Photoelectric composite cable connection box

Abstract

A photoelectric composite cable connection box (200), comprising a base (1), two conductive members (2) and an upper cover (3). The base (1) comprises a cable groove (11), the cable groove (11) comprises side openings (111) and two end openings (112), and the two end openings (112) are used for allowing two photoelectric composite cables (100) to pass through. The two conductive members (2) are fixed side by side in the cable groove (11). Sheath breaking structures (22) at one end of each of the two conductive members (2) are used for breaking a sheath of one photoelectric composite cable (100), and sheath breaking structures (22) at the other end is used for breaking a sheath of the other photoelectric composite cable (100). During a process in which the upper cover (3) closes the side openings (111), the upper cover (3) presses the photoelectric composite cables (100) located in the cable groove (111), so that the sheath breaking structures (22) pierce or slit the sheaths of the photoelectric composite cables (100).

Description

Optoelectronic composite cable splice box

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202422698884.4, filed on November 5, 2024, entitled "Optical Composite Cable Splice Box", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of optoelectronic composite cable technology, and in particular to an optoelectronic composite cable splice box. Background Technology

[0003] Optical fiber composite cable integrates optical fiber and conductor within the same sheath. While retaining the advantages of high-speed optical fiber communication, it can also provide power to receiving equipment over distances of several meters to hundreds of meters, solving practical problems such as the inconvenience of nearby power supply for receiving equipment.

[0004] With the widespread use of fiber optic composite cables, the demand for installation and maintenance support for these cables is growing stronger. This includes needs such as cable breakage repair, cable extension, and the installation of cable connectors.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device that can easily connect two optical fiber composite cables. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a fiber optic composite cable splice box. The fiber optic composite cable splice box enables the splicing of two fiber optic composite cables without stripping the bare wires from the cables, making the splicing operation simple and quick. The technical solution of the fiber optic composite cable splice box is described below.

[0007] This disclosure provides a fiber optic composite cable splice box. The splice box includes a base, two conductive members, and a top cover. The base includes a cable groove with a side opening and two end openings. The two end openings are for two fiber optic composite cables to pass through. The cable groove accommodates a protective sleeve for looping around the thermally fused portion of the optical fibers of the two fiber optic composite cables. The two conductive members extend along the length of the cable groove and are fixed side-by-side inside the cable groove. Each conductive member has a sheath-piercing structure at both ends, facing the side opening. The sheath-piercing structure at one end of each conductive member is used to pierce or slash the sheath of one fiber optic composite cable and electrically connect to two conductors of that cable. The sheath-piercing structure at the other end of each conductive member is used to pierce or slash the sheath of another fiber optic composite cable and electrically connect to two conductors of that cable. The top cover is used to close the side opening of the cable trough. During the process of closing the side opening, the top cover squeezes the optical fiber composite cable located in the cable trough, so that the sheath breaking structure punctures or tears the sheath of the optical fiber composite cable.

[0008] The technical solution disclosed herein involves splicing two optical fiber composite cables using an optical fiber composite cable splice box. First, the optical fibers of the two cables are thermally fused together, and a protective sleeve is then placed around the thermally fused portion of the optical fiber. Next, the protective sleeve is installed in the cable groove of the base. Finally, the side opening is closed with the top cover, completing the splicing operation. During the process of closing the side opening with the top cover, the top cover presses against the optical fiber composite cable located in the cable groove. This causes the sheath-breaking structure at one end of each of the two conductive components to pierce or tear the sheath of one optical fiber composite cable and electrically connect it to the two conductors of that cable. Similarly, the sheath-breaking structure at the other end of each of the two conductive components pierces or tears the sheath of the other optical fiber composite cable and electrically connects it to the two conductors of that cable. In this way, the two conductive components achieve an electrical connection between the two optical fiber composite cables.

[0009] As can be seen, on the one hand, this disclosure achieves electrical connection between the conductive component and the conductor of the optoelectronic composite cable by piercing or slicing the sheath of the cable, thus realizing the electrical connection between the two optoelectronic composite cables. This eliminates the need to strip the two conductors, simplifying the splicing operation. On the other hand, the assembly operation of the top cover and base is combined with the operation of realizing the electrical connection between the two optoelectronic composite cables into a single operation, further simplifying the splicing process.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the optoelectronic composite cable splice box includes two top covers arranged along the length of the cable groove. Each top cover includes a first end near an end opening and a second end away from the end opening. The second end is rotatably connected to a base, with the axis of rotation perpendicular to the length of the cable groove. The first end is used for snap-fitting with the base.

[0011] The technical solution disclosed herein allows the user to rotate (or flip) the top cover when it is used to close the side opening, until the first end of the top cover engages with the base. The flipping operation, using a lever mechanism, increases the downward pressure, improving the reliability of the sheath-breaking structure in breaking the sheath of the optical fiber composite cable, as well as the reliability of the electrical connection between the sheath-breaking structure and the conductor.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the cable tray includes two side openings spaced apart along its length. Each side opening is positioned opposite a sheath-breaking structure at one end of the conductive element and connects to one of the two end openings. Two top covers are used to close the two side openings.

