Optical and electrical composite cables and communication systems

Abstract

One embodiment of the present application provides an optical-electrical composite cable and a communication system. The optical-electrical composite cable includes an optical unit, an electrical unit, and an outer jacket. The optical unit includes an optical fiber and a ferrule, and the ferrule is sleeved onto the optical fiber. The electrical unit includes a wire and a wire jacket, and the wire jacket is sleeved onto the wire. The outer jacket surrounds the optical unit and the electrical unit, and the optical unit and the electrical unit are arranged closely adjacent to each other. The extension direction of the optical unit coincides with the extension direction of the electrical unit, and at least one convex structure is arranged on the outer wall of the outer jacket. Since the convex structure is arranged on the outer wall of the outer jacket of the optical-electrical composite cable, the friction area between the outer jacket and the pipe is reduced, thereby reducing resistance when the optical-electrical composite cable is laid in the pipe and improving the efficiency of laying the optical-electrical composite cable.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202010588796.2, entitled “PHOTOELECTRIC COMPOSITE CABLE AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM,” filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on June 24, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application relates to the field of optical cables, and in particular to composite optical-electrical cables and communication systems. [Background technology]

[0003] With the development of 5th Generation Mobile Networks (5G) and next generation fixed networks, the requirements for fiber to access terminals, such as fiber to antennas, fiber to cameras, fiber to traffic lights, fiber to rooms, and fiber to ceilings, are too numerous to list. Fiber to access stub terminals lays the foundation for high-speed and timely communication in the intelligent era, and meets the demand for large amounts of information and high-quality bandwidth in the intelligent era.

[0004] In order to connect to the high-density stub terminal, both the optical cable and the electric cable need to be laid, facing problems such as limited laying space and multiple laying. Therefore, a small-sized lightweight photoelectric composite cable is an exemplary solution for the fiber to stub. In the process of laying the photoelectric composite cable, the photoelectric composite cable needs to penetrate the pipe, but the resistance when the photoelectric composite cable penetrates the pipe is relatively large, which affects the efficiency of laying the photoelectric composite cable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiment of the present application provides an optical-electrical composite cable and a communication system, in which a convex structure is arranged on the outer wall of the outer jacket of the optical-electrical composite cable, thereby reducing the friction area between the outer jacket and the pipe, reducing the resistance when the optical-electrical composite cable is laid in the pipe, and improving the efficiency of laying the optical-electrical composite cable.

[0006] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a photoelectric composite cable. The photoelectric composite cable includes an optical unit, an electrical unit, and an outer jacket. The optical unit includes an optical fiber and a ferrule. The ferrule is sleeved onto the optical fiber. The electrical unit includes a wire and a wire jacket, and the wire jacket is sleeved onto the wire. The outer jacket encases the outside of the optical unit and the electrical unit, and the optical unit and the electrical unit are disposed closely adjacent to each other. The extension direction of the optical unit coincides with the extension direction of the electrical unit, and at least one convex structure is disposed on an outer wall of the outer jacket.

[0007] In this implementation, the inner wall of the outer jacket is in close contact with the optical unit and the electrical unit, so that the structure of the optical unit and the electrical unit is more stable. The design manner in which the optical unit and the electrical unit are used improves the protection for the optical fiber and the wire. The optical unit and the electrical unit are arranged closely adjacent to each other, so that the overall structure of the photoelectric composite cable is more compact. This helps to increase the laying density of the photoelectric composite cable and facilitates the adaptation of the photoelectric composite cable to a compact connector. In addition, considering that the photoelectric composite cable often needs to penetrate a pipe in the laying process, a convex structure is arranged on the outer wall of the outer jacket, thereby reducing the friction area between the outer jacket and the pipe, reducing the resistance when the photoelectric composite cable is laid in the pipe, and improving the efficiency of laying the photoelectric composite cable.

[0008] Optionally, in some possible implementations, a plurality of convex structures are arranged side by side on the outer wall of the outer jacket, and the convex structures are arranged along the elongation direction of the optical unit and the electrical unit. In these implementations, an arrangement manner of the plurality of convex structures is provided, which improves the practicality of the present solution.

