A multi-purpose optical cable
By designing a multi-purpose optical cable, which includes both optical cable and air conduit sections, the problems of resource waste and expansion difficulties in existing optical cables have been solved, enabling flexible expansion and efficient utilization of optical cables and improving the adaptability and scalability of the network.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521306482.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-06-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing optical cables suffer from significant resource waste during laying and expansion, making it difficult to flexibly adapt to diverse cabling scenarios. In particular, in urban underground pipe networks and building access networks, the fixed structure of traditional optical cables makes it difficult to meet personalized needs and network expansion.
Design a multi-purpose optical cable comprising an optical cable section and an air tube section. The air tube section contains independent air tube fittings and traction fittings. A tear structure enables the flexible introduction of functional components and supports the expansion of power lines, additional optical fibers, and reinforcements.
It improves the overall utilization efficiency of optical cables and the flexibility of the network, simplifies the network maintenance and upgrade process, saves resources and costs, and supports the diversified service carrying of future networks.
Smart Images
Figure CN224594890U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of optical cable technology, and in particular relates to a multi-purpose optical cable. Background Technology
[0002] With the acceleration of global informatization and the booming development of the digital economy, optical fiber communication, with its significant advantages such as large transmission capacity, low loss, and strong resistance to electromagnetic interference, has become a core component of modern communication network infrastructure. As the physical carrier and protection unit for optical fiber signal transmission, the design, manufacturing, and laying technology of optical cables directly affect the performance and reliability of communication networks. Currently, various types of optical cables exist on the market to adapt to different application environments, such as duct optical cables and direct-buried optical cables for long-distance backbone networks, overhead optical cables and duct optical cables for metropolitan area networks and access networks, and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) drop cables for use inside buildings and user terminals. The structural designs of these traditional optical cables each have their own emphasis, typically including optical units to house the optical fibers, reinforcing components to enhance the mechanical strength of the cable, and inner and outer sheaths to protect the internal structure from environmental influences.
[0003] However, against the backdrop of rapid evolution of communication networks and increasingly diversified business demands, existing conventional optical cables have gradually revealed some limitations in actual deployment and long-term use. On the one hand, urban underground pipeline resources and overhead pole space are becoming increasingly scarce. The laying of traditional optical cables often requires exclusive use of pipeline holes or hanging space, leading to a continuous increase in pipeline construction costs and making it difficult to meet the ever-growing bandwidth demands and network expansion. Especially in some areas where preliminary optical cable deployment has been completed, if new services or new services (such as remote equipment requiring additional power) are needed, there is often a lack of available routing space or the need for large-scale reconstruction, resulting in wasted resources and delays in service activation. On the other hand, in building access networks and indoor cabling scenarios, the fixed structure of traditional optical cables makes it difficult to flexibly adapt to the personalized needs of different users for fiber core count and route routing. Especially when providing services to users on different floors in multi-story buildings, pre-terminated or fixed-core optical cables may lead to some fiber resources being idle or a lack of convenient means when expansion is needed.
[0004] Therefore, there is still room for improvement in the existing technology in providing an optical cable structure that can meet the basic optical signal transmission requirements and flexibly adapt to later functional expansion and diversified wiring scenarios. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems and provide a multi-purpose optical cable.
[0006] A multi-purpose optical cable, comprising:
[0007] Optical cable section, which is used to carry optical fibers and realize optical signal transmission;
[0008] At least one air tube section is connected to the optical cable section. The air tube section includes an air tube sheath and a plurality of air tube components disposed inside the air tube sheath. Each air tube component is provided with a traction member for introducing a functional component into the air tube component.
[0009] Furthermore, a tearing structure is provided between the multiple hollow tube components of the hollow tube section, so that the multiple hollow tube components can be independently separated for wiring.
[0010] Furthermore, the tearing structure is a tear groove that extends along the length of the hollow tube and is disposed between adjacent hollow tubes.
[0011] Furthermore, the optical cable section includes an optical fiber sheath and an optical fiber sleeve, the optical fiber sleeve being disposed inside the sheath and used to accommodate the optical fiber.
[0012] Furthermore, a non-metallic reinforcing layer is provided on the outer periphery of the optical fiber sheath, and a tear cord extending along its length is also provided inside the optical fiber sheath to assist in stripping the optical fiber sheath.
