ADAPTER DEVICE FOR MOBILE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN LIGHT CONDUCTING CONNECTION, SYSTEM AND METHOD

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adapter device for mobile establishment of a light-conducting connection of a first optical access point of an optical network, in particular in the form of a fiber optic network, for connecting a first network connection type to an optical connection port of a device for connecting a device connection type, a system comprising a device and an adapter device, and a method for mobile establishment of a light-conducting connection of a first optical access point to a connection port.

[0002] When maintaining fiber optic networks, such as FTTX networks, it is often necessary to connect an external device in the form of a measuring instrument to individual fibers of the fiber optic network in order to measure or test parameters of the respective fiber optic network. For example, an optical time domain reflectance (OTDR) method can be used for this purpose, whereby cable breaks, splices, or similar defects can be detected via a test pulse. Depending on the access point to the fiber optic network, it is common to use different connector types. For example, a connector on an access point along the fiber optic network route may differ from a connector on an access point in a household. Since the measuring instrument usually has only one connection, adapter cables are usually required to connect the measuring instrument to the respective connector type. However, such adapter cables are often difficult to transport as a loose collection.Furthermore, at each access point, the associated adapter cable with the correct connector pair must be located in the collection, which becomes time-consuming as the collection grows. Document CN 201212921Y discloses a portable fiber optic cable distribution box from the technical field of fiber optic communications.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to simplify maintenance of an optical network, preferably of several different optical networks, and to facilitate the transportation of equipment for maintenance.

[0004] The above object is achieved by an adapter device having the features of claim 1, a system having the features of claim 14, and a method having the features of claim 15. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the adapter device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the system according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is always made to each other.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, an adapter device is provided for establishing a light-conducting connection between a first optical access point of an optical network, in particular in the form of a fiber optic network, for connecting a first network connection type to an optical connection port of a device for connecting a device connection type. The adapter device has a network connection unit. The network connection unit further comprises a first network connection of the first network connection type for the light-conducting connection to the first access point, and a second network connection of a second network connection type for the light-conducting connection to a second optical access point. Furthermore, the adapter device has a device connection unit with at least one device connection of the device connection type for the light-conducting connection to the device.The adapter device further comprises a carrier unit on which the first and second power connections and the device connection are arranged. The first and second power connections are each optically connected to the device connection unit by at least one connecting path.

[0006] Mobile establishment of the connection can be understood in particular to mean that the adapter device can be used in a mobile manner, i.e. it can preferably be carried and / or moved between the optical access points. In particular, the adapter device is a mobile adapter device. For this purpose, the adapter device, in particular the carrier unit, can be portable and / or movable, for example. The optical network can preferably be a network for optical data transmission, in particular in the form of an FTTX network. Furthermore, the optical network can be part of an infrastructure, in particular a public infrastructure. The first and the second access point can form different access points to the same optical network or to different optical networks. The device can, for example, be a testing and / or measuring device for maintaining the optical network.The optical connection port can preferably be arranged on a device housing of the device. According to the claimed invention, the first and second network connection types, ie, for example, also the first and second access points, differ from one another. Preferably, the first and / or second access point and / or the connection port can each be formed by a connector. The first and second network connection types can differ, for example, in the shape of the connectors.

[0007] The respective connection types, i.e. in particular the mains connection types and the device connection types, can comprise a socket and / or a plug. In particular, a socket and a plug can be provided for each of the connection types, which are designed to be complementary to one another. It is thus conceivable for the first access point to have a plug and the first mains connection to have a socket of the first mains connection type. It is also conceivable for the first access point and the first mains connection to have, for example, a socket of the first mains connection type and for the connection between the first access point and the first mains connection to be established by a connecting means, e.g. in the form of a connecting cable, which has a plug of the first mains connection type at both ends. The device connection type preferably corresponds to a connection standard according to E2000.The connection standard can be provided, for example, with one connector or in a duplex version with two connectors.

