Optical cable, composite cable assembly, communication device and communication system

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides an optical cable, a composite cable assembly, communication equipment and a communication system, and relates to the technical field of communication equipment. The optical cable comprises a fixing assembly, a sheath and an optical unit. The fixing assembly comprises a release film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive which are arranged in a stacked mode. The sheath is arranged on the side, away from the release film, of the pressure-sensitive adhesive, and a tearing groove is formed in the surface of the sheath. The optical unit is embedded in the sheath, and the extension direction of the side wall of the tearing groove intersects with the optical unit. The optical unit comprises a connecting piece and a plurality of optical fibers, the plurality of optical fibers are connected together through the connecting piece, and each optical fiber extends along a first direction; the first direction is parallel to the release film. According to the embodiment of the invention, the multi-core arrangement of the self-adhesive optical cable is realized while the self-adhesive optical cable is ensured to have relatively low assembly difficulty, so that the communication capacity of the optical cable is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of communication devices, and in particular, to an optical cable, a composite cable assembly, a communication device, and a communication system. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the fifth-generation mobile network (5G) and future communication networks, the demands for fiber to antenna, fiber to camera, fiber to traffic signal, fiber to room, fiber to ceiling, etc., that is, fiber to access terminal are numerous. Fiber to access terminal will build the foundation for high-speed and timely communication in the intelligent era, and ensure the demands for massive information and high-quality bandwidth in the intelligent era.

[0003] Currently, the butterfly optical cable that can be conveniently self-installed by adhesion is quite popular. It is necessary to improve various performances of the transparent butterfly optical cable, such as communication capacity, assembly portability, etc., in order to promote the further development of communication devices. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] Embodiments of this application provide an optical cable, a composite cable assembly, a communication device, and a communication system, aiming to achieve multi-core setting of the self-adhesive optical cable while ensuring that the self-adhesive optical cable has a low assembly difficulty, thereby improving the communication capacity of the optical cable.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, an optical cable is provided. The optical cable includes a fixing component, a sheath, and an optical unit.

[0007] Among them, the fixing component includes a release film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive that are stacked. The sheath is disposed on a side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive away from the release film, and a tearing groove is formed on the surface of the sheath. The optical unit is embedded in the sheath, and the extending direction of the side wall of the tearing groove intersects with the optical unit; the optical unit includes a connecting member and a plurality of optical fibers, and the plurality of optical fibers are connected together through the connecting member, and each optical fiber extends along a first direction; the first direction is parallel to the release film.

[0008] In the optical cable provided by the embodiments of this application, by providing an optical unit with a plurality of optical fibers, the optical cable can achieve multi-core communication and improve the communication capacity of the optical cable. At the same time, by using the connecting member to gather the plurality of optical fibers together, during the installation and connection of the optical cable, all the optical fibers can be exposed by tearing the sheath once or a small number of times, without tearing the sheath once or multiple times for each optical fiber, thereby further improving the convenience of optical cable installation, increasing the installation efficiency of the optical cable, and reducing the assembly difficulty of the optical cable.

[0009] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, multiple optical fibers are arranged in sequence along a second direction; the second direction is parallel to the release film and intersects the first direction.

[0010] By arranging multiple optical fibers in sequence along the second direction, the multiple optical fibers can be gathered together. During the process of tearing off the sheath to expose the optical fibers, only a small number of times (such as once) of tearing the sheath are required to expose the optical unit, that is, to expose the multiple optical fibers gathered together, without the need to strip the sheath once or multiple times for each optical fiber, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of the optical cable during connection and installation.

[0011] In addition, by arranging multiple optical fibers on the same layer, during the bending process of the optical cable at the corner, different optical fibers are subjected to approximately the same force, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the optical fibers due to unbalanced stress, avoiding the problem of fiber breakage caused by excessive loss of some optical fibers, and thus improving the service life of the optical cable.

[0012] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, multiple optical fibers are arranged in an array along the second direction and a third direction; the third direction is perpendicular to the release film.

[0013] By arranging multiple optical fibers in an array along the second direction and the third direction, the multiple optical fibers can be gathered and fixed together as much as possible. During the process of tearing off the sheath, the probability of exposing all the optical fibers in one tear can be further increased, avoiding the problem that the optical fibers far from the tearing groove are embedded in the sheath and need to be stripped multiple times, thereby further improving the working efficiency of the optical cable during installation, connection, etc.

[0014] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the cross-section of multiple optical fibers perpendicular to the first direction is circular. This can further make the multiple optical fibers as concentrated as possible, thereby further increasing the probability of exposing all the optical fibers in one stripping of the sheath, and further improving the working efficiency of the optical cable during installation, connection, etc.

[0015] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the orthographic projection of the tearing groove on the release film coincides with the center line extending along the first direction of the orthographic projection of the optical unit on the release film. After tearing off the sheath through the tearing groove, among the multiple optical fibers, the probabilities of the optical fibers on the left and right sides of the tearing groove being exposed are approximately the same, thereby avoiding the problem that some optical fibers are still embedded in the sheath after one stripping of the sheath due to being too far from the tearing groove and need to be stripped again or even multiple times, and improving the working efficiency of the optical cable during installation and connection.

