CN215266986U

CN215266986U - Hybrid photoelectric plug cable

Info

Publication number: CN215266986U
Application number: CN202021632131.9U
Authority: CN
Inventors: L·扎内蒂; S·菲奥拉万蒂
Original assignee: S Feiaolawandi; L Zhaneidi
Current assignee: S Feiaolawandi; L Zhaneidi
Priority date: 2020-07-22
Filing date: 2020-08-07
Publication date: 2021-12-21
Anticipated expiration: 2030-08-07
Also published as: CN113972539A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a hybrid opto-electrical patch cable comprising an outermost jacket; an inner annular space; a plurality of cable runs extending within the annular space; and a filler configured to fill empty space within the annular space. Wherein the plurality of cable lines include: at least one fiber optic line for high speed data, each fiber optic line connected to an optical connector, preferably an MPO connector; and at least one cable for low speed data, the at least one cable connected to the electrical connector.

Description

Hybrid photoelectric plug cable

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a patch cord (patch cord), and in particular, to a hybrid patch cable (patch cord cable) to add data/power/audio channels to MPO optical cables to simultaneously distribute low-speed and high-speed signals in multimedia applications.

Background

Optical cables are indispensable for connecting modern equipment and electrical appliances. Cables may be used to transmit data between a source and a recipient using LC/SC connectors on a single fiber or MPO connectors for a single fiber and multiple fibers.

Today, high-resolution video, audio, and large amounts of data (e.g., fast internet) have become indispensable, and thus high-bandwidth high-speed cables are required. In order to meet the present AV technical demand, various cables such as HDMI cable, Toslink cable, Cat-X cable, Aux cable, etc. may be used in homes. However, new 4K or 8K television videos and new gigabit internet do not fit these conventional cables. In the case of Cat-x cable copper cabling technology that has reached its limits, fiber optic technology can transport today's higher resolution and frame rate digital video, film protocols, and internet connections over long distances. Furthermore, fiber optic cables can transmit video without compression and with almost zero or low delay, so the final quality of the video is perfect. Since the Cat-x bottleneck is much lower bandwidth and slower as a cable speed, and requires compressed video, quality is inevitably lost and there is always a delay. Optical fibers can transmit very high speed data signals (which cannot be achieved with conventional copper cables), but cannot completely replace cables because some lines carry special data transmission based on level, analog or schmitt trigger conditions or bidirectional open bus communication channels based on impedance open collector control, which are difficult to convert in pure digital 1-0 data without more complex electronic circuits. In some cases, the endpoint connector may also require power supply in situations where a local power supply input may not be available or readily available.

In particular, the HDMI video standard has HDCP management, CEC and ARC/eARC, which are signals different from each other, and it is almost impossible to convert in an optical fiber in a reliable manner.

Thus, there is a need for patch cords of hybrid cables that can be mixed together to transmit high speed, high bandwidth signals over optical fibers and low speed, low bandwidth electrical signals over the use of standard end connectors within a single patch cord.

Thus, the conventional electrical signals associated with the optical fibers fill the gaps left by the optical fibers and make the distribution of video or high bandwidth signals over the optical fibers more reliable, thereby ensuring the integrity of the signals at the receiving end.

In addition to HDCP management, it must also be noted that it is sometimes not possible or easy for a user to connect a receiving device or connector to a power supply. In particular, special connectors based on pure fiber cables (e.g., HDMI) require an external USB to "open" the connector. This becomes impractical when there is no USB interface on the back of the television for plugging in and thus the HDMI video connection is inoperable. In this case, more than one electrical line is required in the patch cable.

To meet present or future requirements, very versatile cables are required. In fact, the cables are pulled in pipes and walls and once pulled, are not easily changed. Electronic devices change very quickly and are out of date for six months as new products now. But the cables remain in the wall for years or decades. Electrical components may be used for a variety of functions, and the end user may change the function over time. In order to use optical fibers to perform the work of the cable, the final function of the electrical output must be predefined, while the electrical lines are more versatile.

Furthermore, using too many cables can result in undesirable clutter. Too many cables may also complicate wiring in the building. In general, space constraints of cable installations may limit the number of cables that can be installed in a building. The cable also needs to be strong and remain intact after being pulled through a plugged pipe. Therefore, there is a need for a single cable that overcomes the above-mentioned problems.

For fiber optic terminals (termination), there are single fiber terminals and multi-fiber terminals. MPO terminals can connect single fibers as well as multiple fibers and are thus the most flexible, efficient, and future proof terminals available today (although other fiber terminals are equally suitable).

