A high-density, coiled, flexible optical cable ribbon and method of manufacture

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of optical cable technology and discloses a method for manufacturing a high-density, wound, flexible optical cable ribbon, comprising: sequentially fitting two sliding sleeves around the outside of each optical fiber; distributing multiple parallel optical fibers in the same plane to form an optical cable ribbon, with each end of the optical fiber clamped by two clamping members; pulling the sliding sleeves on each optical fiber one by one to a preset position; moving the clamping members downwards along with the optical fibers, so that the optical fibers are supported by a support platform; applying adhesive to two sliding sleeves located on adjacent optical fibers and arranged side by side to obtain a connector, wherein adjacent optical fibers are connected through the connector, and the two sliding sleeves in the connector are connected through an adhesive portion formed by adhesive application, the connector consisting of two sliding sleeves and an adhesive portion disposed between the two sliding sleeves; applying adhesive to the outer surface of the optical fiber to form a limiting protrusion, with a limiting protrusion formed at each end of each sliding sleeve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical cable technology, and in particular to a high-density, rollable flexible optical cable and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of communication technology, traditional underground access networks face the problem of space utilization. Under the premise of maximizing the reuse of existing pipeline resources, the industry's demand for ultra-high core count and high-density optical cables has surged. How to increase fiber core capacity under a constant optical cable outer diameter is a concern in the industry. Although the mainstream flat optical cable tape has the advantages of integration, lightweight and multi-fiber splicing, its manufacturing process requires the entire optical cable tape to be impregnated in resin to form a relatively rigid shell, resulting in poor flexibility. Moreover, the rigid structure leads to an excessively large cross-sectional area of ​​optical cables with the same core count, which in turn restricts the space utilization of the pipeline.

[0003] Based on the search for information regarding the poor flexibility of optical cables that restricts the space utilization of pipelines, a Chinese invention patent application with publication number CN121232355A was discovered. This patent application discloses a rollable optical cable and its manufacturing method. The cable connects two adjacent optical fibers by applying adhesive. The adhesive bonding portions are intermittently distributed in a first direction at a first preset spacing, and adjacent adhesive portions in a second direction have a second preset spacing in the first direction. This improves the rollability of the optical cable and thus enhances the space utilization of the pipeline. However, it still has some shortcomings in use. Specifically, as can be seen from the accompanying drawings in the specification of the existing patent document, when the optical cable is rolled up, the adhesive part between the two optical fibers at the rolling position will bend and deform. The optical cable is rolled up precisely through the bending and deformation of the adhesive part. Therefore, on the one hand, due to the limited bending and deformation capacity of the adhesive part, although the optical cable can be rolled up, the rolling effect is relatively poor and needs to be improved. On the other hand, when it is in a rolled-up state for a long time, the adhesive part at the rolling position and the optical fiber are prone to failure, affecting the connection between the optical fibers.

[0004] Based on the above, this invention proposes a high-density rollable flexible optical cable and its manufacturing method. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the issues mentioned in the background above, namely that "on the one hand, due to the limited bending deformation capacity of the adhesive portion, although the optical cable tape can be rolled up, the rolling effect is relatively poor and needs improvement; on the other hand, when in a rolled-up state for a long time, the adhesion between the adhesive portion at the rolled-up position and the optical fiber is prone to failure, affecting the connection between the optical fibers," this invention provides a high-density rollable flexible optical cable tape and its manufacturing method.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows.

[0007] A method for manufacturing a high-density, rollable flexible optical cable includes an optical fiber and a sliding sleeve, wherein the inner diameter of the sliding sleeve is larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber.

[0008] Includes the following steps:

[0009] Step 1: Sequentially fit two sliding sleeves onto the outside of each optical fiber;

[0010] Step 2: Multiple parallel optical fibers are distributed in the same plane to form an optical cable ribbon, with each end of the optical fiber clamped by two clamping members.

[0011] Step 3: Move the sliding sleeve on each optical fiber to the preset position one by one;

[0012] Step 4: The clamping member moves down and moves down with the optical fiber, so that the optical fiber is supported by the support platform located below;

[0013] Step 5: Apply adhesive to the two sliding sleeves located on two adjacent optical fibers and arranged side by side to obtain a connector. The two adjacent optical fibers are connected through the connector. The two sliding sleeves in the connector are connected through an adhesive part formed by adhesive application. The connector consists of two sliding sleeves and an adhesive part disposed between the two sliding sleeves.

