JPS5859508A - Flexible twisted unit - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a flexible stranded body, which consists of a plurality of stranded elongated elements of gold or metal alloys, which are attached to a support at a long distance. Adapted to be supported by. The invention particularly relates to overhead electrical conductors, which consist of one or more twisted layers of elongated elements of electrically conductive metal or metal alloy.

It is an object of the invention to provide a flexible twisted object, which comprises at least one optical guide for transmission in the ultraviolet, visible and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. For convenience, these regions will all be included hereinafter in the general term ``one light''. A special object of the invention is to provide flexible strands, i.e. light having wavelengths in the 0.8 to 1.3 micrometer range The present invention is not limited to providing an object including at least one communication optical waveguide adapted for transmission of information.

According to the invention, the flexible strand has at least one twisted layer of elongated elements made of metal or metal alloys, at least one elongated chamber extending over the entire length of the strand, and at least l individual optical fibers and/or loosely housed within an elongate chamber of
Alternatively, it consists of at least one optical bundle.

Optical fibers are made of glass or other transparent materials whose refractive index decreases from at least a portion of the fiber radius toward the outer surface of the fiber, or a core of transparent material is provided over its entire length. It may also be a synthetic structure covered with another transparent material with a low refractive index. Due to total internal reflection of the light transmitted along the fiber, at least a major portion of the light within the fiber is confined. Composite optical fibers are generally made of two glasses with different refractive coefficients,
The glass forming the core has a higher refractive index than the glass forming the cladding, and the refractive index of the glass in the core is
At least a portion of the distance between the central axis of the core and the outer surface of the core gradually decreases toward the outer surface of the core. A variant of synthetic fiber is that the core is a transparent liquid, and this liquid has a refractive index higher than that of the cladding.

All such optical fibers generally have a diameter of Zo
It is within the range of 150μ from o. optical fiber is
It usually has a circular cross-section, but in some cases it may have a non-circular cross-section.

The expression "one optical bundle" refers to a group of optical fibers or at least l optical cores and at least one
means a group of non-optical reinforcing cores or cores consisting of other reinforcing elongated members. Each optical core of an optical bundle is a single light guide, i.e. each guide has its own modulation may be used independently as an optical guide with a single light source and a photodetector, or multiple optical cores of a bundle may be used together - as a single light guide with a single light source. Also good.

By being loosely housed in an elongated chamber, the restricted relative movement between a single optical fiber and the strand, and/or between the optical bundle and the strand, is reduced when the strand is vibrated or bent. For example, this can occur when overhead electrical conductors or other supported flexible strands are blown in the wind. The restricted relative movement between a single optical fiber and the strand, and/or between the optical bundle and the strand, also means that the strand, during its installation, is subject to forces exerted by winches, brakes, etc. , which can occur when varying tensile loads are affected. That is, relative movement is used when tensioning the twisted body to ensure a predetermined slack condition. Even after installation, changes in the tensile load of the punishment body can also occur due to external loads as well as changes in temperature.

Constrained relative movement between a single optical fiber and the strand, and/or between an optical bundle and the strand, also ensures that the strand is in service and clean (c
Reep) can occur when an elastic elongation of the strand occurs.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the elongate chamber extends throughout the entire length of a central core that is rigid at the periphery, and a layer of elongate elements of metal or metal alloy surrounds the central core. In one preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the central core comprises two or more elongate members of metal or metal alloys assembled together to form an elongate body having a central hole. In order to prevent or limit the spread of lateral movement between the elongated members, the holes form elongated chambers, and each member has an interdigitating cross-sectional shape. The central hole is assembled with two elongated members, each member having a cross-sectional shape,
It has a semicircular shape, and the contacting surfaces of the two members are formed so that they engage with each other.

In this case, the 20 members are preferably of equal cross-sectional shape for ease of manufacture. The present invention is a flexible tube consisting of a strand of elongated elements of metal or metal alloy, each element having a cross-section approximating a portion of a ring. In this case, a flexible tube formed 5&C to prevent or limit the spread of lateral movement between the elongated members is directly surrounded by a second strand of elongated metal elements. Each of these elements has a cross section similar to that of the elongated element of the flexible tube, and the ply direction of this second layer is opposite to the ply direction of the twisted layers making up the flexible tube. ing.