[0009] Optionally, in some possible implementations, a plurality of convex structures are arranged side by side on the outer wall of the outer jacket, and the convex structures are spirally wound around the outer wall of the outer jacket. In these implementations, another arrangement manner of the plurality of convex structures is provided, which improves the expandability of the present solution.

[0010] Optionally, in some possible implementations, both the ferrule and the wire jacket are flexible structures. In this case, a pulling tool needs to be used when the photovoltaic composite cable is laid into the pipe. Alternatively, both the ferrule and the wire jacket are rigid structures, and the rigidity of the two is similar. The overall rigidity of the photovoltaic composite cable is higher, and the photovoltaic composite cable can be smoothly pushed into the pipe without a pulling tool.

[0011] Optionally, in some possible implementations, the electric unit includes a first electric unit and a second electric unit, and the optical unit, the first electric unit, and the second electric unit are arranged closely adjacent to each other and around the center of the outer jacket. In these implementations, the distances of the optical unit, the first electric unit, and the second electric unit from the center of the outer jacket are similar, which helps to improve the overall compactness of the optical-electrical composite cable. Correspondingly, the distances of the optical unit, the first electric unit, and the second electric unit from the outer wall of the outer jacket are similar, which helps the outer jacket to form a good protection for the optical unit, the first electric unit, and the second electric unit.

[0012] Optionally, in some possible implementations, the electrical polarities of the first electrical unit and the second electrical unit are different. For example, the electrical polarity of the first electrical unit is positive, and the electrical polarity of the second electrical unit is negative. A first electrode identification structure and a second electrode identification structure are further disposed in the outer jacket. The first electrode identification structure is disposed near the first electrical unit, and the extension direction of the first electrode identification structure coincides with the extension direction of the first electrical unit. The second electrode identification structure is disposed near the second electrical unit, and the extension direction of the second electrode identification structure coincides with the extension direction of the second electrical unit. By disposing the first electrode identification structure and the second electrode identification structure, it is convenient for a user to distinguish between the first electrical unit and the second electrical unit.

[0013] Optionally, in some possible implementations, the first and second electrode identification structures are color strips having different colors, or the first and second electrode identification structures are slotted structures having different cross-sectional shapes, in which multiple implementations of the electrode identification structures are provided, improving the flexibility of the solution.

[0014] Optionally, in some possible implementations, there are multiple optical units and multiple electrical units, and the optical units and electrical units are arranged closely adjacent to each other and consecutively around the center of the outer jacket, helping to improve the overall compactness of the optical-electrical composite cable.

[0015] If necessary, in some possible implementations, a groove may be further provided between every two adjacent convex structures on the outer wall of the outer jacket. In this way, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer jacket is reduced, which is better conducive to improving the laying density of the optical-electrical composite cable. It should be understood that a groove may be provided on the outer wall of the outer jacket, but the depth of the groove needs to be controlled, so that a specific safe distance between the bottom of the groove and the optical unit and the electric unit is maintained, forming a good protection for the optical unit and the electric unit.

[0016] Optionally, in some possible implementations, the total number of the optical units and the electrical units is the same as the total number of the convex structures, and has a one-to-one correspondence. Accordingly, the positions where all two adjacent optical units or electrical units are close to each other correspond to the grooves on the outer jacket. It can be understood that the concaves may be formed at the positions where all two adjacent optical units or electrical units are close to each other. The concave positions being clearly corresponding to the grooves has a better wrapping effect that the optical units or electrical units are disposed corresponding to the grooves. In this design manner, the optical units and electrical units can be more fully protected, based on improving the compactness of the photoelectric composite cable.

[0017] Optionally, in some possible implementations, the photoelectric composite cable further includes a suspension wire, and the suspension wire and the outer jacket are integrally molded. The suspension wire is configured to suspend the outer jacket. By arranging the suspension wire, the photoelectric composite cable is more easily installed in a practical application scenario. Furthermore, since the suspension wire and the outer jacket are integrally molded, the strength of the photoelectric composite cable is improved.

