Communication cabinets, complete sets of components for installation in communication cabinets

Abstract

A communication cabinet and a set of components for being added to the communication cabinet are provided. The communication cabinet (100) is used to accommodate communication equipment (110) of a communication network, and the communication cabinet comprises: an electric water pump (140); a water detector (160), wherein the water detector is configured to start the electric water pump when water is detected; a power supply (150) for supplying power to the electric water pump; and a fluid conduit (170) connected to the electric water pump and extending from the inside of the cabinet to the outside of the cabinet through an opening (180) in the cabinet to transport water out of the cabinet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a telecommunication cabinet and a kit of parts for mitigating water damage to telecommunication equipment. Background Art

[0002] A communications cabinet is an important component of a communications network, providing a convenient connection point for the network and may contain multiple individual twisted pair cables for a local loop and multiplexers (such as digital subscriber line access multiplexers) used to connect the twisted pair cables to the main distribution frame.

[0003] Communications cabinets are often located outdoors, so they are exposed to the elements. Communications cabinets are often rather rudimentary, providing little more than an enclosure to protect communications equipment from vandalism and abnormal environmental conditions. However, such cabinets are not usually set up to protect communications equipment from harsher environmental conditions, especially flooding and heavy rain, which can damage communications equipment within the cabinet, resulting in network downtime.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least alleviate the above mentioned problems or their problematic effects. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a communication cabinet is provided, which is used to accommodate communication equipment of a communication network, and the communication cabinet comprises: an electric water pump; a water detector, wherein the water detector is configured to start the electric water pump when water is detected; a power supply for supplying power to the electric water pump; and a fluid conduit, which is connected to the electric water pump and extends from the inside of the cabinet to the outside of the cabinet through an opening in the cabinet to transport water out of the cabinet.

[0006] Preferably, the electric water pump is disposed in the communication cabinet, and more preferably, is completely disposed in the communication cabinet.

[0007] Optionally, the electric water pump is arranged near the floor of the communication cabinet, more preferably on the floor of the communication cabinet, and more preferably at the lowest point of the communication cabinet. Optionally, "close to the floor" means lying on the floor. Optionally, the electric water pump is arranged below the floor of the communication cabinet, for example in a drilled hole through which cables (communication and / or power) are introduced into the cabinet.

[0008] Optionally, the electric water pump is supported at a higher position above the floor of the communication cabinet.Preferably, the water pump is supported near the top of the communication cabinet, more preferably supported at the highest point of the communication cabinet.

[0009] Preferably, the electric water pump is connected to the cabinet and / or the communication equipment through a coupling piece. Preferably, the electric water pump is suspended on the communication cabinet and / or mounted on a wall or a shelf of the cabinet and / or the communication equipment.

[0010] Preferably, the power supply, water detector and / or electric water pump are arranged to be able to press down the communication device. In this way, the additional weight of the power supply, water detector and / or electric water pump may contribute to reducing the buoyancy of the communication device. More preferably, the power supply, water detector and / or electric water pump are coupled and / or engaged to the communication device.

[0011] The communication equipment may include: a multiplexer, such as a digital subscriber line access multiplexer; a line card rack; and / or a copper patch panel.

[0012] Preferably, the telecommunications cabinet further comprises an engagement formation for engaging the conduit to the opening. Optionally, the engagement formation is a friction fit member or a clamp.

[0013] Preferably, the engagement formation comprises a seal for sealing an opening between the cabinet and the duct, thereby facilitating prevention of water from entering the cabinet. Optionally, the duct extends at least partially upwardly above the electric water pump and / or at least partially downwardly below the electric water pump.

[0014] Preferably, the duct includes an inversion extending to the exterior of the cabinet, thereby facilitating prevention of water from entering the cabinet.The inversion may be "U-shaped".

[0015] Preferably, the communication cabinet further comprises a ventilation opening and a seal that seals the ventilation opening to facilitate preventing water from entering the cabinet through the ventilation opening. Preferably, the seal is removable. Preferably, the seal is in the form of a diaphragm or a plug. Preferably, the seal comprises a joint for engaging with the communication cabinet, and more preferably, the joint is in the form of: a friction fitting, an adhesive; and / or a magnetic coupling. Preferably, the seal is waterproof. Preferably, the seal is formed of plastic or rubber. Preferably, the communication cabinet comprises a plurality of seals, each seal being used to seal a plurality of vents of the communication cabinet. Preferably, the seal is arranged to seal at least one but not all ventilation openings of the cabinet, thereby limiting rather than completely preventing water from flowing into the cabinet. Preferably, the seal is arranged to seal the lowest vent of the communication cabinet. Preferably, at least one ventilation opening of the communication cabinet is not sealed. Preferably, the opening is a ventilation opening of the cabinet. Preferably, the "vent opening" described herein means a structure used as a vent before the conduit is installed in the vent.