[0016] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the tearing groove includes a first sub-groove and a second sub-groove. The first sub-groove is provided on the surface of the sheath away from the release film, and the second sub-groove is provided on the surface of the sheath close to the release film. The orthographic projections of the first sub-groove and the second sub-groove on the release film are respectively arranged on both sides of the orthographic projection of the optical unit on the release film, and the grooving directions of the first sub-groove and the second sub-groove both face the optical unit.

[0017] By arranging the first sub-groove and the second sub-groove on the diagonal of the optical unit, the tearing path of the sheath can act on as many optical fibers as possible, thereby further increasing the probability of exposing all the optical fibers by tearing the sheath once, avoiding the problem that the optical fibers at the edge are far from the tearing groove and are embedded in the sheath, and requiring tearing again or even multiple times to be exposed, and improving the working efficiency of the optical cable during installation, connection, etc.

[0018] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, at least part of the connecting member surrounds a plurality of optical fibers. Thereby wrapping the plurality of optical fibers, on the one hand, it can make the plurality of optical fibers gather and be fixed. During the process of tearing the sheath to expose the optical fibers and connecting the optical cable, only a small number of times of tearing (such as one-time tearing) are required to expose all the gathered optical fibers, and there is no need to perform a tearing action on each optical fiber, thereby simplifying the installation and connection steps of the optical cable and improving the installation efficiency of the optical cable. On the other hand, the connecting member surrounding the optical fibers can space the optical fibers from the sheath, thereby avoiding the problem that the optical fibers are embedded in the sheath and difficult to tear, resulting in low installation efficiency of the optical cable or damage to the optical fibers during the process of tearing the sheath.

[0019] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, at least part of the connecting member is arranged between two adjacent optical fibers. It can improve the connection firmness between the two optical fibers. During the process of tearing the sheath, it can ensure that the plurality of optical fibers gather together, avoid the problem that some optical fibers are embedded in the sheath and require multiple times of tearing the sheath, and avoid increasing the difficulty and cumbersome degree of tearing the sheath, thereby simplifying the installation process of the optical cable.

[0020] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, a card slot is provided on the surface of the sheath close to the release film, and at least part of the pressure-sensitive adhesive is filled in the card slot.

[0021] By providing a card slot on the surface of the sheath close to the release film, more placement space can be provided for the pressure-sensitive adhesive. In the case of long-term placement of the optical cable, or during transportation, or during connection, the card slot can reduce the probability of the pressure-sensitive adhesive overflowing from the side of the optical cable (such as the side gap between the release film and the sheath), avoiding problems such as the structure of the optical cable sticking due to excessive overflowing pressure-sensitive adhesive, surface dirt, and affecting the normal installation of the optical cable.

[0022] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the material of the sheath includes one or more of thermoplastic polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polydimethylsiloxane, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfone, fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer, and polyamide.

[0023] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the optical cable further includes a color ring that circumferentially surrounds the optical fiber along the circumference of the optical fiber, and the color of the color ring is different from the color of the sheath. Under the influence of the color ring, the optical fiber can display the color of the color ring, thereby realizing the distinction between the optical fiber and other surrounding structures, which is beneficial for identifying and wiring the optical fiber during the installation process, avoiding damage to the optical fiber, or avoiding incorrect connection of the optical fiber.

[0024] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the optical cable further includes a strengthening member that is filled in the sheath. The extending direction of the strengthening member is the same as the extending direction of the optical fiber, and the strengthening member is spaced apart from the optical unit. The strengthening member is used to enhance the strength of the optical cable. For example, it can enhance the tensile performance of the optical cable, avoiding bending or stretching of the optical cable during the construction process, resulting in breakage of the key component, the optical fiber, and affecting the performance and service life of the optical cable and other problems.

[0025] In a second aspect, a composite cable assembly is provided. The composite cable assembly includes a connector and the optical cable provided in any one of the embodiments of the first aspect. Wherein, the connector is connected to the end of the optical cable.

[0026] In a third aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a plugging structure and the composite cable assembly provided in the second aspect. Wherein, the plugging structure is connected to the composite cable assembly.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes at least one communication device provided in the third aspect.

[0028] For the technical effects brought by the composite cable assembly in the second aspect, the communication device in the third aspect, and the communication system in the fourth aspect, reference can be made to the technical effects brought by the design method of the optical cable in the first aspect, which will not be elaborated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of an optical cable provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the optical cable perpendicular to the first direction;

[0032] Figure 4 It is another cross-sectional view of the optical cable perpendicular to the first direction;

[0033] Figure 5 Another cross-sectional view of the optical cable perpendicular to the first direction;

[0034] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the optical unit provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 7 Another cross-sectional view of the optical unit provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 8 Another cross-sectional view of the optical cable perpendicular to the first direction;

[0037] Figure 9 An exploded view of the structure of the optical cable provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 10 Another cross-sectional view of the optical cable perpendicular to the first direction. Detailed implementation manners

[0039] Next, the technical solutions in some embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments provided by the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0040] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present application.

