupt
members are set to a second period which is longer than
the first period and set to different phases with each
other.
[Claim 3]
The manufacturing method of the optical fiber
ribbon according to claim 1, wherein
upon applying the resin for coupling the optical
fiber core cables configuring the subunit with each
other, movements of the respective interrupt members are
set to: a first period; and different phases with each
other for the coupling of the neighboring optical fiber
core cables in a width direction of the optical fiber
ribbon, and
upon applying the resin for coupling the subunits
with each other, movements of the respective interrupt
members are set to a second period which is longer than
the first period.
[Claim 4]
An optical fiber ribbon manufactured with the

manufacturing method of the optical fiber ribbon
according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
[Claim 5]
A manufacturing device for an. optical fiber
ribbon, in which: a plurality of optical fiber core
cables are arranged in parallel and the neighboring
optical fiber core cables are partially coupled with each
other at given intervals in a longitudinal direction to
form a subunit; and the optical fiber core cables
positioned at side edges of the neighboring subunits are
partially coupled with each other at a given intervals in
the longitudinal direction, wherein
the plurality of the optical fiber core cables is
sent out in a parallel manner with intervals provided
therebetween, in the longitudinal direction of the
optical fiber core cables, an uncured resin is applied to
the plurality of the optical fiber core cables, a
plurality of interrupt members, which are arranged
corresponding to positions between each of the optical
fiber core cables', are moved to interrupt the uncured
resin, and positions are continuously changed at which
the uncured resin is interrupted and positions at which
the uncured resin is ejected without interruption by the
interrupt members; and
positions at which the plurality of the optical
fiber core cables are arranged in parallel, concentrated
and in contact with each other, are irradiated with resin
curing energy required for the uncured resin coated on
the optical fiber core cables to cure, thereby forming
coupled portions at which the optical fiber core cables
are coupled to each other.

[Claim 6]
The manufacturing device of the optical fiber
ribbon according to claim 5, wherein
upon applying the resin for coupling the optical
fiber core cables configuring the subunit with each
other, movements of the respective interrupt members are
set to a first period and set to different phases with
sach other, and
upon applying the resin for coupling the subunits
with each other, movements of the respective interrupt
uembers are set to a second period which is longer than
the first period and set to different phases with each
other.
[Claim 7]
The manufacturing device of the optical fiber
ribbon according to claim 5, wherein
upon applying the resin for coupling the optical
fiber core cables configuring the subunit with each
other, movements of the respective interrupt members are
set to: a first period; and different phases with each
other for the coupling of the neighboring optical fiber
core cables in a width direction of the optical fiber
ribbon, and
upon applying the resin for coupling the subunits
with each other, movements of the respective interrupt
members are set to a second period which is longer than
the first period.
[Claim 8]
An optical fiber ribbon manufactured with the
manufacturing device of the optical fiber ribbon
according to any one of claims 5 to 7.