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

Abstract

An optical cable (100), a composite cable assembly (300), a communication device (500) and a communication system (1000). The optical cable (100) comprises a fixing assembly (10), a sheath (20) and an optical unit (30); the fixing assembly (10) comprises a release film (11) and a pressure-sensitive adhesive (12) that are stacked; the sheath (20) is arranged on the side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive (12) away from the release film (11), a tear groove being formed in the surface of the sheath (20); the optical unit (30) is embedded in the sheath (20), the extension directions of side walls of the tear groove intersecting the optical unit (30); the optical unit (30) comprises a connector (31) and a plurality of optical fibers (32), the plurality of optical fibers (32) being connected together by means of the connector (31); each optical fiber (32) extends in a first direction, the first direction being parallel to the release film (11). The multi-core configuration of self-adhesive optical cables is realized while ensuring that the self-adhesive optical cables have low assembly difficulty, thereby improving the communication capacity of the optical cable (100).

Description

Optical cables, composite cable assemblies, communication equipment and communication systems

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application filed on August 2, 2024, with application number 202421866962.0 and entitled "Optical cable, composite cable assembly, communication equipment and communication system", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication equipment technology, and in particular to an optical cable, a composite cable assembly, a communication device, and a communication system. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of 5G and future communication networks, the demand for fiber-to-the-access (FTTA) terminals, such as fiber-to-the-antenna, fiber-to-the-camera, fiber-to-the-traffic lights, fiber-to-the-room, and fiber-to-the-ceiling, is countless. FTTA terminals will form the foundation for high-speed and timely communication in the intelligent era, ensuring the massive information and high-quality bandwidth demands of the intelligent age.

[0004] Currently, butterfly-shaped optical cables that allow for convenient self-installation through bonding are gaining popularity. It is necessary to improve the performance of these transparent butterfly-shaped optical cables, such as communication capacity and ease of assembly, in order to promote the further development of communication equipment.

[0005] Utility Model Content

[0006] This application provides an optical cable, a composite cable assembly, a communication device, and a communication system. The purpose is to achieve multi-core configuration of the self-adhesive optical cable while ensuring that the self-adhesive optical cable has low assembly difficulty, thereby improving the communication capacity of the optical cable.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0008] In one aspect, an optical cable is provided, which includes a fixing component, a sheath, and an optical unit.

[0009] The fixing component includes a release film and pressure-sensitive adhesive stacked together. A sheath is disposed on the side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive away from the release film, and a tear groove is formed on the surface of the sheath. An optical unit is embedded in the sheath, and the extension direction of the sidewall of the tear groove intersects with the optical unit. The optical unit includes a connector and multiple optical fibers, which are connected together by the connector. Each optical fiber extends along a first direction, which is parallel to the release film.

[0010] In the optical cable provided in this application embodiment, by setting up optical units with multiple optical fibers, the optical cable can realize multi-core communication, thereby increasing the communication capacity of the optical cable. At the same time, by using connectors to gather multiple optical fibers together, all optical fibers can be exposed by tearing the sheath once or a few times during the installation and connection of the optical cable, without having to tear the sheath once or multiple times for each optical fiber. This further improves the convenience of optical cable installation, increases the installation efficiency of optical cable, and reduces the assembly difficulty of optical cable.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, multiple optical fibers are arranged sequentially along a second direction; the second direction is parallel to the release film and intersects with the first direction.

[0012] By arranging multiple optical fibers sequentially along a second direction, multiple optical fibers can be clustered together. During the process of tearing open the sheath to expose the optical fiber, only a few times (e.g., once) are needed to expose the optical unit, that is, to expose the multiple optical fibers clustered together. It is not necessary to peel the sheath once or multiple times for each optical fiber, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of optical cable connection and installation.

[0013] Furthermore, by arranging multiple optical fibers in the same layer, the different optical fibers can be subjected to roughly the same stress during the bending process at corners, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the optical fibers due to stress imbalance, avoiding the problem of fiber breakage due to excessive loss of some optical fibers, and thus improving the service life of the optical cable.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, multiple optical fibers are arranged in an array along a second direction and a third direction; the third direction is perpendicular to the release film.

[0015] By arranging multiple optical fibers in an array along the second and third directions, the fibers can be clustered and fixed together as much as possible. During the process of tearing open the sheath, the probability of exposing all the optical fibers in one tear can be further increased, avoiding the problem of optical fibers that are far from the tear groove being embedded in the sheath and requiring multiple tearing and peeling. This further improves the work efficiency of optical cables in installation, connection and other processes.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the cross-sections of the multiple optical fibers perpendicular to the first direction are circular. This allows for further grouping of the multiple optical fibers together as much as possible, thereby increasing the probability of exposing all the optical fibers with a single sheath stripping, and further improving the efficiency of the optical cable during installation and connection.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the orthographic projection of the tear groove onto the release film coincides with the center line of the orthographic projection of the optical unit onto the release film extending along the first direction. After the sheath is torn open through the tear groove, the optical fibers located on the left and right sides of the tear groove have approximately the same probability of being exposed. This avoids the problem that some optical fibers remain embedded in the sheath after one tear due to their distance from the tear groove, requiring repeated or even multiple tearing processes to expose them, thus improving the efficiency of optical cable installation and connection.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the tear groove includes a first sub-groove and a second sub-groove. The first sub-groove is disposed on the surface of the sheath away from the release film, and the second sub-groove is disposed on the surface of the sheath close to the release film. The orthographic projections of the first and second sub-grooves on the release film are respectively located on both sides of the orthographic projection of the optical unit on the release film, and the grooving directions of both the first and second sub-grooves are oriented towards the optical unit.