In another variation of the above-described aspect of the invention, the central core with a rigid periphery is comprised of a flexible tube.1. The tube is formed by at least one helically wound flexible elongate member. The elongate member is made of metallic and/or non-metallic reinforcing material. For example, wires or metal tapes and/or dense glass fibers impregnated with resin.

In a third variant of the above-described aspect of the invention, the central core is a single elongated member of U-shaped cross section, and the space between the U-shaped legs and the base defines an elongated chamber. I have configured it. In order to retain the optical fiber and/or the optical bundle within the elongate chamber, one or each of the legs of the U-shape is bent inward (e.g. applied to a twisted layer or a layer of elongated elements). The gap between the free ends of the legs is thus at least partially closed. As a variant, the optical fiber and/or the optical bundle may be arranged in an elongated chamber in at least one metal or metal alloy.
held by tape. The tape is applied helically to a U-shaped elongated member, or is applied longitudinally and folded widthwise around the member.

In the case of a second aspect of the invention, the elongate chamber extending the entire length of the flexible strand is formed by a hole formed in the elongate element of the strand or at least one of the strands, or in the vicinity of at least two of the strands. It is a longitudinal chamber divided by longitudinal elements. In a preferred embodiment of this mini-aspect of the invention, the flexible strand consists of at least two strands of elongate elements of metal or metal alloy, the layer directions of adjacent layers being the same or Oppositely oriented and the holes and/or longitudinal spaces are within the longitudinal elements of the inner or innermost strand or between adjacent elements. The elongate element has a suitable cross-section, which has a hole in which k, at least l single optical fibers and/or at least one optical bundle are loosely accommodated. However, if the optical fiber and/or the optical bundle is loosely housed within a longitudinal space delimited by two adjacent elongate elements, these elongate elements have a cross-section that approximates a portion of an annular shape. . For ease of manufacture, one of the contact surfaces of two adjacent longitudinal elements has a longitudinal recess, which is closed by the flat surface of the other contact surface to form a longitudinal space. do.

In all cases, each of the outer or outermost layers of two or more strands of elongated elements is a strand of wire, each wire having a circular cross-section. However, in some cases the wires of at least the outermost layer may each have a cross-sectional shape that approximates a portion of an annulus.

When a single optical fiber and/or optical bundle is loosely housed in a longitudinal chamber, the single optical fiber and/or optical bundle is supported by a flexible longitudinal carrier member, and the carrier member is It can be stored loosely in the room. Thus, the necessary limited relative movement between the single optical fiber and/or optical bundle and the flexible strand can occur.

Preferably, the body comprises a flexible elongate support, an extruded body of rubber or plastic material, having at least one hole extending over its entire length, the body having an internal pressure of at least one. While the optical bundle is loosely contained, the extruded object has at least one elongated reinforcing member embedded within and extending over the entire length of the object. In this form of flexible carrier element, the axes of the bore and of the reinforcing element lie substantially in a common plane. Another form of flexible carrier member has a plurality of holes arranged around a central elongate reinforcing member. Is the reinforcing member wire?
Alternatively, it may be a twisted group of wires, and the reinforcing member may be a non-metallic material.

If the holes loosely house two or more individual optical fibers and/or optical bundles, these should be at least l
inside the flat and flexible support member K,
Fixed, this support member is itself loosely accommodated within the bore.

The different flexible elongate carrier members that can be used consist of a plurality of individual tubes made of rubber or plastic material, which are incorporated into the tubes and surrounded by an outer protective sheath, and which have at least l tube 7 force supervisor, at least one single optical fiber (
, and/or at least l optical flux. At least one elongated reinforcing member is incorporated with the plurality of tubes.