[0008] The connection of the first network connection to the first access point and the connection of the second network connection to the second access point can be established directly or indirectly. If the first and / or second access point is designed to be flexible, the first and / or second network connection of the network connection unit can be configured to be connected directly to the first and / or second access point. However, it is also conceivable for the first and / or second network connection to be connectable to the first and / or second access point by a connecting means.

[0009] To establish the light-conducting connection, the power connections and the device connection are, in particular, optical connections. The connecting path can, for example, comprise at least one optical fiber to form a light-conducting connection between the first and second power connections and the device termination unit. Furthermore, the power connections and / or the device connection can be connected to optical fibers, in particular glass fibers, for conducting light. The connecting path can preferably be designed for bidirectional light conduction. The connecting path can advantageously form part of a lead length and / or a trailing length, in particular with a length of up to 20 m.

[0010] By connecting the first and second power connections to the device connection unit, the first and / or second power connections can be permanently connected to the device connection or to a separate device connection. However, it is also conceivable for the device connection unit to have an intermediate connection via which, in particular selectively, the first and / or second power connections can be connected to the device connection. Furthermore, it can be provided that only one device connection of the device unit is provided, which can be selectively connected to the connecting lines in a light-conducting manner.

[0011] The carrier unit can be formed integrally by a carrier body. It is also conceivable for the carrier unit to be modular. For example, the network connection unit can comprise a plurality of, in particular interchangeable, modules, each of which has at least one network connection of a different network connection type. The carrier unit is preferably plate-shaped. This enables cost-effective production of the carrier unit. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the carrier unit to be made of a metal, preferably aluminum. This enables high stability when relocating for maintenance of the optical network.

[0012] Particularly since the first and second access points differ in their network connection type, it is advantageous for the network connection unit to have the first network connection for the first network connection type for connecting to the first access point and the second network connection for the second network connection type for connecting to the second access point. Thus, the adapter device simplifies the maintenance of the optical network by allowing the technician performing the maintenance work to use the adapter device for the two different networks. Furthermore, the carrier unit allows the various network connections to be easily transported together.

[0013] Furthermore, in an adapter device according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the device connection unit has a path extension for extending a light path of the connecting paths, preferably from the connecting paths to the device connection for connection to the device, in particular wherein the path extension is designed as an optical delay path and / or as an optical delay path. For design as a delay path and / or delay path, the path extension can have an optical fiber that enables the light path to be extended. The path extension can, for example, be wound up on a second side of the carrier unit, in particular below the power connections, in particular to promote transportability of the adapter device. The path extension can be connected or connectable to the first and / or second power connection.In particular, it is conceivable that each of the network connections of the network connection unit is assigned a line extension.

[0014] By extending the link, measurement errors in the device connection area can be reduced, especially when performing an OTDR procedure. In particular, this allows a measurement method for maintaining the optical network to achieve high accuracy even in the area of ​​the first network connection. The extension of the optical path due to the link extension can preferably be greater than or equal to 100 m, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1000 m.

[0015] In an adapter device according to the invention, it can preferably be provided that the section extension has an intermediate connection, preferably of the device connection type, by means of which the section extension can be selectively connected to one of the connecting sections, and / or that a device connection, i.e. in particular the device connection connected to the connecting section or a further device connection connectable to the connecting section, is formed by an end connection of the section extension for the light-conducting connection to the device. In particular, the section extension can be replugged by means of the intermediate connection in order to connect the section extension to one of the mains connections. The intermediate connection can preferably be connectable to another device connection of the device connection unit.As a result, a device connection of the device connection unit, which is connected to the first and / or second mains connection by the connecting link, can be used optionally for connection to the intermediate connection and / or for connection to the device. Preferably, the end connection of the link extension can be used for connection to the device if the device connection connected to the first and / or second mains connection serves as the end connection for the link extension. Thus, the link extension can be used optionally by simply replugging. In particular, the intermediate connection can be connected to a device connection by a connecting means, preferably by an optical cable, in order to establish the connection to the first and / or second mains connection.

