A prefabricated terminated butterfly optical fiber cable

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of optical cables, and particularly relates to a prefabricated and terminated butterfly-shaped optical fiber cable. The transition structure therein includes: a central plate provided with a central through-hole and side through-holes; an outer sleeve covering the periphery of the central plate, forming a first groove and a second groove on both sides of the central plate respectively. The first groove covers the end of the outer sheath shorter than the optical fiber and the strengthening element. The end of the optical fiber extends out from the second groove, and the end of the strengthening element is located inside the second groove; a locking member fixed to the end of the strengthening element; a card slot is provided in the second groove, and at least two elastic pins are symmetrically arranged at the end of the connector. The elastic pins are partially embedded in the card slot through deformation. Based on the above prefabricated and terminated butterfly-shaped optical fiber cable in the present invention, when the optical cable is subjected to tensile force or vibration, the mechanical stress borne by the optical fiber can be effectively shared through the transition structure, thereby avoiding stress concentration on the optical fiber, reducing the probability of micro-bending, fracture or deterioration of optical performance of the optical fiber, and improving the signal transmission quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of optical cables, and particularly relates to a prefabricated end butterfly-shaped fiber optic cable for introducing. Background Art

[0002] The butterfly-shaped fiber optic cable for introducing is a kind of optical cable designed specifically for fiber optic access networks and is commonly used for fiber optic access inside or outside buildings. The butterfly-shaped fiber optic cable for introducing usually includes one or more optical fibers arranged in the middle, as well as strengthening elements and an outer sheath; the strengthening elements often include two arranged parallel to the optical fibers and located on both sides of each optical fiber, and the material is mainly steel wire; during the use of the optical cable, the strengthening elements can withstand a certain mechanical pressure to prevent the optical cable from being damaged during installation.

[0003] The prefabricated end butterfly-shaped fiber optic cable for introducing refers to a butterfly-shaped fiber optic cable with fiber optic connectors pre-installed at one or both ends during the factory or manufacturing process. Its main characteristics and advantages include: the fiber optic connectors are installed before the optical cable leaves the factory, which means that users do not need to perform complex fiber optic fusion splicing or termination during on-site installation, and only need to insert the connector into the corresponding device port; since on-site termination and fusion splicing are not required, the use of prefabricated end optical cables can greatly reduce the installation time and technical requirements, reduce the project cost, and reduce the need for professional technicians.

[0004] The above-mentioned prefabricated end butterfly-shaped optical cable is manufactured in a factory environment, with more strict and controllable processes and more guaranteed quality, thus reducing the risk of fiber optic damage or poor connection that may be encountered during on-site installation. This kind of optical cable is widely used in scenarios such as fiber to the home, data centers, enterprise networks, etc. that require efficient and rapid deployment. Especially in the fiber to the home project, the use of prefabricated end optical cables can accelerate the access process of home users. During the production process of the prefabricated end butterfly-shaped fiber optic cable for introducing, the installation of the end fiber optic connector is a key step, and the outer sheath of the butterfly-shaped fiber optic cable needs to be stripped to expose the internal optical fibers and strengthening elements.

[0005] The core part of the optical fiber consists of a fiber core and a cladding. The bare fiber part of the optical fiber is inserted into the ferrule inside the fiber optic connector. The optical fiber in this part usually extends to the end face of the connector and is optically docked with other optical fibers or devices. After being inserted in place, the bare fiber will be mechanically fixed, such as by clamping or snapping into the slot inside the ferrule, heat melting or fixing with an adhesive. This fixing step ensures that the optical fiber remains stable inside the connector and will not be displaced due to external stress or vibration. However, this way of fixing the optical fiber relative to the connector often has the following problems:

[0006] When the optical cable is subjected to tensile force, the optical fiber may bear these mechanical stresses alone. Such stresses concentrate on the optical fiber and are likely to cause micro-bending, fracture or degradation of the optical performance of the optical fiber. The optical fiber itself is relatively fragile. Although it is well fixed within the ferrule, if the strengthening element and the outer sheath are not effectively fixed, the optical fiber is still prone to being damaged by external forces such as stretching or vibration. Such insufficient mechanical strength may cause the optical fiber to move or become loose within the connector, affecting the signal transmission quality and even leading to the fracture of the optical fiber during long-term use. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In the present invention, a prefabricated end-butterfly-shaped drop cable is provided, which can effectively solve the problems in the background technology.