Another different flexible longitudinal carrier member that can be used consists of at least one flat flexible support member, on or within which there are two
The individual optical fibers and/or optical bundles are fixed to the rail. 1. A flat and flexible support member. For example, paper or plastic materials, glass or
It is in the form of at least one tape made of metal or metal alloy. In some cases, it may be desirable for the tape to
It has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 1. Since this thermal expansion coefficient is approximately equal to the coefficient of the material of the optical fiber, for example, if the optical fiber is a silicon-based material,
Chi 1 may be made of steel.

If the flexible support member consists of a single tape, a single optical 7-eyeper and/or optical bundle is fixed to one surface of the tape by adhesive. When viewed in cross section, the length of the tape being corrugated is &C?
E? It has a plurality of troughs extending along the troughs, and a single optical fiber or optical bundle is fixed to some or all of these troughs. The flexible support member is 2
tapes, one over the other, a single optical fiber and/or optical bundle is sandwiched between the two tapes and attached by adhesive to at least one of the adjacent surfaces of the tapes. , is fixed. One or each of these two tapes is corrugated in the width direction as described above. One or each of these two tapes is
When widthwise corrugated, the two tapes are glued together and the optical bundle and/or single optical fiber is pressure-fixed within the flexible support member. Even so formed, limited movement within the trough is possible within which the optical fiber etc. lies.

When the optical fibers and/or optical bundles are fixed within a flat flexible support member, the flexible support member consists of a single tape of plastic material, and the single optical fibers and/or optical bundles are fixed within the flat flexible support member. embedded in whole or in part.

If all optical bundles and/or single optical cables laterally fixed to or in at least one flat flexible support member are the same, the support member extends longitudinally. data mark,
It may be carried on the surface of this member and/or the at least l optical bundles and/or optical fibers may be positioned asymmetrically with respect to the other optical bundles and/or optical fibers; thus, this This constitutes longitudinally extending data.

The single optical fiber and/or optical bundle has a length that is greater than the length of the elongated chamber when providing a flexible elongated carrier member.

Optical fibers etc. are loosely housed in this chamber, but if a carrier member is provided, individual optical fibers and V
c/or the optical bundle and the longitudinal chambers are of equal or approximately equal length K.

If the flexible strand is an overhead electrical conductor, the stranded longitudinal elements may be made of copper or copper alloys, or aluminum or aluminum alloys, but in some cases at least one layer of the stranded elements may be The elongated elements are made of high tensile strength steel or other metals or metal alloys with high tensile strength, or at least some of the elongated elements of the layer are made of some metal or metal alloy with high tensile strength. It consists of
The remainder of the longitudinal element consists of another metal or metal alloy or other metal or metal alloy with high tensile strength.

To provide a relative sliding movement between adjacent elongated elements of the strand, as well as against the interior of the flexible strand to aid in waterproofing and thereby reduce the risk of corrosion of the elongated elements. k to decrease
, the gaps between the elongated elements are filled with a grease substance.

The flexible strands of the invention are particularly suitable for use as ground conductors in overhead electrical transmission lines. When manufactured to have sag and tension characteristics that are the same or approximately the same as those of a normal overhead conductor with the same outside diameter, the flexible strands can be used to ground existing overhead electrical transmission systems. It can be used to replace a conductor or other overhead electrical conductor to provide a means of communication for the system. The present invention thus provides relatively inexpensive communication links between stations, substations, and other locations along an electrical transmission system.

Accordingly, the present invention further includes an overhead electrical transmission and distribution system. The system includes at least one aerial anchor conductor incorporating an optical guide as described above.

If the overhead stranded conductor incorporated with the optical guide is the ground conductor for the system, this ground conductor may be strung between the tops of a tower or other support structure; A horizontal arm such as a tower is supported downward tK between the support structures.

The invention will be further described by way of example by describing eight forms of overhead stranded electrical conductors as shown in the accompanying drawings.

