Hybrid fiber coaxial network device
By using coupling elements and removable seals in hybrid fiber-coaxial network devices, the problems of seal detachment and collision are solved, enabling convenient testing and reducing transportation risks, as well as lowering operation and maintenance costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 宁波环球广电科技有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing hybrid fiber-coaxial network devices are inconvenient to operate, costly, and have high maintenance costs. Furthermore, during testing and transportation, the seals are prone to falling off or colliding with internal components.
The second fixing part of the coupling component is fixed to the first fixing part of the housing. The removable sealing design ensures that the sealing component is not lost during testing and that testing can be carried out without opening the upper and lower covers. At the same time, it avoids collision with internal components during transportation.
It ensures that the seals are not lost during testing, that there is sufficient internal space, and that there is no collision with internal components during transportation, thus reducing operational complexity and maintenance costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN224152706U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a hybrid fiber-coaxial network device. Background Technology
[0002] Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC) networks are used to provide high-bandwidth communication between the headend / hub and end users, such as homes and businesses. For example, such HFC networks are typically used to provide cable television (CATV) and internet services to end users. An HFC network architecture typically includes optical fiber for carrying optical signals (e.g., from the headend / hub), coaxial cable for carrying radio frequency (RF) signals (e.g., transmitted to the end user), and HFC network devices, such as HFC nodes, amplifiers, and splitters, connecting the optical fiber and / or coaxial cable. To provide additional bandwidth for enhanced TV and internet services, the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) has been adopted to standardize the continuous improvement of existing HFC networks, and upgrades to HFC network infrastructure may be needed to meet increasing bandwidth demands, such as during the transition from DOCSIS 3.1 to DOCSIS 4.0. Therefore, as networks move to different DOCSIS standards with higher bandwidth and RF frequencies, the connections between HFC network devices and coaxial cables may need to be upgraded.
[0003] Existing hybrid fiber-coaxial network devices face challenges such as inconvenient operation, high manufacturing costs, and high maintenance costs. Utility Model Content
[0004] The present invention provides a hybrid fiber-coaxial network device, which helps to solve the problems of existing hybrid fiber-coaxial network devices.
[0005] This utility model discloses a hybrid fiber-coaxial network device according to an embodiment, which includes a housing, a seal, and a coupling member. The housing includes a first housing portion and a first fixing portion. The first housing portion has a first opening allowing an external tester to pass through. The first fixing portion is coupled to the first housing portion and located within the first housing portion. The seal is detachably fixed to the first opening. The coupling member includes a coupling portion and a second fixing portion. The coupling portion is coupled between the seal and the second fixing portion. The second fixing portion is fixed to the first fixing portion.
[0006] According to the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device disclosed in this embodiment, by fixing the second fixing part of the coupling member to the first fixing part of the housing, the seal, which is detachably fixed to the first opening of the housing, will not be lost when the test points of the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device need to be tested and the seal is opened. Furthermore, thanks to the coupling member and seal of this invention, sufficient usable space can be maintained inside the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device. Moreover, operators can test the test points of the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device without opening the upper and lower covers. Furthermore, during the transport of the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device, the coupling member and seal will not collide with components inside the housing.
[0007] The above description of the present utility model and the following description of the embodiments are used to demonstrate and explain the spirit and principle of the present utility model, and to provide a further explanation of the protection scope of the present utility model. Attached Figure Description
[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a hybrid fiber-coaxial network device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A front view schematic diagram of a hybrid fiber-coaxial network device.
[0010] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An exploded view of a hybrid fiber-coaxial network device.
[0011] Figure 4 for Figure 3 An exploded view of the inner shell.
[0012] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the amplifier circuit in the image.
[0013] Figure 6 This is a side view of a sealing element and a coupling element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the seals and couplings fixed to the housing.
[0015] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the projections of the first and second openings onto the surface of the circuit board.
[0016] Figure 9 This is a side sectional view showing the seal separated from the first opening.
[0017] Figure 10 A side cross-sectional view of an external tester extending into a hybrid fiber-coaxial network device for electrical coupling with pins.
