JPS59171906A - Cylindrical structural body and method and apparatus for molding thereof - 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 hollow cylindrical structure, a method for molding the same, and a molding apparatus. Cylindrical structures formed by the method and apparatus of the present invention are particularly suitable for use in fiber optic transmission cable structures.

When molding a cylindrical structure that acts as a protective member, it is desirable to use a cylindrical molding technique to create a structure that can be easily sealed. Conventional tube forming techniques often result in forming tubes with seams that are 1% profiled by widely spaced edges. It is extremely difficult to effectively seal these joints while providing the tubular body with the desired combination of mechanical properties. The mechanical properties that appear at the sealed wide seam are essentially those of the sealing material or soldering material.

Generally, such mechanical properties do not correspond to the desired combination of mechanical properties. The volume or amount of sealant required to effect the joint can also degrade the mechanical properties of the joint, especially when a large amount of sealant is required to effect the joint at the seam. In this case, the mechanical properties of the joint may deteriorate. In such cases, air bubbles or voids may be created within the sealing material during the sealing process. During subsequent processing steps, these bubbles or cavities can cause cracks that degrade the mechanical properties and sealing of the tubular structure. Another problem is that the sealing material can enter the tube through the gaps between the edges and solidify on the inner surface of the tube, damaging components inserted into the tube. be.

It is highly desirable to have a molded cylindrical structure or a seam with relatively close edges. Such narrow gap structures tend to have better mechanical properties than wide gap structures. The edges of joints in wide-gap structures should be kept close together (although it is possible to use a Franz 0 load, systems utilizing such ramp devices should have their clamping devices close to the edges). must be constantly monitored to ensure that proper relationships are maintained.

Transmission cable equipment requires tubular structures to house electrical and other components and to act as barriers to fluids and other environmental conditions, as strength members, and/or as electrical conductors. When a cylindrical structure is used in such a transmission cable device, the node-like structure is required to have a 4-electric conductivity and strength characteristics. Also, the seams of the tubular structure must be able to be completely sealed. In order for the molded tubular structure to function to meet one or more of the above requirements, it must be sealed with a minimum amount of sealing material. It is desirable to make it using cylindrical body molding technology. Tubes with tight seams at °C can be sealed primarily by capillary action, and this capillary sealing has no adverse effects on components, such as original fibers or conductors, inserted into the tube. This is highly desirable as it reduces the possibility of internal hazards being created which may cause a hazard.

The technique of using a welding bell to form a flat strip into a hollow cylindrical structure is well known in the art. In this technique, metal or alloy strips are generally heated to a temperature at which the edges of the strips can be welded together. The ends of the strip are gripped by a suitable mechanical device such as this and pulled through the welding bell. As the strip is pulled through the welding bell, it is shaped into a circle and the edges are welded together. The use of a welding bell in the butt welding method [
Manufacturing Processes
ses ) J, Be) 7” 77 (Begeman
) Others, John Willie and Sons (John
Wiley and 5ons) Publishing, 1957, pages 281 to 285.

The welding bell method is most suitable when the tubular structure to be formed has a relatively large diameter-to-thickness ratio. When forming tubular structures for use in transmission cable technology, hollow cylinders having a relatively small diameter-to-thickness ratio are required. When a welding bell is used to form such a hollow cylindrical body, the cylindrical body is opened due to elastic relaxation after forming, and a seam having a relatively large gap is formed. If a material with high strength and a low modulus of elasticity is used to form the cylinder, a gap of about 5% to about 20% of the radius of the cylinder will be formed. Such large gaps are difficult to close, especially by capillary action.

Another cylindrical body forming technique that is being talked about in the art is to form a metal or alloy strip into a cylindrical body using rolls. In this technique, a metal or alloy strip is passed through a series of roll assemblies. The series of roll assemblies are gradually closed at the edges of the strip until a tube is formed. In this regard, a relatively large gap is created in the cylindrical structure formed by this technique when the elastic restraint is released.

U.S. Patent No. 4,257,675 to Nakagomθ et al., David
U.S. Patent No. 4,275.294, issued to
No. 4,341,440, issued to Trezeguet' et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,649, issued to A'manc et al.
, No. 243, and the literature [How Small C!an Transoceanic Electrical-Optical Cables]
an Electro-OpticalTranso
Ceanic Cable Be? ) J.G. Wilkins7, (G. Wilkins), International Telemetry Society Conference (
National Telemetry 5o
16-15, 1981, describes a fiber optic cable structure having a roll-formed original fiber casing. Another problem associated with the use of roll forming techniques in forming raw fiber envelope tubes is that the inner diameter of the tube may cause damage to the source fiber or fibers within the tube. There is a relatively high risk of being formed by the rolls.
That's true.

Other techniques for forming tubular structures for fiber optic cable structures include extrusion, folding and bending metal tape around a core, and the use of aperture plates. The U.S. patent issued to Treskeket et al. discloses a 2-ton fiber optic cable having a reef-protecting metal caning, around which an outer metal cylindrical body is molded. The cylindrical body is formed by gradually pressing a metal tape 2 against the casing and forming a pattern.

