Method and device for screening optical fiber core, and method for manufacturing optical fiber core

A method for screening an optical fiber core including a resin coating layer, includes: a pre-strain applying step of adding a tensile force while feeding a portion of the optical fiber core retained at both ends of the portion, and applying a pre-tensile strain larger than zero and smaller than a guaranteed tensile strain set as a guaranteed value; a guaranteed strain applying step of adding a tensile force while feeding the portion of the optical fiber core retained at both ends of the portion and applied with the pre-tensile strain, and applying the guaranteed tensile strain only for a predetermined time; and a guaranteed strain releasing step of releasing the optical fiber core from the guaranteed tensile strain.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a method and device for screening an optical fiber core, and a method for manufacturing an optical fiber core.

Optical fiber core wire generally includes a structure having a core and a resin coating layer formed over the outer circumference of the optical fiber including a cladding formed on the outer circumference of the core. Screening methods that guarantee the long-term mechanical reliability of the optical fiber core with this type of the resin coating layer include a screening method that adds a tensile force to the optical fiber cable wire and applies a tensile strain set as a guaranteed value (hereafter, written as a guaranteed tensile strain as appropriate) (see Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. H09-079959, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. H09-156949). Applying this type of tensile strain to the optical fiber core causes wire breakage in portions with weak mechanical strength, and these portions are therefore eliminated from optical fiber core that will serve as the product. This type of screening method is called a proof test. One method to add tensile force to the optical fiber core is clamping by gripping a portion of the optical fiber core at both ends and applying a load between both ends.

SUMMARY

There is a need for providing a method and device for screening an optical fiber core, and a method for manufacturing an optical fiber core that can suppress occurrence of damage in resin coating layers.

According to an embodiment, a method for screening an optical fiber core including a resin coating layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, includes: a pre-strain applying step of adding a tensile force while feeding a portion of the optical fiber core retained at both ends of the portion, and applying a pre-tensile strain larger than zero and smaller than a guaranteed tensile strain set as a guaranteed value; a guaranteed strain applying step of adding a tensile force while feeding the portion of the optical fiber core retained at both ends of the portion and applied with the pre-tensile strain, and applying the guaranteed tensile strain only for a predetermined time; and a guaranteed strain releasing step of releasing the optical fiber core from the guaranteed tensile strain.

According to an embodiment, a device for screening an optical fiber core including a resin coating layer includes: a pre-strain applier that adds a tensile force while feeding a portion of the optical fiber core retained at both ends of the portion, and apples a pre-tensile strain larger than zero and smaller than a guaranteed tensile strain set as a guaranteed value; a guaranteed strain applier that is connected to the pre-strain applier, adds a tensile force while feeding the portion of the optical fiber core retained at both ends of the portion and applied with the pre-tensile force, and applies the guaranteed tensile strain only for a predetermined time; and a strain releaser that is connected to the guaranteed strain applier and releases the optical fiber core from the guaranteed tensile strain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the related art, in the case of applying a large tensile strain to the optical fiber core, when the tensile force applied to the optical fiber core suddenly changes, in some cases the resin coating layer of the optical fiber core may be damaged, causing loss of its function as a protective layer. Damage tends to easily occur during screening when applying a relatively large tensile strain for example in the case of the optical fiber core requiring high mechanical strength or in the case of the optical fiber core when the cladding diameter is larger than a 125 μm standard. The thinner diameter of the optical fiber core has resulted in resin coating layers that are thinner than the 125 μm standard so that breakage tends to occur at a relatively low tensile strain during screening of what is called a thin optical fiber core.

The embodiments of the present disclosure are herein after described while referring to the accompanied drawings. In these specifications, optical fiber core is a general term for an item including resin coating on the outer circumference of the optical fiber. The present disclosure is not limited by the following embodiments. Reference numerals are assigned as appropriate to the same or corresponding elements in each drawing.

First Embodiment

FIG.1is a flow chart of the method for manufacturing an optical fiber core of a first embodiment. In the manufacturing method, a drawing step for drawing out the optical fiber from the optical fiber preform is performed in step S101. Next, in step S102, a coating step is performed to form a resin coating layer over the outer circumference of the drawn-out optical fiber and the optical fiber core is formed. In step S103, a screening step is next performed on the optical fiber core that is formed. The optical fiber core serving as the product is in this way manufactured.

