Multi-core optical cable and method for manufacturing multi-core optical cable

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of optical cables, in particular to a multi-core optical cable and a manufacturing method of the multi-core optical cable. The multi-core optical cable comprises a sheath; the number of the colored optical fibers is multiple, and the multiple colored optical fibers are arranged side by side and arranged in the sheath in a penetrating manner; a plurality of strands of yarns are provided, and the plurality of strands of yarns are arranged in a staggered manner and are located between the colored optical fiber and the inner wall of the sheath; the surface of the colored optical fiber is coated with the slipping coating, and at least part of the slipping coating is located between the colored optical fiber and the sheath and between the colored optical fiber and the yarn. In the multi-core optical cable provided by the embodiment of the invention, the friction force between the colored optical fiber and the sheath and / or the yarn can be reduced by arranging the slipping coating on the surface of the colored optical fiber, so that the optical fiber can be conveniently drawn out from the multi-core optical cable, the structure is simple, and the use effect is good.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of optical cable technology, and in particular to a multi-core optical cable and a method for manufacturing the multi-core optical cable. Background Art

[0002] With the development of modern technology, indoor optical cables are increasingly used, especially in the fields of data communication and network cabling. Mini optical cables have become an indispensable part of indoor communications due to their light weight, small size, easy installation and high flexibility. However, with the advancement of technology and the improvement of customer needs, the performance requirements for optical cables are also constantly upgrading.

[0003] Although the mini optical cables currently on the market have made significant progress in terms of size reduction, fiber density improvement and flame retardant performance enhancement, the fiber extraction capacity is still limited. In situations where the fiber needs to be extracted and fused, it is difficult to extract the fiber. This problem limits the wide application of mini optical cables in various indoor and some outdoor environments.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to make improvements to the above problems in order to change the current situation. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention provides a multi-core optical cable and a method for manufacturing the multi-core optical cable, which are used to solve the problem of difficulty in extracting optical fibers from mini optical cables in the prior art.

[0006] The present invention provides a multi-core optical cable, comprising:

[0007] jacket;

[0008] A plurality of colored optical fibers, which are arranged side by side and pass through the sheath;

[0009] A plurality of yarns, wherein the plurality of yarns are staggered and located between the colored optical fiber and the inner wall of the sheath; and

[0010] A slip coating is coated on the surface of the colored optical fiber, and the slip coating is at least partially located between the colored optical fiber and the sheath, and between the colored optical fiber and the yarn.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the yarn includes at least one of aramid yarn, water-blocking yarn and water-blocking aramid yarn.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the linear density of the yarn is not greater than 1100 dtex.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the yarn is not greater than 0.1 mm.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the linear density of at least two of the yarns is less than 300D.

[0015] The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a multi-core optical cable, which is used to prepare a multi-core optical cable as described in any one of the above, and the manufacturing method comprises the following steps:

[0016] Provide colored optical fiber;

[0017] Providing yarn to cover the outside of the colored optical fiber;

[0018] Passing the colored optical fiber and the two strands of yarn with a linear density less than 300D together through an electrostatic talc powder machine, and absorbing a slip-enhancing coating on the colored optical fiber and the yarn;

[0019] The colored optical fiber and all the yarns are passed through an extruder together and coated with a sheath on the outside.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the colored optical fiber is D0, the particle size of the slip coating is d, the number of coating layers of the slip coating is N to N+n layers, the diameter of the colored optical fiber after entering the electrostatic talc powder machine is D1, and the optimal diameter of the multi-core optical cable satisfies the following formula:

[0021]

[0022] Wherein, n is an integer greater than 0.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when When the thickness of the slip-enhancing coating is less than the preset thickness, the static electricity of the electrostatic talc powder machine is increased to increase the adhesion amount of the slip-enhancing coating.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when When the thickness of the slip-enhancing coating is greater than the preset thickness, the static electricity of the electrostatic talc powder machine is reduced to reduce the adhesion amount of the slip-enhancing coating.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of providing a colored optical fiber further includes the following steps:

[0026] A colored optical fiber is provided, and a curing resin is coated on the surface of the colored optical fiber.