British Patent No. 1,477.680 to Slaughter et al. discloses applying a continuous coating of metal or alloy around the original fiber. The coating is preferably a Haywood (Haywood) coating.
British Patent No. 1,038,5 granted to
It is formed by the method described in No. 34. In that method, the coating is formed by drawing the original fiber through a slot containing a molten metal or alloy. A disadvantage of the method of forming the original fiber disclosed in the Heiwts patent is that because the metal or alloy is essentially cast around the optical fiber, the strength of the metal or alloy is not as strong as that characteristic of the material from which it is cast. In addition, the buffer for the original fiber must be made of forest material that does not melt at the temperature of the molten metal or alloy.The processed metal cylindrical body of the invention The method of providing a cast MA, as opposed to the above two British patents, makes the optical fibers disclosed in the above two patents less durable, but rather makes them more susceptible to damage during use.Current optical fiber devices are , utilizes a plastic buffer that melts at a relatively low temperature compared to the Nlica buffer used in the optical fiber devices of the two British patents.

Therefore, the method of forming a coating disclosed in the Heud patent cannot be easily applied to the original fiber elements used today that utilize plastic buffers.

The British patent granted to Slokoo et al. and Dean (
British Permit No. 1,479,4 granted to Dean) et al.
No. 27 discloses an optical fiber cable that can utilize a plurality of optical fiber elements each coated with metal. U.S. Pat. No. 4,166,670 to Ramsay illustrates a pre-fiber cable in which optical fiber elements are supported within the interstices of twisted non-optical strength members. The optical fiber elements used in the Ramsey conventional cable are not individually coated.

British Patent No. 1.583.520 to Ohapman and U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,792 to Dθy et al. The use of a die to fold and bend the manufactured tape into the shape of a cylinder is exemplified.

The tube forming methods described in the Davidson, Dy et al., and Slaughter et al. patents, supra, appear to be particularly suitable for use with relatively soft metallic materials having relatively low strengths. . For such materials, the folding method described in the above patent can provide a substantially sealed tube. However, when using high strength tubes, the folding method can result in excessive springback after the tube is formed, resulting in significant gaps at the seams. Therefore, the approach described in the above patent is not suitable for use with high strength metals or alloys.

Belgian Patent No. 895,094 discloses a device molding technique for molding tubular structures for fiber optic cable structures. In this die forming technique, tension is applied to the ends of the strip made of a strong metal or alloy, and the strip is squeezed through the die.

With this die, the strip is rolled and formed into a cylindrical body with a longitudinal seam.

After the tube forming operation is completed, the seams are sealed using any suitable sealing technique. The molding technique using a die described in the above-mentioned paper seems to be satisfactory for molding the encapsulated cylindrical body for the original fiber, but the elastic relaxation after molding the cylindrical body is insufficient. However, there is a problem that a satisfactory seam joint cannot be obtained.

According to the present invention, a method and apparatus are provided for forming tubular structures with tight seams from metal or base metal strips. The technique of the present invention applies stress to the strip material during the tube forming operation, bringing the edges of the strip relatively close together and reducing residual compression within the material forming the tube. The force holds the edges of the strip in close proximity.

By creating a residual compressive force that holds the edges close together, a tight seam force S that can be easily sealed is obtained. It also avoids the need for complex lamp-0 devices to hold the edges of the seam in close proximity during the sealing operation. Another advantage of the technique of the present invention is that springback, which typically occurs after cylinder molding, is avoided by placing the edge portion in such a state of elastic compression.

The cylindrical body forming method of the present invention basically consists of two steps Q). In the first step, the metal or alloy strip is squeezed through a first die, the first die being formed into an open cylindrical cross section having a major axis and a minor axis. It has an inner diameter. Preferably, the open tubular cross-section has a minor diameter that is smaller than the desired diameter of the final tubular structure. In the second step, the open cylindrical cross section is passed through a second die and squeezed to form a cylindrical body having a desired diameter. In the second step), the legs of the open cylindrical section are bent so that the edges face each other. By doing so, a compressive force is created at the edge by the spring back force. Upon removal from the second die, a slight residual compressive force remains to keep the edges close together.

If desired, the relatively tight seam formed by the edges may be sealed using any suitable sealing technique. Preferably, the joining between the edges of the seam may be achieved primarily by capillary action. Seam connections may be omitted in cases where only hydrostatic pressure is applied, or where an externally sealed structure is used.

During molding, the tubular structure is placed in an elastically compressed state, so that the inner diameter of the first die along its minor axis is preferably smaller than the desired diameter of the final tubular structure. .

Its inner diameter should be small enough to be introduced into the second die as a compressive action or as an elastic strain.

However, the inner diameter of the first die prevents the open cylindrical section from being in an elastic state (or a plastic state) when the open cylindrical section is pulled through the die. The ratio of the inner diameter of the second die to the short diameter of the first die is approximately 1.
．． 02:1 to about 1.25:1, preferably about 1.05:1 to about 1.15:1.
Should be 1.

The method of the present invention has been found to be particularly suitable for forming tubular structures for accommodating fibers and/or electrical conductors used in transmission cable structures. These tubular structures often require that the shaped tubing or tube have tight seams that can be easily sealed.

There is also a need for these tubular structures to have a relatively small diameter-to-thickness ratio. The method and apparatus of embodiments of the present invention are capable of forming cylindrical bodies having such small diameter-to-thickness ratios.

When the tube forming technique of the present invention is used to form a raw fiber transmission cable, the raw fiber or fibers are placed within the tube, preferably after the tube seams have been sealed. If necessary, a wood material such as kale may be placed inside the cylinder.

Also, one or more ρ outer layers may be created around the shaped tube.