[0019] By setting the first and second sub-slots on the diagonal of the optical unit, the tearing path of the sheath can be applied to as many optical fibers as possible, thereby further increasing the probability of exposing all optical fibers in one tearing of the sheath. This avoids the problem that optical fibers at the edges are far from the tearing slot and are embedded in the sheath, requiring multiple tearing operations to expose them, thus improving the work efficiency of optical cables during installation and connection.

[0020] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, at least a portion of the connector is arranged around multiple optical fibers. This encapsulates the multiple optical fibers, allowing them to be clustered and fixed. During the process of tearing open the sheath to expose the fibers and connect the optical cable, only a few tearing operations (e.g., a single tear) are needed to expose all the clustered fibers, eliminating the need to tear each fiber individually. This simplifies the installation and connection process of the optical cable and improves installation efficiency. Furthermore, the connector surrounding the optical fibers can separate the fibers from the sheath, preventing the fibers from being embedded in the sheath and difficult to tear, thus avoiding problems such as low installation efficiency or damage to the fibers during sheath removal.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, at least a portion of the connector is disposed between two adjacent optical fibers. This can improve the strength of the connection between the two optical fibers, and ensure that multiple optical fibers are clustered together during the sheath tearing process, avoiding the problem of some optical fibers being embedded in the sheath and requiring multiple sheath tearing operations, thus avoiding increasing the difficulty and cumbersomeness of tearing the sheath, thereby simplifying the installation process of the optical cable.

[0022] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the surface of the sheath near the release film is provided with a groove, and at least a portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive is filled in the groove.

[0023] By setting a slot on the surface of the sheath near the release film, more space can be provided for the pressure-sensitive adhesive. When the optical cable is stored for a long time, or during transportation or connection, the slot can reduce the probability of the pressure-sensitive adhesive overflowing from the side of the optical cable (such as the side gap between the release film and the sheath). This avoids problems such as excessive overflow of pressure-sensitive adhesive causing the optical cable structure to stick, surface to become dirty, and affecting the normal installation of the optical cable.

[0024] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the material of the sheath includes one or more of thermoplastic polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polydimethylsiloxane, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfone, fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer, and polyamide.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the optical cable also includes a color ring, which is wrapped around the circumference of the optical fiber. The color of the color ring is different from the color of the sheath. Under the influence of the color ring, the optical fiber can display the color of the color ring, thereby distinguishing the optical fiber from other surrounding structures. This facilitates the identification and wiring of the optical fiber during installation, avoiding damage to the optical fiber or incorrect fiber connection.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the optical cable also includes a reinforcing member filled within the sheath. The reinforcing member extends in the same direction as the optical fiber, and is spaced apart from the optical unit. This reinforcing member enhances the strength of the optical cable, for example, by increasing its tensile strength, preventing bending or stretching during construction that could lead to breakage of critical optical fibers, thus affecting the cable's performance and lifespan.

[0027] In a second aspect, a composite cable assembly is provided, comprising a connector and an optical cable provided in any embodiment of the first aspect. The connector is connected to an end of the optical cable.

[0028] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, comprising a plug-in structure and the composite cable assembly provided in the second aspect. The plug-in structure is connected to the composite cable assembly.

[0029] Fourthly, a communication system is provided, which includes at least one communication device provided in the third aspect.

[0030] The technical effects of the composite cable assembly in the second aspect, the communication equipment in the third aspect, and the communication system in the fourth aspect can be seen in the technical effects of the optical cable design in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical cable provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the optical cable perpendicular to the first direction;

[0034] Figure 4 shows another cross-sectional view of the optical cable perpendicular to the first direction;

[0035] Figure 5 shows another cross-sectional view of the optical cable perpendicular to the first direction;

[0036] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an optical unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 7 is another cross-sectional view of the optical unit provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 8 shows another cross-sectional view of the optical cable perpendicular to the first direction;

[0039] Figure 9 is an exploded view of an optical cable structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 10 shows another cross-sectional view of the optical cable perpendicular to the first direction. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions in some embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0043] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" is interpreted as open-ended and encompassing, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiment," "exemplary," or "some examples," etc., are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0044] Hereinafter, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0045] In describing some embodiments, the terms "coupled," "connected," and their derivative expressions may be used. The terms "coupled" and "connected" should be interpreted broadly; for example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the content of this document.

[0046] "At least one of A, B and C" has the same meaning as "at least one of A, B or C", both including the following combinations of A, B and C: only A, only B, only C, combinations of A and B, combinations of A and C, combinations of B and C, and combinations of A, B and C.

