JP3134750B2 - Optical fiber laying cable and fiber insertion pipe manufacturing equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cable provided with a fiber insertion pipe for inserting an optical fiber.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a LAN using optical communication has been constructed. For this purpose, a cable has been developed in which a normal electric wire and a fiber insertion pipe for passing an optical fiber are combined. This cable is laid beforehand at the required place in the building, and when passing optical fiber,
An air pouring method in which an optical fiber is flowed into the fiber insertion pipe of the cable together with the pressurized air is adopted.

[0003]

However, when an optical fiber is inserted by the above-described air pouring method, it is necessary to supply a sufficient amount of air to float and transfer the optical fiber. If it is long, considerably high pressure air will be sent into the pipe.

[0004] This means that a sufficient pressure resistance is required for the fiber insertion pipe, so that a thick plastic pipe must be used. As a result,
The flexibility of the fiber insertion pipe is lost, making the cable laying work difficult, and the bending radius of the cable is increased to increase the wiring space.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and allows a long optical fiber to be inserted into a fiber insertion pipe while maintaining the flexibility of the pipe so that the cable laying operation is easy and the wiring space is reduced. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical fiber laying cable capable of reducing the size of the optical fiber. Another object is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing a fiber insertion pipe suitable for such an optical fiber laying cable.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems and Their Functions and Effects]

<Invention of claim 1> The optical fiber laying cable according to the invention of claim 1 is:
In the optical fiber for laying cable comprising a fiber penetration pipe for inserting the optical fibers are assembled together with other cables, when the waveform shape undulating along the peripheral surface of the fiber penetration pipe in the extending direction of the cable co
In the fiber insertion pipe, pull the optical fiber
Providing a towing line and applying tension to both ends of the towing line
The feature is that the extra length that is extended further is provided in advance.
You.

According to this configuration, the fiber insertion pipe has a corrugated shape, and has a portion extending in the radial direction on the peripheral wall. Therefore, the resistance to the internal pressure becomes larger than that of a simple cylindrical pipe having the same thickness. , The pressure resistance increases. In addition, since it has a corrugated shape, it is easy to bend and the cable laying operation is easy, and the bending radius of the cable can be reduced, so that it is possible to wire the cable in a narrow place. Moreover,
Since there is a towing line, insert the optical fiber into the fiber
When inserting the optical fiber into the
What is necessary is just to connect to a wire and to draw in a penetration pipe. This is
Flow of compressed air, etc. from the inlet side of the fiber insertion pipe
May be performed at the same time or without pouring,
Optical fiber can be inserted using only wires.
Even if it is misaligned, the insertion work of the optical fiber is made easier
be able to. In addition, using an optical fiber
To pull into the fiber insertion pipe, use one end of
Must be connected to the optical fiber and the other end must be
Therefore, the traction line needs some extra length.
However, simply passing the traction cable through the fiber insertion pipe
By simply manufacturing in a state, the fiber insertion pipe
In the case of continuously manufacturing and cutting to the required length and supplying,
The above-mentioned margin length cannot be secured. On the contrary
According to the above configuration, a continuously produced optical fiber
Cut the installation cable to the required length, and then
Apply tension by pulling both ends of the traction line in the insertion pipe
And the extra length of the towing line is stretched to provide sufficient
The towing line is passed through the fiber insertion pipe
Become. This connects the optical fiber to the traction line and pulls in
Can be performed easily.
You.

<Invention of Claim 2> An optical fiber laying cable according to the invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the cable of claim 1, the inner peripheral side of the fiber insertion pipe has a smooth cylindrical surface.

With this configuration, the air flows smoothly on the inner surface of the fiber insertion pipe, and the optical fiber moves smoothly without being caught, so that a longer optical fiber can be inserted.

[0010]

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

[0014]

<Invention of Claim 3 > The apparatus for manufacturing a fiber insertion pipe according to the invention of claim 3 comprises: a pipe forming apparatus for extruding and forming a fiber insertion pipe for inserting an optical fiber; A surplus portion forming device that intermittently forms a surplus portion that is extended by applying tension, and wherein the traction line having the surplus portion formed is supplied into the nipple of the pipe molding device. Having.

According to this configuration, the fiber insertion pipe is continuously extruded by the pipe molding device. On the other hand, the extra length portion is formed intermittently in the pulling line of the optical fiber by the extra length forming device, and the pulling line is blown by the air flow into the nipple of the pipe forming device, and the pulling line is thereby inserted into the fiber insertion pipe. Is inserted.

Therefore, according to this configuration, there is obtained an effect that a fiber insertion pipe in which a traction line having an extra length portion is intermittently inserted can be continuously produced.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <First Example> Hereinafter, will be described with reference FIGS. 1 to 4 a for the first reference example of the present invention.

