Novel optical cable

Abstract

The invention discloses a novel optical cable, and relates to the technical field of optical cables, the novel optical cable comprises a cable core, the cable core comprises a plurality of optical fiber units, a plurality of filling ropes and dry-type water-blocking yarns, the filling ropes and the dry-type water-blocking yarns are used for filling gaps of the cable core, so that the outer peripheral surface of the cable core is a circumferential surface, and an insulating layer is arranged on the outer side of the cable core; the inner protective layer is arranged on the outer side of the insulating layer and extends along the length direction of the cable core; the FRP armor layer is arranged on the outer side of the inner protection layer and extends in the length direction of the inner protection layer; the outer protection layer is arranged on the outer side of the FRP armor layer and extends in the length direction of the FRP armor layer; and a plurality of red color bars are uniformly embedded in the outer wall of the outer protection layer. The novel optical cable solves the technical problems that an existing optical cable is poor in anti-bird effect and inconvenient to lay overhead, the bird protection capability of the optical cable is improved, the weight of the optical cable is reduced, and overhead laying is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of optical cables, and in particular to a novel optical cable. Background Art

[0002] In the current construction of communication networks, especially in outdoor areas and facilities that have extremely high requirements for the stability of communication networks, optical cables are the main carrier of information transmission, and the perfection of their protection measures is directly related to the reliable operation of communication networks. Among them, bird pecking prevention has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently.

[0003] In order to deal with the damage of birds to the outer shell of optical cables, most of the existing bird-proofing technologies for optical cables rely on adding capsaicin chemical repellent ingredients to the outer layer of the optical cable. Through its special sensory stimulation, it can effectively reduce the desire of birds to peck at the outer shell of the optical cable, thus playing a protective role to a certain extent. However, related defects are exposed in actual applications.

[0004] First, the effectiveness of chemical repellents is often not long-lasting. Over time, the decomposition and volatilization of repellents in the natural environment will cause their effectiveness to gradually decrease, thus greatly reducing the protective effect. Second, the use of chemical repellents may cause potential pollution to the environment.

[0005] In addition, existing optical cable designs usually have metal reinforcements in the center to improve their mechanical strength or tensile strength. However, this significantly increases the weight of the optical cable. For optical cables that need to be laid overhead, the increase in weight increases the difficulty of installation and maintenance.

[0006] Therefore, how to provide a new type of optical cable to achieve long-term and effective bird-proofing effect while reducing the negative impact on the environment and reducing the weight of the optical cable. Summary of the invention

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new type of optical cable, which solves the technical problems that the existing optical cable has poor bird-proofing effect and is not convenient for overhead laying.

[0008] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a novel optical cable, comprising:

[0009] A cable core, comprising a plurality of optical fiber units, a plurality of filling ropes and dry water-blocking yarns, wherein the filling ropes and the dry water-blocking yarns are used to fill the gaps in the cable core so that the outer circumference of the cable core is a circular surface, and an insulating layer is arranged on the outer side of the cable core;

[0010] An inner sheath, arranged on the outer side of the insulating layer and extending along the length direction of the cable core;

[0011] An FRP armor layer is arranged on the outer side of the inner protective layer and extends along the length direction of the inner protective layer;

[0012] An outer sheath is arranged on the outside of the FRP armor layer and extends along the length direction of the FRP armor layer;

[0013] Red color strips, a plurality of the red color strips are evenly embedded in the outer wall of the outer protective layer.

[0014] Preferably, the optical fiber unit comprises a loose tube and an optical fiber, the optical fiber is arranged in the loose tube, and fiber paste is filled between the loose tube and the optical fiber.

[0015] Preferably, the number of the optical fiber units and the number of the filling ropes are both three.

[0016] Preferably, the FRP armor layer comprises a plurality of FRP bodies and water-blocking yarns, and the plurality of FRP bodies and the water-blocking yarns are twisted together to form the FRP armor layer.