[0008] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0009] A prefabricated end-butterfly-shaped drop cable includes a butterfly-shaped cable and at least one connector located at one end of the butterfly-shaped cable. The butterfly-shaped cable includes an optical fiber in the middle and two groups of strengthening elements respectively located on both sides of the optical fiber. The strengthening elements are made of steel wire structures, and it further includes an outer sheath for covering the optical fiber and the strengthening elements.

[0010] The prefabricated end-butterfly-shaped drop cable further includes a transition structure fixedly connected to the butterfly-shaped cable and the connector respectively, including:

[0011] A center plate is provided with a central through hole and a side through hole for the optical fiber and the strengthening element to penetrate respectively.

[0012] An outer sleeve is wrapped around the periphery of the center plate, forming a first groove and a second groove on both sides of the center plate respectively. The first groove covers the end of the outer sheath shorter than the optical fiber and the strengthening element. The end of the optical fiber extends out from the second groove, and the end of the strengthening element is located inside the second groove.

[0013] A locking member is fixed to the end of the strengthening element to limit the retraction of the strengthening element from the second groove to the first groove.

[0014] At least two elastic pins are symmetrically arranged at the end of the connector. The elastic pins are partially embedded into the card slots by deformation and obtain at least partial restoration of the deformation after embedding, realizing the fixation relative to the card slots.

[0015] The connector seals the open end of the second groove.

[0016] Furthermore, a positioning block is further arranged at the end of the connector. The positioning block is located between the two elastic pins and is embedded into the second groove by interference fit.

[0017] Furthermore, the transition structure further includes an elastic block sleeved outside the optical fiber and embedded in the second groove through elastic deformation to divide the second groove into two regions;

[0018] Two positioning blocks are provided and are respectively embedded in the two regions through interference fit.

[0019] Furthermore, the edge of the end of the positioning block is chamfered.

[0020] Furthermore, the installation of the elastic block is carried out before the installation of the locking member.

[0021] Furthermore, at least a partial position of the side wall of the first groove is thermally compression connected to the outer sheath.

[0022] Furthermore, the transition structure includes:

[0023] A limiting strip located on one side;

[0024] A limiting groove located on the side corresponding to the limiting strip;

[0025] The two transition structures are docked through the cooperation of the limiting strip and the limiting groove.

[0026] Furthermore, the transition structure is obtained by cutting an integrated strip structure.

[0027] Furthermore, the cutting action is performed at least after the locking member is fixed to the end of the strengthening element.

[0028] Furthermore, the cross-section of the limiting strip is convex-shaped, and the cross-section of the limiting groove is set with an equal contour.

[0029] Through the technical solution of the present invention, the following technical effects can be achieved:

[0030] In the present invention, a transition structure is provided as an intermediate structure, and the connector and the butterfly optical cable are respectively connected by being fixed relative to the transition structure; after the installation is completed, based on the fixation of the locking member to the end of the strengthening element and the fixation of the elastic pin by the card slot, the butterfly optical cable can obtain position stability relative to the connector.

[0031] Based on the prefabricated end butterfly optical cable introduced in the present invention, when the optical cable is subjected to tension or vibration, the mechanical stress borne by the optical fiber can be effectively shared through the transition structure, thereby avoiding stress concentration on the optical fiber, reducing the probability of microbending, fracture or degradation of optical performance of the optical fiber, and improving the signal transmission quality. Description of the Drawings

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a connector;

[0034] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a prefabricated end butterfly lead-in optical cable;

[0035] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram after the connector and the transition structure are connected;

[0036] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram after the butterfly optical cable and the transition structure are connected;

[0037] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the transition structure;

[0038] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the prefabricated end butterfly lead-in optical cable at the position of the transition structure;

[0039] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperative connection of the transition structures of each prefabricated end butterfly lead-in optical cable;

[0040] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of partial cutting of the ribbon structure;

[0041] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of the butterfly optical cable being completely connected relative to the transition structure and the ribbon structure being completely cut;

[0042] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperative connection of the transition structures and the removed materials of each prefabricated end butterfly lead-in optical cable;