[0041] Unless otherwise required by the context, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" is interpreted in an open, inclusive sense, that is, "including, but not limited to". In the description of the specification, the terms "an embodiment", "some embodiments", "exemplary embodiments", "exemplarily" or "some examples", etc. are intended to indicate that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics related to the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. The schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. In addition, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics can be included in any one or more embodiments or examples in any appropriate manner.

[0042] Hereinafter, the terms "first", "second", etc. are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first", "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more.

[0043] When describing some embodiments, the expressions "coupled", "connected" and their derivatives may be used. The terms "coupled", "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral body; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the content herein.

[0044] "At least one of A, B, and C" has the same meaning as "at least one of A, B, or C", and both include the following combinations of A, B, and C: only A, only B, only C, the combination of A and B, the combination of A and C, the combination of B and C, and the combination of A, B, and C.

[0045] "A and / or B" includes the following three combinations: only A, only B, and the combination of A and B.

[0046] As used herein, "parallel", "perpendicular", "equal" include the described situations and situations similar to the described situations, and the range of the similar situations is within an acceptable deviation range, where the acceptable deviation range is determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art considering the measurements being discussed and the errors associated with the measurements of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "parallel" includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, where the acceptable deviation range for approximate parallelism can be, for example, within 5° deviation; "perpendicular" includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, where the acceptable deviation range for approximate perpendicularity can also be, for example, within 5° deviation. "Equal" includes absolute equality and approximate equality, where the acceptable deviation range for approximate equality can be, for example, that the difference between the two equal ones is less than or equal to 5% of either one.

[0047] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views and / or plan views that are idealized exemplary drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions is exaggerated for clarity. Thus, variations in the shape relative to the drawings due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances can be envisioned. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the regions shown herein, but include shape deviations caused by, for example, manufacturing. Thus, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to show the actual shapes of the regions of the device and are not intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0048] In addition, the scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application. As is known to those of ordinary skill in the art, with the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0049] Embodiments of this application provide a communication system 1000. Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system 1000 provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0050] As Figure 1 shown, the communication system 1000 includes at least one communication device 500.

[0051] Exemplarily, the communication system 1000 can be any type of long-distance optical communication system using an optical cable 100 as a communication carrier.

[0052] For example, the communication system 1000 can be a metropolitan area optical network system, a wide area optical network system, or other local area optical network systems.

[0053] Embodiments of this application also provide a communication device 500.

[0054] As Figure 1 shown, the communication device 500 includes a plug-in structure 400 and a composite cable assembly 300.

[0055] Referring to Figure 1 , the plug-in structure 400 is connected to the composite cable assembly 300. For example, the two are plugged in.

[0056] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 1 , two different communication devices 500 can be electrically connected through the composite cable assembly 300, so as to realize communication between different communication devices 500.

[0057] For example, the composite cable assembly 300 can realize the transmission of optical signals between an optical network unit (ONU for short) and an optical line terminal device (OLT for short) in each room, so as to sink the optical network unit to each household, ensure that there is a stable network point in each room, and thus realize fiber to the room (FTTR).

[0058] Exemplarily, the communication device 500 can be an optical line terminal, an optical terminal, an optical switch or other optical fiber transmission devices.

[0059] Embodiments of this application also provide a composite cable assembly 300.

[0060] Refer to Figure 1 , the composite cable assembly 300 includes an optical cable 100 and a connector 200, and the connector 200 is electrically connected to the end of the optical cable 100.

[0061] Exemplarily, the connector 200 can be a pre-installed connector, that is, the connector can be pre-set at both ends of the optical cable 100, so that during the assembly process, the optical cable 100 can be simply connected to the plug-in structure 400 in the communication device 500 through the pre-installed connector, effectively improving the construction efficiency of the connection of the optical cable 100.

[0062] The embodiment of the present application also provides an optical cable 100.

[0063] Figure 2 FIG. is a structural diagram of the optical cable 100 provided by the embodiment of the present application, Figure 3 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of the optical cable 100 perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0064] Exemplarily, the optical cable 100 provided by the embodiment of the present application can be used for laying in the corridor or in the room, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the installation position of the optical cable 100.

[0065] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the optical cable 100 may include a fixing component 10, a sheath 20, and an optical unit 30.

[0066] Among them, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the fixing component 10 includes a release film 11 and a pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 that are stacked.

[0067] The fixing component 10 is used to realize the self-convenient installation of the optical cable 100. For example, in areas such as indoors or in the corridor where the optical cable 100 needs to be installed, the release film 11 can be torn off to expose the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12, and the optical cable 100 can be directly pasted and fixed to the wall surface or the surface of other structures for the optical cable 100 to be installed through the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12, without drilling holes, nailing, or installing threaded structures on the wall surface and other structures for fixing the optical cable 100, nor the need for professional installers to install the optical cable 100. Users can install it by themselves, effectively improving the installation efficiency of the optical cable 100 and reducing the installation difficulty and cost of the optical cable 100.

[0068] Exemplarily, the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 has adhesiveness and can bond the sheath 20 to other structures, such as the wall surface and other structures, to realize the fixing of the optical cable 100.

