CA1103495A - Protective package for an optical fiber splice - Google Patents

Protective package for an optical fiber splice

Info

Publication number
CA1103495A
CA1103495A CA336,809A CA336809A CA1103495A CA 1103495 A CA1103495 A CA 1103495A CA 336809 A CA336809 A CA 336809A CA 1103495 A CA1103495 A CA 1103495A
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
members
package
fibers
grooves
face
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
CA336,809A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Grant K. Pacey
Ronald F. Hughes
William P. Trumble
Helmut H. Lukas
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nortel Networks Ltd
Original Assignee
Northern Telecom Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Northern Telecom Ltd filed Critical Northern Telecom Ltd
Priority to CA336,809A priority Critical patent/CA1103495A/en
Priority to JP13682380A priority patent/JPS5664309A/en
Priority to GB8031811A priority patent/GB2060196B/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1103495A publication Critical patent/CA1103495A/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/255Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
    • G02B6/2558Reinforcement of splice joint

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)

Abstract

PROTECHTIVE PACKAGE FOR AN OPTICAL FIBER SPLICE
Abstract of the Disclosure A protective package for an optical fiber splice comprises two elongate plastic members, each having a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on a front face. Elongate grooves are formed at each end of each member. The grooves are dimensioned so as to be a close fit over the uncoated portions of spliced fibers and intervening adhesive material, with the members in face-to-face assembly. The members may be hingedly connected by the adhesive layer or by a thin deformable hinge portion. A further groove may connect the end grooves, being of a dimension to fit firmly over the uncoated end portions of spliced fibers.

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Description

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This invention relates to a protective package for an optical fiber spltce. In particular it relates to a self-contained package which is readil~ applied, wtth little or no preparation at the time of application.

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The splicing of optical fiber pairs in end-to-end axial alignment by fusion, enclosing in a sleeve and other techniques is now widely accepted. However the splice should be protected by a suitable packaging which will provide structural and environmental protection during handling and service.
It has been proposed to cover the splice by a heat shrink - tube, but the tube must be positioned over one fiber prior to splicing, a heat source of correct characteristics is necessary and the tube is very flexible.
The present invention provides a protective package which provides structural rigidity, seals the bare fiber from external influences and is self-contained, using a pressure sensitiYe adhesive.
Broadly, the protective package comprises two elongate ~t plastic material members and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on front faces of the plastic members, whereby on laying a fiber splice on one member, on the adhesive material~ the other member is applied, front face to front face, and the members adhere to each other around the splice. The members can be hingedly ioined side by side by the layer of adhesiYe material, or a hinge can be provided. Locking means on one or both members can be provided. Several pairs of spliced fibers can be positioned side by side in one pair of members. Grooves are provided at each end oF each member to accept a coated portion of each fiber. I~ desired a narrow groove can be provided at the center portion of each member to accept the uncoated spliced ends of the fibers.
The invention wi11 be readily understood by the fol ~ ng ~: ~
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description of certain embodi~ents by way of example, in conjunction with the accompanyin9 dra~ngs, in which:-Fi~ure 1 is a perspective vlew of one form of package with an opttcal ftber splice in positîon;
~- Figure 2 is an end view of a package as illustrated in Figure 1, the members h~nged together by the adhesive layer;
Figure 3 is a cross-section on the line III-III of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a cross-section as in Figure 3, with the ; 10 package in a closed condit~on;
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~`. Figure 5 is a cross-section similar to that of Figure 3 illustrating a package with the members connected by a plastic hinge;
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;"' Figure 6 is a cross-section, similar to that of Figure 3, .; .
~,. of a package with the members connected by a plastic hinge, and with " locking means, .~
.~ Figure 7 is a transverse cross-section of the package of Figure 6 in a clos`ed condition;
Figure 8 is a transverse cross-section of a multiple splice package ;
. ~ 20 Figure 9 ~s a transverse cross-section of a package `~ using two separate members, interlocking;
Figure 10 is a cross-section similar to Figure 3 and lllustrates a modified form of the package illustrated in Figures 1, ~- 2 and 3, .-.
Figure 11 is a cross-section, as in Figure 10, with the package closed about a pair of spliced fibers.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the general concept of a package in accordance with the invention. The package, indicated generally at 10, comprises two plastic members 11 and 12, elongate in plan form.
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3~5 Each member has a longitudinal groove 14 at each end. Covering the two members, on their front faces, is a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive 15. On one member 11, is positioned a spliced pair of fibers 16 and 17.
The fiber ends are bare, on either side of the splice, the coated portions of the fibers positioned over the grooves 14. The grooves 14 may be of .::
1 such dimensions as to be a fairly firm fit on the coated fibers, over the layer of adhesive, although the grooves can be lar~er. The grooves 14 preferably are such as will ensure a seal around the coated fibers. Prlor to positioning the spliced fibers 16 and 17 on one of the members 11, 12, - 10 a protective cover or backing is removed from the adhesive layer 15 to expose the adhesive. After positioning the spliced fibers on one of the members, the two members are pressed together, face to face, the adhesive layer bonding the two members together.
Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment as in Figure 1, illustrating the two members 11 and 12, aclhesive layer 75 and protectlve cover or backing 18. The two members are connected together by the adhesive layer 15 and the cover 18. Figure 3 illustrates the use of the package of Figure 2. The protective cover 18 has been removed, exposing the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 15. A spliced pair of fibers is placed on the - 20 layer 15, the coated portions of the fibers over the grooves 14 in one member 12 in Figure 30 Member 11 is then pivotted over, as indicated by ;~ the arrow 20. The final package is illustrated in Figure 4.
In the embodiment as illustrated ;n Figure 1, and in Figures 2~ 3 and 4, the connection of the two members 11 and 12 is by the adhesive layer 15. A suitable adhesive is a modified acryllc adhesive such as is sold by National Starch under the name *"Tackmaster". A typical thickness for the adhesive layer is about .005". Other adhesives can be used, and the thickness can vary. The package is prepared by positioning two members side-by-side and the pressure adhesive layer 15 and backing or . ~
`~ *T.M. - 3 -: . .
:, , ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' s cover 18 is applied to the front faces of the members. This holds the members together. As described, the protective backing or cover 18 is removed prior to positioning of the spliced fibers The adhesive layers are compressed by the bare ends of the fibers 16 and 17, which are closely held in the center sections of the members 11 and 12, while the coated portions are more loosely held in the grooves at the end sections.
The package is extremely easy to use. The previously assembled members can be supplied ready to use and all the user has to do after the fibers have been spliced is to remove the protective cover or backing andg in effect, fold the package about the splice, pressing the two members firmly together for a completed packaging.
An alternative embodiment is illustrated in Figure 5.
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In this embocliment, two plastic members 30 and 31 are connected by a hinge Formed by a thin section 32. The protective cover or backing is not shown in Figure 99 spliced fibers being in position prior to closing the two members together. The layer of pressure sensitive adhesive 33 need not, in this example be such that it has enough strength to hold the two members together and act as a hinge. Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment in which two members 35 and 36 are connected by a thin portion 37 which acts as a -~ 20 hinge, and one of the members 35, has a hooked member 38 extending upward `~ from the front face. When member 35 is hinged over onto member 36, the . .
hooked member engages over a rib 39 along the edge of member 36, as seen in Figure 7. The adhesive layer is seen at 40.
Figure 8 illustrates an embodlment for packaging a multiple of fiber pairs. In the particular example, the package is for three pairs but it will be appreciated that the number can vary. In this example, the members 45 and 46 are connected by the adhesive layer 47, but a hinge can be - provided by a thin portion, as in Figures 5, 6 and 7.