[0017] Preferably, the number of the FRP bodies is 26.

[0018] Preferably, the inner protective layer is a nylon sheath, and the outer protective layer is a PE sheath.

[0019] Preferably, the preparation process of the inner protective layer is:

[0020] S1. Drying of nylon materials:

[0021] Placing the nylon material in a drying device, wherein the drying temperature of the nylon material is 80-90°C and the drying time is 4-6 hours;

[0022] S2. Cable core preheating:

[0023] Preheat the cable core, and control the preheating temperature within a specific temperature range;

[0024] S3, extruder parameter settings:

[0025] The temperatures of the barrel feeding section, melting section, homogenizing section, the connecting neck between the die and the barrel, and the forming die of the extruder are controlled within different specific temperature ranges.

[0026] S4. Vacuum treatment:

[0027] During the extrusion process of the nylon sheath, a vacuum operation is performed to effectively remove the air between the nylon sheath and the cable core insulation layer to enhance adhesion;

[0028] S5, Nylon jacket cooling:

[0029] The extruded nylon sheath is cooled to form the inner sheath.

[0030] Preferably, the nylon jacket cooling process is:

[0031] First stage cooling:

[0032] The nylon jacket is first passed through a first cooling water trough, wherein the cooling medium of the first cooling water trough is warm water, the temperature of the warm water is 43-60° C., and the length of the first cooling water trough is 3-3.5 meters.

[0033] Second stage cooling:

[0034] After the first stage of cooling, the nylon jacket passes through a second stage of cooling water tank, and the cooling medium of the second stage of cooling water tank is tap water.

[0035] Preferably, the thickness of the nylon sheath is 4.0±0.1 mm.

[0036] Compared with the above-mentioned background technology, the present invention provides a new type of optical cable, in which the gaps between the three optical fiber units are filled with dry water-blocking yarn, thereby replacing the existing metal central reinforcement, which not only reduces the overall weight of the optical cable and facilitates transportation and laying; but also has good bending performance, can adapt to various complex laying paths, and is not subject to electromagnetic interference, and is suitable for strong electric field, magnetic field environment and areas with frequent thunderstorms; the glass fiber thorns of the FRP armor layer can effectively prevent birds from pecking the optical cable, thereby protecting the optical cable, and has lightweight performance, thereby reducing the weight of the optical cable, and the outer wall of the outer sheath is evenly embedded with a number of red stripes 7. The bright red color has a natural warning effect on birds, which can reduce the accidental pecking of the optical cable by birds to a certain extent, and enhance the bird protection ability of the optical cable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] 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 embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without paying creative work.

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a novel optical cable structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] in:

[0040] 1-optical fiber unit, 2-filling rope, 3-dry water-blocking yarn, 4-inner sheath, 5-FRP armor layer, 6-outer sheath, 7-red stripe, 8-loose tube, 9-optical fiber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] 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.

[0042] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the scheme of the present invention, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0043] See also Figure 1 The present invention provides a new type of optical cable, which is as follows from inside to outside:

[0044] The cable core is composed of three optical fiber units 1, three filling ropes 2 and dry water-blocking yarn 3. The filling rope 2 and dry water-blocking yarn 3 work together to fill the gap inside the cable core tightly, so that the outer circumference of the cable core is regular and circular, laying the foundation for the uniform coating of subsequent layers; importantly, the gaps between the three optical fiber units 1 are filled with dry water-blocking yarn 3, thereby replacing the existing metal center reinforcement, and the effect achieved is: not only reducing the overall weight of the optical cable, facilitating transportation and laying; but also having good bending performance, can adapt to various complex laying paths, and is not subject to electromagnetic interference, suitable for strong electric field, magnetic field environment and areas with frequent thunderstorms. At the same time, the gap between the filling rope 2 and the optical fiber unit 1 is also filled with dry water-blocking yarn 3, which can form a waterproof barrier and effectively prevent the occurrence of water seepage problems.