[0069] Exemplarily, the release film 11 covers the side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 away from the sheath 20, which is used to protect the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 and facilitate tearing during installation to expose the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12, so that the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 can be pasted to the position where the optical cable 100 needs to be installed.

[0070] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the sheath 20 is arranged on the side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 away from the release film 11.

[0071] It can be understood that the sheath 20 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 are fixedly connected. For example, the two are bonded to facilitate the installation and fixation of the optical cable 100 through the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12.

[0072] The sheath 20 is used to wrap the optical fiber 32 to isolate the optical fiber 32 from the external environment, avoid damage to the key structure optical fiber 32, and thus avoid problems such as the fracture of the optical fiber 32 and the influence on the signal transmission of the optical cable 100. See Figure 2 , the sheath 20 is wrapped in the entire extension direction of the optical fiber 32, so as to form protection for all positions of the optical fiber 32.

[0073] Exemplarily, the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 can completely cover one side surface of the sheath 20. For example, the width of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 (the dimension in the second direction Y) can be greater than or equal to the width of the sheath 20 to completely cover one side surface of the sheath 20 and improve the firmness of the installation of the optical cable 100. Or for example, when ensuring the connection firmness between the fixing component 10 and the sheath 20, the width of the fixing component 10 (such as the width of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12) can also be less than the width of the sheath 20, so as to avoid the problem that the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 exposes from the side of the sheath 20 after the optical cable 100 is installed, affecting the aesthetics of the installed optical cable 100.

[0074] When the optical cable 100 is installed, a part of the sheath 20 around the end of the optical fiber 32 needs to be torn off to expose the end of the optical fiber 32, which is convenient for realizing the fusion splicing connection between the optical fibers 32, or realizing the connection and installation between the optical fiber 32 and structures such as connectors.

[0075] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a tear groove U is provided on the surface of the sheath 20.

[0076] The provision of the tear groove U can facilitate the peeling of the sheath 20. Tear the sheath 20 along the tear groove U to expose the optical fiber 32 embedded in the sheath 20, so as to facilitate operations such as fusion splicing between the optical fibers 32 and realize the connection and installation of the optical cable 100.

[0077] Exemplarily, as Figure 2As shown, the length extension direction of the tearing groove U is the same as the extension direction of the optical fiber 32, that is, the tearing groove U extends along the first direction X, so as to ensure that the sheath 20 can be torn and peeled off at any position in the length direction of the optical fiber 32, exposing the optical fiber 32, thereby facilitating the connection and fixation of the optical cable 100 at any position of the optical cable 100.

[0078] Exemplarily, there can be multiple tearing grooves U. For example, at least one tearing groove U can be provided on both side surfaces of the sheath 20 close to and away from the release film 11, so as to ensure that the sheath 20 can be smoothly torn open to expose the optical fiber 32 during the installation and connection of the optical cable 100 and the like.

[0079] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in [references], the optical unit 30 is embedded in the sheath 20. The extension direction of the side wall of the tearing groove U intersects with the optical unit 30. The extension direction of the groove wall (i.e., the side wall) of the tearing groove U can roughly determine the tearing trend, direction, tearing path, etc. when the sheath 20 is torn. By setting the extension direction of the side wall of the tearing groove U to intersect with the optical unit 30, when the sheath 20 is torn through the tearing groove U, the tearing path can pass through the optical unit 30, thereby realizing the exposure of the optical unit 30.

[0080] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in [references], the optical unit 30 includes a connecting member 31 and a plurality of optical fibers 32.

[0081] Among them, the optical fiber 32 is the main component of the optical cable 100 and is used to transmit optical signals. For example, after connecting the optical cable 100 to the optical network unit (ONU) of the user's home and the information box in each room, that is, the miniaturized optical line terminal (OLT), the optical fiber 32 in the optical cable 100 realizes the signal transmission between the main optical modem and the information box.

[0082] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in [references], each optical fiber 32 extends along the first direction X.

[0083] Among them, the first direction X is parallel to the release film 11. It can be understood that the first direction X is the length extension direction of the optical cable 100.

[0084] The second direction Y is parallel to the release film 11 and intersects with the first direction X. For example, the first direction X and the second direction Y are perpendicular to each other. It can be understood that the dimension of the optical cable 100 in the second direction Y can be used as the width of the optical cable 100.

[0085] The third direction Z is perpendicular to the direction of the release film 11 and intersects with the first direction X and the second direction Y. For example, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other pairwise. It can be understood that the dimension of the optical cable 100 in the third direction Z can be used as the thickness of the optical cable 100.

[0086] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a plurality of optical fibers 32 are connected together through a connecting member 31, thereby realizing the centralized fixation of the plurality of optical fibers 32.

[0087] Exemplarily, the connecting member 31 can have adhesiveness so as to bond the plurality of optical fibers 32 together.

[0088] Exemplarily, the material of the connecting member 31 can include resin.

[0089] Or exemplarily, the connecting member 31 can also be other structures besides the adhesive glue. For example, it can be a bracket with grooves, and a plurality of optical fibers 32 can be nested in the grooves of the connecting member 31 to realize the connection between the plurality of optical fibers 32.