[0047] "A and / or B" includes the following three combinations: A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

[0048] As used herein, “parallel,” “perpendicular,” and “equal” include the described situation and situations that are similar to the described situation, within an acceptable range of deviation, which is determined by those skilled in the art taking into account the measurement under discussion and the error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “parallel” includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, where an acceptable range of deviation for approximate parallelism may be, for example, within 5°; “perpendicular” includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, where an acceptable range of deviation for approximate perpendicularity may also be, for example, within 5°; “equal” includes absolute equality and approximate equality, where an acceptable range of deviation for approximate equality may be, for example, a difference between the two equals being less than or equal to 5% of either one.

[0049] This document describes exemplary embodiments with reference to sectional views and / or plan views, which are idealized exemplary drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions is enlarged for clarity. Therefore, variations in shape relative to the drawings are contemplated due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the regions shown herein, but rather include shape deviations due to, for example, manufacturing processes. Thus, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to show the actual shapes of the regions of the device, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0050] Furthermore, the scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0051] This application provides a communication system 1000. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system 1000 provided in this application.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 1000 includes at least one communication device 500.

[0053] For example, the communication system 1000 can be any type of long-distance optical communication system that uses optical cable 100 as a communication carrier.

[0054] For example, the communication system 1000 can be a metropolitan area optical network system, a wide area optical network system, or other local area optical network systems.

[0055] This application also provides a communication device 500.

[0056] As shown in Figure 1, the communication device 500 includes a plug-in structure 400 and a composite cable assembly 300.

[0057] Referring to Figure 1, the plug-in structure 400 is connected to the composite cable assembly 300, for example, the two are plugged in.

[0058] For example, referring to Figure 1, two different communication devices 500 can be electrically connected through a composite cable assembly 300, thereby enabling communication between the different communication devices 500.

[0059] For example, the composite cable assembly 300 can enable the transmission of optical signals between the optical network unit (ONU) and the optical line terminal (OLT) in each room, thereby bringing the optical network unit down to the home and ensuring that each room has a stable network point, thus realizing fiber to the room (FTTR).

[0060] For example, the communication device 500 can be an optical fiber transmission device such as an optical line terminal, an optical transceiver, or an optical switch.

[0061] This application also provides a composite cable assembly 300.

[0062] Referring to Figure 1, the composite cable assembly 300 includes an optical cable 100 and a connector 200, which is electrically connected to the end of the optical cable 100.

[0063] For example, the connector 200 can be a pre-installed connector, that is, the connector can be pre-installed at both ends of the optical cable 100 so that during the assembly process, the optical cable 100 can be easily connected to the plug structure 400 in the communication device 500 through the pre-installed connector, which can effectively improve the construction efficiency of the optical cable 100 connection.

[0064] This application also provides an optical cable 100.

[0065] Figure 2 is a structural diagram of the optical cable 100 provided in an embodiment of this application, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the optical cable 100 perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0066] For example, the optical cable 100 provided in this application embodiment can be used to lay in corridors or in rooms. This application embodiment does not limit the placement of the optical cable 100.

[0067] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the optical cable 100 may include a fixing component 10, a sheath 20, and an optical unit 30.

[0068] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the fixing component 10 includes a release film 11 and a pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 stacked together.

[0069] The fixing component 10 is used to enable the optical cable 100 to be installed automatically and conveniently. For example, in areas where the optical cable 100 needs to be installed, such as indoors or in corridors, the release film 11 can be torn off to expose the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12. The optical cable 100 can then be directly pasted and fixed to the wall or other surface of the structure on which the optical cable 100 is installed using the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12. There is no need to drill holes, nails, or install threads on the wall or other structures to fix the optical cable 100. There is also no need for professional installers to install the optical cable 100. Users can install it themselves, which effectively improves the installation efficiency of the optical cable 100 and reduces the installation difficulty and cost of the optical cable 100.

[0070] For example, the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 is adhesive and can bond the sheath 20 to other structures, such as a wall, to fix the optical cable 100.

[0071] For example, the release film 11 covers the side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 away from the sheath 20 to protect the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 and facilitates tearing it open during installation to expose the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 so that the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 can be adhered to the location where the optical cable 100 needs to be installed.

[0072] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the sheath 20 is disposed on the side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 away from the release film 11.

[0073] It is understandable that the sheath 20 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 are fixedly connected, for example, by bonding the two together, so that the optical cable 100 can be installed and fixed by the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12.

[0074] The sheath 20 is used to enclose the optical fiber 32, isolating it from the external environment and preventing damage to the critical optical fiber 32 structure. This avoids problems such as breakage of the optical fiber 32 and impact on the signal transmission of the optical cable 100. Referring to Figure 2, the sheath 20 covers the entire extension direction of the optical fiber 32, thus providing protection for all parts of the optical fiber 32.

[0075] For example, the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 can be completely covered on one side surface of the sheath 20. For instance, the width of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 (the dimension in the second direction Y) can be greater than or equal to the width of the sheath 20 so as to completely cover one side surface of the sheath 20 and improve the installation firmness of the optical cable 100. Alternatively, while ensuring the connection firmness between the fixing component 10 and the sheath 20, the width of the fixing component 10 (e.g., the width of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12) can also be less than the width of the sheath 20, thereby avoiding the problem that the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 is exposed from the side of the sheath 20 after the optical cable 100 is installed, which would affect the aesthetics of the optical cable 100 after installation.

