Layer-stranded optical cable with branch components

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of optical cables, and discloses a layer-stranded optical cable with a branch component, the layer-stranded optical cable is provided with a central reinforcing member, a plurality of loose tubes, a protective layer and an outer sheath, each loose tube is composed of a tube body and an optical fiber, the optical fiber is located in a cavity in the tube body, the layer-stranded optical cable is also provided with an integrally formed branch component, the branch component is composed of a base strip and n branch strips, the outer surface of the base strip is of a cylindrical structure, the branch strips are distributed towards the center of the base strip along the inner surface of the base strip, a branch cavity is formed between every two adjacent branch strips, a center cavity is formed between the top ends of the base strip, the center reinforcing part is located in the center cavity, the outer surface of the center reinforcing part makes contact with the branch strips, and the base strip is wrapped with the protective layer. And the outer sheath wraps the protective layer, n is greater than or equal to 2, and n is a positive integer. The invention has the main beneficial technical effects of simple manufacturing, less equipment and site investment, high production speed, less manpower, stable diameter and more stable and more reliable optical fiber performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of optical cables, and in particular relates to a layer-twisted optical cable with branching components. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, the layer-stranded optical cable is formed by twisting multiple loose tubes around a central reinforcement to form a cable core, and a necessary protective layer is added outside the cable core. The existing defects are that it requires expensive, large-scale, high-noise, high-power consumption, slow production speed, and labor-intensive cabling equipment; on the other hand, loose tubes of the same specification are not flexible. For example, some loose tubes are large in size, while others are small in size. Twisting them together will cause disorder, and they cannot be arranged clockwise or counterclockwise after production. Twisting causes loose tube damage and optical fiber performance degradation. Summary of the invention

[0003] To solve the above problems, the purpose of the present invention is to disclose a layer-twisted optical cable with branching components, which is achieved by adopting the following technical solutions.

[0004] A layer-twisted optical cable with branch components comprises a central reinforcement member, a plurality of loose tubes, a protective layer and an outer sheath. The loose tube is composed of a tube body and an optical fiber. The optical fiber is located in a cavity inside the tube body. The cable also comprises an integrally formed branch component, which is composed of a base bar and n branch bars. The outer surface of the base bar is a cylindrical structure. The branch bars are distributed along the inner surface of the base bar toward the center of the base bar. Branch cavities are formed between adjacent branch bars. A central cavity is formed between the top ends of the base bars. The central reinforcement member is located in the central cavity. The outer surface of the central reinforcement member contacts the branch bars. The protective layer is coated on the outside of the base bar. The outer sheath is coated on the outside of the protective layer. n≥2, and n is a positive integer.

[0005] In the above-mentioned stranded optical cable with branching components, the cross section of the loose tube is a part of a sector with a circular arc; or the cross section of the loose tube is a circle.

[0006] In the above-mentioned layer-twisted optical cable with branch components, at least one loose tube is replaced by an insulating wire, the insulating wire is composed of an insulating layer and a conductor, the insulating layer is coated outside the conductor, and the outer surface of the insulating layer is cylindrical.

[0007] In the above-mentioned layer-twisted optical cable with branching components, the heights of all branch strips are equal.

[0008] In the above-mentioned stranded optical cable with branching components, the sum of the thickness of the base strip and the height of the branch strip×(2π) is less than the length of the base strip after it is unfolded.

[0009] In the above-mentioned layer-twisted optical cable with branch components, the branch strips are circumferentially symmetrically or asymmetrically distributed on the inner surface of the base strip. When distributed symmetrically, a regular structure can be formed; when distributed asymmetrically, a regular structure can be formed, such as different core numbers and different sizes of inspection sleeves are respectively located in branch cavities of different sizes.

[0010] The present application has the following major beneficial technical effects: simple manufacturing, less investment in equipment and site, fast production speed, less labor required, stable diameter, and more stable and reliable optical fiber performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure after dissection of Example 1.

[0012] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the enlarged cross-section structure.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a branch component used in Example 1 after dissection before molding.

[0014] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the enlarged cross-section structure.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a section of the branch component after being formed and dissected used in Example 1.

[0016] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the enlarged cross-section structure.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the mold sleeve used for molding branch components.

