Optical cable

Abstract

The utility model relates to intelligent manufacturing equipment technical field provides an optical cable, including optical cable outer protective body and set up in the ice melting unit of this optical cable outer protective body, and the ice melting unit includes a plurality of independent heating body that distributes along the optical cable outer protective body circumference, through this structure setting, sets up independent heating body respectively in the different position of optical cable circumference, makes the ice melting operation can carry out accurate response according to the actual distribution of icing. When the optical cable appears local icing on one side due to wind direction, topography and other factors, can only start the heating of one or more independent heating bodies corresponding to the icing area, and the independent heating body corresponding to the non-icing area remains closed. Therefore, the ice melting heat is concentrated in the icing part, avoiding the waste of electric energy caused by heating the whole optical cable at the same time, realizing energy saving and consumption reduction. At the same time, since the non-icing area is not heated, unnecessary heat influence also avoids potential damage to other structures inside the optical cable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of intelligent manufacturing equipment technology, and in particular to an optical cable. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber Optic Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) is a type of optical cable that combines lightning protection and communication functions, and is widely used in high-voltage transmission lines. In areas prone to rain, snow, and ice storms, OPGW surfaces are easily covered with ice, leading to increased line sag and load, and in severe cases, tower collapse and line breakage, threatening the safe operation of the power grid. To address the OPGW icing problem, existing technologies incorporate de-icing structures within the OPGW. These typically involve uniformly stranding multiple insulated conductor filaments around the outer periphery of the optical fiber unit at the center of the cable, heating and de-icing the entire cable by simultaneously passing current through all conductors. However, in actual operation, icing is often not uniformly distributed across the entire circumference of the cable, but rather, influenced by wind direction, terrain, and other factors, forming localized icing on the windward side or a specific side. In this situation, the current de-icing method, which simultaneously energizes all heating conductors and heats the entire cable at the same time, not only wastes a significant amount of energy but may also cause unnecessary thermal impacts on areas that do not require de-icing, failing to selectively de-ic the locally iced areas of the cable. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides an optical cable.

[0004] This utility model provides an optical cable, including: an outer sheath of the optical cable; and an ice-melting unit disposed within the outer sheath of the optical cable, the ice-melting unit including a plurality of independent heating elements distributed circumferentially along the outer sheath of the optical cable.

[0005] According to the present invention, the optical cable further includes a monitoring unit disposed within the outer sheath of the optical cable for sensing the icing status of the outer sheath of the optical cable.

[0006] According to the present invention, the monitoring unit includes a sensing optical fiber disposed within the outer sheath of the optical cable, and the sensing optical fiber is used to synchronously sense the deformation of the outer sheath of the optical cable.

[0007] According to the present invention, the sensing optical fiber is arranged in a lengthless manner within the outer sheath of the optical cable.

[0008] According to the optical cable provided by this utility model, the monitoring unit further includes: an auxiliary load-bearing component, which assists in supporting the sensing optical fiber.

[0009] According to the optical cable provided by this utility model, the monitoring unit further includes: a sheath layer, which covers the outside of the sensing optical fiber and the auxiliary load-bearing member.

[0010] According to the present invention, the optical cable further includes a communication unit disposed on the inner side of the outer sheath of the optical cable.

[0011] The de-icing unit further includes an insulating support frame, which covers the outside of the communication unit. Multiple independent receiving cavities are arranged on the insulating support frame along the circumference of the outer sheath of the optical cable, and each of the independent heating elements is correspondingly disposed in the receiving cavity.

[0012] According to the optical cable provided by this utility model, the de-icing unit further includes: an insulating and thermally conductive filler, which fills the space between the receiving cavity and the corresponding independent heating element.

[0013] According to the present invention, the outer sheath of the optical cable includes: a protective tube covering the outside of the insulating support frame; and an external reinforcing member twisted around the outside of the protective tube.

[0014] According to the present invention, the optical cable further includes a waterproof layer disposed between the insulating support frame and the protective tube.

