WO2021157535A1 - Optical fiber cable - Google Patents

Abstract

This optical fiber cable is provided with a plurality of optical fiber units. Each of the plurality of optical fiber units comprises a plurality of optical fiber tape core wires. At least one of the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires has a marker that is identifiable among the plurality of optical fiber units, and at least a part of the marker is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit.

Description

Fiber optic cable

The present disclosure relates to optical fiber cables.
This application claims priority based on the Japanese application "Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-16254" filed on February 3, 2020, and incorporates all the contents described in the Japanese application.

Conventionally, an optical fiber cable including an optical fiber unit having a plurality of optical fiber tape core wires in which a plurality of optical fiber core wires are arranged in parallel is known.
In such an optical fiber cable, since it is necessary to identify the optical fiber core wire when connecting the cables, it is required to identify the optical fiber unit. For example, a bundle thread for identification is required. A wound optical fiber unit is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2013-190641

According to one aspect of the present disclosure
Equipped with multiple optical fiber units
Each of the plurality of optical fiber units has a plurality of optical fiber tape core wires, and has a plurality of optical fiber tape core wires.
At least one of the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires has a label that can be identified among the plurality of optical fiber units.
An optical fiber cable is provided in which at least a part of the label is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber cable according to an embodiment. FIG. 2A is a side view of the optical fiber unit which is the first example of the embodiment. FIG. 2B is a side view of the optical fiber unit which is the second example of the embodiment. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the optical fiber tape core wire according to the embodiment. FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 is a table in which the specifications of the identification band and the pattern formation pitch are arranged.

[Issues to be solved by this disclosure]
In the optical fiber cable described in Patent Document 1, in order to wind the bundled yarn around the optical fiber unit, it is necessary to prepare a bundled yarn or a winding device for the bundled yarn, and the structure of the optical fiber cable is complicated. In addition, the manufacturing process of the optical fiber cable was complicated.

The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical fiber cable capable of identifying an optical fiber unit with a simple structure.

[Effect of the present disclosure]
According to the above, it is possible to provide an optical fiber cable capable of identifying an optical fiber unit with a simple structure.

[Explanation of Embodiments of the present disclosure]
First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[1] The optical fiber cable according to one aspect of the present disclosure is
Equipped with multiple optical fiber units
Each of the plurality of optical fiber units has a plurality of optical fiber tape core wires, and has a plurality of optical fiber tape core wires.
At least one of the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires has a label that can be identified among the plurality of optical fiber units.
At least a part of the label is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit.
According to this configuration, the optical fiber unit can be identified with a simple structure without providing an identification member such as a bundle yarn.

[2] In the optical fiber cable according to the above [1],
The label has both the distinctiveness among the plurality of optical fiber units and the distinctiveness between the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires in one optical fiber unit.
According to this configuration, it is possible to both identify the optical fiber unit and identify the optical fiber tape core wire while maintaining a simple structure.

[3] In the optical fiber cable according to the above [1] or [2].
The label has a different color for each fiber optic unit.
According to this configuration, the optical fiber unit can be easily identified.

[4] In the optical fiber cable according to any one of the above [1] to [3].
The label has a different shape for each optical fiber unit.
According to this configuration, the optical fiber unit can be easily identified.

[5] In the optical fiber cable according to any one of the above [1] to [4].
The label has one or more discriminators and
Each of the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires has an identification band length of 1 mm or more in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape core wire, and the identification band width in the lateral direction of the optical fiber tape core wire is the optical fiber. It has at least one or more of the identification bands, which is at least half the width of the fiber optic tape core wire itself in the lateral direction.
According to this configuration, the pattern can be reliably visually recognized from the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit, and the optical fiber units can be more easily identified from each other.

[6] In the optical fiber cable according to any one of the above [1] to [5].
The label is repeatedly provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape core wire.
The repetition interval of the label is 500 mm or less.
When connecting the optical fiber tape core wire, it is usually carried out with a terminal having a length of about 500 mm. Therefore, if the distance between the patterns is 500 mm or less, the patterns are surely exposed. With the configuration of [6], the pattern can be reliably visually recognized from the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit, and the optical fiber units can be easily identified from each other. In addition, it becomes possible to easily identify the optical fiber tape core wires.