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Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment in which two members 50 and 51 are used. The two members are, in the example, of the same form, each member having a body port-~on 52 with a hook shaped member 53 extending upward normal to the front face. A layer of pressure sensitive adhesive 54 is on the front face of each member. Prior to use a protective cover or backing is positioned on the adhesive làyer, but in Figure 9 the protective cover has been removed and the two members closed over a spliced pair of fibers. The hook shaped members 53 interlock over the main body portions of the members.
:- 10 Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a modification of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, in which a small groove 60 is provided for the center section of each member. Such a groove extends between the grooves 14 and is of a dimension such that the adhesive may be , . .
slightly compressed when the package is closed, gripping the bare fiber ends. Such an arrangement may have advantages for some adhesives. The provision of a groove 60, as illustratecl in Figures 10 and 11, can be applied to all of the various package forms described above.

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Claims (14)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:-
1. A protective package for enclosing and protecting a fusion spliced pair of optical fibers, each fiber having an uncoated portion immediately adjacent to the splice and a coated portion spaced from the splice, the package comprising:
two elongate plastic members each having a front face;
an elongate groove in each front face at each end of each member;
a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive material extending over each said front face of each member and overlying said grooves;
the elongate grooves of a cross-section such that the grooves fit closely over said coated portions of said fibers, when said members are in face to face assembly, the adhesive material in contact with the coated portions of fibers in the grooves and in contact with the uncoated portions of the fibers adjacent to the fusion splice.
2. A package as claimed in claim 1, said pressure sensitive adhesive material extending across both members and hingedly connecting said members.
3. A package as claimed in claim 1, including a protective cover on said pressure sensitive material.
4. A package as claimed in claim 1, said members connected at contiguous edges by a thin, deformable, portion, said deformable portion forming a hinge.
5. A package as claimed in claim 1, including a hooked member extending from one member, said hooked member engaging over the other member when in face-to-face assembly.
6. A package as claimed in claim 1, including a plurality of grooves at each end of each member, said grooves spaced apart laterally, for the reception of a plurality of spliced pairs of fibers in spaced apart side-by-side relationship.
7. A package as claimed in claim 1, each member having a hook shaped member extending from said face, the hook shaped members being on opposite sides of the package in a face-to-face assembly and engaging over the opposed member.
8. A package as claimed in claim 1, including a further groove in each member, said further groove connecting said elongate grooves at each end of each member, said further grooves each of a cross-sectional dimension to be a close fit over the uncoated portions of the spliced fibers and intervening adhesive material.
9. A packaged optical fiber splice comprising:
at least one pair of fusion spliced optical fibers in axial end-to-end alignment, each of said fibers having an uncoated portion immediately adjacent to the splice and a coated portion spaced from the splice;
two elongate plastic members in face-to-face assembly, said fibers positioned between said members;