Patch cords need to be small enough to be pulled into ducts or hidden behind appliances, so certain smaller shaped patch cords are recommended to save space, and cannot be flat because flat patch cords would be too wide to enter ducts. In addition to this, the extension of the plurality of cable runs may be different or horsetail-shaped on both end terminals, with the connectors being located at different length positions to avoid overlapping of the connectors and to make the end terminals to be pulled in the duct smaller in shape. In other words, the horsetail terminals with connectors of different lengths help to smoothly pull multiple connectors in a duct.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a hybrid patch cable that can add electrical signals to an optical fiber having MPO terminals.

It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide a hybrid patch cable that can add electrical signals to an optical fiber having LC/SC terminals.

It is another object of the present invention that the hybrid patch cable disclosed herein incorporates multiple types of cables, thereby avoiding confusion of individual cables.

It is another object of the present invention that the hybrid patch cable is cost effective compared to the total cost of the individual cables.

It is another object of the present invention that the hybrid patch cable combine high speed signals and low speed signals in a single patch cord.

It is yet another object of the present invention that the hybrid patch cable be small enough but strong enough to be pulled in a blocked conduit.

In one aspect, disclosed herein is a hybrid cable comprising an outer jacket defining an annular space; there may be a secondary sheath surrounding one or more optical fibers, but it is also possible to have the optical fibers bare in an outer sheath; one or more cables, which may be jacketed or unsheathed, shielded or unshielded, straight or stranded. The filler is configured to fill the empty space within the annular space to ensure that the cable is in a predetermined position and to avoid damage to the cable when the cable is pulled into the conduit with force.

In one aspect, a hybrid cable having a plurality of cable lines configured to transmit all signals simultaneously is disclosed herein. The hybrid cable has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein each cable run of the plurality of cable runs has a first extension extending from the proximal end, wherein the length of each first extension of the first extensions of the plurality of cable runs may be the same or different. Each of the plurality of cable runs also has a second extension extending from the distal end, wherein the length of each of the second extensions of the plurality of cable runs may be the same or different. The filler may be kevlar (kevlar) fiber for more resistance, but any filler may be used. The plurality of cable lines may also include at least one electrical cable line and at least one fiber optic line.

In one aspect, a plurality of cable runs extending within a hybrid cable disclosed herein include optical fibers connected to MPO connectors. Since the SC/LC connector is used for only a single fiber, it is possible to connect a single fiber to the SC, LC or MPO connector, however, it is preferable to connect a plurality of fiber lines to the MPO connector or similar multi-fiber connector to save space and have a neater configuration. SC/LC connectors are not recommended, but may be used for multiple fibers. The electrical portion of the hybrid cable can be connected to different connectors when desired by the user.

These and other objects and advantages of the embodiments herein will become more apparent from the following detailed description.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, further illustrate the principles of the invention and enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the invention.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a hybrid patch cable and a cross-section of the cable according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an example of an optical transmitter (optical transmitter) having an MPO interface and a cable ready to be connected to a USB interface and a cross section of the cable according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an example of an optical transmitter with an MPO interface and a cable ready to be connected to an HDMI interface and a cross section of the cable according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a hybrid cable having an MPO fiber terminal, a 3.5mm receptacle terminal, and a second electrical Jtag connector, as an example, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a hybrid cable having MPO fiber optic terminals, receptacle female terminals for mating with infrared expanders or similar devices, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a front view of an exemplary cross-section of a hybrid cable in which multiple optical fibers, multiple electrical cables, and multiple shielded cables may be built.

Detailed Description

The subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter. The subject matter may, however, be embodied in various different forms and, thus, it is intended that the encompassed or claimed subject matter be construed as not limited to any exemplary embodiment set forth herein; the exemplary embodiments are provided for illustration only. Also, a reasonably broad scope of claimed or encompassed subject matter is intended. For example, among other things, the subject matter can be embodied as devices and methods of use thereof. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term "embodiments of the invention" does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the present invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resultant patent.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the subject innovation. Furthermore, the drawings are drawn to scale.

Referring to fig. 1, an embodiment of a hybrid cable 100 according to the present invention is shown. Fig. 1 shows a portion of the hybrid cable 100 adjacent to the end, where

several lines

104, 105 can be seen extending from the end of the hybrid cable 100. The hybrid cable comprises an outer sheath 107 and

auxiliary sheaths

103, 106 surrounding the

lines

104, 105, respectively. Fig. 1 shows an MPO (or SC or LC) fiber optic connector 101 connected to a fiber optic line 104 and a plug 102 connected to an electrical line 105.