After forming a tubular body for use in original fiber transmission cables having a diameter-to-thickness ratio within the range of approximately 25-21°C.
Ru. More preferably, the diameter to thickness ratio is within the range of about 10:1 to about 20:1.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for forming hollow cylindrical structures with tight seams.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for forming hollow cylindrical structures such as those described above which can be sealed with improved hermeticity.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for forming a hollow cylindrical structure as described above, which is particularly suitable for transmission cables.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a method and apparatus for forming a tubular structure with tight seams according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the figures, the same reference numerals indicate the same parts.

The invention proposes to form a cylindrical structure with tight seams from a metal or alloy strip. Such a cylindrical structure is produced by applying stress to the material of the strip during the cylindrical molding process, placing the edges of the strip in an elastic pressure net, and applying residual compression and force to the edges. It is formed by holding it close to the heat source.

FIG. 1 shows a tubular structure forming apparatus 10 for forming a strip 12 into a hollow tubular structure or tube 14, such as a hollow cylinder having a tight seam 16. As shown in FIG. usually,
The strip 12 is stored in the form of a coil, and is fed out by an appropriate feeding device (not shown). The feeding device may be capable of applying rearward tension to the strip, if desired.

The strip 12 may consist of a single elongated material having a length of , or may consist of multiple elongated materials joined together.

If the strip 12 consists of a plurality of elongated materials joined together, the elongated materials may be joined together in any suitable manner. For example, conventional joining techniques such as brazing, soldering, welding, and diffusion bonding can be used to join the elongated materials together.

Strip 12 may be formed from any metal or alloy that provides the desired properties. The desired properties will vary depending on the use of the molded cylindrical structure. When manufacturing envelopes or tubes for transmission cables, properties such as strength, formability, and electrical conductivity are important. The strip 12 includes a plurality of dies 18 and 2.
It should have sufficient hardness to allow it to be formed into a cylinder by being squeezed through a zero thread. Preferably, the strip 12 is at least 14 hardened and partially work hardened. In the most preferred condition, the strip 12 is at least substantially fully hardened ( full hard
)It is in.

Before undergoing the cylindrical body forming operation of the present invention, the strip 12 may be passed through an appropriate cleaning device (not shown) to remove dirt. The cleaning device used is appropriately selected depending on the metal or alloy forming the strip and the dirt to be removed. Note that any suitable cleaning device known in the industry may be used.

Preferably, the strip 12 is
is passed through a fluxing station 22. The fluxing station 22 preferably includes any conventional equipment known in the art for applying any conventional flux to the edges of the strip. Since the flux coating station is not absolutely necessary for forming the cylindrical body 14, the flux coating station may be omitted if necessary.

The strip 12 is fed into the tube forming apparatus 10 by connecting the strip 12 to a take-up reel 21 by any suitable device known in the art. Any suitable tensioning device (not shown) known in the art may be used to tension the strip to force the strip through the forming dies 18 and 20.

In order to obtain a residual compression effect on the ribs of edge 24, the tube forming technique of the present invention utilizes a two-step forming operation. The first step is to squeeze the 12 strips through a strip forming device or first die 18 to preferably form an open cylindrical section 14' as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. be. In order to produce the desired compressive force in the final tubular structure, the tubular section 14' must be
It should be molded to have a smaller diameter than desired. The cylindrical cross-sectional body 14' has a major axis of 6.
, a short axis 8 , and a pair of leg portions 26 that are close to each other and are spaced apart from each other.

The minor axis 8 has a smaller diameter than the desired diameter of the cylindrical body. Preferably, the major axis 6 intersects the seam 16 formed by the edge 24 and preferably the seam 1
It forms a right angle to 6.

When the strip 12 is passed through the die 18 and squeezed, the die 18 exerts a force (Fl) Y against the bottom of the cylindrical section 14'.
make it work. It is believed that these forces (Fl) produce residual stress (F2) in the upper portion of the cylindrical section 14'. Although the tubular section 14' has been referred to as an open tubular section, the tubular section 14' may also be referred to as a substantially conventional tubular section.

The strip 12 from which the open tubular section 14' is formed preferably has an initial cross-sectional area that is greater than the cross-sectional area of the tubular body from which it is formed. By providing the strip with such an initial cross-sectional area, the desired compressive force can be achieved! It turned out that it was possible to make it grow more easily.

The second step involves forming an edge S having an inner diameter (D2)' substantially equal to the desired diameter of the cylindrical body 14 to be formed.
The open cylindrical section 14' is squeezed through a forming device, an edge forming and compressive force generating device, a second die 20. Preferably, die 20 is a bend-and-expand tube die.

Within the die 20, the legs 26 are bent and the edges 24 are placed edge-to-edge. In addition, the cross-sectional body 14
The major axis of 14' is reduced to the desired tube diameter, and the minor axis of plow-shaped section 14' is increased to the desired tube diameter.

By bending the legs 826 edge-to-edge, a springback force is generated that acts in a direction such that a pressure force (PC) is generated at H[ of the edge 24. The compressive force (Pc) is a function of the elastic modulus of the tube material, the deflection, the tube wall thickness and the tube diameter. The compressive force creates a residual compressive force within the tube material that holds the edges 24 in close proximity unless the tube 14 is removed from the die 20. The proximate edges 24 form a relatively tight seam 16, which should provide an improved seal to the tube formed by the technique of the present invention. can be done.

It is believed that the wall portion of the tubular body 14σ) opposite the seam 16 acts as a fulcrum for the spring, and the stress acting on that wall portion creates a compressive force that holds the seam in place. By using uninvented technology, the cylindrical body 1
4 is removed from the die 20, it is possible to generate a residual compressive force sufficient to hold the edges 24Z together.

The cylindrical body 14 formed within the die 20 is the cylindrical cross-sectional body 1
4'.

