An optical cable and its production mold

Abstract

This utility model discloses an optical cable and its production mold, relating to the field of optical fiber cable technology. The optical cable includes a loose tube, at least two cable cores, a first armor layer, several reinforcing wires, an insulating shielding layer, and an outer sheath. At least two cable cores are disposed in the loose tube and symmetrically distributed along the central axis of the loose tube. The cross-section of the first armor layer is an equilateral triangle and is fitted outside the loose tube. The insulating shielding layer is fitted outside the first armor layer, and the outer sheath is fitted outside the insulating shielding layer. Several reinforcing wires are located between the first armor layer and the insulating shielding layer. The triangular stainless steel strip armor greatly enhances the optical cable's resistance to pressure and shock. The use of an insulating shielding layer to cover the cable cores gives the optical cable strong resistance to lateral pressure and tension, as well as stronger lightning protection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical fiber cable technology, and more specifically, to an optical cable. Furthermore, this utility model also relates to a production mold for forming the aforementioned optical cable. Background Technology

[0002] After decades of development, the optical cable industry has achieved relatively mature structures and processes. Among these, stranded, central tube, and skeleton optical cable structures are the most widely produced and applied. Each of these three structures has its own advantages and characteristics. Natural disasters such as earthquakes and lightning strikes often cause devastating damage to communication lines. Although optical fibers themselves are insulated and non-conductive, optical cables typically have metal reinforcements, such as steel wire or other metal materials, to increase strength. If these metal parts are struck by lightning, they may introduce a strong current, leading to equipment damage or fire. Furthermore, lightning can indirectly affect optical cables through nearby metal pipes and power lines, thus requiring lightning protection measures. Since optical cables are usually laid underground, overhead, or along buildings, earthquakes or vibrations can cause them to break, be compressed, or bend excessively, affecting signal transmission. Especially in earthquake-prone areas, earthquake-resistant cables can reduce the risk of damage.

[0003] Currently, among stranded optical cables, large-core-count optical cables have a relatively simple structure and are often more expensive due to structural limitations. They also have a larger outer diameter and poor shock and pressure resistance.

[0004] In summary, how to provide a multi-layered protective optical cable with a large fiber bending angle is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an optical cable with a multi-layer protective structure, which improves the cable's resistance to pressure and shock, while also allowing for a large bending angle and greater adaptability.

[0006] Another objective of this invention is to provide a production mold for the aforementioned optical cable, which enables the rapid forming of the first armor layer and the wrapping of the cable core.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0008] An optical cable, comprising:

[0009] Loosen the sleeve.

[0010] At least two cable cores are disposed in the loose tube and are symmetrically distributed along the central axis of the loose tube;

[0011] The first armor layer has an equilateral triangle cross-section and is fitted over the loose sleeve.

[0012] An insulating shielding layer and an outer sheath, wherein the insulating shielding layer is fitted over the outside of the first armor layer, and the outer sheath is fitted over the outside of the insulating shielding layer;

[0013] Several reinforcing wires are located between the first armor layer and the insulating shielding layer.

[0014] Furthermore, this utility model also includes:

[0015] The second armor layer has a circular cross-section and coincides with the centerline of the loose tube. The second armor layer is located between the insulating shield layer and the first armor layer.

[0016] Furthermore, in this invention, several reinforcing wires are located on the outer sides of the three sides of the first armor layer, and none of them are in contact with the first armor layer or the second armor layer.

[0017] Furthermore, in this invention, an elastic water-resistant material is filled between the first armor layer and the second armor layer.

[0018] Furthermore, in this invention, the loose sleeve is arranged coaxially with the second armor layer, and the outer wall of the loose sleeve is in contact with the inner wall of the first armor layer.

[0019] Furthermore, the first armor layer and the loose sleeve are filled with aramid fiber.

[0020] Furthermore, the loose tube is filled with optical fiber grease.

[0021] A production mold includes a mold body for forming an equilateral triangular structure of a first armor layer.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention provides a discharge end and a feed end at both ends of the mold body, and forms a forming hole through the mold body. The discharge end is an equilateral triangle structure.

[0023] Also includes:

[0024] A sleeve, located within a forming hole, is used to allow the cable core to pass through the mold body.