[0018] Optionally, in some possible implementations, there may be multiple optical fibers in the optical unit and multiple wires in the electrical unit, expanding the application scenarios of the optical and electrical units.

[0019] Optionally, in some possible implementations, a water-shielding layer is further disposed between the ferrule and the optical fiber in the optical unit, and the material of the water-shielding layer can be ointment, hardened resin, etc. By disposing the water-shielding layer, the optical unit has a waterproof effect, and the external force applied to the optical unit can be mitigated.

[0020] Optionally, in some possible implementations, the high temperature resistance range of the ferrule is from 80°C to 200°C.

[0021] Optionally, in some possible implementations, the coefficient of friction of the outer jacket is 0.5 or less and the hardness of the outer jacket is 70 Shore A or greater.

[0022] According to a second aspect, the present application provides a communication system including a first communication device and a second communication device, where the first communication device and the second communication device are connected through a combined optical-electrical cable, and the combined optical-electrical cable is a combined optical-electrical cable according to any one of the implementations of the first aspect. The first communication device outputs optical signals and electrical signals, which are transmitted to the second communication device through the combined optical-electrical cable. Similarly, the second communication device outputs optical signals and electrical signals, which are transmitted to the first communication device through the combined optical-electrical cable. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a network architecture to which the present application applies.

[0024] [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a first structure of an optical-electrical composite cable according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] [Figure 3(a)] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first arrangement of convex structures according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] [Figure 3(b)] 2 is a schematic diagram of a first cross-section of an outer jacket in the length direction according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG.

[0027] [Figure 4(a)] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second arrangement of convex structures according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] [Figure 4(b)] 2 is a schematic diagram of a second cross-section of the outer jacket in the length direction according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG.

[0029] [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure of an optical unit according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electric unit according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] [Figure 7] 2 is a schematic diagram of a second structure of an optical-electrical composite cable according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG.

[0032] [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of a third structure of an optical-electrical composite cable according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG.

[0033] [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fourth structure of an optical-electrical composite cable according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fifth structure of an optical-electrical composite cable according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG.

[0035] [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic diagram of a sixth structure of an optical-electrical composite cable according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG.

[0036] [Figure 12] 13 is a schematic diagram of a seventh structure of an optical-electrical composite cable according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG.

[0037] [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] The embodiment of the present application provides an optical-electrical composite cable and a communication system, in which a convex structure is arranged on the outer wall of the outer jacket of the optical-electrical composite cable, thereby reducing the friction area between the outer jacket and the pipe, reducing the resistance when the optical-electrical composite cable is laid in the pipe, and improving the efficiency of laying the optical-electrical composite cable.

[0039] In order to facilitate understanding, the following describes the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. It is clear that the described embodiments are only a part, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a network architecture to which the present application is applied. The flat drop cable provided in the present application is mainly applied to an optical network of FTTx. FTTx may be FTTH (fiber to the home), or FTTC (fiber to the curb), or FTTP (fiber to the premises), or FTTN (fiber to the node or neighborhood), or FTTO (fiber to the office), or FTTSA (fiber to the service area). The FTTH network is used as an example. From the downstream perspective of a center office (CO), the FTTH includes a feeder link 1, a 1:N splitter 2, a home path 3, a 1:m splitter 4, and at least one branch link 5. In this application, the optical-electrical hybrid cable is mainly applied to the aforementioned branch link 5, that is, home connection in stub access scenario. This application uses one kind of network in FTTx structure as an example, but other network structures are also applicable. The following describes the optical-electrical hybrid cable provided in this application in detail.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first structure of an optical-electrical composite cable according to an embodiment of the present application. The optical-electrical composite cable includes an outer jacket 10, an optical unit 20, and an electric unit 30. The outer jacket 10 wraps the outside of the optical unit 20 and the electric unit 30. The optical unit 20 and the electric unit 30 are arranged closely adjacent to each other, and the extension direction of the optical unit 20 coincides with the extension direction of the electric unit 30. A convex structure 101 is further arranged on the outer wall of the outer jacket 10, and the convex structure 101 and the outer jacket 10 are integrally molded. The number of the convex structures 101 is not limited in the present application. It should be understood that the cross section of the convex structure 101 may be a semicircle as shown in FIG. 2, or may be another shape, such as a rectangle, a triangle, or a trapezoid, and is not particularly limited in the present specification.