[0015] The optical cable provided by this utility model mainly includes an outer sheath and an ice-melting unit disposed within the outer sheath. The ice-melting unit includes multiple independent heating elements distributed circumferentially along the outer sheath. Alternatively, multiple independently operating heating elements are disposed at different circumferential positions inside the outer sheath, and each independent heating element can generate heat independently.

[0016] This structural design, with independent heating elements positioned at different locations around the circumference of the optical cable, allows for precise responses to the actual distribution of ice accumulation during de-icing operations. When localized icing occurs on one side (e.g., the windward side) due to wind direction, terrain, or other factors, only one or more independent heating elements corresponding to that iced area can be activated, while the heating elements for uniced areas remain off. This concentrates the de-icing heat on the iced areas, avoiding the energy waste caused by heating the entire cable simultaneously, thus achieving energy conservation and consumption reduction. Simultaneously, by not heating the uniced areas, potential damage to other internal structures of the optical cable due to unnecessary thermal effects is avoided. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in 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 some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the optical cable provided by this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the insulating support frame provided by this utility model.

[0020] Reference numerals: 110, sensing optical fiber; 120, auxiliary load-bearing component; 130, sheath layer; 200, communication unit; 310, insulating support frame; 320, independent heating element; 330, insulating and thermally conductive filler; 410, protective tube; 420, external reinforcement; 430, waterproof layer. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model.

[0022] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model 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 the embodiments of this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] In this embodiment of the utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0025] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples and features described in this specification. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] The following is combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 An optical cable provided by an embodiment of the present invention will be described. It should be understood that the following description is merely an illustrative embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any particular limitation on the present invention.

[0027] An embodiment of this utility model provides an optical cable, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes: an outer sheath of the optical cable; and an ice-melting unit, which is disposed within the outer sheath of the optical cable and includes multiple independent heating elements 320 distributed circumferentially along the outer sheath of the optical cable. Alternatively, multiple independently operating heating elements 320 are disposed at different circumferential positions inside the outer sheath of the optical cable, and each independent heating element 320 can generate heat independently.

[0028] This structural design, with independent heating elements 320 positioned at different locations around the circumference of the optical cable, allows for precise responses to the actual distribution of ice accumulation during de-icing operations. When localized icing occurs on one side (e.g., the windward side) due to wind direction, terrain, or other factors, only one or more independent heating elements 320 corresponding to that iced area can be activated, while the independent heating elements 320 corresponding to the un-iced areas remain off. This concentrates the de-icing heat on the iced areas, avoiding the energy waste caused by heating the entire optical cable simultaneously, thus achieving energy conservation and consumption reduction. Simultaneously, since the un-iced areas are not heated, potential damage to other internal structures of the optical cable due to unnecessary thermal effects is avoided.

[0029] In one embodiment of this utility model, the optical cable further includes a monitoring unit disposed within the outer sheath of the optical cable for sensing the icing status of the outer sheath of the optical cable.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the monitoring unit includes a sensing optical fiber 110, which is disposed within the outer sheath of the optical cable and is used to synchronously sense the deformation of the outer sheath of the optical cable.

[0031] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this utility model, the sensing optical fiber 110 is arranged with no excess length inside the outer sheath of the optical cable.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the monitoring unit further includes: an auxiliary load-bearing component 120, which assists in supporting the sensing optical fiber 110.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the monitoring unit further includes a sheath layer 130, which covers the outer side of the sensing optical fiber 110 and the auxiliary load-bearing member 120.

[0034] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the optical cable mainly includes an outer sheath and an ice-melting unit installed within it. The ice-melting unit comprises multiple independent heating elements 320 distributed circumferentially along the outer sheath. Each independent heating element 320 is connected to an independent power supply branch and can be individually controlled to be powered on or off. When icing occurs in a certain circumferential area, only the independent heating element 320 corresponding to that area needs to be energized for heating, while the independent heating elements 320 in the un-iced areas remain off, thus achieving selective ice melting.