[0016] Optionally, the power source is further configured to supply power to the water detector. Alternatively, the power source is a battery.

[0017] Preferably, the communication cabinet also includes another power supply for powering the communication equipment, wherein the water detector and / or the water pump communicates (electrically) with the other power supply, and wherein the water detector and / or the water pump is configured to deactivate the other power supply when the water detector and / or the water pump is activated.

[0018] Preferably, the water pump, the water detector and / or the power supply are powered by (or can be powered by) another power supply (instead of or in addition to the power supply). Optionally, the another power supply is a mains power supply.

[0019] Preferably, the telecommunication cabinet further comprises an electrical adapter for adjusting the electrical output of another power source so that the electrical output is compatible with powering the water pump, the water detector and / or the power source.

[0020] Preferably, the communication cabinet further comprises a controller, wherein the controller is in communication with the water pump, the water detector, the power supply and the communication device; wherein the controller is configured to send an alarm to a (optionally, predetermined) network location via the communication device based on input from the water pump, the water detector and / or the power supply. Preferably, the input is: starting and / or deactivating the water pump and / or the water detector; failure of the water pump, the water detector and / or the power supply; and / or exhaustion of the power supply. Preferably, the (optionally, predetermined) network location is an operator of a communication network associated with the communication device.

[0021] Preferably, the power source is further electronically coupled to the communication device to power the communication device, and more preferably to power the communication device in the event that another power source fails or is disabled.

[0022] Preferably, the communication cabinet further comprises a circuit breaker for the another power source, and wherein the water detector is connected to the circuit breaker to activate the circuit breaker in response to the water detector detecting water to stop power supply to the communication device.

[0023] Preferably, the water detector is in the form of an electrical and / or mechanical water detector, and optionally a float switch.Preferably, the water detector is in mechanical and / or electrical contact with the water pump to activate the water pump.

[0024] Preferably, the communication cabinet is located above the ground. Preferably, the floor of the communication cabinet is located at or above the ground plane. Preferably, the communication cabinet is arranged so that the communication equipment is at and / or above the ground plane.

[0025] Preferably, the telecommunication cabinet is located outdoors, and preferably, the telecommunication cabinet is not shaded.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a set of components for being added to a communication cabinet, the communication cabinet being a communication device of a communication network, the set of components comprising: an electric water pump; a water detector; a power supply for supplying power to the electric water pump; an electrical connector for connecting the electric water pump to the water detector to start the electric water pump when water is detected, and for connecting the electric water pump to the power supply to supply power to the electric water pump; and a fluid conduit for being connected to the electric water pump and extending from the inside of the cabinet to the outside of the cabinet through an opening in the cabinet to transport water out of the cabinet.

[0027] The invention includes any novel aspects described and / or illustrated herein. The invention also extends to methods and / or apparatus substantially as described herein and / or as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is also provided as a computer program and / or computer program product for performing any method described herein and / or implementing any device feature described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for performing any method described herein and / or for embodying any device feature described herein. Functions described as being implemented in hardware may also be implemented in software, and vice versa.

[0028] The present invention also provides a method for sending a signal, and a computer product with an operating system supporting a computer program, wherein the computer program is used to execute any method described herein and / or to embody any device feature described herein.

[0029] Any apparatus feature may also be provided as a corresponding step of a method, and vice versa.As used herein, means-plus-function features may alternatively be expressed in terms of their corresponding structure, for example as a suitably programmed processor.

[0030] Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention in any appropriate combination. Any, some and / or all features in one aspect may be applied to any, some and / or all features in any other aspect in any appropriate combination. Specific combinations of various features described and defined in any aspect of the invention may be independently implemented and / or provided and / or used.

[0031] As used throughout, unless otherwise specified, the word "or" may be construed as exclusive and / or inclusive.

[0032] The present invention extends to a telecommunications cabinet and kit as herein described and / or substantially as shown in the accompanying drawings. The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 and Figure 2A telecommunications cabinet incorporating a water protection system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Communications outside line equipment is shown in the form of a communications cabinet 100. The cabinet houses communications equipment 110 which forms part of a communications network.

