Optical fiber cable searching equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of cable searching equipment, in particular to optical fiber cable searching equipment. The probe comprises a photoelectric detector, a limiting structure, a shell, an analyzer and an optical filter, the photoelectric detector is arranged in the shell, the limiting structure is arranged on the lower portion of the shell, and the analyzer and the optical filter are arranged between the limiting structure and the photoelectric detector. The device provided by the utility model can measure whether business light exists in a target optical cable or not without pulling out an optical fiber connector, and can inspect the transmission direction of an optical signal in the optical cable and the frequency of optical power change of the optical signal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a cable searching equipment field, especially to a fiber cable searching equipment. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the continuous expansion of the scale of the optical fiber network, the number and complexity of the optical fiber cables also increase, which brings great challenges to the maintenance and management of the optical fiber network. In actual operation, technicians often need to quickly and accurately locate and identify specific optical fiber cables to ensure the normal operation and troubleshooting of the network.

[0003] As shown in Figure 10 The composition of the fiber jumper includes two parts of the fiber connector (A and B) and the optical cable. In the communication room and data center, there is often a situation that the fiber connector A is located in cabinet 1 and the fiber connector B is located in cabinet 2. The cabinet 1 and the cabinet 2 are generally separated by several meters to several hundred meters. Since the wiring quantity in the room and the data center is large and chaotic, when the position of the fiber connector A is known and the fiber connector B needs to be found, it becomes a time-consuming and difficult task. For the built room and data center, the fiber connector is often plugged into the equipment in the room, and it is not clear whether there is a business light inside the fiber connector A. If there is a business light in the equipment in the room, the fiber connector A cannot be pulled out (which will cause the business to be disconnected) to search for the cable.

[0004] The traditional optical fiber cable searching method usually relies on manual visual inspection or the use of a simple optical power meter for measurement. However, these methods have many limitations. First, manual visual inspection is not only inefficient, but also prone to errors, especially in complex optical fiber networks. Second, the traditional optical power meter can only detect the optical power value of the optical signal by removing the fiber connector and plugging it into the optical power meter device, but it cannot provide detailed information such as the transmission direction of the optical signal in the optical cable and the frequency of the change in the optical signal intensity. In addition, the traditional optical fiber adapter has a simple structure and cannot effectively focus and detect the leaked optical signal at the optical cable interface, which makes it impossible to detect the optical signal from the side of the fiber connector. SUMMARY

[0005] In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the utility model provides an optical fiber cable searching equipment. The device of the utility model can measure whether there is a business light in the target optical cable without pulling out the fiber connector, and can check the transmission direction of the optical signal in the optical cable and the frequency of the change in the optical signal power.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is: an optical fiber cable tracing device, including a probe and a meter head, which are connected by a power supply line and a communication line; characterized in that: the circuit structure of the meter head is as follows: a signal amplification and filtering circuit is connected to a photodetector, the photodetector outputs a current signal, which is amplified and converted into a voltage signal, then filtered by the filtering circuit and acquired by the ADC acquisition unit, the processor unit reads the electrical signal output by the ADC acquisition unit, performs data analysis and processing, and then displays it through the display unit; the probe includes a photodetector, a limiting structure, a shell, an analyzer, and a filter, the photodetector is set inside the shell, the limiting structure is set at the bottom of the shell, and the analyzer and filter are set between the limiting structure and the photodetector.

[0007] According to the fiber optic cable tracing device described above, the device is characterized by having two photodetectors, two signal amplification and filtering circuits, a first photodetector and a second photodetector along the transmission direction of optical cable 1 and optical cable 2, a processor unit calculating the optical power received on the second photodetector as p2 and the optical power received on the first photodetector as p1, and when p2 > p1, it is determined that the optical signal is transmitted from optical cable-1 to optical cable-2.

[0008] According to the fiber optic cable finding device described above, the feature is that the photodetector is an APD, PIN diode, BPD, photomultiplier tube, or single-photon detector.

[0009] According to the fiber optic cable finding device described above, the limiting structure and the outer shell are opaque.

[0010] According to the fiber optic cable tracing device described above, the fiber optic adapter includes an adapter housing, a convex lens, a ceramic sleeve, a mounting sleeve, a locking tab, and a guiding structure. The convex lens is hemispherical and is mounted on the adapter housing. The mounting sleeve is located inside the adapter housing, and the guiding structure is located on the mounting sleeve. Locking tabs are provided on both sides of the mounting sleeve. The ceramic sleeve is embedded into the mounting sleeve. The guiding structure is located on the mounting sleeve facing the convex lens, ensuring that the notch of the ceramic sleeve always faces the convex lens. The convex lens is located between the mounting sleeve and the adapter housing. The ceramic sleeve is a circular ring structure with an opening on the side.