Fig. 2 shows an example of a hybrid cable 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a portion of the hybrid cable 200 adjacent the end, where

several lines

204, 205 extending from the end of the hybrid cable 200 can be seen. The hybrid cable comprises an outer sheath 207 and

auxiliary sheaths

203, 206 surrounding the

lines

204, 205, respectively. Fig. 2 shows one MPO fiber optic connector 201 connected to two fiber optic lines 204 and a plug 202 connected to three electrical lines 205. The exemplary embodiment can efficiently connect the USB terminal.

Fig. 3 shows an example of a hybrid cable 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows a portion of the hybrid cable 300 adjacent the end, where

several lines

304, 305 extending from the end of the hybrid cable 300 can be seen. The hybrid cable comprises an outer sheath 307 and

auxiliary sheaths

303, 306 surrounding the

lines

304, 305 respectively. Fig. 3 shows one MPO fiber optic connector 301 connected to four fiber optic lines 304 and a plug 302 connected to seven electrical lines 305. The exemplary embodiment can efficiently connect HDMI terminals. The present embodiment ensures that all functions and specifications of the HDMI standard are kept intact. However, HDMI may be accomplished with a greater or lesser number of optical fibers and a lesser number of cables without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 4 further illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a hybrid cable 500 having: an MPO fiber connector 501 connected at one end to a plurality of fibers to carry signals with high bandwidth occupancy; an exemplary connector 502 for electrical connection through a jack; an exemplary connector 503 electrically connected by jtag, where all wires can be used directly for any application when desired by the user.

Fig. 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a hybrid cable 600, which includes: a hybrid cable portion 601 having optical fibers connected to MPO connectors; an infrared eye-controlled female plug 603 for transmission with a fiber optic high bandwidth signal, and an infrared extender 602.

Fig. 6 shows an exemplary hybrid cable cross-section 700 in which a plurality of optical fibers 703 are present; there are also a plurality of single wire wires 701; there are also a plurality of shielded and/or twisted cables 702; kevlar 704 or other filler material is also present in the annular space.

Advantageously, for each cable type, several separate cable lines may be included for transmitting specific signals within the hybrid cable. For example, optical cable lines are included for transmitting high-resolution HDMI audio and video or the internet. Two special optical cables may be included for transmitting digital audio. Also, more single cable lines or optical fibers of the same type may be included.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples herein. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited by the above-described embodiments, methods, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A hybrid opto-electrical patch cable, characterized in that it comprises:

an outermost wrap;

an inner single annular space with electrical and optical fibers;

a plurality of hybrid opto-electric end connectors;

at least one fiber optic line, each of the at least one fiber optic line connected to an MPO standard optical connector;

at least one electrical line connected to a standard electrical connector.

2. The hybrid opto-electrical patch cable of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cable lines are configured to simultaneously transmit a high bandwidth signal and a low speed, low bandwidth electrical control signal.

3. The hybrid opto-electrical patch cord of claim 1, wherein the hybrid cord has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein each of a plurality of cord lines has a first extension portion extending from the proximal end, wherein the length of each of the first extension portions of the plurality of cord lines may be the same or different.

4. The hybrid opto-electrical patch cable of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of cable wires has a second extension portion extending from the distal end, wherein the length of each of the second extension portions of the plurality of cable wires may be the same or different.

5. The hybrid opto-electrical patch cable of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cable lines comprises:

a plurality of optical fibers connected to an MPO standard terminal connector or other standard terminal connector;

a plurality of wires connected to a standard connector.

6. The hybrid opto-electrical patch cable of claim 1, wherein the filler is Kevlar fiber.

7. A hybrid opto-electrical patch cable, characterized in that it comprises:

an outermost wrap;

kevlar fillers;

an inner annular space having an electrical fiber and an optical fiber;

a plurality of standard electrical end connectors;

a plurality of MPO optical end connectors, LC optical end connectors, SC optical end connectors, or hybrid optical end connectors.

8. The hybrid opto-electrical patch cable according to claim 7, wherein the electrical line for high frequency data, such as infrared data, further has an aluminum foil shield with an overlap of 25%.

9. The hybrid opto-electrical patch cable according to claim 8, wherein the electrical line for high frequency data, such as infrared data, is a twisted pair and shielded.

10. The hybrid opto-electrical patch cable of claim 8, wherein the electrical line for high frequency data is a litz (litz) line and is shielded.

11. The hybrid opto-electrical patch cable of claim 8, wherein the electrical line for high frequency data is shielded.