a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive material on the face of each member, the adhesive material retaining the members in said face-to-face assembly, each of said members having an elongate groove at each end, the grooves of a cross-sectional dimension such that they fit closely over the coated portions of said fibers and intervening adhesive material, said adhesive material also in contact with said uncoated portions of said fibers.
10. A packaged optical fiber splice as claimed in claim 9, said plastic members hingedly connected along contiguous edges by a thin deformable hinge portion.
11. A packaged optical fiber splice as claimed in claim 9, at least one of said members having a hook-shaped extension engaging over the other member.
12. A packaged optical fiber splice as claimed in claim 9, each said member having a further groove connecting said elongate grooves, said further grooves being a close fit over uncoated portions of said fibers and intervening adhesive material.
13. A packaged optical fiber splice as claimed in claim 9, comprising a plurality of pairs of splice optical fibers in axial end-to-end relationship, said elongate members each having a plurality of elongate grooves at each end corresponding to said plurality of pairs of spliced optical fibers.
14. A protective package as claimed in claim 1, said adhesive material being a modified acrylic adhesive material.
CA336,809A 1979-10-02 1979-10-02 Protective package for an optical fiber splice Expired CA1103495A (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA336,809A CA1103495A (en) 1979-10-02 1979-10-02 Protective package for an optical fiber splice
JP13682380A JPS5664309A (en) 1979-10-02 1980-10-02 Optical fiber protective package
GB8031811A GB2060196B (en) 1979-10-02 1980-10-02 Protective package for optical fibre splice

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA336,809A CA1103495A (en) 1979-10-02 1979-10-02 Protective package for an optical fiber splice

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1103495A true CA1103495A (en) 1981-06-23

Family

ID=4115262

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA336,809A Expired CA1103495A (en) 1979-10-02 1979-10-02 Protective package for an optical fiber splice

Country Status (3)

Country Link
JP (1) JPS5664309A (en)
CA (1) CA1103495A (en)
GB (1) GB2060196B (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1986000421A1 (en) * 1984-06-18 1986-01-16 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson Splice protector for optical fibers

Families Citing this family (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS57201508U (en) * 1981-06-19 1982-12-22
JPS58158621A (en) * 1982-03-17 1983-09-20 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Member for reinforcing connection part of optical fiber core
IL69658A (en) * 1982-09-14 1987-03-31 Gte Prod Corp Housing for a fiber optic splice
EP0164784A1 (en) * 1984-05-23 1985-12-18 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Method of interconnecting optical fibres
JPH0769496B2 (en) * 1986-02-04 1995-07-31 住友電気工業株式会社 Reinforcing method of optical fiber connection
GB2191601A (en) * 1986-06-12 1987-12-16 Gen Electric Co Plc Alignment of arrays of optical waveguides
FR2652912B1 (en) * 1989-10-09 1994-02-25 Corning Glass Works METHOD OF ENCAPSULATING AN OPTICAL COMPONENT FOR INTERCONNECTING OPTICAL FIBERS, ENCAPSULATED COMPONENT OBTAINED BY IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD AND ENVELOPE FORMING PART OF THIS COMPONENT.
FR2745393B1 (en) * 1996-02-27 1998-04-30 Crespel Daniel SPLICE SUPPORT DEVICE, PARTICULARLY FOR FIBERS OR OPTICAL MODULES
DE19714718A1 (en) * 1997-04-09 1998-10-15 Siemens Ag Splice protection and receiving device for optical fibers as well as arrangement for inserting the optical fibers into the splice protection
DE20106111U1 (en) * 2001-04-06 2001-07-19 REHAU AG + Co., 95111 Rehau Protection device
JP4980934B2 (en) * 2008-01-10 2012-07-18 中国電力株式会社 Optical cable fusion part reinforcement device
CN104199151B (en) * 2010-01-14 2016-03-16 株式会社藤仓 The assemble method of optical connector, optical connector and pin clamping element
US8638053B2 (en) * 2011-10-21 2014-01-28 Allegro Microsystems, Llc Motor control circuit and method that synchronize a speed of an electric motor to an external clock signal
CN112689782A (en) * 2018-09-20 2021-04-20 康普技术有限责任公司 Laminated joint protector

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS575606Y2 (en) * 1977-09-14 1982-02-02
JPS54121147A (en) * 1978-03-13 1979-09-20 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Reinforcing method of optical fiber connection parts

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1986000421A1 (en) * 1984-06-18 1986-01-16 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson Splice protector for optical fibers

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2060196B (en) 1983-09-28
JPS5664309A (en) 1981-06-01
GB2060196A (en) 1981-04-29
JPH0241003B2 (en) 1990-09-14

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