Cable, cable assembly and communication system

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a cable, a cable assembly and a communication system, and relates to the field of optical devices. The objective of the utility model is to improve the problem of disordered cable wiring in the prior art. According to the specific scheme, the cable comprises an insulating sleeve, an optical waveguide, a first electrode and a second electrode, and the insulating sleeve is made of a transparent material. The insulating sleeve surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the optical waveguide; the insulating sleeve also surrounds an outer peripheral surface of the first electrode and an outer peripheral surface of the second electrode. And compared with respective arrangement of an electric signal line and an optical signal line, the cable is high in integration level and small in occupied space. In the embodiment that the first electrode and the insulating sleeve are both made of transparent materials, the transparent cable has the performance close to invisibility, and the disorder degree is reduced. The insulating sleeve made of transparent materials is weak in visibility, so that the cable has an invisible effect, and the attractiveness of wiring is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of optical devices, and in particular to a cable, a cable assembly, and a communication system. Background Art

[0002] Cables are crucial components in communications networks. Typically, one end of a cable connects to one device and the other to another. Cables transmit signals and energy between the two devices. In scenarios where the wiring between devices is complex, untidy cable routing can directly impact the aesthetics of the connection. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present application provides a cable, a cable assembly, and a communication system, aiming to improve the problem of messy cable wiring in the prior art.

[0004] In order to achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a cable. The cable includes an insulating sheath, an optical waveguide, and electrically isolated first and second electrodes. The insulating sheath is made of a transparent material; the insulating sheath surrounds the outer circumference of the optical waveguide; and the insulating sheath also surrounds the outer circumferences of the first and second electrodes.

[0006] In this way, optical signals can be transmitted in the optical waveguide. The electrically isolated first electrode and the second electrode can be electrically connected to the positive and negative poles of the power supply, respectively. The first electrode and the second electrode can transmit electrical signals, and the insulating sleeve surrounding the outer peripheral surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode can prevent the first electrode and the second electrode from contacting other conductive structures to cause short circuits or unstable electrical signal transmission. The cable has the function of transmitting both electrical and optical signals. Compared with components in which electrical signal lines and optical signal lines are separately arranged, the cable provided by the present application has the advantages of high integration and small space occupation, and reduces the number of lines, effectively improving the problem of cluttered lines. In addition, the insulating sleeve including a transparent material can reduce the visibility of the cable. If the visibility of the cable is weak, the simplicity of the cable can be improved, effectively improving the problem of cluttered cables.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some achievable embodiments, the dimension of the first electrode along the width of the cable is greater than the dimension of the first electrode along the thickness of the cable, and the width, thickness, and length of the cable are perpendicular to each other. As a result, the cable thickness is reduced. In scenarios where the cable is attached to a wall or floor, the cable adheres better to the wall or floor, and cable routing is simpler.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in some feasible embodiments, the ratio of the size of the first electrode along the width direction of the cable to the size along the thickness direction of the cable is greater than or equal to 3, so that the thickness of the cable can be further reduced.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some achievable embodiments, the first electrode includes a first conductive film, a support film, and a second conductive film stacked together. The support film can support the first and second conductive films, thereby improving the structural strength of the first electrode and preventing damage or cracking of the first and second conductive films.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the first and second conductive films are made of transparent conductive materials. This reduces visibility of the first and second conductive films, while allowing the first electrode to transmit light more effectively. Furthermore, because the insulating sleeve is made of a transparent material, visibility of the cable is further reduced, creating an invisible effect and enhancing the aesthetics of the wiring.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some achievable embodiments, the support film is made of a transparent material. In this way, the visibility of the support film is weak, which can further reduce the visibility of the first electrode and enhance the invisible effect of the cable.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some achievable embodiments, the optical waveguide includes a fiber core. The fiber core has good bendability, so that the cable has better bending performance.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the optical waveguide includes a core and a cladding, with the cladding covering the outer circumference of the core. The cladding can reflect optical signals transmitted within the core, reducing optical signal loss. Furthermore, the core and cladding also exhibit good bendability, providing the cable with excellent bending performance.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some achievable embodiments, the first electrode has a quadrilateral cross-section perpendicular to the length of the cable. In this manner, the first electrode is a flattened sheet. This reduces the thickness of the first electrode along the cable, facilitating a reduction in the thickness of the cable. This facilitates a reduction in cable thickness, allowing for a better fit when the cable is attached to a wall or floor.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some achievable embodiments, the second electrode has a greater dimension along the width of the cable than along its thickness, and the width, thickness, and length of the cable are perpendicular to each other. This reduces the cable thickness, simplifies cable routing, and facilitates cable placement in scenarios where the cable is attached to a wall or floor.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in some feasible embodiments, the ratio of the size of the second electrode along the width direction of the cable to the size along the thickness direction of the cable is greater than or equal to 3, so that the thickness of the cable can be further reduced.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in some feasible embodiments, the cross-section of the second electrode is a quadrilateral, and the cross-section is perpendicular to the length direction of the cable.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some achievable embodiments, the cable further includes a reinforcement member connected to the insulating sleeve. In this way, the reinforcement member can improve the mechanical strength of the cable and alleviate the problem of the cable being torn or broken by external forces.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some achievable embodiments, the reinforcement member is made of a transparent material. This reduces visibility of the reinforcement member. In embodiments where the insulating sleeve is made of a transparent material, both the reinforcement member and the insulating sleeve have high light transmittance, contributing to the aesthetics of the cable.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the reinforcement member includes a core and an outer sheath, the outer sheath surrounding the outer circumference of the core. In this manner, the core and outer sheath materials can be different, resulting in different properties for the reinforcement member. The outer sheath can isolate the core and the insulating sheath, preventing contact and mutual interference between the core and the insulating sheath.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some achievable embodiments, the outer jacket is made of a transparent material. In this way, the outer jacket has a low visibility, which can increase the light transmission performance of the cable and make the cable wiring simpler.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some achievable embodiments, the cable further comprises an adhesive layer connected to the outer surface of the insulating sleeve. In this way, the insulating sleeve can be connected to another structure (such as a wall or the ground) via the adhesive layer, providing a fulcrum for connecting the insulating sleeve to the other structure.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the cable further includes a release film, which is attached to a surface of the adhesive layer facing away from the insulating sleeve. In this way, the release film can protect the surface of the adhesive layer facing away from the insulating sleeve, preventing dust, moisture, and the like from contaminating the surface of the adhesive layer facing away from the insulating sleeve.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present application provides a cable assembly, which includes a connector assembly and any one of the cables provided in the first aspect, wherein one end of the cable is connected to the connector assembly.