[0035] The communication equipment 110 accommodated in the cabinet includes: a twisted pair insulation displacement connector (IDC) block 110-1, an optical fiber cable 110-2, and a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) 110-3. The cabinet also includes a power supply 130 for supplying power to at least the DSLAM 110-3.

[0036] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cabinets shown are typically located outdoors and are therefore exposed to adverse weather conditions, including flooding (such as heavy rain or melting snow).

[0037] However, the cabinet is not sealed, so water above a certain depth on the ground may enter the cabinet. It is advantageous, and may even be necessary, for the cabinet not to be fluid-tight to allow ventilation of the electronic equipment within the cabinet so that the cabinet is not buoyant (which could cause the cabinet to rise and thereby displace cables or electrical equipment, resulting in network downtime).

[0038] The cabinet 100 is therefore equipped with a water protection system which in turn comprises a water pump 140 powered by a power source in the form of a battery 150 connected thereto, a water detector 160 and a duct system 170 for draining water out of the cabinet.

[0039] The water detector 160 is configured to detect water entering the cabinet and is coupled to the water pump 140 to trigger activation of the water pump upon detecting the presence of water within the cabinet, particularly upon detecting water exceeding a threshold depth within the cabinet.

[0040] The water detector 160 is in the form of a mechanical (eg, a float or displacement switch) or electronic (eg, a capacitive or conductive sensor) water detector.

[0041] To provide early indication of flooding within the cabinet, a water detector 160 is mounted on or near the floor of the cabinet.

[0042] If the water detector is operated mechanically, the water detector is mechanically coupled to the water pump (eg, via a push rod, not shown) to actuate an electronic switch (also not shown) that is part of the water pump.

[0043] When the water detector is electronically operated, the water detector is electronically coupled to the water pump (e.g., by wires, not shown) to activate the water pump. In the example where the water detector 160 is actively powered, it is also electrically coupled to the battery 150 to be powered from the battery 150.

[0044] The water detector 160 is further configured to deactivate the water pump upon detecting the absence of water in the cabinet, particularly upon detecting water below a threshold depth in the cabinet.

[0045] In order to prevent the water detector 160 from being displaced due to flooding, the water detector 160 is pressed down or fixed to the cabinet or a portion thereof.

[0046] The water pump 140 is coupled to the conduit system 170 to pump water through the conduit system. A first conduit 170-1 is connected to a fluid input of the water pump, and the first conduit is disposed on or near the floor of the cabinet.

[0047] The second conduit 170 - 1 is connected to the fluid output of the water pump 140 and extends to an elevated position above the first conduit and the water pump and near the top of the cabinet to help ensure drainage above flood level.

[0048] The conduit system 170 comprises conduits suitable for conveying water at relatively low pressures and are most suitably formed from plastic.

[0049] A through hole 180 is provided in the wall of the cabinet through which the second conduit 170-2 passes, thereby allowing water to drain from the inside of the cabinet to the outside of the cabinet. For example, the second conduit is fixed to the cabinet around the through hole by a friction fit or a clamping member, and any gap between the through hole and the second conduit is sealed to prevent rainwater from entering. Figure 2 As shown, the second duct ends at the outside of the through hole outside the cabinet using an inverted portion, thereby preventing water from flowing into the cabinet through the second duct.

[0050] exist Figure 1 In the example of FIG, the pump is elevated from the floor of the cabinet; this arrangement may facilitate protection of the pump and its electrical equipment from flood damage because the pump and its electronics are not submersible.

[0051] exist Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the water pump is arranged to press down the DSLAM 110-3 by placing (or fixing) the water pump on a shelf coupled to the DSLAM 110-3; in this way, the buoyancy of the DSLAM is reduced by the weight of the water pump.

[0052] In one example, the water pump is capable of pumping at least 250 liters / hour (l / hr), 1000 liters / hour, 2000 liters / hour, 3000 liters / hour or 5000 liters / hour. In one example, the water pump is powered by a voltage up to 2.5 volts (V), 6 volts or 12 volts.

[0053] The battery 150 is arranged at a high position within the cabinet to prevent damage caused by flooding.

[0054] Like the water pump, the battery is also configured to press down on the DSLAM 110-3 by placing (or securing) the battery on a shelf coupled to the DSLAM 110-3, thereby helping to reduce its buoyancy.