[0013] The technical solution disclosed herein, by providing two spaced-apart side openings, reduces the length of the side openings compared to a single long side opening, thereby reducing the length of the top cover. This avoids excessive rigidity due to an overly long top cover, improving its reliability and ensuring sufficient downward pressure on the optoelectronic composite cable.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the top cover is used to snap onto the base in a flat-press manner.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the cable trough wall includes two conductive element receiving slots, which extend side-by-side along the length of the cable trough. Two conductive elements are respectively located in the two conductive element receiving slots, and the sheath opening structure extends outside the conductive element receiving slots. The conductive element receiving slots facilitate the accommodating and securing of the conductive elements.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the fiber optic composite cable splice box is used to splice two butterfly-shaped fiber optic composite cables. The sheath-piercing structure is a spike, which is used to pierce the common sheath of the fiber optic composite cable. The common sheath is used to cover the optical fiber and two conductors of the butterfly-shaped fiber optic composite cable. The spike extends towards the side opening.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the top cover includes a clamping portion comprising multiple protrusions. The clamping portion is used to compress the butterfly-shaped optical-electric composite cable, and when the top cover closes the side opening, the clamping portion is positioned opposite to the needle. A common sheath is used to hold the clamping portion and the needle. The protrusions are either pointed tips or raised strips.

[0018] The technical solution provided in this disclosure, by setting the aforementioned clamping part, on the one hand, allows the upper cover to better compress the common sheath, ensuring that the piercing needle pierces the common sheath. On the other hand, under the action of the multiple protrusions included in the clamping part, the clamping part bites into the common sheath, improving the tensile strength of the optical fiber composite cable and reducing the possibility of the two optical fiber composite cables being pulled apart again.

[0019] In one possible implementation, along the length of the cable channel, the cable channel includes a middle section and two side sections, with the middle section positioned between the two side sections. The depth of the middle section is greater than the depth of the side sections, and the width of the middle section is greater than the width of the side sections. The middle section is used to accommodate a protective sleeve, and the two side sections are used to accommodate the sheathing breaks at both ends of the conductive components.

[0020] The technical solution disclosed herein addresses the issue that, since the butterfly-shaped fiber optic composite cable only includes a common sheath, after the protective sleeve is heat-shrinked, both ends of the protective sleeve need to loop around the common sheaths of two butterfly-shaped fiber optic composite cables. This results in the outer diameter of the protective sleeve being larger than the outer diameter of the fiber optic composite cable. Therefore, setting the depth and width of the middle section to be greater than the depth and width of the side sections makes it easier for the middle section to accommodate the protective sleeve. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the side sections is not too large, which also facilitates the side sections in limiting the position of the common sheaths of the fiber optic composite cables.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the fiber optic composite cable splice box is used to splice two flat fiber optic composite cables. The sheath-breaking structure includes two clamping arms, each clamping arm having a cutting blade on one side facing the other. The two cutting blades are used to clamp and cut through the conductor sheath of the flat fiber optic composite cable. The conductor sheath is used to cover one conductor.

[0022] The technical solution provided in this disclosure, for flat fiber optic composite cables, involves first stripping the conductor along with its sheath from the common sheath during splicing operations. This way, the cutting blade only needs to pierce the conductor sheath, reducing the structural strength requirements of the sheath-breaking structure and the pressure required from the user. Furthermore, by including two clamping arms in the sheath-breaking structure, the two arms can hold the conductor sheath in place, preventing it from being unable to be pierced due to sheath misalignment.

[0023] It should be noted that stripping the conductor along with its sheath from the common sheath can be done with professional pliers, which is simpler than stripping the bare conductor.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the top cover includes a first pressing portion and a second pressing portion. The first and second pressing portions are used to press the conductor sheath, and when the top cover closes the side opening, a sheath-breaking structure is arranged between the first and second pressing portions. Because the sheath-breaking structure is arranged between the first and second pressing portions, the first and second pressing portions can not only press the conductor sheath normally, but also will not interfere with the sheath-breaking structure.

[0025] In one possible implementation, each end of the conductive element includes two sheath-breaking structures, spaced apart along the length of the cable groove. The top cover also includes a third pressing section for pressing the conductor sheath. The third pressing section is positioned between the first and second pressing sections, and when the top cover closes the side opening, the third pressing section is positioned between the two sheath-breaking structures, which in turn are positioned between the first and second pressing sections. By adding the third pressing section, the pressing effect on the conductor sheath can be improved, ensuring the stability of the conductor sheath.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the top cover further includes a clamping portion comprising multiple protrusions. When the top cover closes the side opening, the clamping portion is positioned near the end opening relative to the sheath-breaking structure. The common sheath of the flat fiber optic composite cable is clamped between the clamping portion and the inner wall of the cable trough. Thus, under the action of the multiple protrusions, the clamping portion grips the common sheath, improving the tensile strength of the fiber optic composite cable and reducing the likelihood of the two fiber optic composite cables being pulled apart again.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the fiber optic composite cable splice box further includes two first rubber pads and two second rubber pads. The two first rubber pads are fixed inside the cable trough and are respectively arranged between the two end openings and the sheath breaking structure. The two second rubber pads are fixed to the top cover. When the top cover closes the side opening of the cable trough, the first and second rubber pads form a channel that connects to the end openings and is used for the fiber optic composite cable to pass through.

