JPS61223812A - Manufacture of optical fiber cable - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the transmission characteristic of an optical fiber cable from being deteriorated so as to sharply improve the economy of the cable, by forming the optical fiber cable by assembling optical fiber units, each of which is formed by linearly putting optical fiber cores around an optical fiber unit tension member without twist, together with no twist. CONSTITUTION:Plural optical fiber cores 44 supplied from plural optical fiber core supplying bobbins 43 are put around a unit tension member 42 in the same direction through a comber board 46 and the outer surface of the assembled body is coated by means of an ultraviolet-setting resin coating device 47, and thus, an optical fiber unit 48 is formed. Then plural optical fiber units 54 thus formed are put around a cable tension member 52 by supplying the units 54 from plural optical fiber unit supplying bobbins 53 with rotational twist being given to the units 54, and the outer surface of the assembled body is coated with a keep-winding tape 56 supplied from a keep-winding tape supplying bobbin 55. After the assembled body is coated with the tape 56, an outer shell is installed to the assembled body by means of a sheath 57 and an optical fiber cable 58 is formed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an optical fiber couple.
:<C An optical fiber unit consisting of multiple 11C optical fiber cores attached vertically around a tension member. Method for manufacturing a low-cost optical fiber cable with excellent loss wavelength characteristics assembled without twisting. It is something.

[Conventional technology]

Conventional optical fiber cables consist of multiple optical fiber cores @
An optical fiber unit is formed by twisting it in a '4' spiral, and this formed optical fiber unit? Multiple pieces are assembled by twisting them into a spiral again. In each step of the conventional manufacturing method, optical fibers are twisted into a spiral shape.The purpose of twisting is to take full advantage of the unique transmission characteristics of optical fibers, and to reduce the increase in loss caused by various mechanical stresses and temperature changes. The objective is to suppress the increase in loss associated with this, and to create a practical optical fiber cable.This situation will be explained below.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an optical fiber unit 60 in which a plurality of optical fiber core wires 62 are twisted and assembled. Reference numeral 61 denotes an optical fiber tension member, and 65 denotes an optical fiber unit coating for fixing the optical fiber core t' in one assembly, and may be wrapped with tape or the like.

Further, FIG. 7 shows a plurality of optical fiber cores 62 around the optical fiber unit tension member 61 (an optical fiber unit 60' that is vertically attached in a straight state without having two twists).
This is an example. The same reference numerals as in FIG. 6 indicate the same parts.

Characteristic I in FIG. 8 is based on a plurality of single-mode optical fiber cores (core diameter 9 μm, refractive index difference ΔRh between the core and cladding 0.5 μm).
5%, wavelength λC=i, z1μ) is twisted and assembled into a single mode optical fiber unit, which is an example of the loss wavelength characteristic when wound into a reel.

Is the characteristic (■) in Fig. 8 based on multiple single-mode optical fibers (same conditions as in the case of characteristic (■))? This is an example of a loss wavelength characteristic when a single mode optical fiber unit, which is longitudinally attached in a straight line a around an optical fiber 22-tension member, is wound onto a reel.

As can be seen from the characteristic I in Fig. 188, the long wavelength I of a single mode optical fiber unit in which a plurality of single mode optical fiber cores are vertically attached in a straight line around the optical fiber unit tension member without being twisted. : The loss at is very high (2), indicating that the characteristics of this kind of single mode optical fiber unit are unstable.

On the other hand, as can be seen from the characteristic I in Fig. 8, the loss of a single mode optical fiber unit made by twisting and gathering a plurality of single mode optical fiber cores is that there is no micropend loss in the long wavelength region. No deterioration has occurred. Therefore, conventionally, a plurality of optical fiber units made by twisting and assembling optical fibers are twisted and assembled using a concentrator. Optical fiber couples have been manufactured and put into practical use without deteriorating their transmission characteristics.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

Conventionally, optical fiber cables have a double helix structure, which is made by twisting and assembling multiple optical fiber units using a concentrator, which has been put into practical use by twisting and assembling optical fiber cores. Optical fiber units must be assembled using independent paddles: double assembly machines, which is a major problem that hinders price reduction.

