CN1073532A - Optical fiber component and preparation method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A kind of optical fiber component that is wound with optical fiber comprises the reel that twines many layers on it, all is made up of many fibre turns for every layer.This winding is to make the fibre turn that continues with the fibre turn of its front separately.It is the every optical fiber that makes on the 3rd layer and the more farther skin at interval, can be with two adjacent fibre turn tangent in the winding layer of front, and with a fibre turn tangent of next la m.In addition, follow each fibre turn in every layer after innermost layer, the optical fiber of one deck before all on the position of two less spacings, traversing across it and being right after, and make in the layer that continues those overlap on twisting surface around stagger mutually.Can reach fabulous density, coiling rigidity and stability.Can reduce and twine unusually.

Description

Optical fiber component and preparation method thereof

The application is for partly to be connected in the application that application number is No.07/708.414, and this application is with D.E.Fritz, and the name of C.J.Lever and D.E.West was submitted on May 31st, 1991.

The present invention relates to optical fiber component and preparation method thereof.

Representative is, draws and optical fiber that coated is crossed is successively fibre turn to be wound in such a manner on the plastics reel and rolling, so that the optical fiber end on each reel can be detected.Fiber drum after drawing and detecting is used to provide fibre ribbon subsequently and or offers stranding operation and device.

When rolling, must control coiling meticulously, and need low-tension to draw optical fiber in so that to optical fiber or it on the breaking-up of coated reduce to minimum, and with microcosmic and not the macrobending loss to the influence minimizing of transmission medium.Therefore, should make the winding tension minimum, and the distribution of optical fiber on the sleeve surface of crossing reel is controlled, so that needed optical fiber component profile to be provided, and in operation subsequently, be convenient to unwinding.

In prior art, several winding methods had been adopted.At first a kind of winding method is referred to as spiral and is close to coiling, wherein in every layer mutually in succession light circle be connected to one another.This can produce maximum bulk density, but in most of the cases, a circle in one deck, can occur and overlap in above the adjacent circle, the diameter in view of coated optical fiber very little (promptly about 250 microns) particularly, and optical fiber is in than low-tension and reels down when considering rolling.This crossover be referred to as to return around.And crossover can cause because the crooked undesirable loss that causes.

For overcome return around problem, adopted some steps.This can separate each other by the fibre turn of will reel in every layer and reach.Usually, this is about the order of magnitude of 1.2 to 1.4 times of fibre diameters behind the coated at interval.Yet this means to save the situation can cause some other problem.The optical fiber component that has been found that finished product do not resemble imagined firm, and this optical fiber component can damage in use usually.In addition, the density of this optical fiber component also can sustain damage.

In the optical fiber component of screw winding, also find another problem.Because each circle of coiling optical fiber is all angled with the Normal plane of reel sleeve axis, so it is inharmonious to understand appearance between the optical fiber of outermost turn and the reel edge that is wound with optical fiber on it in each layer.Consequently, a follow-up all layer part may be fallen in the gap between these outermost turn optical fiber and the edge, thereby can have problems when discharging optical fiber.

In order to overcome inharmonic problem between the fibre turn that reel edge and spiral shell lure coiling, prior art includes and is referred to as the canoe that orthogonal ring is reeled.At orthogonal ring near in reeling, continuous fibre turn is adjacent to each other, but around every fibre turn, give the allocation place, allow the fiber distribution device be shifted, so that on every fibre turn, produce the dislocation rank along the spool axis direction that almost parallel is wound with optical fiber thereon.

Although firmer low loss fiber assembly need be provided, as if the winding method that adopts can't reach this purpose at present.That look for subsequently and in prior art, as if also do not occur, be a kind of have fabulous stability, high density and low-loss optical fiber component.Such optical fiber component should be able to use the collecting device of localized variation to provide on existing reel.

According to the invention provides a kind of optical fiber component, in each layer, separate between per two adjacent fibre turns, so that the fibre turn that aligns each other along the plane perpendicular to twisting surface in its adjacent layer can intermesh; Follow with the innermost layer optical fiber of twisting surface engagement after every layer in, each fibre turn all has on the closely spaced position at two, the optical fiber of one deck before traversing across it and being right after, and make those crossovers in the layer that continues is in staggering mutually on every side of twisting surface.

