CAN INSERT FOR AN INSTALLATION CAN

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a socket insert for a fiber optic subscriber connection, in particular for installation in a junction box.

[0002] Various types of junction boxes for fiber optic connections are currently available. While some fiber optic distribution boxes are surface-mounted on the wall, others are designed for flush mounting in designated areas within the wall. The basic installation process is similar to installing an electrical outlet. However, unlike electrical wiring, installing the delicate fiber optic cables is more complex, as they cannot be easily extended or have specific bending radii. Therefore, a fiber optic cable that is too short usually needs to be replaced and re-laid.

[0003] Socket inserts for installing a fiber optic subscriber connection are known from the prior art. Modern designs typically include a receptacle for a certain reserve length of fiber optic cable. Due to the limited flexibility of fiber optic cables, these socket inserts often have a receptacle on which the reserve length of the fiber optic cable can be wound and stored. To protect such socket inserts from dirt and dust, they can be partially installed in a sealed junction box. Such an arrangement is known from DE102019130031B3, published on March 25, 2021, on behalf of Technetix BV, which shows a connection box comprising an outer socket and an inner socket. The fiber optic cables can be wound on or around the inner socket.To adjust the orientation of the junction box relative to the fiber optic cable entry point, the outer and inner boxes can be engaged at different angles. Such an arrangement is also known from EP 2 241 917 A2 and US 4 874 904 A.

[0004] Conventional junction box inserts are generally complex to install, as the flexible fiber optic cables are difficult to mount in the limited space available in the wall. This complex installation often results in elaborately designed and therefore relatively expensive junction box inserts.

[0005] One object of the invention is to provide a socket insert for a fiber optic subscriber connection, in particular for installation in a junction box, which enables efficient installation. A further object of the invention is to provide a simple and cost-effective socket insert.

[0006] The problem underlying the invention is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0007] The invention relates to a socket insert for a fiber optic subscriber connection, in particular for installation in a junction box. The socket insert according to the invention differs from the prior art, among other things, in its simple design. Such a socket insert comprises a mounting plate for attaching the socket insert to the junction box, a drum projecting axially from a rear side of the mounting plate for winding at least one fiber optic cable around the drum, and a coupling device for receiving and end-face operative connection of two optical connectors. In a mounted state, the coupling device is inserted into a receiving opening extending through the mounting plate. The drum is, in turn, operatively connectable to the mounting plate and / or the coupling device in at least one circumferential position, in particular, detachably operatively connectable.In the operatively connected state of the drum on the support plate and / or the coupling device, the axial direction therefore extends in the direction of a central axis of the drum.

[0008] For a simple design and cost-effective manufacturing of the can insert, it is advantageous if the support plate is thin-walled and / or essentially two-dimensional. A two-dimensional design here means that the support plate has essentially the same cross-section in one spatial direction (here, the axial direction). For example, the support plate can be formed and stamped from sheet metal. The receiving opening of the support plate accommodates the coupling device and can be located centrally in the support plate. Furthermore, the support plate can be essentially rectangular when viewed from the axial direction and have four corners. For flexible application, each corner can be detachable via a predetermined breaking point. Depending on the design and shape of the thin sections, the remaining support plate can thus have different contours.In this way, the mounting plate can be adjusted in size depending on the application, so that, for example, it is not visible behind a cover subsequently mounted over it. For attaching the mounting plate to the junction box, it can also have several mounting holes (e.g., in the form of a first group of mounting holes). Screws can then be screwed into the junction box through these mounting holes. Additionally, a second group of mounting holes can be arranged on the area of ​​the mounting plate that can be broken off via pre-scored break points.

[0009] Advantageously, the coupling device comprises a coupling and a mounting bracket for holding the coupling. The coupling and the mounting bracket can be designed separately (two separate components) or they can be integrally formed (one piece) to create the coupling device. The coupling serves to functionally connect and accommodate at least two optical connectors (one pair of optical connectors). However, the coupling can also serve to functionally connect multiple pairs, e.g., two or three pairs, of optical connectors. Advantageously, the coupling is a standard coupling for functionally connecting LC and / or SC connectors. The mounting bracket serves to hold the coupling and / or to attach the coupling device to the mounting plate. The mounting bracket includes (if designed separately) a receiving space for the coupling.The receiving space, or rather the coupling arranged therein in the assembled state, advantageously extends through the receiving opening of the support plate in a space-saving manner when assembled. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling device, in particular the mounting bracket of the coupling device, comprises a contact surface for contact with the support plate. In the assembled state, the contact surface is advantageously located on the rear side of the support plate. Thus, the coupling device can be mounted to the support plate from the rear side. For this purpose, the coupling device, in particular the mounting bracket, can be inserted partially through the receiving opening. For fastening, it can further include locking hooks by means of which the coupling device is locked to the support plate, particularly in the area of ​​the receiving opening. For example, the locking hooks can be guided through the receiving opening from the rear side of the support plate and engage behind it on the front side.