[0076] When the optical cable 100 is installed, the outer sheath 20 of the end of the optical fiber 32 needs to be torn off to expose the end of the optical fiber 32, so as to facilitate the fusion splicing between optical fibers 32, or to connect and install the optical fiber 32 with connectors and other structures.

[0077] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a tear groove U is provided on the surface of the sheath 20.

[0078] The tear groove U facilitates the stripping of the sheath 20. The sheath 20 is torn open along the tear groove U to expose the optical fiber 32 embedded in the sheath 20, so as to facilitate operations such as fiber splicing between optical fibers 32 and realize the connection and installation of optical cable 100.

[0079] For example, as shown in FIG2, the length extension direction of the tear groove U is the same as the extension direction of the optical fiber 32, that is, the tear groove U extends along the first direction X, thereby ensuring that the sheath 20 can be torn and peeled off at any position of the optical fiber 32 in the length direction, exposing the optical fiber 32, thereby facilitating the connection and fixation of the optical cable 100 at any position of the optical cable 100.

[0080] For example, there can be multiple tear grooves U. For instance, at least one tear groove U can be provided on both the side surfaces of the sheath 20 near and away from the release film 11, so that the sheath 20 can be easily torn open and the optical fiber 32 can be exposed during the installation, connection and other processes of the optical cable 100.

[0081] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the optical unit 30 is embedded in the sheath 20. The extension direction of the sidewall of the tear groove U intersects with the optical unit 30. The extension direction of the groove wall (i.e., sidewall) of the tear groove U can roughly determine the tearing trend, direction, and tearing path when the sheath 20 is torn. By setting the extension direction of the sidewall of the tear groove U to intersect with the optical unit 30, the tearing path can pass through the optical unit 30 when the sheath 20 is torn open through the tear groove U, thereby exposing the optical unit 30.

[0082] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the optical unit 30 includes a connector 31 and a plurality of optical fibers 32.

[0083] In this context, optical fiber 32 serves as the main component of optical cable 100, and it is used to transmit optical signals. For example, after optical cable 100 is connected to the optical network unit (ONU) in a user's home and the information box in each room, i.e., the miniaturized optical line terminal (OLT), the optical fiber 32 in optical cable 100 enables signal transmission between the main optical modem and the information box.

[0084] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, each optical fiber 32 extends along the first direction X.

[0085] The first direction X is parallel to the release film 11. It can be understood that the first direction X is the length extension direction of the optical cable 100.

[0086] The second direction Y is parallel to the release film 11 and intersects the first direction X. For example, the first direction X and the second direction Y are perpendicular to each other. It can be understood that the dimension of the optical cable 100 in the second direction Y can be taken as the width of the optical cable 100.

[0087] The third direction Z is perpendicular to the release film 11 and intersects the first direction X and the second direction Y. For example, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are all perpendicular to each other. It can be understood that the dimension of the optical cable 100 in the third direction Z can be taken as the thickness of the optical cable 100.

[0088] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, multiple optical fibers 32 are connected together by connectors 31, thereby achieving centralized fixation of the multiple optical fibers 32.

[0089] For example, the connector 31 may be adhesive to facilitate bonding multiple optical fibers 32 together.

[0090] For example, the material of the connector 31 may include resin.

[0091] Alternatively, the connector 31 can be a structure other than adhesive, such as a bracket with grooves, in which multiple optical fibers 32 can be nested in the grooves of the connector 31 to achieve connection between the multiple optical fibers 32.

[0092] The butterfly-shaped self-adhesive optical cable 100 is favored for its simple and convenient installation. In the optical cable 100 provided in this application embodiment, by setting up optical units 30 with multiple optical fibers 32, the optical cable 100 can realize multi-core communication, thereby increasing the communication capacity of the optical cable 100. At the same time, by using connectors 31 to gather multiple optical fibers 32 together, all optical fibers 32 can be exposed by peeling the sheath 20 once or a few times during the installation and connection of the optical cable 100. It is not necessary to peel the sheath 20 once or multiple times for each optical fiber 32, thereby further improving the convenience of installation of the optical cable 100, increasing the installation efficiency of the optical cable 100, and reducing the assembly difficulty of the optical cable 100.

[0093] Figure 4 is another cross-sectional view of the optical cable 100 perpendicular to the first direction X, and Figure 5 is another cross-sectional view of the optical cable 100 perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0094] In some embodiments, referring to FIG3, in the optical unit 30, a plurality of optical fibers 32 are arranged sequentially along the second direction Y.

[0095] That is, referring to Figure 3, and subsequently Figures 6 and 7, multiple optical fibers 32 in the optical unit 30 can be arranged in the same layer to form a thin sheet parallel to the release film 11.

[0096] By arranging multiple optical fibers 32 sequentially along the second direction Y, the multiple optical fibers 32 can be gathered together. During the process of tearing open the sheath 20 to expose the optical fiber 32, only a few times (e.g., once) of tearing open the sheath 20 are needed to expose the optical unit 30, that is, to expose the multiple optical fibers 32 gathered together. It is not necessary to tear open the sheath 20 once or multiple times for each optical fiber 32, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of the optical cable 100 in the connection and installation process.