[0043] Reference numerals: 100, butterfly optical cable; 110, optical fiber; 120, strengthening element; 130, outer sheath; 131, recessed band; 200, connector; 210, elastic pin; 220, positioning block; 300, transition structure; 310, central plate; 311, central through hole; 312, side through hole; 320, outer sleeve; 321, first groove; 322, second groove; 323, card slot; 324, limiting strip; 325, limiting groove; 330, locking member; 340, elastic block; 400, ribbon structure; 410, cutting seam; 420, removed material. Detailed implementation manners

[0044] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this invention belongs. The terms used in the description of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0046] As Figures 1 - 10 shown, a prefabricated terminated butterfly lead-in optical cable includes a butterfly optical cable 100 and at least a connector 200 located at one end of the butterfly optical cable 100; see Figure 2 , the butterfly optical cable 100 includes an optical fiber 110 located in the middle and two groups of strengthening elements 120 respectively located on both sides of the optical fiber 110. The strengthening elements 120 are made of steel wire structure, and further includes an outer sheath 130 for covering the optical fiber 110 and the strengthening elements 120; the prefabricated terminated butterfly lead-in optical cable further includes a transition structure 300, which is fixedly connected to the butterfly optical cable 100 and the connector 200 respectively. See Figures 3 - 6 , including:

[0047] A center plate 310 is provided with a central through hole 311 and a side through hole 312 for the optical fiber 110 and the strengthening element 120 to pass through respectively; an outer sleeve 320 is covered around the center plate 310, and a first groove 321 and a second groove 322 are formed on both sides of the center plate 310 respectively. The first groove 321 covers the end of the outer sheath 130 shorter than the optical fiber 110 and the strengthening element 120. The end of the optical fiber 110 is led out from the second groove 322, and the end of the strengthening element 120 is located inside the second groove 322; a locking member 330 is fixed to the end of the strengthening element 120 to limit the retraction of the strengthening element 120 from the second groove 322 to the first groove 321; at least two elastic pins 210 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the second groove 322 opposite to each other. See Figure 1 , at least two elastic pins 210 are symmetrically arranged at the end of the connector 200. The elastic pins 210 are partially embedded in the card slots 323 through deformation and obtain at least partial restoration of the deformation after embedding, so as to achieve fixation relative to the card slots 323; the connector 200 seals the open end of the second groove 322.

[0048] In the present invention, a transition structure 300 is provided as an intermediate structure, and the connector 200 and the butterfly optical cable 100 are respectively connected by being fixed relative to the transition structure 300. In the present invention, the reinforcing element 120 having a steel wire structure has relatively high strength, and after being fixed in the second groove 322 by the locking member 330, the fixing of the transition structure 300 and the butterfly optical cable 100 can be effectively realized. Among them, at least the contour of the first groove 321 can be correspondingly set with the contour of the butterfly optical cable 100, so that the outer sheath 130 can be more tightly wrapped, and the transition structure 300 can obtain better wrapping force by means of interference connection here.

[0049] The connector 200 with elastic pins 210 in the present invention can be improved based on the existing connector 200. The improved part does not involve the internal structure form of the connector 200, but only needs to improve one end of the external structure, so as to complete the connection with the transition structure 300 while meeting the current connection standard.

[0050] After the installation is completed, based on the fixing of the locking member 330 to the end of the reinforcing element 120 and the fixing of the elastic pin 210 by the card slot 323, the butterfly optical cable 100 can obtain position stability relative to the connector 200; on this basis, whether the optical fiber 110 establishes a connection with the connector 200 or not, the basic positioning requirements can be met; of course, it is more preferable that the optical fiber 110 still establishes a fixed connection relative to the connector 200, which can further ensure that the prefabricated end butterfly optical cable has better performance in relevant tensile tests and usage scenarios.

[0051] Based on the above prefabricated end butterfly optical cable in the present invention, when the optical cable is subjected to tensile force or vibration, the mechanical stress borne by the optical fiber 110 can be effectively shared through the transition structure 300, so as to avoid stress concentration on the optical fiber 110, reduce the probability of microbending, fracture or decline in optical performance of the optical fiber 110, and improve the signal transmission quality.

[0052] In the present application, the transition structure 300 can adopt a plastic structure or a rubber structure with relatively high hardness, and its hardness should not be too soft, so as to ensure that the blocking of the locking member 330 and the elastic pin 210 is effective. Of course, in addition to the improvement in material, the blocking ability of the locking member 330 can also be improved by adding gaskets, and a stable card slot structure can be obtained by means of local inserts.