[0027] Implementing the embodiments of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0028] In the multi-core optical cable of this embodiment, by providing a slip-enhancing coating on the surface of the colored optical fiber, the friction between the colored optical fiber and the sheath and / or yarn can be reduced, thereby facilitating the extraction of the optical fiber from the multi-core optical cable, and the structure is simple and the use effect is good. The manufacturing method of this embodiment is used to prepare the multi-core optical cable, which can reduce the friction of the multi-core optical cable in the sheath, and facilitate the extraction of the optical fiber when opening a window to connect the optical fiber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0030] in:

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a multi-core optical cable in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a partial structural cross-section of a multi-core optical cable in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart of a method for manufacturing a multi-core optical cable in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a testing device for a multi-core optical cable in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] See also Figures 1 to 4As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-core optical cable 10, which includes a sheath 100, a colored optical fiber 200, a yarn 300 and a lubrication coating 400; the number of the colored optical fibers 200 is multiple, and the multiple colored optical fibers 200 are arranged side by side and inserted into the sheath 100; the number of the yarns 300 is multiple, and the multiple yarns 300 are staggered and located between the colored optical fiber 200 and the inner wall of the sheath 100; the lubrication coating 400 is coated on the surface of the colored optical fiber 200, and the lubrication coating 400 is at least partially located between the colored optical fiber 200 and the sheath 100, and between the colored optical fiber 200 and the yarn 300.

[0037] In the multi-core optical cable 10 of this embodiment, by providing a lubrication coating 400 on the surface of the colored optical fiber 200, the friction between the colored optical fiber 200 and the sheath 100 and / or the yarn 300 can be reduced, thereby facilitating the extraction of the optical fiber from the multi-core optical cable 10. The structure is simple and the use effect is good.

[0038] In some embodiments, the sheath 100 can be made of highly flame-retardant LSZH or PVC material so that the multi-core optical cable 10 has high flame-retardant properties; the material oxygen index of the sheath 100 is not less than 45%, and the friction coefficient is less than 0.15. When the multi-core optical cable 10 is used in an outdoor environment, it can also be made of a material with anti-ultraviolet function.

[0039] Specifically, the yarn 300 includes at least one of an aramid yarn, a water-blocking yarn, and a water-blocking aramid yarn.

[0040] It should be noted that when the multi-core optical cable 10 is used in an indoor environment, aramid yarn can be used. When the multi-core optical cable 10 is used in an outdoor environment, a combination of aramid yarn and water-blocking yarn can be used to meet the protection requirements of the multi-core optical cable 10, or water-blocking aramid yarn can be directly used.

[0041] In one embodiment, the linear density of the yarn 300 is not greater than 1100 dtex; and the diameter of the yarn 300 is not greater than 0.1 mm.

[0042] In this embodiment, the yarns 300 in the multi-core optical cable 10 are low-density yarns, so that the multi-core optical cable 10 has a smaller diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the linear density of at least two strands of the yarns 300 is less than 300D.

[0043] By using the multi-core optical cable 10 in any of the above embodiments, the flame retardant grade of the multi-core optical cable 10 can reach CPRCca or above. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the multi-core optical cable 10 can be 2.0±0.1mm, the wall thickness is 0.3±0.05mm, and the number of colored optical fibers 200 does not exceed 16 cores.

[0044] The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a multi-core optical cable, which can be used to prepare the multi-core optical cable 10 in any one of the above embodiments, and the manufacturing method comprises the following steps:

[0045] Step S100, providing a colored optical fiber 200;

[0046] Step S200, providing a yarn 300 to cover the outer side of the colored optical fiber 200;

[0047] Step S300, passing the colored optical fiber 200 and the yarn 300 together through an electrostatic talc powder machine, and adsorbing the slip-enhancing coating 400 on the colored optical fiber 200 and the yarn 300;

[0048] Step S400 , passing the colored optical fiber 200 and the yarn 300 together through an extruder and coating the outer side with a sheath 100 .

[0049] The manufacturing method of this embodiment is used to prepare the multi-core optical cable 10, which can reduce the friction of the multi-core optical cable 10 in the sheath 100, making it easier to remove the optical fiber when opening a window to remove the optical fiber.

