JP2006009811A - Flexible tube and optical fiber bundle using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flexible pipe excellent in flexibility, small in bending radius, and long in product life and an optical fiber bundle using the flexible tube. <P>SOLUTION: This flexible tube 100 comprises an extensible flexible tube body 120 having recessed and protruded parts alternately formed therearound along the longitudinal direction and a protective tube 110 formed to cover the flexible tube body 120 and smoothly formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof. The flexible tube body 120 is characterized in that it is covered and held by the protective tube 110 in the state of having a length between the maximum length and the minimum length thereof. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a flexible tube and an optical fiber bundle using the same.

  In recent years, as an optical communication cable widely used, for example, an optical fiber bundle made of a metal or a flexible tube is used because an optical fiber made of quartz or plastic is weak in strength. Commonly used.

  As a flexible tube used for this optical fiber bundle, for example, a flexible tube described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the flexible tube 400 described in Patent Document 1. FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the portion indicated by XX in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an S-shaped metal plate 421 used for the flexible tube 400.

  FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing that the flexible tube 400 is manufactured by covering the outer peripheral surface of the metal tube 420 with the covering member 410 using a resin extrusion molding machine.

  The flexible tube 400 is manufactured by, for example, the following general method.

  First, for example, the galvanized belt-like metal plate 421 is formed in a substantially S-shaped cross section including a concave portion 421a and a convex portion 421b. The lengths (L1, L2) of the concave portions 421a and the convex portions 421b are asymmetric, and the length (L2) of the convex portions 421b is formed to be 0.9 times or less the length (L1) of the concave portions 421a.

  The outer side 421c of the concave part 421a of the metal plate 421 and the inner side 421d of the convex part 421b of the other metal plate 421 are brought into contact with each other, and the inner side 421e of the convex part 421b and the inner side 421f of the concave part 421a are space 422. The metal tube 420 is manufactured in which the concave portion 420a is formed on the outer peripheral surface and the spiral groove 420b is formed on the inner peripheral portion.

  That is, the S-shaped metal plate 421 is asymmetric with the lengths of the concave portion 421a and the convex portion 421b being different, and the length (L2) of the convex portion 421b is 0.9 times or less the length (L1) of the concave portion 421a By using this, a recess 420 a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the metal tube 420.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the outer peripheral surface of the metal tube 420 is covered with a covering member 410 such as a synthetic resin by a resin extrusion molding machine. Before the resin extrusion molding machine, the metal plate of the metal tube 420 is covered. A device (not shown) for reducing the pitch of 421 is installed.

  Therefore, the metal tube 420 is pulled out from the die 423 while maintaining an appropriate negative pressure state through a vacuum pump (not shown) while the pitch of the metal plates 421 is reduced, and is melted in a resin melting portion (not shown). The resin is sprayed to the outer periphery of the metal tube 420 through the conduit 424 and filled in the concave portion 420a of the metal tube. Thus, the flexible tube 400 is manufactured by covering the metal plate 421 with the covering member 410 in a state where the pitch is uniform.

  Since the flexible tube 400 manufactured by the above method is a tube having a space 422, when the flexible tube 400 is curved as shown in FIG. 13, an S-shaped metal plate is formed by the space 422. Since 421 becomes a floating state and can be bent flexibly, its radius of curvature can be reduced, and excessive stress can be prevented from occurring in the metal tube 420, so that the flexible tube 400 can be bent over a long period of time. It is described as being.

  Moreover, as an example of the flexible tube for other optical fiber bundles, for example, the flexible tube described in Patent Document 2 can be cited.

  FIG. 14 is a left front view of the flexible tube 500 described in Patent Document 2. FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a front sectional view of the flexible tube 500.

  FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged view of a side cross-section of the flexible tube 500.

  FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a manufacturing process in which the metal tube 520 is covered with the covering member 510.

  FIG. 18 is a front sectional view of the flexible tube 500 in a curved state.

  The flexible tube 500 is manufactured by, for example, the following general method.

