TELECOMMUNICATIONS CABLE JACKET ADAPTED FOR POST-EXTRUSION INSERTION OF OPTICAL FIBER AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME
The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications cable having a jacket including a feature for allowing post-extrusion insertion of an optical fiber or other signal-transmitting member. The present disclosure also relates to a method for making a telecommunications cable having a jacket including a feature for allowing post-extrusion insertion of an optical fiber or other signal-transmitting member.
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This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/242,162, filed Sep. 30, 2008, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/757,680, filed Jun. 4, 2007, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/056,380, filed Feb. 11, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,225,534, which applications are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates generally telecommunications cable for transmitting data and to methods for manufacturing telecommunications cable.
BACKGROUNDA fiber optic cable typically includes: (1) a fiber or fibers; (2) a buffer or buffers that surrounds the fiber or fibers; (3) a strength layer that surrounds the buffer or buffers; and (4) an outer jacket. Optical fibers function to carry optical signals. A typical optical fiber includes an inner core surrounded by a cladding that is covered by a coating. Buffers typically function to surround and protect coated optical fibers. Strength layers add mechanical strength to fiber optic cables to protect the internal optical fibers against stresses applied to the cables during installation and thereafter. Example strength layers include aramid yarn, steel and epoxy reinforced glass roving. Outer jackets provide protection against damage caused by crushing, abrasions, and other physical damage. Outer jackets also provide protection against chemical damage (e.g., ozone, alkali, acids).
It is well known that micro-bending of an optical fiber within a cable will negatively affect optical performance. Shrinkage of the outer jacket of a fiber optic cable can cause axial stress to be applied to the optical fiber, which causes micro-bending of the optical fiber. One cause of jacket shrinkage is thermal contraction caused by decreases in temperature. For example, fiber optic cables are typically manufactured using an extrusion process. After a given cable has been extruded, the cable is passed through a cooling bath. As the cable cools, the jacket can contract more than the internal optical fiber or fibers causing micro-bending of the fiber or fibers.
SUMMARYOne aspect of the present disclosure relates to a telecommunications cable having a jacket including a feature for allowing post-extrusion insertion of an optical fiber or other signal-transmitting member.
Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for making a telecommunications cable having a jacket including a feature for allowing post-extrusion insertion of an optical fiber or other signal-transmitting member.
A variety of other aspects are set forth in the description that follows. The aspects relate to individual features as well as to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.
The present disclosure relates generally to telecommunication cable jackets having features that facilitate the post-extrusion insertion of optical fibers into the jackets. Example features that facilitate the post-extrusion insertion of optical fibers include slits, predefined slit locations (e.g., perforations, partial slits, weakened regions, etc.). In certain embodiments, a ripcord can be pulled from a jacket to create a feature that facilitates the post extrusion insertion of optical fiber into the jacket. The present disclosure also relates to methods for manufacturing jackets having features for facilitating the post extrusion insertion of optical fibers, and also relates to methods for inserting optical fibers into jackets. While the various aspect of the present disclosure are particularly useful for fiber optic cables, the aspects are also applicable to other types of telecommunications cables (e.g., copper cables).
It will be appreciated that the optical fiber 22 can have any number of conventional configurations. For example, the optical fiber 22 may include a silica-based core surrounded by a silica-based cladding having a lower index of refraction than the core. One or more protective polymeric coatings (e.g., ultraviolet curable acrylate) may surround the cladding. The optical fiber 22 may be a single-mode fiber or a multi-mode fiber. Example optical fibers are commercially available from Corning Inc. of Corning, N.Y. While only one fiber 22 is shown within the jacket 28, in other embodiments multiple fibers can be mounted within the jacket 28.
The fiber 22 is preferably an unbuffered fiber. However, buffered fibers could also be used. For example, the buffers can be made of a polymeric material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Other polymeric materials (e.g., polyethylenes, polyurethanes, polypropylenes, polyvinylidene fluorides, ethylene vinyl acetate, nylon, polyester, or other materials) may also be used.
The strength structure 26 is adapted to inhibit axial tensile and/or compressive loading from being applied to the optical fiber 22. The strength structure 26 preferably extends the entire length of the fiber optic cable. In certain embodiments, the strength structure can include one or more reinforcing members such as yarns (e.g., aramid yarns), fibers, threads, tapes, films, epoxies, filaments, rods, or other structures. In a preferred embodiment, the strength structure 26 includes a reinforcing rod (e.g., a glass reinforced plastic rod having glass rovings in an epoxy base, a metal rod, a liquid crystal polymer rod, etc.) that extends lengthwise along the entire length of the cable.
