Fiber optic cabling assembly

Abstract

Optical fiber cabling assembly, characterized in that it comprises - an optical fiber cable (7) comprising a plurality of cores (1) and a cladding (8), - a distribution element (6) comprising an input to which the optical fiber cable (7) is connected and an output for each of the cores (1) separated from each other, said distribution element (6) comprising internally a plurality of rings (10) for fixing the optical fiber cable (7) and the individual cores (1) separately, - an LC connector (9) disposed at the distal end of each of the cores (1), and - an individual coating (2) of each of the cores (1) from the output of the distribution element (6) to the corresponding LC connector (9), comprising an internal helical metallic tube (3) that separately covers each of the cores (1) of the optical fiber cable, an outer layer (4) made of elastomeric polymer, and an intermediate layer (5) made of aramid, arranged between the helical metal tube (3) and the outer layer (4).

Description

Fiber optic cabling assembly Field of invention The present invention belongs to the field of telecommunications, specifically to fiber optic cables and more specifically to fiber optic cabling systems and assemblies with all their necessary elements to provide an adequate connection. Background of the invention Currently, numerous telecommunications applications require fiber optic cables, specifically the separation and distribution of the different cable cores to provide and connect various channels. Fiber optic cable core separation and distribution systems, known as fan-out systems, allow for the separation of individual fiber optic cable cores for connection or handling, thus enabling the simultaneous distribution of a signal, data, or message to multiple recipients or components. However, these core separation systems have limitations in terms of mechanical protection, tensile strength, and sealing, especially in demanding handling, usage, and contextual environments. In the previous version, the most commonly used systems included a fiber optic cable that was fed into a fan-out, which then separated it into different cores to provide different channels. Therefore, at the fan-out, the cores were separated from each other, each wrapped in an RGBY-formatted LSZH (Lightweight Solid State Heat) sheath—that is, each a predetermined color, specifically red, green, blue, and yellow—and with a connector at its end for connecting each core to a specific channel. To protect these cores, each one was individually wrapped, from its exit point in the fan-out to the connector, with a metallic sleeve or helical tube, which provided coating and strength to each core. However, these protective sleeves were often insufficient in terms of mechanical protection, tensile strength, and sealing, especially in demanding environments.Figure 1 shows the four cores of an optical fiber cable at the Fan-Out outlet covered by a conventional state-of-the-art helical sleeve or tube. Therefore, a complete fiber optic cabling assembly with effective protection for each of the cores inside a fiber optic cable is desirable, avoiding the problems caused by cable breakage in current cabling systems. Description of the invention The present invention solves the problems existing in current cabling by means of a fiber optic cabling assembly, which includes a fiber optic cable that enters a distribution element, and a plurality of fiber optic cores that exit separately from said distribution element for connection. The fiber optic cable has multiple cores and a cladding that encloses these cores. The cable can contain two, three, four, or more cores. Four fiber optic cores are preferred, as they are considered sufficient for conventional transmissions and also provide a suitable diameter for winding onto standard reels, making the assembly manageable and lightweight enough for a single person to handle. The distribution element, also called a branch or fan-out, has an input to which the fiber optic cable is connected, and an output for each of the cable's cores, separated from each other for individual connection.The distribution element contains a plurality of rings for fixing the optical fiber cable and the individual cores separately, thus preventing them from coming out of the distribution element in case of stretching, pulling or any other type of tension. For connection to different inputs of external devices, each of the cores has at its distal end an LC connector ("Lucent Connector" or "Little Connector"), ratified by the industry in 1999 and one of the most used in the world. Preferably, the LC connectors at the distal ends of the cores are a single piece, or unibody, which makes them much more resistant to pulls and tensions generated by traction in general. According to different particular embodiments, LC connectors have a stop on their outer surface, acting as a brake that prevents the LC connector from being inserted too far into the connection, while also ensuring fixation by clipping. Furthermore, to facilitate quick identification of each core, each LC connector end cap has a differently colored element. These colored elements on the connectors facilitate rapid identification of each core, but avoid having to manufacture each LC connector in a different color, as is currently the case, which increases the cost of the process and the final assembly. Additionally, the assembly features an individual sheath for each core, extending from the distribution element outlet to its corresponding LC connector at the distal end. Each of these individual sheaths comprises an internal helical metal tube that separately encases each core, an outer layer of elastomeric polymer acting as an outer sleeve, and an intermediate layer of aramid fiber sandwiched between the helical metal tube and the outer sheath. This aramid layer reinforces the tensile strength of each core. Preferably the helical metal tube of the individual coatings is made of stainless steel, although it could be made of another material that meets the necessary requirements of crush resistance and tensile flexibility. Also, preferably, the outer layer of the individual coatings can be made of elastomeric polyurethane. Specifically, Kevlar® may be used for the intermediate aramid layer of individual coatings, although other alternatives will be possible as long as they meet the mechanical and thermal resistance requirements. Furthermore, the coating of the fiber optic cable that reaches the distribution element is preferably made of polyurethane. In this way, the main fiber optic cable reaches the distribution element, or fan-out. This fiber optic cable has a coating, preferably polyurethane (PUR), which provides the assembly with a first layer of mechanical protection and resistance against external agents. Inside the distribution element or fan-out, the different cores of the fiber optic cable (generally four cores, as mentioned previously) are separated for connection to different channels using connectors located at their ends. The distribution element contains multiple rings for securing the fiber optic cable and the individual cores separately, thus preventing them from coming loose. These rings are crimped to both the fiber optic cable and the individual cores using appropriate crimping tools.These rings also allow for clearance of the cores inside the distribution element or fan-out between the fixings, preventing these cores from being under tension, and thus further reducing the risk of