[Means for solving problems]

In order to solve the conventional problems, the present invention applies an optical fiber unit coating to the outer periphery of an optical fiber unit tension member (: a plurality of optical fiber cores are vertically attached in a straight state without twisting). The present invention is characterized by forming an optical fiber unit by forming an optical fiber unit, and applying an optical fiber cable jacket to the outer periphery of the plurality of optical fiber units gathered without twisting around an optical fiber cable tension member to form an optical fiber cable. There is.

[Effect]

The method for manufacturing an optical fiber cable of the present invention involves assembling optical fiber units manufactured by vertically attaching them in a straight line around the optical fiber unit tension member without twisting the optical fiber core wires. Since this is a method for manufacturing optical fiber cables, the transmission characteristics of the optical fibers are not degraded and the cost is significantly reduced. This will be explained below using figures.

〔Example〕

The optical fiber unit 60' shown in FIG. 7 is one example of the structure of an optical fiber unit manufactured without twisting.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of an optical fiber couple 10 according to the present invention. 1 is an optical fiber cable tension member, 2 is an optical fiber unit tension member C without applying the optical fiber core IC twist according to the present invention; an optical fiber unit manufactured by longitudinally attaching the IC, and 3 is an optical fiber cable jacket.

The optical fiber cable according to the present invention is manufactured by assembling a plurality of optical fiber units according to the present invention (; without twisting) in an assembling machine.When assembling a plurality of optical fiber units without twisting, the optical fiber The unit is twisted with the same pitch p in the direction of rotation of the concentrator.As a result, in the optical fiber couple state, the optical fiber cores in the optical fiber unit are twisted around the tension member of the optical fiber unit with a pitch P. The optical fiber unit has a double helical structure twisted around the optical fiber cable tension member (Nivite P). The structure is similar to the optical fiber core structure in an optical fiber cable manufactured by retwisting and assembling a plurality of optical fiber units assembled together.

Next, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 7 (: Instead of the optical fiber core I!62 having the structure shown, a spot size of 5μ, a corner with an outer diameter of 125μ, a refractive index difference ΔS-O,S% between the core part and the cladding part, a wavelength λ0-1. 2
μm optical fiber element +1! A UV optical fiber assembly coated with an ultraviolet curing resin and having an outer diameter Q of 4 mmφ was used.

Six UV optical fibers with an outer diameter of 0.4 mjBIS.

The circumference of an optical fiber unit tension member made of galvanized hardened steel wire with an outer diameter Q of 4 mmφ is in two straight lines (: After being attached vertically, an outer covering is applied with an ultraviolet curing resin, and an outer diameter of 2.2rn
An optical fiber unit of rlLφ was manufactured.

W! FIG. 11 shows the structure of an optical fiber couple 10 manufactured according to the present invention. Around the polyethylene-coated optical fiber cable tensile member 1 with an outer diameter of 5.5 mφ, 11 cables with an outer diameter of 2.2 mW manufactured in the previous process were placed.
The optical fiber units 2 of d were assembled without twisting, wrapped with a tape 4, and then covered with an optical fiber cable jacket 3 using a polyethylene sheath.

For comparison, Figure 2 shows the same 11
This optical fiber cable 10 is made up of optical fiber units 2 each having an outer diameter of 2.2 mm, which are twisted together.

Characteristic I in FIG. 3 is a loss wavelength characteristic of an optical fiber unit having an outer diameter of 2.211 mm in a reel-wound state.

In the long wavelength region, an increase in microbending loss is observed.