FIG.2is a drawing illustrating an optical fiber drawing out and coating device100utilized in the method for manufacturing the optical fiber core of the first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.2, a heater101ain an optical fiber drawing furnace101heats and melts an optical fiber preform P at the bottom end to draw out an optical fiber1. Subsequently, as the coating step, a coating former device102forms a resin coating layer on the outer circumference of the drawn out optical fiber1and forms an optical fiber core2. The optical fiber core2is taken up by a capstan roller103and wound by a winding bobbin105via a guide roll104.

Next, the screening step for the optical fiber core2is performed utilizing a screening device. The screening device of the second through the eighth embodiments is described hereafter.

Second Embodiment

FIG.3is a drawing of the screening device for the optical fiber core of a second embodiment. A screening device200includes a feed-out bobbin201. The feed-out bobbin201winds up the optical fiber core2and feeds out the optical fiber core2. The fed-out optical fiber core2sequentially passes along a pulley202, a feed-out dancer203, a retainer piece204, a screening dancer205, a retainer piece206, a screening dancer207, a retainer piece208, a winder dancer209, and a pulley210and is wound up along a winding bobbin211.

The feed-out dancer203adds a slight tensile force so that the optical fiber core2is not loosened. The retainer piece204includes a capstan roller204aand a retainer belt204bthat rotates by way of a roller, and encloses and retains the optical fiber core2. The retainer piece206in the same way includes a capstan roller206aand a retainer belt206bthat rotates by way of a roller, and encloses and retains the optical fiber core2. The retainer piece204and the retainer piece206then retain both ends of a portion of the optical fiber core2and feed the portion of the optical fiber core2.

The screening dancer205adds the tensile force by applying a load to the optical fiber core2that is retained at both ends by the retainer piece204and the retainer piece206, and as the pre-strain applying step, applies a pre-tensile strain that is smaller than the guaranteed tensile strain set as the guaranteed value and larger than zero. The retainer piece204, the screening dancer205, and the retainer piece206are equivalent to a pre-strain applier.

The retainer piece208includes a capstan roller208aand a retainer belt208bthat rotates by way of a roller. The retainer piece206and the retainer piece208retain both ends of a portion of the optical fiber core2and feed the portion of the optical fiber core2. The screening dancer207adds the tensile force by applying a load to the optical fiber core2that is retained at both ends by the retainer piece206and the retainer piece208, and applies the guaranteed tensile strain. The retainer piece206, the screening dancer207, and the retainer piece208are equivalent to a guaranteed strain applier and the screening is performed by way of this guaranteed strain applier. In other words, the guaranteed strain applier is connected to the above described pre-strain applier. A guaranteed tensile strain is applied to the optical fiber core2as the guaranteed strain applying step just during the time the optical fiber core2passes along the retainer piece206and the retainer piece208, and the screening is performed on the optical fiber core2.

As the strain releasing step, the optical fiber core2that passed along the retainer piece208is released from the tensile strain applied by the guaranteed strain applier for the screening. The retainer piece208is equivalent to a strain releaser. In other words, the strain releaser is connected to the above described guaranteed strain applier. The winder dancer209adds the slight tensile force so that the optical fiber core2that passed along the retainer piece208is not loosened.

The optical fiber core2wound by the winder dancer209is the optical fiber core serving as the screened product. The optical fiber core2that broke in the screening device200cannot satisfy the guaranteed values for tensile strain and so is excluded from products.

The feed speed of the optical fiber core2can be regulated by adjusting the rotation speed of the retainer pieces204,206,208and the winding bobbin211by way of a controller not illustrated in the drawings.

Here, the tensile force added to the optical fiber core2is described while referring toFIG.4AandFIG.4B. InFIG.4AandFIG.4Ba capstan roller is not illustrated in the drawings and the optical fiber core2is illustrated in a linear view. In the screening device in the related art as illustrated inFIG.4A, a tensile force F1for applying a guaranteed tensile strain (for example, a strain of 3.0%) is added by a retainer piece1204with the same structure as retainer piece204, onto the optical fiber core2with almost no tensile strain proceeding from the feed bobbin side in the direction of arrow Ar1. As a result, the tensile force added to the optical fiber core2suddenly changes at the boundary with the retainer piece1204so that in some cases the resin coating layer of the optical fiber core2might lose its function as a protective layer.