[0016] Furthermore, an adapter device according to the invention can advantageously include a portable housing in which the carrier unit is arranged, in particular wherein the housing is preferably formed, preferably substantially or entirely, from a plastic. For example, the plastic can be polypropylene. The housing can protect the carrier unit and the optical components from environmental influences, particularly during transport.

[0017] The carrier unit is preferably designed as a housing insert, in particular a modular one, for the housing. For this purpose, the carrier unit can be designed to be complementary to the housing and / or fitted into the housing. Furthermore, the carrier unit can be fastened to the housing, in particular screwed to the housing. For high transportability, the housing can have external dimensions of less than or equal to 500 x 400 x 250 mm, preferably less than or equal to 400 x 300 x 200 mm. By being made of plastic, the weight of the housing can also be kept low. It is conceivable for the housing to have metal components. For example, the housing can have a locking unit by means of which the housing can be closed.

[0018] Preferably, in an adapter device according to the invention, it can be provided that the housing has a base element on which the carrier unit is arranged, and a cover element which can be at least partially removed from the base element to access the carrier unit, in particular wherein the base element and the carrier unit form a cavity. For example, the connecting section can be arranged at least partially in the cavity, preferably such that only the mains connections and the device connection(s) are accessible from the outside. The cavity can be sealed so that unauthorized access can be subsequently detected. The cover element can be attached to the base element in an articulated manner. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the housing to have a carrying handle. In particular, the housing can be designed as a case. This can enable the adapter device to be very comfortable to carry, making it easier to carry around.

[0019] In an adapter device according to the invention, it can preferably be provided that the housing, preferably the cover element, has at least one storage compartment for accommodating loose accessories. The accessories can be inserted loosely into the storage compartment. The accessories can, for example, comprise additional connecting cables or further tools. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the accessories to be secured, in particular fastened, against falling out in the storage compartment. For example, the storage compartment can have a closable opening which prevents the accessories from falling out. The storage compartment can be flexible or rigid. For example, the storage compartment can have a wall made of a textile and / or plastic. The storage compartment can advantageously be integrated into the cover element.However, it is also conceivable for the storage compartment to be integrated into the base element, preferably extending at least partially or completely into the cavity. Furthermore, the storage compartment can be designed as a housing insert and / or as a 3D-printed part.

[0020] Furthermore, in an adapter device according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the mains connections of the mains connection unit and / or the at least one device connection each have a detachable covering means for protection against environmental influences. Preferably, all device connections can each have a detachable covering means. The covering means can prevent the ingress of dust. In particular, the covering means can be designed like a cap. Thus, the covering means can be removed when the respective mains connection or device connection is in use in order to expose the mains connection or device connection. As a result, unused device connections and / or mains connections can continue to be protected from dust. The carrier unit can also advantageously have and / or form a storage area for the covering means.This allows the removed covering materials to be collected so that they are not lost during operation of the adapter device.

[0021] Furthermore, in an adapter device according to the invention, it is conceivable for several additional power connections of different, additional power connection types to be provided on the carrier unit, wherein each of the additional power connections is connected to the device connection unit by a respective additional connecting line. In particular, it is also conceivable for the power connection unit to have two or more similar power connections for each power connection type. For example, the power connections of the same power connection type can be arranged in pairs on the carrier unit.Preferably, the group of network connection types, comprising the first network connection type, the second network connection type and / or the further network connection types, can comprise at least one connection standard according to E2000, at least one connection standard according to DIN, at least one connection standard according to LC, in particular LC duplex, (lucent connector) and / or at least one connection standard according to SC, in particular SC duplex, (subscriber connector). The respective connection standard can, for example, be provided in a simple or duplex version. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first network connection type, the second network connection type and / or the further network connection types comprise at least one connection standard, for example according to F-SMA, FC, ST, ESCON, MIC, Mini-SC, URM, MTRJ, MPO / MTP, M12 and / or TOSLINK.