breakage inside the distribution element. At the outlet of the distribution element, each of these four cores is coated with a covering consisting of an internal helical metal tube, an outer layer of elastomeric polymer, and an intermediate layer made of aramid. To do this, the conventional individual coating of RGBY-colored LSZH material is first removed from the core sections extending from the distribution element to the connectors. This allows the core dimensions to be adapted to the new coatings, which then replace the conventional RGBY individual coatings on each core from the outlet of the distribution element to the connectors. Removing these RGBY coatings leaves the cores with some play within the fan-out unit. This play is corrected using metal rings, preferably aluminum, which are crimped to the cores with a specific tool. The two parts of the fan-out unit are then threaded together, with these rings acting as a firm stop, securing the cores in place and preventing movement. The closure can be further reinforced with a two-component adhesive, preventing any accidental opening of the assembly. Furthermore, the novel coating of the present invention provides the fiber optic cable cores with enhanced protection thanks to each of its components. The helical metal tube, with its concentrated curve, prevents longitudinal stretching and protects against crushing. The intermediate aramid layer acts as a tensile barrier, offering the assembly an excellent combination of structural rigidity and flexibility. And the outer layer seals and consolidates the assembly, also providing an aesthetically pleasing and robust finish. In this way, the coating mechanically secures the cores without compromising their integrity, in addition to providing tensile strength not found in current coatings, guaranteeing a permanent, robust, and reliable assembly that will not break anywhere and will be long-lasting. Brief description of the drawings Next, to facilitate understanding of the invention, an embodiment of the invention will be described by way of illustration, but not limitation, which refers to a series of figures. Figure 1 shows four cores coated using a conventional state-of-the-art helical tube. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a helical metal tube of the coating that is the subject of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section of an embodiment of the coating that is the subject of the present invention, showing its components. Figure 4 is a cross-section through plane AA of the covering of Figure 3. Figure 5 shows a view of the coating of Figures 3 and 4 in which the helical metal tube and the intermediate aramid layer protrude from the outer layer. Figure 6 shows the coating of Figures 3 to 5 in section, arranged on a fiber optic cable core. Figure 7 shows the final assembly of the coatings on four optical fiber cable cores. Figure 8 shows a complete schematic representation of the wiring assembly that is the subject of the present invention with the separate distribution element components, showing the essential elements. These figures refer to a set of elements which are: 1. Optical fiber cores 2. Individual coating of each of the cores 3. Helical metal tube with individual coating 4. outer layer of the individual coating 5. Intermediate layer of the individual coating 6. distribution element 7. Fiber optic cable 8. Fiber optic cable sheathing 9. LC connectors of the cores 10. Distribution element rings 11. LC connector stop 12. Differentiating color element of the bumpers 13 numbered rings Detailed description of the invention The object of the present invention is an optical fiber cabling assembly. As can be seen in the figures, the fiber optic cabling assembly includes an optical fiber cable 7 that enters a distribution element 6 or fan-out, and a plurality of optical fiber cores 1 that exit separately from said distribution element 6 for connection. The optical fiber cable 7 has a plurality of cores 1 and a cladding 8 that encloses them. The distribution element 6, or fan-out, has an input to which the optical fiber cable 7 is connected, and an output for each of the cable's cores 1, separated from each other for individual connection to different inputs of external elements. As shown in Figure 8, the distribution element 6 contains a plurality of rings 10 for securing the optical fiber cable 7 and the individual cores 1 separately, thus preventing them from coming loose from the distribution element 6 due to stretching, pulling, or any other type of stress. Figure 8 shows these rings 10 in detail, which, once the assembly is complete, remain inside the distribution element. The rings 10 are crimped to both the optical fiber cable 7 and the individual cores 1 using appropriate crimping tools.As can be seen in Figure 8, these rings 10 provide the advantage that there can be clearance between the fixings of the cores 1 inside the distribution element 6 or fan-out, preventing the cores 10 from being under tension in this section, and reducing the risk of breakage inside the distribution element 6. For connection to different external device inputs, each of the cores 1 has an LC connector 9 at its distal end, as shown in figures 6, 7 and 8. Preferably, the LC 9 connectors at the distal ends of the cores 1 are made in one piece, called unibody, which gives them greater resistance to pulls and tensions generated by traction. According to different particular embodiments, the LC 9 connectors have on their outer surface a stop 11, as a brake that prevents the LC 9 connector from being inserted too far into the connection, while also ensuring the connection is secured by clipping. Furthermore, preferably, to facilitate the rapid identification of each of the cores 1, each stop 11 of the LC connectors features a differentiating color element 12, facilitating the identification of each core 1 while avoiding the manufacture of colored connectors, which increases the cost of the process and the resulting assembly. Additionally, also preferably, each core 1 may have a numbered ring 13, also identifying each core 1, at its ends, near the LC connectors 9. Figure 8 shows these differentiating color elements 12 and numbered rings 13 identifying each core 1. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the individual coating 2 for each of the cores 1 consists of an inner helical metal tube 3 that separately covers each of the cores 1, an outer layer 4 made of elastomeric polymer that acts as an outer sheath, and an intermediate layer 5 made of aramid, which is arranged between the helical metal tube 3 and the outer layer 4. Figures 3 to 5 show an embodiment of the individual coating 2 showing its different layers 3, 4, 5. Figures 6 and 7 show the individual coating 2 arranged on an optical fiber core 1. Preferably, the helical metal tube 3 is made of stainless steel, although it could be made of another material that meets the necessary requirements for mechanical strength, primarily resistance to crushing, and to all possible stresses to which the core 1 may be subjected. Furthermore, the helical metal tube 3 provides flexibility under tension and torsion. Figure 2 shows a particular embodiment of the helical metal tube 3. Also, preferably the outer layer 4 of the individual coatings 2 could be made of elastomeric polyurethane (PUR). Specifically, Kevlar® may be used for the intermediate aramid layer 5, although other alternatives will be possible as long as they meet the mechanical and thermal resistance requirements.