[0028] The first and second rubber pads are flexible, and the inner wall of the channel formed between them is tightly attached to the common sheath of the optical fiber composite cable. In this way, liquid flowing into the interior of the optical fiber composite cable splice box from the gap between the optical fiber composite cable and the end opening is prevented from continuing to flow into the sheath breakage structure by the first and second rubber pads, reducing the possibility of a short circuit between the two conductive components.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the first rubber pad is U-shaped, and the second rubber pad is strip-shaped. The second rubber pad closes the opening of the first rubber pad, thereby forming a channel between the first and second rubber pads. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an optoelectronic composite cable splice box provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a butterfly-shaped optical-electric composite cable provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an optoelectronic composite cable splice box including a press-type top cover provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a fiber optic composite cable splice box for splicing two fiber optic composite cables according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an optoelectronic composite cable splice box provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a base and conductive component provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7 is an operation flowchart of an optoelectronic composite cable splice box provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an optoelectronic composite cable splice box including a flip-top cover provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 9 is an operation flowchart of another optoelectronic composite cable splice box provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a base and a conductive component provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an optoelectronic composite cable splice box provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a press-type top cover provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a flat optical-electric composite cable provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a flat optoelectronic composite cable and conductive component provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of another conductive element provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of an optoelectronic composite cable splice box including a flip-top cover provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a flip-top cover provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 18 is an operation flowchart of an optoelectronic composite cable splice box provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0048] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of a base and a first adhesive pad provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0049] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a top cover and a second rubber pad provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0050] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of a first adhesive pad and a second adhesive pad provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0051] Legend: 100. Optical-optical composite cable; 101. Optical fiber; 102. Conductor; 103. Common sheath; 104. Conductor sheath; 105. Optical fiber sheath; 200. Optical-optical composite cable splice box; 1. Base; 11. Cable groove; 110. Conductive component receiving groove; 111. Side opening; 112. End opening; 113. Middle section; 114. Side section; 115. First mounting groove; 116. Buckle; 2. Conductive component; 21. Conductive strip; 22. Sheath breaking structure; 221. Clamping arm; 220. Cutting blade; 3. Top cover; 3a. First end; 3b. Second end; 31. Clamping part; 311. Protrusion; 32. First extrusion part; 33. Second extrusion part; 34. Third extrusion part; 35. Second mounting groove; 36. Snap-on strip; 37. Rotating shaft; 38. Snap-on hole; 39. Receiving groove; 4. Protective sleeve; 5. First rubber pad, 50. Channel; 6. Second rubber pad. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Fiber to the X (FTTx) extends fiber optic cables to businesses, homes, rooms, or desktops, providing network coverage to users through an all-optical network approach. With the global deployment of FTTx, in addition to traditional pure optical cables, various opto-electric hybrid cables or hybrid optical-electric cables have been increasingly adopted in recent years. FTTx includes fiber to the room (FTTR) and fiber to the home (FTTH).

[0053] Fiber optic composite cables integrate optical fiber 101 and conductor 102 within the same sheath (as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 13). While retaining the advantages of high-speed fiber optic communication, fiber optic composite cables can also provide power to receiving equipment over distances ranging from several meters to hundreds of meters, solving practical problems such as inconvenient power supply to the receiving equipment at the local end and installation limitations due to the location of electrical sockets. With the widespread use of fiber optic composite cables, the demand for their installation and maintenance support is increasingly strong.

[0054] The requirements for the installation and maintenance of fiber optic composite cables include cable breakage repair, cable extension, and the addition of connectors. In all these scenarios, it is necessary to connect the two fiber optic composite cables. For example, Figure 1 shows a cable breakage repair scenario for fiber optic composite cable 100. After the fiber optic composite cable 100 breaks, it splits into two cables 100, which can be connected using a fiber optic composite cable splice box 200.

[0055] The related technology's optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 includes a bottom shell and a top cover, as well as a protective sleeve and crimp terminals located between the bottom shell and the top cover. When using the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200, the optical fibers of the two optoelectronic composite cables 100 are first thermally fused, and the protective sleeve is then used to loop around the thermally fused portion of the optical fiber 101. Next, the two pairs of conductors 102 included in the two optoelectronic composite cables 100 are stripped, and the two pairs of conductors 102 are crimped using the crimp terminals to achieve an electrical connection between the two pairs of conductors 102. Finally, the bottom shell and the top cover are connected.

[0056] During the above-mentioned splicing process, it is necessary to strip the two pairs of conductors 102 included in the two optical fiber composite cables 100. This operation is quite cumbersome, which makes the entire splicing operation of the two optical fiber composite cables 100 quite cumbersome.

[0057] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a novel optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200. This optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 simplifies the operation by eliminating the need to strip the wires 102 during the splicing of two optoelectronic composite cables 100. Figure 3 shows an external view of the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200. Figure 4 shows an external view of the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 after splicing two optoelectronic composite cables 100. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 after splicing two optoelectronic composite cables 100. Figure 6 shows a partial exploded view of the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200.