[0018] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image]
[0019] 1: Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial Network Device
[0020] 10: Outer shell
[0021] 100: First shell
[0022] 100a: Second shell
[0023] 110: First fixed part
[0024] 111: First opening
[0025] 20: Seals
[0026] 30: Coupling component
[0027] 300: Coupling section
[0028] 310: Second fixing part
[0029] 40: Sealing ring
[0030] 50: Amplifier Circuit
[0031] 500: Circuit board
[0032] 501: Surface
[0033] 510: Stitches
[0034] 520: Socket
[0035] 60: Inner shell
[0036] 60a: First shell
[0037] 60b: Second shell
[0038] 600: Second opening
[0039] 70: Port
[0040] 2: External tester
[0041] P1, P2: Projection range
[0042] T1, T2: Thickness Detailed Implementation
[0043] The following disclosure describes the principles of this utility model and its exemplary embodiments, and may be illustrated with accompanying drawings where necessary. However, any description and drawings are not exhaustive enumeration of all embodiments of this utility model, nor are they intended to limit this utility model to a specific form. Those skilled in the art will understand from the disclosure that many modifications and variations are possible, and thus various implementation methods can be reasonably derived.
[0044] A hybrid fiber-coaxial network device known to the inventor of this utility model is sealed using a sealing element. When testing is required at test points of the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device, the seal, locked in a threaded hole, can be opened, allowing an external tester to be inserted to test the test points. During testing, because an anti-detachment plastic sheet is coupled to the seal and its size is larger than the threaded hole, the seal will not fall off during testing. However, this anti-detachment plastic sheet is inserted into the housing of the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device by compression. If the anti-detachment plastic sheet is subjected to excessive compression, it can deform and easily detach from the housing. Furthermore, the presence of the anti-detachment plastic sheet reduces the usable space inside the housing. Also, during transport of the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device, the anti-detachment plastic sheet may wobble and collide with components inside the housing.
[0045] According to one embodiment of this invention, by fixing the second fixing part of the coupling member to the first fixing part of the housing, the seal, which is detachably fixed to the first opening of the housing, will not be lost when the test points of the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device need to be tested and the seal is opened. Furthermore, thanks to the coupling member and seal of this invention, sufficient usable space can be maintained inside the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device. Moreover, operators can test the test points of the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device without opening the upper and lower covers. Furthermore, the coupling member and seal will not collide with components inside the housing during transport of the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device.
[0046] Those skilled in the art can reasonably combine and configure the following disclosed technical features to achieve the corresponding technical effects.
[0047] The terms “coupled” or “coupled” refer to any connection, link, or similar relationship, and “optical coupling” or “optical linking” refers to the transfer of light from one component to another. Unless otherwise stated, components that are coupled or linked to each other do not need to be directly connected to each other and can be separated by intermediate components.
[0048] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a hybrid fiber-coaxial network device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 Front view schematic diagram of a hybrid fiber-coaxial network device. Figure 3 for Figure 1 An exploded view of a hybrid fiber-coaxial network device. Figure 4 for Figure 3 An exploded view of the inner shell. Figure 5 for Figure 4 An exploded view of the amplifier circuit in the diagram. Figure 6 This is a side view of a sealing element and a coupling element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the sealing elements and coupling elements fixed to the housing. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the projections of the first and second openings onto the surface of the circuit board.
[0049] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 1 to 5 The hybrid fiber-coaxial network device 1 may include a housing 10, a seal 20, a coupling element 30, a sealing ring 40, an amplifier circuit 50, and an inner housing 60. In one embodiment, the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device 1 may be an amplifier suitable for cable television.
[0050] In one embodiment, the outer casing 10 may include a first casing portion 100, a second casing portion 100a, and a first fixing portion 110. In one embodiment, the first casing portion 100 may have a first opening 111. In one embodiment, the first opening 111 allows an external tester 2 (e.g., a probe device) to pass through. In one embodiment, the first fixing portion 110 may be coupled to the first casing portion 100 and located within the receiving space of the first casing portion 100; for example, the first fixing portion 110 is integrally formed with the first casing portion 100 and is formed on the inner wall surface of the first casing portion 100. In one embodiment, the first casing portion 100 may be coupled to the second casing portion 100a; for example, the first casing portion 100 is pivotally connected to the second casing portion 100a via a hinge, such that the first casing portion 100 can rotate relative to the second casing portion 100a to open or close the outer casing 10. In one embodiment, referring to... Figure 7 The maximum thickness T1 of the first shell 100 may be less than the maximum thickness T2 of the second shell 100a.