[0097] Furthermore, by arranging multiple optical fibers 32 in the same layer, the different optical fibers 32 can be subjected to approximately the same force during the bending process of the optical cable 100 at the corner, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the optical fibers 32 due to stress imbalance, avoiding the problem of fiber breakage caused by excessive loss of some optical fibers 32, and thus improving the service life of the optical cable 100.

[0098] In some embodiments, referring to FIG4, a plurality of optical fibers 32 are arranged in an array along a second direction Y and a third direction Z.

[0099] That is, referring to Figure 4, among the multiple optical fibers 32, some optical fibers 32 are arranged along the second direction Y, and some optical fibers 32 are arranged along the third direction Z, thereby forming an optical unit 30 with multiple layers stacked along the third direction Z.

[0100] For example, the number of optical fibers 32 in the same row arranged along the second direction Y may be different from the number of optical fibers 32 in the same column arranged along the third direction Z, so that the cross section of the optical unit 30 perpendicular to the first direction X is approximately rectangular.

[0101] Alternatively, as exemplarily, referring to FIG4, the number of optical fibers 32 in the same row arranged along the second direction Y can be the same as the number of optical fibers 32 in the same column arranged along the third direction Z, so that the cross section of the optical unit 30 perpendicular to the first direction X is approximately square.

[0102] By arranging multiple optical fibers 32 in an array along the second direction Y and the third direction Z, the multiple optical fibers 32 can be gathered and fixed together as much as possible. During the process of tearing open the sheath 20, the probability of exposing all optical fibers 32 in one tear can be further increased, avoiding the problem that optical fibers 32 that are far from the tear groove U are embedded in the sheath 20 and need to be torn and peeled multiple times. This further improves the working efficiency of the optical cable 100 in the process of installation and connection.

[0103] In some embodiments, referring to FIG5, the cross-section of the plurality of optical fibers 32 perpendicular to the first direction X is circular.

[0104] That is, referring to Figure 5, the plurality of optical fibers 32 are arranged in a circle in the second direction Y and the third direction Z.

[0105] By arranging multiple optical fibers 32 in a circular pattern, the multiple optical fibers 32 can be concentrated together as much as possible, thereby further increasing the probability that all optical fibers 32 can be exposed by peeling off the sheath 20 at once, and further improving the working efficiency of the optical cable 100 in the process of installation and connection.

[0106] In other embodiments, the plurality of optical fibers 32 may also include other arrangements, such as the plurality of optical fibers 32 being arranged in a third direction Z, or, for example, at least some of the optical fibers 32 being arranged along the diagonal of the optical unit 30 in FIG4, etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0107] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 and 5, the tear groove U can be directly facing the optical unit 30 so that the optical fiber 32 can be accurately exposed after the sheath 20 is torn open, thereby improving the work efficiency in the installation, connection and other processes of the optical cable 100.

[0108] For example, referring to Figures 3 and 5, the orthographic projection of the tear groove U on the release film 11 coincides with the center line of the orthographic projection of the optical unit 30 on the release film 11 extending along the first direction.

[0109] That is, referring to Figures 3 and 5, the tear groove U is directly opposite the middle part of the optical unit 30. After the sheath 20 is torn open through the tear groove U, the probability of the optical fibers 32 located on the left and right sides of the tear groove U (based on the orientation in Figure 3) being exposed is roughly the same. This can avoid the problem that some optical fibers 32 are still embedded in the sheath 20 after one tearing because they are too far away from the tear groove U, and need to be torn open again or even multiple times, thus improving the work efficiency in the installation and connection process of the optical cable 100.

[0110] In some embodiments, referring to FIG4, the tear groove U includes a first sub-groove U1 and a second sub-groove U2, wherein the first sub-groove U1 is disposed on the surface of the sheath 20 away from the release film 11, and the second sub-groove U2 is disposed on the surface of the sheath 20 close to the release film 11.

[0111] Referring to Figure 4, the orthographic projections of the first sub-slot U1 and the second sub-slot U2 on the release film 11 are respectively located on both sides of the orthographic projection of the optical unit 30 on the release film 11. For example, in Figure 4, the first sub-slot U1 is located on the left side of the optical unit 30, and the second sub-slot U2 is located on the right side of the optical unit 30. The first sub-slot U1 and the second sub-slot U2 are respectively located on the diagonal of the optical unit 30.

[0112] Referring to Figure 4, the slotting direction of the first sub-slot U1 and the second sub-slot U2 is both set towards the optical unit 30. That is, the slot wall of the first sub-slot U1 and the slot wall of the second sub-slot U2 both point towards the optical unit 30. Thus, during the process of tearing the sheath 20 through the first sub-slot U1 and the second sub-slot U2, the tearing trend can be directed towards the optical unit 30, avoiding the problem that the optical fiber 32 is not exposed after the sheath 20 is torn off due to the uncontrollable tearing trend, thereby improving the installation efficiency and connection efficiency of the optical cable 100.