[0019] Figures 1 and 2 show an optical fiber laying cables according to the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a fiber insertion pipe, and reference numeral 11 denotes a plurality of conductive cables for transmitting electric power or electric signals. Conductive cable 11
Is arranged around the fiber insertion pipe 10 in a helical twist state around the fiber insertion pipe 10, and its outer periphery is covered with a jacket tube 12 to be integrated with the fiber insertion pipe 10.

The fiber insertion pipe 10 is made of, for example, polyethylene resin, and has a rectangular waveform waving along the extension direction of the cable as shown in FIGS. This fiber insertion pipe 10 firstly forms a simple cylindrical pipe by an extrusion molding machine, and then
What is necessary is just to shape | mold to a corrugation with the shaping | molding apparatus which has a continuous moving metal mold in a softened state.

The optical fiber laying cable having the above configuration is laid in advance at a necessary place in a building, for example. When an optical fiber is passed through the optical fiber, an optical fiber (not shown) may be flowed into the fiber insertion pipe 10 of the cable together with the compressed air.

In this case, since the fiber insertion pipe 10 has a wavy shape waving along the extension direction of the cable, there is a portion extending in the radial direction on the peripheral wall, and therefore, a simple cylindrical shape having the same thickness is provided. Resistance to internal pressure is greater than pipes. Moreover, since the outside of the fiber insertion pipe 10 is suppressed by the conductive cable 11, the resistance to the internal pressure is further increased. As a result, high-pressure air can be blown into the fiber insertion pipe 10, and a long optical fiber can be easily inserted.

Moreover, since the fiber insertion pipe 10 has a corrugated shape, the fiber insertion pipe 10 is easily bent, and the cable laying operation is facilitated. In addition, since the bending radius of the cable can be reduced, wiring can be performed in a narrow place.

[0024] <Second Example> FIGS. 5 and 6 show a fiber penetration pipe 20 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Outer peripheral surface 20a of this pipe 20
Has a wavy shape that smoothly undulates along the extension direction of the cable, and the inner peripheral surface 20b has a straight cylindrical shape and is formed smoothly. This fiber insertion pipe 2
Configurations other than 0 are the same as in the first reference example ,
A duplicate description will be omitted.

By doing so, the inner wall surface 2 of the pipe 20
0b, the fluid frictional resistance decreases.
Since the pressure air supplied into the inside flows smoothly and the optical fiber is levitated and transported without being caught, an effect that a longer optical fiber can be inserted is obtained in addition to the effect of the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment FIGS. 7 and 8 show a fiber insertion pipe 30 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Similarly to the second reference example , this pipe 30 has an outer peripheral surface 30a having a wavy shape that smoothly undulates along the extension direction of the cable, and an inner peripheral surface 30b having a straight cylindrical shape. I have. Further, a smooth thin cylindrical layer 31 is formed inside the pipe 30 to further reduce friction. This smooth thin cylindrical layer 31 is preferably made of a highly smooth resin such as high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester resin or nylon, and more preferably mixed with a lubricating material such as a silicone resin. .
Note that the configuration other than the fiber insertion pipe 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment , so that the repeated description will be omitted.

With this configuration, the fluid friction resistance on the inner wall surface of the pipe 30 is further reduced, so that the pressure air supplied into the pipe 30 flows smoothly and the optical fiber is levitated and transported without being caught. First participant
In addition to the effect of the example, an effect that a longer optical fiber can be inserted can be obtained.

< Fourth Reference Example > FIG. 9 shows a fourth reference example of the present invention. The difference from the first reference example is that the traction wire 43 is inserted through the fiber insertion pipe 40 in advance, and the conductive cable 41 is located on the outer periphery of the fiber insertion pipe 40, and the surrounding area is covered by a jacket tube 42. The points covered by are the same as in the first reference example .

The end of the pulling line 43 is connected to the optical fiber at the time of inserting the optical fiber, and the other end is pulled out from the fiber inserting pipe 40 when the compressed air is supplied and the optical fiber is levitated and transferred. This makes it possible to compensate for the shortage of the feeding force of the optical fiber by the pneumatic feeding method, so that an effect that a longer optical fiber can be inserted can be obtained.

[0030] <First Embodiment> FIGS. 10 and 11 show a first embodiment of the present invention, the fourth fiber penetration pipe which differ in Reference Example 5
The point is that the towing line 53 inserted into the inside 0 is slackened. In this way, the extra length 53a of the waveform that is extended by applying tension to both ends is formed in the traction line 53.

According to this configuration, when a continuously produced optical fiber laying cable is cut to a required length and then tension is applied by pulling both ends of the pulling line 53 in the fiber insertion pipe 50, the pulling line The extra length 53 a of the 53 is stretched, and the traction line 53 having a sufficient extra length is passed through the fiber insertion pipe 50. Therefore, if one end of the pulling line 53 is connected to the optical fiber and the other end is pinched and pulled out, the operation of inserting the optical fiber can be easily performed.

