Yarn-binding-free layer-stranded optical cable and manufacturing system and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of optical communication transmission, and particularly discloses a yarn-binding-free layer-stranded optical cable and a manufacturing system and method thereof.The yarn-binding-free layer-stranded optical cable comprises a cable core and an outer sheath, the cable core comprises a center reinforcing part, m loose tubes and n filling ropes, m is larger than or equal to 1, n is larger than or equal to 0, a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in the loose tubes, and the number of the optical fibers is larger than or equal to 1. The m loose tubes and the n filling ropes are twisted on the surface of the central reinforcing member. The outer sheath coats and is attached to the outside of the cable core, so that the cable core is directly bound by the outer sheath; water-blocking powder is filled among the central reinforcing member, the m loose tubes, the n filling ropes and the outer sheath. According to the yarn-binding-free layer-stranded optical cable, no yarn binding exists outside the cable core, no water-blocking yarn exists in the cable core, and compared with a yarn-binding type optical cable, the roundness of the optical cable is higher, the diameter can be smaller, and the cost of the optical cable can be lower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of optical communication transmission technology, and more specifically, relates to a stranded optical cable without braiding and its manufacturing system and manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] With the surge in global data traffic and the diversification of internet applications, traditional optical cables face challenges in terms of transmission capacity and space utilization. Currently, traditional optical cables often use water-blocking yarn to bind the stranded core, or use a thin-film extrusion process to extrude a thin layer of thermoplastic elastomer (i.e., a film layer) instead of binding yarn during the SZ stranding process. However, under these manufacturing processes, the diameter of the optical cable is constrained by the binding layer and the film layer, making it particularly difficult to reduce the diameter of the optical cable. This results in optical cables that are usually thick, making it difficult to meet the increasingly stringent communication requirements of high-density cabling and ultra-thin optical cable designs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a non-braided stranded optical cable and its manufacturing system and method that overcome or mitigate the above-mentioned defects. This type of cable can have a very small diameter.

[0004] This application provides a stranded optical cable without binding yarn, specifically comprising: The cable core includes a central reinforcing member, m loose tubes and n filler ropes, where m≥1 and n≥0. Several optical fibers are disposed inside the loose tubes, and the m loose tubes and n filler ropes are twisted together on the surface of the central reinforcing member. Outer sheath, which covers and fits the outside of the cable core, so that the cable core is directly bound by the outer sheath; Water-blocking powder is filled between the central reinforcing member, m loose tubes, n filler ropes and the outer sheath.

[0005] Compared with the prior art, the cable core of this optical cable is directly bound by the outer sheath without the aid of other components such as binding yarn or film. Since there is no water-blocking yarn inside the cable core and no binding yarn outside the cable core, the overall roundness of this optical cable is higher than that of the bound yarn optical cable. Compared with the bound yarn optical cable and the film-bound optical cable, the diameter of this optical cable can be made smaller and the cost of the optical cable can be made lower. This makes this optical cable particularly suitable for meeting the increasingly stringent communication requirements such as high-density cabling and ultra-fine optical cable design.

[0006] As a further preferred embodiment, the loose sleeve is a thin-walled micro sleeve with a diameter of less than 1.5 mm and a wall thickness of less than 0.3 mm.

[0007] As a further preferred embodiment, the particle size of the water-blocking powder is between 50µm and 1000µm.

[0008] As a further preferred embodiment, a cable-opening rope is provided between the cable core and the outer sheath, or a water-blocking yarn extending axially for cable opening is provided.

[0009] As a further preferred embodiment, the outer sheath has at least one tearable portion that extends axially along the outer sheath.

[0010] As a further preferred embodiment, the outer sheath is made of at least one of polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (TPU), nylon (PA), and flame-retardant polyolefin low-smoke halogen-free (LZSH); and / or, The central reinforcement is made of materials including single-strand metal or fiber-reinforced composite material FRP; and / or, The loose sleeve is made of at least one of the following materials: polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE); and / or, The loose sleeve is either a dry type or an oil-filled type.

[0011] The manufacturing system provided in the second aspect of this application adopts the following technical solution: A manufacturing system for manufacturing the unbundled stranded optical cable as described in the first aspect, comprising: A line-laying device for laying out the center reinforcement, m loose tubing and n filler ropes; A vacuum water-blocking powder filling system is used for the twisted cable of the central reinforcing member, m loose tubes and n filling ropes and the negative pressure overfilling of water-blocking powder. The extrusion head is used to extrude and form the outer sheath, and to directly bind the cable core with water-blocking powder during the extrusion process.

