Pre-assembled connection component for a fiber optic distribution housing, fiber optic distribution housing with a pre-assembled connection component

Abstract

Pre-assembled connecting component (2) for a fiber optic distribution housing (10), with a base body (4) having a plurality of openings (6a, 6b) for receiving at least one fiber optic tube (8), with at least one fiber optic tube (8) being inserted in one of the passages (6a, 6b), wherein the inserted fiber optic tube (8) is fixed in the passage (6a, 6b).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pre-assembled connecting component for a fiber optic distribution housing and to a fiber optic distribution housing with such a pre-assembled connecting component.

[0002] Fiber optic distribution cabinets are installed at distribution stations in fiber optic networks. They receive the fiber optic cables from the backbone and efficiently distribute the optical signals to subordinate network sections – especially towards home connections and end customers. Fiber optic distribution cabinets thus enable branching within the fiber optic network and form an important interface between the core and access networks.

[0003] These fiber optic distribution boxes are mounted at the location of the respective distribution station by burying a lower section of the box in the ground. In a further step, fiber optic conduits for each connecting house or end customer are then fixed inside the distribution box. Special clamps can be used for this purpose, allowing for strain-relieved fixation of the fiber optic conduits. This step is particularly labor-intensive and time-consuming, as it must be repeated for each connecting house or end customer, significantly increasing the time required to install a fiber optic distribution box at the location of each distribution station.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to show ways in which improvements can be achieved here.

[0005] The object of the invention is achieved by a pre-assembled connecting component for a fiber optic distribution housing, comprising a base body with a plurality of openings for receiving at least one fiber optic tube, with at least one fiber optic tube inserted in one of the openings, wherein the inserted fiber optic tube is fixed in the opening. The invention thus avoids the need to carry out the entire assembly, including the installation of the fiber optic tubes, on-site, i.e., at the location of the distribution station to be installed. Instead, the pre-assembled connecting component with the one or more inserted fiber optic tubes is prefabricated at a location other than the distribution station, such as a central manufacturing facility, and only inserted into the fiber optic distribution housing on-site. Furthermore, in a subsequent step, the inserted fiber optic tube(s) are then connected with connecting fiber optic tubes, e.g.,Double splice closures are used, and in a further step, fiber optic cables are inserted into the fiber optic conduits, for example by blowing them in, to connect the house connections and end customers to a fiber optic network for data transmission. This significantly reduces the time required for installing the fiber optic distribution cabinet at the location of the respective distribution station.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the base body has a substantially cuboid shape, with openings extending through a first surface and / or a second surface of the base body, the first surface being opposite the second surface. The base body can be a sheet metal component, e.g., made of sheet steel, or made of plastic, e.g., by injection molding, and can be manufactured in one piece or in multiple parts. The base body has the same number of openings on its first surface and on its second surface, with each pair of openings—which can be considered a pair of openings—forming a passage for an inserted fiber optic tube. The passages run parallel to each other within manufacturing tolerances. This provides a base body that is particularly easy to pre-assemble with the fiber optic tubes to be inserted.

[0007] According to another embodiment, the inserted fiber optic tube is pre-fixed in the respective opening by means of a press fit. The fiber optic tube(s) are fixed with a light press fit. A light press fit is understood to mean that an inserted fiber optic tube can easily be moved manually along its length without the use of tools, for example, to achieve a typical terraced arrangement of the inserted fiber optic tubes. Furthermore, the press fit fixes the inserted fiber optic tubes so securely that they cannot shift along their length due to their own weight. This simplifies the assembly of the pre-assembled connector, as the light press fit prevents the fiber optic tubes from unintentionally slipping.

[0008] According to another embodiment, the inserted fiber optic tube is fixed in the opening by a material bond, in particular by injecting a potting compound into a cavity of the base body. A material bond is understood to be a connection in which the connecting partners – the inserted fiber optic tube and the base body – are held together by atomic or molecular forces. Such a connection is also a permanent connection, as it can only be separated by destroying the bonding agent. Examples of material bonds include gluing or vulcanization, such as by injecting a potting compound, soldering, or welding. The cavity, like the base body, can have a substantially cuboid shape. This allows for particularly simple strain relief of the inserted fiber optic tubes without the use of additional components, thus reducing assembly effort.Alternatively or additionally, the fiber optic tube(s) used can also be fixed in a form-fit or force-fit manner.