Although the dies 18 and 20 can have any suitable shape 7, the relationship between their respective diameters is
It has been found that this is extremely important for implementing the cylindrical body forming technology of the present invention. The die 18 has an inner diameter (Dl) that is optically smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical body 14 to be molded, and has an inner diameter (Dl) that extends over the short axis of the die 18, and a shape that allows compression to be introduced into the die 20 as elastic strain. diameter (D2). However, the diameter (Dl) is such that the straight section 14' is subject to such a large force that it places the tubular section 14' in the keplastic region while the tubular section 14' is squeezed through the die 20. It should not be so small that it becomes accepted. When the cylindrical section 14' is placed in the plastic region, it assumes the desired elastic configuration.
plastic configuration instead of plastic configuration
or occur. The diameter ratio D2:D1 is approximately 1.02:
1 to about 1.25:1, preferably about 1.0
5:1 is also about 1.15:1.

When the cylindrical body 14 is formed, the cylindrical body 14 is connected to the seam 1.
6 may be passed through a tight stay/yon 28 for sealing. The sealing station 28 may include any conventional sealing device for applying soldering, brazing, or other suitable sealing techniques. Preferably, the seam 16 is coated with a suitable adhesive such as solder! $-1 material is photofilled. Preferably, the sealing material is adapted to enter the seam by capillary action. A particularly suitable technique for soldering the seam 16 is described in Belgian patent i 89.
No. 5,094.

In order to demonstrate the cylindrical body forming technology of the present invention, a hardened copper alloy In! 63800 in the manner described above.
The material was passed through two dies and squeezed to form a cylindrical body. The strip had an initial thickness of 0.025 inches and an initial width of 0.594 inches. The first die is 4-74-7O0,185
The inner diameter (Dl) of the notch (inch) and the inner diameter of the notch or
．． 508 mm (0,020 inch) large relief and 7
had. The second die is 4-83mm (0,190
It had a diameter (D2)'l (inch).

The molded cylinder has an outer diameter of 4-86 mm (,0,190 inch) and a diameter of 3.56 mm (0,140 inch).
and had a seam with a diameter of 11 A'Y of 0.0508 mm (0.002 inches) or less.

Tubes formed according to the method of the present invention have been found to be particularly useful in original fiber transmission cables. In optical fiber cables, a hollow cylindrical body is generally used to form a cable core. The cylindrical body acts as an enveloping cylindrical body and as a protective metal body for one or more original fibers. In addition to this function, the tube may also function as an electrical conductor and/or a fluid barrier.

When manufacturing metal tubes for such original fiber cables, size, strength, formability, and conductivity are among the major considerations. Generally, the tubular body is required to have a relatively small diameter-to-thickness ratio to allow the cable structure to be as compact as possible. Meeting the water retention requirements for strength and conductivity generally requires the use of metals or alloys that are in an unfavorably cold-worked state. This is particularly true when used in encapsulated cylinders made of copper and stainless steel alloys. Additionally, any seams formed during the tube forming operation should be easily sealable so that the tube is watertight and impermeable to ambient conditions. . Although brazing, such as solder, adequately performs this sealing function, one requirement is that the joint be tight so that the solder material forming the joint enters by capillary action. By forming the joint S in this way,
The mechanical and electrical properties of the molded cylinder are not significantly degraded by the joint. Historically, the risk of wax seepage and solidification on the inner wall of the cylindrical body, creating an obstruction to the original fiber or fibers housed within the cylindrical body, has been minimized. It will be done.

The method of the invention has been found to be very suitable for fulfilling the above. The tube forming technique of the present invention works very well for forming tubes having relatively small diameter-to-thickness ratios.

The molded tube also has relatively tight seams that tend to be sealed by capillarity. Since the die forming technique of the present invention is preferred for strips that are in a work hardened condition, the forming technique is suitable for use with metals or alloys that are in a severely cold worked condition.

FIG. 6 shows an original fiber core forming apparatus 40 using the die-type forming technique of the present invention. The metal or alloy strip 12 is formed into an encapsulated tube 30 in the manner described above, ie the strip is sent to the franking station 22.
is first passed through a first die 18 to form an open plow-section body as shown in FIG. A cylindrical body 30 having tight seams is formed.

After the tube 30 has been formed, the tube 3o may be passed through the seam sealing station 28.

The station 28 may include any suitable control mechanism known in the industry, such as soldering equipment, welding equipment, brazing equipment, etc.
Station 28 has equipment for seam soldering.

The supply of solder is carried out by a reservoir bath 42.

The solder can be delivered to the soldering head 44 having an orifice 46 in a conventional manner, such as by a pump, not shown.

Preferably, the solder is fed through the soldering head 44 and orifice 46 at a pressure equal to or greater than that to create a jet of solder. As the tube 30 and the seam are passed over the jet of solder, the movement of the tube and surface tension tend to force the solder into the seam interface formed by the edge 24. The solder penetrates and rises into the seam by capillary action, substantially filling the seam. After the solder has solidified, the tube is completely sealed. By sealing the cylindrical body in this manner, the cylindrical body can be provided with a relatively tight sealing property. Silver wax, lead-tin wax, lead-antimony wax,
Low temperature solder (wax) such as tin-antimony wax, etc.
^Any suitable solder (wax) including hot solder (wax) etc.
can be used to seal seams and tubes.

After soldering passes through the head 44, the cylindrical body 30 is
It should be passed through a wiping device 48 to remove excess solder. The wiping device 48 may include a spring wiper or any other suitable wiping mechanism.

