WO2010109339A1 - Conduit à fibre optique et son procédé de fabrication - Google Patents

Conduit à fibre optique et son procédé de fabrication Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010109339A1
WO2010109339A1 PCT/IB2010/001203 IB2010001203W WO2010109339A1 WO 2010109339 A1 WO2010109339 A1 WO 2010109339A1 IB 2010001203 W IB2010001203 W IB 2010001203W WO 2010109339 A1 WO2010109339 A1 WO 2010109339A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
optical fibre
duct
channel
optical
cable
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2010/001203
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kenneth Barber
Original Assignee
Nexans
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2009901357A external-priority patent/AU2009901357A0/en
Application filed by Nexans filed Critical Nexans
Priority to EP10723306A priority Critical patent/EP2411854A1/fr
Priority to AU2010227148A priority patent/AU2010227148A1/en
Publication of WO2010109339A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010109339A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
    • G02B6/4459—Ducts; Conduits; Hollow tubes for air blown fibres
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02—Details
    • H02G3/04—Protective tubing or conduits, e.g. cable ladders or cable troughs
    • H02G3/0406—Details thereof
    • H02G3/0418—Covers or lids; Their fastenings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4479—Manufacturing methods of optical cables
    • G02B6/4484—Manufacturing methods of optical cables with desired surplus length between fibres and protection features

