GB2268814A - Composite electric and optical cable - Google Patents
Composite electric and optical cable Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2268814A GB2268814A GB9314910A GB9314910A GB2268814A GB 2268814 A GB2268814 A GB 2268814A GB 9314910 A GB9314910 A GB 9314910A GB 9314910 A GB9314910 A GB 9314910A GB 2268814 A GB2268814 A GB 2268814A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- cable
- optical fibre
- optical
- elements
- electric
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 19
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 title claims description 21
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012777 electrically insulating material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004642 Polyimide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- KAATUXNTWXVJKI-UHFFFAOYSA-N cypermethrin Chemical compound CC1(C)C(C=C(Cl)Cl)C1C(=O)OC(C#N)C1=CC=CC(OC=2C=CC=CC=2)=C1 KAATUXNTWXVJKI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052755 nonmetal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920001721 polyimide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002940 repellent Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000005871 repellent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
- G02B6/4401—Optical cables
- G02B6/4415—Cables for special applications
- G02B6/4416—Heterogeneous cables
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
- G02B6/4401—Optical cables
- G02B6/4415—Cables for special applications
- G02B6/4416—Heterogeneous cables
- G02B6/4422—Heterogeneous cables of the overhead type
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
- H01B11/00—Communication cables or conductors
- H01B11/22—Cables including at least one electrical conductor together with optical fibres
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Communication Cables (AREA)
Abstract
The cable comprises at least one each electric conductor element 2, optical fibre element 3 and flexible elongate reinforcing element 1 for enabling the cable to be suspended. The elements are each formed separately from one another and the cable has no overall jacket. The cable may be employed as a drop cable in which the electric and optical fibre elements may be easily separated without risk of damage and terminated at appropriate locations. The optical fibre element 3 may comprise one or more optical fibres 11 loosely housed in a plastics tube 10, or an empty tube 10 may be employed into which fibres are later introduced. <IMAGE>
Description
COMPOSITE ELECTRIC AND OPTICAL CABLE
This invention relates to a composite electric and optical cable.
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved composite electric and optical cable which is especially, but not exclusively, suitable for use as a drop cable, that is a cable whose electric and optical conductors can be readily fed to the premises of a consumer.
According to the invention, the improved composite electric and optical cable comprises at least one electric conductor element, at least one optical fibre element and at least one flexible elongate reinforcing element of high tensile strength, each of which elements is separately formed with respect to the other elements and are stranded together, and the cable having no overall jacket.
Where the improved composite electric and optical cable is to constitute a drop cable, preferably the improved composite cable comprises a single electric conductor element, a single optical fibre element and a single flexible elongate reinforcing element of high tensile strength stranded together.
By virtue of the fact that the elements of the improved composite drop cable are separately formed with respect to one another, installation and termination of the drop cable is substantially easier than is possible with composite drop cables hitherto proposed and used because each element of the composite cable can be readily separated from the other elements without the need to split or otherwise cut the cable. For example, the reinforcing element can be readily separated from the composite drop cable at the top of a pole, the electric conductor element can be readily separated at an existing electric terminal box and the remaining optical fibre element can be readily terminated at an optical terminal box.
The or each electric conductor element preferably comprises at least one pair of insulated electric conductors twisted or otherwise assembled together and surrounded by an overall sheath of electrically insulating material but it will be appreciated that the or each electric conductor element can be of any convenient form. The electric conductor element may incorporate a rip cord to facilitate access to the insulated conductors.
The or each optical fibre element preferably comprises at least one tube of rubber or plastics material having at least one optical fibre loosely housed in its bore but, again, it will be appreciated that the or each optical fibre element may be of any other convenient construction. The optical fibre element preferably includes one or more than one flexible elongate reinforcing member of high tensile strength peculiar to the optical fibre element.
The or each flexible elongate reinforcing element of high tensile strength may comprise one or more than one flexible elongate member of metal or non-metal and the elongate mentor or members may be mbedded in in overall layer of electrically insulating material.