[0011] According to the fiber optic cable finding device described above, the adapter housing is made of a transparent material.

[0012] According to the fiber optic cable finding device described above, the adapter housing, mounting sleeve, locking tenon, guide structure, and convex lens are integrally injection molded structures.

[0013] According to the optical fiber cable finding device described above, the feature is that it further includes a Fresnel band sheet.

[0014] According to the fiber optic cable tracing device described above, the characteristic is that the meter head and the probe are an integrated structure. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber optic cable tracing equipment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the probe structure.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the meter's circuit.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the orientation of the adapter housing.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a ceramic sleeve.

[0020] Figure 6 This is the front view of the fiber optic adapter.

[0021] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Sectional view in the SS direction.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a partial component structure of a fiber optic adapter.

[0023] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of adding a Fresnel zone plate to an optical fiber adapter.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber connection.

[0025] Figure 11 This is embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a variation of the present invention, embodiment 2.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. First photodetector; 2. Second photodetector; 3. Limiting structure; 4. Housing; 5. Fiber optic adapter; 51. Adapter housing; 52. Ceramic sleeve; 53. Mounting sleeve; 54. Locking tenon; 55. Guide structure; 56. Convex lens; 57. Fresnel zone plate; 6. Analyzer; 7. Filter; 10. Probe; 20. Meter head. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, this utility model discloses a fiber optic cable tracing device, comprising a probe 10 and a meter head 20, wherein the meter head 20 and the probe 10 are connected via a power supply line and a communication line. Figure 3 As shown, the meter 20 of this utility model comprises: two signal amplification and filtering circuits, an ADC acquisition unit, a processor unit, a display unit, and a battery. The meter 20 is connected to the probe 10 via a communication line to acquire signals and power the photodetector. The circuit structure of the meter 20 is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, two signal amplification and filtering circuits are connected to the first photodetector 1 and the second photodetector 2, respectively. The ADC acquisition unit acquires the signals from the two signal amplification and filtering circuits, and the processor unit reads the electrical signals output by the ADC acquisition unit. The data read by the processor unit can be displayed through the display unit. The battery powers the entire device, or an external power supply can be used. During the operation of this invention, the first photodetector 1 and the second photodetector 2 undergo signal processing through two signal amplification and filtering circuits, converting the current signals generated on the detectors into voltage signals. The ADC acquisition unit acquires the two voltage signals and converts them into digital signals. The processor unit can calculate the optical power received by the first photodetector 1 and the second photodetector 2, the frequency of optical signal intensity changes, and the direction of optical signal transmission in the optical cable through digital signal processing. Finally, the calculation results are displayed through the display unit.

[0030] like Figure 2As shown, the probe 10 of this invention includes a first photodetector 1, a second photodetector 2, a limiting structure 3, a housing 4, an analyzer 6, and a filter 7. The first photodetector 1 and the second photodetector 2 can be made using devices such as APDs, PIN diodes, BPDs, photomultiplier tubes, or single-photon detectors. The first photodetector 1 and the second photodetector 2 are disposed inside the housing 4. The limiting structures 3 are located on both sides of the lower part of the housing 4 and are secured to the fiber optic adapter 5. In this way, the fiber optic adapter 5, the limiting structures 3, and the housing 4 form a relatively sealed space. The limiting structures 3 and the housing 4 are opaque, preventing external light sources from shining into them, thereby eliminating the influence of external light sources on the internal components. When there is optical signal transmission between the two connected optical cables, some optical signal will leak from the side of the fiber optic adapter 5 at the docking position. The analyzer 6 and the filter 7 are respectively disposed between the limiting structure 3 and the first photodetector 1 and the second photodetector 2. The analyzer 6 is disposed between the first photodetector 1, the second photodetector 2, and the filter 7. In this invention, the positions of the analyzer 6 and the filter 7 are interchangeable. The analyzer 6 only allows polarized light with the same polarization state as its detection direction to pass through. When the polarization direction of the optical signal deviates from the detection direction by 90°, the analyzer does not allow the optical signal to pass through, resulting in maximum attenuation of the optical signal. When the angle between the polarization direction of the optical signal and the detection direction is between 0° and 90°, the analyzer only allows a portion of the optical signal to pass through; the larger the deviation angle, the greater the attenuation. The function of the filter is to filter out ambient light, ensuring that only infrared signal light can enter the photodetector in the probe.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the limiting structure 3 of this utility model tightly adheres to or holds the optical fiber adapter 5 from the side, thereby achieving maximum efficiency in receiving leaked optical signals. By detecting whether there is optical signal leakage on the side of the optical fiber adapter 5, it can be determined whether there is service optical signal transmission inside the tested optical fiber cable.