Claims

1. Optical fiber cabling assembly, characterized in that it comprises - an optical fiber cable (7) comprising a plurality of cores (1) and a cladding (8), - a distribution element (6) comprising an input to which the optical fiber cable (7) is connected and an output for each of the cores (1) separated from each other, said distribution element (6) comprising internally a plurality of rings (10) for fixing the optical fiber cable (7) and the individual cores (1) separately, - an LC connector (9) disposed at the distal end of each of the cores (1), and - an individual coating (2) for each of the cores (1) from the output of the distribution element (6) to the corresponding LC connector (9), comprising an internal helical metallic tube (3) that separately covers each of the cores (1) of the optical fiber cable, an outer layer (4) made of elastomeric polymer,and an intermediate layer (5) made of aramid, arranged between the helical metal tube (3) and the outer layer (4).

2. Optical fiber cabling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the helical metal tube (3) of the individual coatings (2) is made of stainless steel.

3. Optical fiber cabling assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer layer (4) of the individual coatings (2) is made of elastomeric polyurethane.

4. Optical fiber cabling assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate layer (5) of the individual coatings (2) is made of Kevlar.

5. Optical fiber cabling assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coating (8) of the optical fiber cable (7) is made of polyurethane.

6. Optical fiber cabling assembly according to any of the preceding claims,wherein the LC connectors (9) at the distal ends of the cores (1) are one-piece.

7. Optical fiber cabling assembly according to claim 6, wherein the LC connectors (9) have a stop (11) on their outer surface.

8. Optical fiber cabling assembly according to claim 7, wherein each of the stops (11) of LC connectors (9) comprises a color-coded element (12) that identifies the core (1) on which it is arranged.

9. Optical fiber cabling assembly according to claim 7, wherein each of the cores (1) comprises a numbered identification ring (13).