[0010] Advantageously, a coupling area of ​​the coupling device, particularly the coupling itself, is arranged axially relative to the mounting plate on the rear side of the plate when assembled. The coupling area is the region where the at least two optical connectors abut each other end-to-end. This arrangement allows for a particularly flat design of the socket insert. It is also advantageous if the insertion direction, into which the coupling is inserted into the receiving space, is arranged at an angle to the axial direction. The insertion direction is advantageously inclined between 15° and 30° to the axial direction. For easy assembly, the coupling is preferably inserted into the receiving space from the front of the mounting plate into the holder attached to it.

[0011] The drum extends from a front end to a rear end and is advantageously tubular. Depending on the application, the drum may also have a slot extending axially through it. The front end is the end that faces the mounting plate when installed. As described, depending on the design, the drum can be operatively connected to the mounting plate and / or the coupling device in at least one circumferential position (e.g., detachably). This is particularly advantageous with regard to fiber optic cables exiting the building wall, which typically have a certain reserve length. To prevent damage to the cable or disruption of signal transmission, this reserve length of the fiber optic cable can be wound onto the drum and carefully stored there.A detachably connectable drum allows for easy handling when winding up the reserve length.

[0012] For a precise winding of the reserve length and according to one embodiment of the invention, the drum can be effectively connected to the support plate and / or the coupling device in several different circumferential positions.

[0013] The drum insert can include connecting elements for functionally connecting the drum to the coupling device (especially the bracket) and / or the drum to the support plate. However, a particularly simple design of the drum insert can be achieved if the drum can be functionally connected to the bracket of the coupling device. This allows for flexible and independent assembly of the individual components of the drum insert.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drum is rotatable about its central axis in a operatively connected state with respect to the support plate and / or the coupling device to further simplify handling. In this way, the reserve length can be wound particularly easily by rotating the drum about its central axis. This can be achieved by the operative connecting means fixing the drum axially with respect to the coupling device or the support plate, but allowing rotation of the drum about its central axis. For this purpose, the operative connecting means preferably form an undercut between the drum and the coupling device (in particular the holder) and / or between the drum and the support plate in the axial direction. The operative connecting means advantageously comprise at least one shoulder that circumferentially surrounds at least part of the drum, with which at least one operative connecting element (e.g., a coupling) is engaged.a locking element, a guide pin, a hook, or similar component forms the undercut. For example, the drum can have a circumferential shoulder on its inner or outer side, behind which corresponding locking elements of the coupling device (especially the holder) engage to form the undercut.

[0015] To prevent the drum from rotating backwards after the reserve length of the fiber optic cable(s) has been wound up, due to the tension of the winding, it is advantageous if the drum, in its operative state, can be positioned in several relative (preferably discrete) circumferential positions with respect to the support plate and / or the coupling device. For this purpose, the positioning structure interacts with at least one positioning element in its operative state to position the drum in the corresponding circumferential position. The positioning structure can be arranged on the drum, while the at least one positioning element is arranged on the coupling device (in particular the holder) or the support plate. However, solutions are also conceivable where the positioning structure is arranged on the coupling device or the support plate, while the at least one positioning element is arranged on the drum.Preferably, the positioning structure is arranged at the front end of the drum. The positioning structure can be located on the inside or outside of the drum. Advantageously, however, the positioning structure is located on the inside between the front end of the drum and the aforementioned circumferential shoulder. The discrete circumferential positions in which the drum can be positioned are advantageously arranged evenly distributed around the circumference of the drum. Advantageously, the respective discrete circumferential positions are offset from one another in angular increments of 4–10°, particularly in 6°, with respect to the central axis.