During the cylindrical body forming operation and sealing operation, at least one original fiber 32 and one fiber, if necessary, are removed from the cushion material side.
A cushioning material 34 is placed in the protection and packaging device ν1 or the insertion device 50. Preferably, the cylindrical body forming operation is performed using an insertion device 50.
takes place around. The insertion device 50 prevents damage to the at least one original fiber 32 and the cushioning material 34 during the cylindrical body forming operation and the billing operation, and also prevents the cushioning material from seeping into the seam and sealing it. This is intended to prevent any negative impact on work.

Insertion device 50 also functions as a mandrel when cushioning material is required.

After the 1'7 operation is completed and the solder has solidified, the original fiber 32 and optionally the cushioning material 34 are inserted into the tube 30.

As used herein, the term "inserted" refers to being released from the insertion device and placed into a sealed barrel. If a cushioning material 34 is used, the cushioning material is preferably inserted into the tube 30 at a distance immediately upstream of where one original fiber 32 is inserted into the tube. Ru.

If both the at least one optical fiber and the cushioning material are inserted into the tube 30, the insertion device 50 preferably includes a tenth chamber or passageway 52 through which the optical fiber or fibers 32 are passed. and a concentrically spaced 8g20 chamber or passageway 54 for inserting the cushioning material 34. Passage 52 has a pressure seal at one end with an inlet opening 58 . Single or multiple original fibers 3
2 is inserted into the passageway 52 through the opening 58. aisle 5
The other end of 2 is provided with an outlet opening 60.

The passageway 52 and the exit opening 60 are adapted to guide the source fiber(s) 32 into the optical fiber 31m (i.e., release it). One advantage of having the source fiber 32 released within the tube is that the risk of damage to the source fiber or fibers caused by the sealing operation is minimized.

Although any suitable technique may be used to place the optical fiber(s) 32 within the tube 30, any suitable device (not shown) may be used to place the optical fiber(s) 32 within the tube 30 without exerting significant back tension (each nine fibers It is preferable to place the original fiber or fibers by pulling one end. This means that the optical fiber simply runs together with the tube 3,0 when the tube 3,0 is formed. According to the method of the present invention, the length of each party fiber 32 after fabrication is reduced by less than about 1% of the length of the tube. Therefore, each fiber 32 is in a slight compression state, rather than in a tension state that adversely affects its transmission characteristics.During the forming operation, the original fiber is placed in the tube without being subjected to any rearward tension. When the squeezing force for forming the cylindrical body 30 is released, the cylindrical body elastically contracts, and the length of the cylindrical body 30 and the length of each fiber 32 are A relative difference arises between them.

Passage 5 for inserting cushioning material 34 into the cylindrical body
4 preferably surrounds passageway 52 in concentric relationship. The cushioning material 34 preferably passes through a passageway 54 under pressure through an inlet opening (not shown).
be introduced within. The passageway 54 has an outlet nozzle 64 through which the cushioning material 34 flows into the barrel. The passageway 54 extends over a distance such that the cushioning material 34 does not flow into the tubular body until after the solder has solidified. By injecting the cushioning material 34 into the cylindrical body 30 after waiting for the solder to solidify, there is a risk that the Kunjong material will have an adverse effect on the sealing operation, or conversely, the sealing operation will have an adverse effect on the cushioning material. The risk of contamination is minimized and improved circulation is possible.

Preferably, the cushioning material 34 is introduced into the passageway 54 under pressure so that as the cushioning material 34 flows into the tubular body 30, the cushioning material substantially compresses the tubular body. It optically fills and substantially surrounds the original fiber or fibers 32 . Cushion material 3
4 assists in positioning the original fiber 32 within the cylindrical body. Any suitable machine a, not shown, may be used to supply the cushioning material 34 under pressure to the passageway 34.

Cushioning material 34 may be introduced into passageway 54 in a heated state, although cushioning material 34 may be introduced into passageway 54 in virtually any form and at virtually any desired temperature.
It has been found desirable to insert it within 4. This heated condition improves the flowability of the cushioning material by making it more fluid.

Any suitable conventional heating device 7, not shown, may be used to heat the cushion material 34 before or after it is introduced into the passageway 54. Any suitable cushioning material known in the art may be used as the cushioning material 34, preferably petroleum jelly or similar dull material.

Although we have described a particular method and apparatus for inserting a single raw fiber and a cushioning material into a molded tube, it is possible to insert a single original fiber and a cushioning material into a molded tube. It is possible to use other suitable methods and devices for inserting the original fiber into the tube.
It is disclosed in No. 4. After the envelope tube 30 with one or more original fibers 32' and optionally two cushioning materials 34 inserted therein is assembled, the assembly can be surrounded by one or more other layers. . For example, a dielectric layer 36 may be created around the tube 30. When tubular body 30 is used as an electrical conductor, typical cable structures include such a dielectric layer. Dielectric layer 36 may be made in any suitable manner using any suitable conventional equipment. For example, dielectric layer 36 can be extruded around the cable core in a conventional manner by any suitable extrusion device 66. Preferably, dielectric layer 36 is comprised of high density polyethylene, although any other suitable material may be used. If the cylindrical body 30 is not used as a conductor, the contact layer 36 may be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cable may include a load carrying layer 38. If a layer 36 is provided, preferably a load carrying layer 36 is provided around the dielectric layer. Although the load carrying layer acts as the primary tensile member in the cable, a portion of the total load may be carried by the tube 30. This load carrying layer completely covers the cable core. It also acts as a protective wear layer.The load carrying layer 38 can be any suitable material such as polyethylene, polyamide, polyimide, epoxy and other similar plastic materials.