[0090] The butterfly-shaped self-adhesive optical cable 100 is more favored due to its simple and convenient installation. In the optical cable 100 provided by the embodiments of the present application, by arranging the optical unit 30 having a plurality of optical fibers 32, the optical cable 100 can realize multi-core communication, improve the communication capacity of the optical cable 100. At the same time, by using the connecting member 31 to gather the plurality of optical fibers 32 together, during the installation and connection of the optical cable 100, all the optical fibers 32 can be exposed by tearing the sheath 20 once or a small number of times, without tearing the sheath 20 once or multiple times for each optical fiber 32, thereby further improving the convenience of the installation of the optical cable 100, increasing the installation efficiency of the optical cable 100, and reducing the assembly difficulty of the optical cable 100.

[0091] Figure 4 is another cross-sectional view of the optical cable 100 perpendicular to the first direction X, Figure 5 is another cross-sectional view of the optical cable 100 perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0092] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 , in the optical unit 30, a plurality of optical fibers 32 are arranged in sequence along the second direction Y.

[0093] That is, refer to Figure 3 , and subsequent Figure 6 and Figure 7 , a plurality of optical fibers 32 in the optical unit 30 can be arranged in the same layer to form a thin sheet parallel to the release film 11.

[0094] By arranging a plurality of optical fibers 32 in sequence along the second direction Y, the plurality of optical fibers 32 can be gathered together. During the process of tearing open the sheath 20 to expose the optical fibers 32, only a small number of times (for example, once) of tearing the sheath 20 is required to expose the optical unit 30, that is, to expose the plurality of optical fibers 32 gathered together, without having to strip the sheath 20 once or multiple times for each optical fiber 32, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of the optical cable 100 during connection and installation processes.

[0095] In addition, by arranging the plurality of optical fibers 32 in the same layer, during the bending process of the optical cable 100 at a corner, different optical fibers 32 are subjected to substantially the same force, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the optical fibers 32 due to unbalanced stress, avoiding the problem of fiber breakage caused by excessive loss of some optical fibers 32, and thus improving the service life of the optical cable 100.

[0096] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 4 , the plurality of optical fibers 32 are arranged in an array along the second direction Y and the third direction Z.

[0097] That is, referring to Figure 4 , among the plurality of optical fibers 32, some optical fibers 32 are arranged along the second direction Y, and some optical fibers 32 are arranged along the third direction Z, thereby forming an optical unit 30 arranged in multiple layers stacked along the third direction Z.

[0098] Exemplarily, the number of optical fibers 32 in the same row arranged along the second direction Y may be different from the number of optical fibers 32 in the same column arranged along the third direction Z, so that the cross-section of the optical unit 30 perpendicular to the first direction X is substantially rectangular.

[0099] Or exemplarily, referring to Figure 4 , the number of optical fibers 32 in the same row arranged along the second direction Y may be the same as the number of optical fibers 32 in the same column arranged along the third direction Z, so that the cross-section of the optical unit 30 perpendicular to the first direction X is substantially square.

[0100] By arranging the plurality of optical fibers 32 in an array along the second direction Y and the third direction Z, the plurality of optical fibers 32 can be gathered and fixed together as much as possible. During the process of tearing open the sheath 20, the probability of exposing all the optical fibers 32 with a single tear can be further increased, avoiding the problem that the optical fibers 32 far from the tearing groove U are embedded in the sheath 20 and require multiple stripping, thereby further improving the working efficiency of the optical cable 100 during installation, connection, etc.

[0101] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 5 , the cross-section of the plurality of optical fibers 32 perpendicular to the first direction X is circular.

[0102] That is, referring to Figure 5, the multiple optical fibers 32 are arranged in a circular pattern in the second direction Y and the third direction Z.

[0103] By arranging the multiple optical fibers 32 in a circular pattern, the multiple optical fibers 32 can be further concentrated together as much as possible, thereby further increasing the probability that all the optical fibers 32 can be exposed by peeling off the sheath 20 once, and further improving the working efficiency of the optical cable 100 during installation, connection, etc.

[0104] In other embodiments, the multiple optical fibers 32 may also include other arrangement manners. For example, the multiple optical fibers 32 are arranged in the third direction Z, or for example, at least some of the optical fibers 32 are arranged along Figure 4 the diagonal line of the optical unit 30 in

[0105] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the tearing groove U can face the optical unit 30, so as to accurately expose the optical fibers 32 after the sheath 20 is torn, and improve the working efficiency of the optical cable 100 during installation, connection, etc.

[0106] For example, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the orthographic projection of the tearing groove U on the release film 11 coincides with the center line extending in the first direction of the orthographic projection of the optical unit 30 on the release film 11.

[0107] That is, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the tearing groove U faces the middle part of the optical unit 30. After the sheath 20 is torn through the tearing groove U, among the multiple optical fibers 32, the probabilities of the optical fibers 32 located on the left and right sides of the tearing groove U (taking the Figure 3 orientation in

[0108] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 4 , the tearing groove U includes a first sub-groove U1 and a second sub-groove U2. Among them, the first sub-groove U1 is arranged on the surface of the sheath 20 away from the release film 11, and the second sub-groove U2 is arranged on the surface of the sheath 20 close to the release film 11.

