A cable and cable assembly

Abstract

The application relates to the field of communication, in particular to a cable and a cable assembly. The cable comprises a cable core and a sheath sleeved outside the cable core; the outer surface of the sheath is provided with a concave-convex part used for clamping a protection kit; and the concave-convex part comprises a plurality of protrusions and concave parts. The cable can be flexibly functionally expanded and strengthened according to different application scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a cable and cable assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Cables, as carriers of power and signal transmission, are widely used in various fields such as communications, energy, transportation, and construction. In actual deployment, a single cable often needs to traverse a variety of different environments, such as from indoors to outdoors, from underground pipelines to overhead installations, or from dry environments to humid or corrosive environments. These different application scenarios place diverse and stringent requirements on the cable's outer protective layer. For example, indoor environments require cables to be flexible and flame-retardant; outdoor environments require cables to withstand ultraviolet radiation, rain, and temperature changes; underground direct burial environments require cables to have excellent pressure resistance, moisture resistance, and rodent protection; and in industrial or data center scenarios, there are very high requirements for the cable's electromagnetic shielding performance.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a new type of cable structure that can achieve multiple environmental adaptations on a single cable, simplify the deployment process, reduce reliance on additional accessories and complex construction, and at the same time provide more reliable and stable shielding protection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The primary objective of this application is to provide a cable and cable assembly, wherein the cable can effectively disperse stress to improve the cable's bending resistance and mechanical reliability, and at the same time, it can also serve as a standard snap-fit ​​interface, possessing flexibility and electromagnetic shielding capabilities.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives of this application, the following technical solution is adopted:

[0006] One aspect of this application relates to a cable, including a cable core and a sheath disposed outside the cable core;

[0007] The outer surface of the sheath is provided with protrusions and recesses for engaging with the protective kit;

[0008] The convex and concave portion includes several protrusions and concave portions.

[0009] The aforementioned cable can be flexibly expanded and enhanced in function according to different application scenarios.

[0010] Another aspect of this application relates to a cable assembly, including the cable and a protective sleeve fitted over the outer surface of the sheath;

[0011] The inner surface of the protective kit is provided with clips and parts that match the protrusions and recesses.

[0012] The cable assembly described above features high functional modularity and scene adaptability. Users can quickly select and install corresponding kits according to specific needs, enabling the basic cable to flexibly and economically expand its functionality. The cable assembly has long-term reliability in complex environments.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0014] (1) The cable of this application has an outer sheath with a unique concave-convex structure, which can not only effectively disperse stress to improve the bending resistance and mechanical reliability of the cable, but also serve as a standard snap-fit ​​interface. In addition, by designing gaps inside the sheath that can be filled with conductive medium and optimizing the topological relationship between the internal support structure and the external protrusions, the cable achieves efficient and stable electromagnetic shielding performance while maintaining flexibility, thus becoming a high-performance independent product.

[0015] (2) The cable assembly of this application achieves flexible configuration of "one cable for multiple uses" by modularly combining basic cables with various functional kits. This modular design allows users to quickly select and install corresponding kits according to specific application scenarios (such as anti-biting, enhanced shielding, UV resistance, etc.), which greatly improves the adaptability and efficiency of engineering deployment and reduces the overall cost of purchasing, storing and deploying various special cables for different scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall cable structure provided in this application;

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the axial extension of the protrusion provided in this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the staggered arrangement of protrusions provided in this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the sheath provided in this application;

[0021] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the spiral structure of the support part provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the raised spiral structure provided in this application;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the coating groove structure provided in this application;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cable assembly provided in this application;

[0025] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the split-type kit structure provided in this application.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] 1-Cable core, 2-Sheath, 3-Protrusion, 4-First gap, 5-Second gap, 6-Inner layer, 7-Outer layer, 8-Support part, 9-Protective kit, 10-Painting groove, 11-First sub-kit, 12-Second sub-kit, 13-Recess. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solution of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments, and are only used to illustrate this application, and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of this application. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Where specific conditions are not specified in the embodiments, conventional conditions or conditions recommended by the manufacturer shall be followed. Where the manufacturers of reagents or instruments are not specified, they are all conventional products that can be purchased commercially.