[0014] Step 6: Apply adhesive to the outer surface of the optical fiber to form a limiting protrusion. One limiting protrusion is formed at each end of each sliding sleeve.

[0015] In this case, the connection between two adjacent optical fibers is achieved through a connector. When the optical cable needs to be curled, due to the rotational engagement between the sliding sleeve and the optical fiber, the optical fiber at the curling position can be deflected to contact the adjacent optical fiber. In other words, the curling effect is better. Furthermore, the connector does not undergo significant bending deformation during the curling process, meaning that the connection between two adjacent optical fibers is not affected by the curling. Therefore, the curling performance of the optical cable can be effectively improved, which is beneficial for increasing the fiber core capacity under limited tube diameter.

[0016] As a further improvement and optimization of the present invention, the clamping member includes a telescopic rod, the telescopic rod is arranged vertically in the telescopic direction, a clamping seat is provided at the upper end of the telescopic rod, and a clamp is provided on the clamping seat, the clamp being used to clamp the end of the optical fiber.

[0017] As a further improvement and optimization of the present invention, a negative pressure suction nozzle is provided between the two clamping members, and a mechanical arm is connected to the outer surface of the negative pressure suction nozzle. The mechanical arm is used to pull the negative pressure suction nozzle to move in a three-dimensional coordinate system.

[0018] In step three, the robotic arm pulls the negative pressure suction nozzle to move in a three-dimensional coordinate system, and the negative pressure suction nozzle achieves negative pressure adsorption on the sliding sleeve. The two work together to pull the sliding sleeve to a preset position.

[0019] As a further improvement and optimization of the present invention, the upper surface of the support platform is provided with an arc groove, through which the optical fiber with the sliding sleeve is supported, and a number of arc grooves are provided accordingly.

[0020] As a further improvement and optimization of the present invention, the distance between two adjacent connectors along the radial direction of the optical fiber is equal to the projected distance in the extension direction of the optical fiber.

[0021] As a further improvement and optimization of the present invention, two adjacent optical fibers are connected by at least one connector.

[0022] A high-density rollable flexible optical cable tape includes: multiple optical fibers located in the same plane and distributed parallel to each other, adjacent two optical fibers are connected by connectors, and multiple connectors are correspondingly provided, the distance between two adjacent connectors along the radial direction of the optical fiber is equal to the projection distance of the optical fiber in the extension direction of the optical fiber.

[0023] As a further improvement and optimization of the present invention, the connector includes two sliding sleeves that are movably sleeved on the outside of two adjacent optical fibers, and an adhesive part for connecting the two sliding sleeves.

[0024] As a further improvement and optimization of the present invention, the outer surface of the optical fiber is also provided with two limiting protrusions located on both sides of the sliding sleeve, and the number of limiting protrusions on each optical fiber is equal to twice the number of sliding sleeves on the corresponding optical fiber.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0026] Technical Effect 1: Compared with the existing patent literature technology mentioned in the background art, in this case, the connection between two adjacent optical fibers is achieved by a connector. When the optical cable needs to be curled, due to the rotational cooperation between the sliding sleeve and the optical fiber, the optical fiber at the curling position can be deflected to contact the adjacent optical fiber. In other words, the curling effect is better. Moreover, during the curling process, the connector does not undergo significant bending deformation. That is to say, the connection between two adjacent optical fibers is not affected by the curling. This solves the problem mentioned in the background art that "on the one hand, due to the limited bending deformation capability of the adhesive part, although the optical cable can be curled, the curling effect is relatively poor and needs to be improved. On the other hand, when it is in a curled state for a long time, the adhesion between the adhesive part at the curling position and the optical fiber is prone to failure, affecting the connection between the optical fibers."

[0027] Technical effect 2: In this case, two adjacent optical fibers are connected by at least one connector. The two sleeves of the connector are bonded by dispensing adhesive, which can effectively improve the curling performance of the optical cable, help increase the fiber core capacity under limited tube diameter, and reduce the amount of adhesive used. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a high-density, rollable flexible optical cable tape when it is not curled, as provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a high-density, rollable flexible optical cable strip when it is rolled up, as provided in a specific embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3 A side view of a high-density, rollable flexible optical cable strip when it is curled up, as provided in one specific embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the clamping component, support platform, and negative pressure suction nozzle.