[0025] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication system. The communication system includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and any one of the cable assemblies provided in the second aspect. The first communication device is connected to the connector assembly, and the second communication device is connected to an end of the cable away from the connector assembly. Because the cable is relatively simple, wiring between the first communication device and the second communication device can be simplified.

[0026] Regarding the beneficial effects of the second and third aspects, reference may be made to the description of any optional implementation in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here. Based on the implementation provided in the above aspects, this application can also be further combined to provide more implementations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 A structural diagram of a communication system.

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a cable provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a first electrode provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of another first electrode provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of another first electrode provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 6 A structural diagram of another cable provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of another cable provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of another cable provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of another cable provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] In the figure: 10-communication system; 20-first communication device; 30-second communication device; 100-cable; 110-insulating sleeve; 120-optical waveguide; 130-first electrode; 140-second electrode; 131-first conductive film; 133-support film; 132-second conductive film; 150-reinforcement member; 170-release film; 160-adhesive layer; 151-reinforcement core; 152-jacket; 002-cable assembly; 001-connector assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments.

[0038] In the following, the terms "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first," "second," etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.

[0039] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, directional terms such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "horizontal" and "vertical" are defined relative to the orientation of the components in the drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts. They are used for relative description and clarification, and they can change accordingly according to changes in the orientation of the components in the drawings.

[0040] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, an electrical connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0041] Figure 1 FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 10. Figure 1 The communication system 10 includes a first communication device 20, a second communication device 30, and a cable assembly 002. One end of the cable assembly 002 is connected to the first communication device 20, and the other end of the cable assembly 002 is connected to the second communication device 30. The first communication device 20 and the second communication device 30 communicate through the cable assembly 002.

[0042] Figure 1 In the example of FIG, the cable assembly 002 includes a connector assembly 001 and a cable 100. One end of the cable 100 is connected to the second communication device 30 through the connector assembly 001.

[0043] For example, the connector assembly 001 may be an optoelectronic connector assembly. The connector assembly 001 includes a connector and a connector joint, and the connector and the connector joint are detachably connected.

[0044] Illustratively, the communication system 10 may be various types of long-distance optical communication systems that use the cable 100 as a communication carrier, such as a common metropolitan area optical network system.

[0045] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the application scenarios of the communication system 10. For example, the communication system 10 can be applied to scenarios such as fiber to the room (FTTR), optical distribution network (ODN), optical line terminal (OLT), optical network unit (ONU), wireless access point (AP), power over Ethernet (POE) based on a local area network (LAN), or optical fiber composite low-voltage cable (OPLC).

[0046] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the types of the first communication device 20 and the second communication device 30. For example, the first communication device 20 may be an optical line terminal (OLT), an optical terminal, or an optical switch. The second communication device 30 may be an optical modem, a router, or a camera.