[0029] Currently, to address the complex and diverse application scenarios, the industry commonly employs the following technical methods: Connecting joints: This involves connecting specialized cables suitable for different environments at boundary points using joints. For example, indoor and outdoor cables are spliced ​​at entrances / exits. This method not only increases construction complexity and cost but also introduces additional points of failure (such as loose joints or water ingress), reducing the overall reliability of the system.

[0030] From the perspective of the cable products themselves, the outer sheath (coating) of existing cables has a relatively limited function. A single sheath is typically designed for only one or a limited number of environments. For example, cables with a flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheath are suitable for indoor use but not resistant to outdoor UV radiation; while high-density polyethylene (HDPE) sheaths with added carbon black offer good weather resistance but may be too stiff and have slightly poorer bending performance. When faced with complex and varied installation routes, users must either choose a compromise sheath and accept the risk of insufficient performance in certain scenarios, or they must resort to the aforementioned remedial measure of "making joints," which undoubtedly limits the flexibility and economy of cable installation.

[0031] Furthermore, in terms of electromagnetic shielding of cables, traditional methods often employ longitudinal wrapping of aluminum foil or braiding of metal wires. Aluminum foil shielding is prone to wrinkling when bent, leading to gaps in the shielding layer and unstable or even reduced shielding effectiveness; while metal wire braiding shielding carries the risk that the braided strands may break under repeated bending and pierce the cable core, causing a short circuit.

[0032] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a novel cable structure capable of adapting to various environments on a single cable, simplifying the deployment process, reducing reliance on additional accessories and complex construction, while providing more reliable and stable shielding protection. In view of this, the following solution is proposed.

[0033] One aspect of this application relates to a cable, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cable includes a cable core 1 and a sheath 2 sleeved over the cable core 1; the outer surface of the sheath 2 is provided with protrusions and recesses for engaging with the protective sleeve; the protrusions and recesses include a plurality of protrusions 3 and recesses 13. This application does not limit the specific structure of the cable core 1, and the cable core 1 can be used to transmit electrical signals, or optical signals, or simultaneously transmit electrical signals and optical signals.

[0034] Compared to existing technologies, the cable sheath 2 provided in this application has raised and recessed portions on its outer surface. These portions can reduce bending damage and can also serve as clips and fittings to adapt to other protective kits required for different application scenarios. This allows the cable to be flexibly functionally expanded and reinforced according to different application scenarios. For example, assuming the cable needs to be laid from indoors to outdoors, the indoor and outdoor cables can be the same continuous cable without needing to be broken and connected with connectors. Only a protective kit required for the application scenario needs to be added to the outer perimeter of the sheath 2 of the cable located in the outdoor environment. Furthermore, because the surface of the sheath 2 has raised and recessed portions, these portions can fit tightly with the added protective kit, reducing the probability of the protective kit falling off.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, protrusion 3 extends continuously along the axial direction of the cable. This design allows for a larger contact area between protrusion 3 and subsequently added protective components, reducing the probability of separation between them.

[0036] Optionally, the protrusion 3 extends in a straight line along the axial direction of the cable. In this case, the protrusion 3 also acts like a slide rail, allowing the protective kit to be moved along the extension direction of the protrusion 3 to the desired installation position.

[0037] Alternatively, the protrusion 3 may extend in a meandering shape along the cable's axial direction. A meandering extension refers to the protrusion 3 extending along a continuous wavy, sawtooth, or sinusoidal path in the axial direction. The advantage of a meandering extension is that, compared to a straight extension, it increases the contact area between the protective kit and the sheath 2 during subsequent installation, reducing the probability of them separating and also reducing the probability of the protective kit shifting relative to the sheath 2 along the cable's axial direction.

[0038] Furthermore, the meandering extension includes: a zigzag extension and / or an S-shaped extension. The zigzag and S-shaped protrusions 3 can generate corresponding mechanical locking effects in the axial, circumferential, and even oblique directions, reducing the probability of the protective kit and sheath 2 falling off.