[0012] As a further preferred embodiment, the manufacturing system also includes a pre-twisting device disposed between the wire feeding device and the vacuum water-blocking powder filling system, for the initial twisting and shaping of the central reinforcing member, m loose tubes and n filling ropes.

[0013] As a further preferred embodiment, the manufacturing system also includes a pre-twisting device disposed between the wire feeding device and the vacuum water-blocking powder filling system, for the initial twisting and shaping of the central reinforcing member, m loose tubes and n filling ropes.

[0014] As a further preferred embodiment, the vacuum-sealed water-blocking powder filling system includes a negative pressure chamber, wherein: The outlet end of the negative pressure chamber protrudes outward to form a pointed cable extrusion head, and the negative pressure chamber forms a tapered cable output port at the cable extrusion head. The inlet end of the negative pressure chamber is equipped with a rotating cover with multiple perforations. The rotating cover is rotatably connected to the inlet end and is used to wind the central reinforcing member, m loose sleeves and n filling ropes that extend into the inner cavity of the negative pressure chamber along the perforations.

[0015] As a further preferred embodiment, the negative pressure chamber also has a powder inlet and a powder outlet, and the line formed between the powder inlet and the powder outlet intersects with the conveying trajectory of the central reinforcing member in the negative pressure chamber.

[0016] As a further preferred embodiment, the die head has an extrusion chamber, which has an outer sheath material feeding port and an extrusion port. The cable output port of the negative pressure chamber extends into the extrusion port of the extrusion chamber, and the cable output port is coaxial with the extrusion port.

[0017] As a further preferred embodiment, the system also includes an electrostatic generator for generating static electricity in the central reinforcing member at the inlet end of the negative pressure chamber; Alternatively, the system may further include a media supply device for carrying a media for attaching water-blocking powder to the central reinforcement at the inlet end of the negative pressure chamber.

[0018] The manufacturing method provided in the third aspect of this application adopts the following technical solution: A manufacturing method for manufacturing the unbundled stranded optical cable as described in the first aspect, comprising: Provide one central reinforcing member, n filler ropes, and m loose tubes containing optical fibers, where m≥1 and n≥0; In the negative pressure chamber, n filler ropes and m loose tubes are twisted together on the outer surface of the central reinforcement to form a cable core. An outer sheath is extruded at the cable outlet of the negative pressure chamber and wraps around the cable core. The outer sheath cools and shrinks, directly shaping and binding the cable core. Water-blocking powder is filled into the negative pressure chamber between the central reinforcing member, n filling ropes, m loose tubes, and the outer surface of the formed cable core.

[0019] As a further preferred option, the central reinforcement is made to carry static electricity before filling with water-blocking powder, or the surface of the central reinforcement is made to carry a medium for adhering the water-blocking powder.

[0020] As a further preferred embodiment, during the filling of water-blocking powder, an excessive amount of water-blocking powder is continuously drawn into the negative pressure chamber, and then the excessive water-blocking powder adhering to the surface of the cable core is reduced and shaped through the cable output port of the negative pressure chamber, and the water-blocking powder that has not been filled into the optical cable is output through the powder output port of the negative pressure chamber.

[0021] As a further preferred embodiment, in this method, the outer sheath extruded at the extrusion port and the cable with water-blocking powder at the cable output port are coaxially output and integrally cooled and shaped, so that the outer sheath directly binds the cable core and the water-blocking powder, thereby producing a stranded optical cable without binding yarn.

[0022] In summary, compared with the prior art, the technical solutions conceived in this application have the following main technical advantages: 1. This optical cable is made by cooling and shaping the outer sheath and the cable with water-blocking powder as a whole. It does not rely on other components such as binding yarn or film to bind the cable core. Since there is no water-blocking yarn inside the cable core and no binding yarn outside the cable core, compared with the binding yarn type optical cable, this optical cable has a higher overall roundness and can be made with a smaller diameter, resulting in lower optical cable cost.