[0058] As shown in Figures 3-6, the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 includes a base 1, two conductive elements 2, and a top cover 3. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the base 1 includes a cable groove 11, which has a side opening 111 and two end openings 112. The two end openings 112 are used for two optoelectronic composite cables 100 to pass through. Both conductive elements 2 extend along the length of the cable groove 11 and are fixed side-by-side to the groove wall. The two conductive elements 2 are used to electrically connect two pairs of conductors 102 of the two optoelectronic composite cables 100, thereby achieving an electrical connection between the two optoelectronic composite cables 100. Furthermore, the optical fibers 101 of the two optoelectronic composite cables 100 are thermally fused together to achieve an optical connection between the two optoelectronic composite cables 100. In addition, to protect the thermally fused portion, as shown in Figure 7, the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 may also include a protective sleeve 4, which surrounds the thermally fused portion of the optical fiber 101 and is located within the cable groove 11. It should be noted that the protective sleeve 4 is hidden in Figure 5.

[0059] To achieve electrical connection between the conductive element 2 and the conductor 102 without stripping the conductor 102, as shown in Figure 6 or Figure 15, both ends of the conductive element 2 include sheath-breaking structures 22, with side openings 111. The sheath-breaking structures 22 at one end of each of the two conductive elements 2 are used to pierce or cut through the sheath of one optoelectronic composite cable 100 and electrically connect to the two conductors 102 of that optoelectronic composite cable 100. The sheath-breaking structures 22 at the other end of each of the two conductive elements 2 are used to pierce or cut through the sheath of another optoelectronic composite cable 100 and electrically connect to the two conductors 102 of that other optoelectronic composite cable 100. Thus, as shown in Figure 5, the two conductive elements 2 electrically connect the two conductors 102 of one optoelectronic composite cable 100 to the two conductors 102 of another optoelectronic composite cable 100 respectively, without needing to strip the conductors 102, making the operation relatively simple.

[0060] Additionally, as shown in Figure 7, the upper cover 3 is used to close the side opening 111 of the cable tray 11, thereby sealing the cable tray 11 and protecting the components inside. Furthermore, during the process of the upper cover 3 closing the side opening 111, the upper cover 3 presses against the optoelectronic composite cable 100 located in the cable tray 11, causing the sheath-breaking structure 22 to pierce or tear the sheath of the optoelectronic composite cable 100. In this way, the operation of the upper cover 3 closing the side opening 111 and the operation of electrically connecting the optoelectronic composite cable 100 are combined into a single operation, further simplifying the operation of splicing two optoelectronic composite cables 100 and improving splicing efficiency.

[0061] This disclosure does not limit the fixing method of the conductive element 2. In some examples, as shown in FIG6, the channel wall of the cable channel 11 includes two conductive element receiving slots 110, which extend along the length of the cable channel 11 and are arranged side by side. The two conductive elements 2 are respectively located in the two conductive element receiving slots 110, and the sheath breaking structure 22 of the conductive element 2 extends to the outside of the conductive element receiving slot 110.

[0062] This disclosure does not limit the connection method between the upper cover 3 and the base 1. In some examples, as shown in Figures 3-7, the upper cover 3 is used to snap onto the base 1 in a flat-press manner. Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the operation flow of the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, firstly, the optical fibers 101 of the two fiber optic composite cables 100 are thermally spliced, and a protective sleeve 4 is used to encircle the thermally spliced ​​portion of the optical fibers 101. Then, the two fiber optic composite cables 100, along with the protective sleeve 4, are placed in the cable groove 11 of the base 1. The two fiber optic composite cables 100 pass through two end openings 112 respectively. Finally, the side openings 111 are closed using a flat pressing method with the top cover 3. During the process of the top cover 3 closing the side openings 111, the top cover 3 presses against the fiber optic composite cables 100, causing the sheath-breaking structure 22 to pierce or tear the sheath of the fiber optic composite cables 100, thereby achieving the electrical connection between the two fiber optic composite cables 100.

[0064] In some examples, as shown in Figure 6, the base 1 includes multiple snap fasteners 116. As shown in Figure 12, the top cover 3 includes multiple snap-fit ​​strips 36, each with a snap-fit ​​hole. The multiple snap-fit ​​strips 36 are respectively snapped into the multiple snap fasteners 116.

[0065] In other examples, the top cover 3 can also be connected to the base 1 in a flip-over manner. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 includes two top covers 3, which are arranged along the length of the cable groove 11. The top cover 3 includes a first end 3a near the end opening 112 and a second end 3b away from the end opening 112. The second end 3b is rotatably connected to the base 1, and the axis of rotation I is perpendicular to the length of the cable groove 11. The first end 3a is used to snap onto the base 1. Thus, when the side opening 111 is closed using the top cover 3, the user flips the top cover 3 until the first end 3a of the top cover 3 snaps onto the base 1. The flipping operation increases the downward pressure with a lever mechanism, which can improve the reliability of the sheath breaking structure 22 in breaking the sheath of the optoelectronic composite cable 100, as well as the reliability of the electrical connection between the sheath breaking structure 22 and the conductor 102.

[0066] In some examples, as shown in Figure 8, the cable tray 11 includes two side openings 111 spaced apart along the length of the cable tray 11. The two side openings 111 are respectively disposed opposite to the sheath-breaking structures 22 at both ends of the conductive element 2, and the two side openings 111 are respectively connected to the two end openings 112. The two top covers 3 are respectively used to close the two side openings 111.