[0018] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the enlarged cross-section structure.

[0019] Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the loose tube used in Example 1.

[0020] Fig.10 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the loose tube used in Example 2.

[0021] Fig.11 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the insulated wire used in Example 3.

[0022] Fig.12 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the branch component used in Implementation Example 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement this patent, the marks in the drawings are now described in detail in conjunction with the drawings in the specification.

[0024] In the figure: 1-branch component, 2-loose tube, 3-center reinforcement member, 4-protective layer, 5-outer sheath, 6-molding sleeve, 7-insulating wire, 11-base strip, 12-branch strip, 13-branch cavity, 14-center cavity, 21-sleeve body, 22-optical fiber, 61-mold sleeve body, 62-limiting column, 63-mold sleeve cavity, 71-insulating layer, 72-conductor.

[0025] Implementation Example 1: Please see Figures 1 to 9 A layer-twisted optical cable with a branching component comprises a central reinforcement member 3, a plurality of loose tubes 2, a protective layer 4, and an outer sheath 5, wherein the loose tube is composed of a tube body 21 and an optical fiber 22, and the optical fiber is located in a cavity inside the tube body. The invention also comprises an integrally formed branching component 1, wherein the branching component is composed of a base strip 11 and n branch strips 12, wherein the outer surface of the base strip is a cylindrical structure, and the branch strips are distributed along the inner surface of the base strip toward the center of the base strip, and a branch cavity 13 is formed between adjacent branch strips, and a central cavity 14 is formed between the top ends of the base strips, wherein the central reinforcement member is located in the central cavity, and the outer surface of the central reinforcement member is in contact with the branch strips, the protective layer is coated on the outside of the base strips, and the outer sheath is coated on the outside of the protective layer, and n≥2, where n is a positive integer.

[0026] In the above-mentioned stranded optical cable with branching components, the cross section of the loose tube is a part of a sector with a circular arc.

[0027] A method for manufacturing a stranded optical cable having a branching component comprises the following steps: Step 1: Take the original branch component 1, which is composed of a base strip 11 and n branch strips 12. The branch strips are sequentially distributed above the base strip, and a branch cavity 13 is formed between adjacent branch strips. The distance between adjacent branch strips is L, the distance between the leftmost branch strip and the left end of the base strip is L / 2, and the distance between the rightmost branch strip and the right end of the base strip is L / 2. The sum of the thickness of the base strip and the height of the branch strip is H. The base strip is perpendicular to the branch strip, H<nL / (2π), n≥2, and n is a positive integer; Step 2: Branch component molding: first put the loose tube into the branch cavity of the original branch component; then pass the original branch component through the preforming mold, so that the original branch component goes straight and curls upward at the end of the preforming mold; then insert the curled branch component into the molding mold sleeve 6, pass the central reinforcement through the center of the molding mold sleeve and continuously pull it forward, the molding mold sleeve is composed of a mold sleeve body 61 with a circular inner surface cross-carrying surface and a limiting column 62, the mold sleeve body has a cylindrical mold sleeve cavity 63 inside, the limiting column is located in the mold sleeve cavity, the upper end of the limiting column is integrated with the inner surface of the mold sleeve body, so that the left end of the base strip is against the left side surface of the limiting column, and the right end of the base strip is against the right side surface of the limiting column; continuously pull the branch component forward to form a molded branch component, and pull the molded branch component and the central reinforcement forward together; Step 3: forming a protective layer: longitudinally or spirally coating the protective layer 4 outside the formed branch component; Step 4: forming an outer sheath: extruding and coating the outer sheath 5 outside the protective layer, thereby completing the manufacture of the stranded optical cable with branching components.

[0028] In the manufacturing method of the twisted optical cable with branch components described above, the left end of the base strip abuts against the left surface of the limiting column, and the right end of the base strip abuts against the right surface of the limiting column, and the branch component is continuously pulled forward. After being pulled through the molding mold sleeve, the left end surface of the base strip contacts the right end surface, and a bonding material is applied at the contact point to combine the left end and the right end of the base strip into one.

