Combined fiber distribution box

Abstract

The invention discloses a combined type fiber distribution box. The fiber distribution box mainly comprises a box body, a split type fiber inlet mechanism and a sealing assembly, a fiber melting disc and a fiber winding disc are arranged in the box body; the split type fiber inlet mechanism is composed of two detachably connected fiber inlet shells, and a sealing groove is formed in the inner side of the joint face of the fiber inlet shells. The sealing assembly is arranged in the sealing groove and is provided with a central through hole matched with the outer diameter of the optical cable; when the two shells are connected, the sealing assembly tightly holds and seals the penetrating optical cable. Based on the maintenance method of the fiber distribution box, the replacement of the fiber distribution box can be completed through the steps of loosening the shell, moving out the optical cable, placing a new box and re-locking on the premise of not interrupting the service. The problems that optical cables need to be laid again, services need to be interrupted and optical fibers need to be welded again when an existing fiber distribution box is replaced are solved, and the advantages of being high in installation and maintenance efficiency, low in cost and high in customer satisfaction degree are achieved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of optical communication network equipment, and particularly relates to a combined fiber distribution box. BACKGROUND

[0002] In an optical communication network, a fiber distribution box is a key access point device for the introduction, distribution, fusion and storage of optical cables. In the prior art, the fiber distribution box is usually manufactured by one-piece pouring forming, and the fiber inlet is fixedly connected with the box body. This design is relatively simple at the initial installation, but in the long-term use process, the fiber distribution box is prone to cause the sealing performance to decrease due to environmental factors (such as rain, snow, wind and fog) or physical damage, causing the optical fiber light attenuation to increase, the transmission quality to deteriorate, and even the service to be interrupted. When the damaged fiber distribution box is replaced by the operation and maintenance unit, the following outstanding problems are faced: Optical cable re-laying: the optical cable fixed on the wall or the wire pole needs to be disassembled and re-laid, which consumes a large amount of manpower and materials.

[0003] Service interruption: the optical cable must be cut off during the replacement process, which causes the user service to be interrupted and affects the customer satisfaction.

[0004] Re-fusion of optical fiber: the optical fiber entering the box needs to be cut off and re-fused, which causes high fusion cost and time cost.

[0005] Low replacement efficiency: the overall replacement process is complex, which drags the operation and maintenance speed and cannot quickly restore the service.

[0006] The above problems are rooted in the one-piece structure of the existing fiber distribution box, so that the fiber inlet cannot be flexibly adapted or replaced alone. Although some improved designs try to enhance the sealing performance, they do not solve the problems of the detachable and adaptability of the split-type fiber inlet. Therefore, a new type of fiber distribution box is urgently needed, which can realize quick replacement without interrupting the service and reduce the maintenance cost. SUMMARY

[0007] In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the purpose of the present application is to provide a combined fiber distribution box to solve the problems in the background art.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, a specific embodiment of the present invention provides a combined fiber distribution box, including a box body, a split fiber inlet mechanism, and at least one sealing component. The box body contains a fiber fusion tray and a fiber winding tray. The split fiber inlet mechanism includes a first fiber inlet housing and a second fiber inlet housing, which are symmetrically arranged along a joint surface and detachably connected, together forming at least one fiber inlet channel for optical cables to pass through. Corresponding sealing grooves are provided on the inner sides of the joint surfaces of the first and second fiber inlet housings. The sealing component is disposed within the sealing grooves and has a central through hole. The inner diameter of the central through hole is adapted to the outer diameter of the optical cable to be inserted, for gripping and sealing the optical cable when the first and second fiber inlet housings are connected.

[0009] An embodiment of this application provides a modular fiber distribution box that, through a split fiber feeding mechanism design, enables rapid sealing of optical cables and convenient replacement of the fiber distribution box, effectively solving problems such as service interruption and re-splicing.