[0039] Of course, in other embodiments, the protrusion 3 may extend in a straight line in some areas along the axial direction of the cable, or in a meandering manner in others.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, protrusions 3 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the cable, forming a circumferentially extending first gap 4 between adjacent protrusions 3. There are multiple protrusions 3 along the axial direction, and a first gap 4 is provided between two adjacent protrusions 3, which can be annular. The annular gap is equivalent to a pre-provided bending hinge point on the surface of the sheath 2. When the cable needs to be bent, the bending stress will naturally concentrate at the annular gap, causing the bending to mainly occur at the annular gap. This helps maintain the minimum bending radius required for the cable core (especially when the cable core contains optical fibers) during bending, effectively reducing the damage to the transmission performance and physical damage of the cable core caused by bending. Furthermore, the annular gap also acts as a stress compensation zone. When the cable is subjected to thermal expansion and contraction due to temperature changes or external compression, the annular gap can act as a deformation compensation zone, absorbing some of the stress and reducing the impact on the overall structure of the sheath and the cable core.

[0041] Optional, please continue reading Figure 3 In the axial direction of the cable, at least some adjacent protrusions 3 are staggered relative to each other in the circumferential direction. This design can reduce the probability of axial displacement of the protective kit relative to the sheath 2. Specific implementation methods include, but are not limited to, the following: Circumferential staggered type: Along the circumference of the sheath 2, adjacent protrusions 3 are arranged in a brick-wall-like masonry pattern, forming a continuous anti-displacement barrier. Spiral array type: Each protrusion 3 is distributed in one or more spiral lines along the surface of the sheath 2, thereby achieving staggering in both the circumferential and axial directions. Discrete lattice type: The protrusions 3 are discrete columnar or block-shaped protrusions, and are arranged on the surface of the sheath 2 in an interlaced matrix or random lattice manner. Combined zonal type: Different staggering methods are used in different axial sections of the sheath 2 to adapt to the different flexibility or anti-displacement requirements of each section.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the sheath 2 has a second gap 5 extending axially inside. Furthermore, the second gap 5 is used to fill a conductive medium. The sheath 2 has an axially extending gap inside, which can be filled with a conductive medium, allowing the sheath 2 to possess both flexibility and electromagnetic shielding capabilities. This eliminates the risk of core failure caused by aluminum foil wrinkles or broken braided wires penetrating the interior, replacing traditional aluminum foil and braided shielding methods.

[0043] Furthermore, the conductive medium includes, but is not limited to, conductive gel and / or liquid metal. Conductive gel is a gel- or paste-like substance with a three-dimensional network structure filled with conductive fillers (such as silver nanowires, carbon nanotubes, graphene, etc.). The conductive gel can effectively fill the second gap 5; regardless of how the cable bends or twists, the conductive gel can deform accordingly without permanent wrinkles or breaks, maintaining stable shielding effectiveness. Moreover, the conductive gel is viscoelastic, capable of absorbing vibration and impact energy, providing additional physical protection for the internal cable core. Liquid metal typically refers to gallium-based alloys (such as gallium indium tin alloy), which are liquid at room temperature. They can effectively fill the complex channels of the entire second gap 5, forming a perfect, continuous shielding layer with high and uniform shielding effectiveness.

[0044] For further information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 The sheath 2 includes an inner layer 6 and an outer layer 7 spaced apart from the inside out, and a support portion 8 disposed between the inner layer 6 and the outer layer 7. The support portion 8 supports the inner layer 6 and the outer layer 7, thereby forming a second gap 5 between the inner layer 6 and the outer layer 7.

[0045] Optionally, the inner layer 6, the outer layer 7, and the support part 8 can be made of the same material, so that the inner layer 6, the outer layer 7, and the support part 8 can be extruded simultaneously.

[0046] Optionally, at least part of the support portion 8 may overlap with the recess 13 in the radial direction. The position of the support portion 8 may at least partially intersect with the recess 13 on the periphery of the sheath 2, in which case the support portion 8 can reinforce the recess 13.

[0047] Optional, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the support portion 8 has a spiral structure on the surface of the inner layer 6, so that the second gap 5 between the inner layer 6 and the outer layer 7 forms a spiral channel. Figure 7As shown, the protrusions 3 on the outer surface of the sheath 2 have a spiral structure, and an application groove 10 extending along the protrusion 3 is provided. The application groove 10 is used to fill conductive adhesive. Further, the spiral extension direction of the support portion 8 intersects with the spiral extension direction of the protrusion 3. For example, the support portion 8 is left-hand spiral (in the S direction), and the protrusion 3 is right-hand spiral (in the Z direction). In this way, the conductive adhesive applied in the application groove 10 and the conductive medium filled in the second gap 5 form a spatial mesh structure to enhance the shielding effectiveness. Conventional conductive adhesives in the art can be used to implement the technical solution of this application. It should be noted that the conductive adhesive applied in the application groove 10 and the conductive medium filled in the second gap 5 can be applied or filled when the cable is sold, or it can be applied or filled after the cable is sold and then laid.

