Connecting box

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provides a connecting box. The connecting box comprises a housing and an adapter panel, wherein the housing and the adapter panel jointly define an accommodating cavity. The adapter panel is provided with a plurality of adapters, one end of each adapter is located on a first surface of the adapter panel, and the other end of the adapter is located on a second surface of the adapter panel. One end of each adapter is configured to be connected to a first optical fiber connector, the other end of the adapter is configured to be connected to a second optical fiber connector, the connecting box further comprises an optical splitter, the optical splitter is located on the first surface of the adapter panel and connected to the adapter panel, and the optical splitter is connected to the adapters by means of optical fibers. By integrating the optical splitter and the adapters on the adapter panel, the distances between the optical splitter and the adapters can be shortened, and the optical fibers between the optical splitter and the adapters do not need to be spooled and fixed, so as to eliminates the need for a fiber spool plate in the housing, and the material cost of the connecting box can be effectively reduced. Moreover, the assembly process of the fiber spool plate can also be eliminated, the assembly process of the connecting box can be effectively simplified, and the assembly cost of the connecting box is reduced.

Description

A connection box

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on September 4, 2023, with application number 202322396986.6 and application name “A Connection Box”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a connection box. Background Art

[0003] An Optical Distribution Network (ODN) is a network consisting of all passive optical fibers and passive devices (such as optical splitters) between the Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and the Optical Network Unit (ONU). The ODN connects an OLT device and multiple ONU devices, providing bidirectional transmission of optical signals. ODN projects use junction boxes (such as optical cross-connect boxes, optical distribution boxes, and optical splitter boxes), which integrate different numbers and types of passive optical devices to meet the needs of optical fiber deployment and management. As competition in the ODN industry becomes increasingly fierce, the cost of junction box products has become one of the major issues, and the market demand for low-cost and high-reliability junction box products is unprecedentedly strong.

[0004] Typically, a junction box consists of a housing and an adapter panel mounted on the housing. The adapter panel is equipped with an adapter. An optical splitter is located at the end of the housing away from the adapter panel. The optical splitter and adapter are connected via optical fiber. A fiber tray is also typically located within the housing. This tray provides a coiling area for the optical fiber between the optical splitter and the adapter, securing the fiber. The tray is typically individually injection-molded from a high-quality polymer material and then attached to the adapter panel using a snap-on method.

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned connection box, the fiberboard made of high-quality polymer material has a high cost, and the assembly process between the fiberboard and the housing is relatively tedious and complicated, which increases the assembly cost of the connection box.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiment of the present application provides a connection box, which can effectively reduce the material cost of the connection box, simplify the assembly process of the connection box, and reduce the assembly cost of the connection box.

[0008] The present application provides a connection box, comprising a shell and a transfer panel connected to the shell, wherein the shell and the transfer panel are jointly arranged to form a receiving cavity;

[0009] The adapter panel is provided with a plurality of adapters, the adapter panel having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, the first surface facing the accommodating cavity, the second surface facing away from the accommodating cavity, one end of each adapter is located on the first surface, and the other end of each adapter is located on the second surface;

[0010] One end of each adapter is used to connect to a first optical fiber connector, and the other end of each adapter is used to connect to a second optical fiber connector, and the first optical fiber connector and the second optical fiber connector are connected through the adapter;

[0011] It also includes an optical splitter, which is located on the first surface of the adapter panel and connected to the adapter panel. The optical splitter is connected to the adapter through an optical fiber.

[0012] By integrating both the optical splitter and the adapter into the adapter panel, the embodiment of the present application can significantly shorten the distance between the optical splitter and the adapter. This allows the optical fiber between the optical splitter and the adapter to be arranged shorter, eliminating the need for coiling and securing the optical fiber between the optical splitter and the adapter. This eliminates the need for a fiber coiling plate within the housing and the slots for securing the optical fiber, effectively reducing the material cost of the connection box. Furthermore, the fiber coiling plate assembly process can be eliminated, effectively simplifying the assembly process of the connection box and reducing the assembly cost of the connection box.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the optical splitter includes at least one input end and a plurality of output ends, and the number of the input ends is smaller than the number of the output ends;

[0014] The input end and the output end are respectively located at two opposite ends of the optical splitter;

[0015] The input end is connected to some of the adapters via optical fibers, and the output end is connected to the remaining adapters via optical fibers.