[0010] In addition, the combined fiber distribution box proposed above according to this application may also have the following additional technical features: In one embodiment of this application, the first fiber inlet housing and the second fiber inlet housing are detachably connected by a plurality of fasteners, the fasteners being screws that pass through connecting lugs respectively provided on the first fiber inlet housing and the second fiber inlet housing and are fixed by threaded holes.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the sealing component is an elastic sealing ring, and the elastic sealing ring is made of rubber; the cross-section of the sealing groove is either semi-circular or rectangular, and the two symmetrical sealing grooves together form a complete cavity to accommodate the elastic sealing ring after the first fiber inlet housing and the second fiber inlet housing are connected.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the cross-sectional shape of the fiber inlet channel is either circular or rectangular; the split fiber inlet mechanism is disposed on the side wall of the housing.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, the first fiber inlet housing and the second fiber inlet housing are provided with guide ramps near the fiber inlet channel entrance to guide the optical cable to pass through smoothly.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, the housing is further provided with an optical fiber fixing seat for fixing the optical fiber pigtails led out from the fusion splicing tray; the fiber winding tray is coaxially disposed on one side of the fusion splicing tray for winding and storing redundant optical fibers.

[0015] In one embodiment of this application, there are multiple split-type fiber feeding mechanisms, which are respectively arranged at different positions of the housing for introducing optical cables with different directions and functions.

[0016] A method for maintaining an optical fiber network, using the aforementioned combined fiber distribution box, includes the step of replacing the fiber distribution box: Without interrupting the optical cable transmission, loosen the fasteners of the split fiber inlet mechanism on the old fiber distribution box to be replaced, so that the first fiber inlet shell and the second fiber inlet shell are separated. Remove the optical cable and the sealing assembly from the old fiber distribution box; The removed optical cable is placed into the fiber inlet channel of the split-type fiber inlet mechanism of the new fiber distribution box; The first fiber inlet housing and the second fiber inlet housing are aligned and locked with the fasteners, and the sealing assembly is used to seal and fix the optical cable. The excess length of the optical cable inside the new fiber distribution box is coiled onto the fiber winding reel, and the box is then sealed.

[0017] The advantages of this invention compared to existing technologies are: (1) The split design allows for direct replacement of the enclosure without the need to re-lay optical cables or interrupt services, thus improving operation and maintenance efficiency.

[0018] (2) Avoid re-splicing of optical fibers, reducing material waste and labor costs.

[0019] (3) The elastic sealing ring is adapted to different optical cable sizes, enhancing environmental adaptability.

[0020] (4) The simplified process aligns with the concept of sustainable development and is applicable to various optical fiber network scenarios.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a combined fiber distribution box according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the split-type fiber feeding mechanism of a combined fiber distribution box in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure One ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the split-type fiber feeding mechanism of a combined fiber distribution box in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure Two ; Figure 4 The present invention relates to an integrated housing that addresses a prior art problem of a combined fiber distribution box in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the structural connection relationship of a combined fiber distribution box assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the optical cable network maintenance method of a combined fiber distribution box in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Housing; 2. Split-type fiber inlet mechanism; 3. Sealing assembly; 4. Fiber fusion tray; 5. Fiber winding tray; 6. Optical cable; 7. Fiber optic mounting base; 21. First fiber inlet housing; 22. Second fiber inlet housing; 23. Fiber inlet channel; 24. Sealing groove. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a combined fiber distribution box, mainly comprising a box body 1, a split-type fiber inlet mechanism 2, and at least one sealing component 3. The box body 1 is typically made of metal or engineering plastic, possessing sufficient mechanical strength and weather resistance to adapt to outdoor environments. The box body 1 contains a fiber splicing tray 4 and a fiber winding tray 5 for fiber splicing, fixing, and redundant storage. The split-type fiber inlet mechanism 2 is located on the side wall of the box body 1 for the introduction and sealing of the optical cable 6. The sealing component 3 ensures waterproof and dustproof performance at the fiber inlet.