[0023] 2. During the manufacturing process of this optical cable, water-blocking powder is added simultaneously when the cable core is stranded into a cable. Subsequently, the cable core with water-blocking powder is coaxially output at the cable output port with the newly extruded outer sheath and cooled and shaped as a whole, so as to quickly produce a stranded optical cable without yarn binding. This process is fast and precise, and the finished optical cable has high stability. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a radial cross-sectional view of a stranded optical cable without braiding provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a manufacturing process diagram of a stranded optical cable without braiding provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the process of covering the cable core and water-blocking powder with the outer sheath provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0025] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements or structures, wherein: 1. Outer sheath; 1-1. Tear-prone section; 2. Central reinforcement; 3. Loose tube; 4. Filler rope; 5. Water-blocking powder; 6. Cable release rope; 7. Cable release frame; 7-1. Central reinforcement cable release frame; 7-2. Loose tube cable release frame; 8. Tension dance wheel; 9. Windlass; 10. Vacuum water-blocking powder filling system; 11. Die head; 12. Extruder; 13. Water tank; 13-1. Anti-twist device; 14. Drying device; 15. Labeling machine; 16. Main traction device; 17. Take-up frame; 18. Negative pressure chamber; 18-1. Cable output port; 18-2. Powder inlet; 18-3. Powder outlet; 19. Static generator; 20. Rotary cap; 21. Extrusion chamber; 21-1. Extrusion port; 21-2. Outer sheath material discharge port. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0027] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-3 This application will be described in further detail.

[0028] This application discloses a stranded optical cable without braiding and its manufacturing system and method.

[0029] Reference Figure 1 The unbundled stranded optical cable includes a cable core and an outer sheath 1. The cable core includes a central reinforcing member 2, m loose tubes 3, and n filler ropes 4, where m ≥ 1 and n ≥ 0. Several optical fibers are installed inside the loose tubes 3. The m loose tubes 3 and n filler ropes 4 are twisted together on the surface of the central reinforcing member 2. The outer sheath 1 covers and adheres to the outside of the cable core, so that the cable core is directly bound by the outer sheath 1. In addition, water-blocking powder 5 is filled between the central reinforcing member 2, the m loose tubes 3, the n filler ropes 4, and the outer sheath 1.

[0030] Furthermore, the materials used for the central reinforcement 2 include, but are not limited to, single-strand metal or fiber-reinforced composite materials (FRP).

[0031] Furthermore, the materials used in the loose sleeve 3 include, but are not limited to, at least one of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE).

[0032] In some specific embodiments, the loose sleeve 3 is preferably a dry loose sleeve or an oil-filled loose sleeve.

[0033] Furthermore, the loose tube 3 is preferably a micro-tube with a diameter of less than 1.5 mm, the number of cores per tube is preferably between 1 and 24, and the wall thickness of the loose tube 3 is preferably less than 0.3 mm. In some embodiments, the loose tube 3 can be a thin-walled micro-tube with a diameter of less than 1.0 mm.

[0034] Furthermore, m loose tubes 3 and n filler ropes 4 are twisted to the surface of the central reinforcing member 2 using an SZ twisting scheme. Preferably, m + n ≥ 3.

[0035] Furthermore, the particle size of the water-blocking powder 5 is between 50µm and 1000µm. The water absorption capacity of the water-blocking powder 5 is not less than 100g1 / g2, where g1 represents the weight of water and g2 represents the weight of the water-blocking powder 5. Under these parameters, the water-blocking powder has a suitable size, excellent water absorption performance, and is environmentally friendly, which is beneficial to optical cable manufacturing.

[0036] Furthermore, the outer sheath 1 is a sleeve that is extruded and molded around the cable core, then cooled, shrunk, and shaped to bind the cable core and the water-blocking powder 5. The materials used for the outer sheath 1 include, but are not limited to, at least one of polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (TPU), nylon (PA), and flame-retardant polyolefin low-smoke halogen-free (LZSH).

[0037] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the outer sheath 1 may also have at least one tear-resistant portion 1-1, which preferably extends axially along the outer sheath 1. For example, in Figure 1 In the specific embodiment shown, the outer sheath 1 has two easily tearable parts 1-1, which are symmetrically distributed at both ends of the outer sheath 1 in the radial direction.

[0038] Furthermore, a cable-opening rope 6 may be provided between the cable core and the outer sheath 1, or a water-blocking yarn that extends axially and can be used for cable opening may be provided.