Referring to the drawings, the aerial stranded conductor shown in FIG. 1 consists of a central core l assembled with two longitudinal members 2 of aluminum-based alloy;
Each member is approximately semicircular in cross-sectional shape and together define a hole 6. Each member 2 has its legs extended WCG
The other leg 11c has a V-shaped groove 3 extending therefrom.
fa has a rib 4 of a corresponding shape. With this arrangement, the lip of member I engages the groove K of the other member, and lateral movement between the members is substantially prevented. The central hole is
It is surrounded by two twisted layers of round wire made of an aluminum-based alloy, the layer directions of the twisted layers being opposite to each other. Loosely housed in the hole 6 is a plastic tube 7 having a hole 8 in which an optical fiber 9 of a length equal to the length of the hole 6.8 is loosely housed. ing.

In the case of the overhead stranded conductor shown in FIG.
2, the space 16 between the U-shaped legs is
form a long chamber.

The enclosure k of the central core j 1 has three twisted layers of round wires made of an aluonium-based alloy, the layer directions of adjacent twisted layers being opposite to each other. A plastic tube 17 with a hole 18 is loosely placed within its elongated chamber 16 and an optical fiber 19 is inserted into the hole 1.
It is loosely stored inside the 8.

The overhead stranded conductor shown in Figure 3.4 is similar in structure to the overhead conductor shown in Figure 2, but the central core shape is dissimilar. The parts of the overhead conductor shown in Figure 3.4 are similar to the parts of the overhead conductor shown in Figure 2, and for convenience the reference numbers of the corresponding parts of the overhead conductor shown in Figure 2 are , IO and 20 large heel reference numbers. In the case of the overhead conductor shown in Figure 3,
The central core 21 is a tube 22 formed by widthwise bending of a strip of aluminum-based alloy. In the case of the overhead conductor shown in FIG. 4, the central core 31 is constituted by a single long aluminum alloy member 32 of U-shaped cross section, the gap between the free ends of the U being partially closed. Well, it's long. The plastic tube 37 is held in the chamber 36 of the plastic tube 37.

The aerial stranded conductor shown in FIG.
The core consists of an inner strand of elongated elements (42) made of alpha-pace alloy, each element having:
The cross-sectional shape has a partial ring shape, and the directions of one layer are opposite to each other. Twisted layer 42
* Surrounding 43 is a circle made of aluminum paste alloy.
In the two twisted layers 45 of one wire, the layer directions of these twisted layers are also opposite to each other. Fitted loosely into the hole 46 is an element 44 of an optical core, which is an extruded plastic body 4 having a hole 48.
7, and 3 optical cores <49 are loosely housed in the holes. 2, 5 otts of steel reinforcement wire,
The hole 48 is located in the body 47! 51, the axes of the holes and reinforcing wires lie on a common axis.

In the case of the aerial stranded conductor shown in FIG. 6, the central core 51 consists of a flexible tube formed by a helically wound steel wire 52. The central core 51 is made of three round wires made of aluminum paced alloy.
The layer direction of adjacent layers surrounded by the twisted layer 55 is as follows.
They are opposite to each other. Loosely housed within the bore 56 of the central core 51 is an optical 7 eyeper element 54, which consists of an extruded plastic body 57 having a bore 58 and a reinforcing wire 60 inserted into it. , the axes of the holes and the wires lie in a common plane. Loosely housed in the hole are two optical fibers 59).

The aerial stranded conductor shown in FIG. 7 consists of seven steel wire cores 61. The l twisted layers 62 of aluminum elements 63 surrounding this core each consist of a portion of approximately annular cross section, and the core is loosely accommodated in the hole formed by the twisted layers. Surrounding layer 62 is a layer 65 of twisted round wires made of an aluminum-based alloy.
The layer directions of layers 62, 65 are opposite to each other. Each element 63 has a hole 64 within which an optical fiber element of the form shown in FIG. 9 is loosely received. The optical fiber element 66 consists of an extruded plastic body 67 which is elongated in cross section and has a hole 6B and an embedded reinforcing wire 70. The axes of the two optical fibers 69 lie in a common plane, and loosely seated within the hole 68 are two optical fibers 69 .