[0013] Furthermore, the hollow tube section is connected to the outside of the optical cable section via a sling structure; the sling structure is fixedly connected to the optical fiber sheath and the hollow tube sheath.
[0014] Furthermore, a waterproof filler is also provided between the optical fiber sheath and the optical fiber.
[0015] Furthermore, the functional component is selected from at least one of the following: power cord, additional optical fiber, and additional non-metallic reinforcement.
[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0017] This invention provides a multi-purpose optical cable. In addition to the traditional optical cable section used for basic optical signal transmission, it innovatively includes at least one hollow tube section connected to the optical cable section. This hollow tube section contains multiple independent hollow tube components, each with a pre-installed traction component. This structure allows users to easily introduce additional functional components after the initial optical cable laying, based on subsequent network development or new service requirements, using these reserved hollow tube components and internal traction components. For example, adding optical fibers to expand the network, introducing power lines to support remote equipment power supply, or adding reinforcement components to improve optical cable performance in specific environments. Therefore, the multi-purpose optical cable provided by this invention effectively solves the problems of existing optical cables having single functions and difficulty in later expansion, greatly improving the comprehensive utilization efficiency of a single optical cable and the flexibility and scalability of the network. It allows for functional upgrades and modifications to existing optical cable infrastructure without large-scale rewiring, thereby saving valuable pipeline resources and laying costs, simplifying network maintenance and upgrade processes, providing strong support for the continuous development of communication networks and the carrying of diversified services, and effectively addressing the uncertainties of future network evolution. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multipurpose optical cable in this embodiment.
[0019] Reference numerals: 1. Multipurpose optical cable; 10. Optical cable section; 101. Optical fiber sheath; 102. Optical fiber tube; 103. Optical fiber; 104. Non-metallic reinforcing layer; 105. Tear rope; 106. Waterproof filler; 20. Empty tube section; 201. Empty tube sheath; 202. Empty tube fitting; 203. Traction component; 204. Tear structure; 30. Sling structure. Detailed Implementation
[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments should not be regarded as limitations on this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0021] In the following description, references to "some embodiments" refer to a subset of all possible embodiments; however, it is understood that "some embodiments" may be the same or different subsets of all possible embodiments and may be combined with each other without conflict. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in the embodiments of this utility model have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments of this utility model belong. The terminology used in the embodiments of this utility model is for the purpose of describing the embodiments of this utility model only and is not intended to limit the utility model.
[0022] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the following description of the embodiments of this utility model, the sequence of numbers does not imply the order of execution. Some or all steps may be executed in parallel or sequentially. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this utility model.
[0023] The terminology used in the embodiments of this utility model is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the utility model. The singular forms "a" and "the" as used in the embodiments of this utility model and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0024] This embodiment provides a multi-purpose optical cable 1, including:
[0025] Optical cable section 10 is used to carry optical fiber 103 and realize optical signal transmission;
[0026] At least one empty tube section 20 is connected to the optical cable section 10. The empty tube section 20 includes an empty tube sheath 201 and a plurality of empty tube components 202 disposed inside the empty tube sheath 201. Each empty tube component 202 is provided with a traction member 203, which is used to introduce functional components into the empty tube component 202.
[0027] This embodiment provides a multi-purpose optical cable 1, such as Figure 1 As shown. Its core structure is designed to achieve basic optical signal transmission functions, while reserving the flexibility for future functional expansion.
[0028] Specifically, the multipurpose optical cable 1 includes a centrally located optical cable section 10 and one or more hollow tube sections 20 connected to the side of the optical cable section 10.
[0029] The optical cable section 10 is the core optical communication unit of the optical cable. In a preferred embodiment, the optical cable section 10 can adopt a central loose tube structure or a stranded structure. For example, the optical cable section 10 may include one or more PBT loose tubes as optical fiber sleeves 102, which internally accommodate a predetermined number of optical fibers 103 (e.g., 1 to 24 cores of single-mode or multimode optical fibers 103), and water-blocking grease is filled between the optical fibers 103 and the inner wall of the sleeve to prevent longitudinal water penetration. The outer surface of the optical fiber sleeve 102 may be covered with one or more layers of non-metallic reinforcing members, such as aramid yarn, glass yarn, or FRP rods, to provide the tensile strength and mechanical protection required for the optical cable section 10. The outermost layer is an extruded optical fiber sheath 101, which is typically made of low-smoke halogen-free material or PE material to adapt to different laying environments and fire protection requirements. To facilitate the stripping of the optical fiber sheath 101, one or two polyester tear cords 105 are typically arranged parallel to its length inside.