[0047] In addition, in some embodiments, the cable 100 can also be used in devices that have high requirements for optical signal transmission and conductive performance, such as sensors and other devices.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present application, the cable 100 can transmit optical signals and electrical signals. The cable 100 has a high degree of integration, which can reduce the space occupied by the line between the first communication device 20 and the second communication device 30, and effectively improve the problem of cluttered lines between the first communication device 20 and the second communication device 30.

[0049] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of cables 100 connecting the first communication device 20 and the second communication device 30. For example, the number of cables 100 connecting the first communication device 20 and the second communication device 30 can be one, two, three or more.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cable 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 The cable 100 includes an insulating sleeve 110, an optical waveguide 120, a first electrode 130, and a second electrode 140. The first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 are electrically isolated, and the insulating sleeve 110 surrounds the outer circumference of the optical waveguide 120, the first electrode 130, and the second electrode 140. The insulating sleeve 110 is made of a transparent material.

[0051] In this way, optical signals can be transmitted within the optical waveguide 120. The electrically isolated first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 can be electrically connected to the positive and negative poles of the power supply, respectively. The first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 can transmit electrical signals, and the insulating sleeve 110 surrounding the outer circumference of the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 can prevent the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 from contacting other conductive structures, causing short circuits or unstable electrical signal transmission. The cable 100 has the function of transmitting both electrical and optical signals. Compared with components in which electrical signal lines and optical signal lines are separately provided, the cable 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application has the advantages of high integration and small space occupation, and reduces the number of lines, effectively improving the problem of cluttered lines, which is conducive to improving the deployment efficiency of the cable 100. In addition, the insulating sleeve 110 made of a transparent material has poor visibility. This is conducive to reducing the visibility of the cable 100, making the wiring of the cable 100 simpler.

[0052] Exemplarily, the insulating sleeve 110 is made of a transparent material such as polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate or polystyrene.

[0053] The aforementioned “the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 are electrically isolated” means that within the insulating sleeve 110 , the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 are not directly electrically connected, nor are they electrically connected via other conductive structures.

[0054] The outer peripheral surface of the optical waveguide 120 is the surface along the circumference of the optical waveguide 120. For example, if the optical waveguide 120 is cylindrical, the outer peripheral surface of the optical waveguide 120 is a cylindrical surface. The description of the other outer peripheral surfaces is similar.

[0055] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of the optical waveguides 120 . For example, the number of the optical waveguides 120 may be one, two, three, or more.

[0056] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the structure of the optical waveguide 120. In some embodiments, the optical waveguide 120 includes a fiber core. The fiber core has good bendability, which enables the cable 100 to have better bending performance.

[0057] In some embodiments, optical waveguide 120 includes a core and a cladding, with the cladding covering the outer circumference of the core. The cladding reflects the optical signal transmitted within the core, reducing optical signal loss. Furthermore, the core and cladding exhibit excellent bendability, providing cable 100 with superior bending performance.

[0058] In some embodiments, the core and cladding are coaxial columnar structures. The present application does not limit the materials of the core and cladding. For example, the refractive index of the core is greater than the refractive index of the cladding. The cladding confines the optical signal within the core for transmission and protects the core. In some embodiments, the core is made of silicon dioxide (SiO2), and the cladding is doped silicon dioxide (SiO2), where the doping element may be a pentavalent element such as nitrogen or phosphorus.

[0059] In some embodiments, the core material may be silica, doped silica, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylate copolymer, fluorinated olefin polymer, or fluorinated methyl methacrylate. The cladding material may be silica, doped silica, fluorinated olefin polymer, fluorinated methyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, or polyacrylate copolymer.

[0060] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the sizes of the fiber core and cladding. For example, the diameter of the fiber core can be 6 μm (micrometers) to 20 μm. For example, the diameter of the fiber core is 6 μm, 7 μm, 9 μm, 10 μm, 12 μm, 15 μm, 16 μm, 18 μm, or 20 μm. The diameter of the cladding can be 100 μm to 140 μm. For example, the diameter of the cladding is 100 μm, 105 μm, 110 μm, 120 μm, 125 μm, 130 μm, 135 μm, 138 μm, or 140 μm.

[0061] It can be understood that, in some embodiments of the present application, the cladding is not necessary and the optical waveguide may not be provided with a cladding.

[0062] The embodiments of the present application do not restrict the dimensions of the cable 100. These dimensions may be set based on actual needs. In an embodiment where the maximum dimension of the cable 100 is 3 mm, the minimum bending radius of the cable 100 is greater than or equal to 30 mm (millimeter). The minimum bending radius refers to the bending radius at which the cable 100 can be safely bent within any given point range.