[0035] Furthermore, a monitoring unit is installed within the outer sheath of the optical cable to detect its icing status. The monitoring unit includes a sensing fiber 110, which is disposed within the outer sheath of the optical cable, and the strain of the sensing fiber 110 is consistent with the deformation of the optical cable. When the optical cable deforms due to icing load, the sensing fiber 110 generates corresponding strain. By detecting the strain distribution of the sensing fiber 110, the stress deformation state of the optical cable can be deduced, thereby determining the presence and location of icing.

[0036] Furthermore, the sensing fiber 110 is installed without excess length within the outer sheath of the optical cable. Traditional optical cables typically have excess length in their communication fibers. When the cable undergoes radial or axial deformation under icing loads, this excess length is consumed first, and the fiber is not under stress in the initial stage of deformation, resulting in a monitoring gap and an inability to promptly reflect the icing status. In this invention, the sensing fiber 110 has no excess length. Once the optical cable deforms, the sensing fiber 110 is simultaneously stressed and strained, eliminating monitoring lag or blind spots. This allows for accurate identification of the entire process from light to heavy icing, significantly improving the accuracy and real-time performance of icing monitoring.

[0037] The monitoring unit also includes an auxiliary load-bearing component 120, which is arranged side-by-side with the sensing optical fiber 110 to provide mechanical support for the fiber optic cable 110. For example, the auxiliary load-bearing component 120 may be a metal force-bearing element, arranged in parallel with the sensing optical fiber 110. The stress generated by the cable deformation is directly transmitted to the sensing optical fiber 110 through the metal force-bearing element, ensuring that the deformation of both is consistent. Since the optical fiber itself has relatively weak tensile strength, the metal force-bearing element can share the tensile force generated during cable deformation, preventing the sensing optical fiber 110 from breaking due to excessive stress, thus improving the long-term operational reliability of the monitoring unit. The metal force-bearing element can be made of aluminum-clad steel wire, which has better ductility and strength than galvanized steel wire or aluminum alloy wire, maintaining stable mechanical properties under repeated stretching and bending conditions, which is beneficial for the synchronous transmission of optical fiber deformation.

[0038] In addition, those skilled in the art can also choose galvanized steel wire or aluminum alloy wire as the metal force-bearing element according to the actual application scenario, which can also achieve the purpose of this utility model.

[0039] The sensing fiber 110 can be made of bend-insensitive G.657.A1 fiber, which is covered with a tight cladding of PVC material, giving the sensing fiber 110 good ductility and making it less likely to break when subjected to tensile force.

[0040] To further protect the composite structure of the sensing fiber 110 and the auxiliary support component 120, the monitoring unit also includes a sheath layer 130, which covers the outside of the sensing fiber 110 and the auxiliary support component 120. For example, the sheath layer 130 is made of PP material through extrusion molding, encapsulating the sensing fiber 110 and the auxiliary support component 120 as a single unit, forming an independent sensing and detection unit. The sheath layer 130 effectively isolates external moisture and mechanical damage, protecting the internal sensing fiber 110 and auxiliary support component 120, while also ensuring a tighter bond between them, guaranteeing the synchronicity and consistency of strain transmission.

[0041] When the sensing fiber optic cable 110 detects icing on the optical cable, the icing status can be confirmed on-site using a camera mounted on a drone or through manual inspection, accurately locating the circumferential area where the icing occurs. After confirming the icing location, one or more independent heating elements 320 corresponding to that location are powered on to selectively melt the ice in that localized area.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the optical cable further includes a communication unit 200, which is disposed on the inner side of the outer sheath of the optical cable.

[0043] The de-icing unit also includes an insulating support frame 310, which covers the outside of the communication unit 200. Multiple independent receiving cavities are arranged on the insulating support frame 310 along the circumference of the outer sheath of the optical cable, and each independent heating element 320 is correspondingly arranged in the receiving cavity.

[0044] In another embodiment of the present invention, the ice-melting unit further includes an insulating and thermally conductive filler 330, which fills the space between the receiving cavity and the corresponding independent heating element 320.