[0009] According to a further embodiment, the base body has a top plate and a bottom plate with an annular seal arranged between the top plate and the bottom plate. The top plate forms the first surface with openings, and the bottom plate forms the second surface, also with openings, each pair of openings forming a passage for receiving a fiber optic tube. Additionally, the annular seal has a passage extending through it. Within manufacturing tolerances, this passage is congruent with the pair of openings that form the passage. Thus, an inserted fiber optic tube extends through the first opening, the passage, and the second opening. Fiber optic tubes of various diameters can be inserted into the passage.Using screw connections, the gap between the top and bottom plates can be reduced during pre-assembly, allowing the annular seal to be compressed. This also reduces the diameter of the passage and thus secures the fiber optic tubes within it, eliminating the need for injection of a potting compound.

[0010] Furthermore, the invention includes a fiber optic distribution housing with such a pre-assembled connection component.

[0011] The invention will now be explained using drawings. They show: Fig. 1. A schematic representation of a fiber optic distribution housing, Fig. 2 in schematic representation a pre-assembled connecting component for insertion into the in Fig. Two fiber optic distribution housings shown in a first view, Fig. 3 in schematic representation the in Fig. 2 pre-assembled connecting components shown in a second view, Fig. 4 in schematic representation a basic body according to a first embodiment of the in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 pre-assembled connecting components shown, Fig. 5 in schematic representation a basic body according to a second embodiment of the one described in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 pre-assembled connecting component shown, and Fig. 6. In schematic representation, a process flow for producing the in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 pre-assembled connecting component shown and for manufacturing the in Fig. 1 shown fiber optic distribution box with the pre-assembled connection component.

[0012] It will initially be on Fig. 1 referenced.

[0013] Shown is a fiber optic distribution housing 10 for arrangement at a distribution station.

[0014] After completion of the full installation, the fiber optic distribution housing receives 10 fiber optic cables from a backbone area and distributes the optical signals to the connected home connections and end customers.

[0015] The fiber optic distribution housing 10 has a body 20 to which a door 22 is pivotally hinged and which, in its open position – as shown – provides access to an interior 24 of the fiber optic distribution housing 10. In the present embodiment, a splice box 26 is arranged on an inner side of the door 22.

[0016] Fiber optic inlets (not shown) enter interior space 24 from below and fiber optic outlets (not shown) exit downwards.

[0017] In particular, the fiber optic leads are housed in fiber optic tubes 8, which are fitted with the actual optical fibers - the fiber optic leads - at the end of an assembly.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the fiber optic tubes 8 are grouped together and arranged in a regular pattern with uniform spacing between them. In this embodiment, four groups of four by six fiber optic tubes 8 are provided, meaning each group comprises 24 fiber optic tubes 8. In this embodiment, four fiber optic tubes 8 are arranged in the width direction Y- and six fiber optic tubes 8 in the depth direction X of the fiber optic distribution housing 10.

[0019] In contrast to the present embodiment, the number of groups as well as the number of fiber optic tubes 8 per group and their division in the width direction Y and depth direction X of the fiber optic distribution housing 10 can be different.

[0020] In this embodiment, the fiber optic tubes 8 of the four groups, located at the same position in the depth direction X, all extend with the same predetermined length from bottom to top in the height direction Z into the interior 24 of the fiber optic distribution housing 10. In this embodiment, the predetermined length with which the fiber optic tubes 8 extend upwards in the height direction Z into the interior 24 of the fiber optic distribution housing 10 increases with increasing position in the depth direction X. Thus, the [unclear] in the Fig. 1. Terraced arrangement of the fiber optic tubes 8 shown in the interior 24 of the fiber optic distribution housing 10.

[0021] To facilitate the assembly of the numerous fiber optic tubes 8, a pre-assembled connecting component 2 is provided, which is described below with reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is described.

[0022] The pre-assembled connecting component 2 has a base body 4 with a cuboid shape in the present embodiment.

[0023] The base body 4 has a plurality of openings 6a on its first surface 14a, which in the present embodiment are evenly spaced apart from each other in a regular four by six pattern (see Fig. 2).

[0024] Similarly, the base body 4 has the same plurality of openings 6b on its second surface 14b, which in the present embodiment are also evenly spaced apart from each other in a regular four by six pattern (see Fig. 3).

[0025] Thus, in the present embodiment, two congruent openings 6a, 6b, lying within manufacturing tolerances, each form a passage for one fiber optic tube 8, extending from the first surface 14a to the opposite surface 14b. In other words, each pair of openings 6a, 6b forms a passage. In the present embodiment, the passages run parallel within manufacturing tolerances.

[0026] In each passage, a fiber optic tube 8 is fixed, and as will be explained in detail later, it is fixed in a material-bonded manner.

[0027] In the present embodiment, each of the fiber optic tubes 8 extends as already mentioned with reference to Fig. 1 described with a respective predetermined length in a first direction, in the present embodiment in the vertical direction Z, out of the respective passage upwards.