[0022] Furthermore, in an adapter device according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the device connection unit has two or more device connections of the device connection type, wherein a connection line is provided from each of the mains connections of the mains connection unit to at least one of the device connections of the device connection unit. This makes it easy to use the desired mains connection of the mains connection unit by connecting the device to the correspondingly assigned device connection. In particular, a multitude of different connection options can be provided by the adapter device. Furthermore, complicated switching is not necessary. Each of the connection lines can also have a separate connecting means. The connection lines and / or the line extension can be arranged in a protected manner in the cavity of the housing.

[0023] It is further conceivable in an adapter device according to the invention that a light source, preferably in the form of a laser light source, is provided on the carrier unit for feeding light into the optical network, in particular wherein the light source is connected to a light connection which is designed according to the device connection type, so that light from the light source can be transmitted via the light connection. In particular, the light source can be integrated into the light connection. The light source can be connected to electronics for operating the light source. The electronics can preferably be arranged in the cavity of the housing. Furthermore, the electronics can be connected to a switch which is arranged on the carrier unit. As a result, the light source can be activated and / or deactivated. The light source is preferably designed to emit laser light, in particular in the form of a red laser.The light source can illuminate connected optical fibers, enabling simple continuity testing and / or easily locating any defects. Because the light connector is designed according to the device connection type, the light source can be connected to the optical network via the device connection unit and the network connection unit. The measuring device can be separated from the adapter device.

[0024] In an adapter device according to the invention, it can preferably be provided that a power supply unit is provided for the mobile power supply of the light source, in particular wherein the housing has an access opening for access to the power supply unit. The power supply unit can preferably comprise a power source, e.g. in the form of at least one battery. This can enable a power supply to the light source and thus mobile use in a simple manner. The access opening allows for easy battery replacement. Additionally or alternatively, the power supply unit can comprise a charging unit for charging the power supply unit with electrical energy. For example, a rechargeable battery or an accumulator can be provided to provide the energy to operate the light source. The charging unit can be accessible via the access opening, e.g. in order to connect a charging cable.Additionally or alternatively, the adapter device for supplying power to the light source may have a cable connection for connection to a power supply.

[0025] Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable for the carrier unit to have a first side, on which the mains connections of the mains connection unit and the at least one device connection of the device connection unit are arranged, and a second side, on which the connecting lines and / or the light source are arranged. For example, the mains connections of the mains connection unit and the at least one device connection of the device connection unit can be plugged into the carrier unit from the second side and protrude on the first side. The first side can in particular form a visible side, which is visible when the cover element of the housing is opened. By arranging the connecting lines and / or the light source on the second side, these components can be protected from environmental influences and / or unintentional behavior of a user. In particular, the second side can face the cavity of the housing.The first side can face the cover element.

[0026] Preferably, in an adapter device according to the invention, it can be provided that the carrier unit is designed as an information carrier with information indicating operation of the adapter device, in particular wherein the information is introduced into the carrier unit as recesses. The information can in particular comprise information about the device connection type of the device connections and / or the mains connection type of the respective mains connections. In particular, the information can be provided on the first side of the carrier unit. The recesses can, for example, be milled or lasered. This can ensure good readability of the information even in environments with high levels of dust.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, a system is provided. The system comprises a device with an optical connection port for connecting a device connection type, and an adapter device according to the invention for mobile establishment of a light-conducting connection of a first optical access point of an optical network, in particular in the form of a fiber optic network, for connecting a first network connection type to the device's connection port.