[0048] Optionally, the intersection angle formed between the spiral extension direction of the support 8 and the spiral extension direction of the protrusion 3 is 50~60°, including but not limited to any one of 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58° or 60° or any range between two. This angle enables the internal conductive medium and the external conductive adhesive to form an optimal three-dimensional conductive network, thereby maximizing the shielding effectiveness without affecting the inherent flexibility of the cable.

[0049] Furthermore, the depth of the application groove 10 is 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of the height of the protrusion 3. This depth range can balance the structural strength of the protrusion 3 and the filling amount of conductive adhesive, ensuring that the protrusion 3 is not easily damaged.

[0050] Another aspect of this application relates to a cable assembly, such as Figure 8 As shown, it includes a cable and a protective kit 9 ​​that is fitted over the outer surface of the sheath 2; the inner surface of the protective kit 9 ​​is provided with clips and parts that match the protrusions and recesses.

[0051] This application utilizes a protective kit 9 ​​fitted onto the standardized protrusions and recesses of the cable sheath. Users can quickly select and install the corresponding protective kit 9 ​​according to specific needs, enabling flexible and economical expansion of the basic cable's functionality. Simultaneously, the precise matching and interlocking structure between the inner surface of the protective kit 9 ​​and the cable's protrusions and recesses ensures the mechanical stability of the connection, effectively resisting axial displacement and circumferential rotation during use, thus improving the long-term reliability of the entire assembly in complex environments.

[0052] The materials and functions of the protective kit 9 ​​can be selected according to the actual application scenario; for example, for occasions where further shielding is required, the protective kit 9 ​​can be an armored metal layer; for parts that need to be protected from bird pecks, it can be a hard plastic, etc.

[0053] Furthermore, the protective kit 9 ​​includes a detachably connected first sub-kit 11 and a second sub-kit 12, such as Figure 9As shown. No specific limitation is made regarding the method of detachable connection; any conventional detachable connection method in the art can be used in this application.

[0054] Furthermore, the first sub-assembly 11 and the second sub-assembly 12 are detachably connected by cards and mechanisms or fasteners.

[0055] In some specific embodiments, an extension is provided to fix the first sub-assembly 11 and the second sub-assembly 12 together by screws or the like.

[0056] Furthermore, an adhesive layer is provided between the protective kit 9 ​​and the cable. To reduce the probability of the protective kit 9 ​​detaching from the cable and lateral displacement, a layer of adhesive can be applied between the outer surfaces of the protective kit 9 ​​and the cable; this adhesive can be a conductive adhesive, which enhances the bonding force between the two while also providing a certain degree of shielding performance.

[0057] The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to examples. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting the scope of this application. Unless otherwise specified in the examples, conventional conditions or conditions recommended by the manufacturer shall apply. Reagents or instruments whose manufacturers are not specified are all commercially available conventional products.

[0058] Example 1

[0059] The cable provided in this embodiment includes a cable core 1 and a sheath 2 sleeved on the outside of the cable core 1;

[0060] The outer surface of the sheath 2 is provided with protrusions and recesses for engaging with the protective kit;

[0061] The concave-convex part includes several protrusions 3 and concave parts 13.

[0062] Example 2

[0063] The cable provided in this embodiment differs from that in Embodiment 1 in that the protrusion 3 extends in a straight line along the axial direction of the cable.

[0064] Example 3

[0065] The cable provided in this embodiment differs from that in Embodiment 1 in that the protrusion 3 extends in a zigzag shape along the axial direction of the cable.

[0066] Example 4

[0067] The cable provided in this embodiment differs from that in embodiment 1 in that multiple protrusions 3 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the cable, forming a first circumferentially extending gap 4 between adjacent protrusions 3.

[0068] Example 5

[0069] The cable provided in this embodiment differs from that in embodiment 4 in that, in the axial direction of the sheath 2, at least some of the adjacent protrusions 3 are staggered relative to each other in the circumferential direction of the cable.