  First, for example, a galvanized belt-like metal plate 521 is formed to have a substantially S-shaped cross section, and a downward rear side edge 521a on the other side edge of the metal plate 521 is directed upward on the other side edge of the metal plate 521. The front edge portion 521b is overlapped, and the sealing material 530 is compressed in the overlapping portion and spirally wound, so that the concave portion 520a is formed on the outer peripheral surface and the spiral groove 540 is formed on the inner peripheral portion. A metal tube 520 is formed. The metal tube 520 formed by overlapping the S-shaped metal plates 521 has a ratio of L1 = 2 mm and L2 = 4 mm.

  Next, the outer peripheral surface of the metal tube 520 is covered with a covering member 510 such as a synthetic resin by a resin extrusion molding machine. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the inside of the metal tube 520 is extracted from the die 560 through a vacuum pump (not shown) while maintaining an appropriate negative pressure state, and dissolved in a resin melting portion (not shown). The formed resin is ejected to the outer periphery of the metal tube 520 through the conduit 550, and the metal tube 520 is covered with the covering member 510. The covering member 510 has a convex portion 510d (L3 = 0.3 to 1.2 mm) so as to bite into the concave portion 520a of the metal tube 520, and a slight concave portion 510b on the outer peripheral surface of the covering member 510. Form to form.

As described above, the covering member 510 in the flexible tube 500 has a convex portion 510d having a depth that forms a space below the concave portion 520a by controlling the negative pressure in the metal tube 520, and a uniform and slight amount on the outer periphery. Filling can be performed in a state where the recess 510b having a sufficient depth is formed. As a result, when the flexible tube 500 is bent, uniform wrinkles are formed inside the flexible tube 500, so that the movable characteristics (the state in which the flexible tube 500 does not return to the original state after being bent) are improved. Further, since the convex portion 510d formed in the concave portion 520a of the flexible tube 500 is shallow, when the flexible tube 500 is bent, the convex portion 510d is formed inside the flexible tube 500 from the concave portion 520a of the metal tube 520. Since it protrudes (see Y point), it is described that it is curved with the same radius of curvature as the metal tube 520, and the curvature (radius of curvature R) can be reduced.
JP 2004-76768 A JP 2002-228060 A

  However, in the flexible tube 400, since the inner side 421d and the outer side 421c are in contact with each other, the flexible tube 400 can be extended but cannot be contracted. Therefore, the flexible tube 400 has a problem that its radius of curvature is large and its flexibility is poor. In addition, since the covering member 410 is in close contact with the metal tube 420 and is formed so as to enter the recess 420a, when the flexible tube 400 is bent, a large resistance is applied to the metal tube 420, and the metal tube 420 is applied. The deterioration of the is severe. Therefore, the flexible tube 400 has a problem that the product life is short.

  On the other hand, in the flexible tube 500, since the metal tube 520 has the spiral groove 540 and the recessed portion 520a, the flexible tube 500 can be expanded or contracted. However, the covering member 510 is formed so as to sink into the metal tube 520, and a convex portion 510d is formed. Therefore, when the flexible tube 500 is bent, the convex portion 510 d of the covering member 510 is sandwiched between the concave portion 520 a of the metal tube 520, so that resistance is applied to the metal tube 520. Further, since the sealing material 530 is provided on the metal tube 510, when the flexible tube 500 is bent, the sealing material 530 is pressed by the metal tube 520, while a large stress is generated on the metal tube 520. Therefore, the flexible tube 500 lacks flexibility and has a problem that the radius of curvature is large. Further, when the flexible tube 500 is bent, a large stress is generated in the metal tube 520, so that the metal tube 520 is severely deteriorated. Therefore, the flexible tube 500 has a problem that the product life is short.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a flexible tube having excellent flexibility, a small radius of curvature, and a long product life.

The flexible tube according to the present invention includes a flexible tube main body that can be expanded and contracted, wherein recesses and projections are alternately formed on the outer periphery along the length direction.
A protective tube provided so as to cover the flexible tube main body and having a smooth inner peripheral surface;
With
The flexible tube main body is covered and held by the protective tube in a state having a length between the maximum length and the shortest length.