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an optical fibre conduit, and a method of encapsulating an optical fibre or optical fibre tape.
  • the invention is particularly suited for optical fibre tapes adapted for inclusion in cables.
  • the optical fibre conduit can be used in power cables as a distributed temperature sensor.
  • EP0825465 describes a cable with an optical fibre tube in the form of a flattened metal tube encapsulating an optical fibre tape applied to a cable core in a sinusoidal manner.
  • the cable jacket is extruded over the cable core and tube.
  • the fibres are also said to be oscillated within the tube.
  • the tube is formed by first feeding the fibres 11.012 into a circular metal tube 11.110 (see Figure 11 ), then flattening the tube 12.1 11 ( Figure 12), then applying a sinusoidal form to the tube before applying the sinusoidal flattened tube to the cable, and then extruding the jacket over the cable core and tube.
  • the overlength imposed on the optical fibre or optical fibre tape is to some extent limited by the diameter of the tube before flattening (see Figure 12).
  • This invention proposes an optical fibre tube or duct, and method of manufacturing such an optical fibre tube or duct.
  • the invention provides an optical fibre duct having a closable exterior case in which one or more optical fibres can be deployed with an overlength before the case is closed.
  • an optical fibre duct having an exterior case formed of two parts joined to form a conduit, the conduit enclosing one or more optical fibres or optical fibre tapes, the optical fibre or optical fibre tape being deployed within the conduit in an overlength configuration.
  • an elongate channel having a substantially flat base into which optical fibres or optical fibre cable can be laid in an overlength manner, and a substantially flat cover adapted to be applied to the channel after the optical fibre has been installed in the channel.
  • optical fibre or optical fibre tape can be laid on a substrate before being enclosed by the conduit.
  • a soft thixotropic filling compound, viscous liquid or jelly, such as petroleum jelly, can be incorporated with the optical fibre or optical fibre tape in the duct or on the substrate before being enclosed by the conduit.
  • the viscous liquid or jelly can be applied to the substrate before, after or simultaneously with the optical fibres or optical fibre tapes.
  • the optical fibre can be deployed in a meander path.
  • the optical fibre can be deployed in a sinusoidal path.
  • the optical fibre can be deployed on a carrier, such as a tape or ribbon.
  • the conduit can include a U-shaped channel
  • the conduit can include a cap attachable to the channel.
  • the channel and cap can be provided with a mutual attachment means.
  • the mutual attachment means can include a snap-fit arrangement.
  • the mutual attachment means can include a toothless zip closure, such as used for plastic bags.
  • the overlength configuration can be produced by gathering of the optical fibres or optical fibre tapes.
  • the overlength configuration can be produced by a differential feed rate between the fibre and the channel.
  • the overlength configuration can be produced by a reciprocating movement having a transverse component relative to the longitudinal axis of the duct
  • the duct can be glued to a cable
  • the duct need not be wrapped around a cable, (linear rather than spiral or undulating).
  • the duct can be applied on the same axis as the cable
  • the conduit can be manufactured by an assembly process including the steps of; providing an elongate conduit base member; providing an elongate conduit cover member; deploying one or more optical fibres or optical fibre tapes in an overlength configuration on the base member; applying the cover member over the base member.
  • the method can also include the step of incorporating a viscous liquid or jelly with the optical fibres or optical fibre tapes.
  • the method can also include the step of deploying the optical fibres or optical fibre tapes to a substrate before applying the optical fibres or optical fibre tapes to the base member together with the substrate.
  • the invention also provides cable duct manufacturing apparatus including: optical fibre supply means; channel supply means; cover supply means; optical fibre overlength delivery means; an optical fibre/channel combiner; and a cover/channel combiner adapted to apply the cover to the channel after the optical fibre has been deployed in the channel.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an illustrative view of a fibre cable laid in a channel according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 2 and 3 together form a schematic illustration of an exploded view of a channel and cover according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 4 is an illustration of an end view of an optical fibre cable in a covered duct according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a closure mechanism for joining a cap to a base.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a of an optical fibre duct according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a section through a cable according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 8 illustrates a section through a cable according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a cable fabrication plant according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of the splaying of the arms of the latch cavity.
  • Figures 1 1 & 12 illustrate the method of forming an optical fibre duct similar to that described in EP0825465.
  • Figure 13 illustrates an optical fibre duct according to an embodiment of the invention applied to an electrical cable.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a portion of the base channel 1.002 of an elongate fibre duct according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • An optical fibre or optical fibre cable 1.010, 4.012 is deployed on the base.
  • the duct can be of substantially similar length to the electrical cable in which it is intended to be inserted.
  • the channel has a base 1.004, and side walls 1.006, 1.008.
  • the inside transverse dimension of the base 1.004 is sufficient to permit a fibre or fibre cable to be laid therein with a meander or sinusoidal path of sufficient amplitude to permit the required overlength.