[0045] The insulating layer can isolate external electrical interference and ensure the transmission of optical signals in the cable core; the inner sheath 4 protects the internal components from external physical damage.

[0046] The FRP armor layer 5 is closely attached to the inner sheath and extends along its length. The FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastics) armor layer has glass fiber thorns that can effectively prevent birds from pecking at the optical cable, thereby protecting the optical cable, and has tensile strength and lightweight performance, thereby reducing the weight of the optical cable, making it more convenient during laying.

[0047] A number of red stripes 7 are evenly embedded in the outer wall of the outer sheath 6, and the red stripes 7 are extended along the length of the outer sheath. The red stripes 7 not only enhance the visual recognition of the optical cable, but also facilitate rapid positioning by construction and maintenance personnel. More importantly, the bright red color has a natural warning effect on birds, which can reduce the accidental pecking of optical cables by birds to a certain extent, thereby enhancing the bird protection capability of the optical cable.

[0048] In summary, the present application provides a new type of optical cable, in which the gaps between the three optical fiber units 1 are filled with dry water-blocking yarn 3, thereby replacing the existing metal center reinforcement, which not only reduces the overall weight of the optical cable and facilitates transportation and laying; but also has good bending performance, can adapt to various complex laying paths, and is not affected by electromagnetic interference, and is suitable for strong electric field, magnetic field environment and areas with frequent thunderstorms; the glass fiber thorns of the FRP armor layer 5 can effectively prevent birds from pecking the optical cable, thereby protecting the optical cable, and has lightweight performance, thereby reducing the weight of the optical cable, and the outer wall of the outer sheath 6 is evenly embedded with a number of red stripes 7. The bright red color has a natural warning effect on birds, which can reduce the accidental pecking of the optical cable by birds to a certain extent, and enhance the bird protection ability of the optical cable.

[0049] Specifically, the number of the optical fiber units 1 and the filling ropes 2 can be 4, 5, etc. The specific number can be selected according to the actual demand of the optical cable.

[0050] Based on the above embodiment, the optical fiber unit 1 includes a loose tube 8 and an optical fiber 9. The optical fiber 9 is arranged in the loose tube 8. The space between the loose tube 8 and the optical fiber 9 is filled with fiber paste. That is to say, the loose tube 8 is a tubular structure for accommodating and protecting the optical fiber 9 and has good flexibility. The gap between the loose tube 8 and the optical fiber 9 is filled with fiber paste.

[0051] Specifically, the optical fiber 9 is a 48-core optical fiber.

[0052] On the basis of the above embodiment, the FRP armor layer 5 includes 26 FRP bodies and water-blocking yarns, and a number of FRP bodies and water-blocking yarns are twisted together to form the FRP armor layer 5. That is to say, the FRP has glass fiber thorns that can effectively prevent birds from pecking the optical cable, thereby protecting the optical cable. By twisting the water-blocking yarn with the FRP body, a waterproof barrier can be formed, which further improves the waterproof performance of the optical cable.

[0053] On the basis of the above embodiment, the inner sheath 4 is a nylon sheath, that is, the nylon sheath material has good thermal stability, softness, toughness and wear resistance, as well as good chemical corrosion resistance, and the sheath made of nylon is usually thinner, which also helps to reduce the overall weight of the optical cable. In terms of bird protection, the nylon sheath material has high hardness and good toughness, and is not easily pecked by birds; in terms of lightning protection, the full dielectric structure design of the nylon sheath material makes the optical cable suitable for installation on the same pole as the cable in lightning areas or strong electric areas, which helps to reduce the direct impact of lightning on the optical cable and improve the lightning protection performance of the optical cable. At the same time, the tensile and lateral pressure resistance of the nylon sheath material also helps to protect the stability and safety of the optical cable in harsh environments. In this way, the nylon sheath material can effectively protect the optical cable and prevent damage to the optical cable by external factors, making it easy to apply in outdoor overhead laying occasions.