[0113] By setting the first sub-slot U1 and the second sub-slot U2 on the diagonal of the optical unit 30, the tearing path of the sheath 20 can act on as many optical fibers as possible, thereby further increasing the probability that all optical fibers 32 can be exposed in one tearing of the sheath 20. This avoids the problem that the optical fibers 32 at the edge are far from the tearing slot U and are embedded in the sheath 20, requiring multiple tearings to expose them, thus improving the working efficiency of the optical cable 100 in the installation, connection and other processes.

[0114] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the optical unit 30 provided in an embodiment of this application, and Figure 7 is another cross-sectional view of the optical unit 30 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0115] In some embodiments, referring to FIG6, at least a portion of the connector 31 is disposed around a plurality of optical fibers 32.

[0116] By arranging the connector 31 around the multiple optical fibers 32, thus enclosing the multiple optical fibers 32, the multiple optical fibers 32 can be clustered and fixed. During the process of tearing open the sheath 20 to expose the optical fibers 32 and connect the optical cable 100, only a few tearing operations (e.g., one tear) are needed to expose all the clustered optical fibers 32, eliminating the need to tear each optical fiber 32 individually. This simplifies the installation and connection steps of the optical cable 100 and improves the installation efficiency of the optical cable 100. On the other hand, the connector 31 arranged around the optical fibers 32 can separate the optical fibers 32 from the sheath 20, thereby avoiding the problem of the optical fibers 32 being embedded in the sheath 20 and difficult to tear, resulting in low installation efficiency of the optical cable 100 or damage to the optical fibers 32 during the tearing of the sheath 20.

[0117] For example, in this embodiment, in addition to the portion surrounding the optical fiber 32, the connector 31 may also include a portion disposed between adjacent optical fibers 32, or may also include a portion disposed within the gap formed by the plurality of optical fibers 32, so as to improve the connection strength between the plurality of optical fibers 32.

[0118] In some embodiments, referring to FIG7, at least a portion of the connector 31 is disposed between two adjacent optical fibers 32.

[0119] Setting a connector 31 between two adjacent optical fibers 32 can improve the strength of the connection between the two optical fibers 32. During the process of tearing open the sheath 20, it can ensure that multiple optical fibers 32 are gathered together, avoiding the problem that some optical fibers 32 are embedded in the sheath 20 and need to be torn open the sheath multiple times. This avoids increasing the difficulty and tediousness of tearing open the sheath 20, thereby simplifying the installation process of the optical cable 100.

[0120] For example, referring to Figure 7, the connector 31 can be placed only between the optical fibers 32, without completely covering all surfaces of all optical fibers 32. This ensures that adjacent optical fibers 32 can be gathered and fixed together, while avoiding the connector 31 occupying too much design space. This is beneficial to reducing the size of the optical unit 30, thereby facilitating the miniaturization design of the optical cable 100.

[0121] By way of example, in other embodiments, the connector 31 may also employ other methods to achieve aggregation among multiple optical fibers 32.

[0122] For example, referring to Figure 4, the connector 31 can be set in the gap formed by multiple optical fibers 32, thereby realizing the aggregation and connection of multiple optical fibers 32, while utilizing the gap formed between the optical fibers 32 themselves as the design space of the connector 31, reducing the design space occupied by the optical unit 30, which is conducive to realizing the miniaturization design of the optical cable 100.

[0123] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, the connector 31 can be placed within the gap formed by multiple optical fibers 32. At the same time, the connector 31 is also arranged around the multiple optical fibers 32, thereby improving the firmness of the aggregation between the optical fibers 32 and ensuring that during the process of tearing open the sheath 20, some optical fibers 32 will not be embedded in the sheath, which would cause the sheath 20 to need to be torn open multiple times and reduce the installation efficiency of the optical cable 100.

[0124] Figure 8 is another cross-sectional view of the optical cable 100 perpendicular to the first direction X, and Figure 9 is an exploded view of the structure of the optical cable 100 in Figure 8.

[0125] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, the surface of the sheath 20 near the release film 11 is planar, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 can be directly attached to the surface of the sheath 20.

[0126] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 8 and 9, the surface of the sheath 20 near the release film 11 is provided with a slot W, and at least a portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 is filled in the slot W.

[0127] By providing a slot W on the surface of the sheath 20 near the release film 11, more space can be provided for the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12. When the optical cable 100 is placed for a long time, or during transportation or connection, the slot W can reduce the probability of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 overflowing from the side of the optical cable 100 (e.g., the side gap between the release film 11 and the sheath 20). This avoids excessive overflow of pressure-sensitive adhesive 12, which could lead to structural adhesion of the optical cable 100, surface contamination, and affect the normal installation of the optical cable 100.

[0128] For example, when the thickness of the sheath 20 (the dimension in the third direction Z) is 0.8 (±0.1) mm, the depth of the groove W (the dimension in the third direction Z) can be 0.22 to 0.35 mm, so that the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 can be provided with sufficient space without affecting the protective capability of the sheath 20 to the optical fiber 32.

[0129] For example, the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 can be completely filled into the card slot W, thereby completely avoiding the problem of adhesive overflow of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12.