[0025] The optical cable provided by this utility model disperses the optical fibers forming the cable core to form at least two cable cores during use. This reduces the bending strain of the optical fibers when the cable is bent under stress, thereby effectively improving the overall bending performance of the optical cable. The cross-section of the first armor layer is an equilateral triangle and is fitted outside the loose tube. Triangles have strong stability, so the stability of the optical cable can be effectively improved under the action of the first armor layer, giving it sufficient resistance to lateral pressure and greatly increasing the service life of the optical cable. The insulating shield layer is fitted outside the first armor layer, which can more effectively protect the internal cable core from lightning strikes, thus giving the optical cable a strong lightning protection effect. The outer sheath is fitted outside the insulating shield layer, which gives the optical cable better abrasion resistance. Several reinforcing wires are located between the first armor layer and the insulating shield layer. These reinforcing wires are used to enhance the tensile strength of the optical cable, making it more resistant to tension in the event of an earthquake.

[0026] This utility model also provides a production mold for rapidly forming the first armor layer and wrapping the cable core. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the cross-section of the cable provided by this utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the shaft side structure of the mold body provided by this utility model;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the side cross-section of the mold body provided by this utility model;

[0031] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the feed end of the mold body provided by this utility model;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first cross-section of the mold body in the middle of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the second cross-section of the mold body provided by this utility model;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the cross-section of the discharge end of the mold body provided by this utility model.

[0035] Figures 1-7 In the accompanying drawings, the reference numerals include:

[0036] 1. Outer sheath; 2. Insulating shielding layer; 3. Second armor layer; 4. Elastic water-blocking material; 5. Reinforcing wire; 6. Cable core; 7. Fiber optic grease; 8. Loose tube; 9. First armor layer; 10. Discharge end; 11. Mold body; 12. Sleeve; 13. Forming hole. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0038] The core of this utility model is to provide an optical cable with a multi-layer protective structure, which improves the cable's resistance to pressure and shock, while also allowing for a large bending angle and greater adaptability.

[0039] Another core aspect of this invention is to provide a production mold for the aforementioned optical cable, which enables the rapid forming of the first armor layer and the wrapping of the cable core.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 1 An optical cable includes at least two cable cores 6, a first armor layer 9, several reinforcing wires 5, an insulating shielding layer 2, and an outer sheath 1. The at least two cable cores 6 are symmetrically distributed along the central axis of the optical cable. Loose tubes 8 are sleeved on the outside of the at least two cable cores 6. The cross-section of the first armor layer 9 is an equilateral triangle and is sleeved on the outside of the loose tubes 8. The insulating shielding layer 2 is sleeved on the outside of the first armor layer 9. The outer sheath 1 is sleeved on the outside of the insulating shielding layer 2. Several reinforcing wires 5 are located between the first armor layer 9 and the insulating shielding layer 2.

[0041] It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present invention, the number of cable cores 6 can be selected according to actual use. For example, four cable cores 6 can be selected and evenly distributed around the axis of the optical cable. Alternatively, three cable cores 6 can be used and evenly distributed around the axis of the optical cable. At the same time, the three cable cores 6 are arranged corresponding to the three corners of the first armor layer 9, which can further improve the support strength of the cable cores 6 and prevent the first armor layer 9 from squeezing the cable cores 6 when deformed.

[0042] Optionally, in some embodiments, the reinforcing wire 5 is made of phosphated steel or glass fiber, and the diameter of the reinforcing wire 5 can be determined according to the application.

[0043] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first armor layer 9 may also take other shapes, such as circular, hexagonal, or quadrilateral.

[0044] Optionally, in some embodiments, the number of reinforcing wires 5 can be determined according to the usage. Specifically, the number of reinforcing wires 5 is a multiple of three and is evenly distributed on the three sides of the first armor layer 9 of the equilateral triangle. For example, if there are three reinforcing wires 5, one reinforcing wire 5 is provided on each side of the first armor layer 9. If there are six reinforcing wires 5, two reinforcing wires 5 are provided on each side of the first armor layer 9.