[0070] Example 6

[0071] The cable provided in this embodiment differs from that in embodiment 1 in that the sheath 2 has a second gap 5 extending along its axial direction inside, and the second gap 5 is used to fill the conductive medium.

[0072] Example 7

[0073] The cable provided in this embodiment differs from that in embodiment 1 in that the sheath 2 includes an inner layer 6 and an outer layer 7 spaced apart from the inside out, and a support portion 8 disposed between the inner layer 6 and the outer layer 7. The support portion 8 is used to support the inner layer 6 and the outer layer 7 so that a second gap 5 is formed between the inner layer 6 and the outer layer 7; at least a portion of the radial projection of the support portion 8 overlaps with the recess 13.

[0074] Example 8

[0075] The cable provided in this embodiment differs from that in embodiment 7 in that the support part 8 has a spiral structure on the surface of the inner layer 6, so that the second gap 5 forms a spiral channel; the protrusion 3 on the outer surface of the sheath 2 has a spiral structure; the spiral extension direction of the support part 8 intersects with the spiral extension direction of the protrusion 3, and the intersection angle is 50~60°.

[0076] Example 9

[0077] The cable provided in this embodiment differs from that in embodiment 8 in that the protrusion 3 is provided with an application groove 10 extending therefrom. The application groove 10 is used to fill conductive adhesive, and the depth of the application groove 10 is 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of the height of the protrusion 3.

[0078] Example 10

[0079] The cable assembly provided in this embodiment includes the cable of embodiment 9 and a protective kit 9 ​​sleeved on the outer surface of the sheath 2; the inner surface of the protective kit 9 ​​is provided with a clip and part that matches the concave and convex parts;

[0080] The protective kit 9 ​​includes a detachably connected first sub-kit 11 and a second sub-kit 12;

[0081] The first sub-assembly 11 and the second sub-assembly 12 are detachably connected via cards and mechanisms.

[0082] Example 11

[0083] The cable assembly provided in this embodiment differs from that in embodiment 10 in that an adhesive layer is also provided between the protective kit 9 ​​and the cable.

[0084] Although this application has been illustrated and described with specific embodiments, it should be understood that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and not to limit them; those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein, without departing from the spirit and scope of this application; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application; therefore, this means that all such substitutions and modifications that fall within the scope of this application are included in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cable, characterized in that, Includes the cable core and the sheath covering the cable core; The outer surface of the sheath is provided with protrusions and recesses for engaging with the protective kit; the protrusions and recesses include a plurality of protrusions and recesses, the protrusions extending along the axial direction of the cable; The sheath includes an inner layer and an outer layer spaced apart from the inside out, and a support portion disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer, the support portion being used to support the inner layer and the outer layer, such that a second gap extending along the axial direction of the cable is formed between the inner layer and the outer layer. The support portion has a spiral structure on the surface of the inner layer, so that the second gap forms a spiral channel; the protrusion has a spiral structure, and the protrusion is provided with a coating groove extending therefrom, and the spiral extension direction of the support portion intersects with the spiral extension direction of the protrusion; The second gap is used to fill the conductive medium, and the coating groove is used to fill the conductive adhesive. The conductive adhesive applied in the coating groove and the conductive medium filled in the second gap form a spatial mesh structure to enhance the shielding effectiveness.

2. The cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion extends continuously along the axial direction of the cable.

3. The cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusions are spaced apart along the axial direction of the cable, forming a first circumferentially extending gap between adjacent protrusions.

4. The cable according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the axial direction of the sheath, at least partially adjacent protrusions are staggered relative to each other in the circumferential direction of the cable.

5. The cable according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least a portion of the support portion's radial projection overlaps with the recess.

6. The cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the spiral extension direction of the support and the spiral extension direction of the protrusion is 50~60°.

7. The cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The depth of the coating groove is 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of the height of the protrusion.

8. A cable assembly, characterized in that, Includes the cable as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 and a protective sleeve fitted over the outer surface of the sheath; The inner surface of the protective kit is provided with clips and parts that match the protrusions and recesses.

9. The cable assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The protective kit includes a first sub-kit and a second sub-kit that are detachably connected.

10. The cable assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first sub-kit and the second sub-kit are detachably connected by cards and mechanisms or fasteners.

11. The cable assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, An adhesive layer is also provided between the protective kit and the cable.

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