[0032] The adapter shell 51 of the fiber optic adapter 5 of this utility model is made of transparent material. The shell material of the fiber optic adapter can be polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), polyester (PBT), polyimide (PI), polystyrene (PS), glass, etc. Figure 4As shown, the fiber optic adapter of this utility model includes an adapter housing 51, a hemispherical convex lens 56, a ceramic sleeve 52, a mounting sleeve 53, a latch 54, and a guide structure 55. The hemispherical convex lens 56 is hemispherical in shape. The adapter housing 51, mounting sleeve 53, latch 54, guide structure 55, and hemispherical convex lens 56 are an integrated injection-molded structure. That is, the mounting sleeve 53, latch 54, guide structure 55, and hemispherical convex lens 56 can be made of one of the following materials: polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), polyester (PBT), polyimide (PI), polystyrene (PS), or glass. The hemispherical convex lens 56 is mounted on the adapter housing 51. The mounting sleeve 53 is located inside the adapter housing 51. The guide structure 55 is located on the mounting sleeve 53. Latches 54 are provided on both sides of the mounting sleeve 53. The ceramic sleeve 52 is embedded into the mounting sleeve 53. A guide structure 55 is positioned on the mounting sleeve 53, directly opposite the hemispherical convex lens 56, ensuring that the notch of the ceramic sleeve 52 always faces the convex lens. The hemispherical convex lens 56 is positioned between the mounting sleeve 53 and the adapter housing 51. The adapter housing 51, ceramic sleeve 52, mounting sleeve 53, and latch 54 are common structures in conventional fiber optic adapters; the guide structure 55 and the hemispherical convex lens 56 are unique structures of this invention. Figure 5 As shown, the ceramic sleeve 52 is a ring-shaped structure with an opening on the side. When two fiber optic connectors are mated through a fiber optic adapter, the ceramic sleeve 52 serves to fix the ceramic ferrules in the two fiber optic connectors. Simultaneously, the ceramic sleeve 52 is opaque. When a service optical signal is present at the connector, the leaked light signal at the mating point can be emitted outward through the opening. The hemispherical convex lens 56 of this invention further focuses the emitted light, facilitating measurement by external inspection equipment. By measuring the leaked light, it can be determined whether the connector inserted into the fiber optic adapter carries a service, thereby facilitating the identification and management of the fiber optic port.

[0033] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the fiber optic adapter has identical structures at both ends, which are respectively plugged into optical cable-1 and optical cable-2. When the two optical cables are connected, the connection status of the optical cable ferrules can be magnified and observed through the hemispherical convex lens 56, allowing for visual inspection of the connector's connection quality. Protruding guide structures 55 are designed at both ends of the mounting sleeve. When the ceramic sleeve 52 is inserted into the mounting sleeve 53, the notch of the ceramic sleeve needs to be aligned with the direction of the guide structure 55. Figure 8As shown, after the ceramic sleeve 52 is installed into the mounting sleeve 53, the ceramic sleeve 52 is in an immovable state due to the limiting effect of the guide structure 55. This ensures that the notch of the ceramic sleeve 52 always faces the hemispherical convex lens 56. When the optical cable is connected through the adapter of this invention, the light signal leaked at the connection point of the optical cable ferrule can be transmitted along the notch to the hemispherical convex lens 56 and focused by the hemispherical convex lens 56. Thus, at the position on the optical fiber adapter shell directly opposite the convex lens, the light signal leaked during connector connection can be received by the human eye or a detector. This allows for the detection of whether there is light signal transmission in the optical fiber inside the connector without removing the connector from the optical fiber adapter.

[0034] like Figure 9 As shown, the front of the connector housing of this utility model can be provided with a Fresnel zone plate 57 structure, which is located on the adapter housing 51 opposite the convex lens. The Fresnel zone plate 57 is printed with a series of opaque circular patterns using technologies such as screen printing, laser engraving, and inkjet printing, thereby realizing the function of the Fresnel zone plate 57. This, in conjunction with the hemispherical convex lens 56 inside the adapter housing 51, further enables the focusing function of the light signal leaked during connector mating. In this utility model's fiber optic adapter, because the ceramic sleeve is a side-opening circular ring structure and is opaque, the generated light can be emitted outward through the opening. The convex lens further focuses the emitted light, making it easier for fiber optic cable tracing equipment to perform measurements, improving the accuracy and efficiency of detection. The light signal leaked at the connector ferrule mating point can be transmitted along the notch of the ceramic sleeve to the convex lens and focused by it. The light signal leaked during connector mating can be received by the fiber optic cable tracing equipment at the position on the fiber optic adapter housing opposite the convex lens.