[0053] As a preference of the above embodiment, in order to further increase the stability of the connector 200 relative to the transition structure 300 on the basis of the cooperation between the elastic pin 210 and the card slot 323, see Figure 1, a positioning block 220 is further provided at the end of the connector 200. The positioning block 220 is located between the two elastic pins 210 and is embedded in the second groove 322 by interference fit. By closely fitting the side wall of the positioning block 220 with the second groove 322, the positioning can be ensured to be more accurate, reducing the probability of the connector 200 shaking relative to the transition structure 300. In addition to the engagement limit of the elastic pins 210 relative to the card slot 323, the connection effect can be effectively improved by increasing the friction force.

[0054] As a preference of the above embodiment, refer to Figure 4 , the transition structure 300 further includes an elastic block 340, which is sleeved outside the optical fiber 110 and is embedded in the second groove 322 by elastic deformation to divide the second groove 322 into two regions; there are two positioning blocks 220, which are respectively embedded in the two regions by interference fit. By utilizing the elasticity of the elastic block 340 itself, on the basis of fitting with the positioning block 220, the buffering effect of the connector 200 relative to the transition structure 300 can be realized. Two concave bands 131 are symmetrically arranged in the middle of the outer sheath 130 of the butterfly lead-in optical cable. Raised bands can be arranged in the first groove 321 and the second groove 322 corresponding to the concave bands 131. The raised band in the second groove 322 can complete the positioning of the elastic block 340 through the concave position correspondingly arranged on the elastic block 340, realizing the auxiliary supporting effect on the optical fiber 110. In order to more smoothly complete the installation of the connector 200 relative to the transition structure 300, as a preference of the above embodiment, the edge of the end of the positioning block 220 is chamfered, so as to realize the guiding effect.

[0055] During the fixed installation of the locking member 330, an automated production device may be used, or it may be installed manually. Since the installation position is relatively close to the optical fiber 110 and this part of the optical fiber 110 is not protected by the outer sheath 130, there is a possibility of contact between the rigid structure and the optical fiber 110. In order to avoid bending of the optical fiber 110 caused by contact, as a preference of the above embodiment, the installation of the elastic block 340 is carried out before the installation of the locking member 330, so as to play a protective role for the optical fiber 110 on the periphery of the optical fiber 110 and avoid touching the optical fiber 110 during the installation of the locking member 330.

[0056] In this embodiment, the locking member 330 can adopt a metal structure and is fixed at the end of the strengthening element 120 by deformation extrusion. For example, the metal ring is extruded into a flat shape, or is fixed at the end of the strengthening element 120 by welding.

[0057] Preferably, at least a partial position of the side wall of the first groove 321 is thermally pressed and connected to the outer sheath 130; after thermal pressing, a local appearance such as stripes can be formed. During the above thermal pressing process, it is necessary to ensure the temperature and pressure of thermal pressing to avoid damaging the butterfly optical cable 100.

[0058] From the perspective of product production and packaging, preferably, the transition structure 300 includes: a limiting strip 324 located on one side; a limiting groove 325 located on the corresponding side of the limiting strip 324; the two transition structures 300 are docked through the cooperation of the limiting strip 324 and the limiting groove 325; after docking, a certain degree of positioning can be achieved, so that when multiple prefabricated end butterfly lead-in optical cables are arranged, a certain order can be obtained. Such orderliness can bring convenience during the packaging process and also have advantages during the production process. Specifically:

[0059] As Figures 7 - 10 shown, the transition structure 300 is obtained by cutting the integrated ribbon structure 400, and the shape of the cutting seam 410 can be selected according to needs. See Figure 8 , where the ribbon structure 400 includes the first groove 321 arranged in parallel and the corresponding second groove 322. The required ribbon structure 400 can be obtained by an integrated molding method, and the ribbon structure 400 can participate in the continuous production process.

[0060] Preferably, as shown in Figure 9 , the cutting action is performed at least after the locking member 330 is fixed to the end of the strengthening element 120. Through this optimization method, the early production continuity of different prefabricated end butterfly lead-in optical cables can be maintained before the butterfly optical cable 100 is fixed relative to the transition structure 300, providing assistance for automated production and ensuring the orderliness of the butterfly optical cables 100 used for different prefabricated end butterfly lead-in optical cables.