[0016] The positioning structure can comprise several shaped cutouts located adjacent to and / or spaced apart from each other around the drum. For fine gradation, it is advantageous if the shaped cutouts transition seamlessly into one another. For example, a shaped cutout can be arranged circumferentially every 4–10°, and particularly every 6°, with respect to the central axis. The shaped cutouts can, for example, have a triangular, trapezoidal, or circular segment shape. The at least one positioning element is preferably deformable radially inwards or outwards (elastically). For example, this can be a mandrel extending in the axial direction, which engages in a shaped cutout when the drum is energized at the coupling device.Without deformation of the respective positioning element (or mandrel), an undercut is formed in the circumferential direction between the positioning element and the positioning structure (or the corresponding molded recess). For this purpose, the positioning element can have a shape corresponding to the molded recess at its distal end. At its proximal end, the positioning element can be molded onto the rear of the coupling device or the back of the support plate. When the drum rotates, the positioning element deforms around its proximal end and thus slides from one molded recess to the next.If no rotational torque is applied to the drum, the at least one positioning element (preferably in an undeformed state) remains in the corresponding mold cutout, thus fixing the drum in the respective discrete circumferential position. For precise positioning, it is advisable to use multiple positioning elements. These can each engage in a corresponding mold cutout in a discrete circumferential position.

[0017] Regardless of the design of the functional connection, at least one guide channel can be arranged on the outside of the drum to guide at least one fiber optic cable wound onto the drum and to prevent the fiber optic cables from slipping off. Advantageously, however, the drum includes two guide channels arranged side by side in the axial direction. The at least one guide channel can be designed as a circumferential recess in one side of the drum or be formed by at least one limiting element projecting from the outside of the drum. For example, one or more limiting elements can form a collar that at least partially surrounds the drum. Thus, for example, a guide channel can be arranged between the support plate and a collar of the drum. Advantageously, the drum includes three collars that partially surround the drum.A first collar at the front end, a second collar at the rear end, and a collar positioned in between that separates the two adjacent guide channels from each other.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the drum can have at least one fixing element, e.g., in the form of a bracket, which serves to make it more difficult or impossible for a fiber optic cable to slip out of a guide channel. At least one fixing element, or at least one bracket, can extend across a guide channel in a specific area and locally define its radial outer boundary along the bracket. Depending on the design, the respective fixing element can project axially from a boundary element and extend partially over the guide channel. For additional securing of the fiber optic cables, the drum, particularly in the area of ​​the at least one guide channel, can also have several openings distributed around its circumference for the insertion of cable ties, by means of which the fiber optic cables can be fixed.

[0019] Depending on the installation, fiber optic cables may require local splice protection. To address this, the drum can include at least one receptacle for a fiber optic cable splice protector. This receptacle can include clamping elements that securely hold the splice protector in place. The receptacle is preferably located at the rear end of the drum. The splice protector can be stored in the receptacle before installation, making it easily accessible to an installer during the process. Alternatively or additionally, a fiber optic cable with an attached splice protector can be stored in the receptacle once the fiber optic connections are installed.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a junction box insert with a mounting box, which serves to partially accommodate the junction box insert. The mounting box can be a flush-mounted box. The mounting plate can have fastening openings through which fastening elements, such as screws, inserts, or the like, are guided and secured in the mounting box by positive and / or non-positive engagement. The diameter of the drum is advantageously in the range of 40–54 mm. Such a diameter range is advantageous for easy installation in a mounting box, such as those used for sockets or similar devices.

[0021] Aspects of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures and the accompanying description. The figures show: Fig. 1 A first embodiment of a can insert according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 2 The can insert according to Figure 1 in a sectional view; Fig. 3 The can insert according to Figure 1 in a rear view; Fig. 4The can insert according to Figure 1 Disassembled in a perspective view; Fig. 5 Two variants of the drum of the can insert according to the invention in a perspective view.

[0022] Figure 1 - Figure 4Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a can insert 1 according to the invention, comprising a support plate 3, a drum 7 projecting from a rear surface 5 of the support plate 3 in an axial direction (x-direction) for winding at least one optical fiber around the drum 7, and a coupling device 10 operatively connected to the support plate 3 for receiving and operatively connecting two optical connectors 30 for an optical fiber. The coupling device 10 comprises a coupling 14 and a holder 12 for the coupling 14. The coupling device 10 can be integrally designed, i.e., as a single piece. However, a multi-part design (as shown here) has the advantage that a standard coupling 14 can be used for receiving and operatively connecting two optical connectors 30.

[0023] To mount the can insert 1, the holder 12 can be inserted into a receiving opening 4 of the support plate 3 from the rear until it rests against a contact surface 11 on the rear 5 of the support plate 3 (see Figure 4 Elastically deformable locking hooks 15, which are inserted from the rear through the receiving opening 4, lock the holder 12 in the receiving opening 4 when the holder's contact surface 11 rests against the rear 5. The coupling 14 can be inserted into the holder 12 from the front (from the direction of the front 6 of the support plate 3) and operatively connected to it (e.g., also by a locking mechanism) independently of this, either before or after the mounting opening 4.