[0045] In use, the optical fibers forming the cable core 6 are dispersed to form at least two cable cores 6, thereby reducing the bending strain of the optical fibers when the cable is bent under stress, thus effectively improving the overall bending performance of the optical cable. The cross-section of the first armor layer 9 is an equilateral triangle and is fitted outside the loose tube 8. Triangles have strong stability, so the first armor layer 9 can effectively improve the stability of the optical cable, giving it sufficient resistance to lateral pressure and greatly increasing the service life of the optical cable. The insulating shielding layer 2 is fitted outside the first armor layer 9, so that the optical cable can more effectively protect the internal cable core 6 from lightning strikes, thus giving the optical cable a strong lightning protection effect. The outer sheath 1 is fitted outside the insulating shielding layer 2, and the outer sheath 1 gives the optical cable better abrasion resistance. Several reinforcing wires 5 are located between the first armor layer 9 and the insulating shielding layer 2. Several reinforcing wires 5 are used to enhance the optical cable's excellent tensile strength, making the optical cable more resistant to tension in the event of an earthquake.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, a second armor layer 3 is also included. The cross-section of the second armor layer 3 is circular and coincides with the centerline of the optical cable. The second armor layer 3 is located between the insulating shielding layer 2 and the first armor layer 9. That is to say, by adding the second armor layer 3, on the one hand, the pressure and shock resistance of the optical cable is further enhanced, and on the other hand, the circular structure of the second armor layer 3 can improve the overall roundness of the optical cable.

[0047] Optionally, in some embodiments, both the first armor layer 9 and the second armor layer 3 are made of stainless steel strips.

[0048] Optionally, in some embodiments, in order to further improve the compressive strength of the optical cable, three support strips extending along the optical cable axis are provided between the first armor layer 9 and the second armor layer 3. The two sides of the support strips are in contact with the first armor layer 9 and the second armor layer 3, respectively. Therefore, under the action of the support strips, the compressive strength of the optical cable can be further improved.

[0049] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second armor layer 3 may also adopt a hexagonal structure, and the three corners of the first armor layer 9 correspond to the midpoints of the three sides of the hexagon, which can further enhance its support strength.

[0050] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first armor layer 9 and the second armor layer 3 do not contact each other. Specifically, a buffer strip is provided between the three apex corners of the first armor layer 9 and the second armor layer 3. The buffer strip is made of abrasion-resistant material to prevent wear caused by direct contact between the two armor layers, which can effectively improve the service life of the optical cable.

[0051] Optionally, in some embodiments, the three apex corners of the first armor layer 9 are provided with arcs. Specifically, the use of arcs can increase the contact area and reduce the pressure when released, thereby further reducing its wear.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, several reinforcing wires 5 are located on the outer sides of the three sides of the first armor layer 9, and none of them are in contact with the first armor layer 9 and the second armor layer 3. That is to say, the position of the reinforcing wires 5 is limited, and the reinforcing wires 5 are not in contact with the first armor layer 9 and the second armor layer 3, which can effectively prevent wear between the reinforcing wires 5 and the first armor layer 9 and the second armor layer 3 when the optical cable is bent, thereby improving its service life.

[0053] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 1 In some embodiments, an elastic water-blocking material 4 is filled between the first armor layer 9 and the second armor layer 3. That is to say, the elastic water-blocking material 4 can achieve the purpose of blocking water. At the same time, the optical cable has a certain elasticity, so that the cable core 6 has sufficient elastic deformation space when the optical cable is compressed by an earthquake disaster.

[0054] Optionally, in some embodiments, the elastic water-blocking material 4 may be made of water-blocking powder, water-blocking paste, water-blocking yarn, or other materials.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the reinforcing wire 5 is prevented from contacting the first armor layer 9 and the second armor layer 3 by the elastic water-blocking material 4. Therefore, during use, the elastic water-blocking material 4 can not only improve the elasticity of the optical cable and give it a certain elastic deformation space, but also, under the wrapping of the elastic water-blocking material 4, the optical cable has lower stress when it is bent, making the optical cable easier to bend and facilitating the arrangement of the optical cable.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 1In some embodiments, the loose tube 8 is arranged coaxially with the second armor layer 3, and the outer wall of the loose tube 8 is in contact with the inner wall of the first armor layer 9. That is, the cable core 6 is fixed by the loose tube 8, and at the same time, the loose tube 8 and the inner wall of the first armor layer 9 are in contact to achieve relative fixation between the loose tube 8 and the first armor layer 9, thereby achieving further fixation of the cable core 6. At the same time, the contact between the loose tube 8 and the first armor layer 9 can also provide support for the first armor layer 9 to improve the support effect of the first armor layer 9.