[0028] Thus, a system according to the invention offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with reference to an adapter device according to the invention. The device can be, for example, a measuring device, preferably for performing an optical time domain reflection method (OTDR). Thus, the optical network can be easily maintained, and the adapter device can subsequently be carried to a second optical access point. The same connection of the measuring device to the adapter device can be used for different network connection types. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first and / or second access point and / or the optical network is part of the system according to the invention.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method is provided for mobile establishment of a light-conducting connection of a first optical access point for connecting a first network connection type to a connection port of a device connection type of a device. The method comprises the following steps: Connecting the first access point to an adapter device according to the invention, connecting the adapter device to the connection port of the device.

[0030] A method according to the invention thus brings with it the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to an adapter device according to the invention and / or a system according to the invention. The connection of the first access point and the connection of the adapter device is in particular a light-conducting connection, preferably in which an optical connection is established, e.g. via optical fibers. When connecting the first access point to the adapter device, a plug-in connector can be light-conductingly connected to the first access point and to a first power connection of the adapter device. When connecting the adapter device to the connection connection of the device, the connection connection can be light-conductingly connected to a device connection of the adapter device.This makes it possible to decouple the device connection type from the network connection type in a simple manner, in particular whereby the access point and the connection port are connected to the adapter device independently of one another.

[0031] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0032] They show schematically: Figure 1 shows a system according to the invention with an adapter device according to the invention in a first exemplary embodiment in a plan view, Figure 2 shows the adapter device with the connection of a line extension, Figure 3 shows a connection of a light source of the adapter device to an optical network, Figures 4 and 5 show the adapter device in a sectional side view, and Figure 6 shows a device connection of the adapter device.

[0033] In the following description of some embodiments of the invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different embodiments.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a top view of a system according to the invention with an adapter device 1 according to the invention for mobile establishment of a light-conducting connection between an optical network 3 and a device 5. The optical network 3 is part of a, in particular public, infrastructure for data transmission, preferably a fiber optic network. The device 5 is, in particular, a measuring device for maintaining the optical network 3.

[0035] The optical network 3 has a first access point 2 for connecting a first optical network connection type 2.1. The device 5 has an optical connection port 4 for connecting a device connection type 4.1. Thus, the first access point 2 itself is of the first network connection type 2.1, and the connection port 4 is of the device connection type 4.1, wherein the first network connection type 2.1 and the device connection type 4.1 differ in particular. Furthermore, a second optical access point 6 of a second network connection type 2.2 is shown, to which the device 5 can also be connected for maintenance. The first and second network connection types 2.1, 2.2 differ, for example, in that different connector standards are provided. The second access point 6 can form a further access point of the same optical network 3 or of a further optical network 3. The adapter device 1 enables both network connection types 2.1, 2.2 to the connection port 4 of the device 5.

[0036] For this purpose, the adapter device 1 has a network connection unit 10 with a plurality of network connections 11, 12, 13 for connecting different network connection types 2.1, 2.2, 2.3. For example, a first network connection 11, which is designed according to the first network connection type 2.1, and a second network connection 12, which is designed according to the second network connection type 2.2, are provided. Furthermore, a plurality of further network connections 13 of different, further network connection types 2.3 are arranged on the carrier unit 30. The network connections 11, 12, 13 are preferably arranged in pairs with similar network connections 11, 12, 13. In particular, the adapter device 1 can be connected directly to the first access point 2 via the first network connection 11 if the first access point 2 has, for example, a flexible connecting means 16.Alternatively, a flexible connecting means 16 may be provided which has a plug or a socket of the first mains connection type 2.1 at both ends in order to connect the first access point 2 to the first mains connection 11 of the adapter device 1.