[0027] In one embodiment of this application, the housing 1 is the main structure of the fiber distribution box, and its internal space is optimized to accommodate the fusion splice tray 4, the fiber winding tray 5, and other auxiliary components. The size of the housing 1 can be customized according to actual needs, for example, it is suitable for optical cables of different capacities such as 12 cores, 24 cores, and 48 cores. The housing 1 is usually rectangular or circular in design, and the side walls are provided with mounting holes for easy fixing to a wall or pole. The door of the housing 1 is hinged and equipped with a lock to protect the internal components. The housing 1 also has an optical fiber fixing seat 7, which is located near the fusion splice tray 4 and is used to fix the optical fiber pigtails leading out from the fusion splice tray 4 to prevent the optical fiber from becoming loose or damaged.

[0028] In one embodiment of this application, the fusion splice tray 4 is fixed inside the housing 1 for fiber splicing and distribution. The fusion splice tray 4 adopts a multi-layer stacked design, with each layer having splice holes and fixing clips to facilitate fiber splicing and fixing. The fiber winding tray 5 is coaxially disposed on one side of the fusion splice tray 4 for winding and storing redundant fiber. The winding radius of the fiber winding tray 5 is larger than the minimum bending radius of the fiber to prevent fiber damage. Both the fusion splice tray 4 and the fiber winding tray 5 are made of plastic or metal, making them lightweight and durable.

[0029] In one embodiment of this application, the split-type fiber inlet mechanism 2 is the core improvement of the invention, including a first fiber inlet housing 21 and a second fiber inlet housing 22. The first fiber inlet housing 21 and the second fiber inlet housing 22 are symmetrically arranged along a mating surface and are detachably connected. Together, they enclose at least one fiber inlet channel 23. The cross-sectional shape of the fiber inlet channel 23 can be circular or rectangular to accommodate optical cables 6 with different shapes. The size of the fiber inlet channel 23 can be adjusted according to the outer diameter of the optical cable 6. For example, for an optical cable with an outer diameter of 10mm to 20mm, the inner diameter of the fiber inlet channel 23 can be designed to be 12mm to 22mm.

[0030] The first fiber inlet housing 21 and the second fiber inlet housing 22 are provided with guide ramps near the entrance of the fiber inlet channel 23. These ramps are smooth arc-shaped or conical structures, used to guide the optical cable 6 to pass through smoothly and reduce frictional resistance during cable insertion. The inner side of the joint surface of the first fiber inlet housing 21 and the second fiber inlet housing 22 is provided with corresponding sealing grooves 24. The cross-section of the sealing grooves 24 is semi-circular or rectangular. The two symmetrical sealing grooves 24 together form a complete cavity after the first fiber inlet housing 21 and the second fiber inlet housing 22 are connected, which is used to accommodate the sealing assembly 3.

[0031] In one embodiment of this application, the sealing component 3 is disposed within the sealing groove 24 and is an elastic sealing ring, preferably made of rubber (such as silicone rubber or nitrile rubber), which has good elasticity and aging resistance. The sealing component 3 has a central through hole, the inner diameter of which is adapted to the outer diameter of the optical cable 6 to be inserted. For example, for an optical cable with an outer diameter of 12 mm, the inner diameter of the central through hole can be designed to be 11 mm to 13 mm to ensure that the optical cable 6 is tightly sealed during shell connection. The sealing component 3 can generate radial deformation under compression, tightly wrapping the surface of the optical cable 6 to achieve dynamic sealing.

[0032] In one embodiment of this application, the first fiber inlet housing 21 and the second fiber inlet housing 22 are detachably connected by a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners are screws, which pass through connecting lugs respectively provided on the first fiber inlet housing 21 and the second fiber inlet housing 22, and are fixed through threaded holes. The connecting lugs are protruding structures with through holes, and the threaded holes are provided on the corresponding housings. The number of screws is generally 2 to 4, evenly distributed to ensure balanced pressure. When the screws are tightened, the first fiber inlet housing 21 and the second fiber inlet housing 22 gradually move closer together, compressing the sealing assembly 3 to form a seal.