[0050] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, by setting the gear and power of the electrostatic talc powder machine, the amount of talc on the surface of the colored optical fiber 200 and the yarn 300 can be adjusted to ensure that the talc can be uniformly adsorbed on the surface of the yarn 300, and it is also possible to avoid bringing too much talc into the mold. The number of yarns 300 is determined by the number of colored optical fibers 200. As the number of colored optical fibers 200 increases, the amount of yarns 300 is reduced. When ultra-low linear density yarns 300 are used, yarns 300 are mainly used for powdering and powdering, and provide tensile or water-blocking functions for multi-core optical cables 10. After the colored optical fibers 200 and yarns 300 are powdered, they enter the mold of the extruder together for processing and forming the sheath 100, and finally complete the manufacturing and processing of the multi-core optical cable 10.

[0051] Specifically, in some embodiments, the slip coating 400 may be talcum powder, and by using an electrostatic talcum powder machine to process the colored optical fiber 200 and the yarn 300, the talcum powder can be adsorbed and fixed on the colored optical fiber 200 and the yarn 300 by electrostatic force. In a preferred embodiment, the mesh number of the talcum powder is not less than 5000, so that the slip coating 400 has better sliding performance.

[0052] Specifically, the diameter of the colored optical fiber 200 is D0, the particle size of the slip coating 400 is d, the number of coating layers of the slip coating 400 is N to N+n layers, and the diameter of the colored optical fiber 200 after entering the electrostatic talc powder machine is D1. The amount of talc on the surface of the colored optical fiber 200 determines the extraction performance of the colored optical fiber 200 and the molding quality of the sheath 100. When the amount of talc is too little, the colored optical fiber 200 will be difficult to extract. When the amount of talc is too much, the talc will accumulate in the mold of the extruder and the roundness quality of the sheath 100 will be reduced. In addition, when too much talc in the mold is absorbed by the colored optical fiber 200 and the yarn 300 and broken yarn sheath 100, the sheath 100 is prone to bulging or even disconnection, resulting in abnormal or non-standard coil length of the multi-core optical cable 10 product. Therefore, the stability and consistency of the amount of talc are particularly important.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the optimal diameter of the multi-core optical cable 10 satisfies the following formula: Wherein, n is an integer greater than 0. Through experiments, it is found that when D1-D0 is within the above formula, the thickness of talcum powder can reach the optimal state.

[0054] Specifically, when When the thickness of the slip coating 400 is less than the preset thickness, the static electricity of the electrostatic talc powder machine is increased to increase the adhesion amount of the slip coating 400.

[0055] On the contrary; when When the thickness of the slip coating 400 is greater than the preset thickness, the static electricity of the electrostatic talc powder machine is reduced to reduce the adhesion amount of the slip coating 400.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the amount of talc powder attached can be adjusted by adjusting the static electricity amount of the electrostatic talc powder machine.

[0057] The experimental data of the multi-core optical cable 10 are as follows:

[0058]

[0059] According to the above experimental data, the diameter of the colored optical fiber 200 after powder coating is preferably 260-280 μm, and the number of talcum powder layers can be 2-6 layers, preferably 3-5 layers. Since the amount of talcum powder is positively correlated with the thickness of the talcum powder, and is also related to the coverage, concentration or density of the talcum powder, the talcum powder coverage coefficient is defined as K (value 0-1), the talcum powder density is ρ, and the amount of talcum powder per meter of optical fiber surface satisfies the following formula:

[0060] Q0=K*ρ*π*(D1 2 -D0 2 ) / 4

[0061] The thickness of talcum powder on one side satisfies the following formula:

[0062]

[0063] The diameter of the colored optical fiber 200 after powder coating is: D1 = D0 + 2*T.

[0064] In some embodiments, in order to further improve the accuracy of monitoring the amount of talcum powder used, the weight of the talcum powder can be detected as follows:

[0065] Define the weight of the talc powder machine at time T0 as W0, the weight of the talc powder at time T1 as W1, the production speed of the multi-core optical cable 10 as V, and the length of the multi-core optical cable 10 or the colored optical fiber 200 during the time period from T0 to T1 as

[0066] L=V*(T1-T0)

[0067] The amount of talcum powder used per meter of colored optical fiber is 200:

[0068] Q1=(W1-W0) / L=(W1-W0) / [V*(T1-T0)]

[0069] The talcum powder machine can calculate the real-time usage of talcum powder by real-time detection of three data: time, production speed and its own weight. By comparing the actual measurement Q1 of talcum powder and the set value Q0, when Q1 is less than the lower limit of Q0, an instruction is generated to increase the talcum powder concentration, otherwise the talcum powder concentration is reduced, so as to automatically control the amount of talcum powder in the colored optical fiber 200.