[0057] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 1 In some embodiments, aramid fiber is used to fill the gap between the first armor layer 9 and the loose tube 8. That is, the gap between the first armor layer 9 and the loose tube 8 is filled with aramid fiber to further enhance the firmness of the loose tube 8 inside the first armor layer 9. Aramid fiber has ultra-high strength and modulus, with a tensile strength of over 3,000 MPa (about 5 times that of steel wire), a modulus of 70-200 GPa, and a strength (strength / density) that is 10 times that of steel wire, achieving "lightweight and high strength" to improve the strength of the optical cable during use.

[0058] Alternatively, in some embodiments, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber or glass fiber may be used instead of aramid fiber.

[0059] Optionally, in some embodiments, the loose tube 8 is filled with optical fiber grease 7.

[0060] In other words, the key point of this utility model is: using at least two cable cores 6 to reduce the bending strain of the optical fiber when the cable is bent under stress, thereby effectively improving the overall bending performance of the optical cable. The cross-section of the first armor layer 9 is an equilateral triangle and is fitted outside the loose tube 8. Triangles have strong stability, so the stability of the optical cable can be effectively improved under the action of the first armor layer 9, giving it sufficient resistance to lateral pressure and greatly increasing the service life of the optical cable. The insulating shielding layer 2 is fitted outside the first armor layer 9, so that the optical cable can more effectively protect the internal cable core 6 from the influence of lightning when it encounters lightning, thereby giving the optical cable a strong lightning protection effect. The outer sheath 1 is fitted outside the insulating shielding layer 2, and the outer sheath 1 gives the optical cable better wear resistance. Several reinforcing wires 5 are located between the first armor layer 9 and the insulating shielding layer 2. Several reinforcing wires 5 are used to enhance the optical cable's excellent tensile strength, so that the optical cable can be more tensile-resistant in the event of an earthquake.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 2A production mold, applied to the optical cable described in any of the above, includes a mold body 11, the mold body 11 being used to form an equilateral triangle structure for the first armor layer 9. That is, by developing a mold suitable for producing the first armor layer 9, the mold body 11 is used to form the passing steel strip into an equilateral triangle structure for the first armor layer 9, thereby realizing the forming of optical fiber.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the mold body 11 includes a forming hole 13 penetrating the mold body 11. The discharge end 10 of the forming hole 13 has an equilateral triangle structure. Specifically, the mold body 11 has a block or cylindrical structure and a forming hole 13 is provided on the mold body 11. The forming hole 13 includes an inlet end and a discharge end 10. The discharge end 10 has an equilateral triangle structure, which can ensure that the steel strip maintains an equilateral triangle structure when it is discharged. At the same time, the thickness of the forming hole 13 is slightly greater than the thickness of the steel strip. The forming hole 13 at the inlet end has a trumpet-shaped or conical spiral structure. As the steel strip moves continuously in the forming hole 13, the shape of the steel strip gradually deforms into an equilateral triangle structure, eventually making the steel strip the first armor layer 9 of the equilateral triangle.

[0063] Optionally, in some embodiments, the mold body 11 further includes a sleeve 12 located inside the forming hole 13 for the cable core 6 to pass through. That is, the cable core 6 is directly passed through the forming hole 13 and moves synchronously with the steel strip, thereby enabling the first armor layer 9 to directly wrap the steel strip after it has been formed.

[0064] Optionally, in some embodiments, the discharge port end of the mold body 11 is provided with a welding station, which is used to weld the joint of the first armor layer 9 after molding, thereby further improving the support strength of the first armor layer 9.

[0065] A manufacturing method, applied to optical cables according to any of the above.

[0066] The fiber optic bundles are dyed through a coloring process and then bundled together to form cable core 6;

[0067] At least two sets of cable cores 6 are fitted with loose tubes 8 through a plastic coating process;

[0068] Fill the loose tube 8 with fiber paste;

[0069] The steel strip is placed in the forming hole 13 of the mold body 11, and the loose tube 8 filled with fiber paste is inserted into the sleeve 12 of the mold body 11 so that the first armor layer 9 is fitted on the outside of the loose tube 8.