[0063] After bending the cable 100 once at the minimum bending radius, the cable 100 exhibits an additional loss of less than or equal to 0.5 dB at 1550 nm and less than or equal to 1.0 dB at 1625 nm. When the cable 100 is loosely wound once at a radius of 30 mm, the cable maintains over 70% of its electrical conductivity.

[0064] In an embodiment where the maximum outer dimension of the cable 100 is 3 mm, when the cable 100 is installed, the minimum bending radius of the cable 100 is greater than or equal to 60 mm.

[0065] Compared to conductive wires such as copper wire, the cable 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application can transmit both optical and electrical signals. Furthermore, the cable 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application has excellent bending properties and can transmit optical signals. The cable 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application can also alleviate the shape memory effect caused by bending copper wire.

[0066] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the external shape of the insulating sleeve 110. The insulating sleeve 110 can be a prismatic, cylindrical, or flat structure. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the insulating sleeve 110 is in the shape of a prism, and two adjacent surfaces of the prism are in an arc-shaped transition to prevent the edges of the prism from scratching other components.

[0067] Herein, the width direction of the cable 100 is defined as the x direction, the thickness direction of the cable 100 is defined as the z direction, and the length direction of the cable 100 is defined as the y direction. The x direction, the y direction, and the z direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0068] In an embodiment where the cross-section of the cable 100 is rectangular, the width direction of the cable 100 is the width direction of the cross-section, the thickness direction of the cable 100 is the height direction of the cross-section, and the cross-section of the cable 100 is perpendicular to the length direction of the cable 100.

[0069] In embodiments where the cross-section of the cable 100 is of other shapes, the thickness direction of the cable 100 is the direction in which the cross-section is smaller. For example, in embodiments where the cross-section of the cable 100 is elliptical, the thickness direction of the cable 100 is the direction in which the minor axis of the ellipse extends.

[0070] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the size of the insulating sleeve 110. For example, the size of the insulating sleeve 110 along the x-direction is 2 mm to 5 mm. For example, the size of the insulating sleeve 110 along the x-direction is 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm. The size of the insulating sleeve 110 along the z-direction is 1 mm to 4 mm. For example, the size of the insulating sleeve 110 along the z-direction is 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm.

[0071] The cable 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application has at least the following properties: the breaking force of the cable 100 is greater than 50N (Newtons), the resistivity is ≤4.5×10^-5Ω·m (ohm-meter), and the cable impedance is ≤100Ω / m (ohm / meter).

[0072] In the embodiment of the present application, the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 are respectively used to connect to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the power supply to achieve transmission of electrical signals.

[0073] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first electrode 130 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3The first electrode 130 is a thin sheet structure, which is beneficial to reduce the insulation sleeve 110 (such as Figure 2 As shown), the thickness of the cable 100 (as shown) is reduced. Figure 2 shown) thickness.

[0074] Figure 3 In the example, the dimension of the first electrode 130 along the x-direction is greater than the dimension of the first electrode 130 along the z-direction. In this way, the first electrode 130 is flat.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present application, the ratio of the size of the first electrode 130 along the x-direction to the size along the z-direction is greater than or equal to 3. For example, the size of the first electrode 130 along the x-direction is d1, the size of the first electrode 130 along the z-direction is d2, and d1 is 3 times or more of d2. For example, d1 is 3 times, 3.2 times, 3.5 times, 4 times, 4.5 times, 5 times, 5.5 times, 6 times, 6.5 times, 7 times, 8 times, 10 times, 12 times, 15 times, 18 times, or 20 times of d2.

[0076] Thus, compared to the circular first electrode 130, the first electrode 130 is flat, and the cable 100 can also be configured as a flat shape. This helps reduce the size of the cable 100 along the z-direction and the thickness of the cable 100, allowing the cable 100 to fit snugly against a wall or the ground.

[0077] Figure 3 In the example shown in FIG, the first electrode 130 includes a first conductive film 131, a support film 133, and a second conductive film 132, which are stacked. In other words, the first conductive film 131 is disposed on one surface of the support film 133, and the second conductive film 132 is disposed on the other surface of the support film 133. The support film 133 can support the first and second conductive films 131 and 132, thereby improving the structural strength of the first electrode 130 and preventing damage or cracking of the first and second conductive films 131 and 132.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present application, the first electrode 130 comprises a transparent conductive material. This reduces the visibility of the insulating sleeve 110 and the first electrode 130. This makes both the insulating sleeve 110 and the first electrode 130 invisible, reducing the visibility of the cable 100 and effectively alleviating the problem of cluttered cable 100.

[0079] For example, the first conductive film 131 is made of a transparent conductive material, the second conductive film 132 is made of a transparent conductive material, and the support film 133 is made of a transparent material.