[0016] The adapter connected to the input of the optical splitter can be used as the input port of the junction box, while the adapter connected to the output of the optical splitter can be used as the output port of the junction box. In this way, the junction box can convert a small number of input ports into multiple output ports, thereby increasing the signal output ports of the junction box.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the input end of the optical splitter is positioned adjacent to an edge of the adapter panel. This facilitates bending of the optical fiber, increases its bending radius, reduces or avoids breakage of the optical fiber due to a too-small bending radius, and improves the rationality of optical fiber layout.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the device further includes a fixing member located on the first surface of the adapter panel and connected to the adapter panel; the optical splitter is fixed to the fixing member. The fixing member can be a fixing platform for the optical splitter body, which can reduce or avoid problems such as poor adhesion caused by direct connection of the optical splitter to the adapter panel, thereby affecting the normal connection between the optical splitter and the adapter panel, thereby improving the firmness and reliability of the connection between the optical splitter and the adapter panel and enhancing the structural stability of the connection box.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the fixing member has a fixing groove, and the beam splitter is positioned within the fixing groove and bonded to the bottom wall of the fixing groove. The fixing groove provides a position limiter for the beam splitter, preventing the beam splitter from shifting or tipping over, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the beam splitter when mounted on the adapter panel.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the fixing member includes a bottom wall and side walls surrounding the bottom wall, the bottom wall and the side walls forming the fixing groove; the side of the bottom wall facing away from the fixing groove is connected to the adapter panel. The bottom wall of the fixing member provides a connection platform for the optical splitter, allowing the optical splitter to be connected to the adapter panel via the bottom wall of the fixing member, thereby improving the secure connection between the optical splitter and the adapter panel. The side walls of the fixing member can also provide a position limiter for the optical splitter, reducing or preventing the optical splitter from shifting or tipping over, thereby helping to improve the reliability and stability of the optical splitter when installed on the adapter panel.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the sidewall of the fixture defines a first fiber outlet, and the input end of the optical splitter is aligned with the first fiber outlet. The first fiber outlet facilitates the passage of an optical fiber connected to the input end of the optical splitter through the sidewall of the fixture, reducing or preventing bending of the optical fiber at the input end of the optical splitter due to the excessive height of the fixture's sidewall, which can lead to breakage. This helps to improve the protection of the optical fiber at the input end of the optical splitter, preventing fiber breakage that could affect optical signal transmission between the input end of the optical splitter and the adapter, and thus improving the reliability and stability of the optical signal input of the optical splitter.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the side wall of the fixture further defines a plurality of second fiber outlets, located at an end of the fixture opposite the first fiber outlet. The second fiber outlets facilitate passage of optical fibers connected to the output end of the optical splitter through the side wall of the fixture. This reduces or prevents bending of the optical fibers at the output end of the optical splitter due to the excessive height of the fixture's side wall, which can lead to breakage. This helps improve protection of the optical fibers at the output end of the optical splitter, preventing fiber breakage that could affect optical signal transmission between the output end of the optical splitter and the adapter, and thus improves the reliability and stability of the optical signal output of the optical splitter.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the device further includes a fixing platform located on the first surface of the adapter panel and connected to the adapter panel; the fixing member is located on the fixing platform. The fixing platform provides a mounting platform for the fixing member, facilitating installation and fixation of the fixing member on the adapter panel, effectively improving the reliability and stability of the connection between the optical splitter and the adapter panel, and enhancing the structural stability of the connection box.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the fixing member and the adapter panel are integrated. This eliminates the need for connection devices between the fixing member and the adapter panel, eliminating assembly work between the fixing member and the adapter panel, simplifying the connection box production process, and improving the production efficiency of the connection box. Furthermore, the integrated structure enhances the securement and reliability of the connection between the fixing member and the adapter panel, effectively reducing or preventing separation between the fixing member and the adapter panel, and improving the structural stability and reliability of the connection box.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the device further includes a plurality of first optical fiber connectors, one end of each of the first optical fiber connectors being connected to one end of each of the adapters;

[0026] The other ends of some of the first optical fiber connectors are connected to the input end of the optical splitter through optical fibers, and the other ends of another part of the first optical fiber connectors are connected to the output end of the optical splitter through optical fibers.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the device further includes a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber, wherein one end of the first optical fiber is connected to the input end of the optical splitter, and the other end of the first optical fiber is connected to part of the first optical fiber connector;

[0028] One end of the second optical fiber is connected to the output end of the optical splitter, and the other end of the second optical fiber is connected to the remaining first optical fiber connectors.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the adapter and the adapter panel are integrally formed. This can effectively simplify the assembly of the connection box, shorten the assembly time, and thus effectively reduce the assembly cost of the connection box. Furthermore, it can effectively improve the sealing between the adapter and the adapter panel.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the adapter includes a first adapter portion and a second adapter portion that are internally connected;

[0031] The first adapter portion extends toward the interior of the adapter panel and communicates with the accommodating cavity, while the second adapter portion extends toward the exterior of the adapter panel and communicates with the exterior of the adapter panel. The first adapter portion is configured to connect to the first optical fiber connector, while the second adapter portion is configured to connect to the second optical fiber connector. This allows the first optical fiber connector and the second optical fiber connector to communicate with each other through the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion, thereby enabling optical signal transmission.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the adapter panel has a first snap-fitting portion on its outer periphery, and the housing has a second snap-fitting portion on its inner wall that mates with the first snap-fitting portion. The adapter panel and the housing are connected through the engagement between the first and second snap-fitting portions. This snap-fitting connection is easy to operate, reliable, and facilitates installation and removal, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the connection between the adapter panel and the housing. Furthermore, it facilitates installation and removal of the adapter panel and the housing, facilitating subsequent maintenance of the connection box.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the connector further includes a sealing ring positioned between the adapter panel and the housing to provide a seal between the adapter panel and the housing. This effectively improves the sealing between the housing and the adapter panel, and can effectively reduce or prevent external stains such as water and oil from entering the housing cavity of the housing, preventing such stains from entering the cavity and affecting signal transmission between the internal optical fibers, thereby effectively improving the reliability and stability of the connection box. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which an optical splitter is arranged in a connection box in the related art;

[0035] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a connection box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG3 is an exploded view of a connection box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a transfer panel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical splitter provided in an embodiment of the present application arranged on a fixed platform;

[0039] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a connection between a first optical fiber connector, an adapter, and an optical splitter provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a fixing member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Description of reference numerals:

[0043] 100-connection box;

[0044] 110-housing; 111-accommodation chamber;

[0045] 120 - adapter panel; 121 - first surface; 122 - second surface; 123 - first clamping portion;

[0046] 130- adapter; 131- first adapter; 132- second adapter;

[0047] 140- optical splitter; 141- input end; 142- output end;

[0048] 150 - fixing member; 151 - bottom wall; 152 - side wall; 1521 - first fiber outlet; 1522 - second fiber outlet; 153 - fixing groove;

[0049] 160-Fixed platform;

[0050] 170 - first optical fiber connector; 171 - first optical fiber; 172 - second optical fiber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The terms used in the implementation section of this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0052] The OLT and ONU are interconnect devices in an optical transmission network and are essential modules in a passive optical network (PON). The ODN is a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) cable network based on PON equipment. The ODN provides an optical transmission channel between the OLT and ONU.