[0109] Referring to Figure 4 , the orthographic projections of the first sub-groove U1 and the second sub-groove U2 on the release film 11 are respectively arranged on both sides of the orthographic projection of the optical unit 30 on the release film 11. For example Figure 4Among them, the first sub-groove U1 is arranged on the left side of the optical unit 30, the second sub-groove U2 is arranged on the right side of the optical unit 30, and the first sub-groove U1 and the second sub-groove U2 are respectively arranged on the diagonal line of the optical unit 30.

[0110] Refer to Figure 4 , the grooving directions of the first sub-groove U1 and the second sub-groove U2 are both set towards the optical unit 30, that is, the groove walls of the first sub-groove U1 and the second sub-groove U2 both point to the optical unit 30. Thus, during the process of tearing the sheath 20 through the first sub-groove U1 and the second sub-groove U2, the tearing trend can be towards the optical unit 30, avoiding the problem that the tearing trend is uncontrollable and the optical fiber 32 is not exposed after tearing the sheath 20, and improving the installation efficiency and connection efficiency of the optical cable 100.

[0111] By arranging the first sub-groove U1 and the second sub-groove U2 respectively on the diagonal line of the optical unit 30, the tearing path of the sheath 20 can act on as many optical fibers as possible, thereby further increasing the probability of exposing all the optical fibers 32 by tearing the sheath 20 once, avoiding the problem that the optical fibers 32 at the edge are far from the tearing groove U and are embedded in the sheath 20, and requiring tearing again or even multiple times to be exposed, and improving the working efficiency of the optical cable 100 during installation, connection, etc.

[0112] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the optical unit 30 provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 This is another cross-sectional view of the optical unit 30 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0113] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 6 , at least a part of the connecting member 31 surrounds a plurality of optical fibers 32.

[0114] By surrounding a plurality of optical fibers 32 with the connecting member 31 and wrapping these plurality of optical fibers 32, on the one hand, the plurality of optical fibers 32 can be gathered and fixed. During the process of tearing the sheath 20 to expose the optical fibers 32 and connecting the optical cable 100, only a small number of tearing operations (such as tearing once) are required to expose all the plurality of optical fibers 32 gathered together, and there is no need to perform a tearing action on each optical fiber 32, thus simplifying the installation and connection steps of the optical cable 100 and improving the installation efficiency of the optical cable 100. On the other hand, the connecting member 31 surrounding the optical fiber 32 can space the optical fiber 32 from the sheath 20, thereby avoiding the problem that the optical fiber 32 is embedded in the sheath 20 and is difficult to tear, resulting in low installation efficiency of the optical cable 100 or damage to the optical fiber 32 during the process of tearing the sheath 20.

[0115] Exemplarily, in this embodiment, in addition to the part surrounding the optical fiber 32, the connecting member 31 may further include a part disposed between adjacent optical fibers 32, or may further include a part disposed in the gap formed by a plurality of optical fibers 32, so as to improve the connection firmness between the plurality of optical fibers 32.

[0116] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 7 , at least a part of the connecting member 31 is disposed between two adjacent optical fibers 32.

[0117] Disposing the connecting member 31 between two adjacent optical fibers 32 can improve the connection firmness between the two optical fibers 32. During the process of tearing open the sheath 20, it can ensure that the plurality of optical fibers 32 are gathered together, avoiding the problem that some optical fibers 32 are embedded in the sheath 20, which may cause the need to tear open the sheath multiple times, and avoiding increasing the difficulty and complexity of tearing open the sheath 20, thereby simplifying the installation process of the optical cable 100.

[0118] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 7 , the connecting member 31 may be only disposed between the optical fibers 32, without completely wrapping all surfaces of all the optical fibers 32. Thus, while ensuring that adjacent optical fibers 32 can be gathered and fixed together, it can avoid the connecting member 31 occupying too much design space, which is beneficial to reducing the size of the optical unit 30, and thus beneficial to realizing the miniaturized design of the optical cable 100.

[0119] Exemplarily, in other embodiments, the connecting member 31 may also adopt other methods to achieve the aggregation of a plurality of optical fibers 32.

[0120] For example, referring to Figure 4 , the connecting member 31 may be disposed in the gap formed by a plurality of optical fibers 32. Thus, while realizing the aggregated connection of the plurality of optical fibers 32, the gap formed between the optical fibers 32 itself is utilized as the design space for the connecting member 31, reducing the design space occupied by the optical unit 30, which is beneficial to realizing the miniaturized design of the optical cable 100.

[0121] Or for another example, referring to Figure 5 , the connecting member 31 may be disposed in the gap formed by a plurality of optical fibers 32. At the same time, the connecting member 31 also surrounds the plurality of optical fibers 32, so as to improve the connection firmness of the aggregation of the optical fibers 32, and ensure that during the process of tearing open the sheath 20, there will be no problem that some optical fibers 32 are embedded in the sheath, resulting in the need to tear open the sheath 20 multiple times and reducing the installation efficiency of the optical cable 100.

[0122] Figure 8 is another cross-sectional view of the optical cable 100 perpendicular to the first direction X, Figure 9 is Figure 8 the structural explosion diagram of the optical cable 100 in

[0123] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the surface of the sheath 20 close to the release film 11 is planar, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 can be directly attached to the surface of the sheath 20.