[0054] Based on the above embodiment, the outer protective layer 6 is a PE sheath, which has excellent cold resistance, moisture resistance and wear resistance.

[0055] A new type of optical cable, the preparation process of the inner sheath is:

[0056] S1. Drying of nylon materials:

[0057] Since nylon material is easy to absorb moisture, it needs to be dried before extrusion to ensure continuous and stable product quality.

[0058] Operation: Place the nylon material in the drying equipment at a drying temperature of 80-90°C for 4-6 hours. The temperature and time range can be selected according to actual production needs. The purpose is to effectively remove the moisture absorbed by the nylon and avoid water marks and bubbles in the subsequent extrusion process.

[0059] S2. Cable core preheating:

[0060] In order to ensure that the nylon sheath and the cable core insulation layer are tightly extruded and to prevent the nylon sheath from wrinkling when bent, the core needs to be preheated.

[0061] Operation: Preheat the cable core to a specific temperature range. The setting of the preheating temperature should be based on the adhesion test, while avoiding excessively high temperatures that may cause the filling fibers to shrink or even carbonize, thus reducing the tensile strength.

[0062] S3, extruder parameter settings:

[0063] By controlling the temperature of each section of the extruder, it is ensured that the nylon material can be extruded smoothly and formed into the required sheath shape.

[0064] Operation: Control the temperature of the extruder's barrel feeding section, melting section, homogenization section, mold and barrel connection neck, and molding mold within different specific temperature ranges; specifically, taking nylon 66 material as an example, the melting point temperature is 280 degrees and the decomposition temperature is 310 degrees. To ensure the smooth extrusion of nylon material, the temperature of each section of the extruder should be around the melting point temperature and increase gradually; however, the maximum temperature of each section of the extruder should be lower than the decomposition temperature to avoid overheating and decomposition.

[0065] S4. Vacuum treatment:

[0066] Purpose: To make the sheath tightly extruded, remove the air between the nylon sheath and the cable core insulation layer to increase adhesion, and reduce the tensile stress on the nylon sheath during the extrusion process.

[0067] Operation: Vacuuming is performed during the extrusion of the nylon jacket. Vacuuming can effectively reduce bubbles and voids in the jacket.

[0068] S5, Nylon jacket cooling:

[0069] Purpose: To cool the extruded nylon sheath to form a stable inner sheath.

[0070] Specifically, the extruder can use a smaller single-screw extruder with an equal pitch screw structure and a sudden change in external thread depth. The height, diameter and compression ratio are controlled within a certain range. The working principle of the extruder is common knowledge to those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated here. However, it should be emphasized that during the extrusion process, it is also necessary to ensure that there are no impurities in the screw and barrel of the extruder to prevent eccentricity or other quality problems in the nylon sheath.

[0071] Based on the above embodiment, the specific operation steps of cooling the nylon sheath are as follows:

[0072] First stage cooling:

[0073] Ensure that the first cooling water tank is filled with warm water and the temperature is controlled within the range of 43~60℃. This temperature range can ensure that the nylon jacket is cooled gently and fully, avoiding internal stress caused by sudden cooling.

[0074] The length of the cooling water tank should be 3 to 3.5 meters to provide sufficient cooling time and distance.

[0075] Make the newly extruded nylon sheath smoothly enter the first cooling water tank. Since the nylon sheath is thin and the line speed during the production process is slow, it helps the sheath to be evenly cooled in the water.

[0076] Observe the state of the nylon jacket in the first cooling water tank to ensure that there is no abnormal deformation or damage. Adjust the water temperature or water flow rate in the water tank as needed to maintain a constant cooling effect.

[0077] Second stage cooling:

[0078] Ensure that the second cooling water tank is filled with tap water as a gradual cooling medium. After the first cooling, the nylon jacket continues to smoothly enter the second cooling water tank. The purpose of the second cooling is to further reduce the temperature of the nylon jacket, eliminate internal stress, and stabilize the structure of the jacket.