[0053] ODN projects utilize numerous optical cross-connect boxes, optical distribution boxes, and optical splitter boxes. These boxes integrate varying numbers and types of passive optical components to meet fiber deployment and management requirements. These boxes are typically equipped with adapters, which connect two fiber segments by positioning two connectors within the adapter's sleeves.

[0054] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical splitter arranged in a connection box in the related art.

[0055] In the related art, as shown in FIG1 , a connection box typically includes a housing and an adapter panel 1 mounted on the housing. The adapter panel 1 is provided with an adapter 2. An optical splitter 3 is provided at the end of the housing away from the adapter panel 1. The optical splitter 3 and the adapter 2 are connected via an optical fiber 4. A fiber tray 5 is typically also provided within the housing, one end of which is connected to the adapter panel 1. The optical splitter 3 is typically provided at the end of the fiber tray 5 away from the adapter panel 1.

[0056] The fiberboard 5 provides a coiling area for the optical fiber 4 between the optical splitter 3 and the adapter 2, thereby securing the optical fiber 4. The fiberboard 5 is typically individually injection-molded from a high-quality polymer material and then connected to the adapter panel 1 via snap-fits or other means. The fiberboard 5 also includes multiple slots 6. Typically, the optical fiber 4 between the optical splitter 3 and the adapter 2 is reserved longer to reduce or avoid the impact of shorter optical fibers 4 on the proper connection between the optical splitter 3 and the adapter 2. Excess optical fiber 4 is typically coiled around the fiberboard 5 and secured within the slots 6, allowing the optical fiber 4 to be secured to the fiberboard 5 through the slots 6, thereby improving the regularity and firmness of the optical fiber 4 on the fiberboard 5.

[0057] However, the fiber coiling board, made of high-quality polymer materials, used in the aforementioned junction box is expensive to manufacture, increasing the material cost of the junction box. Furthermore, the assembly process between the fiber coiling board and the housing is complex and cumbersome, further increasing the assembly cost of the junction box. Furthermore, the process of coiling the optical fiber onto the fiber coiling board and securing it within the slot is cumbersome and complex, requiring high technical skills from the operator, increasing the complexity of the fiber coiling process and, consequently, the complexity of the junction box production.

[0058] To address these issues, researchers have come up with an improved structure for the junction box. By integrating the optical splitter and adapter into a single panel, the distance between the two can be significantly shortened. This allows the optical fiber between the two to be shorter, eliminating the need for coiling and securing the fiber between them. This eliminates the need for a fiber coiling plate within the housing and the slots for securing the fiber, effectively reducing the material cost of the junction box. Furthermore, the fiber coiling plate assembly process can be eliminated, effectively simplifying the junction box assembly process and reducing the cost of assembly.

[0059] Moreover, in the connection box provided in the embodiment of the present application, the fiber coiling board and the related card slot structure are omitted, and the length of the optical fiber between the splitter and the adapter is shorter, which can eliminate the tedious and complicated fiber coiling operation and reduce the technical requirements for the operators, thereby effectively reducing the complexity of the production of the connection box.

[0060] The connection box provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a connection box provided in an embodiment of the present application, FIG3 is an exploded view of a connection box provided in an embodiment of the present application, and FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a transfer panel provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0062] The present embodiment provides a connection box 100. The connection box 100 can be a box-type device such as an optical cross-connect box, an optical distribution box, or an optical fiber splitter box. Alternatively, the connection box 100 can be a product in which the characteristics of a switching component are directly molded onto any housing. In the present embodiment, the connection box 100 is described as an optical fiber splitter box.

[0063] 2 and 3 , an embodiment of the present application provides a connection box 100, which may include a shell 110 and an adapter panel 120 connected to the shell 110. The shell 110 and the adapter panel 120 are jointly arranged to form a housing cavity 111. Devices for realizing the complete functions of the connection box 100 (for example, optical fiber connectors, optical fibers, splitters, etc.) may be provided in the housing cavity 111. For example, the adapter panel 120 and the shell 110 may be connected in a detachable manner to facilitate the assembly of the connection box 100. For example, during the assembly of the connection box 100, the devices inside the connection box 100 may be first loaded into the housing cavity 111 through the opening on the shell 110, and then the adapter panel 120 may be assembled on the shell 110 to complete the assembly of the connection box 100.

[0064] 3 and 4 , the adapter panel 120 may include a first surface 121 and a second surface 122 facing each other, wherein the first surface 121 may face the accommodating cavity 111, and the second surface 122 may face away from the accommodating cavity 111. A plurality of adapters 130 may be provided on the adapter panel 120, wherein one end of each adapter 130 may be located on the first surface 121 of the adapter panel 120, and the other end may be located on the second surface 122 of the adapter panel 120. One end of the adapter 130 may be used to connect to a first optical fiber connector 170 (see FIG. 5 ), and the other end may be used to connect to a second optical fiber connector (not shown). The first optical fiber connector 170 and the second optical fiber connector may be connected via the adapter 130.