  According to the flexible tube of the present invention, the inner surface of the protective tube is formed as a smooth surface. Therefore, even when the flexible tube is expanded and contracted, the protective tube is not sandwiched between the concave portions formed in the flexible tube main body. Therefore, even when the flexible tube according to the present invention is bent, no stress is generated between the protective tube and the flexible tube main body. Therefore, deterioration of the flexible tube main body is effectively suppressed, and a flexible tube having a long product life can be realized. In addition, as described above, since no stress is generated in the flexible tube body when the flexible tube is bent, the flexible tube according to the present invention has high bending performance and bends with a small radius of curvature. Can do.

  Further, according to the flexible tube of the present invention, the flexible tube main body is covered and held by the protective tube in a state having a length between the maximum length and the shortest length, that is, in a slightly contracted state. . Therefore, the flexible tube main body is configured to be able to expand and contract. Therefore, this flexible tube has higher flexibility.

  In the flexible tube according to the present invention, the flexible tube body may be a tube in which a strip-like material having engaging portions on both side ends is provided in a spiral shape and adjacent engaging portions are locked together. It doesn't matter.

  The flexible tube according to the present invention further includes an internal insertion tube that is inserted into the flexible tube main body and that restricts the extension of the flexible tube main body by fixing both ends of the flexible tube main body. It may be a flexible tube characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, the extension of the flexible tube main body is regulated by the internal insertion tube. Therefore, the flexible tube can regulate the extension. Therefore, by using this flexible tube, it is possible to effectively suppress the generation of tensile stress in the member that is covered and protected by this flexible tube. For example, by using this flexible tube for the optical fiber bundle, it is possible to effectively suppress the generation of tensile stress in the internal optical fiber, and it is possible to effectively suppress the disconnection of the optical fiber.

An optical fiber bundle according to the present invention includes one or a plurality of optical fibers,
A flexible tube provided to cover the optical fiber;
With
The flexible tube includes an extensible flexible tube main body in which concave portions and convex portions are alternately formed along the length direction on the outer periphery, and an inner peripheral surface provided to cover the flexible tube main body. A protective tube formed smoothly,
The flexible tube main body is covered and held by the protective tube in a state having a length between the maximum length and the shortest length.

  As for the flexible tube which the optical fiber bundle of this invention has, the inner surface of a protection tube is formed in the smooth surface. Therefore, even when the flexible tube is expanded and contracted, the protective tube is not sandwiched between the concave portions formed in the flexible tube main body. Therefore, in this flexible tube, even when it is bent, no stress is generated between the protective tube and the flexible tube main body. In addition, as described above, since no stress is generated in the flexible tube body when the flexible tube is bent, the flexible tube has high bending performance and can be bent with a small radius of curvature.

  Further, according to this flexible tube, the flexible tube main body is covered and held by the protective tube in a state having a length between the maximum length and the shortest length, that is, in a slightly contracted state. Therefore, the flexible tube main body is configured to be able to expand and contract. Therefore, this flexible tube has higher flexibility.

  As described above, the flexible tube included in the optical fiber bundle of the present invention has high flexibility and a small bending radius, and stress is generated inside when bent. It has a long product life. Therefore, the optical fiber bundle of the present invention has high flexibility, a small bending radius, and a long product life.

  The optical fiber bundle according to the present invention further includes an internal insertion tube that is inserted into the flexible tube main body and that restricts the extension of the flexible tube main body by fixing both ends of the flexible tube main body. Of course, it doesn't matter.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to effectively suppress the extension of the flexible tube. Therefore, by using this flexible tube, it is effective that the tensile stress is generated in the member that is covered and protected by the flexible tube. Can be suppressed. For example, by using this flexible tube for the optical fiber bundle, it is possible to effectively suppress the generation of tensile stress in the internal optical fiber, and it is possible to effectively suppress the disconnection of the optical fiber.