[0080] For example, the transparent conductive material may be indium tin oxide (ITO), silver nanowires, copper mesh, titanium nitride (Ti4N3), two-dimensional MXene, etc. Transparent conductive materials have good light transmittance and can form transparent first conductive film 131 and second conductive film 132.

[0081] It can be understood that the material of the first conductive film 131 and the material of the second conductive film 132 can be the same or different.

[0082] Exemplarily, the material of the support film 133 includes a transparent material. For example, the material of the support film 133 can be a transparent plastic film. The transparent plastic film can be, for example, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or polystyrene (PS).

[0083] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the conductivity of the support film 133 . In some embodiments, the support film 133 may have conductive properties; in some embodiments, the support film 133 may not have conductive properties.

[0084] The first conductive film 131 may be formed on the support film 133 by coating or deposition, for example. Similarly, the second conductive film 132 may be formed on the support film 133 by coating or deposition, for example.

[0085] In some embodiments, the insulating sleeve 110 is made of a transparent material, the first conductive film 131 is made of a transparent conductive material, the second conductive film 132 is made of a transparent conductive material, and the support film 133 is made of a transparent material. This reduces visibility of the entire insulating sleeve 110 and the entire first electrode 130. In some embodiments, the entire second electrode 140 is also made of a transparent material. This reduces visibility of the cable 100, giving it an invisible appearance and enhancing the aesthetics of the wiring.

[0086] In some embodiments, the transmittance of the cable 100 to light with a wavelength of 550 nm is greater than 50%, for example, the transmittance may be 51%, 52%, 56%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% or 90%.

[0087] In some embodiments of the present application, the material of the first conductive film 131 may be an opaque conductive material, or the material of the first conductive film 131 may be a conductive material with low transparency. For example, the material of the first conductive film 131 includes metal, graphene, carbon nanorods, or carbon powder.

[0088] Likewise, in some embodiments, the second conductive film 132 may be made of an opaque conductive material, or a conductive material with low transparency. For example, the second conductive film 132 may be made of metal, graphene, carbon nanorods, or carbon powder.

[0089] In some embodiments, the material of the support film 133 may be a non-transparent material.

[0090] Figure 3 In the example shown, the first electrode 130 has a quadrilateral cross-section perpendicular to the lengthwise direction (y-direction) of the cable 100. In other words, the first electrode 130 is a flattened sheet. This reduces the size of the cable 100 in the z-direction, thus helping to reduce the size of the cable 100 in the z-direction.

[0091] Figure 3 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the first conductive film 131 and the second conductive film 132 have the same shape. A vertical projection of the first conductive film 131 on the support film 133 overlaps a vertical projection of the second conductive film 132 on the support film 133. In some embodiments, the shapes of the first conductive film 131 and the second conductive film 132 may be different.

[0092] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the thickness of the first conductive film 131 and the second conductive film 132. Exemplarily, the thickness of the first conductive film 131 is 2μm (micrometer)-50μm; for example, the thickness of the first conductive film 131 is 2μm, 5μm, 8μm, 10μm, 11μm, 12μm, 18μm, 20μm, 25μm, 30μm, 34μm, 38μm, 40μm, 45μm or 50μm, etc.

[0093] Exemplarily, the thickness of the second conductive film 132 is 2 μm-50 μm. It is understood that the thickness of the first conductive film 131 and the second conductive film 132 can be equal or different.

[0094] The thickness of the first conductive film 131 is the dimension of the first conductive film 131 along the z-direction. Similarly, the thickness of the second conductive film 132 is the dimension of the second conductive film 132 along the z-direction.

[0095] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the thickness of the support film 133. Exemplarily, the thickness of the support film 133 is 5μm-40μm; for example, the thickness of the support film 133 is 5μm, 8μm, 10μm, 11μm, 12μm, 18μm, 20μm, 25μm, 30μm, 34μm, 38μm or 40μm, etc.

[0096] In some embodiments of the present application, the first electrode 130 may have other shapes.

[0097] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of another first electrode 130 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 and Figure 3 The differences include the shapes of the first conductive film 131 , the second conductive film 132 and the support film 133 .

[0098] Figure 4 In the example, the first conductive film 131 is an arc-shaped structure formed by bending a sheet-like structure. The second conductive film 132 is an arc-shaped structure formed by bending a sheet-like structure. The support film 133 is an arc-shaped structure formed by bending a sheet-like structure.

[0099] Figure 4 In the example, the cross section of the first conductive film 131 is an arc shape, which is perpendicular to the length direction (y direction) of the first electrode 130. In some embodiments, the cross section of the first conductive film 131 can be an irregular shape such as an elliptical arc or a curve.