[0130] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 8, part of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 is filled in the slot W, and the other part of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 is also disposed between the sheath 20 and the release film 11, except for the slot W. This increases the contact area between the sheath 20 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12, so that all positions of the surface of the sheath 20 near the release film 11 are provided with pressure-sensitive adhesive 12. This reduces the probability of pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 overflowing through the slot W, while ensuring sufficient adhesion between the sheath 20 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12. Thus, when the optical cable 100 is bonded to a structure such as a wall, the installation of the optical cable 100 can be guaranteed to be firm.

[0131] For example, referring to Figures 8 and 9, the length extension direction of the slot W on the sheath 20 is the same as the length extension direction of the optical fiber 32. That is, the slot W is set along the entire length of the optical cable 100, so that the probability of pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 overflowing at any position of the optical cable 100 in the length direction is low.

[0132] Alternatively, by way of example, multiple spaced slots W can be provided on the surface of the sheath 20 near the release film 11. On the one hand, the multiple slots W can relieve the stress on the optical cable 100 during bending or stretching, thereby improving the service life of the optical cable 100. On the other hand, they can also provide more space for the pressure-sensitive adhesive 12, thereby reducing the probability of adhesive overflow.

[0133] For example, the width of the card slot W is slightly smaller than the width of the sheath 20, where the width refers to the dimension in the second direction Y.

[0134] For example, the width of the sheath 20 can be 3 (±0.1) mm, and the width of the slot W can be 2.8 to 2.4 mm.

[0135] For example, the surface of the sheath 20 near the release film 11, other than the groove W, has a small gap with the release film 11, for example, a gap of 0.13 (±0.05) mm, which further reduces the probability of pressure-sensitive adhesive 12 overflowing from the gap between the release film 11 and the sheath 20.

[0136] For example, referring to FIG8, when at least one tear groove U (e.g., a second sub-groove U2) is provided on the bottom surface of the sheath 20, the tear groove U can be provided at the bottom of the slot W.

[0137] In some embodiments, the material of the sheath 20 may include one or more of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polycarbonate (PC), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfone resins (PPSU), fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), polyamide (PA), and fluoroplastics.

[0138] For example, the sheath 20 can be made of transparent material. While ensuring that the sheath 20 can protect the optical unit 30 from external damage, the transparent material sheath 20 can also improve the aesthetics of the optical cable 100. For example, when the optical cable 100 is placed in an indoor scene, it is beneficial to reduce the visibility of the optical cable 100, improve the overall aesthetics of the room, and reduce the damage to the overall coordination of the interior decoration.

[0139] By way of example, in other embodiments, the material of the optical cable 100 may also be opaque. For example, the optical cable 100 may also be a wiring, and the material of the sheath 20 in the optical cable 100 may include a low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) material.

[0140] In some embodiments, the optical cable 100 may also include a color ring.

[0141] The color ring is wrapped around the circumference of the optical fiber 32 to identify it. For example, under the influence of the color ring, the optical fiber 32 can display the color of the color ring, thereby distinguishing the optical fiber 32 from other surrounding structures. This is beneficial for identifying and wiring the optical fiber 32 during installation, avoiding damage to the optical fiber 32, or preventing incorrect wiring of the optical fiber 32.

[0142] For example, the color ring is different from the color of the sheath 20, so that the optical fiber 32 can be noticed during the process of tearing off the sheath 20, avoiding damage to the optical fiber 32. In addition, the optical fiber 32 can be made to protrude from the sheath 20, so that the optical fiber 32 can be accurately located and connected during the installation of the optical cable 100.

[0143] For example, among the multiple optical fibers 32, the color rings corresponding to different optical fibers 32 are different colors, so that different types of optical fibers 32 can be accurately distinguished during the installation of the optical cable 100, thereby achieving accurate connection between the multiple optical fibers 32 and other structures, such as pre-installed connectors.

[0144] Figure 10 is another cross-sectional view of the optical cable 100 perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0145] In some embodiments, referring to FIG10, the optical cable 100 may further include a reinforcing member 40.

[0146] Referring to Figure 10, the reinforcing member 40 is filled in the sheath 20. It is used to enhance the strength of the optical cable 100, such as enhancing the tensile strength of the optical cable 100, and preventing the optical cable 100 from bending or being stretched during construction, which could lead to the breakage of the key component optical fiber 32 and affect the performance and service life of the optical cable 100.

[0147] Referring to Figure 10, the extension direction of the reinforcing member 40 is the same as the extension direction of the optical fiber 32, that is, the length extension direction of both is the first direction X, so that the reinforcing member 40 is provided at any position in the length direction of the optical fiber 32, thereby forming complete protection for the optical fiber 32.

[0148] Referring to Figure 10, the reinforcing member 40 is spaced apart from the optical unit 30, so that while the reinforcing member 40 protects the optical fiber 32, it avoids the reinforcing member 40 from affecting the transmission of the optical fiber 32, such as causing signal leakage or signal pollution in the optical fiber 32.

[0149] For example, the material of the reinforcing member 40 may include fine steel wire, copper wire, aluminum wire, galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper-plated steel or nickel-plated steel, or the reinforcing member 40 may also include other materials with a certain strength, such as fiber reinforced polymer (FRP), polycarbonate (PC) or fluoroplastics.