[0042] It should be noted that the cross section of the outer jacket may be circular or elliptical and is not specifically limited herein.

[0043] In this embodiment of the present application, the inner wall of the outer jacket 10 is in close contact with the optical unit 20 and the electrical unit 30, so that the structure of the optical unit 20 and the electrical unit 30 is more stable. The optical unit 20 and the electrical unit 30 are arranged closely adjacent to each other, so that the overall structure of the photoelectric composite cable is more compact. This helps to increase the laying density of the photoelectric composite cable and facilitates the adaptation of the photoelectric composite cable to a compact connector. In addition, considering that the photoelectric composite cable often needs to penetrate a pipe in the laying process, the convex structure 101 is arranged on the outer wall of the outer jacket 10, thereby reducing the friction area between the outer jacket 10 and the pipe, reducing the resistance when the photoelectric composite cable is laid in the pipe, and improving the efficiency of laying the photoelectric composite cable.

[0044] In the present application, there may be multiple arrangement ways of the convex structure 101, which will be described separately below.

[0045] FIG. 3(a) is a schematic diagram of a first arrangement manner of the convex structures according to an embodiment of the present application. A plurality of convex structures 101 are arranged side by side on the outer wall of the outer jacket 10. It should be understood that the convex structures 101 may be linear strip structures parallel to each other as shown in FIG. 3(a). Furthermore, the convex structures 101 may alternatively be structures of other forms. For example, the convex structures 101 may be wavy strip structures parallel to each other. This is not particularly limited in the present specification. FIG. 3(b) is a schematic diagram of a first cross section of the outer jacket in the length direction according to an embodiment of the present application. It can be seen that the convex structures 101 are parallel to each other and arranged in the elongation direction of the optical-electrical composite cable.

[0046] FIG. 4(a) is a schematic diagram of a second arrangement manner of the convex structures according to an embodiment of the present application. A plurality of convex structures 101 are arranged side by side on the outer wall of the outer jacket 10, and the convex structures 101 are spirally wound around the outer wall of the outer jacket 10. FIG. 4(b) is a schematic diagram of a second cross section of the outer jacket in the length direction according to an embodiment of the present application. It can be seen that, unlike the convex structures 101 shown in FIG. 3(b), the extension direction of each convex structure 101 shown in FIG. 4(b) has a certain inclination angle with the extension direction of the optical-electrical composite cable.

[0047] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the two arrangement methods of the convex structures listed above, and any manner in which the convex structures are distributed on the outer wall of the optical-electrical composite cable falls within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0048] It should be noted that during construction, the photoelectric composite cable will inevitably be curled, twisted, or unevenly pressurized. In this case, the part of the photoelectric composite cable that is most pressurized is the central position of the photoelectric composite cable. The central position is strictly provided for the optical fiber and the wire, and the protection for the optical fiber and the wire is relatively weak. Therefore, the protection for the optical fiber and the wire is improved by the design method in which the photoelectric composite cable provided in the present application uses an optical unit and an electric unit. The following provides further explanation.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical unit according to an embodiment of the present application. The optical unit 20 includes an optical fiber 201 and a ferrule 202. The ferrule 202 is sleeved on the optical fiber 201 to protect the optical fiber 201. Specifically, there may be one or more optical fibers 201. If necessary, a water-shielding layer 203 may be further disposed between the optical fiber 201 and the ferrule 202, and the water-shielding layer 203 may have a waterproof effect and relieve the external force applied to the optical unit 20. The material of the water-shielding layer 203 may be ointment or hardening resin. The material of the ferrule 202 may be polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyester hardening material, or stainless steel. The high temperature resistance range of the ferrule 202 is from 80°C to 200°C.

[0050] 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electric unit according to one embodiment of the present application. The electric unit 30 includes a wire 301 and a wire jacket 302. The wire jacket 302 is sleeved over the wire 301 to protect the wire 301. Specifically, there may be one or more wires 301.