[0100] In the embodiment where the cross-section of the first conductive film 131 is an arc, the embodiment of the present application does not limit the central angle of the arc. For example, the central angle α corresponding to the first conductive film 131 can be 20° (degrees) to 350°; for example, the central angle α corresponding to the first conductive film 131 can be 20°, 30°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 150°, 180°, 230°, 235°, 260°, 270°, 280°, 300°, 310°, 330°, or 350°, etc. The same applies to the second conductive film 132.

[0101] Figure 4 For the rest of the structure, please refer to Figure 3 Description in .

[0102] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of another first electrode 130 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 and Figure 3 The differences include the shapes of the first conductive film 131 , the second conductive film 132 and the support film 133 .

[0103] Figure 5 In the example of FIG, the first conductive film 131 is cylindrical, the second conductive film 132 is cylindrical, and the support film 133 is cylindrical. The first conductive film 131, the support film 133, and the second conductive film 132 are concentrically arranged.

[0104] It is understood that in other embodiments, the first conductive film 131 may be in a prism or other cylindrical structure, and the second conductive film 132 may be in a prism or other cylindrical structure.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first conductive film 131 may be in other shapes such as a solid cylinder.

[0106] Figure 5 For the rest of the structure, please refer to Figure 3 Description in .

[0107] In the embodiment of the present application, the material and shape of the second electrode 140 can refer to the description of the first electrode 130. For example, the second electrode 140 can refer to the aforementioned Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 The description of the first electrode 130 is omitted here.

[0108] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of another cable 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 and Figure 2 The differences include: Figure 6 In the example of FIG, the cable 100 may further include a reinforcement member 150, which is connected to the insulating sleeve 110. The reinforcement member 150 can improve the mechanical strength of the cable 100 and improve the problem of the cable 100 being torn or broken due to external force.

[0109] In some embodiments, as Figure 6 As shown, the reinforcement member 150 is embedded in the insulating sleeve 110 , which is beneficial to improving the aesthetics of the cable 100 and the integration of the insulating sleeve 110 .

[0110] In some embodiments of the present application, the reinforcement member 150 may be disposed outside the insulating sleeve 110 , for example, the reinforcement member 150 is connected to the outer surface of the insulating sleeve 110 . In this way, the reinforcement member 150 may also improve the mechanical strength of the cable 100 .

[0111] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the shape of the reinforcement 150. For example, the reinforcement 150 may be a flat long strip structure, or a cylindrical long strip structure, etc. The extension path of the reinforcement 150 may be a straight line or a curve.

[0112] In some embodiments of the present application, there may be multiple reinforcement members 150, and the multiple reinforcement members 150 are arranged along the length of the cable 100. In other words, the length of one reinforcement member 150 may be less than the length of the cable 100. Multiple reinforcement members 150 are arranged along the length of the cable 100.

[0113] In some embodiments of the present application, the material of the reinforcement member 150 includes a transparent material. For example, the material of the reinforcement member 150 includes silica, glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP), or Kevlar fiber reinforced polymer (KFRP). As a result, the visibility of the reinforcement member 150 is low. In embodiments where the insulating sleeve 110 is made of a transparent material, both the reinforcement member 150 and the insulating sleeve 110 have high light transmittance, which improves the aesthetics of the cable 100.

[0114] In some embodiments of the present application, the reinforcement member 150 may be made of an opaque material, or may be made of a less transparent material. For example, the reinforcement member 150 may be a metal wire, a coated metal wire, or a plated metal wire, such as a steel wire, a galvanized steel wire, or a tinned steel wire. In embodiments where the reinforcement member 150 is made of a conductive material, the reinforcement member 150 is electrically isolated from the first electrode 130.

[0115] In an embodiment where the material of the reinforcement member 150 does not include a conductive material, the reinforcement member 150 may directly contact the first electrode 130 or the second electrode 140 .

[0116] Figure 6 For the rest of the structure in the example, see Figure 2 The description in , will not be repeated here.

[0117] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of another cable 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 and Figure 6 The differences include: the structure of the reinforcement 150 is different.

[0118] Figure 7 In the example shown, the reinforcement member 150 includes a core 151 and an outer jacket 152, which surrounds the outer circumference of the core 151. Thus, the materials of the core 151 and the outer jacket 152 can be different, resulting in different properties for the reinforcement member 150. The outer jacket 152 isolates the core 151 from the insulating sleeve 110, preventing contact and mutual interference between the core 151 and the insulating sleeve 110.

[0119] Exemplarily, the material of the outer jacket 152 includes a transparent material. For example, the material of the outer jacket 152 includes at least one of polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, or polystyrene. The outer jacket 152 has low visibility, which can increase the light transmission performance of the cable 100 and make the wiring of the cable 100 simpler.