In a preferred embodiment, the load-bearing layer is made of DuPont (DuP) contained within a thermosetting epoxy matrix.
, :+nt), a plastic filament sold under the trade name Kevlar (IVLAR).
18! It has a contrahelix. The molding of this load-carrying layer is carried out using any suitable molding device 68.
, i.e. with an apparatus for forming annular bodies using a tile construction, in a known manner.

Generally, the cable is provided with an outer cover 39. The outer cover 39 acts as a barrier to water agents and disperses external cutting or abrasion forces. External cover 39 may be formed from any suitable material, including elastomeric materials.

The outer cover 39J may be molded in a known manner by any conventional equipment known in the art. For example, external cover 3
9 can be extruded in conventional manner by conventional extrusion equipment 10. In the preferred embodiment, the outer cover 39 is constructed from a blank polyurethane dove. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the final assembled cable.

A raw fiber cable formed according to the techniques described above can accommodate any desired number of ye fibers.

- In the case, the cylindrical body 3υ accommodates from 1 to 6 original fibers. Preferably, each source fiber 32 is constructed from a nine-dimensional glass rod. However, any suitable nine fibers, with or without buffering material surrounding them, may be used in the cable. The cushioning material 34 may be omitted if the cushioning material surrounding the original fiber substantially occupies the interior of the tube. In addition to, or in place of, the fiber or fibers, the tubular body 30 may contain one or more electrical conductors, such as copper tubes (not shown). One or more dedicated bodies may be inserted in any suitable manner.

A raw fiber cable produced by the techniques described above can theoretically have a virtually infinite length. The technique described above can be used to make cables of approximately 25+n lengths using repeating equipment. Cables may be used underground, above ground, at sea, or in any other environment.

For example, cables can be used to provide data support and power to deep sea sensors.

Capsules can be used for underground, above-ground, and seaweed equipment.

Although the original fiber transmission cable is illustrated as having a dielectric layer, a load-carrying layer, and an outer cover, other metal-type layers may include any number of protective layers in the tubular body.
It may also be molded around 0.

Cylindrical bodies shaped according to the present invention can have any desired diameter-to-thickness ratio. For original fiber cable equipment, preferably the diameter-to-thickness ratio is from about 5:1 to about 25:
1, most preferably from about 10:1 to about 20=1.

The tubular body 14 or 30 can be formed from any desired metal or composite material. For original fiber cable equipment,
Preferably, the material of the tube has a thermal conductivity within the range of about 102% from FJ25 and a low
g/mm2 (6 ml ksi), preferably a yield strength of at least 55.2 to 9/mm2 (bUk8□). 11-f Preferably, the Kasa metal tube has a yield strain of less than about 1%, most preferably about 0.6
It also has a yield strain of about 0.95%.

Although the present invention is applicable to a range of metals and spirits, preferably the present invention is applied to still higher strength copper alloys. As mentioned above, the yield strain, which is the strain at the yield strength with a deviation of 0.2%, is preferably lower than about 1% (preferably close to 6 U capacity).

Since copper alloys have a low modulus of elasticity of 7, the copper alloys can achieve the above yield strain values without having to reach extremely high strengths, such as are required in the case of stainless steels. I can do it. This gives rise to a unique combination of properties for the resulting tube, namely that the tube has very high commercial strength; There is no device to prevent it from being molded. Additionally, the tubular body has a high yield strain seal that prevents damage to the optical fiber during use.

Preferably, the alloy should have good softening resistance so that it does not soften during short periods of exposure to screen temperatures, so that the alloy does not lose strength during intensive work. ing. Furthermore, in the case of application equipment that does not require conductivity of N, the yield strength of the cylindrical body is small (approximately 70-
It should be 5109/m♂ (11JOk81),
Most preferably at least about 1 tJ 5.71c9/
mm2 (15Llkei).

Many metals and alloys can be used because they have the required strength and conductivity, such as copper and its alloys, and steels such as stainless steel. In a preferred embodiment, the material forming the cylindrical body 30 is a high strength copper alloy containing zirconium such as 0, D, A, $ Alloy 15100.C, D, A.

Copper alloy 15100 is about 95% engineering AC8 mu4 ratio, about 43
．． Yield g of 71c9/mm” (62ksi)’
IV and a yield strain of about 0.66%.

Preferred copper alloys in accordance with the present invention having the necessary strength and softening resistance are comprised of fireflies selected from the following families: Namely, copper-zirconium, 4J4iJ-chromium, copper-copper, silver-copper, magnesium-phosphorus, and mausoleum-
Ninkel Silicon, Temple. - In such a copper alloy system, copper is present in a small amount (approximately 95% of the copper is present, and the copper at the foot and the rest form a copper alloy. Elements can be added from the group consisting of zirconium, chromium, carbonate, magnesium, phosphorus, nickel, silicon, soot, and silver, and combinations thereof. Medium strength and 50% For applications where conductivity greater than IACS is required, alloying elements should preferably be present in effective amounts up to about 5% by weight of the public metal to provide the desired strength and softening resistance. and most preferably should be present in an effective amount of up to about 3% by weight of the alloy.