[0051] It should be noted that since the optical unit 20 and the electrical unit 30 are arranged closely adjacent to each other, in the process of laying the photoelectric composite cable, if the hardness of the ferrule 202 and the hardness of the wire jacket 302 are significantly different, pushing out may occur between the optical unit 20 and the electrical unit 30 due to uneven force, affecting the stability of the optical unit 20 or the electrical unit 30. Therefore, in this application, both the ferrule 202 and the wire jacket 302 are flexible structures. In this case, a pulling tool needs to be used when the photoelectric composite cable is laid in the pipe. Alternatively, both the ferrule 202 and the wire jacket 302 are rigid structures, and the rigidity of the two is similar. The overall rigidity of the photoelectric composite cable is higher, and the photoelectric composite cable can be smoothly pushed into the pipe without a pulling tool.

[0052] If necessary, in order to further reduce the resistance when the photoelectric composite cable is laid in the pipe, the outer jacket 10 may use a material with high hardness and low friction coefficient. For example, the friction coefficient of the outer jacket 10 may be 0.5 or less, and the hardness of the outer jacket 10 is 70 Shore A or more.

[0053] In some possible implementations, in order to further reduce the overall size of the composite optical-electrical cable, the outer jacket 10 may be further enhanced to some extent. A detailed description is provided below.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a second structure of the photoelectric composite cable according to an embodiment of the present application. A plurality of convex structures 101 are arranged side by side on the outer wall of the outer jacket 10. When the photoelectric composite cable is laid in a pipe, the convex structures 101 will come into contact with the pipe. Therefore, a groove 102 may be further provided between every two adjacent convex structures 101 on the outer wall of the outer jacket 10. In this way, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer jacket 10 is reduced, which is better conducive to improving the laying density of the photoelectric composite cable. It should be understood that although the groove 102 may be provided on the outer wall of the outer jacket, the depth of the groove 102 needs to be controlled, so that a specific safe distance between the bottom of the groove 102 and the optical unit 20 and the electric unit 30 is maintained to form a good protection for the optical unit 20 and the electric unit 30. If necessary, the cross section of the groove 102 may be a semicircle as shown in FIG. 7, or may be another shape, such as a rectangle, a triangle, or a trapezoid, and is not particularly limited in this specification.

[0055] It should be noted that there may be one or more optical units 20 and one or more electrical units. In the following, some typical arrangements of the optical units 20 and the electrical units 30 are provided.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a third structure of the optical-electrical composite cable according to an embodiment of the present application. The optical-electrical composite cable includes one optical unit 20 and two electric units (a first electric unit 301 and a second electric unit 302). The optical unit 20, the first electric unit 301, and the second electric unit 302 are arranged closely adjacent to each other. The optical unit 20, the first electric unit 301, and the second electric unit 302 are distributed around the center of the outer jacket 10; in other words, the distances of the optical unit 20, the first electric unit 301, and the second electric unit 302 from the center of the outer jacket 10 are similar, which helps to improve the overall compactness of the optical-electrical composite cable. Accordingly, the distances of the optical unit 20, the first electric unit 301, and the second electric unit 302 from the outer wall of the outer jacket 10 are similar, which helps the outer jacket to form a good protection for the optical unit 20, the first electric unit 301, and the second electric unit 302.

[0057] In a possible implementation, the electrical polarities of the first electric unit 301 and the second electric unit 302 are different. For example, the electrical polarity of the first electric unit 301 is positive, and the electrical polarity of the second electric unit 302 is negative. An electrode identification structure may be further disposed in the outer jacket 10 to help users distinguish the electrical polarities of the two electric units. The electrode identification structure may be implemented in multiple ways. For example, FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a fourth structure of the photoelectric composite cable according to an embodiment of the present application. The electrode identification structure includes a positive color strip 401 and a negative color strip 402 having different colors. The positive color strip 401 and the negative color strip 402 are wrapped by the outer jacket. The positive color strip 401 is disposed close to the first electric unit 301, and the extension direction of the positive color strip 401 coincides with the extension direction of the first electric unit 301. The negative color strip 402 is disposed near the second electric unit 302, and the extension direction of the negative color strip 402 coincides with the extension direction of the second electric unit 302. Alternatively, the electrode identification structure includes a slotted structure having a different cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross section of the slotted structure near the first electric unit 301 is rectangular, and the cross section of the slotted structure near the second electric unit 302 is circular. In addition to the electrode identification structures listed above, it should be understood that any other structures used to distinguish the electrodes of the electric units are included in the protection scope of the present application and will not be listed one by one in this specification. The electrode identification structure is also disposed inside the outer jacket 10, which helps to form a good protection for the electrode identification structure.