[0055] In one example, the battery and its electrical connections are configured to be IP68 rated using a marine fuse. In one example, the battery is rated at at least 10 ampere hours (Ah), at least 15 ampere hours, or at least 20 ampere hours. In one example, the battery is a lead-acid battery.

[0056] In one example, the battery is electrically coupled to the power source 130 , in which way the battery can be charged by the power source, thereby reducing maintenance costs. In the case where the battery is configured to be charged by the power source, the battery is equipped with an appropriate adapter to convert power from the power source 130 .

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown (for the sake of brevity, Figure 1 (omitted in the figure), the communication cabinet 100 is equipped with a plurality of ventilation holes 190 to allow heat to escape. However, due to the size of these holes, the ventilation openings may allow a large amount of water to enter the cabinet.

[0058] In order to reduce the ingress of water into the cabinet, the telecommunication cabinet 100 is equipped with a sealing member 200 for providing a waterproof seal over the vents 190, thereby preventing rain water from entering through such sealed vents.

[0059] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the sealing member 200 includes a waterproof membrane 200-1 for covering the ventilation hole 190 and a watertight connector 200-2 for connecting the waterproof membrane to the communication cabinet 100 and forming a seal with the communication cabinet. Specifically, the waterproof membrane 200-1 is in the form of a plastic sheet (such as Figure 2 The watertight connector 200-2 is in the form of a waterproof tape, a magnetic connector or an electrostatic connector. To form a seal, the watertight connector 200-2 is arranged around the entire perimeter of the waterproof membrane 200-1.

[0060] However, while it is desirable to prevent water from entering the telecommunications cabinet by completely sealing the cabinet, doing so may cause the cabinet to reach unacceptable temperatures and may also increase the cabinet's buoyancy, thereby damaging the cabinet's base on the ground or lifting the cabinet entirely. Therefore, the sealing member 200 is only used to cover a portion of the vent 190 that is expected to experience flooding; thus, the partial sealing of the vent will limit but not completely prevent water from entering the cabinet.

[0061] When flooding is expected, the waterproof membrane 200-1 is adhered to the cabinet through the watertight connector 200-2, and the sealing member is installed as a part of the cabinet.

[0062] The watertight coupling 200-2 is a removable coupling, so that once the flood water subsides, the waterproof membrane 200-1 can be removed.

[0063] In one example, the water detector 160 is coupled to the power supply 130 to trip the power supply 130 upon detection of water within the cabinet; this safety feature facilitates reducing the risk of electric shock and damage to the power supply or communication device 110. When the water detector 160 detects the absence of water, the water detector 160 is configured to restart the power supply. To perform this deactivation and activation of the power supply, the water detector is electrically coupled to a controller (not shown) of the power supply, or is physically coupled to drive an on-off switch of the power supply.

[0064] In one example, a water detector 160 is coupled to the communication device 110. Upon detecting water within the cabinet, the water detector is configured by an appropriate processor to transmit to a control center via the communication device 110 to issue an alarm that water has been detected within the cabinet. This may facilitate flood alarms and cabinet maintenance.

[0065] Furthermore, the pump and / or battery may also be adapted to be connected to a communication device, thereby sending information about the performance of the pump and / or battery to a control center, which may also facilitate maintenance of the cabinet.

[0066] In one example, the cabinet 100 is a Huawei RTM 96, H100 128 or 288 cabinet, ECI Telecom RTM 128 or 256 cabinets or PCP 5, 6 or 7 cabinets.

[0067] Alternatives and Modifications

[0068] In an alternative example, the water detector is provided integrally as part of the water pump.

[0069] In one example, the first conduit 170 - 1 is weighted or coupled to a fixed member and / or the communication device 110 within the cabinet to prevent being lifted by flood water.

[0070] In an alternative, the water pump 140 and / or the water detector 160 are powered directly by the power source 130, rather than by the battery 150. In this example, the water pump 140 and / or the water detector 160 are provided with a suitable adapter for converting the power from the power source 130.

[0071] In an alternative example, the water pump is provided as a submersible pump; this allows the water pump to be located lower in the cabinet, the water pump can be located on the floor of the cabinet, thereby allowing the water pump to be located substantially at the same location as the water detector. In this example, the first conduit 170-1 is optional (or forms part of the water pump).

[0072] The various features disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

[0073] The reference numerals are used for illustrative purposes only and have no limiting effect on the scope of protection.