[0032] The labels in the attached diagram are:

[0033] 1. Optical fiber; 2. Connector; 201. Sliding sleeve; 202. Adhesive part; 3. Limiting protrusion; 4. Telescopic rod; 5. Clamping seat; 6. Negative pressure suction nozzle; 7. Support platform. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, is provided below.

[0035] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 .

[0036] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a high-density, rollable flexible optical cable tape, comprising the following steps:

[0037] Includes optical fiber 1 and connector 2, connector 2 including sliding sleeve 201;

[0038] The inner diameter of the sliding sleeve 201 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber 1, for example, 0.2 mm. Therefore, the sliding sleeve 201 can be smoothly fitted onto the outside of the optical fiber 1, and after the fitting is completed, the sliding sleeve 201 and the optical fiber 1 can form a rotational fit.

[0039] Step 1: Install two sliding sleeves 201 on the outside of each optical fiber 1 in sequence;

[0040] Step 2: Distribute multiple parallel optical fibers 1 in the same plane to form an optical cable ribbon. For example, the optical fibers 1 can be distributed at equal intervals, with each end of the optical fiber 1 clamped by two clamping devices.

[0041] Furthermore, the clamping component can have the following structure: the clamping component includes a telescopic rod 4, the telescopic rod 4 is arranged vertically in the telescopic direction, the telescopic rod 4 can adopt existing electric telescopic rod technology or existing lead screw linear movement technology, etc., which will not be elaborated. The upper end of the telescopic rod 4 is provided with a clamping seat 5, and the clamping seat 5 is provided with a clamp for clamping the end of the optical fiber 1.

[0042] It should be noted that the clamp only needs to clamp the end of fiber 1, so it can be achieved using existing clamping technology, which will not be elaborated further.

[0043] Step 3: Move the sliding sleeve 201 on each optical fiber 1 to the preset position one by one;

[0044] Furthermore, there is a negative pressure suction nozzle 6 between the two clamping parts. The negative pressure suction nozzle 6 can be pulled by existing robotic arm technology and move in the three-dimensional coordinate system. This is achievable by existing technology and will not be elaborated further.

[0045] After the two ends of the optical fiber 1 are clamped, the negative pressure suction nozzles 6 are pulled one by one by the robotic arm to be positioned below the sliding sleeve 201, and the sliding sleeve 201 is attracted by the negative pressure adsorption technology. Then, the negative pressure suction nozzles 6 are pulled by the robotic arm to move along the extension direction of the optical fiber 1, and the negative pressure suction nozzles 6 move together with the sliding sleeve 201 until the sliding sleeve 201 is pulled to the preset position.

[0046] After all the sliding sleeves 201 have been pulled to the preset position, the negative pressure suction nozzle 6 moves away from the optical fiber 1;

[0047] Step 4: The telescopic rod 4 retracts, causing the clamping seat 5 to move down, along with the optical fiber 1, so that the optical fiber 1 is supported by the support platform 7.

[0048] Furthermore, the upper surface of the support platform 7 is provided with an arc groove for carrying the optical fiber 1. Several arc grooves are provided accordingly, and the optical fiber 1, which is fitted with the sliding sleeve 201, is supported by the arc grooves.

[0049] Step 5: Using existing dispensing technology, two sliding sleeves 201 located on two adjacent optical fibers 1 and arranged side by side are glued together to obtain connector 2. The two adjacent optical fibers 1 are connected through connector 2, and the two sliding sleeves 201 in connector 2 are connected through adhesive part 202 formed by dispensing.

[0050] Furthermore, in this case, referring to Figure 1 The distance between two adjacent connectors 2 is equal in the projection distance of the optical fiber 1 in the extension direction. In addition, the connector 2 in this case is equivalent to the adhesive part in the patent document mentioned in the background art. The connector 2 can also be arrayed like the adhesive part.

[0051] Step 6: Using existing dispensing technology, dispensing is performed on the outer surface of optical fiber 1 to form limiting protrusions 3. Each sliding sleeve 201 has a limiting protrusion 3 at both ends. In other words, the two limiting protrusions 3 can restrict the sliding sleeve 201 from making large-scale axial movements.