The method that constitutes optical fiber component is characterised in that: each layer all comprises many fibre turns; Per two adjacent fibre turns in every layer all are separated from each other, so that the fibre turn that aligns each other along the plane perpendicular to twisting surface in the adjacent layer can intermesh; Follow with the innermost layer optical fiber of twisting surface engagement after every layer in, each fibre turn all has on the closely spaced position at two, the optical fiber of one deck before traversing across it and being right after, and make those crossovers in the layer that continues is in staggering mutually on every side of twisting surface.

Fig. 1 represents the part of the initial one deck optical fiber of optical fiber component of the present invention wire turn;

Fig. 2 is the front elevation of optical fiber component a part of initiation layer partly of prior art;

Fig. 3 is the front elevation of optical fiber component a part of initiation layer partly of another kind of prior art;

Fig. 4 is optical fiber component that Fig. 1 the looks local schematic section that amplifies, it represents to be wound on the fibre turn of each layer in the multilayer fibers on the figure cylindricality twisting surface of reel with the form of xsect, and reel is to extend between the inner surface of its tapered edge;

Fig. 5 is the detail drawing of roll of optical fiber around arrangement, its expression one deck fibre turn crossover position on preceding one deck optical fiber;

The end face front elevation of reel when crossover occurring during Fig. 6 arranges for reeling in prior art;

Fig. 7 and 8 arranges skeleton view and faces detail view for coiling of the present invention, staggers around reel in crossover position wherein;

Crossover that Fig. 9 and 10 staggers for optical fiber component of the present invention is arranged front elevation and the planimetric map that has amplified;

Figure 11 is the partial front elevation view of reel, and this reel has the inner edge surface with its coiling axis normal, and has with interlock method and twine fiber facet on it, and

Figure 12 is the partial front elevation view of reel, and this reel has the fibre turn that forms countersunk arrangement along an end of twisting surface, and the fibre turn that is had twines by interlock method.

Referring now to Fig. 1,, represented is a part of summarizing with the optical fiber component of numbering 20 expressions, gives comprising many fibre turn 21-21 that are made of optical fiber 22 surely, and comprises the one or more layer coated that are configured on many layer optical fiber 24-24.In Fig. 1, the represented just part of initiation layer 24.This optical fiber component 20 includes reel 23, and 23 on reel comprises sleeve 26, and it comprises columniform twisting surface 25 again in represented embodiment.The diameter of the twisting surface of sleeve 26 is at least about 200 times of the optical fiber external diameter on it of equaling to be reeled.Twisting surface extends between two edge 27-27, only expresses one of two edges among Fig. 1.Each bar edge 27 in the real example of the best all comprises a conical surface 29, and it connects with an outermost fibre turn 21-21 among each layer optical fiber 24-24.

As appreciable among Fig. 1, in twining, every fibre turn gives the fixed point place, and the divider (not shown) is to be striden into by the side along the direction that is parallel to reel 23 longitudinal axis 30.This all has the part 31 of a skew or dog leg with regard to each bar in the fibre turn.Such canoe just once adopted (referring to Fig. 2) in the past, was referred to as the orthogonal ring canoe.The differentiation of this orthogonal ring canoe, be for the major part that makes every fibre turn basically can both be with perpendicular to axis 30 and be configured in the edge and the plane parallel of sleeve junction.In other words, this spiral way is twined, and does not have this skew (referring to Fig. 3) in every fibre turn, just can occur inharmonious for those fibre turns of joining edge.

Should see also in Fig. 1,2 and 3 the contrast that the spiral that Fig. 2 and 3 orthogonal ring twine twines, and all is respectively the so-called coiling that is close to.In other words, adjacent fibre turn all is intermeshing in every layer.