[0029] In the manufacturing method of the stranded optical cable with branch components described above, the bonding material is the same material as the base strip; the base strips are combined into one by high-frequency heating, welding or casting and the outer surface is kept in a cylindrical shape.

[0030] Implementation Example 2: Please see Fig.10 , and refer to Figures 1 to 9 , a layer-twisted optical cable with a branching component, which is basically the same as implementation example 1, except that the cross-section of the loose tube is circular.

[0031] Implementation Example 3: Please see Fig.11 , and refer to Figures 1 to 10 , basically the same as implementation example 2, a layer-twisted optical cable with a branching component, the difference is that: the loose tube is replaced by an insulating wire 7, the insulating wire 7 is composed of an insulating layer 71 and a conductor 72, the insulating layer is coated outside the conductor, and the outer surface of the insulating layer is cylindrical.

[0032] Implementation Example 4: Please see Fig.12 , and refer to Figures 1 to 11, a layer-twisted optical cable with branching components, which is basically the same as the embodiment 1, except that: there are only n-1 branch strips 12, and the branch strip at the second branch strip position from the left end of the base strip to the right is missing, so that loose tubes or insulated wires of different specifications can be placed, expanding the application. Of course, multiple branch strips can be omitted, but at least two are provided.

[0033] Of course, multiple branch strips may be missing, as long as the number of branch strips is not less than 2.

[0034] The manufacturing methods of Implementation Examples 2 to 4 are the same as the manufacturing method of Implementation Example 1.

[0035] The present application discloses a layer-twisted optical cable with branch components, wherein the base strip and the branch strip are made of plastic, metal or alloy.

[0036] The layer-twisted optical cable with branch components described in the present application has a central strength member made of steel, iron, aluminum, copper or glass fiber reinforced plastic.

[0037] In the layer-twisted optical cable with branching components described in the present application, the material of the sleeve body is plastic or metal.

[0038] The present application describes a layer-twisted optical cable with branching components, wherein the optical fiber model is G.652 or G.653 or G.654 or G.655 or G.656 or G.657 or A1a or A1b or A1c or A1d.

[0039] The present application discloses a layer-twisted optical cable with branching components, wherein the material of the insulation layer is plastic.

[0040] The layer-twisted optical cable with branching components described in the present application has a conductor made of copper or aluminum or a copper alloy or an aluminum alloy.

[0041] The present application discloses a layer-twisted optical cable with branching components, wherein the material of the protective layer is a steel tape, an aluminum tape, a copper tape, a glass fiber reinforced plastic tape, a water-blocking tape, a polyester tape, a non-woven fabric, or a mica tape.

[0042] The layer-twisted optical cable with branching components described in the present application has an outer sheath made of plastic.

[0043] In the present application, the protective layer can be omitted. In addition, multiple protective layers as required can be added between the base strip and the outer sheath to achieve various required functions such as enhanced strength, compression resistance, impact resistance, fire resistance, corrosion resistance, and waterproofing.

[0044] Compared with the prior art, the present application does not require cabling equipment, so the production speed is fast and less manpower is required. When loose tubes with different core numbers are used in the same optical cable, the diameter of the optical cable is stable, and twisting and tube jumping will not occur during production, and the optical fiber performance is more stable and reliable.

[0045] In the present application, the insulated wire may partially or completely replace the loose tube. The optical cable when partially replaced may also be called an optoelectronic composite cable or an optoelectronic hybrid cable. When completely replaced, it may be called an electrical cable.

[0046] The present application has the following major beneficial technical effects: simple manufacturing, less investment in equipment and site, fast production speed, less labor required, stable diameter, and more stable and reliable optical fiber performance.

[0047] The above embodiments are only preferred technical solutions of the present invention and should not be regarded as limiting the present invention. The protection scope of the present invention shall be the technical solutions recorded in the claims, including the equivalent replacement solutions of the technical features in the technical solutions recorded in the claims. That is, equivalent replacement improvements within this scope are also within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A layer-twisted optical cable with a branching component, comprising a central reinforcement member (3), a plurality of loose tubes (2), a protective layer (4), and an outer sheath (5), wherein the loose tube is composed of a tube body (21) and an optical fiber (22), and the optical fiber is located in a cavity inside the tube body. Features: The invention also comprises an integrally formed branch component (1), which is composed of a base strip (11) and n branch strips (12). The outer surface of the base strip is a cylindrical structure. The branch strips are distributed along the inner surface of the base strip toward the center of the base strip. A branch cavity (13) is formed between adjacent branch strips. A central cavity (14) is formed between the top ends of the base strips. A central reinforcement member is located in the central cavity. The outer surface of the central reinforcement member is in contact with the branch strips. The protective layer is coated on the outside of the base strip. The outer sheath is coated on the outside of the protective layer. n≥2, and n is a positive integer.