[0028] Similarly, in the present embodiment, each of the fiber optic tubes 8 extends as already mentioned with reference to Fig. 1 described with a predetermined length in a second direction, in the present embodiment in the vertical direction Z, extending downwards from the respective opening. Thus, in the present embodiment, the first direction is opposite to the second direction. In other words, the inserted fiber optic tubes 8 protrude from their respective openings in both directions and form the illustrated terraced arrangement of the fiber optic tubes 8 on the side of the first surface 14a.

[0029] The fiber optic tubes 8, which project downwards in the vertical direction Z on the side of the second surface 14b, are connected at their respective ends to connecting fiber optic tubes 12, which extend towards the house connections and end customers. For this purpose, in the present embodiment, the distal ends of the fiber optic tubes 8 are provided with double sockets 18.

[0030] It will now be discussed with additional reference to Fig. 4 of the basic body 4 according to a first embodiment is described.

[0031] As with regard to the Fig. 2 and Fig. As described in section 3, the base body 4 has a cuboid shape in the present embodiment, and has a plurality of openings 6a, 6b on its first surface 14a and on its second surface 14b, which in the present embodiment are evenly spaced apart from each other in a regular four by six pattern, wherein two congruent openings 6a, 6b lying within manufacturing tolerances form a passage for one fiber optic tube 8, which extends from the first surface 14a to the opposite surface 14b.

[0032] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the base body 4 has a molded flange 28 with a bore 30 into which, for example, a screw (not shown) can be inserted to fix the base body 4 in place in the interior 24, for example, after the fiber optic tubes 8 have been inserted and fixed into the openings 6a, 6b.

[0033] In the present embodiment, the base body 4 is a sheet metal component made of, for example, sheet steel. In contrast to the present embodiment, the base body 4 can also be made of plastic, for example by injection molding, and can be formed in one piece or in multiple parts.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the base body 4 is formed from two sheet metal components: a cover 34 with holes for receiving screws (not shown), and a base 36 onto which the cover 34 is placed. The base 36 may have bent sheet metal sections that form the side walls 38 of the base body 4. Consequently, the cover 34 has the openings 6a, while a bottom part 40 of the base 36 has the other openings 6b.

[0035] In the present embodiment, the openings 6a, 6b are designed to fix the inserted fiber optic tubes 8 with a slight press fit. A slight press fit is understood to mean that an inserted fiber optic tube 8 can easily be moved manually along its length without the use of tools, for example, to adjust the position of the fiber optic tube. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 to obtain the terraced arrangement described. Furthermore, the fiber optic tubes 8 inserted by the press fit are fixed in position in such a way that they cannot shift in the direction of their longitudinal extension due to their own weight.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the base body 4 has a cavity 16 into which a potting compound, such as a plastic potting compound, can be injected through an injection opening (not shown) to fix the inserted fiber optic tubes 8 in their respective openings 6a, 6b in a material-bonded manner. This provides strain relief. In contrast to the present embodiment, the inserted fiber optic tubes 8 can also be fixed in place in the respective openings 6a, 6b by force-fit or form-fit.

[0037] Finally, the distal ends of the fiber optic tubes 8, extending downwards in the vertical direction Z, are fitted with the double sleeves 18 to complete the pre-assembled connecting component 2.

[0038] It will now be discussed with additional reference to Fig. 5 of the basic body 4 according to a second embodiment is described.

[0039] The base body 4 has a top plate 42 and a bottom plate 44 with an annular seal 46 arranged between the top plate 42 and the bottom plate 44. The top plate 42 forms the first surface 14a with openings 6a, and the bottom plate 44 forms the second surface 14b, also with openings 6b, each pair of openings forming a passage for receiving a fiber optic tube 8.

[0040] The annular seal 46 can be made of EPDM, NBR, PE, silicone, or PE. If the annular seal 46 is made of EPDM, NBR, or PE, the material can have a Shore A hardness in the range of 40 to 70. In the present embodiment, the material has a Shore A hardness of 40 to 50. If, however, the annular seal 46 is made of EPDM, NBR, or TPE, the material can have a Shore A hardness of 10 to 40. Other materials and Shore A values ​​can also be used in deviation from the embodiments mentioned above.

[0041] The annular seal 46 has a passage 48 that extends through it. Within manufacturing tolerances, the passage 48 is congruent with the pair of openings 6a and 6b that form the passage. Thus, an inserted fiber optic tube 8 extends through the first opening 6a, the passage 48, and the second opening 6b. Fiber optic tubes 8 with various diameters can be inserted into the passage 48. During pre-assembly of the base body 4, the distance between the top plate 42 and the bottom plate 44 can be reduced using screw connections, allowing the annular seal 46 to be compressed. This also reduces the diameter of the passage 48, thereby securing the inserted fiber optic tubes 8 within it without the need for injection of a potting compound.