[0070] Furthermore, step S100 specifically includes the following steps: providing a colored optical fiber 200 , and coating a curing resin on the surface of the colored optical fiber 200 .

[0071] In this embodiment, by coating the surface of the colored optical fiber 200 with a transparent smooth resin and providing a lubrication coating 400 on the surface of the yarn 300, the friction between the colored optical fiber 200 and the yarn 300 can be further reduced to ensure the extraction efficiency of the colored optical fiber 200.

[0072] See also Figure 4 As shown, the testing method of the multi-core optical cable 10 is as follows:

[0073] A 3m multi-core optical cable 10 can be placed in the guide rail 20, the corner diameter R of the guide rail 20 is 20 times the diameter of the multi-core optical cable 10, the number of semicircular corners on the guide rail 20 is not more than 8, and the number of corners is defined as n, which satisfies the following formula:

[0074] L0*(n+1)+π*R*n=3m

[0075] In response to the change in the number of n, the extraction force of the colored optical fiber 200 in the multi-core optical cable 10 is adjusted accordingly. When N=4, the extraction force of the colored optical fiber 200 is no more than 3N.

[0076] The extraction steps are as follows: first take the multi-core optical cable 10, place the multi-core optical cable 10 on the guide rail 20, use a blade to cut the sheath 100 at both ends of the multi-core optical cable 10, cut the colored optical fibers 200 one by one from one end of the multi-core optical cable 10, and then extract them from the other end of the multi-core optical cable 10. The extraction force of the colored optical fiber 200 should be less than the set value, usually not more than 3N.

[0077] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0078] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0079] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above" and "above" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below" and "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0080] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiment of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0081] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-core optical cable, characterized in that: include: jacket; A plurality of colored optical fibers, which are arranged side by side and pass through the sheath; A plurality of yarns are arranged in an interlaced manner and are located between the colored optical fiber and the inner wall of the sheath; as well as A slip coating is coated on the surface of the colored optical fiber, and the slip coating is at least partially located between the colored optical fiber and the sheath, and between the colored optical fiber and the yarn.

2. The multi-core optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that: The yarn includes at least one of an aramid yarn, a water-blocking yarn, and a water-blocking aramid yarn.

3. The multi-core optical cable according to claim 2, characterized in that: The linear density of the yarn is not greater than 1100 dtex.

4. The multi-core optical cable according to claim 2, characterized in that: The diameter of the yarn is not greater than 0.1 mm.

5. The multi-core optical cable according to claim 2, characterized in that: The linear density of at least two of the yarns is less than 300D.

6. A method for manufacturing a multi-core optical cable, characterized in that: For preparing the multi-core optical cable according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the manufacturing method comprises the following steps: Provide colored optical fiber; Providing yarn to cover the outside of the colored optical fiber; Passing the colored optical fiber and the yarn with a linear density less than 300D together through an electrostatic talc powder machine, and absorbing a slip-enhancing coating on the colored optical fiber and the yarn; The colored optical fiber and all the yarns are passed through an extruder together and coated with a sheath on the outside.

7. The method for manufacturing a multi-core optical cable according to claim 6, characterized in that: The diameter of the colored optical fiber is D0, the particle size of the slip coating is d, the number of coating layers of the slip coating is N to N+n layers, the diameter of the colored optical fiber after entering the electrostatic talc powder machine is D1, and the optimal diameter of the multi-core optical cable satisfies the following formula: Wherein, n is an integer greater than 0.

8. The method for manufacturing a multi-core optical cable according to claim 7, characterized in that: when When the thickness of the slip-enhancing coating is less than the preset thickness, the static electricity of the electrostatic talc powder machine is increased to increase the adhesion amount of the slip-enhancing coating.

9. The method for manufacturing a multi-core optical cable according to claim 7, characterized in that: when When the thickness of the slip-enhancing coating is greater than the preset thickness, the static electricity of the electrostatic talc powder machine is reduced to reduce the adhesion amount of the slip-enhancing coating.

10. The method for manufacturing a multi-core optical cable according to claim 6, characterized in that: The step of providing a colored optical fiber further includes the following steps: A colored optical fiber is provided, and a curing resin is coated on the surface of the colored optical fiber.

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