[Details of Embodiments of the present disclosure]
Hereinafter, the optical fiber cable 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber cable according to an embodiment, FIG. 2A is a side view of an optical fiber unit which is a first example of the embodiment, and FIG. 2B is an optical fiber unit which is a second example of the embodiment. 3A is a plan view of the optical fiber tape core wire according to the embodiment, FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 3A, and FIG. 4 shows specifications of an identification band and a pattern formation pitch. It is an organized table.
In the following description, it may be assumed that the configurations with the same reference numerals are the same in different drawings, and the description thereof may be omitted.
In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, and is indicated by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

In the present disclosure, the "longitudinal direction" refers to a long body or a long shape having a long length, and is a linear body such as an optical fiber cable 100, an optical fiber unit 120, or an optical fiber tape core wire 121. Then, it can be rephrased as "axial direction". The "short direction" refers to a direction in which the length of a long body or a long shape is short, and may mean a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The "short direction" in a linear body having a circular cross section such as the optical fiber cable 100 can be rephrased as the "radial direction". Further, the "short direction" in the optical fiber tape core wire 121 can be rephrased as the "width direction". Further, the "outer peripheral surface" refers to a surface of a linear body such as an optical fiber cable 100 that faces outward in the radial direction.

[Optical fiber cable]
First, the optical fiber cable 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the optical fiber cable 100 has, for example, a plurality of optical fiber units 120.

Specifically, the optical fiber cable 100 includes, for example, a slot rod 110 having a slot groove 112 formed between a plurality of ribs 111 and the plurality of ribs 111, and an optical fiber unit arranged in the slot groove 112. It includes 120, a cable outer cover 130 that covers them, and a tension member 140 that is embedded in the center of the slot rod 110.

The rib 111 of the slot rod 110 protrudes in the radial direction from the center of the slot rod 110. For example, eight ribs 111 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

The slot groove 112 is provided between the pair of slot rods 110. For example, one optical fiber unit 120 is housed in one slot groove 112.

Since eight ribs 111 are provided in the present embodiment, eight slot grooves 112 are formed in the slot rod 110. The slot groove 112 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber cable 100, for example, in a spiral shape or in an SZ shape in which the twisting direction is periodically reversed.

The tension member 140 is made of a wire rod having a proof stress against tension and compression, for example, a steel wire, FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastics), or the like.

The cable outer cover 130 is provided so as to surround the outer circumference of the slot rod 110, and houses a plurality of optical fiber units 120 inside.

[Optical fiber unit]
Next, the optical fiber unit 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3A.

The optical fiber unit 120 has, for example, a plurality of optical fiber tape core wires 121 shown in FIG. 3A. Each of the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires 121 has, for example, a plurality of optical fiber core wires 121a arranged in parallel, and has a flat shape. The connection mode of the optical fiber tape core wire 121 will be described later.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the optical fiber unit 120 is configured by, for example, twisting a plurality of optical fiber tape core wires 121. In the present embodiment, the optical fiber unit 120 is formed by twisting, for example, 12 optical fiber tape core wires 121. Further, the optical fiber unit 120 is twisted, for example, in an S twist (right twist).

Further, the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit 120 is not covered with a tube or a bundle thread. Therefore, when the cable outer cover 130 is peeled off, the optical fiber tape core wire 121 (that is, the optical fiber core wire 121a) is exposed over the entire length of the optical fiber unit 120 on the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit 120.

[Optical fiber tape core wire]
Next, the optical fiber tape core wire 121 will be described with reference to FIG. 3A.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the optical fiber tape core wire 121 is configured as, for example, a so-called intermittent tape core wire. That is, the optical fiber tape core wire 121 separates the connecting region 121b which connects the optical fiber core wires 121a adjacent to each other in the lateral direction from each other and the optical fiber core wire 121a adjacent to each other in the lateral direction. It also has a non-connected region 121c. In the present embodiment, the optical fiber tape core wire 121 has, for example, 12 optical fiber core wires 121a.

[Sign]
Next, the label 122 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 3B.