Claims

1. A communication cabinet, the communication cabinet is used to accommodate communication equipment of a communication network, the communication cabinet include: Electric water pump; a water detector, wherein the water detector is configured to activate the electric water pump upon detecting water; a power source for supplying power to the electric water pump; and a fluid conduit coupled to the electric water pump and extending from the interior of the communications cabinet to the exterior of the communications cabinet through an opening in the communications cabinet to transport water out of the communications cabinet, Wherein, the power supply, the water detector and / or the electric water pump are configured to press down the communication device when the communication device is accommodated in the communication cabinet to reduce the buoyancy of the communication device.

2. The communication cabinet according to claim 1, in, The electric water pump is arranged in the communication cabinet.

3. The communication cabinet according to claim 1 or 2, in, The electric water pump is arranged near the floor of the communication cabinet.

4. The communication cabinet according to claim 1, in, The electric water pump is supported at a high position above the floor of the communication cabinet.

5. The communication cabinet according to claim 1, in, The electric water pump is coupled to the communication cabinet and / or the communication equipment via a coupling member.

6. The communication cabinet according to claim 1, in, The water pump is configured to pump at least 250 litres per hour.

7. The telecommunications cabinet of claim 1, further comprising an engagement formation for engaging the conduit to the opening.

8. The communication cabinet according to claim 7, in, The engagement formation includes a seal for sealing the opening between the telecommunications cabinet and the conduit to facilitate preventing water from entering the telecommunications cabinet.

9. The communication cabinet according to claim 1, in, The conduit includes an inverted portion where the conduit extends to the exterior of the telecommunications cabinet, thereby facilitating prevention of water from entering the telecommunications cabinet.

10. The communication cabinet according to claim 1, in, The telecommunications cabinet also includes a ventilation opening and a seal that seals the ventilation opening to facilitate preventing water from entering the telecommunications cabinet through the ventilation opening.

11. The communication cabinet according to claim 10, in, The seal is configured to seal a lowermost vent of the telecommunications cabinet.

12. The communication cabinet according to claim 10, in, At least one ventilation opening of the telecommunications cabinet is unsealed.

13. The communication cabinet according to claim 1, in, The opening is a ventilation opening of the cabinet.

14. The communication cabinet according to claim 1, in, The communication cabinet also includes another power supply for powering the communication equipment, wherein the water detector and / or the water pump communicates with the other power supply, and wherein the water detector and / or the water pump are configured to deactivate the other power supply when the water detector and / or the water pump are activated.

15. The communication cabinet according to claim 1, in, The communication cabinet further comprises another power supply for supplying power to the communication equipment, wherein the water pump, the water detector and / or the power supply are powered by the another power supply.

16. The communication cabinet according to claim 15, in, The telecommunication cabinet further comprises an electrical adapter for adjusting the electrical output of the other power source so that the electrical output is compatible with powering the water pump, the water detector and / or the power source.

17. The telecommunications cabinet of claim 14, further comprising a circuit breaker for the other power source, and in, The water detector is connected to the circuit breaker to activate the circuit breaker in response to the water detector detecting water, thereby stopping the power supply from the other power source to the communication device.

18. The communication cabinet of claim 1, further comprising a controller, wherein the controller communicates with the water pump, the water detector, the power supply, and the communication device; in, The controller is configured to send an alarm to a predetermined network location via the communication device based on input from the water pump, the water detector and / or the power source.

19. The communication cabinet according to claim 1, in, The power source is further electronically coupled to the communication device to provide power to the communication device.

20. The communication cabinet according to claim 1, in, The water detector is in the form of an electric water detector or a float switch.

21. The communication cabinet according to claim 1, in, The communication cabinet is located above the ground.

22. The communication cabinet according to claim 1, in, The communication cabinet is located outdoors.

23. A set of components for installation in a communication cabinet, the communication cabinet is used to accommodate communication equipment of a communication network, the set of components include: Electric water pump; Water detector; a power source for supplying power to the electric water pump; an electrical connector for connecting the electric water pump to the water detector to activate the electric water pump when water is detected, and for connecting the electric water pump to the power supply to supply power to the electric water pump; as well as a fluid conduit coupled to the electric water pump and extending from an interior of the communications cabinet to an exterior of the communications cabinet through an opening in the communications cabinet to convey water out of the communications cabinet, Wherein, the power supply, the water detector and / or the electric water pump are configured to press down the communication device when the communication device is accommodated in the communication cabinet to reduce the buoyancy of the communication device.

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