[0030] The hollow tube section 20 is key to achieving "multi-purpose" functionality in this embodiment. The hollow tube section 20 can be located on one side of the optical cable section 10 or symmetrically on both sides of the optical cable section 10. Each hollow tube section 20 includes an integral hollow tube sheath 201, which can also be made of low-smoke halogen-free material or PE material. Inside the hollow tube sheath 201, multiple hollow tube components 202 are arranged in parallel. These hollow tube components 202 are preferably microtubes or small-diameter sleeves made of PBT material. Inside each hollow tube component 202, a traction member 203 is pre-installed. One end of the traction member 203 is usually fixed to the end of the hollow tube component 202 or at a location easily accessible from the outside. Its function is to allow, when needed, the required functional components (such as power lines, additional optical fiber 103 units, or additional reinforcements) to be smoothly introduced from one end of the hollow tube component 202 and pass through the entire interior of the hollow tube component 202 by pulling the traction member 203.
[0031] With the above structure, after the basic fiber optic cable 103 is laid, the empty tube 202 in the empty tube section 20 of the optical cable in this embodiment provides a reserved channel for subsequent use.
[0032] In some embodiments, a tear structure 204 is provided between a plurality of hollow tubes 202 of the hollow tube section 20, so that the plurality of hollow tubes 202 can be separated independently for wiring.
[0033] Specifically, the tear structure 204 can be designed during the manufacturing process of the hollow pipe sheath 201 to create a pre-defined weak connection area between the outer walls of adjacent PBT hollow pipe fittings 202. When it is necessary to separate one or more hollow pipe fittings 202 from the hollow pipe section 20 for individual wiring, the construction personnel can apply appropriate external force along the tear structure 204 (e.g., tear it by hand or use a simple tool) to separate the target hollow pipe fitting 202, along with a small portion of its outer hollow pipe sheath 201 material, from the rest of the hollow pipe section 20 without damaging the hollow pipe fitting 202 itself or its internal traction member 203.
[0034] In some embodiments, the tear structure 204 is a tear groove that extends along the length of the empty tube 202 and is disposed between adjacent empty tubes 202.
[0035] Specifically, the tear groove can be a V-shaped groove, a U-shaped groove, or other shaped groove. Its depth design needs to be just right so as to ensure the overall structural stability of the empty tube section 20 during normal laying and use, and to provide a stress concentration point when separation is required, making the tearing process more controllable and convenient, and the separated edge is relatively neat.
[0036] In some embodiments, the optical cable portion 10 includes an optical fiber sheath 101 and an optical fiber sleeve 102, wherein the optical fiber sleeve 102 is disposed inside the sheath and is used to accommodate the optical fiber 103.
[0037] As previously described, the optical cable section 10 includes an outer optical fiber sheath 101 and at least one optical fiber ferrule 102 disposed inside the optical fiber sheath 101. The optical fiber ferrule 102 is the unit that directly accommodates and protects the optical fibers 103. For example, the optical cable section 10 can adopt a typical central bundled tube design, i.e., containing a single PBT optical fiber ferrule 102 containing multiple optical fibers 103. Alternatively, for optical cable sections 10 requiring a higher core count, multiple optical fiber ferrules 102 can be arranged in a stranded or bundled manner inside the optical fiber sheath 101. Those skilled in the art can select a suitable structure based on the actual optical fiber 103 core count requirements and the optical cable outer diameter requirements.
[0038] In some embodiments, a non-metallic reinforcing layer 104 is provided on the outer periphery of the optical fiber sheath 102, and a tear cord 105 extending along its length direction is also provided inside the optical fiber sheath 101 to assist in stripping the optical fiber sheath 101.
[0039] Specifically, a non-metallic reinforcing layer 104 is typically laid uniformly or non-uniformly around the outer periphery of the optical fiber sheath 102. This non-metallic reinforcing layer 104 can be formed by spiraling or SZ-twisting multiple strands of aramid yarn along the optical cable axis, or it can be a bundle of glass yarn, or in some designs, one or more glass fiber reinforced plastic rods as central or peripheral reinforcing members. These non-metallic reinforcing members mainly bear the tensile stress that the optical cable may encounter during laying and use, protecting the internal optical fiber sheath 102 and optical fiber 103 from damage. At the same time, as mentioned above, inside the optical fiber sheath 101, near its inner wall, at least one tear cord 105 is typically placed parallel to the optical cable axis. The tear cord 105 is typically made of polyester fiber or nylon and is used to quickly and neatly longitudinally peel open the optical fiber sheath 101 during optical cable termination splicing or branching to expose the internal optical fiber sheath 102 and reinforcing members, facilitating subsequent operations.