As shown in FIGS. 2A to 3B, in the present embodiment, at least one of the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires 121 has, for example, a marker 122 that can be identified among the plurality of optical fiber units 120. At least a part of the label 122 is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit 120. Thereby, the optical fiber unit 120 can be identified with a simple structure.

In the present embodiment, the label 122 is configured as, for example, a pattern such as a pattern printed, coated, or pasted on the plane of the optical fiber tape core wire 121. The term "flat surface" as used herein refers to a surface when the flat optical fiber tape core wire 121 is viewed in a plane, and may have irregularities that imitate the outer shape of the optical fiber core wire 121a.

Further, in the present embodiment, the label 122 has both the distinctiveness among a plurality of optical fiber units 120 and the distinctiveness between a plurality of optical fiber tape core wires 121 in one optical fiber unit 120, for example. have. The "distinguishability" here means a characteristic that allows the difference in appearance to be grasped. Since the label 122 is configured as described above, it is possible to both identify the optical fiber unit 120 and identify the optical fiber tape core wire 121 while maintaining a simple structure.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in the present embodiment, the label 122 has a different color for each optical fiber unit 120, for example. This makes it possible to easily identify the optical fiber unit.

Note that the "different colors" referred to here may have different chromaticities or different color densities, for example.

As a specific configuration satisfying the above requirements, for example, each of the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires 121 has a label 122. The label 122 has a different pattern shape for each optical fiber tape core wire 121. That is, the pattern shape of the label 122 of each optical fiber tape core wire 121 indicates the distinctiveness between the optical fiber tape core wires 121.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, for example, in each optical fiber tape core wire 121, a plurality of labels 122 are repeatedly provided in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape core wire 121 at predetermined intervals. In one optical fiber tape core wire 121, the pattern shape of each repeated label 122 is common.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, for example, the markers 122 in all of the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires 121 in one optical fiber unit 120 have a common color. As described above, the label 122 has a different color for each optical fiber unit 120 (for example, the difference in color density of the label 122 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). That is, the color of the label 122 of each optical fiber unit 120 indicates the distinctiveness among the optical fiber units 120.

With the above configuration, it is possible to easily identify the optical fiber unit 120 and the optical fiber tape core wire 121 at the same time.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the marker 122 of the present embodiment has, for example, one or more identification bands 122a. The identification band 122a is configured as, for example, a rectangular (strip-shaped) pattern. For example, the first side of the identification band 122a (not shown) is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape core wire 121, and the second side orthogonal to the first side of the identification band 122a (not shown) is optical. It is arranged along the lateral direction of the fiber tape core wire 121. The identification band 122a has, for example, a length B in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape core wire 121 and a width A in the lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

Further, the marker 122 has, for example, a plurality of identification bands 122a having different lengths B. The plurality of identification bands 122a are provided apart from each other at the identification band forming pitch L. The identification band forming pitch L is, for example, about 3 mm.

For example, the length B of the identification band 122a can be set so as to indicate the identification numbers 1, 5, 10 and the like in order from the shortest. By combining a plurality of identification bands 122a having different lengths B, it is possible to assign an identification number unique to each optical fiber tape core wire 121. For example, in the case of FIG. 3A, one identification band 122a having the longest length B, one identification band 122a having an intermediate length B, and one identification band 122a having a short length B are combined. Therefore, the identification number of the optical fiber tape core wire 121 is 16.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the optical fiber tape core wire 121 is marked with a label 122 at a predetermined repetition interval (pattern formation pitch) P.

The pattern formation pitch P may be larger than the identification band formation pitch L, and is, for example, an interval of 50 mm or more. This makes it possible to prevent confusion between the repeated labels 122.

On the other hand, the pattern formation pitch P is preferably 500 mm or less. The pattern can be reliably visually recognized from the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit 120, and the optical fiber units 120 can be easily identified from each other. In addition, the optical fiber tape core wires 121 can be easily identified from each other.

Since the optical fiber unit 120 is not covered with a tube or bundle thread, the optical fiber core wire 121a is exposed over the entire length of the optical fiber unit 120 on the outer peripheral surface thereof. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, at least a part of the label 122 is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit 120.