[0067] The technical solution provided in this embodiment reduces the length of the side openings 111 by providing two spaced-apart side openings 111 compared to a single long side opening 111, thereby reducing the length of the top cover 3. This avoids the top cover 3 becoming too long and thus reducing its rigidity, improving its reliability and ensuring the downward pressure exerted by the top cover 3 on the optoelectronic composite cable 100.

[0068] In some examples, as shown in Figure 17, the second end 3b of the top cover 3 includes a pivot 37 for rotatably connecting with the base 1.

[0069] In some examples, as shown in Figure 8, the first end 3a of the top cover 3 includes a snap hole 38, and the base 1 includes a snap fastener 116 for engaging with the snap hole 38.

[0070] Figure 9 illustrates the operation flow of the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200. As shown in Figure 9, firstly, one optoelectronic composite cable 100 is passed through the cable groove 11 of the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200. Then, two optoelectronic composite cables 100 are thermally fused together, and the protective sleeve 4 is used to encircle the thermally fused portion of the optical fiber 101. Next, the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 is slid so that the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 is encircled by the protective sleeve 4. Finally, the upper cover 3 is pressed down, so that the upper cover 3 closes the side opening 111. During the process of the upper cover 3 closing the side opening 111, the upper cover 3 squeezes the optoelectronic composite cable 100, and the sheath breaking structure 22 punctures or tears the sheath of the optoelectronic composite cable 100, thereby realizing the electrical connection of the two optoelectronic composite cables 100.

[0071] Currently, the optoelectronic composite cable 100 includes a butterfly-type optoelectronic composite cable and a flat-type optoelectronic composite cable. The butterfly-type optoelectronic composite cable can also be simply referred to as a bow-type cable, and the flat-type optoelectronic composite cable can also be simply referred to as a flat cable. As shown in Figure 2, the butterfly-type optoelectronic composite cable includes a common sheath 103, which covers the optical fiber 101 and two conductors 102. As shown in Figure 13, the flat-type optoelectronic composite cable includes a common sheath 103, two conductor sheaths 104, and an optical fiber sheath 105. The common sheath 103 covers the two conductor sheaths 104 and the optical fiber sheath 105. The conductor sheaths 104 cover the conductors 102, and the optical fiber sheath 105 covers the optical fiber 101. The structure of the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 differs for these two cable types of optoelectronic composite cables 100. Exemplary descriptions are provided below.

[0072] (1) The optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 is used to splice two optoelectronic composite cables 100, which are butterfly-shaped optoelectronic composite cables (as shown in Figure 2). As shown in Figure 5 and Figures 7-9, the sheath breaking structure 22 is a piercing needle, which is used to pierce the common sheath 103 of the optoelectronic composite cable 100.

[0073] In some examples, as shown in Figure 6, each end of the conductive element 2 includes multiple needles arranged sequentially along its length. This improves the reliability of the needles piercing the common sheath 103 of the optoelectronic composite cable 100 and ensures the reliability of the electrical connection between the needles and the conductor 102.

[0074] In some examples, as shown in Figure 6, the conductive element 2 includes a conductive strip 21 and needles located at both ends of the conductive strip 21. The conductive strip 21 and the needles can be integrally formed.

[0075] In some examples, as shown in Figures 8 and 12, the top cover 3 includes a clamping portion 31, which includes a plurality of protrusions 311. When the top cover 3 closes the side opening 111, the clamping portion 31 is disposed opposite to the sheath breaking structure 22. A common sheath 103 is used to clamp between the clamping portion 31 and the sheath breaking structure 22.

[0076] By providing the aforementioned clamping part 31, on the one hand, the upper cover 3 can better compress the common sheath 103, ensuring that the piercing needle pierces the common sheath 103. On the other hand, under the action of the multiple protrusions 311 included in the clamping part 31, the clamping part 31 bites into the common sheath 103, improving the tensile strength of the optoelectronic composite cable 100 and reducing the possibility of the two optoelectronic composite cables 100 being pulled apart again.

[0077] In some examples, as shown in FIG8, the protrusions 311 of the clamping part 31 are spike structures, and multiple spike structures are arranged in an array. In other examples, as shown in FIG12, the protrusions 311 of the clamping part 31 are ridges, and multiple ridges are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the cable groove 11.

[0078] Since the butterfly-shaped optical fiber composite cable only includes a common sheath 103, as shown in Figures 7 and 9, after the protective sleeve 4 is heat-shrinked, both ends of the protective sleeve 4 need to be looped around the common sheath 103 of the two optical fiber composite cables 100. This makes the outer diameter of the heat-shrinked protective sleeve 4 larger than the outer diameter of the common sheath 103. To facilitate the accommodation of the protective sleeve 4, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, along the length of the cable groove 11, the cable groove 11 includes a middle section 113 and two side sections 114, with the middle section 113 arranged between the two side sections 114. The inner diameter of the middle section 113 is larger than the outer diameter of the protective sleeve 4, and the middle section 113 is used to accommodate the protective sleeve 4. In addition, as shown in Figure 10, the side section 114 is used to accommodate the sheath breaking structure 22, and also serves to limit the common sheath 103. Therefore, the inner diameter of the side section 114 cannot be too large. For example, the inner diameter of the side section 114 is smaller than the inner diameter of the middle section 113. Specifically, the depth of the middle segment 113 is greater than the depth of the side segment 114, and the width of the middle segment 113 is greater than the width of the side segment 114.

