High-strength composite special optical fiber

Abstract

A high-strength composite special optical fiber comprises a fiber core, a wrapping layer arranged on the surface of the fiber core and a coating layer covering the wrapping layer, the periphery of the coating layer is sleeved with an attaching layer, and a plurality of metal wires extending in the length direction of the fiber core are embedded in the attaching layer. The metal wires are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the fiber core, the metal wires are provided with a plurality of protruding parts extending towards the circumferential side of the fiber core, deformation spaces allowing the protruding parts to deform are formed between the protruding parts and the coating layer, and the circumferential side of the attaching layer is sleeved with a reinforcing layer. The protruding part is located on the inner side of the reinforcing layer and makes contact with the inner surface of the reinforcing layer. The high-strength composite special optical fiber provided by the invention has higher impact resistance and torsion resistance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of special optical fibers, in particular to a high-strength composite special optical fiber. Background Art

[0002] Optical fiber is short for optical fiber, which is a fiber made of glass or plastic. It transmits light through the principle of total reflection of light, thereby realizing the function of transmitting information. In some special application scenarios, optical fiber needs to have certain special properties, and such optical fiber can be collectively referred to as special optical fiber. For example, in some scenarios, because the optical fiber may frequently shake, or frequently collide with other objects, or even be squeezed by other objects, it is necessary to make the optical fiber have sufficient strength to avoid damage and breakage of the optical fiber, which may lead to interruption of information transmission.

[0003] In the prior art, the main means to improve the strength of optical fiber is to set multiple layers of different reinforcement structures on the surface of the optical fiber to improve the impact resistance of the optical fiber, thereby achieving the effect of reducing the probability of optical fiber damage. However, this solution has shortcomings, mainly manifested in that it will increase the size of the optical fiber and increase the minimum bending radius of the optical fiber, resulting in reduced flexibility when laying the optical fiber. On the other hand, it will also increase the weight of the optical fiber. If the optical fiber is frequently shaken, local cracks are likely to occur, resulting in increased light attenuation. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a high-strength composite special optical fiber with stronger impact resistance and torsion resistance.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the specific scheme adopted by the present invention is: A high-strength composite special optical fiber comprises a core, a cladding arranged on the surface of the core, and a coating layer covering the cladding, wherein a bonding layer is sleeved on the circumferential side of the coating layer, a plurality of metal wires extending along the length direction of the core are embedded in the bonding layer, and the plurality of metal wires are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the core, the metal wires are provided with a plurality of protrusions extending toward the circumferential side of the core, a deformation space for the protrusions to deform is formed between the protrusions and the coating layer, a reinforcement layer is sleeved on the circumferential side of the bonding layer, the protrusions are located on the inner side of the reinforcement layer and are in contact with the inner surface of the reinforcement layer.

[0006] Preferably, the protrusions on different metal wires are combined one by one to form an expansion joint surrounding the fiber core, and among the multiple protrusions combined to form the expansion joint, a distance is left between two adjacent protrusions to form a first accommodating space.

[0007] Preferably, a plurality of inwardly bent protrusions are provided on the reinforcement layer, and some of the protrusions extend into the first accommodating space.

[0008] Preferably, after the raised portion extends into the first accommodating space, a gap is left between the raised portion and the protruding portion.

[0009] Preferably, an outer shell layer is sleeved on the peripheral side of the reinforcement layer, and the outer shell layer and the reinforcement layer are fixedly connected by an adhesive, and the raised portion forms a groove on the peripheral side wall of the reinforcement layer that can accommodate the adhesive.

[0010] Preferably, on the same metal wire, a distance is left between two adjacent protrusions to form a second accommodating space, and part of the protrusions extends into the second accommodating space.

[0011] Preferably, after the raised portion extends into the second accommodating space, a gap is left between the raised portion and the protruding portion.

[0012] Preferably, the raised portion is in the shape of a hemispherical shell.

[0013] Preferably, the width of the first accommodating space gradually increases in a direction away from the fiber core, and the maximum width of the first accommodating space is equal to the distance between the highest point of the protrusion and the coating layer.