Moreover, the manufacturing method of the flexible tube which concerns on this invention coat | covers the flexible tube main body by which the expansion-contraction flexible tube main body by which the recessed part and the convex part were alternately formed along the length direction on the outer periphery, and this flexible tube main body And a protective tube having a smooth inner peripheral surface, and a manufacturing method of a flexible tube,
The flexible tube body is inserted into a protective tube so that the flexible tube body has a length between a maximum length and a shortest length.

  According to the manufacturing method according to the present invention, a flexible tube having a protective tube with a flat inner peripheral surface can be manufactured. Therefore, even if the flexible tube manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the present invention is expanded and contracted, the protective tube is not sandwiched between the recesses formed in the flexible tube main body. Therefore, in the flexible tube manufactured by this manufacturing method, no stress is generated between the protective tube and the flexible tube body even when it is bent. Therefore, the flexible tube main body can be effectively prevented from being deteriorated and a flexible tube having a long product life can be realized. In addition, as described above, since no stress is generated in the flexible tube body when the flexible tube is bent, the flexible tube manufactured by this manufacturing method has high bending performance and has a small radius of curvature. Can be bent.

  Moreover, according to the manufacturing method which concerns on this invention, a flexible tube main body is inserted in a protection tube so that it may be in the state which has the length between the maximum length and the shortest length. Therefore, the flexible tube main body is configured to be able to expand and contract. Therefore, according to this manufacturing method, a flexible tube having high flexibility can be realized.

  The flexible tube manufacturing method according to the present invention may be characterized in that the flexible tube body is inserted into the protective tube in a liquid.

  According to this manufacturing method, the liquid functions as a lubricating oil when the flexible tube body is inserted into the protective tube. Therefore, the flexible tube body can be smoothly inserted into the protective tube. Further, since the resistance when inserting the flexible tube main body into the protective tube is small, according to this manufacturing method, the flexible tube main body is inserted into the protective tube having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible tube main body. Moreover, the length of the flexible tube body inserted into the protective tube can be adjusted by changing the inner diameter of the protective tube.

  Moreover, the manufacturing method of the flexible tube which concerns on this invention may be characterized by the said liquid having volatility.

  According to this manufacturing method, after the flexible tube is manufactured, the liquid used when the flexible tube main body is inserted into the protective tube is volatilized by drying, and the liquid remains in the manufactured flexible tube. Can be effectively prevented.

  The flexible tube manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that a lubricant is interposed between the flexible tube main body and the protective tube to insert the flexible tube main body into the protective tube. It doesn't matter if you do it.

  According to this manufacturing method, when the flexible tube main body is inserted into the protective tube, the lubricant is interposed between the flexible tube main body and the protective tube. Therefore, the flexible tube main body can be smoothly inserted into the protective tube. Further, since the resistance when inserting the flexible tube main body into the protective tube is small, according to this manufacturing method, the flexible tube main body is inserted into the protective tube having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible tube main body. Moreover, the length of the flexible tube body inserted into the protective tube can be adjusted by changing the inner diameter of the protective tube.

  Moreover, the manufacturing method of the flexible tube which concerns on this invention may be characterized by the said lubricant having volatility.

  According to this manufacturing method, after the flexible tube is manufactured, the liquid used when the flexible tube main body is inserted into the protective tube is volatilized by drying, and the liquid remains in the manufactured flexible tube. Can be effectively prevented.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the inner peripheral surface of the protective tube is formed smoothly and the flexible tube body has a length between the maximum length and the shortest length. Therefore, high flexibility, a small radius of curvature, and a long product life can be realized.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a flexible tube 100 according to a first embodiment.

  2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the II-II portion of FIG. 1 when the flexible tube 100 is bent.