[0150] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed herein should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An optical cable (100) characterized by, The application relates to a fixing assembly (10) comprising: a release film (11) and a pressure-sensitive adhesive (12) arranged in a stack; a sheath (20) arranged on a side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive (12) away from the release film (11), the sheath (20) having a surface provided with a tear groove (U); and a light unit (30) embedded in the sheath (20), the tear groove (U) having a side wall extending in a direction intersecting the light unit (30), the light unit (30) comprising a connecting member (31) and a plurality of optical fibers (32) connected together by the connecting member (31), each optical fiber (32) extending in a first direction (X) parallel to the release film (11). The plurality of optical fibers (32) are arranged in a second direction (Y) parallel to the release film (11) and intersecting the first direction (X). The plurality of optical fibers (32) are arranged in an array along the second direction (Y) and a third direction (Z) perpendicular to the release film (11). The plurality of optical fibers (32) have a circular cross section perpendicular to the first direction (X).

2. The optical cable (100) of claim 1, characterized in that, A normal projection of the tear groove (U) on the release film (11) coincides with a center line of a normal projection of the light unit (30) on the release film (11) extending in the first direction (X).

3. The optical cable (100) of claim 1, wherein, The tear groove (U) comprises a first sub-groove (U1) arranged on a surface of the sheath (20) away from the release film (11) and a second sub-groove (U2) arranged on a surface of the sheath (20) close to the release film (11).

4. The optical cable (100) of claim 1, wherein, Normal projections of the first sub-groove (U1) and the second sub-groove (U2) on the release film (11) are arranged on both sides of the normal projection of the light unit (30) on the release film (11), and the first sub-groove (U1) and the second sub-groove (U2) are arranged in directions towards the light unit (30).

5. The optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least part of the connecting member (31) is arranged around the plurality of optical fibers (32).

6. The optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least part of the connecting member (31) is arranged between two adjacent optical fibers (32). A surface of the sheath (20) close to the release film (11) is provided with a clamping groove (W), and at least part of the pressure-sensitive adhesive (12) is filled in the clamping groove (W).

7. The optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The sheath (20) is made of one or more of thermoplastic polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polydimethylsiloxane, polycarbonate, polyether sulfone, polyphenylene sulfone, fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer and polyamide.

8. The optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The application further relates to a fixing assembly (10) comprising: a release film (11) and a pressure-sensitive adhesive (12) arranged in a stack; a sheath (20) arranged on a side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive (12) away from the release film (11), the sheath (20) having a surface provided with a tear groove (U); and a light unit (30) embedded in the sheath (20), the tear groove (U) having a side wall extending in a direction intersecting the light unit (30), the light unit (30) comprising a connecting member (31) and a plurality of optical fibers (32) connected together by the connecting member (31), each optical fiber (32) extending in a first direction (X) parallel to the release film (11).

9. The optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The plurality of optical fibers (32) are arranged in a second direction (Y) parallel to the release film (11) and intersecting the first direction (X).

10. The optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The plurality of optical fibers (32) are arranged in an array along the second direction (Y) and a third direction (Z) perpendicular to the release film (11).

11. The optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The plurality of optical fibers (32) have a circular cross section perpendicular to the first direction (X). A normal projection of the tear groove (U) on the release film (11) coincides with a center line of a normal projection of the light unit (30) on the release film (11) extending in the first direction (X).

12. The optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The tear groove (U) comprises a first sub-groove (U1) arranged on a surface of the sheath (20) away from the release film (11) and a second sub-groove (U2) arranged on a surface of the sheath (20) close to the release film (11). Normal projections of the first sub-groove (U1) and the second sub-groove (U2) on the release film (11) are arranged on both sides of the normal projection of the light unit (30) on the release film (11), and the first sub-groove (U1) and the second sub-groove (U2) are arranged in directions towards the light unit (30).

13. A composite cable assembly (300) characterized by, At least part of the connecting member (31) is arranged around the plurality of optical fibers (32). At least part of the connecting member (31) is arranged between two adjacent optical fibers (32). A surface of the sheath (20) close to the release film (11) is provided with a clamping groove (W), and at least part of the pressure-sensitive adhesive (12) is filled in the clamping groove (W). The sheath (20) is made of one or more of thermoplastic polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polydimethylsiloxane, polycarbonate, polyether sulfone, polyphenylene sulfone, fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer and polyamide. The application further relates to a fixing assembly (10) comprising: a release film (11) and a pressure-sensitive adhesive (12) arranged in a stack; a sheath (20) arranged on a side of the pressure-sensitive adhesive (12) away from the release film (11), the sheath (20) having a surface provided with a tear groove (U); and a light unit (30) embedded in the sheath (20), the tear groove (U) having a side wall extending in a direction intersecting the light unit (30), the light unit (30) comprising a connecting member (31) and a plurality of optical fibers (32) connected together by the connecting member (31), each optical fiber (32) extending in a first direction (X) parallel to the release film (11). An optical cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12; A connector (200) connected to an end of the optical cable (100).

14. A communication device (500) characterized by Comprising: A composite cable assembly (300) according to claim 13; A plug structure (400) connected to the composite cable assembly (300).

15. A communication system (1000), characterized by Comprising: At least one communication device (500) according to claim 14.

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