[0014] Preferably, the protrusion is in a semicircular arc shape, and there is a smooth transition between the protrusion and the metal wire.

[0015] In the special optical fiber of the present invention, the impact resistance of the optical fiber is mainly improved by the metal wire. Specifically, by forming a protrusion on the metal wire, when the optical fiber hits other objects or is impacted by other objects due to shaking, the metal wire can withstand the impact, and absorb the impact energy by deforming into the deformation space, avoiding the impact energy from acting on the fiber core, realizing the protection of the fiber core, and effectively improving the impact resistance of the optical fiber. On the other hand, because a plurality of protrusions are provided on a metal wire, and the plurality of protrusions are evenly distributed along the length direction of the metal wire, and the plurality of metal wires are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the fiber core, when the optical fiber is impacted in any direction, the protrusion can withstand the impact, and the fiber core can be fully protected without dead angles.

[0016] The special optical fiber of the present invention not only has stronger impact resistance, but also has a protrusion that can deform along with the bending of the optical fiber when the optical fiber needs to be bent. Specifically, when the optical fiber is bent, the protrusion can also deform without hindering the bending of the optical fiber or causing a significant increase in the minimum bending radius of the optical fiber, thereby fully ensuring the flexibility of the optical fiber during laying. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] 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.

[0018] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the local structure of the metal wire; Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the raised portion.

[0019] Figure numerals: 1-fiber core, 2-cladding, 3-coating layer, 4-bonding layer, 5-metal wire, 6-protrusion, 7-first accommodating space, 8-reinforcement layer, 9-raised portion, 10-gap, 11-shell layer, 12-deformation space, 13-groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only 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.

[0021] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a high-strength composite special optical fiber includes a core 1, a cladding 2 arranged on the surface of the core 1, and a coating layer 3 covering the cladding 2, a bonding layer 4 is sleeved on the circumferential side of the coating layer 3, a plurality of metal wires 5 extending along the length direction of the core 1 are embedded in the bonding layer 4, and the plurality of metal wires 5 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the core 1, the metal wires 5 are provided with a plurality of protrusions 6 extending toward the circumferential side of the core 1, and a deformation space 12 for the protrusions 6 to deform is formed between the protrusions 6 and the coating layer 3, a reinforcement layer 8 is sleeved on the circumferential side of the bonding layer 4, the protrusions 6 are located on the inner side of the reinforcement layer 8 and are in contact with the inner surface of the reinforcement layer 8.

[0022] In the special optical fiber of the present invention, the impact resistance of the optical fiber is mainly improved by the metal wire 5. Specifically, by forming a protrusion 6 on the metal wire 5, when the optical fiber hits other objects or is impacted by other objects due to shaking, the metal wire 5 can withstand the impact, and absorb the impact energy by deforming into the deformation space 12, so as to avoid the impact energy acting on the fiber core 1, thereby protecting the fiber core 1 and effectively improving the impact resistance of the optical fiber. On the other hand, because a plurality of protrusions 6 are provided on a metal wire 5, and the plurality of protrusions 6 are evenly distributed along the length direction of the metal wire 5, and the plurality of metal wires 5 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the fiber core 1, when the optical fiber is impacted in any direction, the protrusion 6 can withstand the impact, so that the fiber core 1 can be protected in all directions without dead angles.

[0023] The special optical fiber of the present invention not only has stronger impact resistance, but also the protrusion 6 can deform along with the bending of the optical fiber when the optical fiber needs to be bent. Specifically, when the optical fiber is bent, the protrusion 6 can also deform without hindering the bending of the optical fiber or causing a significant increase in the minimum bending radius of the optical fiber, thereby fully ensuring the flexibility of the optical fiber during laying.

[0024] In addition, because the protrusion 6 contacts the inner surface of the reinforcement layer 8, a large number of cavities exist between the reinforcement layer 8 and the coating layer 3, so the weight of the optical fiber will not increase significantly, further ensuring the flexibility of the optical fiber.