< Second Embodiment> FIGS. 12 and 13 show a second embodiment of the present invention. the above
The difference from the first embodiment lies in the method of forming the extra length 63a of the traction line 63. Here, the traction line 63 is intermittently slackened and fixed with an adhesive, so that the extra length 6
3a is formed. This adhesive is set to have a strength such that the adhesive portion is released when tension is applied to both ends of the pulling line 63, and the pulling line 63 may be stretched prior to the insertion operation of the optical fiber.

Third Embodiment FIGS. 14 and 15 show a third embodiment of the present invention. Said
The difference from the first embodiment is also the method of forming the extra length 73a of the traction line 73. Here, the tow line 63
The extra length 73a is formed by intermittently forming a knot at the bottom. When a strong tension is applied to both ends of the traction line 63, the knot is released and the traction line 63 is stretched.

Even with such a configuration, the pulling line 73 having a sufficient margin for the optical fiber insertion operation can be inserted into the fiber insertion pipe 70. The optical fiber laying cable produced in this manner is cut to a required length, and thereafter, the pulling line 73 in the fiber insertion pipe 70 is stretched, whereby the effect of easily inserting the optical fiber can be obtained.

< Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 16 shows an apparatus for manufacturing a fiber insertion pipe 70 used in a fourth embodiment.

In the figure, reference numeral 81 denotes a drum around which a traction line 73 is wound, and a traction line 73 drawn out from the drum.
Are intermittently bound in the length direction by a binding machine 82 corresponding to a surplus portion forming device to form a surplus portion 73a. 83 is a well-known extrusion molding machine,
Is melted and heated, and a cylindrical primary pipe 86 is extruded from an extrusion head 85 having a nipple and a die. The primary pipe 86 is formed into a corrugated shape in a softened state by a molding device 87 having a continuous moving mold (not shown), and the fiber insertion pipe 70 having a corrugated shape is formed. Then, after that, the cooling water tank 88
It is cooled and solidified by being passed through the inside, and is taken up by a take-up drum 89.

The pulling line 73 is supplied into the nipple of the extrusion head 85 from the rear into the primary pipe 86, and therefore, the continuously produced fiber insertion pipe 70
Is inserted through.

Accordingly, if the fiber insertion pipe 70 is cut to a required length and both ends of the pulling line 73 at the cut end are pulled, the knot of the extra length 73a is released and the pulling line 73 is stretched. As described in the above embodiment, the effect that the operation of inserting the optical fiber can be easily performed can be obtained.

In order to insert the traction line 53 having the surplus portion 53a of the corrugated shape shown in the first embodiment, extra air is blown from behind the nipple of the extrusion molding machine to make the traction line 53 extra. What is necessary is just to supply. In addition, the
In the case of the traction line 63 provided with the adhesive-type extra-length portion 63a shown in the second embodiment, the traction line 6 is used instead of the binding machine shown in FIG.
3, an intermittent folded portion may be formed, and an apparatus for applying an adhesive may be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an optical fiber laying cable showing a first reference example of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view of the same.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fiber insertion pipe.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber insertion pipe.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a fiber insertion pipe according to a second reference example of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view showing the fiber insertion pipe.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a fiber insertion pipe according to a third reference example of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the fiber insertion pipe.

4 is a partial perspective view of an optical fiber laying cables indicated by the reference example of the present invention; FIG

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a fiber insertion pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a transverse sectional view showing the fiber insertion pipe.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a fiber insertion pipe according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the fiber insertion pipe.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a fiber insertion pipe according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the fiber insertion pipe.

FIG. 16 is a schematic side view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a fiber insertion pipe according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Noriaki Yamano 1-114, Nishisuehiro-cho, Yokkaichi-shi, Mie Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. (56) References JP-A-63-66506 (JP, A) 60-17515 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G02B 6/46 G02B 6/44 H01B 11/22

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A fiber laying cables fiber penetration pipe made by a set with other cables for inserting optical fibers, the outer peripheral surface of the fiber penetration pipe is Ru is a waveform shape undulating along the extending direction of the cable Together with the fiber insertion pipe
Is provided with an optical fiber tow line.
The wire has extra length that is stretched by applying tension to both ends.
A cable for laying an optical fiber, characterized by having a section . 2. The optical fiber laying cable according to claim 1, wherein an inner peripheral side of the fiber insertion pipe has a smooth cylindrical surface. 3. A pipe forming apparatus for extruding and forming a fiber insertion pipe for inserting an optical fiber,
An extra-length portion forming device that intermittently forms an extra-length portion that is extended by applying tension to both ends of the traction line of the optical fiber, and the traction line having the extra-length portion is formed inside the nipple of the pipe molding device. A fiber insertion pipe manufacturing apparatus to be supplied to a factory.