Characteristic (■) in FIG. 5 is shown in the second
This is the loss wavelength characteristic of an optical fiber cable in which the 11 optical fiber units each having an outer diameter of 2.2 mm shown in FIG. Characteristic ■
When comparing the reel winding characteristics C2 of an optical fiber unit with an outer diameter of 2.2 mm, the loss in the long wavelength region is slightly recovered.

Characteristic I in FIG. 3 corresponds to the outer diameter of 2.277!17! illustrated in FIG. 1 according to the present invention. This is the loss wavelength characteristic of an optical fiber cable in which +11 optical fiber units are assembled with 101 cotton without twisting.

As is clear from comparing the characteristics I, If, and I in Figure 1!3, C
1 The loss wavelength characteristic I of the optical fiber cable manufactured by gathering optical fiber units with an outer diameter of 2.2711 ml according to the present invention C2 at a pitch of 100 mm without untwisting is as follows: Not only has the characteristic of the state been significantly recovered compared to I-2 and has reached the level of practical use, but also the optical fiber unit with an outer diameter of 2-2 mtl16 has been untwisted and the pitch has been increased to 100 m.
It can be seen that the characteristics of the optical fiber couple assembled at m are also superior compared to lC.

The above-described embodiment of the present invention is capable of forming optical fibers by assembling a plurality of optical fiber units, which are manufactured by vertically attaching a plurality of optical fiber cores around an optical fiber unit tension member, without twisting. The twisted ribs of the optical fiber core in the optical fiber unit and the twisted ribs of the tension member of the optical fiber unit are the same.
Example I having a heavy helical structure has been described, but this is just one example, and the values of this example are not limiting. That is, the present invention essentially requires that the optical fiber core has a double helical structure in the final form C of the optical fiber cable, and therefore, when a plurality of optical fiber units according to the present invention are assembled, , without untwisting: Therefore, in addition to giving a rotational twist to the optical fiber unit), by gathering the optical fibers while giving a rotational twist to the optical fiber unit), the optical fiber cores are The present invention also includes a double helix structure in which the twist rivet of the core m and the twist pitch of the tension members of the optical fiber unit can be arbitrarily selected.

FIG. 4 shows an outline of an optical fiber unit manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. 41 is a unit tension member tie-ply bobbin, 42 is a unit tension member, 43 is an optical fiber coated wire tie-ply bobbin, 44 is an optical fiber coated wire,
45 is an optical fiber core supply stand, 46 is a batten,
47 is an ultraviolet curing resin coating device, 48 is an optical fiber unit, 49 is an optical fiber unit winding tram, 481 is a unit tension member, and 482 is an optical fiber core.

Around the unit tension member 42 supplied from the unit tension member sub live bobbin 41, a plurality of optical fiber coated wires supplied from a plurality of optical fiber coated wire supply bobbins 43 installed in the optical fiber coated wire stand 45 (: 44 are arranged and vertically attached through a batten 46. An ultraviolet curing resin coating device 47 (two-strand coating is applied to produce an optical fiber unit 48).

Therefore, according to the present invention, a concentrator becomes unnecessary, and the optical fiber core 44 can be supplied from the optical fiber core stand 45 at high speed. The optical fiber core wires 44 are arranged by means of battens 46, and coated with ultraviolet curing resin 47I.
: Therefore, a UV curing resin coating is applied. Note that the ultraviolet curable resin coating is used to fix a plurality of optical fiber cores into one assembly, and may be coated with tape or the like (it may be wrapped with two twists).

FIG. 5 shows an outline of an optical fiber unit concentrator according to the present invention 1. Reference numeral 50 denotes a collection gauge, 51 a cable tension member-containing ply bobbin, 52 a cape presser winding chibuna ply bobbin, 56 a presser winding tape, 57 a sheath, 58 an optical fiber cable, and 59 an optical fiber cable winding drum.