[0040] In some embodiments, the air tube section 20 is connected to the outside of the optical cable section 10 via a sling structure 30; the sling structure 30 is fixedly connected to the optical fiber sheath 101 and the air tube sheath 201.
[0041] Preferably, at least one hollow tube section 20 is connected to the outside of the optical cable section 10 via one or more sling structures 30. The sling structure 30 is typically a flat connecting strap, made of the same or compatible material as the optical fiber sheath 101 and the hollow tube sheath 201, so that it can be integrally formed with the optical fiber sheath 101 and the hollow tube sheath 201 or securely fixed by means of heat fusion or other methods during optical cable extrusion production. The design of the sling structure 30 needs to ensure that the optical cable section 10 and the hollow tube section 20 maintain a relatively stable positional relationship under bending, twisting, or other conditions, while its thickness and width should also be optimized to reduce adverse effects on the overall flexibility of the optical cable.
[0042] In some embodiments, a waterproof filler 106 is also filled between the fiber optic sleeve 102 and the fiber optic cable 103.
[0043] In some embodiments, the functional component is selected from at least one of the following: power cord, additional optical fiber 103, and additional non-metallic reinforcement.
[0044] This embodiment illustrates the specific types of functional components that can be introduced into the empty tube 202 via the traction component 203. These functional components can be flexibly selected according to actual application requirements.
[0045] For example, it can be selected from:
[0046] Power cable: When it is necessary to power active devices (such as optical amplifiers, remote radio frequency units RRU, surveillance cameras, etc.) at the end of the optical cable or along the route, well-insulated copper wires or dedicated power cables can be introduced through the hollow conduit 202.
[0047] Additional fiber 103: When the number of fiber 103 cores in the existing optical cable section 10 is insufficient to meet the needs of new services, additional pre-terminated fiber 103 units, miniature optical cable bundles or air-blown micro-cables can be introduced through the air tube 202 to achieve rapid expansion of network capacity.
[0048] Additional non-metallic reinforcements: In certain special application scenarios where higher tensile strength of optical cables is required (such as long-span overhead or vertical laying), additional aramid yarn bundles or small FRP rods can be introduced through the hollow tube 202 to further enhance the overall mechanical strength and service life of the optical cable.
[0049] Of course, those skilled in the art can also introduce other types of functional components as needed, such as sensor fiber optic 103, gas detection tube, etc., as long as their size and physical characteristics are suitable for introduction through empty tube 202.
[0050] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A multi-purpose optical cable, characterized in that, include: Optical cable section, which is used to carry optical fibers and realize optical signal transmission; At least one air tube section is connected to the optical cable section. The air tube section includes an air tube sheath and a plurality of air tube components disposed inside the air tube sheath. Each air tube component is provided with a traction member for introducing a functional component into the air tube component.
2. The multi-purpose optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, A tearing structure is provided between the multiple hollow tube components of the hollow tube section, so that the multiple hollow tube components can be separated independently for wiring.
3. The multi-purpose optical cable according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tear structure is a tear groove that extends along the length of the hollow tube and is disposed between adjacent hollow tubes.
4. The multi-purpose optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical cable section includes an optical fiber sheath and an optical fiber sleeve, with the optical fiber sleeve disposed inside the sheath and used to accommodate the optical fiber.
5. The multi-purpose optical cable according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the optical fiber sheath is provided with a non-metallic reinforcing layer, and inside the optical fiber sheath, there is also a tear rope extending along its length to assist in stripping the optical fiber sheath.
6. The multi-purpose optical cable according to claim 5, characterized in that, The hollow tube section is connected to the outside of the optical cable section via a sling structure; the sling structure is fixedly connected to the optical fiber sheath and the hollow tube sheath.
7. The multi-purpose optical cable according to claim 6, characterized in that, A waterproof filler is also placed between the optical fiber sheath and the optical fiber.
8. The multi-purpose optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional component is selected from at least one of the following: power cord, additional optical fiber, and additional non-metallic reinforcement.