[0039] It should be noted that the design of the easily tearable part 1-1, the cable opening rope 6, or the water-resistant yarn is not mandatory. These designs can be added or removed according to actual usage requirements.

[0040] Furthermore, refer to Figure 2-3 To manufacture the aforementioned unbundled stranded optical cable, a manufacturing system for this cable mainly includes: a pay-off device, a vacuum water-blocking powder filling system 10, a die head 11, an extruder 12, a water tank 13, a drying device 14, and a labeling machine 15. The pay-off device is used for paying off the central reinforcing member 2, m loose tubes 3, and n filling ropes 4; the pay-off device includes, but is not limited to, a pay-off frame. The stranding device is used for the initial stranding and shaping of the central reinforcing member 2, m loose tubes 3, and n filling ropes 4; the stranding device includes, but is not limited to, a stranding cage 9. The vacuum water-blocking powder filling system 10 is used for the stranding of the central reinforcing member 2, m loose tubes 3, and n filling ropes 4 into a cable and for the negative pressure overfilling of the water-blocking powder 5. The die head 11 is installed at the cable output port of the vacuum water-blocking powder filling system 10 and is used to extrude and form the outer sheath, so that the cable core with water-blocking powder is directly bound during the extrusion and forming of the outer sheath.

[0041] Furthermore, for manufacturing the aforementioned unbundled stranded optical cable, one manufacturing method mainly includes: A central reinforcing member 2, n filler ropes 4, and m loose tubes 3 containing optical fibers are provided, where m≥1 and n≥0. In a negative pressure chamber 18, the n filler ropes 4 and m loose tubes 3 are twisted on the outer surface of the central reinforcing member 2 to form a cable core. An outer sheath 1 is extruded at the cable output port 18-1 of the negative pressure chamber 18 and the outer sheath 1 wraps around the cable core. The outer sheath 1 cools and shrinks and directly shapes and binds the cable core. During the twisting of the n filler ropes 4 and m loose tubes 3 until the outer sheath 1 is covered, water-blocking powder 5 is filled into the space between the central reinforcing member 2, the n filler ropes 4, the m loose tubes 3, and the outer sheath 1 by negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber 18.

[0042] For ease of understanding, the detailed components of this manufacturing system and the detailed manufacturing method of the optical cable are described below: First, the central reinforcing member 2, m loose tubes 3, and n filler ropes 4 on each pay-off frame 7 (such as the central reinforcing member pay-off frame 7-1, the loose tube pay-off frame 7-2, etc.) are pulled through their respective tension rollers 8, and guided by the tension rollers 8 into the pre-twisting device for pre-twisting of the central reinforcing member 2, m loose tubes 3, and n filler ropes 4. The pre-twisting device includes, but is not limited to, using a auger 9. When the auger 9 is selected, it performs preliminary twisting and shaping of the central reinforcing member 2, n filler ropes 4, and m loose tubes 3 at a preset twisting pitch.

[0043] Subsequently, the central reinforcing member 2, n filler ropes 4 and m loose tubes 3 enter the vacuum water-blocking powder filling system 10 to add water-blocking powder 5 and strand it into a cable core. Then, at the head 11 of the cable output port 18-1 of the system, the outer sheath 1 is extruded and formed by the extruder 12, so that the outer sheath 1 is extruded and formed and wrapped around the outer periphery of the cable core. The cable core and water-blocking powder 5 are bound by cooling shrinkage and shaping to form a stranded optical cable without braiding.

[0044] After the outer sheath 1 is extruded, the optical cable passes sequentially through a water tank 13, a drying device 14, and a labeling machine 15. The optical cable is cooled by water in the water tank 13, dried by the drying device 14, and labeled by the labeling machine 15. Subsequently, the optical cable is pulled by the main traction device 16 and guided by the tension roller 8 at the rear end, causing it to be wound into the take-up frame 17. Preferably, the water tank 13 can also be equipped with an anti-twist device 13-1 to prevent the optical cable from twisting or reversing, which could lead to untwisting of the stranded loose tube.