In contrast, as illustrated inFIG.4B, in the screening device200of the second embodiment, a tensile force F2for applying the pre-tensile strain (for example, a strain of 1.5%) that is smaller than the guaranteed tensile strain is added between the retainer piece204and the retainer piece206onto the optical fiber core2with almost no tensile strain proceeding from the feed bobbin201side in the direction of arrow Ar1. The retainer piece206then adds a tensile force F3for applying the guaranteed tensile strain (for example, a strain of 3.0%) onto the optical fiber core2receiving the applied pre-tensile strain. The retainer piece206in this way applies a large tensile force F3onto the optical fiber core2. However, the change at the boundary with the retainer piece206is a tensile force F4that is the difference between the tensile force F3and the tensile force F2(for example, 3.0−1.5=1.5), and a sudden change in tensile force is suppressed. Therefore, damage to the resin coating layer of the optical fiber core2is suppressed.

The size of the pre-tensile strain can be set for example according to the size of the guaranteed tensile strain or the material properties and the thickness of the resin coating layer as appropriate for suppressing damage to the resin coating layer of the optical fiber core2.

Third Embodiment

FIG.5is a schematic drawing of the screening device for the optical fiber core of a third embodiment. A screening device200A includes a structure that replaces the retainer pieces204,206, and208in the structure of the screening device200inFIG.3, respectively with retainer pieces204A,206A, and208A.

In the structure of the retainer pieces204,206, and208, the retainer pieces204A,206A, and208A include a structure that replaces retainer belts204b,206b, and208brespectively with capstan rollers204Ab,206Ab, and208Ab. In other words, this structure functions so that the retainer piece204A encloses, clamps, and feeds the optical fiber core2by way of the pair of capstan rollers204a,204Ab. The retainer pieces206A,208A are in the same way, functions to enclose, clamp, and feed the optical fiber core2by way of the pair of capstan rollers206a,206Ab, and the pair of capstan rollers208a,208Ab.

The screening device200A also adds the tensile force for applying the pre-tensile strain between the retainer piece204A and the retainer piece206A onto the optical fiber core2with almost no tensile strain and subsequently adds the tensile force for applying the guaranteed tensile strain between the retainer piece206A and the retainer piece208A. A sudden change in the tensile force on the optical fiber core2can in this way be suppressed and damage to the resin coating layer can be suppressed.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG.6is a schematic drawing of the screening device for the optical fiber core of a fourth embodiment. In the structure of the screening device200illustrated inFIG.3, a screening device200B includes a structure that replaces the retainer pieces204,206, and208respectively with retainer pieces204B,206B and208B.

The retainer piece204B is structured so as to enclose, clamp, and feed the optical fiber core2by way of a pair of retainer belts204Ba,204Bb that rotate by way of the rollers. The retainer pieces206B,208B are in the same way, structured so as to respectively enclose, clamp, and feed the optical fiber core2by way of a pair of retainer belts206Ba,206Bb, and the pair of retainer belts208Ba,208Bb.

This screening device200B also adds a tensile force for applying the pre-tensile strain between the retainer piece204B and the retainer piece206B to the optical fiber core2with almost no tensile strain and subsequently adds the tensile force for applying the guaranteed tensile strain between the retainer piece206B and the retainer piece208B. A sudden change in the tensile force on the optical fiber core2can in this way be suppressed and damage to the resin coating layer can be suppressed.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG.7is a schematic drawing of the screening device for the optical fiber core of a fifth embodiment. In the structure of the screening device200illustrated inFIG.3, a screening device200C includes a structure that replaces the retainer pieces204,206, and208respectively with retainer pieces204C,206C, and208C, adds rollers212,213,214, and215, and omits the screening dancer205.

The retainer piece204C is structured so as to enclose, clamp and feed the optical fiber core2by way of a pair of retainer belts204Ca,204Cb that rotate by way of rollers. The retainer pieces206C and208C are in the same way, structured so as to respectively enclose, clamp, and feed the optical fiber core2by way of a pair of retainer belts206Ca,206Cb, and a pair of retainer belts208Ca,208Cb.

This screening device200C applies a pre-tensile strain onto the optical fiber core2between the retainer piece204C and the retainer piece206C by adding a difference in rotation speed between the retainer piece204C and the retainer piece206C. Specifically, by setting the rotation speed of the retainer piece206C faster than the rotation speed of the retainer piece204C, the tensile force is added onto the optical fiber core2according to the difference in the rotation speed, and the pre-tensile strain is in this way applied.