[0065] For example, the adapter 130 can be an adapter, for example, the adapter 130 can be an SC adapter (Square Connector), and accordingly, the first optical fiber connector 170 and the second optical fiber connector are also SC connectors. Alternatively, the adapter 130 can also be a DLC adapter (Double Lucent Connector), and accordingly, the first optical fiber connector 170 and the second optical fiber connector are also DLC connectors. Alternatively, in some examples, the adapter 130 can also be an MPO adapter (Multi-fiber Pull Off), and accordingly, the first optical fiber connector 170 and the second optical fiber connector are also MPO connectors. Specifically, the type of the adapter 130 can be selected and set according to the specific application scenario.

[0066] Of course, in some examples, the types of the adapters 130 on the adapter panel 120 can also be different. For example, some of the adapters 130 can be SC adapters, some of the adapters 130 can be DLC adapters, and other part of the adapters 130 can be MPO adapters. This allows the adapters 130 to simultaneously meet the connection requirements of three different types of fiber optic connectors, allowing the connection box 100 to meet the connection requirements of different types of fiber optic connectors, which helps to improve the versatility and flexibility of the connection box 100.

[0067] For example, the first optical fiber connector 170 can be located inside the accommodating cavity 111, and the second optical fiber connector can be located outside the accommodating cavity 111. One end of the adapter 130 located on the first surface 121 of the adapter panel 120 can be connected to the first optical fiber connector 170, and one end of the adapter 130 located on the second surface 122 of the adapter panel 120 can be connected to the second optical fiber connector, so that the two optical fiber connectors located inside and outside the accommodating cavity 111 can be connected through the adapter 130 to achieve optical signal transmission.

[0068] As shown in FIG4 , the connection box 100 may further include an optical splitter 140. The optical splitter 140 may be located on the first surface 121 of the adapter panel 120 and connected to the adapter panel 120. The optical splitter 140 and the adapter 130 may be connected via optical fibers. For example, a plurality of optical fibers may be disposed within the accommodating cavity 111 of the housing 110. One end of each optical fiber may be connected to one end of the adapter 130 via a first optical fiber connector 170, and the other end of each optical fiber may be connected to the optical splitter 140. In this manner, the optical splitter 140 and the adapter 130 are both integrated into the adapter panel 120 and connected via optical fibers. The optical fibers can be relatively short, eliminating the need for coiling and eliminating the need for a fiber coiling board within the housing 110.

[0069] Compared to the connection box structure with a fiber coil in the related art, the embodiment of the present application integrates both the optical splitter 140 and the adapter 130 on the adapter panel 120, which can significantly shorten the distance between the optical splitter 140 and the adapter 130. As a result, the optical fiber between the optical splitter 140 and the adapter 130 can be arranged shorter, and the optical fiber between the optical splitter 140 and the adapter 130 does not need to be coiled and fixed. This can eliminate the need for a fiber coil and a slot for fixing the optical fiber in the housing 110, effectively reducing the material cost of the connection box 100. In addition, the fiber coil assembly process can be eliminated, which can effectively simplify the assembly process of the connection box 100 and reduce the assembly cost of the connection box 100.

[0070] Moreover, in the connection box 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the fiber coiling board and the related card slot structure are omitted, and the length of the optical fiber between the splitter 140 and the adapter 130 is shorter, which can eliminate the tedious and complicated fiber coiling operation and reduce the technical requirements for the operators, thereby effectively reducing the complexity of the production of the connection box 100.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present application, referring to Figure 4 , the optical splitter 140 in the connection box 100 may include at least one input end 141 and multiple output ends 142, and the number of input ends 141 may be less than the number of output ends 142. The input end 141 and the output end 142 may be located at opposite ends of the optical splitter 140, respectively. The input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 may be connected to part of the adapter 130 via optical fiber, and the output end 142 of the optical splitter 140 may be connected to the remaining adapters 130 via optical fiber.

[0072] For example, the input end 141 can be connected to one or two adapters 130 via optical fibers, and the output end 142 can be connected to the remaining adapters 130 via optical fibers. The adapter 130 connected to the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 can serve as the input end 141 of the connection box 100, while the adapter 130 connected to the output end 142 of the optical splitter 140 can serve as the output end 142 of the connection box 100. This allows the connection box 100 to convert a small number of input ends 141 into multiple output ends 142, thereby increasing the number of signal output ends 142 of the connection box 100.

[0073] For example, taking the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 as an example, in a specific application, one of the second optical fiber connectors located outside the housing 110 can be connected to the adapter 130 connected to the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 to implement the input of the optical signal. The other second optical fiber connectors can be connected to the remaining adapters 130 (i.e., the adapters 130 connected to the output end 142 of the optical splitter 140) to implement the output of the optical signal.

[0074] 3 , the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 can be positioned adjacent to the edge of the adapter panel 120, so that the output end 142 of the optical splitter 140 is positioned adjacent to the center of the adapter panel 120. Since most adapters 130 on the adapter panel 120 are connected to the output end 142 of the optical splitter 140, the distance between the output end 142 of the optical splitter 140 and each adapter 130 can be made more uniform. This facilitates bending of the optical fiber, increases the bending radius of the optical fiber, reduces or avoids breakage of the optical fiber due to an excessively small bending radius, and improves the rationality of the optical fiber arrangement.