[0124] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , a card slot W is provided on the surface of the sheath 20 close to the release film 11, and at least part of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 is filled in the card slot W.

[0125] By providing the card slot W on the surface of the sheath 20 on the side close to the release film 11, more placement space can be provided for the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12. In the case where the optical cable 100 is placed for a long time, during transportation, or during connection, the card slot W can reduce the probability of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 overflowing from the side of the optical cable 100 (for example, the side gap between the release film 11 and the sheath 20), and avoid problems such as the structural adhesion of the optical cable 100, surface contamination, and the influence on the normal installation of the optical cable 100 caused by excessive overflowing pressure-sensitive adhesive 12.

[0126] For example, when the thickness of the sheath 20 (dimension in the third direction Z) is 0.8 (±0.1) mm, the depth of the groove W (dimension in the third direction Z) can be 0.22 to 0.35 mm, so that sufficient placement space can be provided for the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 while not affecting the protection ability of the sheath 20 for the optical fiber 32.

[0127] Exemplarily, the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 can be completely filled and arranged in the card slot W, so as to completely avoid the problem of adhesive overflow of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12.

[0128] Or for example, referring to Figure 8 , part of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 is filled in the card slot W, and other parts of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 are also arranged between the part of the sheath 20 other than the card slot W and the release film 11, so as to increase the contact area between the sheath 20 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12, so that pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 is provided at all positions on the surface of the sheath 20 close to the release film 11. Therefore, while reducing the probability of adhesive overflow of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 through the card slot W, it is ensured that there is sufficient adhesion between the sheath 20 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12, so that when the optical cable 100 is bonded to a structure such as a wall, the firmness of the installation of the optical cable 100 can be ensured.

[0129] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9, the length extension direction of the card slot W on the sheath 20 is the same as the length extension direction of the optical fiber 32, that is, the card slot W is provided along the entire length direction of the optical cable 100, so that the probability of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 overflowing at any position in the length direction of the optical cable 100 is relatively low.

[0130] Alternatively, exemplarily, a plurality of card slots W arranged at intervals may also be provided on the surface of the sheath 20 close to the release film 11. On the one hand, the stress exerted on the optical cable 100 during bending or stretching is dissipated through the plurality of card slots W, improving the service life of the optical cable 100. On the other hand, more placement space can also be provided for the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12, thereby reducing the probability of glue overflow.

[0131] Exemplarily, the width of the card slot W is slightly smaller than the width of the sheath 20, where the width refers to the dimension in the second direction Y.

[0132] For example, the width of the sheath 20 can be 3 (±0.1) mm, and the width of the card slot W can be 2.8 - 2.4 mm.

[0133] Exemplarily, among the surfaces of the sheath 20 close to the release film 11, the other surfaces except the groove W have a relatively small distance from the release film 11, for example, the distance is 0.13 (±0.05) mm, further reducing the probability of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 overflowing from the gap between the release film 11 and the sheath 20.

[0134] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 8 , when at least one tearing groove U (such as the second sub-groove U2) is provided on the bottom surface of the sheath 20, the tearing groove U can be provided at the bottom of the card slot W.

[0135] In some embodiments, the material of the sheath 20 may include one or more of thermoplastic polyurethane (abbreviated as TPU), polyvinyl chloride (abbreviated as PVC), polydimethylsiloxane (abbreviated as PDMS), polycarbonate (abbreviated as PC), polyethersulfone (abbreviated as PES), polyphenylene sulfone resins (PPSU), fluorinated ethylene propylene (abbreviated as FEP), polyamide (abbreviated as PA), and fluoroplastics.

[0136] Exemplarily, the sheath 20 can be made of a transparent material. While ensuring that the sheath 20 can protect the optical unit 30 from external damage, the transparent sheath 20 can also enhance the aesthetics of the optical cable 100. For example, when the optical cable 100 is laid in an indoor scenario, it helps to reduce the visibility of the optical cable 100, improve the overall indoor aesthetics, and minimize the disruption to the overall coordination of the indoor decoration.

[0137] Exemplarily, in other embodiments, the material of the optical cable 100 can also be opaque. For example, the optical cable 100 can also be used for wiring. For example, the material of the sheath 20 in the optical cable 100 can include low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) material.

[0138] In some embodiments, the optical cable 100 can further include color rings.

[0139] The color rings are circumferentially wound around the optical fiber 32 to form an identification for the optical fiber 32. For example, under the influence of the color rings, the optical fiber 32 can display the color of the color rings, thereby realizing the distinction between the optical fiber 32 and other surrounding structures, which is beneficial for the identification, wiring, etc. of the optical fiber 32 during the installation process, and avoiding damage to the optical fiber 32 or incorrect connection of the optical fiber 32.

[0140] Exemplarily, the color of the color rings is different from that of the sheath 20, so that during the process of tearing open the sheath 20, the optical fiber 32 can be noticed to avoid damaging the optical fiber 32. In addition, it can also make the optical fiber 32 protrude from the sheath 20, facilitating the accurate location of the optical fiber 32 for connection during the installation process of the optical cable 100.