[0037] Furthermore, the adapter device 1 has a device connection unit 20 with a plurality of device connections 21, which are designed according to device connection type 4.1. Each of the network connections 11, 12, 13 is optically connected to the device connection unit 20 by a respective connecting path 14. In particular, each of the network connections 11, 12, 13 is assigned a device connection 21. The connecting paths 14 comprise, in particular, an optical connection. For example, the connecting paths 14 can each comprise at least one optical fiber that connects each network connection 11, 12, 13 to one of the device connections 21. Because the device connections 21 are designed according to device connection type 4.1, the device 5 can be connected directly to one of the device connections 21 if the connecting connection 4 of the device 5 has, for example, a flexible connecting means 16.Alternatively, a flexible connecting means 16 can be provided, which has a plug or a socket of device connection type 4.1 at both ends to connect the connection connection 4 to the respective device connection 21 of the adapter device 1. It is also conceivable for the connecting sections 14 to at least partially comprise a flexible connecting means 16, e.g., in the form of a cable, on which the respective device connection 21 is arranged.

[0038] This allows the adapter device 1 to be connected to the device 5 in a simple manner. In order to now connect the device 5 to the optical network 3, the user can use the first network connection 11 of the first network connection type 2.1 to connect to the optical network 3 and the device connection 21 of the device connection type 4.1 assigned to the first network connection 11 to connect to the device 5. Thus, both the device 5 and the network 3 can be connected to the adapter device 1 with their respective connection type, e.g., their respective connection standard, so that adapter cables with different connection standards at both ends can be avoided.

[0039] A method according to the invention for mobile establishment of a light-conducting connection of the first access point 2 to the connection port 4 of the device 5 therefore comprises connecting 101 the first access point 2 to the adapter device 1 and connecting 102 the adapter device 1 to the connection port 4.

[0040] Furthermore, the device connection unit 20 and the power connection unit 10 are arranged on a support unit 30. The support unit 30 is designed in particular as a plate-like support body, preferably made of aluminum. However, it is also conceivable for the support unit 30 to be modular in order to be able to provide different power connections 11, 12, 13 for the adapter device 1. By arranging the device connection unit 20 and the power connection unit 10 on the support unit 30, the transportability of the adapter device 1 can be improved. For this purpose, a housing 40 is also provided, into which the support unit 30 is inserted.

[0041] The housing 40 is in the Figures 4 and 5 shown in cross section. The housing 40 has a base element 41 and a cover element 42. The cover element 42 is in Figure 4 shown in a closed position and in Figure 5in an open position. In the open position, the cover element 42 is at least partially removed from the base element 41, allowing access to the carrier unit 30 and thus in particular to the power connection unit 10 and the device connection unit 20. For this purpose, the cover element 42 can be arranged in an articulated manner on the base element 41. In the closed position, the carrier unit 30 is protected by the housing 40, in particular completely. Furthermore, the housing 40 has a closure 45, by means of which an unintentional opening of the cover element 42 and / or unauthorized access to the carrier unit 30 can be prevented. The cover element 42 preferably further comprises a storage compartment 43, in which loose accessories can be accommodated. This allows additional utensils, such as tools or the like, to be carried with the adapter device 1.The carrier unit 30 further has a first side 31, which faces the cover element 42 and on which the power connections 11, 12, 13 and the device connections 21 are accessible. Opposite the first side 31, the carrier unit 30 has a second side 32, which faces the base element 41. Furthermore, a cavity 47 is formed on a second side 32 by the carrier element 30 and the housing 40. For example, cabling 34 of the connecting sections 14 and / or the section extensions 22 can be arranged in a protected manner in the cavity 47. For improved carrying comfort, the housing 40 can further have a carrying handle 46 for carrying the adapter device 1. For fastening the carrier unit 30 to the housing 40, the housing 40 further has fastening interfaces 48, preferably in the form of projections. The carrier unit 30 can be screwed to the housing 40 at the fastening interfaces 48, for example.