[0079] In addition, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the upper cover 3 includes a receiving groove 39, which is opposite to the middle section 113. The receiving groove 39 and the middle section 113 are used together to receive the protective sleeve 4.

[0080] It should be noted that Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the operation process of the fiber optic composite cable splice box 200, including the flat-press top cover, during the splicing of the butterfly-shaped fiber optic composite cable. Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the operation process of the fiber optic composite cable splice box 200, including the flip-top cover, during the splicing of the butterfly-shaped fiber optic composite cable.

[0081] (2) In some examples, the two optoelectronic composite cables 100 spliced ​​by the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 are flat optoelectronic composite cables (as shown in Figure 13). For flat optoelectronic composite cables, if the conductor 102 and conductor sheath 104 are not stripped from the common sheath 103, the sheath breaking structure 22 needs to puncture or slash the common sheath 103 and conductor sheath 104 together to make contact with the conductor 102 and make an electrical connection. This places high demands on the structural strength of the sheath breaking structure 22 and increases the operational force required by the user.

[0082] To address the aforementioned technical issues, as shown in Figure 13, during the splicing operation, the conductor 102, along with its sheath 104, can be stripped from the common sheath 103 first. This way, the sheath-breaking structure 22 only needs to pierce or cut the conductor sheath 104, reducing the structural strength requirements of the sheath-breaking structure 22 and simplifying the operational force required by the user. It should be noted that stripping the conductor 102, along with its sheath 104, from the common sheath 103 can be done using readily available professional pliers, which is simpler than stripping the bare conductor 102.

[0083] Additionally, as shown in Figure 13, the conductor sheath 104 has a small wire diameter and is cylindrical. To prevent the conductor sheath 104 from swaying during the process of the needle squeezing it, in some examples, as shown in Figures 14-16, the sheath-breaking structure 22 is fork-shaped. The sheath-breaking structure 22 includes two clamping arms 221, each clamping arm 221 having a cutting blade 220 on one side facing the other clamping arm 221. The two cutting blades 220 are used to clamp and cut the conductor sheath 104 of the flat optical fiber composite cable. By setting the sheath-breaking structure 22 to include two clamping arms 221, the two clamping arms 221 can clamp the conductor sheath 104 to position it and prevent the conductor sheath 104 from being unable to be cut due to swaying.

[0084] In some examples, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the upper cover 3 includes a first pressing portion 32 and a second pressing portion 33, which are used to press the conductor sheath 104. When the upper cover 3 closes the side opening 111, the sheath breaking structure 22 is arranged between the first pressing portion 32 and the second pressing portion 33. Since the sheath breaking structure 22 is arranged between the first pressing portion 32 and the second pressing portion 33, the first pressing portion 32 and the second pressing portion 33 can not only press the conductor sheath 104 normally, but also will not interfere with the sheath breaking structure 22.

[0085] In some examples, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, each end of the conductive element 2 includes two sheath-breaking structures 22, which are spaced apart along the length of the cable groove 11. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the upper cover 3 also includes a third pressing portion 34, which is arranged between the first pressing portion 32 and the second pressing portion 33. When the upper cover 3 closes the side opening 111, the third pressing portion 34 is arranged between the two sheath-breaking structures 22 and is used to press the conductor sheath 104 between the first pressing portion 32 and the second pressing portion 33.

[0086] In some examples, the top cover 3 includes two rows of first extrusion sections 32, two rows of second extrusion sections 33, and two rows of third extrusion sections 34. The two rows of extrusion sections are respectively opposite to two conductive elements 2.

[0087] In some examples, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the upper cover 3 also includes a clamping portion 31, which includes multiple protrusions 311. When the upper cover 3 closes the side opening 111, the clamping portion 31 is close to the end opening 112 relative to the sheath breaking structure 22. The common sheath 103 of the flat optical fiber composite cable is used to clamp between the clamping portion 31 and the inner wall of the cable groove 11. Thus, under the action of the multiple protrusions 311, the clamping portion 31 grips the common sheath 103, improving the tensile strength of the optical fiber composite cable 100 and reducing the possibility of the two optical fiber composite cables 100 being pulled apart again.

[0088] In some examples, as shown in FIG17, the protrusions 311 of the clamping part 31 are spike structures, and multiple spike structures are arranged in an array. In other examples, as shown in FIG12, the protrusions 311 of the clamping part 31 are ridges, and multiple ridges are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the cable groove 11.

[0089] In some examples, as shown in Figure 15, the conductive element 2 includes a conductive strip 21 and two structural members located at both ends of the conductive strip 21. Each structural member includes two sheath-breaking structures 22. The conductive strip 21 and the structural members can be independent components.

[0090] Figure 18 shows a schematic diagram of the operation process of the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200, including the flip-top cover, during the splicing of flat optoelectronic composite cables. As shown in Figure 18, firstly, one optoelectronic composite cable 100 is passed through the cable groove 11 of the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200. Then, the optical fibers 101 of the two optoelectronic composite cables 100 are thermally fused together, and the protective sleeve 4 is used to encircle the thermally fused portion of the optical fibers 101. Next, the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 is slid so that the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 encircles the protective sleeve 4 and the conductor sheaths 104 of the two optoelectronic composite cables 100. Finally, the top cover 3 is flipped so that the top cover 3 closes the side opening 111. During the process of the top cover 3 closing the side opening 111, the top cover 3 squeezes the optoelectronic composite cable 100, and the sheath breaking structure 22 punctures or tears the conductor sheaths 104 of the optoelectronic composite cable 100, thereby realizing the electrical connection of the two optoelectronic composite cables 100.