Opposite with this winding method that is close to, the canoe of optical fiber component 20 of the present invention is such, and in the method for making this optical fiber component, fibre turn 21-21 separates according to so-called orthogonal ring interlocking canoe.Fibre turn on the optical fiber component 20 of the present invention does not still separate each other, and separates according to ad hoc fashion, so that carry out nested.As can seeing among Fig. 4, each circle is all represented the xsect of the fibre turn vertical with the optical fiber longitudinal axis, and adjacent fibre turn all separates like this in every layer, so that next each internal optical fiber circle of winding layer continuously, can both be with each the fibre turn tangent in two fibre turns in the winding layer that be right after in front.Consequently, follow with the innermost layer of twisting surface 25 engagement after each internal optical fiber circle of every layer of optical fiber, all be nested between the fibre turn of preceding one deck optical fiber.

In addition, it can also be seen that in Fig. 4 that this optical fiber component 20 has stronger rigidity.Following at the most inboard each layer after two-layer is to arrange like this, its each internal optical fiber circle is not only with the two fibre turn tangents that are right after the front winding layer, and a fibre turn engagement in the previous winding layer after two together, and along aligning perpendicular to the plane of twisting surface and the fibre turn that twines more later.

For example in Fig. 4, numbering 35 is used for representing the innermost layer of fibre turn, and has the index wire of stretching on the straight line that passes its fibre turn each several part center.Equally, which floor of continuing subsequently from twisting surface 25 outside fronts be numbering 37,39 and 42 be used to represent.As seeing at this, the circle 43-43 of optical fiber 22 on the optical fiber layer 35 is all with twisting surface 25 engagements.Each fibre turn 44 on the optical fiber layer 37 is all with each fibre turn engagement among the two adjacent fibre turn 43-43 on the optical fiber layer 35.Further in fact, after the most inboard two-layer optical fiber 35 and 37, follow each the internal optical fiber circle 45 in neighboring edge or outermost fibre turn back, not only with the two adjacent fibre turn engagements that are right after the front winding layer, and a fibre turn of the winding layers after two meshes together.For example, both with two adjacent fiber circle 47-47 engagements of winding layer 42, the fibre turn 49 with winding layer 39 meshed fibre turn 45 again.Advantage is that with respect to existing wound convolution, this can provide supported at three point to most fibre turn, consequently obtains tight nested stability altogether.When following when the most inboard each layer after two-layer all twines according to method of the present invention, between adjacent those fibre turns, the groove 46(that just provides nested usefulness is referring to Fig. 4 in each layer).

Follow after innermost layer and especially follow in the most inboard this arrangement after two-layer, can guarantee to form some grooves or hole (as they also can be described as), wherein each groove or hole all are suitable for admitting next fibre turn of layer that continues.Such arrangement is better than the arrangement of prior art, though what provide in prior art also is supported at three point, supported at three point wherein is not a symmetry, so all be unbalanced up to the next one adjacent winding in succession.What form sharp contrast is, in this arrangement, this symmetric support for each in succession each the internal optical fiber circle in the layer all connect airtight.

In order to reach high stability, the groove part of each nested usefulness must provide by specific mode.In most preferred embodiment, that represents among Fig. 4 is nested, finish by allowing center to center separate X, the distance X of separating between this adjacent fiber circle counterpart, should equal coefficient in 1.70 to 1.75 scopes with by the product of the coated fibre diameter of being reeled.

This coefficient is to be by geometric condition $\sqrt{3}$ Promptly 1.732 determine, and this is spaced apart the product of this coefficient that has certain tolerance limit and the coated fibre diameter of being reeled.By using the interval of using the adjacent fiber turn-to-turn at the above-mentioned coefficient that is about in 1.70 to 1.75 scopes as two supports, can make the nested minimum point of descending a fibre turn in one deck therebetween, will distribute along a straight line of stretching between the adjacent fiber circle cross-section center axis of these two support usefulness.And, by the summit of this nested fibre turn, will stretch that the straight line between the two adjacent fibre turn cross-section center axis distributes in next continues skin along one.

For example, return Fig. 4, this shows, the most inboard point of fibre turn 45 is that the straight line that passes the stretching, extension of fibre turn cross-section center in winding layer 42 distributes.Further in fact, fibre turn 45 outermost points are to distribute along passing the straight line that cross-section center stretches during the next one continues the skin that twines.