Here, the specifications of the identification band 122a and the optimum values of the pattern formation pitch P will be examined.
In this study, the optical fiber tape core line width (tape core line width) W, the identification band width A, the identification band length B, and the pattern formation pitch P were used as variables. By the variable, the distinctiveness of the optical fiber unit (whether or not one optical fiber unit can be identified at a glance from the plurality of optical fiber units arranged in one slot groove) and the identification of the optical fiber tape core wire. The property (whether or not one optical fiber tape core wire can be identified from one optical fiber unit) was evaluated.
There are three optical fiber units in the slot groove, and the number of optical fiber tape core wires in one optical fiber unit is 12 as described above.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the above-mentioned "optical fiber tape core wire width W" is defined as the length of the lateral direction X orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Y of the optical fiber tape core wire 121, and the "identification band width A" is defined as the length. , The length of the identification band 122a in the same direction as the lateral direction X, which is the width direction of the optical fiber tape core wire 121, and the "identification band length B" is the identification band 122a in the direction Y orthogonal to the width direction of the identification band 122a. It was the length of.
Further, the pattern formation pitch P is set to be the longest in one optical fiber unit 120.

The number and size of the identification bands in one marker are different for each optical fiber tape core wire 121. Therefore, in this study, to evaluate the Min _{(A Max)} as an identification band width was evaluated Min _{(B Max)} as the identification zone length.
However,
A _Max is the widest identification bandwidth A in each of the fiber optic tape cores.
Min (A _Max ) is the minimum value of _{A Max} when comparing _{A Max} between optical fiber tape core wires in one optical fiber unit.
B _Max is the longest identification band length B in each of the optical fiber tape core wires.
Min (B _Max ) is the minimum value of _{B Max when B Max} is compared between the optical fiber tape core wires in one optical fiber unit.

Further, regarding the distinctiveness of the above-mentioned optical fiber units, "A (best)" is when one optical fiber unit can be satisfactorily identified from a plurality of optical fiber units at a glance, and one optical fiber from a plurality of optical fiber units. The case where the unit can be identified but slightly inferior to A was defined as "B (good)".
Further, regarding the distinguishability of the optical fiber tape core wire, the case where one optical fiber tape core wire can be satisfactorily identified from one optical fiber unit is defined as "A (best)", and the inside of one optical fiber unit. When one optical fiber tape core wire can be identified from the above, but slightly inferior to A, it was defined as "B (good)".

Figure 4 shows the results of examining the specifications of the identification band and the optimum values of the pattern formation pitch.

In samples B1, B3 and B4 where Min (A _Max ) <W / 2 or Min (B _Max ) <1 mm, the unit distinctiveness was "B".

On the other hand, in _{the samples A1 to A4 in which Min (A Max} ) ≧ W / 2 and Min (B _Max ) ≧ 1 mm, the unit distinctiveness was “A”.

From this, it can be seen that the specifications of the identification band _{are most preferably Min (A Max} ) ≧ W / 2 and Min (B _Max ) ≧ 1 mm.

In sample B2 in which the pattern formation pitch P was more than 500 mm, the tape core wire identification was "B".

On the other hand, in the samples A1 to A4, B1 and B4 in which the pattern formation pitch P was 500 mm or less, the tape core wire discrimination was "A".

From this, it can be seen that the pattern formation pitch P is most preferably 500 mm or less.

Based on the above examination results, it is preferable that the label 122 satisfying the specification range of the optimum identification band 122a and the optimum pattern formation pitch is marked for each optical fiber tape core wire 121.

[Effects of the present embodiment]
According to this embodiment, one or more of the following effects are exhibited.

(A) In the present embodiment, at least one of the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires 121 has a label 122 that can be identified among the plurality of optical fiber units 120. At least a part of the label 122 is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit 120. As a result, the sign 122 can be easily visually recognized from the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit 120. As a result, the optical fiber unit 120 can be identified with a simple structure without providing an identification member such as a bundle yarn.

(B) In the present embodiment, the label 122 has both distinctiveness among a plurality of optical fiber units 120 and discriminativeness among a plurality of optical fiber tape core wires 121 in one optical fiber unit 120. Have. This eliminates the need to identify the optical fiber unit 120 using a bundled yarn or the like. As a result, it is possible to both identify the optical fiber unit 120 and identify the optical fiber tape core wire 121 while maintaining the simple structure of the optical fiber cable 100.