2. A layer-twisted optical cable with branching components according to claim 1, Features: The cross section of the loose tube is a part of a sector with a circular arc; or, the cross section of the loose tube is a circle.

3. A layer-twisted optical cable with branching components according to claim 2, Features: At least one loose tube is replaced by an insulating wire (7), the insulating wire (7) is composed of an insulating layer (71) and a conductor (72), the insulating layer is coated outside the conductor, and the outer surface of the insulating layer is cylindrical.

4. A layer-twisted optical cable with branching components according to claim 3, Features: All branches are of equal height.

5. A stranded optical cable with branching components according to claim 4, Features: The sum of the thickness of the base strip and the height of the branch strip × (2π) < the length of the base strip after it is unfolded.

6. A layer-twisted optical cable with branching components according to claim 5, Features: The materials of the base strip and the branch strip are both plastic, both metal, or both alloy.

7. A stranded optical cable with branching components according to claim 6, Features: The material of the central reinforcement is steel, aluminum, copper or glass fiber reinforced plastic.

8. A stranded optical cable with branching components according to claim 7, Features: The material of the protective layer is steel tape, aluminum tape, copper tape, glass fiber reinforced plastic tape, water blocking tape, polyester tape, non-woven fabric or mica tape; the material of the outer sheath is plastic.

9. A method for manufacturing a stranded optical cable having a branching component, Features The following steps are involved: Step 1: Take an original branch component (1), the branch component is composed of a base strip (11) and n branch strips (12), the branch strips are sequentially distributed above the base strip, and a branch cavity (13) is formed between adjacent branch strips, the distance between adjacent branch strips is L, the distance between the leftmost branch strip and the left end of the base strip is L / 2, the distance between the rightmost branch strip and the right end of the base strip is L / 2, the sum of the thickness of the base strip and the height of the branch strip is H, the base strip is perpendicular to the branch strip, H<nL / (2π), n≥2, and n is a positive integer; Step 2: forming the branch component: first, place the loose tube into the branch cavity of the original branch component; then pass the original branch component through the preforming mold, so that the original branch component is straight and curled upward at the end of the preforming mold; then insert the curled branch component into the forming mold sleeve (6), pass the central reinforcement member through the center of the forming mold sleeve and continuously pull it forward, the forming mold sleeve is composed of a mold sleeve body (61) with a circular inner surface cross-carrying surface, and a limiting column (62), the mold sleeve body has a cylindrical mold sleeve cavity (63) inside, the limiting column is located in the mold sleeve cavity, the upper end of the limiting column is integrated with the inner surface of the mold sleeve body, so that the left end of the base strip abuts against the left side surface of the limiting column, and the right end of the base strip abuts against the right side surface of the limiting column; continuously pull the branch component forward to form a formed branch component, and pull the formed branch component and the central reinforcement member forward together; Step 3: forming a protective layer: longitudinally or spirally coating the formed branch component with a protective layer (4); Step 4: forming an outer sheath: extruding and coating the outer sheath (5) outside the protective layer, thus completing the manufacture of the layer-twisted optical cable with branching components.

10. A method for manufacturing a stranded optical cable having a branching component according to claim 9, Features: The left end of the base strip is pressed against the left surface of the limiting column, and the right end of the base strip is pressed against the right surface of the limiting column, continuously pulling the branch component forward. After being pulled through the molding mold sleeve, the left end surface of the base strip is in contact with the right end surface, and a bonding material is applied at the contact point to combine the left end and the right end of the base strip into one; the bonding material is the same material as the base strip; the base strips are combined into one by high-frequency heating, welding or casting and the outer surface is kept in the shape of a cylindrical surface.

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