[0024] For the operative connection between the coupling device 10 and the drum 7, the can insert 1 has an operative connecting element 19, 28 which, in the operatively connected state, forms an undercut in the axial direction between the drum 7 and the coupling device 10. In the case shown, the holder 12 includes locking elements 28 which engage behind a circumferential shoulder 19 of the drum 7. In this operatively connected state, the drum 7 is fixed in the axial direction, but advantageously still rotatable about its central axis. This is clearly visible in the detail section from Figure 3 .To position the drum 7 in a respective rotated circumferential position and to prevent unintentional rotation of the drum 7, it can further include a positioning structure 18. In the case shown, the positioning structure 18 comprises circumferential and adjacent cutouts with a circular segment shape along the inside of the drum 7. Other shapes are also conceivable. Corresponding to the circular segment cutouts, the coupling device 10 can have positioning elements on its rear side, here in the form of two axially extending and opposing pins 20. In the case shown, the pins 20 are each integrally formed on the rear side of the holder 12 between two locking elements 28. As shown in Figure 3As can be seen, the mandrels 20 are supported in a discrete circumferential position, each radially outward, within the circular segment-shaped mold opening 18. When the drum 7 rotates, the mandrels 20 deform radially inward and thus, due to the applied torque, slide from one mold opening to the next. If no torque is applied to the drum 7, further rotation is prevented, since the force required to move a mandrel 20 from one mold opening 18 to the next (i.e., to deform the mandrels) is generally not overcome spontaneously. The mandrels 20 thus remain in the corresponding mold opening 18 and fix the drum 7 in the respective discrete circumferential position. Since the mold openings transition directly into one another, the respective discrete circumferential positions are arranged in finely graduated angular increments of 4–10° relative to each other.

[0025] In Figure 2A cross-section through the box insert 1 is shown. This illustrates the particularly flat design of the insert and its installation in a schematically indicated junction box 2. The flat design is achieved, on the one hand, by the thin-walled, two-dimensional support plate 3. Furthermore, it is important that the coupling device 10 projects through and is located in the receiving opening 4 of the support plate 3. The receiving space 13 of the holder 12 for the coupling 14 thus also extends through the receiving opening 4. In the assembled state shown, a coupling area 29 of the coupling, where the at least two optical connectors 30 abut each other end-to-end, is arranged axially on the rear side of the support plate 3 and within the drum 7. Depending on the design, the support plate 3 may additionally have predetermined breaking points 27 by means of which the contour of the support plate can be adapted, e.g., according to the shape of the junction box 2.

[0026] In Figure 2 The guide channels 21 surrounding the drum are clearly visible and are bounded by the limiting elements 22. In the example shown, the drum 7 comprises two guide channels 21a and 21b, which are each laterally (in the axial direction) bounded by the limiting elements 22. Also visible are the fixing elements 23, which project laterally from the limiting elements 22 and are designed to prevent the wound fiber optic cables from slipping off the drum 7. At the rear end 17 of the drum 7, several receptacles 24 are arranged, each for a splice protector 25. The respective receptacles 24 are integrally formed with the drum 7 and clamp the splice protectors 25 in place.

[0027] Figure 5a) and Figure 5b ) Two variants of the drum 7 of the can insert 1 according to the invention are shown from the rear. The drum 7 of the Figure 5a )This corresponds to the drum of the embodiment according to Figures 1 - 4 . However, this embodiment shown there can also be used with a drum of the Figure 5b ) The molded-on receptacles 24 for the splice protectors 25 are clearly visible on both drums 7 shown. Both drums 7 have two circumferential guide channels 21a, 21b, which are separated from each other by corresponding limiting elements 22. The limiting elements 22 are designed as three collars that at least partially circumferentially surround the drum and project from the outer surface 8 of the drum 7. The three collars each limit the two guide channels 21a, 21b in the axial direction. The two drums 7 differ from each other in the design of the fixing elements 23. Figure 5a )Each fixing element 23a, 23b extends axially from a limiting element 22, which is arranged between the first and the second guide channel 21, and extends over more than 80% of the width of the guide channel 21a, 21b. Figure 5b ) Two fixing elements, arranged in pairs opposite each other, protrude from a respective limiting element 22. The two fixing elements 23b, 23b overlap in the axial direction, so that together they cover the corresponding guide channel and define its radial outer boundary. The guide channels 21 may additionally have several openings 26 distributed around their circumference for the insertion of cable ties, by means of which the fiber optic cables can be fixed. LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS

[0028] 1 Can insert 17 rear end 2 Installation box 18 Positioning structure, shape cutouts 3 support plate 4 opening 19 shoulder 5 back 20 mandrel 6 front 21 Guide channel 7 drum 22 Boundary element 8 outside 23 Fixing elements 9 inside 24 Recording 10 Coupling device 25 Splice protection 11 Site area 26 Opening (drum) 12 bracket 27 predetermined breaking point 13 Recording room 28 Latching elements 14 coupling 29 Clutch area 15 Locking hook 30 Optical connectors 16 Front end

Claims

1. Box insert (1) for a fiber optic subscriber connection for installation in an installation box (2), comprising a. a support plate (3) for attaching the box insert (1) to the installation box (2), with a receiving opening (4) extending through the support plate (3) for receiving a coupling device (10); b. the coupling device (10), which is inserted into the receiving opening (4) in an assembled state and is used for receiving and end-side interconnection of two optical connectors (30) to each other; and c. a drum (7) protruding in an axial direction from a rear side (5) of the support plate (3) for winding at least one fiber optic line around the drum (7), which is interconnectable with the support plate (3) and / or the coupling device (10) in at least one circumferential position, characterized in that d. the drum (7) is rotatable in the interconnected state relative to the support plate (3) and / or the coupling device (10) about a center axis of the drum (7).

2. Box insert (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a coupling region (29) of the coupling device (10) in the assembled state is arranged in the axial direction behind the support plate (3).

3. Box insert (1) according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the coupling device (10) comprises a bearing surface (11) which, in the assembled state, bears against the support plate (3), in particular against the rear side (5) of the support plate (3).

4. Box insert (1) according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the coupling device (10) comprises latching hooks (15) for latching the coupling device (10) in the region of the receiving opening (4).

5. Box insert (1) according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the coupling device (10) comprises a holder (12) for holding a coupling (14), in particular a standard coupling, for receiving and interconnection of the two optical connectors (30).

6. Box insert (1) according to patent claim 5, characterized in that the holder (12) comprises a receiving space (13) for the coupling (14), which in the assembled state of the box insert (1) extends through the receiving opening (4) of the support plate (3).

7. Box insert (1) according to patent claim 6, characterized in that the receiving space (13) is designed such that the coupling (14) is insertable from the front into the receiving space (13).

8. Box insert (1) according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the coupling device (10) with the drum (7) and / or the support plate (3) with the drum (7), in an interconnected state, forms an undercut in the axial direction.

9. Box insert (1) according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the drum (7) in the interconnected state is positionable relative to the support plate (3) and / or the coupling device (10) in a plurality of circumferential positions, in particular discrete circumferential positions.

10. Box insert (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the plurality of discrete circumferential positions are arranged rotated relative to one another in 4-10° angular increments.

11. Box insert (1) according to patent claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the drum (7) has a positioning structure (18) at a front end (16) facing the support plate (3) for positioning the rotatable drum (7) in the respective circumferential positions.

12. Box insert (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the positioning structure (18) comprises shape cutouts that are adjacent to one another and / or spaced apart from one another around the inner side (9) of the drum (7).

13. Box insert (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the coupling device (10) and / or the support plate (3) has at the rear at least one radially deformable positioning element (20), which engages in the shape cutout in an interconnected state of the drum (7) and in a discrete circumferential position.

14. Box insert (1) according to patent claim 13, characterized in that the at least one positioning element (20) is a mandrel extending in the axial direction, which is designed such that it deforms around a proximal end of the mandrel upon rotation of the drum (7) in order to move from one shape cutout to the next.

15. Box insert (1) according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that at least one guide channel (21), preferably two guide channels (21), is designed on the outer side (8) of the drum (7) for guiding at least one fiber optic line each.

16. Box insert (1) according to patent claim 15, characterized in that the drum (7) has at least one fixing element (23) to impede a fiber optic line to slip out of the at least one guide channel (21).

17. Box insert (1) according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the drum (7) at a rear end (17) has at least one receptacle (24) for a splice protector (25).

18. Box insert (1) for a fiber optic subscriber connection for installation in an installation box (2), comprising a. a support plate (3) for attaching the box insert (1) to the installation box (2) with a receiving opening (4) extending through the support plate (3) for receiving a coupling device (10); b. the coupling device (10), which is inserted into the receiving opening (4) in an assembled state and is used for receiving and end-side interconnection of two optical connectors (30) to each other; and c. a drum (7) protruding in an axial direction from a rear side (5) of the support plate (3) for winding at least one fiber optic line around the drum (7), characterized in that the drum is interconnectable with the support plate (3) and / or the coupling device (10) in a plurality of circumferential positions.

19. Box insert (1) according to one of the preceding patent claims with an installation box (2) for receiving the box insert (1) at least in some regions.