The aerial stranded conductor shown in FIG. 8 is of similar construction to that shown in FIG. 7, and like parts have been given increased reference numbers lO. In the case of the overhead conductor depicted in FIG. 8, the tag 7'4 loosely accommodates an optical fiber element 66 of the form shown in FIG. The contacting surface of the element 73 consists of an extended depression, and this depression is closed by the other of the contacting surfaces.

In the case of the aerial stranded conductor twists shown in Figures 1 to 8, an optical fiber or other optical fiber element may be used instead of a single fiber or group of fibers loosely housed within a hole in a plastic tube. No. 10 instead of loosely stored plastic tubes.
Any of the optical fiber elements shown in FIGS. 1 to 15 may be employed. The optical fiber elements are shown enlarged to clarify their structure. The optical fiber element shown in FIG. 10 consists of a flexible tape 82 of plastic material, which has four optical fibers 81 fixed by adhesive throughout its major surface, and these fibers are are spaced apart and extend parallel to the axis of the tape. In the case of the optical fiber element shown in FIG. 11, four optical fibers 91 are sandwiched between adjacent surfaces of two flexible tapes 9°2,93 made of plastic material and fixed by means of adhesive. be done. Tape 93 has longitudinally extending lips 97 to indicate which optical fibers 91 are identical. The optical fiber element shown in FIG. 12 consists of a flexible plastic tape 102 that is corrugated, as shown in cross section, so that the tape has a plurality of troughs 104 extending along its length. An optical fiber 101 is fixed to each of the troughs with an adhesive. The optical fiber element shown in FIG. 13 consists of a corrugated flexible plastic tape 112 having a plurality of troughs 114 extending over its length KG; It is closed by tape 116, which is adhered to ridge 115. Optical fiber Ill is
It is secured within the trough 114 by adhesive. In the case of the optical fiber element shown in FIG. 14, the optical fiber 121 is sandwiched between the troughs 124, 128 of two flexible, corrugated plastic tapes 122, 123 and secured by adhesive. 125,
129 is tangent! [fixed together] by the agent. To show which optical fibers ljl are identical, tape 1
23 has a lip 127 extending in the longitudinal direction. 15th
The array shown in the figure consists of a plastic tape 132, within which there are 4 lights! The fibers 131 are extended in rows and columns and are entirely buried. The tape 132 has lips 137 extending in the longitudinal direction K to indicate which optical fibers 131 are identical.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIGS. 1 to 8 each show, in cross section, eight shapes of overhead conductors. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an optical fiber element used in the aerial conductor shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. FIGS. 10 to 15 each show, in cross-section, six different shapes of optical fiber elements for use in an aerial five-conductor. 1s1 diagram: l... Central flap 7 2... Longitudinal member 6j8... Hole
3... Groove 4... Lip 7 River tube 9... Optical fiber Figure 2: 11... Central core 12... Alloy member 16...
・Space (space) 17... Tube 18... Hole 19... Optical fiber Figure 5: 41... Central core 42.43.45... Twisted layer 46.48... Hole 44. ... Optical fiber element 47 ... Plastic body 49 ... Optical fiber 50 ... Reinforcement wire Fig. 6: 55 ... Twisted layer 56 , 58 ... Hole 54 ...
...Optical fiber element 57...Plastic body 59...Optical fiber bar 0...Reinforcement wire Figure 7, Figure 9: 61...Core 63...Element 62.
65... Twisted layer 64. 68... Hole 66... Optical fiber element 67... Plastic body 70... Reinforcement wire 69... Optical fiber No. 8
Figure near 4-- Hole 73... Element Figure 10: 82... Tape 81... Optical fiber #1
1317: 112.113...Tape 114...Trough 115...Peak 111...Optical fiber Fig. 15: 132...Tape 131...Optical fiber 1
37...Rep Patent Applicant BIC Limited~5 ~6 F/g, 7 A F/g3 Continued from page 1 Priority claim January 24, 1978 ■ United Kingdom (GB
)■2861/78 0 Inventor: Kenneth Hepworth Pickup, United Kingdom Oel 36 BEX Near Oldem Abermill Life Eels Drive Farmine (no address) 0 Inventor: Panert Gaillard, United Kingdom Cheshire Altringham Hale Olaborough Road 2 0 Inventor Arthur Pernat Murphy United Kingdom 118 Dub Uni 118 Becue St Helens Rainford Byer Lane Low Fairburn (no address)