[0025] In order to further ensure that each position of the optical fiber has good impact resistance, the protrusions 6 on different metal wires 5 are combined one by one to form an expansion joint surrounding the fiber core 1, and among the multiple protrusions 6 combined into the expansion joint, a distance is left between two adjacent protrusions 6 to form a first accommodating space 7. Specifically, the fiber core 1 can be divided into multiple segments evenly distributed in the length direction, and each metal wire 5 forms a protrusion 6 on each segment, so that a segment has multiple protrusions 6 at the same time, and these protrusions 6 are located in the same circumferential surface, so that an expansion joint is formed on the circumferential side of the segment, realizing all-round protection of the segment, and all expansion joints protect the fiber core 1 together.

[0026] In order to further improve the overall strength of the optical fiber, a plurality of inwardly bent ridges 9 are provided on the reinforcing layer 8, and part of the ridges 9 extend into the first accommodation space 7. When the optical fiber is twisted around the axis of the fiber core 1, the ridges 9 can contact and deform with the protrusions 6, and the ridges 9 and the protrusions 6 can drive the optical fiber from the twisted state to the normal state during the rebound process, so that the optical fiber has anti-twist performance. On the other hand, when the optical fiber is impacted, the ridges 9 can cooperate with the protrusions 6 to jointly withstand the impact and absorb the impact energy, thereby further improving the overall impact resistance of the optical fiber.

[0027] In order to prevent the protrusion 9 from affecting the bending ability of the optical fiber after entering the first accommodating space 7, thereby increasing the minimum bending radius of the optical fiber, a gap 10 is left between the protrusion 9 and the protrusion 6 after the protrusion 9 extends into the first accommodating space 7. When the optical fiber needs to be bent, the protrusion 9 and the protrusion 6 will not be in direct contact, but have a certain margin, thereby facilitating the bending of the optical fiber. On the other hand, when the optical fiber is over-bent, that is, the bending radius of the optical fiber is less than the minimum bending radius, the protrusion 9 and the protrusion 6 can squeeze and deform each other, and then drive the optical fiber to recover during the rebound process, thereby avoiding the optical fiber being in an over-bent state for a long time, which may cause local cracks or even breakage, and extending the service life of the optical fiber.

[0028] In order to enable the protrusion 6 and the ridge 9 to form a more comprehensive match, thereby fully improving the impact resistance and torsion resistance of the optical fiber, on the same metal wire 5, a distance is left between two adjacent protrusions 6 to form a second accommodating space, and part of the protrusion 9 extends into the second accommodating space. Through this arrangement, it can be ensured that there is a protrusion 9 between two adjacent protrusions 6, whether along the length direction or the circumferential direction of the fiber core 1, thereby comprehensively improving the impact resistance and torsion resistance of the optical fiber. Furthermore, after the protrusion 9 extends into the second accommodating space, a gap 10 is left between the protrusion 9 and the protrusion 6. By leaving the gap 10, direct contact between the protrusion 6 and the protrusion 9 can be avoided. The corresponding effect has been described in the previous text and will not be repeated here.

[0029] In order to facilitate the processing of the raised portion 9 and ensure that the force characteristics of each position of the raised portion 9 are consistent, the raised portion 9 is in the shape of a hemispherical shell. Similarly, the protrusion 6 is in the shape of a semicircular arc, and the protrusion 6 and the metal wire 5 have a smooth transition.

[0030] Furthermore, the width of the first accommodating space 7 gradually increases in the direction away from the fiber core 1, and the maximum width of the first accommodating space 7 is equal to the distance between the highest point of the protrusion 6 and the coating layer 3, where the highest point of the protrusion 6 refers to the point on the protrusion 6 with the largest distance from the coating layer 3.