[0070] Aramid fibers are filled into the first armor layer 9;

[0071] Several reinforcing wires 5 are arranged on the outside of the first armor layer 9;

[0072] The steel strip is passed through a mold to form the second armor layer 3 and then fitted over the outside of the first armor layer 9;

[0073] An elastic water-resistant material 4 is filled between the first armor layer 9 and the second armor layer 3;

[0074] Insulating shielding material is wrapped around the outside of the second armor layer 3 using a wrapping machine to form an insulating shielding layer 2;

[0075] The cable core 6 with the insulating shielding layer 2 is extruded to form the outer sheath 1, thus forming the finished optical cable.

[0076] The above-mentioned process has the following advantages. Specifically, the optical cable structure adopts a central tube dispersed core 6 structure, where the internal optical fibers are located at the center of the cable's axis. This minimizes the bending strain of the optical fibers when the cable is subjected to bending stress. The loose tube 8 is covered with aramid fiber and reinforced with three reinforcing wires 5, giving the optical cable excellent tensile strength. This makes the cable more resistant to tension during earthquakes. Furthermore, the first armor layer 9 of this optical cable is a triangular stainless steel tape armor. Due to the high stability of the triangle, and the selection of high-hardness stainless steel tape for the armor layer, it possesses sufficient lateral pressure resistance. To further enhance lateral pressure resistance, the outer steel tape of the core 6 is filled with an elastic water-blocking filler, allowing the core 6 sufficient elastic deformation space when the cable is compressed during an earthquake. To ensure the roundness and sufficient compressive strength of the optical cable, the cable core 6 is covered with a second steel tape armor layer. Due to the use of a large amount of metal materials, in order to meet the lightning protection characteristics of the optical cable, an insulating shielding layer 2 is covered with the second steel tape armor layer, so that the optical cable can more effectively protect the internal cable core 6 from the influence of lightning when it encounters lightning.

[0077] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0078] The optical cable and production mold provided by this utility model have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principle and implementation of this utility model. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core idea of ​​this utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An optical cable, characterized in that, include: Loose sleeve (8) At least two cable cores (6) are disposed in the loose tube (8) and are symmetrically distributed along the central axis of the loose tube (8); The first armor layer (9) has an equilateral triangle cross section and is fitted over the loose sleeve (8); An insulating shielding layer (2) and an outer sheath (1) are provided, wherein the insulating shielding layer (2) is sleeved on the outside of the first armor layer (9), and the outer sheath (1) is sleeved on the outside of the insulating shielding layer (2); Several reinforcing wires (5) are located between the first armor layer (9) and the insulating shield layer (2).

2. The optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The second armor layer (3) has a circular cross-section and coincides with the centerline of the loose tube (8). The second armor layer (3) is located between the insulating shield layer (2) and the first armor layer (9).

3. The optical cable according to claim 2, characterized in that, Several reinforcing wires (5) are located on the outer sides of the first armor layer (9) on three sides, and none of them are in contact with the first armor layer (9) and the second armor layer (3).

4. The optical cable according to claim 3, characterized in that, An elastic water-resistant material (4) is filled between the first armor layer (9) and the second armor layer (3).

5. The optical cable according to claim 2, characterized in that, The loose sleeve (8) is arranged coaxially with the second armor layer (3), and the outer wall of the loose sleeve (8) is in contact with the inner wall of the first armor layer (9).

6. The optical cable according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Aramid fiber is filled between the first armor layer (9) and the loose sleeve (8).

7. The optical cable according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The loose tube (8) is filled with optical fiber grease (7).

8. A production mold, applied to the optical cable according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes a mold body (11) for forming an equilateral triangle structure of the first armor layer (9).

9. The production mold according to claim 8, characterized in that, The mold body (11) has a discharge end (10) and a feed end at both ends, and forms a forming hole (13) through the mold body (11). The discharge end (10) is an equilateral triangle structure. Also includes: A sleeve (12) is located inside a forming hole (13) for passing the cable core (6) through the mold body (11).

10. The production mold according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mold body (11) has a cylindrical shape.

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