[0091] As shown in Figure 18, for flat fiber optic composite cables, after the protective sleeve 4 is heat-fused, it is the conductor sheath 104 that is wrapped around it, instead of the common sheath 103 in Figure 9. Therefore, the diameter of the protective sleeve 4 in Figure 18 is smaller.

[0092] The optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 may be used in water-containing environments. Since the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 has two conductive components 2 inside, water ingress could cause a short circuit between the two conductive components 2. In some examples, to improve the waterproof performance of the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200, the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 provided in this disclosure embodiment further includes a first rubber pad 5 and a second rubber pad 6. Figure 19 shows a schematic diagram of the base 1 and the first rubber pad 5, Figure 20 shows a schematic diagram of the top cover 3 and the second rubber pad 6, and Figure 21 shows a schematic diagram of the first rubber pad 5 and the second rubber pad 6.

[0093] As shown in Figure 19, two first rubber pads 5 are fixed inside the cable trough 11 and are respectively arranged between the two end openings 112 and the sheath breaking structure 22. As shown in Figure 20, two second rubber pads 6 are fixed to the upper cover 3. When the upper cover 3 closes the side opening 111 of the cable trough 11, as shown in Figure 21, the first rubber pads 5 and the second rubber pads 6 form a channel 50, which connects to the end openings 112 and is used for the optical fiber composite cable 100 to pass through.

[0094] The first rubber pad 5 and the second rubber pad 6 are flexible, so the inner wall of the channel 50 formed between the first rubber pad 5 and the second rubber pad 6 is in close contact with the common sheath 103 of the optoelectronic composite cable 100. In this way, water flowing into the optoelectronic composite cable splice box 200 from the gap between the optoelectronic composite cable 100 and the end opening 112 cannot continue to flow to the sheath break structure 22 due to the obstruction of the first rubber pad 5 and the second rubber pad 6, reducing the possibility of a short circuit between the two conductive parts 2.

[0095] In some examples, as shown in Figure 19, when the top cover 3 is snapped onto the base 1 in a flat-press manner, two second rubber pads 6 are fixed to both ends of the top cover 3. In other examples, when the two top covers 3 are snapped onto the base 1 in a flip-over manner, each second rubber pad 6 is fixed to the first end 3a of one top cover 3.

[0096] In some examples, as shown in Figure 21, the first adhesive pad 5 is U-shaped, and the second adhesive pad 6 is strip-shaped. The second adhesive pad 6 closes the opening of the first adhesive pad 5, so that a channel 50 is formed between the first adhesive pad 5 and the second adhesive pad 6. Of course, in other examples, the first adhesive pad 5 may be strip-shaped, and the second adhesive pad 6 may be U-shaped. Alternatively, both the first adhesive pad 5 and the second adhesive pad 6 may be U-shaped, with the openings of the two U-shapes facing each other, so that a channel 50 is formed between the first adhesive pad 5 and the second adhesive pad 6.

[0097] In some examples, as shown in Figure 19, the cable groove 11 of the base 1 includes two first mounting grooves 115, which are arranged between two end openings 112 and sheath breaking structure 22. The two first mounting grooves 115 are respectively used to accommodate two first rubber pads 5.

[0098] In some examples, as shown in Figure 20, the top cover 3 includes two second mounting slots 35, which are respectively used to accommodate two second rubber pads 6.

[0099] The above are merely optional embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A photoelectric composite cable splice box, characterized in that, The optoelectronic composite cable splice box (200) includes a base (1), two conductive parts (2) and a top cover (3); The base (1) includes a cable groove (11), which includes a side opening (111) and two end openings (112). The two end openings (112) are used for two optical fiber composite cables (100) to pass through. The cable groove (11) is used to accommodate a protective sleeve (4). The protective sleeve (4) is used to surround the heat-fusion splice portion of the optical fiber (101) of the two optical fiber composite cables (100). The two conductive elements (2) extend along the length of the cable groove (11) and are fixed side by side inside the cable groove (11). The two ends of the conductive elements (2) include sheath breaking structures (22), which face the side opening (111). The sheath-breaking structure (22) at one end of the two conductive elements (2) is used to pierce or cut the sheath of one optoelectronic composite cable (100) and electrically connect it to the two wires (102) of the optoelectronic composite cable (100). The sheath-breaking structure (22) at the other end of the two conductive elements (2) is used to pierce or cut the sheath of another optoelectronic composite cable (100) and electrically connect it to the two wires (102) of the other optoelectronic composite cable (100). The upper cover (3) is used to close the side opening (111) of the cable groove (11), and during the process of the upper cover (3) closing the side opening (111), the upper cover (3) squeezes the optoelectronic composite cable (100) located in the cable groove (11) so that the sheath breaking structure (22) punctures or cuts the sheath of the optoelectronic composite cable (100).