The filler 27 is optional and functions to fill void areas within the jacket. The filler 27 would typically be used for cables designed for environments where water intrusion is a concern. By filling the voids around and between the fibers, the filler prevents water from entering the voids. Example fillers include thixotropic gels, petrolatum compounds. In certain embodiments, the filler can have adhesive properties that assist in sealing the slit and in holding the slit closed after the fiber has been mounted within the jacket.
The slit 29 allows the jacket 28 to be spread-apart to allow the fiber 22 to be inserted within the interior passage 31 of the jacket 28. After insertion of the fiber 22 into the passage 31, the slit can be held closed by the inherent mechanical properties of the jacket, which bias the slit to a closed position. Additional structure can also be used to assist in holding the slit 29 closed after insertion of the fiber. For example, adhesives or other bonding agents can be used to bond together the opposing portions of the jacket that define the slit 29. In other embodiments, a reinforcing sheath can be mounted over the jacket 28 after insertion of the optical fiber to prevent the slit from opening.
The jacket 28 is preferable manufactured from an extrudable base material such as an extrudable plastic material. Example base materials for the jacket include conventional thermoplastic polymers such as Alcryn® Melt-Processible Rubber sold by Advanced Polymer Alloys (a division of Ferro Corporation), polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene, copolymers, polystyrene, and styrene copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide (nylon), polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherimide, polybutylene terephthalate, low smoke zero halogens polyolefins and polycarbonate, as well as other thermoplastic materials. Additives may also be added to the base material. Example additives include pigments, fillers, coupling agents, flame retardants, lubricants, plasticizers, ultraviolet stabilizers or other additives. The base material can also include combinations of the above materials as well as combinations of other materials.
Referring to
Referring still to
Referring to
As shown at
In use of the system 100, the base material for the jacket and any additives are delivered to the hopper 106 by the conveyor 108. From the hopper 106, the material moves by gravity into the extruder 104. In the extruder 104, the material is mixed, masticated, and heated. The extruder 104 also functions to convey the material to the crosshead 102, and to provide pressure for forcing the material through the crosshead 102. As the material exits the crosshead 102, the material is forced between the tip and the die causing the material to be formed to a desired cross-sectional shape. For example, the material is formed with the passages 31, 33 (see
The extrusion process can be a pressure or semi-pressure extrusion process where product leaves the crosshead at the desired shape, or an annular extrusion process where the product is drawn down after extrusion. After cooling, the product is collected on the take-up roller 120.
Referring to
The rip member removal station 322 includes a driven roller 330 that pulls the rip member 315 from the cable as the cable is moved through the system 320. As the rip member 315 is removed from the cable, the jacket of the cable tears/rips along the pre-defined slit location thereby breaking any bonds between the opposing walls of the slit that may have occurred after the slitting process. In alternative embodiments, the removal of the rip member 315 may be a manual process.
The optical fiber insertion station 324 includes a spreading shoe 340 (see
The optical fiber insertion station 324 also includes an optional filler injection tool 366 for injecting filler into the passage 31. As shown at
In use, the cable is fed from feed roller 328 and moved through the system in a controlled manner by rollers 326. At the rip member removal station 322, the rip member 315 is torn from the jacket to ensure that the slit is fully open. Thereafter, at the fiber insertion station 324, the slit is spread open and the optical fiber is fed into the interior passage 31 of the jacket through the slit 29. Filler is then injected into the slit. The slit is then allowed to self-close, and the cable is collected at roller 329.
The slit 429 is depicted having a V-shaped cross-section that provides a nested interlock for mechanically holding the opposing surface of the slit in alignment with one another. In other embodiments, different types of interlock configurations (e.g., hooks, latches, etc.) can be used. In certain embodiments, the fibers 422 occupy less than half the volume of the passage 431 to facilitate movement between the fibers during bending. In certain embodiments, the fibers are not in contact with the surface of the jacket defining the passage 431. In certain embodiments, the fibers are not stranded. The passage is preferably adjacent the center of the cable.