[0042] It will now also be applied to Fig. 6 Reference is made to explain a procedure for manufacturing the pre-assembled connecting component 2 and for manufacturing the fiber optic distribution box 10 with the pre-assembled connecting component 2.

[0043] The steps for manufacturing the fiber optic distribution box 10 with the pre-assembled connection component 2 are carried out on site, i.e. at the distribution station, while the other steps are carried out at another location, such as a central manufacturing facility for pre-assembled connection components 2.

[0044] In a first step S100, the base body 4 with the majority of openings 6a, 6b is provided to accommodate one fiber optic tube 8 each.

[0045] In a further step S200, one fiber optic tube 8 is inserted into each passage formed by a pair of openings 6a, 6b. The fiber optic tubes 8 to be inserted can be cut to length accordingly before insertion, for example, to accommodate the dimensions determined by the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. To maintain the terraced arrangement described above after its installation.

[0046] In a further step S300, according to a first embodiment, the inserted fiber optic tubes 8 are fixed in place in the respective openings 6a, 6b by means of a material bond in order to obtain the pre-assembled connection component 2. In addition, the fixed fiber optic tubes 8 can be fitted with the double sockets 18 as described.

[0047] According to a second embodiment, a base body 4 is used, comprising a top plate 42 and a bottom plate 44 with an annular seal 46 arranged between the top plate 42 and the bottom plate 44. During pre-assembly of the base body 4, the gap between the top plate 42 and the bottom plate 44 is reduced by means of screw connections, allowing the annular seal 46 to be compressed. This also reduces the diameter of the passage 48 and thus secures the inserted fiber optic tubes 8 in the passage 48 without the need for injection of a potting compound.

[0048] In a further step S400, the or a plurality of pre-assembled connection components 2 are inserted and mounted in the fiber optic distribution box 10 already installed at the distribution station.

[0049] In a further step S500, the fiber optic tubes 8 inserted and fixed in the base body 4 are connected to the respective connecting fiber optic tubes 12, in the present embodiment by means of the double sleeves 18.

[0050] In a further step S600, fiber optic cables are inserted into the fiber optic tubes 8, e.g. by blowing them in, in order to connect the house connections and end customers to a fiber optic network for data transmission.

[0051] In contrast to the present embodiment, the sequence of steps can also be different. Furthermore, several steps can be executed simultaneously. Additionally, in contrast to the present embodiment, individual steps can be skipped or omitted.

[0052] This significantly reduces the time required for mounting the fiber optic distribution housing 10 at the position of the respective distribution station. Reference symbol list 2 pre-assembled connecting components 4 basic shapes 6a Opening 6b Opening 8 fiber optic conduit 10 fiber optic distribution housings 12 connecting fiber optic conduit 14a Surface 14b surface 16 Cavity 18 double socket 20 body 22 Door 24 Interior 26 splice box 28 flange 30 bore 32 bore 34 lids 36 Lower part 38 side wall 40 Base section 42 Top plate 44 Base plate 46 Annular space seal 48 Passage X Depth direction Y Latitude direction Z Altitude direction S100 step S200 step S300 step S400 step S500 step S600 step

Claims

[1] Pre-assembled connecting component (2) for a fiber optic distribution housing (10), comprising a base body (4) with a plurality of openings (6a, 6b) for receiving at least one fiber optic tube (8), with at least one fiber optic tube (8) being inserted in one of the passages (6a, 6b), wherein the inserted fiber optic tube (8) is fixed in the passage (6a, 6b). [2] Prefabricated connecting component (2) according to claim 1, wherein the base body (4) has a substantially cuboid shape, wherein the openings (6a) extend through a first surface (14a) and / or a second surface (14b) of the base body (4), and wherein the first surface (14a) is opposite the second surface (14b). [3] Pre-assembled connecting component (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inserted fiber optic tube (8) is pre-fixed in the respective opening (6a, 6b) by means of a press fit. [4] Pre-assembled connecting component (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inserted fiber optic tube (8) is fixed in the opening (6a, 6b) in a materially bonded manner, in particular by injecting a potting compound into a cavity (16) of the base body (4). [5] Pre-assembled connecting component (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base body (4) has a top plate (42) and a bottom plate (44) with an annular space seal (46) arranged between the top plate (42) and the bottom plate (44). [6] Fiber optic distribution housing (10) with a pre-assembled connection component (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5. [7] Fiber optic distribution housing (10) according to claim 6, wherein the fiber optic tube (8) is connected to a connecting fiber optic tube (12). [8] Fiber optic distribution housing (10) according to claim 7, wherein the fiber optic tube (8) is connected to the connecting fiber optic tube (12) by a double sleeve (18).

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