  • lengthwise pitch and the transverse peak-to-peak distance ("wavelength") of the cable laid in sinusoidal form ensures that the cable is of the required overlength.
  • Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an exploded view of a duct having a cap
  • the cap includes longitudinal rims or snap-fit elements such as 2.024 adapted to provide a liquid seal along the longitudinal walls 3.006, 3.008 of the duct.
  • the cap includes a pair of projections such as 2.024, 2.026 forming a recess 2.028 along each edge of the cap.
  • the recess 2.028 is adapted to receive the walls 2.006, 2.008 of the channel 3.004 in an interference fit to provide a seal along the edges of the channel.
  • the ends of the projections 2.024, 2.026 can be chamfered or flared to facilitate initial engagement between the projections and the walls 3.006, 3.008.
  • the tops of the walls 3.006, 3.008 can be tapered for the same reason.
  • FIG. 5 a toothless zipper arrangement similar to that employed for some plastic bags can be utilized.
  • the tops of the wall 5.006 of the channel 5.004 are provided with a bulbous termination 5.007, and the ends of the cap projections are provided with tapered inward projections 5.025, 5.027.
  • the arms 5.024, 5.026 are sufficiently resilient to permit the bulbous bead 5.007 to be inserted through the tapered aperture formed by the tapered projections 5.025, 5.027.
  • withdrawal requires greater force as the inner sides of the projections 5.025, 5.027 are not tapered to facilitate withdrawal.
  • the inner sides can be tapered.
  • the corners of the cap and channel can be chamfered to reduce sharp edges and corners.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a closure mechanism for joining a cap to a base according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • 5.024, 5.026, of the cap define a closure cavity or latch recess extending along one side of the cap and adapted to receive the bead 5.007 at the end of the wall 5.006 of the base 5.004.
  • the ends of the arms 5.024, 5.026 have inwardly projecting latches
  • the cap is sufficiently resilient that, when the cap is bent with the arms on the outer side of the curve, the arms will splay apart due to the greater radius of curvature at the latch end of the arms, increasing the distance between the tips of the tapered latches 5.025, 5.027.
  • the bead is dimensioned so that it can be inserted into the latch cavity, and is retained therein by the tapered latches 5.025, 5.027 which are shaped to facilitate insertion of the bead, and to resist removal of the bead once inserted.
  • Figures 6, 7, & 8 show elements of alternative optical fibre cable arrangements according to embodiments of the invention.
  • optical fibre or optical fibre tape 6.010 s deployed in an overlength configuration on the base 6.004.
  • the duct can be formed of a unitary construction
  • 7.004 in the form of a flat strip which is sufficiently resilient to permit it to be folded over the strength members 7.032, 7.034 so the ends can be joined to form the housing, shown in dotted line, for the optical fibres.
  • Folding notches such as 7.036 can be provided to facilitate bending and assist in accommodating the compression of the material of the housing at the bends.
  • the optical fibre cable 7.012 can include a number of optical fibres
  • the dotted outlined optical fibres correspond to the solid line fibres at a further distance, such as half pitch, along the cable, as indicated at 7.016'.
  • the optical fibre cable is applied to the ribbon 7.040 before being inserted in to the channel.
  • the petroleum jelly can be applied to the ribbon 7.040 before the optical fibres are applied to the ribbon.
  • the housing 7.004 can be of a unitary construction, with the base being folded over the optical fibres and strength elements.
  • the strength elements 7.032, 7.034 such as pultruded glass reinforcement rods, can be affixed to the base prior to the deployment of the optical fibres. Thus the strength elements remain at the edges of the duct to provide structural integrity during handling of the duct.
  • the ends of the housing can be overlapped and joined by welding, ultrasonic scrubbing, gluing or other suitable means.
  • Figure 9 schematically illustrates elements of a cable drawing plant suitable for manufacturing a cable according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • a number of feed reels provide the feed stock for the cable.
  • a jelly supply 9.070 is provided to apply jelly to the tape before the fibre is applied.
  • the fibre is deployed on the tape at a first station 9.072.
  • the circled dot and cross 9.078 indicate that the fibre is applied to the tape with a transverse reciprocating motion to supply the fibre overlength.
  • the fibre can be applied at a higher delivery speed than the tape without the transverse reciprocation, relying on the speed differential to produce the overlength.
  • cap and channel from reels can be drawn from extrusion machines, cooled, and directly fed to the cable forming apparatus.
  • Figure 10 schematically illustrates the splaying of the arms 10.024,
  • the bead can be part of the cap and the latch cavity can be part of the channel, or one side can be the opposite of the other, the channel having one bead on one side and one latch cavity on the other side, and the cap having a mating arrangement.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates schematically a bared end of an electrical cable with an optical fibre duct 13.020 according to an embodiment of the invention inserted between an inner insulation layer 13.122, and an outer jacket 13.124.
  • the duct is laid parallel to the axis of the cable during manufacture of the cable without the need for the imposition on the duct of the sinusoidal configuration illustrated in EP0825465.
  • the optical fibre units have been helically applied unless they are put in the centre of the cable.
  • the duct can be applied to the insulation layer 13.122 with zero twist, as the undulation of the fibres within the duct provide adequate allowance to isolate the fibres from excess tensile load.
  • the duct can also be applied with a degree of spiral twist if necessitated by manufacturing or application purposes. For example, it may be a requirement that the fibre be accessible on one side of the cable at a point over a given distance of cable, so a spiral wrap of the duct can ensure this.
  • the duct can be attached to the exterior of the cable prior to packing the cable on a drum.