  The flexible tube 100 includes a flexible tube main body 120 and a protective tube 110 provided so as to cover the flexible tube main body 120.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the flexible tube main body 120 is formed in an S-shaped cross section, and a strip-like material having both end portions formed in an engaging portion is provided in a spiral shape, and is adjacently engaged. This is a tube in which the portions are locked to each other, and is configured as an expandable and contractible spiral tube in which concave portions and convex portions are alternately formed along the length direction on the outer periphery. Note that the shape of the engaging portion of the flexible tube main body 120 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 2A. For example, as shown in FIG. Of course, it does not matter even if it is configured in a letter shape. Further, the flexible tube main body 120 is not limited to these configurations as long as the flexible tube main body 120 can be expanded and contracted, and concave portions and convex portions are alternately formed along the length direction on the outer periphery. Good.

  Examples of the material of the flexible tube main body 120 include stainless steel (SUS), but are not limited thereto.

  The protective tube 110 has a smooth inner surface. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the protective tube 110 is not sandwiched between recesses formed in a spiral shape on the outer periphery of the flexible tube main body 120. Therefore, the flexible tube 100 is highly flexible and has a small radius of curvature. Even when bent, stress does not occur in the flexible tube main body 120 unlike when the protective tube 110 is sandwiched between the recesses. Therefore, the flexible tube 100 has a long product life.

  Examples of the material of the protective tube 110 include silicon rubber and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but are not limited thereto.

  In this flexible tube 100, the flexible tube main body 120 is covered and held by the protective tube 110 so as to have a length between the maximum length and the shortest length. Therefore, the flexible tube main body 120 can be expanded or contracted. Therefore, the flexible tube 100 has higher flexibility.

  Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the flexible tube 100 will be described.

  The manufacturing method of the flexible tube main body 120 is not limited in any way. For example, the cross section is formed in an S shape, and a belt-like material such as stainless steel having engaging portions on both side ends is engaged with the engaging portions. Then, it can be manufactured by forming a spiral while being locked.

  The flexible tube 100 can be manufactured by inserting the flexible tube body 120 manufactured in this way into a separately prepared protective tube 110 made of silicon or the like.

  The flexible tube main body 120 may be inserted into the protective tube 110 in a liquid such as methanol, for example. By inserting in the liquid, it is possible to suppress frictional resistance and the like when inserting, and the flexible tube main body 120 can be smoothly inserted into the protective tube 110. Moreover, by performing in liquid, it becomes possible to insert in the protective tube 110 which has a slightly smaller inner diameter than the outer diameter of the flexible tube main body 120. For example, the length of the flexible tube main body 120 inserted into the protective tube 110 can be adjusted by adjusting the inner diameter of the protective tube 110 within a range smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible tube main body 120. The flexibility of the tube 100 can be adjusted.

  Although the liquid used when inserting the flexible tube main body 120 into the protective tube 110 is not limited at all, for example, it is more preferable to use a volatile liquid such as methanol or ethanol. This is because when a volatile liquid is used, the flexible tube main body 120 is inserted into the protective tube 110 and then dried, so that the liquid used at the time of insertion does not remain in the manufactured flexible tube 100.

  Further, the flexible tube main body 120 may be inserted into the protective tube 110 with a lubricant interposed between the flexible tube main body 120 and the protective tube 110. In this case, as in the case of insertion in the liquid, the frictional resistance generated when the flexible tube main body 120 is inserted into the protective tube 110 can be effectively suppressed. An effect is obtained.

  Examples of the lubricant used when the flexible tube main body 120 is inserted into the protective tube 110 include liquids such as methanol and ethanol, and powders such as talc (talc), but are not limited thereto. Absent. Further, as the lubricant, it is more preferable to use a volatile material such as methanol or ethanol. This is because when a volatile lubricant is used, the liquid used at the time of insertion does not remain in the manufactured flexible tube 100 by drying the flexible tube main body 120 after it is inserted into the protective tube 110.

  (Embodiment 2) FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a flexible tube 200 according to Embodiment 2. FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the portion indicated by VV in FIG.

  The flexible tube 200 includes a flexible tube main body 220, an internal insertion tube 230 provided inside the flexible tube main body 220, and a protective tube 210 provided so as to cover the flexible tube main body. .