The rollers212,213,214, and215are installed in order to change the feed direction of the optical fiber core2. Preferably, a load sensor such as a load cell is mounted in the roller213between the retainer piece204C and the retainer piece206C to detect the pre-tensile strain applied to the optical fiber core2.

This screening device200C also adds a tensile force for applying the pre-tensile strain between the retainer piece204C and the retainer piece206C onto the optical fiber core2with almost no tensile strain, and subsequently adds a tensile force for applying the guaranteed tensile strain between the retainer piece206C and the retainer piece208C by way of the screening dancer207. A sudden change in the tensile force on the optical fiber core2can in this way be suppressed and damage to the resin coating layer can be suppressed.

The difference in the rotation speed is added between the retainer piece206C and the retainer piece208C, and by adding the tensile force generated by this difference in the rotation speed to the tensile force generated by the load from the screening dancer207the guaranteed tensile strain may be applied.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG.8is a schematic drawing of the screening device for the optical fiber core of a sixth embodiment. In the structure of the screening device200illustrated inFIG.3, a screening device200D includes a structure that replaces the retainer pieces204,206, and208respectively with retainer pieces204D,206D, and208D.

The retainer piece204D includes a capstan roller having a high friction coefficient with the outer circumferential surface lined with silicone or the like. The frictional force acting between the outer circumferential surface and the optical fiber core2installed along the outer circumferential surface functions to clamp and feed the optical fiber core2. The retainer pieces206D and208D include the capstan roller having a high friction coefficient with the outer circumferential surface lined and are structured so as to clamp and feed the optical fiber core2by the frictional force.

This screening device200D also adds a tensile force for applying a pre-tensile strain between the retainer piece204D and the retainer piece206D onto the optical fiber core2with almost no tensile strain and subsequently adds a tensile force for applying the guaranteed tensile strain between the retainer piece206D and the retainer piece208D. A sudden change in the tensile force on the optical fiber core2can in this way be suppressed and damage to the resin coating layer can be suppressed.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG.9is a schematic drawing of screening device200E for the optical fiber core of a seventh embodiment. In the structure of the screening device200illustrated inFIG.3, a screening device200E includes a structure that replaces the retainer piece204with retainer piece204E and adds a retainer piece219and rollers216,217,218, and220.

The retainer piece204E includes a capstan roller204Ea and a retainer belt204Eb that rotate by way of rollers, and encloses and retains the optical fiber core2. The retainer piece219in the same way includes a capstan roller219aand a retainer belt219bthat rotates by way of a roller, and encloses and retains the optical fiber belt2.

In this screening device200E, the pre-tensile strain is applied to the optical fiber core2between the retainer piece204E and the retainer piece206by adding the difference in the rotation speed between the retainer piece204E and the retainer piece206.

Furthermore, in the screening device200E, the optical fiber core2is released stepwise from the guaranteed tensile strain applied between the retainer piece206and the retainer piece208. Specifically, by adding the difference in the rotation speed between the retainer piece208and the retainer piece219, the tensile strain applied to the optical fiber core2is reduced (first stage release), and next the optical fiber core2is released from tensile strain by passing the retainer piece219(second stage release). In other words, in the screening device200E, the guaranteed tensile strain is released in two stages.

The rollers216,217,218, and220are installed in order to change the feed direction of the optical fiber core2. Preferably, a load sensor such as a load cell is mounted in the roller217installed between the retainer piece204E and the retainer piece206to detect the pre-tensile strain applied to the optical fiber core2. In the same way, a load sensor such as a load cell is preferably mounted in the roller218between the retainer piece208and the retainer piece219to detect the reduced tensile strain.

This screening device200E also adds the tensile force for applying the pre-tensile strain between the retainer piece204E and the retainer piece206onto the optical fiber core2with almost no tensile strain and subsequently adds the tensile force for applying the guaranteed tensile strain between the retainer piece206and the retainer piece208. A sudden change in the tensile force on the optical fiber core2can in this way be suppressed and damage to the resin coating layer can be suppressed.

Furthermore, this screening device200E releases the guaranteed tensile strain in two stages at the retainer piece208and the retainer piece219. When releasing the optical fiber core2from the guaranteed tensile strain, peeling of the resin coating layer may occur due to sudden changes in the tensile force added to the optical fiber core2when the guaranteed tensile force is large. However, performing the release stepwise in this way is preferable since occurrence of peeling can be suppressed.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG.10is a schematic drawing of the screening device for the optical fiber core of an eighth embodiment. A screening device200F is essentially the structure for the screening device200E illustrated inFIG.9, and additionally includes a screening dancer221and a retainer piece222.