[0052] In the above embodiments, reference is made to Figure 3 Compared to the prior art mentioned in the background section, in this case, the connection between two adjacent optical fibers 1 is achieved through the connector 2. When the optical cable needs to be curled, due to the rotational engagement between the sliding sleeve 201 and the optical fiber 1, the optical fiber 1 at the curling position can be deflected to contact the adjacent optical fiber 1. In other words, the curling effect is better. Furthermore, during the curling process, the connector 2 does not undergo significant bending deformation. That is to say, the connection between two adjacent optical fibers 1 is not affected by the curling. This solves the problem mentioned in the background section that "on the one hand, due to the limited bending deformation capability of the adhesive part, although the optical cable can be curled, the curling effect is relatively poor and needs improvement. On the other hand, when in a curled state for a long time, the adhesive part at the curling position and the optical fiber are prone to failure, affecting the connection between the optical fibers."

[0053] In the above embodiment, two adjacent optical fibers 1 are connected by at least one connector 2. The two sliding sleeves 201 of the connector 2 are bonded together by dispensing adhesive, which can effectively improve the curling performance of the optical cable, help increase the fiber core capacity under limited tube diameter, and reduce the amount of adhesive used.

[0054] It should be noted that in this case, adhesive dispensing technology is used to bond the two sliding sleeves 201 of the connector 2. The patent document mentioned in the background art uses adhesive dispensing technology to bond two adjacent optical fibers 1. The two sliding sleeves 201 in this case are equivalent to the two optical fibers 1 in the patent document. Therefore, the adhesive dispensing technology in the patent document can be directly used to bond the two sliding sleeves 201 in this case, which will not be elaborated further.

[0055] In the above embodiments, in order to avoid interference with the deflection of the optical fiber 1 caused by the adhesive portion 202, the thickness of the adhesive portion 202 is small. On the one hand, it avoids interference with the deflection of the optical fiber 1, and on the other hand, it reduces the amount of adhesive used and reduces costs. Therefore, the technology in the patent documents mentioned in the background art can be used to connect two adjacent sliding sleeves 201 by dispensing adhesive to obtain an adhesive portion 202 with a smaller thickness.

[0056] This invention also provides a high-density rollable flexible optical cable, which is produced using the high-density rollable flexible optical cable manufacturing method provided in the above embodiments, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the high-density rollable flexible optical cable includes: multiple optical fibers 1 located in the same plane and distributed parallel to each other, and adjacent optical fibers 1 are connected by connectors 2. Multiple connectors 2 are provided, and the distance between two adjacent connectors 2 is equal in the projection distance of the extension direction of the optical fiber 1.

[0057] The connector 2 includes two sliding sleeves 201 that are movably sleeved on the outside of two adjacent optical fibers 1, and an adhesive part 202 for connecting the two sliding sleeves 201.

[0058] The outer surface of the optical fiber 1 is also provided with two limiting protrusions 3 located on both sides of the sliding sleeve 201. The number of limiting protrusions 3 on each optical fiber 1 is equal to twice the number of sliding sleeves 201 on the corresponding optical fiber 1. Through the cooperation of the two limiting protrusions 3, the large-scale axial movement of the sliding sleeve 201 can be restricted, so that the sliding sleeve 201 can rotate, thereby effectively improving the curlability of the optical cable and thus helping to increase the core capacity under limited tube diameter.

[0059] In addition, in this case, the optical fiber cable:

[0060] Single strap: Maximum 24 cores;

[0061] Common specifications: 12 cores per strip, 24 strips bundled together, 24 bundles in one optical cable;

[0062] The maximum number of cores in a single optical cable is 6912.

[0063] In summary, the technical advantages of this case are:

[0064] Technical Effect 1: Compared with the existing patent literature technology mentioned in the background art, in this case, the connection between two adjacent optical fibers is achieved by a connector. When the optical cable needs to be curled, due to the rotational cooperation between the sliding sleeve and the optical fiber, the optical fiber at the curling position can be deflected to contact the adjacent optical fiber. In other words, the curling effect is better. Moreover, during the curling process, the connector does not undergo significant bending deformation. That is to say, the connection between two adjacent optical fibers is not affected by the curling. This solves the problem mentioned in the background art that "on the one hand, due to the limited bending deformation capability of the adhesive part, although the optical cable can be curled, the curling effect is relatively poor and needs to be improved. On the other hand, when it is in a curled state for a long time, the adhesion between the adhesive part at the curling position and the optical fiber is prone to failure, affecting the connection between the optical fibers."