[0061] In the actual production process, the integrity of the ribbon structure 400 can be further postponed, such as cutting the ribbon structure 400 after the overall installation of the connector 200 is completed. Here, the cutting can be performed perpendicular to the length direction of the optical cable to obtain a flat cutting surface. It should be noted here that the cutting of the ribbon structure 400 may not generate any waste, or part of the material can be removed between the two transition structures 300. See Figures 8 - 10, the length of the removed material 420 is adjustable, so as to adjust the distance between two adjacent transition elements. When the cutting action is performed, an appropriate connection section of two adjacent transition structures 300 can be retained. When the connection section has the following characteristics, it is extremely beneficial for the packaging of the product: the two transition structures 300 can be connected relatively stably, and at the same time, when the prefabricated end-butterfly introduced optical cable is independently taken, the user can separate the two transition structures 300 by applying an appropriate force.

[0062] As a preference of the above embodiment, refer to Figures 3 - 5 , the cross section of the limiting strip 324 is convex-shaped, and the cross section of the limiting groove 325 is set with the same contour; in this way, even after the cutting is completed, the orderly and stable transmission can still be ensured, as well as the stability of the relative positions between the transition structures 300; during the packaging process, the prefabricated end-butterfly introduced optical cables that need to be connected together in a set number can be selected and taken for common packaging.

[0063] The above shows and describes the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited by the above embodiments. What is described in the above embodiments and the specification only illustrates the principles of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention will have various changes and improvements, and these changes and improvements all fall within the scope of the present invention claimed. The scope of protection claimed by the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A prefabricated terminated butterfly-shaped fiber optic cable, comprising a butterfly-shaped fiber optic cable and at least one connector located at one end of the butterfly-shaped fiber optic cable; the butterfly-shaped fiber optic cable includes an optical fiber in the middle and two sets of strengthening elements respectively located on both sides of the optical fiber, the strengthening elements are made of steel wire structure, and further includes an outer sheath for covering the optical fiber and the strengthening elements; It is characterized in that The prefabricated terminated butterfly-shaped fiber optic cable further includes a transition structure fixedly connected to the butterfly-shaped fiber optic cable and the connector respectively, including: A central plate provided with a central through hole and side through holes for the optical fiber and the strengthening elements to pass through respectively; An outer sleeve covering the periphery of the central plate, forming a first groove and a second groove on both sides of the central plate respectively. The first groove covers the end of the outer sheath shorter than the optical fiber and the strengthening elements. The end of the optical fiber extends out from the second groove, and the end of the strengthening element is located inside the second groove. At least the contour of the first groove is set corresponding to the contour of the butterfly-shaped fiber optic cable; A locking member fixed at the end of the strengthening element to limit the retraction of the strengthening element from the second groove to the first groove; At least two elastic pins are symmetrically arranged at the end of the connector. The elastic pins are partially embedded in the card slots through deformation and obtain at least partial restoration of the deformation after embedding, so as to realize fixation relative to the card slots; The connector seals the open end of the second groove. The transition structure further includes an elastic block sleeved outside the optical fiber and embedded in the second groove through elastic deformation to divide the second groove into two regions. Two positioning blocks are arranged at the end of the connector and are embedded in the two regions through interference fit. The installation of the elastic block is carried out before the installation of the locking member.

2. The prefabricated terminated butterfly lead-in optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge of the end of the positioning block is chamfered.

3. The prefabricated terminated butterfly distribution optical cable according to claim 1, wherein The installation of the elastic block is carried out before the installation of the locking member.

4. The prefabricated terminated butterfly distribution optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a partial position of the side wall of the first groove is thermally pressed and connected to the outer sheath.

5. The prefabricated terminated butterfly distribution optical cable according to claim 1, wherein, The transition structure includes: A limiting strip located on one side; A limiting groove located on the corresponding side of the limiting strip; The two transition structures are docked through the cooperation of the limiting strip and the limiting groove.

6. The prefabricated terminated butterfly distribution optical cable according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The transition structure is obtained by cutting an integrated strip structure.

7. The prefabricated terminated butterfly distribution optical cable according to claim 6, wherein The cutting action is at least executed after the locking member is fixed at the end of the strengthening element.

8. The prefabricated terminated butterfly entry optical cable according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cross section of the limiting strip is convex-shaped, and the cross section of the limiting groove is set with the same contour.

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