[0045] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the optical cable also includes a communication unit 200, which is located inside the outer sheath of the optical cable. The communication unit 200 includes one or more stainless steel optical units, each containing multiple communication optical fibers. Fiber optic grease is filled between the optical fibers and the stainless steel tubing to protect the communication optical fibers from mechanical damage during the laying and operation of the optical cable.

[0046] The number of stainless steel optical units can be flexibly adjusted according to the actual fiber core count requirements. When the required fiber core count is small, a single stainless steel optical unit can be used; when the required fiber core count is large, two or more stainless steel optical units can be used, each accommodating different groups of communication fibers to meet high-capacity communication needs. Each stainless steel optical unit is located in the central area of ​​the optical cable.

[0047] The de-icing unit also includes an insulating support frame 310, which is disposed within the outer sheath of the optical cable and covers the outside of each stainless steel optical unit. In other words, the insulating support frame 310 is entirely fitted around the periphery of all stainless steel optical units, collectively enclosing all communication units 200 within its central internal area, thus protecting each stainless steel optical unit. The insulating support frame 310 is an integrated fan-shaped insulating frame, with multiple independent receiving cavities arranged along the circumference of the outer sheath of the optical cable. Each independent heating element 320 is correspondingly disposed within its respective receiving cavity. In this embodiment, the receiving cavity is a fan-shaped cavity, with isolation ribs between adjacent fan-shaped cavities. The isolation ribs achieve electrical and thermal isolation between the independent heating elements 320, ensuring that adjacent independent heating elements 320 do not interfere with each other when powered on, thus avoiding the risk of electrical short circuits between different zones and preventing unnecessary heat transfer between adjacent zones. For example, the insulating support frame 310 is made of glass fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone material, with a glass fiber content of 30%. This material has a long-term temperature resistance of up to 260℃ and combines excellent electrical insulation properties with mechanical strength, which can meet the requirements for long-term stable operation under de-icing conditions.

[0048] For example, the insulating support frame 310 has eight circumferentially evenly distributed sector-shaped cavities integrally formed on it. Each sector-shaped cavity contains a nickel-chromium alloy insulating monofilament as an independent heating element 320. The eight sector-shaped cavities are independent, and the nickel-chromium alloy monofilament in each cavity is connected to an independent power supply circuit, allowing for individual control of power supply. When icing occurs on one side of the optical cable, only one or more independent heating elements 320 in the corresponding sector-shaped cavity need to be activated to heat the cable, while the other sector-shaped cavities remain de-energized, thus achieving directional de-icing and significantly reducing de-icing energy consumption. The independent control of each sector-shaped cavity also allows for more precise de-icing operations. Depending on the circumferential distribution of the icing, one, several, or all of the sector-shaped cavities can be flexibly selected for heating.

[0049] The de-icing unit also includes an insulating and thermally conductive filler 330, which fills the space between the receiving cavity and the corresponding independent heating element 320. The insulating and thermally conductive filler 330 is made of glass fiber and boron nitride composite modified extruded glass fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone insulation material, which has both excellent electrical insulation properties and uniform heat dissipation capabilities. The insulating and thermally conductive filler 330 firmly fixes the independent heating element 320 in the receiving cavity, while efficiently and uniformly conducting the heat generated by the independent heating element 320 to the insulating support frame 310 and the surface of the optical cable.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer sheath of the optical cable includes: a protective tube 410, which covers the outside of the insulating support frame 310; and an external reinforcing member 420, which is twisted around the outside of the protective tube 410.

[0051] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the optical cable further includes a waterproof layer 430, which is disposed between the insulating support frame 310 and the protective tube 410.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the protective tube 410 covers the outside of the insulating support frame 310. For example, the protective tube 410 is made of aluminum. Aluminum has good sealing and thermal conductivity, which can evenly conduct the heat generated by the internal de-icing unit to the surface of the optical cable, while also providing waterproof, moisture-proof, and corrosion-proof sealing protection. The external reinforcing member 420 is located on the outside of the protective tube 410. The external reinforcing member 420 is made of aluminum-clad steel wire stranded around the outer periphery of the protective tube 410. The aluminum-clad steel wire consists of a steel core covered with an aluminum layer, combining the high strength of steel with the good conductivity of aluminum.