Where the or each optical fibre element is to comprise at least one tube of rubber or plastics material having at least one optical fibre loosely housed in its bore, the or each optical fibre element of the improved composite cable may initially comprise at least one empty tube and an optical fibre or optical fibres can be accommodated in the bore of the tube by the "blowing-in" or another suitable technique after the composite cable has been installed.
Accordingly, the invention also a composite cable which comprises at least one electric conductor element, at least one optical fibre element comprising an empty tube of rubber or plastics material into which at least one optical fibre can be introduced, and at least one flexible elongate reinforcing element of high tensile strength, each of which elements is separately formed with respect to the other elements and are stranded together, and the cable having no overall jacket.
The invention further includes an electric and optical cable installation incorporating at least one improved composite electric and optical drop cable as hereinbefore described. In such an installation, the cable is suspended as an aerial cable by means of the or each elongate reinforcing element, the cable extending to a suspension point on or in the region of a building at which point the flexible reinforcing element is terminated, and the or each electric conductor element and optical fibre element extending beyond the suspension point to the building at which they are terminated, at least some of the optical fibre element(s) and electric conductor element(s) being separated along at least part of their length between the suspension point and their termination.
The invention is further illustrated, by way of example, by the accompanying drawing which shows a transverse cross sectional view of a preferred composite electric and optical drop cable.
Referring to the drawing a composite electric and optical drop cable comprises an elongate reinforcing element 1, an electric conductor element 2 and an optical fibre element 3.
The reinforcing element 1 comprises a strength member 5 formed from steel or a plastics material such as a polyimide and includes a plastics jacket 6. The electric conductor element comprises a pair of insulated electric conductors 7 that are enclosed in a plastics jacket 8, the element including a stripping thread 9 to enable the jacket 8 to be removed easily from the insulated conductors. The optical fibre element 3 comprises a plastics tube 10 in which a pair of jacketted optical fibres 11 are located. The space 12 surrounding the optical fibres may be empty or filled with a moisture repellent gel. The three elements 1, 2 and 3 are formed separately from one another and are stranded, the resulting cable not being provided with any overall jacket or sheath so that the elements can easily be separated.
In use the composite cable will be suspended at a point on or near a building, at which point the reinforcing element 1 is terminated, and the electric and optical fibre elements extend beyond the suspension point to the building where they are terminated at appropriate electric and optical termination boxes.
These boxes may be separated by a significant distance in which case the electric and optical fibre elements may easily be separated without the need to cut through any material along the length of the cable and risking damage to the cable.
Claims (7)
1. A composite electric and optical cable which comprises at least one electric conductor element, at least one optical fibre element and at least one flexible elongate reinforcing element of high tensile strength, each of which elements is separately formed with respect to the other elements and are stranded together, and the cable having no overall jacket.
2. A cable as claimed in claim 1 which comprises a single electric conductor element, a single optical fibre element and a single flexible elongate reinforcing element.
3. A cable as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the or each optical fibre element comprises at least one tube of rubber or plastics material having at least one optical fibre loosely housed in its bore.
4. A cable as claimed in claim 3, wherein the optical fibre element includes one or more flexible reinforcing members.
5. A composite cable which comprises at least one electric conductor element, at least one optical fibre element comprising an empty tube of rubber or plastics material into which at least one optical fibre can be introduced, and at least one flexible elongate reinforcing element of high tensile strength, each of which elements is separately formed with respect to the other elements and are stranded together, and the cable having no overall jacket.