[0051] In one embodiment, the seal 20 may be detachably fixed to the first opening 111 to seal the first opening 111 of the housing 10.
[0052] In one embodiment, the first opening 111 may be a threaded hole, and the seal 20 may be detachably locked into the threaded hole. In one embodiment, refer to... Figure 7 The seal 20 can be detachably locked to the first opening 111.
[0053] In one embodiment, the coupling member 30 may include a coupling portion 300 and a second fixing portion 310. In one embodiment, the coupling portion 300 may be coupled between the sealing member 20 and the second fixing portion 310. In one embodiment, the second fixing portion 310 may be fixed to the first fixing portion 110.
[0054] In one embodiment, the seal 20, the coupling portion 300, and the second fixing portion 310 may be made of a flexible material. In another embodiment, the coupling portion 300 and the second fixing portion 310 may be made of a flexible material, and the seal 20 may be made of metal. In one embodiment, the seal 20 made of metal may be less susceptible to degradation due to the heat generated during operation of the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device 1.
[0055] In one embodiment, the first fixing part 110 may be a first snap-fit structure, and the second fixing part 310 may be a second snap-fit structure, with the first snap-fit structure snapping into the second snap-fit structure. In one embodiment, the first snap-fit structure may be an insertion hole, and the second snap-fit structure may be a plug, with the plug located inside the insertion hole. In one embodiment, referring to... Figure 7 , Figure 7 Taking the first fixing part 110 as an insertion hole and the second fixing part 310 as a plug as an example, this utility model is not limited to this.
[0056] In one embodiment, the sealing ring 40 may be fitted onto the sealing member 20. In one embodiment, refer to... Figure 6 The sealing ring 40 may be located between the seal 20 and the coupling member 30. In one embodiment, the seal 20 may enhance the sealing effect on the outer housing 10 due to the sealing ring 40.
[0057] In one embodiment, the inner housing 60 may include a first housing portion 60a and a second housing portion 60b. In one embodiment, the inner housing 60 may be disposed within the outer housing 10 and have a second opening 600. In one embodiment, the second opening 600 allows an external tester 2 to pass through. In one embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand the inner housing 60 as the inner liner of a hybrid fiber-coaxial network device.
[0058] In one embodiment, the amplifier circuit 50 may be disposed within the second housing portion 100a of the housing 10. In another embodiment, the amplifier circuit 50 may be disposed within the inner housing 60. In one embodiment, the amplifier circuit 50 may include a circuit board 500 and an RF connector, and the RF connector may include pins 510 and a socket 520. The RF connector is, for example, but not limited to, a G-Type connector.
[0059] In one embodiment, pin 510 may be electrically coupled to circuit board 500. In one embodiment, pin 510 may be located within the projection range P1 of the first opening 111 on the surface 501 of circuit board 500. In one embodiment, pin 510 may be located within the projection range P2 of the second opening 600 on the surface 501 of circuit board 500. In one embodiment, referring to... Figure 8 The pin 510 may be located within the overlapping projection range of the first opening 111 and the second opening 600 on the surface 501 of the circuit board 500. In one embodiment, the pin 510 may be located outside the projection range of the first fixing part 110 on the surface 501 of the circuit board 500.
[0060] In one embodiment, the socket 520 may be coupled to the circuit board 500 to receive pins 510 and an external tester 2. In another embodiment, the socket 520 may be screwed onto the surface 501 of the circuit board 500.
[0061] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 7 When the seal 20 is fixed to the first opening 111, the coupling member 30 forms a bent portion within the first shell portion 100 of the housing 10. Thus, when the seal 20 is located in the first opening 111, most or all of the coupling member 30 is housed within the cavity formed by the first shell portion 100. Compared to known designs where the shell portion requires a larger cavity to allow the anti-detachment plastic sheet to hang within the housing, the design of the coupling member 30 in this embodiment allows the first shell portion 100 to have a smaller cavity, i.e., allows the first shell portion 100 to have a smaller maximum thickness than the second shell portion 100a.