[0035] The probe 10 of this invention has a first photodetector 1 and a second photodetector 2 along the transmission direction of optical cables 1 and 2. The processor unit calculates the optical power received on the second photodetector 2 as p2 and the optical power received on the first photodetector 1 as p1. When p2 > p1, it can be determined that the optical signal is transmitted from optical cable-1 to optical cable-2. That is, by comparing the magnitude of the received optical power on photodetectors 1 and 2, the transmission direction of the optical signal in the optical cable can be determined. When optical cable 1 is twisted by hand or motor, the polarization state of the leaked optical signal will change. The outermost layer of the detector is provided with an analyzer 6. When the polarization state of the leaked optical signal is consistent with the polarization direction of the analyzer 6, the optical power entering the second photodetector 2 is the maximum. When the polarization state of the leaked optical signal is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the analyzer 6, the optical power entering the second photodetector 2 is the minimum. That is, when the target optical cable is twisted, the optical power of the optical cable locator can be detected to identify whether the measured optical fiber adapter is the adapter connected to the target optical cable. At the same time, the processor unit can detect the frequency change of the two signals. When the target optical cable is twisted with a fixed frequency f1, the optical power meter can detect the corresponding frequency f1 on the corresponding adapter at the other end of the target optical cable, thereby further confirming that the optical cable connected to the adapter is indeed the other end of the target optical cable.

[0036] Figure 11 and Figure 12 These are further variations of this utility model. In this utility model, only one of the first photodetector 1 and the second photodetector 2 can be provided, and similarly, only one signal amplification and filtering circuit can be provided. When there is only one circuit, the limiting structure 3 can also be provided as a single circuit, making it convenient to press the optical fiber adapter tightly against the side for optical signal detection. When only one circuit is involved, the optical power of the leaked optical signal from the optical fiber adapter 5 and the frequency of the change in optical signal intensity when the optical cable is twisted can be detected. Simultaneously, the meter and probe can both be housed inside the equipment casing, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the meter head 20 and the probe 10 are an integrated structure.

Claims

1. A fiber optic cable tracing device, comprising a probe and a meter head, wherein the meter head and the probe are connected via a power supply line and a communication line; characterized in that: The circuit structure of the meter head is as follows: the signal amplification and filtering circuit is connected to the photodetector. The photodetector outputs a current signal, which is amplified and converted into a voltage signal. After being filtered by the filtering circuit, the signal is acquired by the ADC acquisition unit. The processor unit reads the electrical signal output by the ADC acquisition unit, performs data analysis and processing, and then displays it through the display unit. The probe includes a photodetector, a limiting structure, a housing, an analyzer, and a filter. The photodetector is located inside the housing. A limiting structure is set at the bottom of the housing. An analyzer and a filter are set between the limiting structure and the photodetector.

2. The fiber optic cable locating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are two photodetectors and two signal amplification and filtering circuits. The probe has a first photodetector and a second photodetector along the transmission direction of optical cable-1 and optical cable-2. The processor unit calculates the optical power received on the second photodetector as p2 and the optical power received on the first photodetector as p1. When p2 > p1, it is determined that the optical signal is transmitted from optical cable-1 to optical cable-2.

3. The fiber optic cable locating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Photodetectors use APDs, PIN diodes, BPDs, photomultiplier tubes, or single-photon detectors.

4. A fiber optic cable locating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The limiting structure and the outer shell are opaque.

5. A fiber optic cable locating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The fiber optic adapter includes an adapter housing, a convex lens, a ceramic sleeve, a mounting sleeve, latches, and a guide structure. The convex lens is hemispherical and is secured to the adapter housing. The mounting sleeve is located inside the adapter housing, and the guide structure is located on the mounting sleeve. Latches are located on both sides of the mounting sleeve. The ceramic sleeve is inserted into the mounting sleeve. The guide structure is located on the mounting sleeve facing the convex lens, ensuring that the notch of the ceramic sleeve always faces the convex lens. The convex lens is located between the mounting sleeve and the adapter housing. The ceramic sleeve is a ring-shaped structure with an opening on the side.

6. The fiber optic cable locating device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The adapter casing is made of transparent material.

7. The fiber optic cable locating device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The adapter housing, mounting sleeve, locking tab, guide structure, and convex lens are all integrally injection molded structures.

8. The fiber optic cable locating device according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes Fresnel zone plates.

9. A fiber optic cable locating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The meter head and probe are integrated into one unit.

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