6. A composite electric and optical cable substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawing.
7. A drop cable installation in which a cable as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 is suspended as an aerial cable by means of the or each elongate reinforcing element, the cable extending to a suspension point on or in the region of a building at which point the flexible reinforcing element is terminated, and the or each electric conductor element and optical fibre element extending beyond the suspension point to the building at which they are terminated, at least some of the optical fibre element(s) and electric conductor element(s) being separated along at least part of their length between the suspension point and their termination.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9314910A GB2268814B (en) | 1992-07-17 | 1993-07-19 | Composite electric and optical cable |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB929215217A GB9215217D0 (en) | 1992-07-17 | 1992-07-17 | Composite electric & optical cable |
| GB9314910A GB2268814B (en) | 1992-07-17 | 1993-07-19 | Composite electric and optical cable |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9314910D0 GB9314910D0 (en) | 1993-09-01 |
| GB2268814A true GB2268814A (en) | 1994-01-19 |
| GB2268814B GB2268814B (en) | 1995-10-11 |
Family
ID=26301267
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9314910A Expired - Fee Related GB2268814B (en) | 1992-07-17 | 1993-07-19 | Composite electric and optical cable |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2268814B (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE9404230U1 (en) * | 1994-03-12 | 1995-07-13 | Kerpenwerk GmbH & Co, 52224 Stolberg | Data transmission cable |
| GB2270992B (en) * | 1992-08-04 | 1995-12-20 | Pirelli General Plc | Cables having electrical conductors and optical fibres |
| US7783147B2 (en) * | 2001-11-19 | 2010-08-24 | Prysmian Cables & Systems Limited | Optical fibre drop cables |
| EP4211505A4 (en) * | 2020-09-14 | 2024-09-25 | Corning Res & Dev Corp | Bundled drop assembly having increased stiffness and subunit layers with unidirectional winding |
Citations (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2069746A (en) * | 1980-02-19 | 1981-08-26 | Standard Telephones Cables Ltd | Communications cables |
| GB1598438A (en) * | 1977-05-13 | 1981-09-23 | Bicc Ltd | Overhead electric transmission systems |
| GB1598540A (en) * | 1978-05-31 | 1981-09-23 | Ass Elect Ind | Electro-optical cables |
| EP0060061A1 (en) * | 1981-03-06 | 1982-09-15 | Bridon Limited | Strain cables |
| GB2123164A (en) * | 1982-06-11 | 1984-01-25 | Standard Telephones Cables Ltd | Optical fibre cables |
| GB2235575A (en) * | 1989-07-31 | 1991-03-06 | Matsushita Electronics Corp | A deflection yoke for a cathode ray tube |
| EP0443085A1 (en) * | 1990-02-17 | 1991-08-28 | Felten & Guilleaume Energietechnik AG | Electric overhead conductor with integrated light wave guides |
| US5054881A (en) * | 1988-12-20 | 1991-10-08 | Gte Northwest Incorporated | Submarine fiber optic cable assembly |
-
1993
- 1993-07-19 GB GB9314910A patent/GB2268814B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1598438A (en) * | 1977-05-13 | 1981-09-23 | Bicc Ltd | Overhead electric transmission systems |
| GB1598540A (en) * | 1978-05-31 | 1981-09-23 | Ass Elect Ind | Electro-optical cables |
| GB2069746A (en) * | 1980-02-19 | 1981-08-26 | Standard Telephones Cables Ltd | Communications cables |
| EP0060061A1 (en) * | 1981-03-06 | 1982-09-15 | Bridon Limited | Strain cables |
| GB2123164A (en) * | 1982-06-11 | 1984-01-25 | Standard Telephones Cables Ltd | Optical fibre cables |
| US5054881A (en) * | 1988-12-20 | 1991-10-08 | Gte Northwest Incorporated | Submarine fiber optic cable assembly |
| GB2235575A (en) * | 1989-07-31 | 1991-03-06 | Matsushita Electronics Corp | A deflection yoke for a cathode ray tube |
| EP0443085A1 (en) * | 1990-02-17 | 1991-08-28 | Felten & Guilleaume Energietechnik AG | Electric overhead conductor with integrated light wave guides |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2270992B (en) * | 1992-08-04 | 1995-12-20 | Pirelli General Plc | Cables having electrical conductors and optical fibres |
| DE9404230U1 (en) * | 1994-03-12 | 1995-07-13 | Kerpenwerk GmbH & Co, 52224 Stolberg | Data transmission cable |
| US7783147B2 (en) * | 2001-11-19 | 2010-08-24 | Prysmian Cables & Systems Limited | Optical fibre drop cables |
| EP4211505A4 (en) * | 2020-09-14 | 2024-09-25 | Corning Res & Dev Corp | Bundled drop assembly having increased stiffness and subunit layers with unidirectional winding |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9314910D0 (en) | 1993-09-01 |
| GB2268814B (en) | 1995-10-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 732E | Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977) | ||
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20030719 |