In one embodiment, the cable 420 can be manufactured by a process similar the process use to make the embodiment of
Referring to
Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended and the broad inventive aspects underlying the specific embodiments disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A system for manufacturing a telecommunications cable including a strength structure and a rip member embedded within a jacket of the telecommunications cable, the system comprising:
- a cable jacket material input location;
- an extrusion crosshead, the extrusion crosshead including a tip having an exterior, the tip defining a first passageway configured to receive the strength structure and a second passageway generally parallel to the first passageway that is configured to receive the rip member, the extrusion crosshead also including a die defining an annular extrusion passage that surrounds the exterior of the tip, the annular extrusion passage in fluid communication with the cable jacket material input location; and
- a slitting blade configured for slitting the jacket as the jacket exits the extrusion crosshead, the slitting blade configured to cut a slit within the jacket that extends completely from an exterior of the jacket to the rip member.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the tip defines at least a third passageway parallel to the first and second passageways, the third passageway configured to receive a second strength structure.
3. A system according to claim, wherein the blade has at least a portion including a v-shaped cross-section.
4. A system according to claim 1, further comprising an extruder for providing cable jacket material to the cable jacket material input location, the extruder including an extruder barrel and an auger/style extruder screw.
5. A system according to claim 4, wherein the extruder is positioned generally perpendicular to the annular extrusion passageway of the extrusion crosshead.
6. A system for manufacturing a telecommunications cable including a rip member embedded within a jacket of the telecommunications cable, the system comprising:
- a cable feed station and a cable take-up station, wherein the cable feed station and the cable take-up station are configured to move the cable in a direction going from the cable feed station toward the cable take-up station;
- a rip member removal station located between the cable feed station and the cable take-up station, the rip member removal station including a roller that pulls the rip member from the cable to define a slit extending from an exterior of the jacket of the cable to an interior passage of the cable as the cable is moved between the cable feed station and the cable take-up station; and
- a signal transmitting member insertion station located between the rip member removal station and the cable take-up station, the signal transmitting member insertion station including a plow and an insertion tool, the plow configured to spread the slit as the cable is moved between the cable feed station and the cable take-up station, the insertion tool configured to extend into the interior passage of the cable for inserting the signal transmitting member into the interior passage.
7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the cable feed station includes a feed roller and the cable take-up station includes a cable take-up roller.
8. A system according to claim 6, wherein the signal transmitting member includes an optical fiber.
9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the signal transmitting member insertion station includes a fiber feed roll for providing the optical fiber and a pair of pinch rollers for pushing the optical fiber into the insertion tool.
10. A system according to claim 6, wherein the insertion tool includes an angled signal transmitting member receiving portion and a bent tip, the bent tip configured to fit through the slit and into the interior passage and coaxially align with the interior passage.
11. A system according to claim 6, further comprising a filler injection tool located between the signal transmitting member insertion station and the cable take-up station, the filler injection tool configured to inject filler into the interior passage after insertion of the signal transmitting member therein.
12. A method for manufacturing a telecommunications cable, the method comprising:
- extruding a cable jacket with a strength structure and a rip member embedded within the jacket, the cable jacket being extruded between a tip and a die;
- after extrusion, slitting the jacket with a blade located adjacent an exit end of the die to provide a predefined slit location;
- after slitting, pulling the rip member from the jacket through the predefined slit location to provide an access location to an interior passage of the jacket; and
- inserting an optical fiber into the interior passage of the jacket through the access location.
13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the step of inserting an optical fiber into the interior passage includes inserting a bundle of optical fibers.
14. A method according to claim 12, wherein a slitting blade is used to slit the jacket.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the slitting blade has a portion including a generally v-shaped cross-section.
16. A method according to claim 14, wherein the slitting blade cuts a slit that extends completely from an exterior of the jacket to the rip member.
17. A method according to claim 12, wherein the cable jacket includes at least two strength structures embedded within the cable jacket.
18. A method according to claim 12, wherein the cable jacket is relatively molten when being slit with the blade.
19. A method according to claim 12, further comprising injecting a filler into the interior passage after the optical fiber is inserted into the interior passage.
20. A method according to claim 12, further comprising moving the jacket through a spreading station where the access location is spread apart to facilitate insertion of the signal transmitting member into the interior passage.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 11, 2011
Publication Date: Nov 10, 2011
Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc. (Eden Prairie, MN)
Inventor: Wayne M. Kachmar (North Bennington, VT)
Application Number: 13/004,130
International Classification: G02B 6/40 (20060101);