[0120] In embodiments where the outer cover 152 is made of a transparent material, the reinforcing core 151 can be made of an opaque material. For example, the reinforcing core 151 can be made of copper and its alloys, tin and its alloys, zinc and its alloys, aluminum and its alloys, or stainless steel. Because the outer cover 152 is less visible, the overall visibility of the reinforcing member 150 can be reduced, thereby improving the aesthetics of the reinforcing member 150.

[0121] In some embodiments of the present application, the material of the reinforcing core 151 may include a transparent material.

[0122] The present embodiment does not limit the diameter ratio of the reinforcing core 151 to the outer shell 152. In some embodiments, the ratio of the diameter of the reinforcing core 151 to the diameter of the outer shell 152 can be 0.1-0.8. For example, the ratio of the diameter of the reinforcing core 151 to the diameter of the outer shell 152 can be 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, or 0.8, etc.

[0123] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of reinforcement members 150. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the example of FIG, the number of the reinforcement members 150 is two. In other embodiments of the present application, the number of the reinforcement members 150 may be one, three, four or more.

[0124] Figure 7 In the example, the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 are arranged along the z-direction. Since the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 are relatively small in the z-direction, arranging the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 along the z-direction can reduce the size of the cable 100 in the z-direction, thereby reducing the thickness of the cable 100.

[0125] Figure 7 In FIG, the optical waveguide 120 and the reinforcing members 150 are arranged in a row. The optical waveguide 120 and the two reinforcing members 150 are disposed between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 .

[0126] For example, the first electrode 130, the optical waveguide 120, and the second electrode 140 are arranged along the thickness direction (z-direction) of the cable 100. Since the thickness of the cable 100 is relatively small, the optical waveguide 120 and the reinforcement member 150 are arranged along the thickness direction, thereby reducing the impact of the optical waveguide 120 and the reinforcement member 150 on the dimension of the cable 100 along the z-direction.

[0127] In the embodiment of the present application, the order of arrangement of the first electrode 130, the optical waveguide 120, and the second electrode 140 along the x-direction can be set as required. For example, along the z-direction, the optical waveguide 120 is located between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140. Alternatively, along the z-direction, the optical waveguide 120 is located on the side of the first electrode 130 away from the second electrode 140.

[0128] Figure 7 In the embodiment, the first electrode 130, optical waveguide 120, reinforcement member 150, and second electrode 140 are arranged sequentially along the z-direction. The optical waveguide 120 and the two reinforcement members 150 are arranged perpendicular to the thickness of the first conductive film 131 of the first electrode 130. This helps reduce the size of the cable 100 along the z-direction, allowing the cable 100 to be thinner, better fit on the floor or wall, and simplify wiring.

[0129] In some embodiments of the present application, the strength member 150 is not necessary, and the cable 100 may not be provided with the strength member 150 .

[0130] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of another cable 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 and Figure 2 The differences include: the arrangement directions of the optical waveguide 120 and the two reinforcement members 150 are different.

[0131] See also Figure 8 The optical waveguide 120 and the two reinforcing members 150 are disposed between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140. The optical waveguide 120 and the two reinforcing members 150 are arranged along the x-direction. Thus, the insulating sleeve 110 surrounding the optical waveguide 120, the reinforcing members 150, the first electrode 130, and the second electrode 140 has a larger dimension along the z-direction and a relatively smaller dimension along the x-direction.

[0132] Figure 8 In some embodiments of the present application, the optical waveguide 120 is disposed between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140. In some embodiments of the present application, the optical waveguide 120 may be disposed on a side of the first electrode 130 away from the second electrode 140.

[0133] In addition, in the embodiment where the cable 100 includes a plurality of optical waveguides 120 , some of the optical waveguides 120 are disposed between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 , and some of the optical waveguides 120 are disposed on a side of the first electrode 130 away from the second electrode 140 .

[0134] Figure 8 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the optical waveguide 120 and the two reinforcing members 150 are spaced apart. In some embodiments, the optical waveguide 120 and the reinforcing members 150 may be in direct contact.

[0135] Figure 8 and Figure 6 In some embodiments of the present application, two reinforcement members 150 are disposed between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140. In some embodiments of the present application, one reinforcement member 150 is disposed between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140, and one reinforcement member 150 is disposed on a side of the first electrode 130 away from the second electrode 140. In some embodiments of the present application, both reinforcement members 150 are disposed on a side of the first electrode 130 away from the second electrode 140.

[0136] Similarly, in the embodiment where there is one reinforcement member 150, the reinforcement member 150 is disposed between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140. Alternatively, the reinforcement member 150 is disposed on a side of the first electrode 130 away from the second electrode 140. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0137] Figure 8 Please refer to the previous description of the remaining structures Figure 2 The relevant description in will not be repeated here.