[0075] 4 , the connection box 100 may further include a fixing member 150. The fixing member 150 may be located on the first surface 121 of the adapter panel 120 and connected to the adapter panel 120. The optical splitter 140 may be fixed to the fixing member 150, so that the optical splitter 140 can be connected to the adapter panel 120 via the fixing member 150, thereby achieving installation and fixation of the optical splitter 140. For example, the fixing member 150 and the adapter panel 120 may be connected by bonding, snapping, buckling, screwing, etc. After the fixing member 150 and the adapter panel 120 are connected, the optical splitter 140 may be fixed to the fixing member 150 to achieve fixation of the optical splitter 140 to the adapter panel 120.

[0076] The fixing member 150 can be a fixing platform for the body of the splitter 140, which can reduce or avoid problems such as poor fitting caused by the direct connection of the splitter 140 to the adapter panel 120, thereby affecting the normal connection between the splitter 140 and the adapter panel 120, which is beneficial to improving the firmness and reliability of the connection between the splitter 140 and the adapter panel 120, and enhancing the structural stability of the connection box 100.

[0077] The optical splitter 140 and the fixing member 150 can be connected by bonding, snapping, or buckling. For example, in the embodiment of the present application, the optical splitter 140 and the fixing member 150 can be connected by bonding. For example, an adhesive layer can be provided between the optical splitter 140 and the fixing member 150, and both sides of the adhesive layer can be bonded to the optical splitter 140 and the fixing member 150, respectively, so that the optical splitter 140 and the fixing member 150 can be connected by the adhesive layer. The adhesive connection operation is simple and reliable, which can facilitate the connection between the optical splitter 140 and the fixing member 150, reduce the difficulty of the connection operation between the optical splitter 140 and the fixing member 150, and help improve the efficiency of assembling the optical splitter 140 and the fixing member 150.

[0078] The fixing member 150 and the adapter panel 120 may be an integral structure. For example, the fixing member 150 and the adapter panel 120 may be formed by integral injection molding so that the fixing member 150 and the adapter panel 120 may become an integral structure.

[0079] This eliminates the need for connecting components between the fixing member 150 and the adapter panel 120, simplifies the assembly process between the fixing member 150 and the adapter panel 120, simplifies the preparation process of the connection box 100, and helps improve the production efficiency of the connection box 100. Furthermore, the integrated structure can improve the firmness and reliability of the connection between the fixing member 150 and the adapter panel 120, effectively reducing or preventing separation between the fixing member 150 and the adapter panel 120, and helping to improve the structural stability and reliability of the connection box.

[0080] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical splitter 140 provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is arranged on a fixed platform.

[0081] Alternatively, in some examples, as shown in FIG5 , the connection box 100 may further include a fixing platform 160, which may be connected to the adapter panel 120, and the fixing member 150 may be located on the fixing platform 160, so that the fixing member 150 can be connected to the adapter panel 120 through the fixing platform 160. For example, the fixing member 150 may be fixed to the fixing platform 160 by bonding, clamping, or bolting, so that the optical splitter 140 can be connected to the fixing platform 160 through the fixing member 150, thereby achieving the arrangement of the optical splitter 140 on the adapter panel 120.

[0082] The fixing platform 160 can provide an installation platform for the fixing member 150 to facilitate the installation and fixation of the fixing member 150 on the adapter panel 120, which can effectively improve the reliability and stability of the connection between the splitter 140 and the adapter panel 120 and enhance the structural stability of the connection box 100.

[0083] For example, the fixing platform 160 and the adapter panel may be an integrated structure, so that the fixing platform 160 and the adapter panel can become a whole, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the connection between the fixing platform 160 and the adapter panel.

[0084] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the connection between a first optical fiber connector, an adapter, and an optical splitter provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0085] In the embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG6 , the connection box 100 may further include a plurality of first optical fiber connectors 170. One end of the first optical fiber connector 170 may be connected to one end of the adapter 130. The other ends of some of the first optical fiber connectors 170 may be connected to the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 via optical fibers, and the other ends of the remaining first optical fiber connectors 170 may be connected to the output end 142 of the optical splitter 140 via optical fibers. The adapter 130 connected to the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 via the first optical fiber connector 170 may serve as the input end 141 of the connection box 100, and the adapter 130 connected to the output end 142 of the optical splitter 140 via the first optical fiber connector 170 may serve as the output end 142 of the connection box 100, so that signals can be converted through the connection box 100.

[0086] Among them, the number of first optical fiber connectors 170 connected to the output end 142 of the splitter 140 can be greater than the number connected to the input end 141 of the splitter 140, so that the number of input ends 141 of the connection box 100 can be greater than the number of output ends 142, so that the connection box 100 can convert a small number of input ends 141 into multiple output ends 142 to increase the output ends 142 of the signal.

[0087] For example, in the embodiment of the present application, one of the first fiber optic connectors 170 can be connected to the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 via an optical fiber, while the remaining first fiber optic connectors 170 can be connected to the output end 142 of the splitter via optical fibers. In this way, one adapter 130 in the connection box 100 can be the input end 141 port, and the remaining adapters 130 can be the output end 142 ports, allowing the connection box 100 to convert one input end 141 into multiple output ends 142, thereby effectively increasing the number of interfaces at the signal output end 142.