[0065] Technical effect 2: In this case, two adjacent optical fibers are connected by at least one connector. The two sleeves of the connector are bonded by dispensing adhesive, which can effectively improve the curling performance of the optical cable, help increase the fiber core capacity under limited tube diameter, and reduce the amount of adhesive used.

[0066] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a high-density, rollable, flexible optical cable ribbon, comprising: It includes an optical fiber (1) and a sliding sleeve (201), wherein the inner diameter of the sliding sleeve (201) is larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber (1); Includes the following steps: Step 1: Install two sliding sleeves (201) on the outside of each optical fiber (1) in sequence. Step 2: Multiple parallel optical fibers (1) are distributed in the same plane to form an optical cable ribbon, and the two ends of the optical fibers (1) are clamped by two clamping members respectively. Step 3: Move the sliding sleeve (201) on each optical fiber (1) to the preset position one by one; Step 4: The clamping member moves down and moves down with the optical fiber (1) so that the optical fiber (1) is supported by the support platform (7) located below. Step 5: Apply adhesive to the two sliding sleeves (201) located on two adjacent optical fibers (1) and arranged side by side to obtain a connector (2). The two adjacent optical fibers (1) are connected through the connector (2). The two sliding sleeves (201) in the connector (2) are connected through the adhesive part (202) formed by applying adhesive. The connector (2) consists of two sliding sleeves (201) and an adhesive part (202) disposed between the two sliding sleeves (201). Step 6: Apply adhesive to the outer surface of the optical fiber (1) to form a limiting protrusion (3), and form a limiting protrusion (3) at both ends of each of the sliding sleeves (201).

2. The high-density, coilable, flexible optical cable ribbon manufacturing method of claim 1, wherein, The clamping component includes a telescopic rod (4), which is arranged vertically in the telescopic direction. A clamping seat (5) is provided at the upper end of the telescopic rod (4), and a clamp is provided on the clamping seat (5). The clamp is used to clamp the end of the optical fiber (1).

3. The high-density windable flexible optical cable ribbon manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein, A negative pressure suction nozzle (6) is located between the two clamping members. A robotic arm is connected to the outer surface of the negative pressure suction nozzle (6). The robotic arm is used to pull the negative pressure suction nozzle (6) to move in a three-dimensional coordinate system. In step three, the negative pressure suction nozzle (6) is moved in the three-dimensional coordinate system by the mechanical arm, and the negative pressure suction nozzle (6) is used to achieve negative pressure adsorption on the sliding sleeve (201). The two work together to pull the sliding sleeve (201) to the preset position.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the high-density, rollable, flexible optical cable ribbon is manufactured by the steps of: The upper surface of the support platform (7) is provided with an arc groove, which supports the optical fiber (1) covered with a sliding sleeve (201). Several arc grooves are provided.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the high-density, rollable, flexible optical cable ribbon is manufactured by the steps of: The distance between two adjacent connectors (2) along the radial direction of the optical fiber (1) is equal to the projected distance in the extension direction of the optical fiber (1).

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the high-density, rollable, flexible optical cable ribbon is manufactured by the steps of: The two adjacent optical fibers (1) are connected by at least one connector (2).

7. A high-density coiled flexible optical fiber cable ribbon manufactured by the method of any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, The high-density rollable flexible optical cable includes: multiple optical fibers (1) located in the same plane and distributed parallel to each other, and adjacent optical fibers (1) are connected by connectors (2). Multiple connectors (2) are provided, and the distance between two adjacent connectors (2) along the radial direction of the optical fiber (1) is equal to the projection distance of the optical fiber (1) in the extension direction of the optical fiber (1).

8. The high-density, coilable, flexible optical cable ribbon of claim 7, wherein, The connector (2) includes two sliding sleeves (201) that are movably sleeved outside two adjacent optical fibers (1) and an adhesive part (202) for connecting the two sliding sleeves (201).

9. The high-density, wound flexible optical cable tape according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outer surface of the optical fiber (1) is also provided with two limiting protrusions (3) located on both sides of the sliding sleeve (201). The number of limiting protrusions (3) on each optical fiber (1) is equal to twice the number of sliding sleeves (201) on the corresponding optical fiber (1).

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