In addition, the process of providing an identification member such as a bundle thread becomes unnecessary. This makes it possible to shorten the manufacturing process of the optical fiber cable 100.

(C) In the present embodiment, the label 122 has a different color for each optical fiber unit 120, for example. This makes it possible to easily identify the optical fiber unit.

For example, when the label 122 has both the distinctiveness between the optical fiber units 120 and the distinctiveness between the optical fiber tape cores 121, the pattern shape of the label 122 is between the optical fiber tape cores 121. Each distinctiveness can be easily separated so that the color of the label 122 indicates the distinctiveness between the optical fiber units 120.

(D) In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires 121 has an identification band length B in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape core wire 121 of 1 mm or more, and is short of the optical fiber tape core wire 121. It has at least one identification band 122a in which the identification band width A in the hand direction is at least half the width W in the short direction of the optical fiber tape core wire 121 itself. As a result, the label 122 can be reliably visually recognized from the optical fiber unit 120, so that the optical fiber units 120 can be more easily identified from each other.

Here, in the optical fiber unit 120, the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires 121 are spirally twisted as described above. Therefore, it may not be known which of the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires 121, the label 122 of the optical fiber tape core wire 121, is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit 120. Alternatively, it may not be known where the predetermined label 122 appears on the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit 120.

On the other hand, each of the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires 121 has at least one identification band 122a satisfying the above-mentioned requirements, so that the label 122 of which optical fiber tape core wire 121 is indicated by the optical fiber unit 120. The sign 122 can be reliably visually recognized even if it is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit 120, or regardless of the position of the predetermined sign 122 appearing on the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit 120. As a result, it is possible to stably secure the distinctiveness between the above-mentioned optical fiber units 120.

(E) In the present embodiment, the labels 122 are repeatedly provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape core wire 121, and the repetition intervals (pattern formation pitch P) of the labels 122 are 500 mm or less. be. As a result, the label 122 can be reliably visually recognized from the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit 120, so that the optical fiber units 120 can be easily identified from each other. In addition, the optical fiber tape core wires 121 can be easily identified from each other.

[Modification example]
Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above.
In addition, the elements included in the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination thereof is also included in the scope of the present disclosure as long as the features of the present disclosure are included.

For example, in the present embodiment, the optical fiber cable has a structure having a slot rod, but it has a so-called "slotless" structure in which only the optical fiber unit is housed inside the cable jacket without using the slot rod. You may.

For example, in the present embodiment, the number of slot grooves in the slot rod is eight, but the number is not limited to this.
Further, the arrangement position of the tension member on the slot rod is the center of the slot rod in the present embodiment, but is not limited to this.
Further, the number of tension members may be a plurality.

For example, in the present embodiment, the optical fiber unit is formed of 12 optical fiber tape core wires, but the number of optical fiber tape core wires is not limited to this, and any number of optical fiber tape core wires may be used. It may be the number of sheets.
Further, in the present embodiment, the optical fiber unit is S-twisted, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, Z-twisted (left-handed) or SZ-twisted.
Further, in the present embodiment, the optical fiber tape core wire is formed of 12 optical fiber core wires, but the number of optical fiber core wires is not limited to this, and any number of optical fiber core wires may be used. It may be the number.

For example, in the present embodiment, the optical fiber tape core wire 121 is a so-called "intermittent tape core wire" having a connecting region 121b and a non-connecting region 121c, but the optical fiber tape core wire is a plurality of optical fiber cores. If it is composed of wires, it is not limited to the intermittent tape core wire.

For example, the method for marking the label 122 on the optical fiber tape core wire 121 may be any method as long as the optical fiber tape core wire can be colored. For example, the optical fiber tape core wire may be colored by inkjet or hot stamped. You may.

For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the label 122 has a different color for each optical fiber unit 120 has been described, but the case is not limited to this case.

As a modification, the label 122 may have a different shape for each optical fiber unit 120. For example, the pattern shape of the label 122 may indicate the distinctiveness between the optical fiber units 120, and the color of the label 122 may indicate the distinctiveness between the optical fiber tape cores 121. In this case, the shape of the marker 122, which differs for each optical fiber unit 120, may be a square, a circle, a star, a line, a V-shaped line, a W-shaped line, an S-shaped line, a Z-shaped line, or various patterns. Alternatively, the thickness or number of these symbols may be different.