[0088] Alternatively, in some examples, the number of first optical fiber connectors 170 connected to the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 can be other values, so that the connection box 100 has other numbers of input ends 141 to meet different application requirements of the connection box 100. Specifically, the number of first optical fiber connectors 170 connected to the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 can be selected and set according to the specific application scenario.

[0089] 6 , in the embodiment of the present application, the connection box 100 may further include a first optical fiber 171 and a second optical fiber 172. One end of the first optical fiber 171 may be connected to the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140, and the other end may be connected to a portion of the first optical fiber 171 connector 170, so that the portion of the first optical fiber 171 connector 170 and the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 may be connected via the first optical fiber 171. In this way, the portion of the adapter 130 may be connected to the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 via the first optical fiber 171 connector 170 and the first optical fiber 171 in sequence, thereby enabling the portion of the adapter 130 to transmit optical signals to the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 via the first optical fiber 171 connector 170 and the first optical fiber 171 in sequence, thereby achieving optical signal input.

[0090] One end of the second optical fiber 172 can be connected to the output end 142 of the optical splitter 140, and the other end can be connected to the remaining first optical fiber 171 connectors 170, so that the remaining first optical fiber 171 connectors 170 and the output end 142 of the optical splitter 140 can be connected through the second optical fiber 172. In this way, the remaining adapters 130 can be connected to the output end 142 of the optical splitter 140 in sequence through the first optical fiber 171 connectors 170 and the second optical fiber 172, so that the remaining adapters 130 can transmit optical signals to the output end 142 of the optical splitter 140 in sequence through the first optical fiber 171 connectors 170 and the second optical fiber 172, thereby achieving optical signal output.

[0091] The adapter 130 connected to the first optical fiber 171 can be understood as the signal input port 141 of the connection box 100 , and the adapter 130 connected to the second optical fiber 172 can be understood as the signal output port 142 of the connection box 100 .

[0092] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a fixing member 150 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0093] As shown in FIG7 , the fixing member 150 may have a fixing groove 153, and the beam splitter 140 may be located in the fixing groove 153 and bonded to the bottom wall of the fixing groove 153. The fixing groove 153 may provide a position limiter for the beam splitter 140, thereby preventing the beam splitter 140 from shifting or tipping over, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the beam splitter 140 when mounted on the adapter panel 120.

[0094] For example, as shown in FIG7 , the fixing member 150 may include a bottom wall 151 and side walls 152 surrounding the bottom wall 151. The bottom wall 151 and the side walls 152 may together form a fixing groove 153. The surface of the bottom wall 151 of the fixing member 150 facing away from the fixing groove 153 may be connected to the adapter panel 120. The optical splitter 140 may be snapped into the fixing groove 153 and bonded to the bottom wall 151 of the fixing member 150.

[0095] The bottom wall 151 of the fixing member 150 provides a connection platform for the beam splitter 140, so that the beam splitter 140 can be connected to the adapter panel 120 through the bottom wall 151 of the fixing member 150, thereby improving the secure connection between the beam splitter 140 and the adapter panel 120. The side walls 152 of the fixing member 150 can provide a position limiter for the beam splitter 140, thereby reducing or preventing the beam splitter 140 from shifting or tipping over, and helping to improve the reliability and stability of the installation of the beam splitter 140 on the adapter panel 120.

[0096] Continuing with FIG7 , a first fiber outlet 1521 may be defined on the sidewall 152 of the fixture 150, and the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 may be aligned with the first fiber outlet 1521 on the fixture 150. When the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 is connected to the adapter 130 via an optical fiber, the optical fiber may pass through the first fiber outlet 1521. The first fiber outlet 1521 facilitates the passage of the optical fiber through the sidewall 152 of the fixture 150, thereby reducing or preventing bending and subsequent breakage of the optical fiber at the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 due to the excessive height of the sidewall 152 of the fixture 150. This helps to improve protection of the optical fiber at the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140, preventing fiber breakage from affecting optical signal transmission between the input end 141 of the optical splitter 140 and the adapter 130, and thereby improving the reliability and stability of the optical signal input to the optical splitter 140.

[0097] For example, in an embodiment of the present application, when the first optical fiber 171 is connected to the input end 141 of the splitter 140, the first optical fiber 171 can pass through the first optical fiber outlet 1521 to be connected to the first optical fiber 171 connector 170. This can effectively prevent the first optical fiber 171 from bending at the side wall 152 of the fixing member 150, and can effectively prevent the first optical fiber 171 from breaking, and prevent the signal input of the splitter 140 from being affected by the breakage of the first optical fiber 171, thereby effectively improving the reliability and stability of the signal input of the splitter 140.

[0098] Continuing with FIG7 , a plurality of second fiber outlets 1522 may be formed on the sidewall 152 of the fixture 150. The plurality of second fiber outlets 1522 may be located at an end of the fixture 150 opposite the first fiber outlet 1521. When the output end 142 of the optical splitter 140 is connected to the adapter 130 via an optical fiber, the optical fiber may pass through the second fiber outlet 1522. The second fiber outlet 1522 facilitates the passage of the optical fiber through the sidewall 152 of the fixture 150. This reduces or prevents bending of the optical fiber at the output end 142 of the optical splitter 140 due to the excessive height of the sidewall 152 of the fixture 150, which may cause the optical fiber to break due to bending. This helps to improve the protection of the optical fiber at the output end 142 of the optical splitter 140, preventing optical fiber breakage from affecting the optical signal transmission between the output end 142 of the optical splitter 140 and the adapter 130, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the optical signal output of the optical splitter 140.