In addition to the ODA alloy 151 mentioned above, other suitable materials include ODA alloys 155, 194 and 195. In addition, high-strength steel alloys such as ODA alloys 668 and 654 can be used for #J parts of equipment with very high strength. Alloy 668 is aluminum within the ranges mentioned above;
It contains silicon and cobalt, and the public money 654 contains silicon, tin, and chromium within the ranges mentioned above. According to the invention, preferably the metal tube is subjected to the treatment according to the invention, which may involve heating the tube during soldering while the tube is maintained in tube tension. 204°C (400'F)
) and 3 L7kg/mrt? (45 ksi) of tensile strength.

The strip body 12 in which the cylindrical body 12 is floor-shaped can have any suitable cross-sectional shape. If desired, one or more edge portions of the strip can be shaped to reduce the squeezing forces acting on the strip 12.

It is extremely difficult to form a cylindrical body from a strip 12 having a cross-sectional area that is about 5% to 20% larger than the desired PJT cross-sectional area of the cylindrical body to be formed. It is clear that Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the strip is about 8% to about 17% larger than the cross-sectional area of the shaped tube, most preferably about 10% to about 15% larger. Inherent in the case of the tube-forming technique used here, the extra metal volume introduced by the extra section width, i.e. the extra band width, essentially results in It is rolled as a longitudinal extension of the resulting cylinder. It has been found that when the cylindrical body forming technique described in hU2 is used, almost no change in wall thickness occurs. The wall thickness of the cylindrical body obtained as kasu-shu is the same as that of the first strip 12 when purchased. Therefore, the cylindrical body forming technology described here is
Regarding some points, it is similar to the "cylindrical body pull-out force Roe". Cylindrical body 1 made by the cylindrical body forming technique of the present invention
4 or 30 is longer than the entire length of the initial strip 12 due to the longitudinal extension of the cylindrical body 14 or 30 described above. The amount of elongation of the tube substantially corresponds to the aforementioned difference (in %) in the cross-sectional area of the tube relative to the l#r area of the strip.

This extra metal volume also inherently aids in the formation of a cylinder with a relatively tight seam 16, without any cutouts or recesses being provided at the outer circumferential surface of the seam 16.

Furthermore, the edge 24 of the metal cylinder 14 is inherently deformed by the above-described cylinder forming technique, resulting in a mechanically non-straight interlocking edge as shown. 24
' and 24''. This milling increases the surface area of the edge on which layers of sealing material can be applied compared to the surface area of the initial strip 120 edge, thereby increasing the resulting seal. The strength of the core assembly is improved. Also, this M provides a more compressed seal than conventional core assemblies.

The deformed interdigitating edges 24' and 24'' are an inherent result of processing according to the technique described above and do not correspond to the shape of the original strip edges. Deformed edges 24
' and 24'' are produced by drawing or drawing according to the method of the invention.

In contrast, a cylindrical body formed by folding and bending does not have such a deformed edge even when die-forming techniques are used. This is because, in the case of folded and bent confectionery, the initial @-shaped body does not have any excess material which is converted into a longitudinal extension by squeezing or drawing in the case of the method according to the invention. A disadvantage of the folding technique appears to be that it creates a concavity in the outer surface along the seam. According to the present invention, the presence of a secondary material in the metal strip allows the outer surface of the strip to be formed in contact with the die to form such a recess along the seam. I am starting to go abroad. This is extremely important. This is because it reduces the amount of solder or brazing material required to provide a circular outer cylindrical surface to the molded cylindrical body.

While the material forming the strip 12 and the open tubular section 14' passes through the dies 18 and 20v, the print tends to become more work hardened. As a result, the mechanical properties of the material, such as its compatibility and yield strength, tend to increase.

The cylindrical body forming technology of the present invention consists of dies 18 arranged in series.
Although described as having dice and 20, it is possible to practice the method with dice that are not arranged in series.

Although the open cylindrical cross section 14' has been described as having a special tail shape, the outside of the open cylindrical cross section 14' may have other shapes, such as an oval cross section. .

Although the tube forming apparatus has been described as having a sealing station, if an edge-to-edge fit is not required, in other words if only hydrostatic pressure can be applied, The sealing station may be omitted if configured to interlock or if an external sealant coating is used.

Although the present invention is embodied using a die to form the open cylindrical cross-section body 14', roll forming may be used to form the open cylindrical cross-section body, if necessary. can. However, the final shaping of the open cylindrical cross-section into a circular cylindrical body should be carried out by die forming as described above.

It is clear that the present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a cylindrical structure that satisfies the objects and advantages mentioned above. Although the invention has been described with reference to one example, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the above description that many variations, modifications and changes may be made.Thus, It is intended that the invention include all such alterations, modifications, and changes that come within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an apparatus for forming a strip of gold maple or alloy into a cylindrical member using a die according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the first die of the molding device and the open cylindrical cross-sectional body molded within the die; FIG.
3 is a sectional view along the chamber showing the second die of the forming device and the cylindrical body formed within the die; FIG. 4 preferably shows the opening formed by the first die; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical structure formed according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a cylindrical structure formed according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a cable core forming apparatus; FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an original fiber transmission cable formed according to the present invention. 6... Long axis, 8... Short axis, 10... Molding device, 12
... Band-shaped body, 14... Cylindrical body, ie, cylindrical structure, 14
'...Open cylindrical cross-section body, 16... Seam, 18... Band forming device, i.e., first die, 20... Edge forming device part, edge forming/compression force generating device, i.e. second dice, 2
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Winding reel, 22... Flux filling station, 24. 24', 24'', edge, 26... Leg, 28... Sealing station, 3u... Cylindrical body or cylinder shaped structure, 32... Original fiber, 34... Cushion material, 36... Dielectric layer, 38... Load-bearing layer, 3
9... External cover, 40... Original fiber cable core forming device, 42... Soldering receptacle, 44.
...Soldering is done on the head, 46...orifice, 48.
- Wiping device, 50... Protective sheathing device, i.e., insertion device, 5
2... First presentation or passageway, 54... Second chamber or passageway, 56... Pressure seal, 58... Artificial opening, 60
- Outlet opening, 64... Outlet opening or outlet nozzle, 66
- Extrusion device, 68... Molding device, 70... Extrusion device. Agent Akira Asamura