[0033] In one embodiment of this application, there may be multiple separate fiber insertion mechanisms 2, each located at different positions (such as the top, bottom, or side wall) of the housing 1, for introducing optical cables 6 with different directions and functions. For example, one fiber insertion mechanism is used to introduce the trunk optical cable, and another is used to introduce the branch optical cable. This design improves the flexibility and applicability of the fiber distribution box.

[0034] Example 1: Assembly and working principle of modular fiber distribution box During assembly, first place the sealing component 3 into the sealing groove 24 of the first fiber inlet housing 21 or the second fiber inlet housing 22. Then, pass the optical cable 6 through the fiber inlet channel 23, using the guide bevel for assistance. Next, align the first fiber inlet housing 21 and the second fiber inlet housing 22, ensuring that the center through hole of the sealing component 3 is aligned with the optical cable 6. Tighten the connecting lugs with screws to ensure a tight connection between the housings, compressing and holding the optical cable 6 with the sealing component 3, forming a reliable seal. Finally, introduce the optical cable 6 into the housing 1, with the excess length coiled on the fiber winding reel 5. After fiber splicing, fix it to the splicing reel 4 and the fiber fixing seat 7.

[0035] Working principle: The split design allows for individual disassembly of the fiber feeding mechanism, and the sealing component 3 can be adapted to optical cables of different sizes. When the environment changes or the optical cable is under stress, the elasticity of the sealing component 3 can compensate for minor displacements and maintain sealing performance. The fiber fusion tray 4 and fiber winding tray 5 inside the housing 1 ensure orderly management of optical fibers and reduce signal loss.

[0036] Example 2: Fiber Optic Network Maintenance Methods This invention also provides a method for maintaining an optical fiber network, using the aforementioned combined fiber distribution box, including the step of replacing the fiber distribution box. This method can be performed without interrupting optical fiber transmission, and the specific process is as follows: Preparation: Ensure the new fiber distribution box matches the old one in specifications, and that all tools (such as screwdrivers and fiber optic clamps) are ready. Before operation, check the connectivity of fiber optic cable 6 to confirm normal service.

[0037] Loosen the fiber inlet mechanism of the old fiber distribution box: Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws of the split fiber inlet mechanism 2 counterclockwise, so that the first fiber inlet housing 21 and the second fiber inlet housing 22 are separated. Handle with care during operation to avoid damaging the optical cable 6.

[0038] Remove the optical cable and sealing assembly: Slowly pull the optical cable 6 out of the fiber inlet channel 23 of the old fiber distribution box, while ensuring that the sealing assembly 3 remains attached to the optical cable 6. If the sealing assembly 3 is worn out, it can be replaced with a new sealing ring.

[0039] Inserting into the new fiber distribution box: Place the removed optical cable 6 into the fiber inlet channel 23 of the split-type fiber inlet mechanism 2 of the new fiber distribution box. Use the guide ramp to guide the optical cable 6 through, ensuring that the optical cable 6 is straight and without twist.

[0040] Fiber inlet locking mechanism: Align the first fiber inlet housing 21 and the second fiber inlet housing 22 so that the sealing component 3 is embedded in the sealing groove 24. Tighten the screw clockwise to apply uniform pressure until the sealing component 3 is fully compressed and holds the optical cable 6. Check the seal; it is secure if there is no looseness.

[0041] Coiling excess fiber and sealing the enclosure: Coil the excess length of optical cable 6 in the new fiber distribution box clockwise onto the fiber winding reel 5, maintaining a bending radius greater than 40mm during coiling. Fix the fiber optic pigtail to the fiber optic mounting base 7, and place the fusion splice on the fusion splice tray 4. Finally, close and lock the door of enclosure 1.

[0042] Testing and verification: After maintenance, optical fiber loss was tested using an optical time domain reflectometer to confirm that the transmission quality had not deteriorated.

[0043] This method simplifies the replacement process, eliminating the need to cut or re-splice the fiber optic cable, saving time and costs. Throughout the entire process, fiber optic cable 6 remains connected, ensuring zero service interruption.