[0042] Furthermore, the device connection unit 20 can have at least one path extension 22 for extending a light path of the connecting paths 14. The path extension 22 can be designed as an optical pre-delay path 23 and / or as an optical post-delay path 24. A connection of the first access point 2 to the device 5 via the path extension 22 is Figure 2shown. Preferably, at least one route extension 22 is provided as an optical launch link 23 and at least one route extension 22 is provided as an optical tail link 24. The route extension 22 can have at least one optical fiber that extends the light path between the device 5 and the network 3. Preferably, the light path can be extended by the route extension 22 by 100 m or more, particularly preferably by 1000 m or more. The route extension 22 comprises a device connection 21 of device connection type 4.1, which forms an end connection of the route extension 22 and can be connected to the device 5. Furthermore, the route extension 22 comprises an intermediate connection 25 of device connection type 4.1, which can be connected to one of the further device connections 21 that are connected to the network connections 11, 12, 13 by the connecting links 14.For this purpose, a connecting means 16 can be provided, which a user can change as needed. This allows the line extension 22 to be selectively connected to each of the network connections 11, 12, 13 of the network connection unit 10.

[0043] Furthermore, the adapter device 1 has a light source 50, preferably in the form of a laser light source. Figure 3 shows a connection of the light source 50 to the network 3. The light source 50 is connected to a light connection 51, which is designed according to the device connection type 4.1. In order to connect the optical network 3 to the light source 50, so that light can be fed into the optical network 3 by the light source 50, ie in particular fibers of the optical network 3 can be illuminated by the light source 50, the light source 50 is designed according to Figure 3via the first mains connection 11, a connecting line 14 assigned to the first mains connection 11, and the device connection 21 assigned to the connecting line 14 and the first mains connection 11. By designing the light connection 51 according to device connection type 4.1, connecting one of the line extensions 22 and / or selecting one of the mains connections 11, 12, 13 can be made possible in a simple manner, in particular using the same connecting means 16. Furthermore, a switch 53 is arranged on the carrier unit 30 for activating and / or deactivating the light source 50. Preferably, electronics (not shown) for operating the light source 50 are arranged on the second side 32 of the carrier unit 30.

[0044] A power supply unit 52 is also provided for the mobile power supply of the light source 50. For this purpose, the power supply unit 52 can comprise a battery and / or a rechargeable battery. Furthermore, the housing 40 has an access opening 44 for accessing the power supply unit 52. For example, a battery replacement and / or a charging process for the power supply unit 52 can be enabled through the access opening 44.

[0045] The carrier unit 30 is preferably designed as an information carrier with information indicating operation. For this purpose, the carrier unit 30 has recesses 33 that depict the information. The recesses 33 can be milled or lasered into a carrier body of the carrier unit 30. In particular, the recesses 33 can indicate the respective network connection type 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 of the network connections 11, 12, 13, the light source 50, the device connection type 4.1, and / or the line extensions 22. Particularly preferably, the recesses 33 depict the connecting lines 14 in order to be able to assign the device connections 21 to the network connections 11, 12, 13.

[0046] Figure 6further shows one of the device connections 21 with a detachable cover 15 in the form of a dust cap. The cover 15 can be removed for use of the device connection 21. Preferably, all power connections 11, 12, 13, device connections 21, and the light connection 51 each have a cover 15.

[0047] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of example. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without, however, departing from the scope of the appended claims. List of reference symbols

[0048] 1Adapter device 2First access point 2.1First network connection type 2.2Second network connection type 2.3Further network connection type 3Optical network 4Connection port 4.1Device connection type 5Device 6Second access point 10Power supply unit 11First power supply 12Second power supply 13Further power supply 14Connecting section 15Covering means 16Connecting means 20Device connection unit 21Device connection 22Line extension 23Pre-run section 24Follow-up section 25Intermediate connection 30Support unit 31First side 32Second side 33Recesses 34Cabling 40Housing 41Bottom element 42Cover element 43Storage compartment 44Access opening 45Lock 46Carrying handle 47Cavity 48Mounting interface 50Light source 51Light connection 52Power supply unit 53Switch 101Connect 102Connect