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) The cylindrical structure (14, 30) having a desired diameter is made of gold or alloy! ! A method of forming from a strip (12), comprising: an open cylindrical section (14') having a pair of edges (24) and having a diameter smaller than said desired diameter;
), and the open cylindrical cross-section body (14') is formed into an edge forming device (20').
) to place the edges 1 (24) facing each other and to create a sufficient compressive force at the edges (24) so that the edge forming device (20) a passing step which, upon passing, leaves a slight residual compressive action to hold the edges (24) in close proximity; (2. In the forming method according to claim 1, the step of forming the band-like object includes forming the band-like object (12) through a first die (18) to form the open cylindrical cross section. Body (14
The passing step includes a step of forming a tube.
The open cylindrical cross-section body (1
4') and bending the edge (24) so that the edges face each other, the tubular structure (14) is bent.
, 30) has a cylindrical structure forming process,
A molding method characterized in that a springback force is applied to the open cylindrical cross-sectional body by the squeezing and bending, thereby producing the compressive force and the residual compressive action. (3) In the forming method according to claim 2, the band-shaped body has an initial cross-sectional area that is about 5% to about 20% larger than the desired cross-sectional area of the cylindrical structure (14, 30). (12), the step of forming the cylindrical structure includes substantially non-linear interfitting edges (24', 24").
) a molding process, characterized in that the edges increase the surface area to which the sealing material can be applied. +4j %1 The method of claim 2, wherein the step of forming the cylindrical structure comprises forming the cylindrical structure to have a diameter-to-thickness ratio within the range of about 5=1 to about 25:1. (1
4, 30). (5) The molding method according to claim 1, characterized in that the joint formed by the edge (24) is soldered to form a sealed cylindrical structure. . (6) % allowance In the molding method according to claim 1, an insertion device (50) for inserting at least one original fiber (32) into the cylindrical structure (30) is provided for $ biasing the cylindrical structure (30) around the insertion device (5d);
), and after the cylindrical structure (30) is molded, the at least one original fiber (32) is placed inside the cylindrical structure, and the cylindrical structure serves as a part of the optical fiber transmission cable. A molding method characterized by the following: (7) 'S body (14,3
0) from a metal or alloy strip (12), an open cylindrical shape having a pair of edges (24) and a diameter smaller than said desired diameter; Sectional body (14'
), a strip forming device (18) for forming the strip (12) on the edge; An edge forming/compressive force generating device (20) for generating a light amount of compressive force, the edge forming/compressing force generating device (20) being removed from the edge forming/compressive force generating device, the edge (24) being brought close to the The edge forming/compressing force generating device is separate from the band forming device (18). A molding device comprising a device (20). (8) In the molding device according to claim 7, the @-shaped body molding device includes a first die (18). The band-shaped body (12) is squeezed through the first die to form the open cylindrical cross-section body (14'), and the edge forming and compressive force generating device is a second die. dice (20)
The open cylindrical cross-section (14') is squeezed through the second die to bend the edges (24) into an edge-to-edge state and form the desired shape. The cylindrical structure (14, 30) having a diameter is formed so that the compressive force and the residual compressive action are produced by a springback force acting on the open cylindrical cross-section body. (91%) In the forming apparatus according to claim 7, the apparatus is provided with a soldering device for soldering the joint formed by the edge. 00) In the forming apparatus according to claim 8, the first die (18) has a short diameter, and the second die (20) has an inner diameter. and the ratio of the inner diameter to the shorter diameter is about 1.02:1 to about L25:1.
Molding equipment that requires mold to be within the range of . αl) In the molding apparatus according to claim 7, in order to insert a small number (one original fiber (32) into the cylindrical structure substantially simultaneously with the molding of the cylindrical structure (30). An insertion device (50) is provided, and the band forming device (18) and the edge forming/compressive force generating device (20) are arranged around the insertion device (50) to (14') and the cylindrical structure (
30) A molding device whose percentage mark is that it molds each of (12+ A substantially sealed hollow metal or alloy tube having a pair of relatively closely spaced edges (24) forming an axial seam (16) in a cylindrical structure of any length; a cylindrical body (14,3-0), the edge (24) being held in close proximity by residual compressive forces within the metal or alloy forming the cylindrical body; A cylindrical structure characterized in that: 03)% The cylindrical structure according to claim 12, wherein the cylindrical body is a constricted cylindrical body (14, 30), and the residual compression A cylindrical structure characterized by the fact that the force is generated when squeezing the cylindrical body. 0. The cylindrical structure according to claim 12, wherein the edges (24) are bonded and sealed together by a bonding sealing material, and in the cylindrical body there is at least one optical fiber ( 32)
The cylindrical structure (30) is a cylindrical structure that forms part of a former fiber transmission cable. (15,l) In the cylindrical structure according to claim 12, the edges (24', 24'') are substantially non-linear interfitting edges to increase the surface area. A cylindrical structure characterized in that it is configured such that a sealing material can be applied to its increased surface area.