Claims (1)

Claims: l) A flexure comprising at least one layer of helically wound bare elongated metal or alloy elements held free by supports spaced apart over a long distance. 5. A flexible overhead power transmission conductor in which the helically wound bare elongated element surrounds a central core of sufficient circumferential rigidity, the central core having a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The space between the legs of the elongated member of U-shaped cross section and the substrate extends over the entire length of the core to form an elongated compartment. A flexible overhead power transmission conductor characterized in that a small number (one independent flexible optical guide) is loosely housed in the compartment. 2) Both legs of the U-shape 2. A flexible flexible leg according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the legs is bent inward to at least partially close the gap between the free ends of the legs. Conductor for overhead power transmission. 3) The flexible overhead power transmission conductor according to claim 1, wherein both legs of the U-shape are folded together to close a gap between the free ends of the legs. 4) A flexible overhead power transmission conductor according to claim 3, characterized in that both legs of the U-shaped elongated member are closed to form a circular cross section. 5) The lengths of 1'11 of the free ends of the J-shaped legs are connected to the 1'11 gap of the free ends of the J-shaped legs.
A flexible overhead power transmission conductor according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductor is closed with a solid metal or alloy tape. 6) The independent flexible optical guide within said elongated compartment is supported by a flexible elongated support member loosely housed within said compartment. The flexible overhead power transmission conductor according to any of paragraph 5. 7) The flexible elongated support member includes an elongated extruded body of rubber or plastic material, and the extruded body has an overall length of Claim 6, characterized in that it has at least one aperture extending over the entire length, in which an independent flexible optical guide is loosely housed. Flexible overhead power transmission conductor. 8) The extruded body has at least one elongated reinforcing member embedded therein extending over its entire length. The flexible overhead power transmission conductor according to scope 7. 9) The axis of the hole in the elongated extrusion and the axis of the reinforcing member are substantially in a common plane. A flexible overhead power transmission conductor according to claim 8. 10) The elongated extrusion has an elongated central reinforcing member and a plurality of holes arranged around the reinforcing member. Flexible overhead power transmission conductor. 11) the aperture of the extrusion of the elongated flexible support member loosely accommodates at least one substantially flat flexible support member, and at least two on or in the support member; 8. A flexible overhead power transmission conductor according to claim 7, characterized in that a flexible optical conductor is fixed thereto. 12) The flexible elongated support member has at least Claims characterized in that there is a substantially flat flexible bearing member on or in which at least two independent flexible optical guides are fixed. The flexible overhead power transmission conductor according to scope 6. 13) Claim characterized in that the substantially flat flexible support member is at least one flexible tape, on one side of which the independent optical guide is fixed with an adhesive. The flexible overhead power transmission conductor according to item 11 or 12. 14) The flexible elongated support member comprises a plurality of individually molded rubber or plastic tubes assembled together and encased in a separate protective sheath, at least one of the limbs being at least one tube. 7. A flexible overhead power transmission conductor according to claim 6, characterized in that each loosely accommodates one independent flexible optical conductor. 15) The flexible overhead power transmission conductor according to claim 14, wherein at least one elongated reinforcing member is assembled to the plurality of tubes. 16) According to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the flexible optical conductor or at least one flexible optical conductor is an independent optical fiber. Flexible overhead power transmission conductor. 17) the flexible optical conductor or at least one
16. A flexible overhead power transmission conductor according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the individual flexible optical conductors are optical bundles. 18) The method according to claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the independent deflectable optical guide and the elongated compartment in which it is loosely housed are of approximately equal length. A flexible overhead power transmission conductor as described in any section.