[0138] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of another cable 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 9 The cable 100 may further include an adhesive layer 160. The adhesive layer 160 is connected to the outer surface of the insulating sleeve 110. In this way, the insulating sleeve 110 can be connected to other structures (such as a wall or the ground) through the adhesive layer 160, providing a fulcrum for connecting the insulating sleeve 110 to the other structure.

[0139] In some embodiments of the present application, the adhesive layer 160 covers a portion of the outer surface of the insulating sleeve 110. In some embodiments of the present application, the adhesive layer 160 covers the entire outer surface of the insulating sleeve 110. Figure 9 In the embodiment, the adhesive layer 160 covers one side of the outer surface of the insulating sleeve 110 .

[0140] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the material of the adhesive layer 160. For example, the material of the adhesive layer 160 may include pressure-sensitive adhesive, photosensitive adhesive, or foam adhesive.

[0141] Figure 9 In the embodiment, the cable 100 may further include a release film 170, which is attached to the surface of the adhesive layer 160 facing away from the insulating sleeve 110. In this way, the release film 170 can protect the surface of the adhesive layer 160 facing away from the insulating sleeve 110, preventing dust, water vapor, etc. from contaminating the surface of the adhesive layer 160 facing away from the insulating sleeve 110.

[0142] Figure 9 In the embodiment, the release film 170 covers the entire surface of the adhesive layer 160 facing away from the insulating sleeve 110 .

[0143] During the process of assembling the cable 100 , the release film 170 and the adhesive layer 160 may be separated, and then the cable 100 may be assembled.

[0144] It is understandable that, in some embodiments of the present application, the release film 170 is not necessary, and the cable 100 may not be provided with the release film 170 .

[0145] Figure 9 Please refer to the previous description of the remaining structures Figure 2 The relevant description in will not be repeated here.

[0146] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0147] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A cable (100), characterized in that: The cable (100) comprises: An insulating sleeve (110), wherein the insulating sleeve (110) is made of a transparent material; An optical waveguide (120), wherein the insulating sleeve (110) surrounds an outer peripheral surface of the optical waveguide (120); and A first electrode (130) and a second electrode (140) are electrically isolated, and the insulating sleeve (110) further surrounds the outer circumference of the first electrode (130) and the outer circumference of the second electrode (140).

2. The cable (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The material of the first electrode (130) includes a transparent material.

3. The cable (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The first electrode (130) includes a first conductive film (131), a support film (133), and a second conductive film (132) that are stacked.

4. The cable (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that The materials of the first conductive film (131) and the second conductive film (132) include transparent conductive materials.

5. The cable (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that The material of the supporting film (133) includes a transparent material.

6. The cable (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The cross section of the first electrode (130) is a quadrilateral, and the cross section is perpendicular to the length direction of the cable (100).

7. The cable (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The dimension of the first electrode (130) along the width direction of the cable (100) is greater than the dimension of the first electrode (130) along the thickness direction of the cable (100), and the width direction of the cable (100), the thickness direction of the cable (100), and the length direction of the cable (100) are perpendicular to each other.

8. The cable (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that A ratio of a dimension of the first electrode (130) along a width direction of the cable (100) to a dimension of the first electrode (130) along a thickness direction of the cable (100) is greater than or equal to 3.

9. The cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The cable (100) further includes a reinforcement member (150), wherein the reinforcement member (150) is connected to the insulating sleeve (110).

10. The cable (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that The material of the reinforcement (150) includes a transparent material.

11. The cable (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that The reinforcement member (150) includes a reinforcement core (151) and an outer shell (152), wherein the outer shell (152) surrounds the outer circumference of the reinforcement core (151).

12. The cable (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that The material of the outer cover (152) includes a transparent material.

13. The cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first electrode (130), the optical waveguide (120), and the second electrode (140) are arranged in sequence along the thickness direction of the cable (100).

14. The cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The cable (100) further includes an adhesive layer (160), wherein the adhesive layer (160) is connected to the outer surface of the insulating sleeve (110).

15. The cable (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that The cable (100) further includes a release film (170), and the release film (170) is adhered to the surface of the adhesive layer (160) facing away from the insulating sleeve (110).

16. A cable assembly (002), characterized in that: The cable assembly (002) comprises a connector assembly (001) and a cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, and one end of the cable (100) is connected to the connector assembly.

17. A communication system (10), characterized in that The communication system (10) includes a first communication device (20), a second communication device (30) and the cable assembly (002) according to claim 16, wherein the second communication device (30) is connected to the connector assembly (001), and the first communication device (20) is connected to an end of the cable (100) away from the connector assembly (001).

Images