By piling up the optical fiber component that the foothold obtains, can be referred to as hexagon sealing bundle.This title is (referring to Fig. 4) that the internal optical fiber circle from every layer is drawn by 6 supports.

Go forward one deck top when going up when each optical fiber layer that continues is wound onto reel, each the fibre turn 50(in this layer is referring to Fig. 5), two fibre turns before will crossing usually in one deck twine.In other words, each fibre turn in each jointed fiber layer 51 is horizontally through the optical fiber of the fibre turn 52-52 that is right after in preceding one deck twice.In prior art, for the crossover position be spaced 180 ° (referring to Fig. 6) be representative.Further in fact, as shown in Figure 6, usual in prior art is that the crossover 53-53 in the layer that continues is radially aiming at sleeve 26.Consequently, on the position of two sharp outlines around optical fiber component, optical fiber can take place pile up.This when winding process be when outwards proceeding away from sleeve, attempting to twine out closely, optical fiber component just can have problems.

This problem in the prior art can be overcome by optical fiber component of the present invention.As seeing among Fig. 5, each fibre turn in every layer is dual laterally overlap in be right after before above the optical fiber in one deck, remain on each other closely to press close to.For example fibre turn 50(is referring to Fig. 5), be on intensive position 56 and 57, cross be right after before fibre turn 54 and 55 in one deck.Of course it is to be understood that by this crossover to cause that any outside protuberance of individual layer is fewer, because the ratio of the diameter that up till now proposed twisting surface and quilt coiling optical fiber external diameter is very large.

Further in fact, concentrate for fear of optical fiber to be deposited in arbitrary position around the optical fiber component,, stagger along aspect on every side (referring to Fig. 7-10) as some crossovers in the layer in succession.Fig. 7 represents as the displacement between the fibre turn crossover in the second layer and crossover of fibre turn in the i layer that continues and the ground floor.In Fig. 8, curve 61 is for being wrapped in layer track of crossover position that continue on the reel.As from appreciable Fig. 9 and 10, cross below it fibre turn 50-50 of optical fiber in one deck for twice, be that the crossover position of fibre turn in different all subsequently layers aligns, the crossover position 58 and 59 represented of Figure 10 for example.This winding is to stagger that those carry out the crossover position in layer in succession, and when twine be from one deck when one deck is proceeded down, allow these crossover positions center on circumference and move.

Have the reel of the part of expression in Fig. 1 and 4, wherein each all has the taper surface as the conical surface among Fig. 1 29, sleeve is connected on the outside at this edge.For the reel of optical fiber component of the present invention, also can adopt other structure.For example in Figure 11, reel 70 comprises the sleeve 72 that has coiling surface 74 and two edge 76-76.As this appreciable, the inner surface of each bar edge 76-76, all vertical with coiling surface.Consequently, the fibre turn in the outside in every layer all is in the state with this edge inner surface engagement.For example, the fibre turn 78-78 in the outside meshes with this edge 76-76 in the innermost layer 79.Among Fig. 4, this winding method is interlocked for another example, and the distance of separation of its center to center approximates 1.70 to 1.75 times of coated optical fiber external diameter.Consequently, follow preceding when twining after two-layer, between per two adjacent fibre turns, just provide the groove of nested usefulness when each layer, and each internal optical fiber circle, all be a center that the hexagon sealing is tied.

At last, optical fiber component of the present invention also can adopt the structure as representing among Figure 12.Reel 90 comprises a sleeve 92 that has coiling surface 94 and edge 95, and there is an inner surface vertical with sleeve at this edge 95.The opposite end of this sleeve is a belt edge not.Substitute as a kind of, winding layer is that ecto-entad is tapered, so that by outside gradually each of sleeve layer that continues, have fewer fibre turn.Further in fact, follow the most inboard two-layer after, each outermost fibre turn of contiguous boundless acies all is configured in the nested groove in every layer.Optical fiber component among Figure 12 also is stable especially.