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à un canal à fibre optique allongé (1.002) qui possède une base sensiblement plate (1.004) dans laquelle des fibres optiques (1.010) ou un câble à fibre optique (1.012) peuvent être disposés en surlongueur, ainsi qu'un couvercle sensiblement plat (2.022) conçu pour être appliqué sur le canal après que la fibre optique a été installée à l'intérieur.
PCT/IB2010/001203 2009-03-27 2010-03-23 Conduit à fibre optique et son procédé de fabrication WO2010109339A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10723306A EP2411854A1 (fr) 2009-03-27 2010-03-23 Conduit à fibre optique et son procédé de fabrication
AU2010227148A AU2010227148A1 (en) 2009-03-27 2010-03-23 An optical fibre conduit, an electrical power cable and a method of manufacturing same

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2009901357A AU2009901357A0 (en) 2009-03-27 An Optical Fibre Conduit, and a Method of Manufacturing Same
AU2009901357 2009-03-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010109339A1 true WO2010109339A1 (fr) 2010-09-30

Family

ID=42543133

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2010/001203 WO2010109339A1 (fr) 2009-03-27 2010-03-23 Conduit à fibre optique et son procédé de fabrication

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2411854A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2010227148A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2010109339A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017021336A1 (fr) * 2015-08-05 2017-02-09 Leoni Kabel Holding Gmbh Câble et procédé pour le réaliser
JP2017122832A (ja) * 2016-01-07 2017-07-13 株式会社フジクラ 収納型光ケーブル、光ファイバケーブルの敷設方法、及び収納型光ケーブルの製造方法
WO2019048069A1 (fr) * 2017-09-11 2019-03-14 Prysmian S.P.A. Câble de dérivation optique plat

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4232935A (en) * 1977-09-26 1980-11-11 Kabel- Und Metallwerke Gutehoffnungshuette Ag Communications cable with optical waveguides
EP0407076A1 (fr) * 1989-07-01 1991-01-09 Nortel Networks Corporation Câble à fibres optiques
EP0474609A2 (fr) * 1990-09-04 1992-03-11 International Business Machines Corporation Dispositif compact de traction allégée pour des câbles optiques
EP0539915A1 (fr) * 1991-11-01 1993-05-05 Alcatel Stk A/S Câble composite à puissance
US5999683A (en) * 1998-07-01 1999-12-07 American Pipe & Plastics, Inc Clip device for conduits containing optical fibers
WO2008147192A1 (fr) * 2007-05-31 2008-12-04 Draka Comteq B.V. Câble et utilisation, et procédé de réalisation de réseau en câble

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4232935A (en) * 1977-09-26 1980-11-11 Kabel- Und Metallwerke Gutehoffnungshuette Ag Communications cable with optical waveguides
EP0407076A1 (fr) * 1989-07-01 1991-01-09 Nortel Networks Corporation Câble à fibres optiques
EP0474609A2 (fr) * 1990-09-04 1992-03-11 International Business Machines Corporation Dispositif compact de traction allégée pour des câbles optiques
EP0539915A1 (fr) * 1991-11-01 1993-05-05 Alcatel Stk A/S Câble composite à puissance
US5999683A (en) * 1998-07-01 1999-12-07 American Pipe & Plastics, Inc Clip device for conduits containing optical fibers
WO2008147192A1 (fr) * 2007-05-31 2008-12-04 Draka Comteq B.V. Câble et utilisation, et procédé de réalisation de réseau en câble

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017021336A1 (fr) * 2015-08-05 2017-02-09 Leoni Kabel Holding Gmbh Câble et procédé pour le réaliser
CN107850747A (zh) * 2015-08-05 2018-03-27 莱尼电缆有限公司 线缆和用于制造线缆的方法
US10254493B2 (en) 2015-08-05 2019-04-09 Leoni Kabel Gmbh Cable and method for producing the cable
CN107850747B (zh) * 2015-08-05 2020-01-17 莱尼电缆有限公司 线缆和用于制造线缆的方法
JP2017122832A (ja) * 2016-01-07 2017-07-13 株式会社フジクラ 収納型光ケーブル、光ファイバケーブルの敷設方法、及び収納型光ケーブルの製造方法
WO2019048069A1 (fr) * 2017-09-11 2019-03-14 Prysmian S.P.A. Câble de dérivation optique plat
CN111433648A (zh) * 2017-09-11 2020-07-17 普睿司曼股份公司 扁平光学分接线缆
US11187863B2 (en) 2017-09-11 2021-11-30 Prysmian S.P.A Flat optical drop cable

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2411854A1 (fr) 2012-02-01
AU2010227148A1 (en) 2011-09-29

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