[0031] Furthermore, the outer shell layer 11 is sleeved on the peripheral side of the reinforcement layer 8, and the outer shell layer 11 is fixedly connected to the reinforcement layer 8 by an adhesive, and the ridge 9 forms a groove 13 capable of accommodating the adhesive on the peripheral side wall of the reinforcement layer 8. The outer shell layer 11 is used to provide additional performance for the optical fiber, such as corrosion resistance, and a suitable material for the outer shell layer 11 can be selected according to actual needs. For example, when the corrosion resistance of the optical fiber needs to be improved, the outer shell layer 11 can be made of corrosion-resistant rubber material, which belongs to the mature existing technology and will not be repeated here. On the other hand, by providing a raised portion 9 protruding inward on the reinforcing layer 8, a groove 13 can be formed on the peripheral side wall of the reinforcing layer 8. The adhesive can be first coated on the reinforcing layer 8, and a certain amount of adhesive can be stored in the groove 13. Then the outer shell layer 11 is put on the reinforcing layer 8, and the reinforcing layer 8 and the outer shell layer 11 are connected by the adhesive. Because a certain amount of adhesive is pre-stored in the groove 13, it is possible to avoid uneven distribution of the adhesive, resulting in local voids between the reinforcing layer 8 and the outer shell layer 11, thereby ensuring the connection strength between the two.

[0032] Finally, it should be noted that in the present invention, the core 1, cladding 2 and coating 3 are all conventional components of optical fiber, and their materials and connection methods are not described in detail. The bonding layer 4 can be made of polytetrafluoroethylene film, the metal wire 5 can be made of copper, and the reinforcement layer 8 can be made of PVC film. According to actual needs, appropriate materials can also be selected.

[0033] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0034] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables one skilled in the art to implement or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention will not be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but rather to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A high-strength composite special optical fiber, comprising a fiber core (1), a cladding (2) arranged on the surface of the fiber core (1), and a coating layer (3) covering the cladding (2), characterized in that: The coating layer (3) is sheathed with a bonding layer (4) on the circumferential side, and a plurality of metal wires (5) extending along the length direction of the fiber core (1) are embedded inside the bonding layer (4), and the plurality of metal wires (5) are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the fiber core (1), and the metal wires (5) are provided with a plurality of protrusions (6) extending toward the circumferential side of the fiber core (1), and a deformation space (12) for the protrusions (6) to deform is formed between the protrusions (6) and the coating layer (3), and a reinforcement layer (8) is sheathed with the circumferential side of the bonding layer (4), and the protrusions (6) are located on the inner side of the reinforcement layer (8) and are in contact with the inner surface of the reinforcement layer (8).

2. A high-strength composite special optical fiber as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The protrusions (6) located on different metal wires (5) are combined one by one to form an expansion joint surrounding the fiber core (1), and among the multiple protrusions (6) combined to form the expansion joint, a distance is left between two adjacent protrusions (6) to form a first accommodating space (7).

3. A high-strength composite special optical fiber as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of inwardly bent ridges (9) are provided on the reinforcement layer (8), and some of the ridges (9) extend into the first accommodating space (7).

4. A high-strength composite special optical fiber as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: After the raised portion (9) extends into the first accommodating space (7), a gap (10) remains between the raised portion (9) and the protruding portion (6).

5. A high-strength composite special optical fiber as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: An outer shell layer (11) is sleeved on the peripheral side of the reinforcing layer (8), and the outer shell layer (11) and the reinforcing layer (8) are fixedly connected by an adhesive, and the raised portion (9) forms a groove (13) on the peripheral side wall of the reinforcing layer (8) that can accommodate the adhesive.

6. A high-strength composite special optical fiber as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: On the same metal wire (5), a distance is left between two adjacent protrusions (6) to form a second accommodation space, and a portion of the protrusions (9) extends into the second accommodation space.

7. A high-strength composite special optical fiber as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: After the raised portion (9) extends into the second accommodating space, a gap (10) is left between the raised portion (9) and the protruding portion (6).

8. A high-strength composite special optical fiber as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The raised portion (9) is in the shape of a hemispherical shell.

9. A high-strength composite special optical fiber as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The width of the first accommodating space (7) gradually increases in a direction away from the fiber core (1), and the maximum width of the first accommodating space (7) is equal to the distance between the highest point of the protrusion (6) and the coating layer (3).

10. The high-strength composite special optical fiber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protrusion (6) is in a semicircular arc shape, and there is a smooth transition between the protrusion (6) and the metal wire (5).

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