Optical fiber component of the present invention can overcome the problem that exists in the prior art.They have the good stable degree to optical fiber, and every optical fiber all presents low-loss.In addition, compare with the optical fiber component of tight winding, its density also is very high, and than the close problem of much less far away that in optical fiber component, manifests.

In the past, the reel that is wound with optical fiber on it includes foamed material on the coiling surface of sleeve, acts on stress on the optical fiber with minimizing.Once determine, use optical fiber component canoe of the present invention, optical fiber can be wrapped on the surface such as the comparison hard-type of being manufactured by polymeric material and plastic material.In addition, the tension force that needs during winding needn't be low like that, thereby can reduce the needs to the opertaing device of costliness.

Sleeve on the optical fiber component reel of the present invention has been described and/or has been expressed as the figure cylindricality.Yet should be appreciated that the reel sleeve with other structure also can adopt the example such as truncated cone shape.

Claims (10)

1, a kind of optical fiber component that twines optical fiber, described optical fiber component comprises that having diameter equals to be wound the about 200 times twisting surface of optical fiber external diameter on it at least, and be wrapped in multilayer fibers around the above-mentioned surface, every layer of optical fiber comprises many fibre turns again, described optical fiber component is characterised in that: in each layer, the fibre turn that aligns each other along the plane perpendicular to twisting surface in its adjacent layer separates between per two adjacent fibre turns, so that can intermesh; Follow with the innermost layer optical fiber of twisting surface engagement after every layer in, each fibre turn all has on the closely spaced position at two, the optical fiber of one deck before traversing across it and being right after, and make those crossovers in the layer that continues is in staggering mutually on every side of twisting surface.

2, optical fiber component as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fibre turn is separated from each other, so that the distance in every layer between above-mentioned per two adjacent fiber circle counterpart centers, equal certain coefficient in 1.70 to 1.75 scopes and the product of optical fiber external diameter.

3, optical fiber component as claimed in claim 1, wherein said distance, be to make in every layer that follows after two innermost layers, each inner fibre turn all meshes with per two adjacent fibre turns in one deck before being right after, and is right after a fibre turn engagement of that layer before preceding one deck together.

4, optical fiber component as claimed in claim 1, optical fiber wherein is wrapped on the reel, and this reel has the cylindrical twisting surface that can stretch between two edges.

5, optical fiber component as claimed in claim 1, optical fiber wherein is wrapped on the reel, this reel only has an edge at an end of sleeve, and outermost fibre turn in each layer that continues of contiguous this sleeve non-flanged one end, all be to become step-like towards a marginate end from being right after last layer.

6, optical fiber component as claimed in claim 1, wherein each fibre turn give the allocation place, above-mentioned each fibre turn all is included in the skew between the contiguous above-mentioned two parts axis that gives above-mentioned each fibre turn in allocation place.

7, a kind of method that constitutes optical fiber component, this method comprises the step that the reel with twisting surface is provided, the diameter of this twisting surface equals to be wound about 200 times of optical fiber external diameter on it at least; And around the outside surface of above-mentioned reel, multilayer fibers in the winding, described method is characterised in that: each layer all comprises many fibre turns; Per two adjacent fibre turns in every layer all are separated from each other, so that the fibre turn that aligns each other along the plane perpendicular to twisting surface in the adjacent layer can intermesh; Follow with the innermost layer optical fiber of twisting surface engagement after every layer in, each fibre turn all has on the closely spaced position at two, the optical fiber of one deck before traversing across it and being right after, and make those crossovers in the layer that continues is in staggering mutually on every side of twisting surface.

8, method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said fibre turn is separated from each other, so that in the heart distance in above-mentioned per two adjacent fiber circle counterparts, equals a certain coefficient in 1.70 or 1.75 scopes and the product of optical fiber external diameter.

9, method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said distance, be to make in every layer that follows after two innermost layers, each inner fibre turn all meshes with per two adjacent fibre turns in one deck before being right after, and is right after a fibre turn engagement of that layer before preceding one deck together.

10, method as claimed in claim 7, wherein each fibre turn give the allocation place, above-mentioned each fibre turn all is included in the skew between the contiguous above-mentioned two parts axis that gives above-mentioned each fibre turn in allocation place.

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