A retainer222includes a capstan roller222a, and a retainer belt222bthat rotates by way of a roller, and encloses and retains the optical fiber core2.

In this screening device200F, the pre-tensile strain is applied by applying the tensile strain stepwise. Specifically, tensile strain is applied to the optical fiber core2between the retainer piece204E and the retainer piece206by adding the difference in the rotation speed between the retainer piece204E and the retainer piece206(first stage application of tensile strain). Furthermore, the screening dancer221adds the tensile force by applying a load onto the optical fiber core2retained at both ends by the retainer piece206and the retainer piece222so as to apply the tensile strain (second stage application of tensile strain). The pre-tensile strain is in this way applied to the optical fiber core2. Afterwards, the tensile force is added to the optical fiber core2retained at both ends by the retainer piece222and the retainer piece208by adding a load by the screening dancer207so that the guaranteed tensile strain is applied.

This screening device200F also adds the tensile force for applying the pre-tensile strain stepwise between the retainer piece204E and the retainer piece206, and between the retainer piece206and the retainer piece222onto the optical fiber core2with almost no tensile strain, and subsequently adds a tensile force for applying the guaranteed tensile strain between the retainer piece222and the retainer piece208. In this way, for example, when the guaranteed tensile strain is large, a sudden change in the tensile force on the optical fiber core2can be suppressed more than the case of applying a pre-tensile strain at one stage, and damage to the resin coating layer can be suppressed.

Furthermore, this screening device200F can also suppress occurrence of peeling in the resin coating layer since the guaranteed tensile strain is released in the two stages.

Release of the pre-tensile strain and the guaranteed tensile strain is not limited to two stages and three stages or more may be employed.

When applying the pre-tensile strain in N stages (N is an integer of 2 or more), with the slight tensile force added to the optical fiber core2by the feed-out dancer203set as 0, and the tensile force added at the n-th stage (n is an integer of 1 or more and less than N) is set to the tensile force n, the tensile force is preferably added so as to achieve the relationship of (tensile force 1−tensile force 0)>(tensile force (n+1)−tensile force n) prior to applying the pre-tensile force. The tensile force 0 is extremely small compared to the tensile force n, so a tensile force that achieves the relationship of (tensile force 1)>(tensile force (n+1)−tensile force n) can be applied. By performing as described above, a relatively large tensile strain is applied at an early stage so that the optical fiber core2that cannot withstand this relatively large tensile strain will break at the early stage and can be removed. The optical fiber core2can break at a position far from the winding bobbin211. In this way, damage due to the optical fiber core2breaking in a state with tensile force applied, moving out of control, reaching a good optical fiber core2wound on the winding bobbin211, striking its surface and causing damage from so-called fiber rapping can be suppressed. Also, fragments occurring due to breakage can be prevented from reaching good optical fiber core2.

An optical fiber including quartz-clad with an outer diameter of 125 μm was drawn out from optical fiber preform, and on its outer circumference, an optical fiber core with an outer diameter of 245 μm including a UV-curable urethane acrylate resin having a dual-layer structure of a soft layer and a hard layer was formed. A sample 50 km in length was cut out from the above formed optical fiber core and the screening of the sample was performed utilizing the screening device having the structure illustrated inFIG.3. The tensile strain by the tensile force added by the feed-out dancer was set to approximately 0%, the pre-tensile strain was set to 1.6%, and the guaranteed tensile strain was set to 3.0°. Namely, the amount of change in tensile strain during application of the tensile strain was 1.6% and 1.4°. During release of the tensile strain, the guaranteed tensile strain was released from 3.0% to approximately 0%. No breakage of the optical fiber core was observed in the 3.0% screening. No abnormalities were found when utilizing a surface unevenness detector to check for coating outer diameter abnormalities in the optical fiber core after the screening. When 1% screening such that a guaranteed tensile strain was set to 1.0% without applying the pre-tensile strain (in other words, set to a pre-tensile strain of zero) was performed on the 3% screened optical fiber core, no breakage was observed.