[0099] For example, in an embodiment of the present application, when the second optical fiber 172 is connected to the output end 142 of the splitter 140, the second optical fiber 172 can pass through the second optical fiber outlet 1522 to be connected to the first optical fiber 171 connector 170. This can effectively avoid bending at the side wall 152 of the second optical fiber 172 fixing part 150, and can effectively prevent the first optical fiber 171 from breaking, and prevent the signal input of the splitter 140 from being affected by the breakage of the first optical fiber 171, thereby effectively improving the reliability and stability of the signal output of the splitter 140.

[0100] Among them, one second optical fiber 172 can be passed through a second fiber outlet 1522, or two second optical fibers 172 can be passed through a second fiber outlet 1522. Specifically, the number of optical fibers passed through the second fiber outlet 1522 can be selected and set according to the size of the second fiber outlet 1522 and the second optical fiber 172.

[0101] Currently, the adapter in the connection box is typically made separately from high-quality polymer materials and then assembled with the adapter panel. Specifically, the adapter is provided with a nut fastener, which connects the adapter and the adapter panel. A sealing ring is also provided between the adapter and the adapter panel to provide a seal between the adapter and the adapter panel.

[0102] However, the adapter needs to be locked on the shell with a certain torque using nut fasteners, and sealing rings need to be provided inside and outside the shell to achieve sealing between the adapter and the shell. The assembly process requirements are relatively high, the assembly time is long, and the assembly cost of the connection box is increased.

[0103] Moreover, a sealing ring is used for mechanical sealing between the adapter and the housing, which may pose quality risks in certain scenarios. For example, the nut fastener is not tightened according to the torque, the sealing ring is missing, etc., which reduces the reliability of the seal between the adapter and the housing.

[0104] In addition, in the above-mentioned connection box, the adapter has high requirements for dimensional accuracy and needs to be injection molded with high-quality polymer materials, and the material cost is relatively high.

[0105] In the embodiment of the present application, the adapter 130 and the adapter panel 120 can be an integral structure. For example, the adapter 130 and the adapter panel 120 can be formed by integral injection molding or integral stamping, so that the adapter 130 and the adapter panel 120 are a single unit. In this way, there is no need to provide a structural member for connection and sealing between the adapter 130 and the adapter panel 120.

[0106] For example, the adapter 130 and the adapter panel 120 can be made of relatively low-cost plastic materials, such as poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide; PPT), to reduce the production cost of the connection panel and the adapter 130 .

[0107] By making the adapter 130 and the adapter panel 120 an integrated structure, compared with the above-mentioned split structure, it is possible to eliminate the need for structural parts (for example, nut fasteners, etc.) for connection between the adapter 130 and the adapter panel 120, and there is no need to perform the assembly process between the adapter 130 and the adapter panel 120. This can effectively simplify the assembly operation of the connection box 100, shorten the assembly time of the connection box 100, and thereby effectively reduce the assembly cost of the connection box 100.

[0108] Moreover, compared with achieving sealing between the adapter and the shell 110 through a sealing ring, the integrated structure can effectively improve the reliability and stability of the sealing between the adapter 130 and the adapter panel 120, and can effectively reduce or avoid problems such as sealing failure between the adapter 130 and the adapter panel 120.

[0109] In addition, compared to using high-quality polymer materials to make the adapter separately, the adapter 130 and the adapter panel 120 in the embodiment of the present application are an integrated structure, and relatively low-cost plastic raw materials can be used, which can effectively reduce the material cost of the adapter 130 and the adapter panel 120, thereby effectively reducing the overall material cost of the connection box 100.

[0110] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0111] As shown in FIG8 , the adapter 130 may include a first adapter portion 131 and a second adapter portion 132 that are internally connected. The first adapter portion 131 may extend toward the interior of the adapter panel 120 and communicate with the accommodating cavity 111. The second adapter portion 132 may extend toward the exterior of the adapter panel 120 and communicate with the exterior of the adapter panel 120. The first adapter portion 131 may be used to connect to the first optical fiber 171 connector 170 located within the accommodating cavity 111, and the second adapter portion 132 may be used to connect to the second optical fiber 172 connector located outside the accommodating cavity 111, so that the first optical fiber 171 connector 170 and the second optical fiber connector can be connected through the first adapter portion 131 and the second adapter portion 132 to achieve optical signal transmission.

[0112] For example, optical fibers may be provided in the first optical fiber 171 connector 170 and the second optical fiber 172 connector. The optical fiber in the first optical fiber 171 connector 170 may be passed through the first adapter 131, and the optical fiber in the second optical fiber 172 connector may be passed through the second adapter 132, so that the two optical fibers may be docked in the adapter 130, thereby realizing the transmission of optical signals.

[0113] Continuing with FIG8 , a first snap-fit ​​portion 123 may be provided on the outer periphery of the adapter panel 120, and a second snap-fit ​​portion (not shown) may be provided on the inner wall of the housing 110 to cooperate with the first snap-fit ​​portion 123. The adapter panel 120 and the housing 110 may be connected through the cooperation between the first snap-fit ​​portion 123 and the second snap-fit ​​portion. The snap-fit ​​connection is easy to operate, reliable, and convenient to install and remove, which can improve the reliability and stability of the connection between the adapter panel 120 and the housing 110. It can also facilitate installation and removal of the adapter panel 120 and the housing 110, and facilitate subsequent maintenance of the connection box 100.