[0058] 10 is a schematic diagram of a fifth structure of the optical-electrical composite cable according to an embodiment of the present application. There are a plurality of optical units 20 and a plurality of electric units 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the optical unit 20 includes an optical unit 201, an optical unit 202, an optical unit 203, an optical unit 204, and an optical unit 205. The electric unit 30 includes an electric unit 301, an electric unit 302, an electric unit 303, an electric unit 304, and an electric unit 305. The optical units and the electric units are arranged closely adjacent to each other in a continuous manner, and the optical units and the electric units are distributed around the center of the outer jacket 10, which helps to improve the overall compactness of the optical-electrical composite cable.

[0059] In a possible implementation, the total number of the optical units 20 and the electric units 30 is the same as the total number of the convex structures 101, and has a one-to-one correspondence. Specifically, each optical unit 20 is arranged in line with the convex structure 101 corresponding to the optical unit 20 and the center of the outer jacket 10, and each electric unit 30 is arranged in line with the convex structure 101 corresponding to the electric unit 30 and the center of the outer jacket 10. Accordingly, the position where all two adjacent optical units 20 or electric units 30 are close to each other corresponds to the groove 102 on the outer jacket 10. It can be understood that a concave may be formed at the position where all two adjacent optical units 20 or electric units 30 are close to each other. The concave position being clearly corresponding to the groove 102 has a better wrapping effect that the optical units 20 or electric units 30 are arranged in line with the groove 102. In this design manner, the optical units 20 and the electric units 30 can be more fully protected, based on improving the compactness of the optical-electrical composite cable. It should be noted that the above arrangement manner of the optical units and the electrical units may be that the optical units 201 to 205 are arranged consecutively and the electrical units 301 to 305 are arranged consecutively as shown in Fig. 10. Furthermore, other arrangement manners may be used, for example, the optical units and the electrical units are arranged alternately with each other.

[0060] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of a sixth structure of the optical-electrical composite cable according to an embodiment of the present application. Based on the structure shown in Fig. 10, the optical-electrical composite cable may further include a stiffener 50. The stiffener 50 is wrapped by the outer jacket 10, and the extension direction of the stiffener 50 coincides with the extension direction of the optical unit 20 and the electric unit 30. Preferably, the stiffener 50 is disposed in the center of the outer jacket 10, and the optical unit and the electric unit are disposed around the stiffener 50. By disposing the stiffener 50, the tensile performance of the optical-electrical composite cable is improved. If necessary, in some possible implementations, the aforementioned stiffener 50 may be alternatively replaced with the optical unit 20 or the electric unit 30, so that the same effect can also be realized.

[0061] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the seventh structure of the photoelectric composite cable according to an embodiment of the present application. In some possible implementations, the photoelectric composite cable needs to be laid in a mounting groove suspended from a ceiling or the like. In order to facilitate the suspension of the photoelectric composite cable, the photoelectric composite cable may further include a suspension wire 60. The suspension wire 60 and the outer jacket 10 are integrally molded, and the suspension wire 60 is configured to suspend the outer jacket 10. By arranging the suspension wire 60, the photoelectric composite cable is more easily installed in a practical application scenario. Furthermore, since the suspension wire 60 and the outer jacket 10 are integrally molded, the strength of the photoelectric composite cable is improved. If necessary, the suspension wire 60 may alternatively use any one or any combination of a single steel wire, a braided steel wire, an aramid thread, a glass thread, a glass thread reinforcing rod, or an aramid thread reinforcing rod, etc., to improve the tensile performance of the suspension wire 60.