Comparative Example 1

A separate sample of 50 km in length was cut out from the optical fiber core formed in the example 1 and the screening was performed on this sample utilizing a screening device in the related art applying no pre-tensile strain. The same guaranteed tensile strain of 3.0% as the example 1 was set so there was a sudden change in the tensile strain from approximately 0% to 3.0%. During release of the tensile strain, the guaranteed tensile strain was released from 3.0% to approximately 0%. No breakage of the optical fiber core was observed in the 3% screening. However, when utilizing the surface unevenness detector to check for coating outer diameter abnormalities on the optical fiber core after the screening, outer diameter abnormalities to a certain length were found at5locations among the 50 km. Breakage of the optical fiber core also occurred when 1% screening was performed on the 3% screened optical fiber core. The breakage locations were along the portions with the outer diameter abnormalities. When the outer diameter abnormalities including the breakage locations were cut out and observed in detail, breakage and tearing of the resin coating layer were confirmed in the portions with the outer diameter abnormalities.

A separate sample of 50 km in length was cut out from the optical fiber core formed in the example 1, and the screening was performed utilizing the screening device with the structure illustrated inFIG.5. The tensile strain applied by the feed-out dancer was set to approximately 0%, the pre-tensile strain was set to 1.6%, and the guaranteed tensile strain was set to 3.0%, the same as in the example 1. Namely, the amount of change in the tensile strain was 1.6% and 1.4%. During release of the tensile strain, the guaranteed tensile strain was released from 3.0% to approximately 0%. No breakage of the optical fiber core was observed in the 3% screening. No abnormalities were found when utilizing the surface unevenness detector to check for coating outer diameter abnormalities in the optical fiber core after the screening. When 1% screening was performed on the 3% screened optical fiber core the same as in the example 1, no breakage was observed.

A separate sample of 50 km in length was cut from the optical fiber core formed in the example 1, and the screening was performed utilizing the screening device with the structure illustrated inFIG.6. The tensile strain applied by the feed-out dancer was set to approximately 0%, the pre-tensile strain was set to 1.6%, and the guaranteed tensile strain was set to 3.0%, the same as in the example 1. During release of the tensile strain, the guaranteed tensile strain was released from 3.0% to approximately 0%. No breakage of the optical fiber core was observed in the 3% screening. No abnormalities were found when utilizing the surface unevenness detector to check for coating outer diameter abnormalities in the optical fiber core after the screening. When the 1% screening was performed on the 3% screened optical fiber core the same as in the example 1, no breakage was observed.

A separate sample of 50 km in length was cut out from the optical fiber core formed in the example 1, and the screening was performed utilizing the screening device with the structure illustrated inFIG.8. The tensile strain applied by the feed-out dancer was set to approximately 0%, the pre-tensile strain was set to 1.6%, and the guaranteed tensile strain was set to 3.0%, the same as in the example 1. During release of the tensile strain, the guaranteed tensile strain was released from 3.0% to approximately 0%. No breakage of the optical fiber core was observed in the 3% screening. No abnormalities were found when utilizing the surface unevenness detector to check for coating outer diameter abnormalities in the optical fiber core after the screening. When the 1% screening was performed on the 3% screened optical fiber core the same as in the example 1, no breakage was observed.

An optical fiber including quartz-clad with an outer diameter of 80 μm was drawn out from optical fiber preform, and on its outer circumference, a thin optical fiber core with an outer diameter of 125 μm that includes a UV-curable urethane acrylate resin having a dual-layer structure of a soft layer and a hard layer was formed. A sample 50 km in length was cut out from the above formed optical fiber core and the screening of the sample was performed utilizing the screening device having the structure illustrated inFIG.9. The tensile strain applied by the feed-out dancer to the optical fiber core with an outer diameter of 125 μm was set to approximately 0%, the pre-tensile strain was set to 0.5%, and the guaranteed tensile strain was set to 1.0%. Namely, the amount of change in the tensile strain during application of the tensile strain was 0.5%. During release of the tensile strain, the guaranteed tensile strain was released from 1.0% first of all to 0.5%, and then to approximately 0%. No breakage of the optical fiber core was observed in the 1% screening. No abnormalities were found when utilizing the surface unevenness detector to check for coating outer diameter abnormalities in the optical fiber core after the screening. When the 1% screening was performed on the 1% screened optical fiber core the same as in the example 1, no breakage was observed.