As another modification, the distinctiveness between the optical fiber units 120 may be shown by the combination of the color and the pattern shape of the label 122.

However, it is preferable that only the color of the label 122 shows the distinctiveness between the optical fiber units 120 as in the above-described embodiment from the viewpoint that the distinctiveness can be easily separated.

Further, for example, in the present embodiment, the shape of the identification band 122a is rectangular, but the shape of the identification band 122a is not limited to this, and may be any shape.

[Aspects of basic application]
Hereinafter, one aspect disclosed in the basic application will be added.

(Appendix 1)
An optical fiber cable in which a plurality of optical fiber units formed by twisting a plurality of optical fiber tape core wires in which a plurality of optical fiber core wires are arranged in parallel are housed inside a cable jacket.
A pattern that identifies the optical fiber unit is marked on the optical fiber tape core wire of the optical fiber unit.
At least a part of the pattern marked on the optical fiber tape core wire is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit.
An optical fiber cable in which the characteristics of the pattern marked on the optical fiber tape core wire at a portion exposed to the optical fiber unit are different for each optical fiber unit.

(Appendix 2)
The optical fiber cable according to Appendix 1, wherein the characteristic of the pattern marked on the optical fiber tape core wire is color.

(Appendix 3)
The pattern has at least one identification band and
Among the identification bands, the one having the longest length in the optical fiber tape core wire and the shortest length in the optical fiber unit has a length of 1 mm or more.
Note that the width of the identification band having the widest width in the optical fiber tape core wire and the narrowest width in the optical fiber unit is at least half the width of the optical fiber tape core wire. The optical fiber cable according to 1 or Appendix 2.

(Appendix 4)
The pattern is different for each optical fiber tape core wire,
A plurality of the patterns are provided on the optical fiber tape core wire at predetermined intervals.
The optical fiber cable according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3, wherein the longest predetermined distance in the optical fiber unit is 500 mm or less.

100 ・ ・ ・ Optical fiber cable 110 ・ ・ ・ Slot rod 111 ・ ・ ・ Rib 112 ・ ・ ・ Slot groove 120 ・ ・ ・ Optical fiber unit 121 ・ ・ ・ Optical fiber tape core wire 121a ・ ・ ・ Optical fiber core wire 121b ・ ・ ・・ ・ Connecting area 121c ・ ・ ・ Non-connecting area 122 ・ ・ ・ Mark 122a ・ ・ ・ Identification band 130 ・ ・ ・ Cable outer cover 140 ・ ・ ・ Tension member W ・ ・ ・ Tape core line width P ・ ・ ・ Pattern formation pitch L ・ ・ ・ Identification band formation pitch A ・ ・ ・ Identification band width B ・ ・ ・ Identification band length X ・ ・ ・ Short direction of optical fiber tape core wire Y ・ ・ ・ Longitudinal direction of optical fiber tape core wire

Claims (6)

1. Equipped with multiple optical fiber units
   Each of the plurality of optical fiber units has a plurality of optical fiber tape core wires, and has a plurality of optical fiber tape core wires.
   At least one of the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires has a label that can be identified among the plurality of optical fiber units.
   An optical fiber cable in which at least a part of the label is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber unit.
2. The label according to claim 1, which has both the distinctiveness among the plurality of optical fiber units and the distinguishability between the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires in one optical fiber unit. Fiber optic cable.
3. The optical fiber cable according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the label has a different color for each optical fiber unit.
4. The optical fiber cable according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the label has a different shape for each optical fiber unit.
5. The label has one or more discriminators and
   Each of the plurality of optical fiber tape core wires has an identification band length in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape core wire of 1 mm or more, and the identification band width in the lateral direction of the optical fiber tape core wire is the optical fiber. The optical fiber cable according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which has at least one identification band that is at least half the width of the fiber tape core wire itself in the lateral direction.
6. The label is repeatedly provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber tape core wire.
   The optical fiber cable according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the repetition interval of the label is 500 mm or less.

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