[0053] The optical cable also features a waterproof layer 430, which is positioned between the insulating support frame 310 and the protective tube 410. Specifically, the waterproof layer 430 is a polyimide film. In other words, the waterproof layer 430 is sandwiched between the insulating support frame 310 and the protective tube 410. The polyimide film acts as an additional protective barrier, effectively delaying the penetration of external moisture or water into the internal insulating support frame 310 and the independent heating element 320 within the housing cavity, ensuring the long-term operational reliability of the de-icing unit and the communication unit 200.

[0054] In one embodiment of this utility model, the raw material for the insulating support frame 310 is glass fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK), with glass fiber accounting for 30%. During manufacturing, a customized extrusion die is used. This die has radial forming channels designed to match the number of fan-shaped cavities, allowing for the one-time extrusion of a circular insulating support frame 310 blank with radially arranged insulating ribs. In this embodiment, the insulating ribs are designed to have a thickness of 1.0 mm. Before extrusion, the die is preheated for 2 hours to ensure uniform die head temperature and prevent internal stress or uneven thickness in the extruded blank. The extruder is started, with the extrusion pressure controlled at 12-16 MPa and the extrusion speed at 18 m / min, continuously extruding a circular insulating support frame 310 blank with multiple independent fan-shaped cavities. The extruded high-temperature frame blank sequentially passes through a primary warm water cooling tank and a secondary ambient temperature water cooling tank, using a stepped cooling method to eliminate internal stress and prevent frame deformation or warping. After cooling and shaping, the insulating support frame 310, the sensing detection unit, and the nickel-chromium alloy wire are fixed and positioned on the equipment. During the cable traction process, molten high thermal conductivity insulating modified plastic is directly extruded into the remaining gap of the fan-shaped cavity through lateral extrusion, completing the sealing filling and cooling shaping in one step.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. An optical cable, characterized in that, include: Optical cable outer sheath; An ice-melting unit is disposed within the outer sheath of the optical cable, and the ice-melting unit includes multiple independent heating elements (320) distributed circumferentially along the outer sheath of the optical cable. A communication unit (200) is disposed on the inner side of the outer sheath of the optical cable; The ice-melting unit also includes: An insulating support frame (310) is provided on the outside of the communication unit (200). Multiple independent receiving cavities are arranged on the insulating support frame (310) along the circumference of the outer sheath of the optical cable. Each independent heating element (320) is correspondingly arranged in the receiving cavity.

2. The optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical cable also includes: A monitoring unit is installed inside the outer sheath of the optical cable to sense the icing status of the outer sheath.

3. The optical cable according to claim 2, characterized in that, The monitoring unit includes: A sensing fiber (110) is disposed within the outer sheath of the optical cable, and the sensing fiber (110) is used to synchronously sense the deformation of the outer sheath of the optical cable.

4. The optical cable according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sensing optical fiber (110) is arranged without excess length inside the outer sheath of the optical cable.

5. The optical cable according to claim 3, characterized in that, The monitoring unit also includes: An auxiliary support member (120) is provided to support the sensing optical fiber (110).

6. The optical cable according to claim 5, characterized in that, The monitoring unit also includes: Sheath layer (130) covers the outside of the sensing optical fiber (110) and the auxiliary load-bearing member (120).

7. The optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice-melting unit also includes: An insulating and thermally conductive filler (330) is provided between the receiving cavity and the corresponding independent heating element (320).

8. The optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer sheath of the optical cable includes: A protective tube (410) is attached to the outside of the insulating support frame (310); An external reinforcement (420) is screwed onto the outside of the protective tube (410).

9. The optical cable according to claim 8, characterized in that, The optical cable also includes: A waterproof layer (430) is disposed between the insulating support frame (310) and the protective tube (410).

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