  The flexible tube main body 220 is a tube in which a cross-section is formed in an S-shape and a strip-like material having both end portions formed as an engagement portion is provided in a spiral shape and adjacent engagement portions are locked together. In addition, it is configured by an expandable and contractible spiral tube in which concave portions and convex portions are alternately formed along the length direction on the outer periphery. However, the flexible tube main body 220 is not limited to this configuration, and can be expanded and contracted, as long as the concave and convex portions are alternately formed along the length direction on the outer periphery. .

  Examples of the material of the flexible tube main body 220 include stainless steel (SUS), but are not limited thereto.

  The protective tube 210 has a smooth inner surface. Therefore, the protective tube 210 is not sandwiched between the concave portions formed in a spiral shape on the outer periphery of the flexible tube main body 220. Therefore, the flexible tube 200 is highly flexible and has a small radius of curvature. Even when bent, stress does not occur in the flexible tube main body 220 as in the case where the protective tube 210 is sandwiched between the recesses. Therefore, the flexible tube 200 has a long product life.

  Examples of the material of the protective tube 210 include silicon rubber and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but are not limited thereto.

  The internal insertion tube 230 is, for example, a spiral formed by providing a strip-like material having a cross-section formed in an S shape and having both end portions formed into engagement portions, and locking adjacent engagement portions. It is composed of a tube. However, the internal insertion tube 230 is not limited to this configuration and may be anything that can be expanded and contracted and bent.

  Examples of the material of the internal insertion tube 230 include stainless steel (SUS), but are not limited thereto.

  In the flexible tube 200, the inner insertion tube 230 is fixed to the flexible tube main body 220 in a fully extended state. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the flexible tube 200 from extending.

  In this flexible tube 200, the flexible tube main body 220 is covered and held by the protective tube 210 so as to have a length between the maximum length and the shortest length. Therefore, the flexible tube main body 220 can be expanded or contracted. Therefore, the flexible tube 200 has higher flexibility.

  (Third Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an optical fiber bundle 300 according to a third embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the VII-VII portion in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG.

  The optical fiber bundle 300 includes a flexible tube 330, connector metals 340 provided at both ends of the flexible tube 330, and one or a plurality of optical fibers 310 disposed inside the flexible tube 330. And a protective net 320 for protecting the optical fiber 310.

  The flexible tube 330 and the connector metal 340 are fixed with screws 350. The optical fiber 310 is bonded and fixed to the inner peripheral surface 340a of the connector metal 340 with an adhesive. Therefore, the flexible tube 330, the optical fiber 310, and the connector metal 340 are fixed to each other. The method for fixing the flexible tube 330, the optical fiber 310, and the connector metal 340 to each other is not limited to this method.

  Examples of the material of the connector metal 340 include stainless steel (SUS), but are not limited thereto.

  The protective net 320 has a function of effectively suppressing damage caused by contact of the optical fiber with the flexible tube main body 331 or the like. The protective net 320 can be made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or the like, but is not limited to this.

  The flexible tube 330 has the same structure as the flexible tube 100 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the flexible tube 330 has a long product life, excellent flexibility, and a small bending radius. Therefore, the optical fiber bundle 300 has high flexibility and a small bending radius. Further, even when the optical fiber bundle 300 is bent, the inability to stress the internal optical fiber 310 is effectively suppressed, and the breakage and disconnection of the optical fiber can be effectively suppressed. Therefore, the optical fiber bundle 300 has a long product life.

  The flexible tube 330 may further include an internal insertion tube that restricts the extension of the flexible tube main body 331. According to this configuration, extension of the optical fiber 310 is more effectively regulated, and damage and disconnection of the optical fiber can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to realize the optical fiber bundle 300 having a longer product life.

  When the internal insertion tube is further provided, both ends of the internal insertion tube and the flexible tube main body 331 can be fixed by screws 350, for example. However, the fixing of the inner insertion tube and the flexible tube main body 331 is not limited to this method as long as both ends of the tube can be securely fixed. Of course, a plurality of locations may be fixed by metal fasteners or adhesives.