[0141] Exemplarily, among multiple optical fibers 32, different optical fibers 32 correspond to different colors of color rings, so as to accurately distinguish different types of optical fibers 32 during the installation process of the optical cable 100, thereby realizing the accurate connection between multiple optical fibers 32 and other structures, such as pre-installed connectors and other structures.

[0142] Figure 10 It is another cross-sectional view of the optical cable 100 perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0143] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 10 , the optical cable 100 can further include a strengthening member 40.

[0144] Referring to Figure 10 , the strengthening member 40 is filled in the sheath 20 and is used to enhance the strength of the optical cable 100. For example, it can enhance the tensile performance of the optical cable 100, and avoid problems such as bending or stretching of the optical cable 100 during construction, resulting in fracture of the key component, the optical fiber 32, and affecting the performance and service life of the optical cable 100.

[0145] Refer to Figure 10 , the extending direction of the reinforcing member 40 is the same as that of the optical fiber 32, that is, the length extending directions of both are the first direction X, so that the reinforcing member 40 is correspondingly arranged at any position in the length direction of the optical fiber 32, thereby forming a complete protection for the optical fiber 32.

[0146] Refer to Figure 10 , the reinforcing member 40 is arranged at an interval from the optical unit 30, so that while the reinforcing member 40 protects the optical fiber 32, it is avoided that the reinforcing member 40 affects the transmission of the optical fiber 32. For example, problems such as signal leakage or signal contamination of the optical fiber 32 are caused.

[0147] Exemplarily, the material of the reinforcing member 40 may include materials such as fine steel wire, copper wire, aluminum wire, galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper-plated steel or nickel-plated steel, or the reinforcing member 40 may further include other materials with a certain strength such as fiber reinforced polymer (FRP for short), polycarbonate material (PC) or fluoroplastics.

[0148] As described above, only the specific embodiments of the present application are provided, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present disclosure who thinks of changes or substitutions should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An optical cable (100), characterized in that, Comprising: A fixing component (10), including a release film (11) and a pressure-sensitive adhesive (12) arranged in a stacked manner; A sheath (20), arranged on a side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive (12) away from the release film (11), and a tearing groove (U) is formed on the surface of the sheath (20); An optical unit (30), embedded in the sheath (20), and an extending direction of a side wall of the tearing groove (U) intersects with the optical unit (30); the optical unit (30) includes a connecting member (31) and a plurality of optical fibers (32), the plurality of optical fibers (32) are connected together through the connecting member (31), and each optical fiber (32) extends along a first direction (X); the first direction (X) is parallel to the release film (11).

2. The optical cable (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of optical fibers (32) are arranged in sequence along a second direction (Y); the second direction (Y) is parallel to the release film (11) and intersects with the first direction (X).

3. The optical cable (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of optical fibers (32) are arranged in an array along the second direction (Y) and a third direction (Z); the third direction (Z) is perpendicular to the release film (11).

4. The optical cable (100) according to claim 1, wherein, A cross-section of the plurality of optical fibers (32) perpendicular to the first direction (X) is circular.

5. The optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A positive projection of the tearing groove (U) on the release film (11) coincides with a center line extending along the first direction (X) of a positive projection of the optical unit (30) on the release film (11).

6. The optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The tearing groove (U) includes a first sub-groove (U1) and a second sub-groove (U2), the first sub-groove (U1) is arranged on a surface of the sheath (20) away from the release film (11), and the second sub-groove (U2) is arranged on a surface of the sheath (20) close to the release film (11); Positive projections of the first sub-groove (U1) and the second sub-groove (U2) on the release film (11) are respectively arranged on two sides of a positive projection of the optical unit (30) on the release film (11), and the grooving directions of the first sub-groove (U1) and the second sub-groove (U2) are both arranged towards the optical unit (30).

7. The optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, At least a part of the connecting member (31) is arranged around the plurality of optical fibers (32).

8. The optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, At least a part of the connecting member (31) is arranged between adjacent two optical fibers (32).

9. The optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, A clamping groove (W) is formed on a surface of the sheath (20) close to the release film (11), and at least a part of the pressure-sensitive adhesive (12) is filled in the clamping groove (W).

10. The optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The material of the sheath (20) includes one of thermoplastic polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polydimethylsiloxane, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfone, fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer, and polyamide.

11. The optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, Further comprising: A color ring, circumferentially surrounding the optical fiber (32) along the circumference of the optical fiber (32), and the color of the color ring is different from the color of the sheath (20).

12. The optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, Further comprising: A reinforcing member (40), filled in the sheath (20), the extending direction of the reinforcing member (40) is the same as the extending direction of the optical fiber (32), and the reinforcing member (40) is arranged at an interval from the optical unit (30).

13. A composite cable assembly (300), characterized in that, Comprising: An optical cable (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12; A connector (200), connected to an end of the optical cable (100).

14. A communication device (500), characterized in that, Comprising: A composite cable assembly (300) as claimed in claim 13; A plug-in structure (400), connected to the composite cable assembly (300).

15. A communication system (1000), characterized in that, Comprising: At least one communication device (500) as claimed in claim 14.

Images