[0045] Generally, the size and installation position of the tension dance wheel 8 can be selected based on the size of the material to be guided and the required tension. For example, if the loose sleeve 3 and the filler rope 4 are small and the required tension is low, then the corresponding tension dance wheel 8 can be integrated onto the pay-off frame 7 that winds up the loose sleeve 3 or the filler rope 4, and the tension dance wheel 8 can also be selected as a small-sized tension dance wheel 8. Conversely, if the central reinforcement or optical cable is large and the required tension is high, then the corresponding tension dance wheel 8 can be installed independently using a bracket or other structure, and a large-sized tension dance wheel 8 can be selected accordingly.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the vacuum water-blocking powder filling system 10 includes a negative pressure chamber 18. An electrostatic generator 19 is provided at the inlet end of the negative pressure chamber 18. The electrostatic generator 19 can generate static electricity in the central reinforcing member 2 so that after the central reinforcing member 2 enters the negative pressure chamber 18, the water-blocking powder 5 is attached by electrostatic adsorption.

[0047] Of course, in other embodiments, a medium supply device can also be provided at the inlet end of the negative pressure chamber 18. The medium supply device carries a medium capable of adhering to the water-blocking powder 5, so that the water-blocking powder 5 adheres to the central reinforcing member 2. For example, the medium supply device includes a water mist generator, which sprays water mist onto the central reinforcing member 2. After the central reinforcing member 2 enters the negative pressure chamber 18, the water-blocking powder 5 adheres to the central reinforcing member 2 through surface moisture.

[0048] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, at the negative pressure chamber 18, a rotating cap 20 with multiple perforations is installed at the inlet end of the negative pressure chamber 18, and a pointed cable extrusion head protrudes outward at the outlet end of the negative pressure chamber 18. A tapered cable output port 18-1 is formed at the cable extrusion head of the negative pressure chamber 18. The rotating cap 20 is rotatably connected to the inlet end, and the axis of rotation is coaxial with the transverse axis of the negative pressure chamber. The rotating cap 20 can rotate in conjunction with the SZ winding process of the winch 9 to wind the central reinforcing member 2, n filling ropes 4 and m loose tubes 3 that are inserted into the negative pressure chamber 18 through the perforations.

[0049] Furthermore, the negative pressure chamber 18 has a powder inlet 18-2 and a powder outlet 18-3, enabling it to be used as a water-blocking powder filling chamber. Preferably, at the negative pressure chamber 18, the line connecting the powder inlet 18-2 and the powder outlet 18-3 intersects the conveying trajectory of the central reinforcing member 2 (or the length direction or extension direction of the central reinforcing member 2). In some embodiments, multiple sets of powder inlets 18-2 and powder outlets 18-3 can be provided in the negative pressure chamber 18, for example, in a configuration such as... Figure 3In addition to the powder inlet 18-2 and powder outlet 18-3 shown, a powder inlet 18-2 and a powder outlet 18-3 are also added at the cable extrusion head to further fill the water-blocking powder 5.

[0050] Furthermore, the powder inlet 18-2 of the negative pressure chamber 18 is connected to a powder metering conveying device via a pipeline. This device supplies water-blocking powder 5 into the negative pressure chamber 18. The powder outlet 18-3 of the negative pressure chamber 18 is connected to a discharge pipe equipped with a blower. The blower creates negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber 18, drawing out excess water-blocking powder 5 and achieving directional conveying of the water-blocking powder 5 within the negative pressure chamber 18. For ease of understanding, Figure 3 The direction of conveying water-blocking powder 5 is roughly indicated by a hollow arrow.

[0051] In addition, a centrifugal separation and filtration system can be installed on the discharge pipe for filtering and recovering the water-blocking powder 5. The centrifugal separation and filtration system is preferably installed at the suction end of the blower to prevent the water-blocking powder 5 from entering the centrifugal blower and avoid dust explosion.

[0052] Furthermore, the die head 11 is also provided with an extrusion chamber 21 at the outlet end of the negative pressure chamber 18. The extrusion chamber 21 has an outer sheath material feeding port 21-2 and an extrusion port 21-1. The cable output port 18-1 of the negative pressure chamber 18 extends into the extrusion port 21-1 of the extrusion chamber 21, and the cable output port 18-1 is coaxial with the extrusion port 21-1. The outer sheath material feeding port 21-2 is connected to the extruder 12. The extruder 12 can extrude sheath material into the extrusion chamber 21 along the outer sheath material feeding port 21-2, so that the sheath material is extruded at the extrusion port 21-1 to form the outer sheath 1.