[0044] The technical solution in the above-described embodiments of this application adopts a combined fiber distribution box including a housing 1, a split fiber inlet mechanism 2, and a sealing component 3. The split fiber inlet mechanism 2 is formed by a first fiber inlet housing 21 and a second fiber inlet housing 22 detachably connected to form a fiber inlet channel 23. The sealing component 3 is used to hold and seal the optical cable 6. This achieves the goal of not needing to re-lay the optical cable when replacing the fiber distribution box, not interrupting user services, avoiding fiber re-splicing, thereby significantly improving installation and maintenance efficiency, reducing costs and resource waste, and enhancing user satisfaction.

[0045] Obviously, the above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present invention fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, the present invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A modular fiber distribution box, characterized in that, It includes a housing (1), a split fiber feeding mechanism (2), and at least one sealing component (3), wherein, The box (1) is equipped with a fiber melting tray (4) and a fiber winding tray (5). The split fiber inlet mechanism (2) includes a first fiber inlet housing (21) and a second fiber inlet housing (22). The first fiber inlet housing (21) and the second fiber inlet housing (22) are symmetrically arranged along a joint surface and detachably connected, together forming at least one fiber inlet channel (23) for the optical cable (6) to pass through. The first fiber inlet housing (21) and the second fiber inlet housing (22) are respectively provided with corresponding sealing grooves (24) on the inner side of their mating surfaces. The sealing component (3) is disposed in the sealing groove (24). The sealing component (3) has a central through hole. The inner diameter of the central through hole is adapted to the outer diameter of the optical cable (6) to be inserted, and is used to hold and seal the optical cable (6) when the first fiber inlet housing (21) and the second fiber inlet housing (22) are connected.

2. The combined fiber distribution box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fiber inlet housing (21) and the second fiber inlet housing (22) are detachably connected by a plurality of fasteners, which are screws that pass through connecting ears respectively provided on the first fiber inlet housing (21) and the second fiber inlet housing (22) and are fixed by threaded holes.

3. A combined fiber distribution box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing component (3) is an elastic sealing ring, and the material of the elastic sealing ring is rubber; the cross-section of the sealing groove (24) is either semi-circular or rectangular, and the two symmetrical sealing grooves (24) together form a complete cavity to accommodate the elastic sealing ring after the first fiber inlet housing (21) and the second fiber inlet housing (22) are connected.

4. A combined fiber distribution box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the fiber inlet channel (23) is either circular or rectangular; the split fiber inlet mechanism (2) is located on the side wall of the housing (1).

5. A combined fiber distribution box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fiber inlet housing (21) and the second fiber inlet housing (22) are provided with guide ramps near the entrance of the fiber inlet channel (23) to guide the optical cable (6) to pass smoothly.

6. A combined fiber distribution box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) is also provided with an optical fiber fixing seat (7) for fixing the optical fiber pigtails led out from the fusion splice tray (4); the fiber winding tray (5) is coaxially located on one side of the fusion splice tray (4) for winding and storing redundant optical fibers.

7. A combined fiber distribution box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the split fiber feeding mechanism (2) is multiple, and they are respectively set at different positions in the box (1) for introducing optical cables (6) with different directions and functions.

8. A method for maintaining an optical fiber network, using a combined fiber distribution box as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Including the steps for replacing the fiber distribution box: Without interrupting the optical cable transmission, loosen the fasteners of the split fiber inlet mechanism (2) on the old fiber distribution box to be replaced, so that the first fiber inlet housing (21) and the second fiber inlet housing (22) are separated. Take out the optical cable (6) and the sealing assembly (3) together from the old fiber distribution box; Place the removed optical cable (6) into the fiber inlet channel (23) of the split fiber inlet mechanism (2) of the new fiber distribution box; The first fiber inlet housing (21) and the second fiber inlet housing (22) are aligned and locked with the fasteners, and the sealing assembly (3) is used to seal and fix the optical cable (6). The excess length of the optical cable (6) in the new fiber distribution box is coiled onto the fiber winding reel (5), and the box body (1) is closed.

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