Around the cable tension member 52 supplied from the cable tension member chip bobbin 51 (:, fourth
According to the present invention explained in the drawings, a plurality of optical fiber units 54 are supplied from an optical fiber unit supply bobbin 53 while being rotated and twisted, and are pressed down by a presser winding tape 56 supplied from a presser winding tape supply bobbin 55. The optical fiber cable 58 is manufactured by winding it and covering it with a sheath 57.The collective linear velocity v (mm/rni n
), the present invention (the number of rotations of each fiber unit supply bobbin 53 is ω, (rpm), set Ku?, 15
Let the rotational speed of 0 be ωtc rp FIB).

The present invention 1: Optical fiber unit) 54C The optical fiber core wire included in each optical fiber unit)? It has a double helical structure with two pitches: the pitch Pl caused by rotating the ply bobbin 55 C2, and the pitch Pl caused by the gathering due to the rotation of the collecting gauge 50. Assuming that the direction of rotation of the set gauge 50 is positive, the pitch Pt5Pt is as shown in the following table.

In addition, when the optical fiber units according to the present invention (:) are assembled without twisting, ω,←−ω, and in particular, the state is equivalent to ω1=0, so P, −P snow−v/machi(−−) Become.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the method for manufacturing an optical fiber cable of the present invention (:), without assembling optical fiber cores,
Surrounding the unit tension member Since it has a helical structure, the transmission characteristics of the optical fiber will not be deteriorated.

In addition, optical fiber units are manufactured by attaching optical fiber cores vertically around the optical fiber unit tension member, which eliminates the need for a gathering machine and allows high-speed production with simple equipment, making it possible to reduce the cost of optical fiber cables. The effect of C2 in reducing is remarkable.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a structural diagram of an optical fiber cable in which a plurality of optical fiber units according to the present invention are assembled without twisting, in which a plurality of optical fiber cores are vertically attached around the tension member of the optical fiber unit; The figure is a structural diagram of an optical fiber cable in which a plurality of optical fiber units in which a plurality of optical fiber core wires are vertically attached around the tension member of the optical fiber unit are gathered together with twisting. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber unit manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. A schematic diagram of an optical fiber unit assembly machine. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an optical fiber unit in which multiple optical fiber cores are twisted and assembled. Surrounding area of the tension member of the fiber unit: A diagram showing an example of the structure of an optical fiber unit attached vertically.
- It is a characteristic diagram showing loss wavelength characteristics. 1... Optical fiber cable tension member, 2...
- Optical fiber unit, 3... Optical fiber cable jacket, 4... Tape, 10.10'... Optical fiber cable, 41... Unit tension member ply bobbin, 42... Unit tension member , 45・
... Optical fiber core supply bobbin, 44... Optical fiber core, 45... Optical fiber core wire chipply stand, 46... Grain plate, 47... Ultraviolet curing resin coating device, 48... - Optical fiber unit, 49... Optical fiber unit winding drum, 481... Tension member, 482... Optical fiber core wire, 50... Collective gauge, 51... Google tension member chip ply bobbin, 52...Cable tension member, 5'! I...
- Optical fiber unit nappy bobbin, 54... Optical fiber unit, 55... Presser winding tape supply bobbin, 56... Presser winding tape, 57... Sheath,
58... Optical fiber cable, 59... Optical fiber cable winding drum, 60.60'... Optical fiber unit, 61... Optical fiber unit tension member, 62... Optical fiber core wire, 63 ...Optical fiber unit coating

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A first step of forming an optical fiber unit by applying an optical fiber unit coating to the outer periphery of an optical fiber unit in which a plurality of coated optical fibers are vertically attached in a straight line around an optical fiber unit tension member; A method for manufacturing an optical fiber cable, comprising a second step of forming an optical fiber cable by applying an optical fiber cable jacket to the outer periphery of a plurality of units assembled without twisting around an optical fiber cable tension member. (2) The method for manufacturing an optical fiber cable according to claim 1, wherein in the second step, the optical fiber units are assembled while applying a rotational twist.