An optical fiber including quartz-clad with an outer diameter of 80 μm was drawn out from quarts-clad optical fiber preform, and on its outer circumference, a thin optical fiber core with an outer diameter of 140 μm that includes a UV-curable urethane acrylate resin having a dual-layer structure of a soft layer and a hard layer was formed. A sample 50 km in length was cut out from the above formed optical fiber core and the screening of the sample was performed utilizing the screening device having the structure illustrated inFIG.9. The tensile strain applied by the feed-out dancer to the optical fiber core with an outer diameter of 140 μm was set to approximately 0°, the pre-tensile strain was set to 0.7°, and the guaranteed tensile strain was set to 2.0°. Namely, the amount of change in the tensile strain during application of the tensile strain was 1.3%. During release of the tensile strain, the guaranteed tensile strain was released from 2.0% first of all to 0.7%, and then to approximately 0%. No breakage of the optical fiber core was observed in the 2% screening. No abnormalities were found when utilizing the surface unevenness detector to check for coating outer diameter abnormalities in the optical fiber core after the screening. When the 1% screening was performed on the 2% screened optical fiber core the same as in the example 1, no breakage was observed.

An optical fiber including quartz-clad with an outer diameter of 80 μm was drawn out from quarts-clad optical fiber preform, and on its outer circumference, a thin optical fiber core with an outer diameter of 160 μm that includes a UV-curable urethane acrylate resin having a dual-layer structure of a soft layer and a hard layer was formed. A sample 50 km in length was cut out from the above formed optical fiber core and the screening of the sample was performed utilizing the screening device having the structure illustrated inFIG.9. The tensile strain applied by the feed-out dancer to the optical fiber core with an outer diameter of 160 μm was set to approximately 0%, the pre-tensile strain was set to 1.2%, and the guaranteed tensile strain was set to 3.0%. Namely, the amount of change in the tensile strain during application of the tensile strain was 1.8%. During release of the tensile strain, the guaranteed tensile strain was released from 3.0% first of all to 1.7%, and then to approximately 0%. No breakage of the optical fiber core was observed in the 3% screening. No abnormalities were found when utilizing the surface unevenness detector to check for coating outer diameter abnormalities in the optical fiber core after the screening. When the to screening the same as in the example 1 was performed on the 3% screened optical fiber core, no breakage was observed.

An optical fiber including quartz-clad with an outer diameter of 250 μm was drawn out from optical fiber preform, and on its outer circumference, a large diameter optical fiber core with an outer diameter of 370 μm that includes a UV-curable urethane acrylate resin having a dual-layer structure of a soft layer and a hard layer was formed. A sample 25 km in length was cut out from the above formed optical fiber core and the screening of the sample was performed utilizing the screening device having the structure illustrated inFIG.10. The tensile strain applied by the feed-out dancer to the optical fiber core with an outer diameter of 370 μm was set to approximately 0%, the pre-tensile strain was set stepwise from 0.7% to 1.3%, and the guaranteed tensile strain was set to 1.9%. Namely, the amount of change in the tensile strain during application of the tensile strain was 0.7%, 0.6%, and 0.6%. During release of the tensile strain, the guaranteed tensile strain was released from 1.9%, first of all to 1.0% and then to approximately 0%. No breakage of the optical fiber core was observed in the 1.9% screening. No abnormalities were found when utilizing the surface unevenness detector to check for coating outer diameter abnormalities in the optical fiber core after the screening. When the 1% screening the same as in the example 1 was performed on the 1.9% screened optical fiber core, no breakage was observed.

An optical fiber including quartz-clad with an outer diameter of 250 μm was drawn out from optical fiber preform, and on its outer circumference, a large diameter optical fiber core with an outer diameter of 450 μm that includes a resin triple-layer structure of polyimide, silicone, and nylon was formed. A sample 10 km in length was cut out from the above formed optical fiber core and the screening of the sample was performed utilizing the screening device having the structure illustrated in FIG.10. The tensile strain applied by the feed-out dancer to the optical fiber core with an outer diameter of 450 μm was set to approximately 0%, the pre-tensile strain was set stepwise from 0.6% to 1.1%, and the guaranteed tensile strain was set to 1.5%. Namely, the amount of change in the tensile strain during application of the tensile strain was 0.6%, 0.5%, and 0.4%. During release of the tensile strain, the guaranteed tensile strain was released from 1.5%, first of all to 0.6%, and then to approximately 0%. No breakage of the optical fiber core was observed in the 1.5% screening. No abnormalities were found when utilizing the surface unevenness detector to check for coating outer diameter abnormalities in the optical fiber core after the screening. Additionally, when utilizing an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) device to check the light transmission state of the optical fiber core after the screening, no abnormalities were found across the entire length. When the 1% screening the same as in the example 1 was performed on the 1.5% screened optical fiber core, no breakage was observed. When utilizing the OTDR device to check the light transmission state of the optical fiber core after the screening, no abnormalities were found across the entire length.