[0062] Figure 9 This is a side sectional view showing the seal separated from the first opening. Figure 10 This is a side cross-sectional view showing an external tester extending into a hybrid fiber-coaxial network device for electrical coupling with pins. According to one embodiment, when an operator needs to test a test point (e.g., pin 510) of the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device 1, the seal 20, which is detachably fixed to the housing 10 through a first opening 111, must first be opened. Simultaneously, the seal 20 can be coupled to the housing 10 via a coupling member 30 without being lost. Next, the external tester 2 sequentially passes through the first opening 111 and the second opening 600 and extends into the socket 520 to electrically couple with pin 510, thereby measuring the radio frequency signal.
[0063] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 2 The hybrid fiber-coaxial network device 1 may further include signal input ports 70 and signal output ports 70 disposed on opposite sides of the housing 10. In one embodiment, the signal input ports 70 and signal output ports 70 may be coaxial cable ports for receiving the center pin of a coaxial cable (not shown).
[0064] In one embodiment, a first opening 111, a second opening 600, and an RF connector can be understood as a set of test structures, and the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device 1 may include multiple sets of test structures. For example... Figures 1 to 5 As shown, one set of test structures (e.g., test structures near the edge of circuit board 50) allows external tester 2 to test the radio frequency signal input from signal input port 70, and another set of test structures (e.g., test structures near the center of circuit board 50) allows external tester 2 to test the radio frequency signal to be output to signal output port 70.
[0065] In summary, the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device disclosed in this embodiment of the present invention, by fixing the second fixing part of the coupling member to the first fixing part of the housing, ensures that the seal will not be lost when the first opening of the housing is opened to test the test points of the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device. Furthermore, thanks to the coupling member and seal of this invention, sufficient usable space can be maintained inside the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device. Moreover, operators can test the test points of the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device without opening the upper and lower covers. Furthermore, the coupling member and seal will not collide with components inside the housing during transport of the hybrid fiber-coaxial network device.
Claims
1. A hybrid fiber coax network device, comprising: Include: An outer shell includes a first shell portion and a first fixing portion, the first shell portion having a first opening that allows an external tester to pass through, and the first fixing portion being coupled to the first shell portion and located within the first shell portion; A sealing element is detachably fixed to the first opening; as well as A coupling member includes a coupling portion and a second fixing portion, the coupling portion being coupled between the seal and the second fixing portion, and the second fixing portion being fixed to the first fixing portion.
2. The hybrid fiber coax network apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The first fixing part is a first snap-fit structure, the second fixing part is a second snap-fit structure, and the first snap-fit structure snaps onto the second snap-fit structure.
3. The hybrid fiber coax network apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The first latching structure is a socket, and the second latching structure is a plug, with the plug located inside the socket.
4. The hybrid fiber coax network apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The first opening is a threaded hole, and the seal is detachably locked into the threaded hole.
5. The hybrid fiber coax network apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The coupling part and the second fixing part are made of flexible material, and the seal is made of metal.
6. The hybrid fiber coax network apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The seal, the coupling portion, and the second fixing portion are made of flexible material.
7. The hybrid fiber coax network apparatus of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein, When the seal is fixed to the first opening, the coupling portion forms a bent portion within the first housing portion.
8. The hybrid fiber coax network apparatus of claim 1, wherein, It further includes an amplifier circuit disposed within the housing, wherein the amplifier circuit includes: A circuit board; as well as A pin of an RF connector is electrically coupled to the circuit board, and the pin is located within the projection range of the first opening on a surface of the circuit board.
9. The hybrid fiber coax network apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The housing further includes a second housing coupled to the first housing portion, and the amplifier circuit is disposed within the second housing portion.
10. The hybrid fiber coax network apparatus of claim 9, wherein, The maximum thickness of the first shell is less than the maximum thickness of the second shell.
11. The hybrid fiber coax network apparatus of claim 8, wherein, It further includes an inner housing, disposed within the outer housing and having a second opening that allows the external tester to pass through, wherein the amplifier circuit is disposed within the inner housing, and the pin is located within the overlapping projection range of the first opening and the second opening on the surface of the circuit board.
12. The hybrid fiber coax network apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The pin is located outside the projection range of the first fixing part on the surface of the circuit board.
13. The hybrid fiber coax network apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The amplifier circuit further includes a socket of the RF connector coupled to the circuit board for receiving the pin and receiving the external tester.