[0079] In winter, especially when the ambient temperature is low, the water temperature of the first cooling water tank should be kept at around 50°C to avoid sudden cooling of the nylon sheath and generating internal stress.

[0080] That is, gradual cooling is achieved through the first stage cooling and the second stage cooling, thereby preventing the nylon sheath from being brittle and cracked due to rapid temperature changes, especially in a colder environment or in a thicker nylon sheath material.

[0081] Based on the above embodiment, the thickness of the nylon sheath is controlled within the range of 4.0±0.1 mm, and its three properties of tensile breaking stress, tensile yield stress and breaking elongation ensure the best mechanical strength and protection performance of the optical cable in different environments.

[0082] It should be noted that, in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are merely used to distinguish one entity from other entities, but do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities.

[0083] The principles and implementation methods of the present invention are described in this article using specific examples. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A new type of optical cable, characterized in that: include: A cable core, comprising a plurality of optical fiber units (1), a plurality of filling ropes (2) and a dry water-blocking yarn (3), wherein the filling ropes (2) and the dry water-blocking yarn (3) are used to fill the gaps in the cable core so that the outer peripheral surface of the cable core is a circular surface, and an insulating layer is arranged on the outer side of the cable core; An inner protective layer (4), arranged on the outer side of the insulating layer and extending along the length direction of the cable core; An FRP armor layer (5) is arranged on the outside of the inner protective layer (4) and extends along the length direction of the inner protective layer (4); An outer protective layer (6) is arranged on the outside of the FRP armor layer (5) and extends along the length direction of the FRP armor layer (5); Red color strips (7), a plurality of the red color strips (7) being evenly embedded in the outer wall of the outer protective layer (6).

2. A novel optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical fiber unit (1) comprises a loose tube (8) and an optical fiber (9); the optical fiber (9) is arranged in the loose tube (8); and fiber paste is filled between the loose tube (8) and the optical fiber (9).

3. A novel optical cable according to claim 2, characterized in that: The number of the optical fiber units (1) and the number of the filling ropes (2) are both three.

4. A novel optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that: The FRP armor layer (5) comprises a plurality of FRP bodies and water-blocking yarns, and the plurality of FRP bodies and the water-blocking yarns are twisted together to form the FRP armor layer (5).

5. A novel optical cable according to claim 2, characterized in that: The number of the FRP bodies is 26.

6. A novel optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner protective layer (4) is a nylon sheath, and the outer protective layer (6) is a PE sheath.

7. A novel optical cable according to claim 6, characterized in that: The preparation process of the inner protective layer is: S1. Drying of nylon materials: Placing the nylon material in a drying device, wherein the drying temperature of the nylon material is 80-90°C and the drying time is 4-6 hours; S2. Cable core preheating: Preheat the cable core, and control the preheating temperature within a specific temperature range; S3, extruder parameter settings: The temperatures of the barrel feeding section, melting section, homogenizing section, the connecting neck between the die and the barrel, and the forming die of the extruder are controlled within different specific temperature ranges. S4. Vacuum treatment: During the extrusion process of the nylon sheath, a vacuum operation is performed to effectively remove the air between the nylon sheath and the cable core insulation layer to enhance adhesion; S5, Nylon jacket cooling: The extruded nylon sheath is cooled to form the inner protective layer (4).

8. A novel optical cable according to claim 7, characterized in that: The nylon jacket cooling process is: First stage cooling: The nylon jacket is first passed through a first cooling water trough, wherein the cooling medium of the first cooling water trough is warm water, the temperature of the warm water is 43-60° C., and the length of the first cooling water trough is 3-3.5 meters. Second stage cooling: After the first stage of cooling, the nylon jacket passes through a second stage of cooling water tank, and the cooling medium of the second stage of cooling water tank is tap water.

9. A novel optical cable according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The thickness of the nylon sheath is 4.0±0.1 mm.

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