An optical fiber including quartz-clad with an outer diameter of 350 μm was drawn out from optical fiber preform, and on its outer circumference, a large diameter optical fiber core with an outer diameter of 550 μm that includes a resin dual-layer structure of polyimide/PFA (perfluoroalkoxy fluororesin: tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer) was formed. A sample 15 km in length was cut out from the above formed optical fiber core and the screening of the sample was performed utilizing the screening device having the structure illustrated inFIG.10. The tensile strain applied by the feed-out dancer to the optical fiber core with an outer diameter of 550 μm was set to approximately 0%, the pre-tensile strain was set stepwise from 0.5% to 1.1%, and the guaranteed tensile strain was set to 1.5%. Namely, the amount of change in the tensile strain during application of the tensile strain was 0.5%, 0.6%, and 0.4%. During release of the tensile strain, the guaranteed tensile strain was released from 1.5%, first of all to 0.6%, and then to approximately 0%. No breakage of the optical fiber core was observed in the 1.5% screening. No abnormalities were found when utilizing the surface unevenness detector to check for coating outer diameter abnormalities in the optical fiber core after the screening. Additionally, when utilizing the OTDR device to check the light transmission state of the optical fiber core after the screening, no abnormalities were found across the entire length. When 1% screening the same as in the example 1 was performed on the 1.5% screened optical fiber core, no breakage was observed. When utilizing the OTDR device to check the light transmission state of the optical fiber core after the screening, no abnormalities were found across the entire length.

An optical fiber including quartz-clad with an outer diameter of 450 μm was drawn out from optical fiber preform, and on its outer circumference, a large diameter optical fiber core with an outer diameter of 900 μm that includes a resin triple-layer structure of polyimide/silicone/nylon was formed. A sample 10 km in length was cut out from the above formed optical fiber core and the screening of the sample was performed utilizing the screening device having the structure illustrated inFIG.10. The tensile strain applied by the feed-out dancer to the optical fiber core with an outer diameter of 900 μm was set to approximately 0%, the pre-tensile strain was set stepwise from 0.5% to 0.9%, and the guaranteed tensile strain was set to 1.2%. Namely, the amount of change in the tensile strain during application of the tensile strain was 0.5%, 0.4%, and 0.3%. During release of the tensile strain, the guaranteed tensile strain was released from 1.2%, first of all to 0.6%, and then to approximately 0%. No breakage of the optical fiber core was observed in the 1.2% screening. No abnormalities were found when utilizing a surface unevenness detector to check for coating outer diameter abnormalities in the optical fiber core after the screening. Additionally, when utilizing the OTDR device to check the light transmission state of the optical fiber core after the screening, no abnormalities were found across the entire length. When the 1% screening the same as in the example 1 was performed on the 1.2% screened optical fiber core, no breakage was observed. When utilizing the OTDR device to check the light transmission state of the optical fiber core after the screening, no abnormalities were found across the entire length.

The present disclosure is not limited by the above described embodiments. The present disclosure may also be achieved including appropriate combinations of the above described structural elements. For example, in the screening device200E illustrated inFIG.9, any of the retainer pieces204E,206,208, and219include the structure such that capstan rollers and retainer belts enclose and retain the optical fiber core. However, all of these need not be the same structure. In other words, each of the retainer pieces204E,206,208, and219may be substitutable as appropriate to a structure of a capstan roller pair, a structure of a retainer belt pair, and a structure that retains the optical fiber core by frictional force. Further effects and modifications can be easily contrived by one skilled in the art. Therefore, the wide scope of the aspects of the present disclosure is not limited to the above described embodiments and all manner of changes are allowable.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The method and device for screening an optical fiber core, and the method for manufacturing an optical fiber core of the present disclosure will be suitable for manufacture of optical fibers capable of suppressing damage in the resin coating layer.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

The present disclosure renders the effect of suppressing occurrence of damage in resin coating layers.

The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. The present disclosure encompasses a configuration obtained by appropriately combining the constituent elements described above.

Those skilled in the art can easily conceive additional effects and modifications. Thus, a broader aspect of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific details and the representative embodiment as represented and described above. Accordingly, various modification can be implemented without departing from a gist or a scope of a comprehensive concept of the disclosure defined by the attached claims and equivalents thereof.