[0053] During use, an excessive amount of water-blocking powder 5 is continuously fed into the negative pressure chamber 18 through a powder metering system. Then, the excessive water-blocking powder 5 adhering to the surface of the cable core is reduced and shaped through the inner wall of the cable output port 18-1 of the negative pressure chamber 18. The water-blocking powder 5 that is not filled into the optical cable is output through the powder output port 18-3 of the negative pressure chamber 18. Meanwhile, the extruder 12 extrudes an outer sheath 1 at the extrusion port 21-1 of the extrusion chamber 21. The outer sheath 1 extruded at the extrusion port 21-1 is coaxially output with the cable core containing water-blocking powder 5 at the cable output port 18-1 and cooled and shaped as a whole. This allows the outer sheath 1 to directly bind the cable core and the water-blocking powder 5, thus producing a stranded optical cable without binding yarn.

[0054] It is clear that the fans, extruders, and other mechanisms / equipment / devices in this optical cable manufacturing system can be controlled by a control terminal to achieve automated and controllable operation. The control principle is existing technology and will not be elaborated on here.

[0055] In this design, the cable core is directly bound by the outer sheath 1, without the aid of binding yarn, film, or other components. Because there is no water-blocking yarn inside the cable core and no binding yarn outside, compared to bound-yarn optical cables, this optical cable has higher overall roundness, a smaller diameter, and lower cost.

[0056] Since there is no water-blocking yarn in the cable core, the loose tubes 3 will not be squeezed by the water-blocking yarn during the cabling process. All the loose tubes 3 are evenly distributed around the central reinforcing member 2. After the outer sheath 1 is squeezed out and cooled and shrank, the optical cable can still maintain its roundness and good shape at the turning point. Moreover, the cost of water-blocking powder 5 is much lower than that of water-blocking yarn.

[0057] In addition, compared with the traditional solution of using thermoplastic elastomers (i.e. film layers) instead of yarn binding, this solution adopts a one-time forming process for the cable sheath, which saves the cost of the special material of film layer and eliminates the step of applying film layer, thereby reducing labor costs and improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0058] Particularly noteworthy is its application in the manufacturing of ultra-small diameter optical cables. This design can replace traditional yarn binding processes, enabling the stranding of thin-walled ultra-micro sheaths with diameters below 1.0 mm into SZ stranded cables. This technology solves the problems of unstable tension control, sheath damage leading to excessive attenuation, or subsequent excessive attenuation due to subsequent temperature cycling, after yarn binding is used in ultra-micro sheaths. It also addresses the issue of water-blocking yarn inside the cable core squeezing and damaging the sheath, causing excessive attenuation or subsequent excessive attenuation due to temperature cycling.

[0059] It should be understood that expressions such as "comprising" and "may include" as used in this application indicate the existence of the disclosed functions, operations, or constituent elements, and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, and constituent elements. In this application, terms such as "comprising" and / or "having" may be interpreted as indicating a specific characteristic, number, operation, constituent element, component, or combination thereof, but should not be interpreted as excluding the existence or possibility of adding one or more other characteristics, numbers, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0060] It should be understood that the terms “center,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0061] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0062] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A stranded optical cable without braiding, characterized in that, include: The cable core includes a central reinforcing member (2), m loose tubes (3) and n filler ropes (4), wherein m≥1 and n≥0. Several optical fibers are provided inside the loose tubes (3), and the m loose tubes (3) and n filler ropes (4) are twisted together on the surface of the central reinforcing member (2). Outer sheath (1), the outer sheath (1) covers and fits the outside of the cable core, so that the cable core is directly bound by the outer sheath (1); Water-blocking powder (5) is filled between the central reinforcing member (2), m loose tubes (3), n filling ropes (4) and the outer sheath (1).

2. The unbundled stranded optical cable as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The loose sleeve (3) is a thin-walled micro sleeve with a diameter of less than 1.5 mm and a wall thickness of less than 0.3 mm.

3. The unbundled stranded optical cable as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The particle size of the water-blocking powder (5) is between 50um and 1000um.

4. The unbundled stranded optical cable as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, A cable-opening rope (6) is provided between the cable core and the outer sheath (1), or a water-blocking yarn that extends axially and can be used for cable opening is provided.

5. The unbundled stranded optical cable as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The outer sheath (1) has at least one tearable portion (1-1) that extends along the axial direction of the outer sheath (1).