[0062] The foregoing describes the composite optical-electrical cable provided herein, and the following describes the communication system provided herein. 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication system includes a first communication device 1301 and a second communication device 1302. The first communication device 1301 and the second communication device 1302 are connected through a composite optical-electrical cable 1303. The composite optical-electrical cable 1303 may specifically be the composite optical-electrical cable described in any one of the above embodiments in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7 to FIG. 12. The optical signal and the electrical signal output by the first communication device 1301 may be transmitted to the second communication device 1302 through the composite optical-electrical cable 1303. Similarly, the optical signal and the electrical signal output by the second communication device 1302 may also be transmitted to the first communication device 1301 through the composite optical-electrical cable 1303.

[0063] The above description is merely a specific exemplary implementation of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any variations or replacements that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An optical / electrical composite cable, an optical unit, an electrical unit, and an outer jacket, wherein the optical unit has an optical fiber and a ferrule, and the ferrule is sleeved onto the optical fiber; the electrical unit has a wire and a wire jacket, and the wire jacket is sleeved onto the wire; the outer jacket encases the outside of the optical unit and the electrical unit, the optical unit and the electrical unit are disposed closely adjacent to each other, and the extension direction of the optical unit coincides with the extension direction of the electrical unit; and at least one convex structure is disposed on an outer wall of the outer jacket. Equipped with In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical-electrical composite cable, the at least one convex structure is a semicircle; a groove is provided between every two adjacent convex structures on the outer wall of the outer jacket; In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical-electrical composite cable, the outer wall of the outer jacket between each of the grooves and each of the convex structures adjacent to each of the grooves has a shape along a circle or an ellipse. Photoelectric composite cable.

2. 2. The optical-electrical composite cable according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of convex structures are arranged side by side on the outer wall of the outer jacket, and the convex structures are arranged along the elongation direction of the optical unit and the electrical unit.

3. 2. The optical-electrical composite cable according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of convex structures are arranged side by side on the outer wall of the outer jacket, and the convex structures are spirally wound around the outer wall of the outer jacket.

4. 4. The optical-electrical composite cable according to claim 1, wherein the ferrule and the wire jacket are rigid structures, and the rigidity of the ferrule is the same as the rigidity of the wire jacket; or the ferrule and the wire jacket are flexible structures.

5. 5. The optical-electrical composite cable according to claim 1, wherein the electric unit comprises a first electric unit and a second electric unit, and the optical unit, the first electric unit, and the second electric unit are disposed closely adjacent to each other and around a center of the outer jacket.

6. 6. The optical-electrical composite cable according to claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of optical units and a plurality of electrical units, and the optical units and the electrical units are arranged closely adjacent to each other and consecutively around a center of the outer jacket.

7. 7. The optical-electrical composite cable according to claim 1, wherein in the optical unit there are a plurality of optical fibers and in the electrical unit there are a plurality of wires.

8. The optical-electrical composite cable according to claim 1 , wherein a water-shielding layer is disposed between the ferrule and the optical fiber, and a material of the water-shielding layer is an ointment or a hardened resin.

9. 9. The optical-electrical composite cable according to claim 1, wherein the high temperature resistance range of the ferrule is from 80°C to 200°C.

10. 10. The optical-electrical composite cable according to claim 1, wherein the outer jacket has a coefficient of friction of 0.5 or less and a hardness of 70 Shore A or more.

11. The electric unit has a first electric unit and a second electric unit, the electric polarity of the first electric unit is positive and the electric polarity of the second electric unit is negative, a first electrode identification structure and a second electrode identification structure are further disposed within the outer jacket, the first electrode identification structure is disposed near the first electric unit and the second electrode identification structure is disposed near the second electric unit. The optical / electrical composite cable according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device and the second communication device are connected through a composite optical-electrical cable, and the composite optical-electrical cable is the composite optical-electrical cable of any one of claims 1 to 11; the first communication device is configured to output optical and electrical signals; and The second communication device is configured to receive the optical signal and the electrical signal. A communication system comprising:

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