  As described above, the flexible tube according to the present invention is suitable for an optical fiber bundle. However, the flexible tube according to the present invention is not limited to this application. For example, a protective tube such as a cord or a tube disposed in a movable part of a machine having a movable part such as an industrial robot. It can be widely used for such applications.

  As described above, the flexible tube and the optical fiber bundle according to the present invention have other excellent flexibility, a small radius of curvature, and a long product life, and are useful as components for semiconductor processing machines.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a flexible tube 100 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a general | schematic fragmentary sectional view of the II-II part of FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the II-II part of FIG. 1 when the flexible tube 100 is curved. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a flexible tube 200 according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the part shown by VV in FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an optical fiber bundle 300 according to Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the VII-VII part in FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the VIII-VIII part in FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flexible tube 400 described in Patent Document 1. FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the part shown by XX in FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an S-shaped metal plate 421 used for the flexible tube 400. FIG. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the place which manufactures the flexible tube 400 by covering the outer peripheral surface of the metal tube 420 with the coating | coated member 410 with a resin extrusion molding machine. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the place where the flexible tube 400 was curved. It is a left front view of the flexible tube 500 described in Patent Document 2. 2 is a front sectional view of a flexible tube 500. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of a side cross section of a flexible tube 500. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the manufacturing process which covers the metal tube 520 with the covering member 510. FIG. It is front sectional drawing of the curved state of the flexible tube.

Explanation of symbols

100, 200, 330, 400, 500 Flexible tube 110, 210, 332 Protective tube 120, 220, 331 Flexible tube body 230 Internal insertion tube 300 Optical fiber bundle 310 Optical fiber 320 Protective net 340 Connector metal 350 Screw 410, 510 Cover member 420, 520 Metal tube 421, 521 Metal plate 423, 560 Die 424, 550 Conduit 530 Sealing material 540 Spiral groove

Claims (9)

A flexible tube main body that can be expanded and contracted, with recesses and projections alternately formed along the length direction on the outer periphery,
A protective tube provided so as to cover the flexible tube main body, and having an inner peripheral surface formed smoothly;
A flexible tube comprising:
The flexible tube, wherein the flexible tube body is covered and held by the protective tube in a state having a length between a maximum length and a shortest length. The flexible tube according to claim 1,
The flexible tube body is a tube in which a strip-like material having engagement portions on both side ends is provided in a spiral shape and the adjacent engagement portions are locked with each other. The flexible tube according to claim 1,
A flexible tube, further comprising an internal insertion tube that is inserted into the flexible tube main body and that restricts the extension of the flexible tube main body by fixing both ends of the flexible tube main body. One or more optical fibers;
A flexible tube provided to cover the optical fiber;
An optical fiber bundle comprising:
The flexible tube includes an extensible flexible tube main body in which concave portions and convex portions are alternately formed along the length direction on the outer periphery, and an inner peripheral surface provided to cover the flexible tube main body. A protective tube formed smoothly,
The optical fiber bundle, wherein the flexible tube body is covered and held by the protective tube in a state having a length between a maximum length and a shortest length. Stretchable flexible tube main body in which concave and convex portions are alternately formed along the length direction on the outer periphery, and protection with a smooth inner peripheral surface provided to cover the flexible tube main body A flexible tube comprising a tube, comprising:
A method for manufacturing a flexible tube, comprising inserting the flexible tube body into a protective tube so that the flexible tube body has a length between a maximum length and a shortest length. In the manufacturing method of the flexible tube described in Claim 5,
A method for manufacturing a flexible tube, wherein the flexible tube main body is inserted into a protective tube in a liquid. In the manufacturing method of the flexible tube described in Claim 6,
A method for producing a flexible tube, wherein the liquid is volatile. In the manufacturing method of the flexible tube described in Claim 5,
A method for manufacturing a flexible tube, comprising inserting a lubricant into the protective tube between the flexible tube main body and the protective tube. In the manufacturing method of the flexible tube described in Claim 8,
A method for producing a flexible tube, wherein the lubricant has volatility.

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