Claims

1. Adapter device (1) for the mobile establishment of an optical connection of a first optical access point (2) of an optical network (3), in particular in the form of a fiber optic network, for connecting a first type of network connection (2.1) to an optical connection port (4) of a device (5) for connecting a device connection type (4.1), having a network connection unit (10) with a first network connection (11) of the first network connection type (2.1) for optical connection to the first access point (2) and a second network connection (12) of a second network connection type (2.2) for optical connection to a second optical access point (6), and a device connection unit (20) with at least one device connection (21) of the device connection type (4.1) for light-conducting connection to the device (5), and a carrier unit (30) on which the first and second network connections (12) and the device connection (4.1) are arranged, wherein the first and second network connections (11, 12) are each connected to the device connection unit (20) in a light-conducting manner by at least one connecting path (14), characterized in that the first and second network connection types (11, 12) differ from each other.

2. Adapter device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device connection unit (20) has a path extension (22) for extending a light path of the connecting paths (14), in particular wherein the path extension (22) is designed as an optical leading path (23) and / or as an optical trailing path (24).

3. Adapter device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the path extension (22) has an intermediate connection (25), by means of which the path extension (22) can be optionally connected to one of the connecting paths (14), and / or in that a device connection (21) for light-conducting connection to the device (5) is formed by an end connection of the path extension (22).

4. Adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a portable housing (40) is provided, in which the carrier unit (30) is arranged, in particular wherein the housing (40) is formed from a plastic.

5. Adapter device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the housing (40) has a base element (41), on which the carrier unit (30) is arranged, and a cover element (42), which can be at least partially removed from the base element (41) for access to the carrier unit (30), in particular wherein the base element (41) and the carrier unit (30) form a cavity (47).

6. Adapter device (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the housing (40), in particular the cover element (42), has at least one storage compartment (43) for accommodating loose accessories.

7. Adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the network connections (11, 12, 13) of the network connection unit (10) and / or the at least one device connection (21) each have a detachable covering means (15) for protection against environmental influences.

8. Adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of further network connections (13) of different, further types of network connection (2.3) are provided on the carrier unit (30), each of the further network connections (13) being connected to the device connection unit (20) by a further connecting path (14) in each case.

9. Adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device connection unit (20) has two or more device connections (21) of the device connection type (4.1), a connecting path (14) being provided from each of the network connections (11, 12, 13) of the network connection unit (10) to at least one of the device connections (21) of the device connection unit (20).

10. Adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a light source (50), preferably in the form of a laser light source, is provided on the carrier unit (30) for feeding light into the optical network (3), in particular the light source (50) being connected to a light connection (51) which is designed in accordance with the device connection type (4.1), so that light from the light source (50) can be transmitted via the light connection (51).

11. Adapter device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that a power supply unit (52) is provided for the mobile power supply of the light source (50), in particular wherein the housing (40) has an access opening (44) for access to the power supply unit (52).

12. Adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier unit (30) has a first side (31), on which the network connections (11, 12, 13) of the network connection unit (10) and the at least one device connection (21) of the device connection unit (20) are arranged, and a second side (32), on which the connecting paths (14) and / or the light source (50) are arranged.

13. Adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier unit (30) is designed as an information carrier with information for indicating an operation of the adapter device (1), the information being introduced into the carrier unit (30) as recesses (33).

14. System comprising a device (5) with an optical connection port (4) for connecting a device connection type (4.1) and an adapter device (1) according to one of the preceding claims for the mobile establishment of an optical connection of a first optical access point (2) of an optical network (3), in particular in the form of a fiber optic network, for connecting a first type of network connection (2.1) to the connection port (4) of the device (5).

15. Method for the mobile establishment of an optical connection of a first optical access point (2) for connecting a first network connection type (2.1) to an optical connection port (4) of a device connection type (4.1) of a device (5), comprising the following steps: - connecting (101) the first access point (2) to an adapter device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, - connecting (102) the adapter device (1) to the connection port (4) of the device (5).