2. The optoelectronic composite cable splice box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optoelectronic composite cable splice box (200) includes two top covers (3), which are arranged along the length of the cable groove (11); The top cover (3) includes a first end (3a) near the end opening (112) and a second end (3b) away from the end opening (112). The second end (3b) is rotatably connected to the base (1), and the rotation axis (I) is perpendicular to the length direction of the cable groove (11). The first end (3a) is used to engage with the base (1).

3. The optoelectronic composite cable splice box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cable groove (11) includes two side openings (111) spaced apart along the length of the cable groove (11). The two side openings (111) are respectively positioned opposite to the sheath breaking structures (22) at both ends of the conductive element (2) and are respectively connected to the two end openings (112). The two top covers (3) are used to close the two side openings (111) respectively.

4. The optoelectronic composite cable splice box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top cover (3) is used to snap into the base (1) in a flat pressing manner.

5. The optoelectronic composite cable splice box according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The cable trough (11) has two conductive component receiving grooves (110) on its wall. The two conductive component receiving grooves (110) extend along the length of the cable trough (11) and are arranged side by side. The two conductive elements (2) are respectively located in the two conductive element receiving grooves (110), and the sheath breaking structure (22) extends to the outside of the conductive element receiving grooves (110).

6. The optoelectronic composite cable splice box according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The optoelectronic composite cable splice box (200) is used to splice two optoelectronic composite cables (100), which are butterfly-shaped optoelectronic composite cables; The sheath-breaking structure (22) is a piercing needle, which is used to pierce the common sheath (103) of the optical fiber composite cable (100). The common sheath (103) is used to cover the optical fiber (101) and two conductors (102) of the butterfly-shaped optical fiber composite cable.

7. The optoelectronic composite cable splice box according to claim 6, characterized in that, The upper cover (3) includes a clamping part (31), which includes a plurality of protrusions (311); The clamping part (31) is used to squeeze the butterfly-shaped optical composite cable, and when the upper cover (3) closes the side opening (111), the clamping part (31) is arranged opposite to the needle, and the common sheath (103) is used to clamp between the clamping part (31) and the needle.

8. The optoelectronic composite cable splice box according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, Along the length of the cable groove (11), the cable groove (11) includes a middle section (113) and two side sections (114), with the middle section (113) arranged between the two side sections (114); The depth of the middle section (113) is greater than the depth of the side section (114), and the width of the middle section (113) is greater than the width of the side section (114). The middle section (113) is used to accommodate the protective sleeve (4), and the two side sections (114) are respectively used to accommodate the sheath breaking structures (22) at both ends of the conductive element (2).

9. The optoelectronic composite cable splice box according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The optoelectronic composite cable splice box (200) is used to splice two optoelectronic composite cables (100), which are flat optoelectronic composite cables; The sheath-breaking structure (22) includes two clamping arms (221), each of the clamping arms (221) having a cutting blade (220) on one side facing the other clamping arm (221). The two cutting blades (220) are used to clamp and cut the conductor sheath (104) of the flat optical fiber composite cable, wherein the conductor sheath (104) is used to cover a conductor (102).

10. The optoelectronic composite cable splice box according to claim 9, characterized in that, The upper cover (3) includes a first extrusion part (32) and a second extrusion part (33); The first extrusion part (32) and the second extrusion part (33) are used to extrude the wire sheath (104), and when the upper cover (3) closes the side opening (111), the sheath breaking structure (22) is arranged between the first extrusion part (32) and the second extrusion part (33).

11. The optoelectronic composite cable splice box according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each end of the conductive element (2) includes two sheath-breaking structures (22), which are spaced apart along the length of the cable groove (11). The upper cover (3) further includes a third extrusion part (34) for extruding the wire sheath (104). The third extrusion part (34) is arranged between the first extrusion part (32) and the second extrusion part (33). When the upper cover (3) closes the side opening (111), the third extrusion part (34) is arranged between the two sheath breaking structures (22). The two sheath breaking structures (22) are arranged between the first extrusion part (32) and the second extrusion part (33).

12. The optoelectronic composite cable splice box according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The upper cover (3) also includes a clamping part (31), which includes a plurality of protrusions (311); When the top cover (3) closes the side opening (111), the clamping part (31) is close to the end opening (112) relative to the sheath breaking structure (22), wherein the common sheath (103) of the flat optical composite cable is used to clamp between the clamping part (31) and the groove wall of the cable groove (11).

13. The optoelectronic composite cable splice box according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The optoelectronic composite cable splice box (200) also includes two first rubber pads (5) and two second rubber pads (6); The two first rubber pads (5) are fixed inside the cable groove (11) and are respectively arranged between the two end openings (112) and the sheath breaking structure (22); The two second rubber pads (6) are fixed to the upper cover (3), and when the upper cover (3) closes the side opening (111) of the cable groove (11), the first rubber pad (5) and the second rubber pad (6) form a channel (50), which connects to the end opening (112) and is used for the optoelectronic composite cable (100) to pass through.

14. The optoelectronic composite cable splice box according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first rubber pad (5) is U-shaped, and the second rubber pad (6) is strip-shaped. The second rubber pad (6) closes the opening of the first rubber pad (5) so that the first rubber pad (5) and the second rubber pad (6) form the channel (50).

Images