6. The unbundled stranded optical cable as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The outer sheath (1) is made of at least one of the following materials: polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (TPU), nylon (PA), and flame-retardant polyolefin low-smoke halogen-free (LZSH); and / or, The material used for the central reinforcement (2) includes single-strand metal or fiber-reinforced composite material FRP; and / or, The loose sleeve (3) is made of at least one of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE); and / or, The loose sleeve (3) is a dry or grease-filled loose sleeve.

7. A manufacturing system for manufacturing the unbundled stranded optical cable as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, include: A line-laying device for laying out the center reinforcement (2), m loose tubes (3) and n filler ropes (4); A vacuum water-blocking powder filling system (10) is used for the twisted cable of the central reinforcing member (2), m loose tubes (3) and n filling ropes (4) and the negative pressure overfilling of water-blocking powder (5). The extrusion head (11) is used to extrude and form the outer sheath (1), and to directly bind the cable core with water-blocking powder (5) during the extrusion of the outer sheath (1).

8. The manufacturing system as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The manufacturing system also includes a pre-twisting device, which is located between the wire feeding device and the vacuum water-blocking powder filling system (10) for the initial twisting and shaping of the central reinforcing member (2), m loose tubes (3) and n filling ropes (4).

9. The manufacturing system as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The vacuum-sealed water-blocking powder filling system (10) includes a negative pressure chamber (18), wherein: The outlet end of the negative pressure chamber (18) protrudes outward to form a pointed cable extrusion head, and the cable extrusion head forms a tapered cable output port (18-1). The inlet end of the negative pressure chamber (18) is equipped with a rotating cover (20) with multiple perforations. The rotating cover (20) is rotatably connected to the inlet end to be used to twist together the central reinforcing member (2), m loose tubes (3) and n filler ropes (4).

10. The manufacturing system as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The negative pressure chamber (18) also has a powder inlet (18-2) and a powder outlet (18-3), and the line formed between the powder inlet (18-2) and the powder outlet (18-3) intersects with the conveying trajectory of the central reinforcing member (2) in the negative pressure chamber (18).

11. The manufacturing system as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The head (11) has an extrusion chamber (21), which has an outer sheath material feeding port (21-2) and an extrusion port (21-1). The cable output port (18-1) of the negative pressure chamber (18) extends into the extrusion port (21-1), and the cable output port (18-1) is coaxial with the extrusion port (21-1).

12. The manufacturing system as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The system also includes an electrostatic generator (19) for generating static electricity in the central reinforcing member (2) at the inlet end of the negative pressure chamber (18); Alternatively, the system may also include a media supply device for carrying a medium for attaching water-blocking powder (5) to the central reinforcement (2) at the inlet end of the negative pressure chamber (18).

13. A manufacturing method for manufacturing the unbundled stranded optical cable as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, include: Provide one central reinforcing member (2), n filler ropes (4) and m loose tubes containing optical fibers (3), where m≥1 and n≥0; In the negative pressure chamber (18), n filler ropes (4) and m loose tubes (3) are twisted together on the outer surface of the central reinforcement (2) to form a cable core. An outer sheath (1) is extruded at the cable outlet (18-1) of the negative pressure chamber (18), and the outer sheath (1) wraps around the cable core. The outer sheath (1) cools and shrinks, directly shaping and binding the cable core. Water-blocking powder (5) is filled into the negative pressure chamber (18) between the central reinforcing member (2), n filling ropes (4), m loose tubes (3) and the outer surface of the formed cable core.

14. The manufacturing method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, Before filling with water-blocking powder (5), make the central reinforcement (2) carry static electricity, or make the surface of the central reinforcement (2) carry a medium for adhering the water-blocking powder (5).

15. The manufacturing method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, When filling the water-blocking powder (5), an excessive amount of water-blocking powder (5) is continuously sucked into the negative pressure chamber (18). Then, the excessive water-blocking powder (5) attached to the surface of the cable core is cut and shaped through the inner wall of the cable output port (18-1) of the negative pressure chamber (18), and the water-blocking powder (5) that is not filled into the optical cable is output through the powder output port (18-3) of the negative pressure chamber (18).

16. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, In this method, the outer sheath (1) extruded at the extrusion port (21-1) and the cable core with water-blocking powder (5) at the cable output port (18-1) are coaxially output and cooled and shaped as a whole, so that the outer sheath (1) directly binds the cable core and the water-blocking powder (5), thus producing a stranded optical cable without binding yarn.

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