| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a flexible optical cable of a small diameter having strength and water resistance by arranging optical fiber consisting of a prescribed number of coated fibers so as to have a gap within the hollow of a flexible pipe. SOLUTION: A sheath 5 is applied on the flexible pipe 2 and the optical fibers 1 consisting of the prescribed number of the coated fibers having the gap are arranged in the hollow of the flexible pipe 2. The flexible pipe 2 has the function to protect the optical fibers 1 from being damaged by external pressure by maintaining the hollow and further, the optical fibers 1 can be moved freely in the flexible pipe by the gap 4 and, therefore, even if the excessive external pressure acts on the flexible pipe 1, the external pressure acting on the optical fibers 1 can be relieved. Even more, the setting of the adequate outside diameter of the flexible pipe 2 taking the gap 4 into consideration is possible and the reduction in the diameter is made possible according to the required number of the optical fibers 1. The optical fibers 1 may be formed simply by inserting the required number of single coated optical fibers, optical fiber ribbons or unitized coated fibers into the flexible pipe and their shapes and forms are not particularly restricted.
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