[0114] The connection box 100 may further include a sealing ring, which may be located between the adapter panel 120 and the housing 110. The sealing ring may provide a seal between the adapter panel 120 and the housing 110. This can effectively improve the sealing of the connection between the housing 110 and the adapter panel 120, effectively reduce or prevent external stains such as water stains and oil stains from entering the accommodating cavity 111 of the housing 110, and prevent such stains from entering the accommodating cavity 111 and affecting signal transmission between internal optical fibers, thereby effectively improving the reliability and stability of the connection box 100.

[0115] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances. The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0116] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, ordinary technicians in this field should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. These modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A connection box, characterized in that: It comprises a shell (110) and a transfer panel (120) connected to the shell (110), wherein the shell (110) and the transfer panel (120) are jointly arranged to form a receiving cavity (111); A plurality of adapter components (130) are arranged on the adapter panel (120); the adapter panel (120) has a first surface (121) and a second surface (122) that are opposite to each other; the first surface (121) faces the accommodating cavity (111), and the second surface (122) faces away from the accommodating cavity (111); one end of each adapter component (130) is located on the first surface (121), and the other end of each adapter component (130) is located on the second surface (122); One end of each of the adapters (130) is used to connect to a first optical fiber connector, and the other end of each of the adapters (130) is used to connect to a second optical fiber connector, and the first optical fiber connector and the second optical fiber connector are connected via the adapter (130); It also includes a beam splitter (140), which is located on the first surface (121) of the adapter panel (120) and connected to the adapter panel (120), and the beam splitter (140) is connected to the adapter (130) via an optical fiber.

2. The connection box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical splitter (140) comprises at least one input end (141) and a plurality of output ends (142), and the number of the input ends (141) is smaller than the number of the output ends (142); The input end (141) and the output end (142) are respectively located at two opposite ends of the optical splitter (140); The input end (141) is connected to a portion of the adapters (130) via optical fibers, and the output end (142) is connected to the rest of the adapters (130) via optical fibers.

3. The connection box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The input end (141) of the optical splitter (140) is arranged adjacent to the edge of the adapter panel (120).

4. The connection box according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a fixing member (150), wherein the fixing member (150) is located on the first surface (121) of the adapter panel (120) and is connected to the adapter panel (120); The optical splitter (140) is fixed on the fixing member (150).

5. The connection box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixing member (150) has a fixing groove (153), and the beam splitter (140) is located in the fixing groove (153) and is bonded to the bottom wall of the fixing groove (153).

6. The connection box according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fixing member (150) comprises a bottom wall (151) and a side wall (152) arranged around the bottom wall, wherein the bottom wall (151) and the side wall (152) are arranged around to form the fixing groove (153); A surface of the bottom wall (151) facing away from the fixing groove (153) is connected to the adapter panel (120).

7. The connection box according to claim 6, characterized in that: The side wall (152) of the fixing member (150) is provided with a first fiber outlet (1521), and the input end (141) of the optical splitter (140) is aligned with the first fiber outlet (1521).

8. The connection box according to claim 7, characterized in that: The side wall (152) of the fixing member (150) is also provided with a plurality of second fiber outlets (1522), and the plurality of second fiber outlets (1522) are located at an end of the fixing member (150) opposite to the first fiber outlet (1521).

9. The connection box according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that: It also includes a fixing platform (160), wherein the fixing platform (160) is located on the first surface (121) of the adapter panel (120) and is connected to the adapter panel (120); The fixing member (150) is located on the fixing platform (160).

10. The connection box according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that: The fixing member (150) and the adapter panel (120) are an integrated structure.

11. The connection box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: It also includes a plurality of first optical fiber connectors (170), one end of each of the first optical fiber connectors (170) being connected to one end of each of the adapters (130); The other end of a portion of the first optical fiber connectors (170) is connected to the input end (141) of the optical splitter (140) via an optical fiber, and the other end of another portion of the first optical fiber connectors (170) is connected to the output end (142) of the optical splitter (140) via an optical fiber.

12. The connection box according to claim 11, characterized in that: It also includes a first optical fiber (171) and a second optical fiber (172), wherein one end of the first optical fiber (171) is connected to the input end (141) of the optical splitter (140), and the other end of the first optical fiber (171) is connected to a portion of the first optical fiber connector (170); One end of the second optical fiber (172) is connected to the output end (142) of the optical splitter (140), and the other end of the second optical fiber (172) is connected to the remaining first optical fiber connectors (170).

13. The connection box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The adapter (130) and the adapter panel (120) are an integrated structure.

14. The connection box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The adapter (130) comprises a first adapter portion (131) and a second adapter portion (132) which are internally connected; The first adapter portion (131) extends toward the interior of the adapter panel (120) and is in communication with the accommodating cavity (111), and the second adapter portion (132) extends toward the exterior of the adapter panel (120) and is in communication with the exterior of the adapter panel (120); The first adapter portion (131) is used to connect to the first optical fiber connector (170), and the second adapter portion (132) is used to connect to the second optical fiber connector.

15. The connection box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The outer periphery of the transfer panel (120) is provided with a first clamping portion (123), and the inner wall of the housing (110) is provided with a second clamping portion that matches the first clamping portion (123); The adapter panel (120) and the housing (110) are connected through the cooperation between the first clamping portion (123) and the second clamping portion.

16. The connection box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: It also comprises a sealing ring, which is located between the adapter panel (120) and the shell (110), and is used to provide sealing between the adapter panel (120) and the shell (110).

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