CN1768287B - Optical fiber cable distribution frame - Google Patents

Abstract

A telecommunication distribution frames comprising a switch connected to an optical fibre of an incoming cable, terminated at a primary flexibility suite, via a secondary flexibility suite, where the primary and secondary flexibility suites include means for routing joined blown fibre tubes within the installation. A continuous blown fibre unit extending through the joined blown fibre tubes. A blown fibre tube flexibility module (14) has a patching panel (11), which may be provided with connectors. Above the panel (11) are a set of bend control vanes or mandrels (24), one for each of the connector sites in the panel. Patching tubes may pass down and out through the aperture (99) at the back of the module.

Description

Optical fiber cable distribution frame

Technical field

The present invention relates to telecommunications switch or router apparatus, and in these devices, connect and re-route the method that is connected.

Background technology

Typical telecommunications switch building accommodates multiple a large amount of equipment, for example is usually located at the switch on the equipment frame, and interconnects and be connected to external telecommunications network by cable.The main line of communication network partly is generally full optical fiber now.Fiber optic applications by FTTC, optical fiber to the chamber and even optical fiber prolongs gradually to the house and to Access Network.Therefore, in fact all modern telephone exchange machines comprise the fiber optic circuit rather than the wiring circuit of suitable vast scale.Because optical fiber is all responsive to bending and strain, so just important to the management of the optical interconnection in the exchange apparatus.

One of major function of fiber plant in switch or the router building is that the optical fiber from one group of particular optical equipment is managed, and it is routed to optical fiber from the introducing cable of for example external telecommunications network.Along with the use of optical fiber in network is more and more general, especially in switch, the route of these optical fiber and wiring become and more and more bother.Subject matter is the increase of number of devices and required connection absolute quantity.These problems cause the equipment or the system that need interconnection new owing to expansion, upgrading and the change in the switch worsens.Seldom change although introduce the physical location of cable, may increase extra cable, and new equipment or system almost will inevitably be positioned at the physical location different with used equipment or system, in any case and all need mobile usually or carry out different connections.

At present, the optical fiber method for routing in the switch building is to realize by light flexible carrier (OFR, OpticalFlexibility Rack), and the light flexible carrier is as the node or the distribution point that allow route cable in the switch building.OFR can carry hundreds of independent fiber optic splicings, but when they are taken fully (coming to this usually), just has serious obstruction at the OFR place.In this case, when needs re-route cable path, often be difficult to identification, locate and separate single optical fiber, thereby make task consuming time and complicated.Overstocked another problem that causes of optical fiber is, optical fiber passes each other in tight approaching mode and is routed, combination weight is pressed near the optical fiber that is positioned at the OFR bottom like this, thereby has increased because the light that increases consumes and even the danger of the line fault that causes of fibercuts.This problem is particularly serious when adopting the system of high bit rate more, because this is tending towards responsive more to the increase in the light consume.

The installation and maintenance of optical cable, its route and supporting construction (for example, OFR) account for sizable part of installing and setting up whole cost, time and the work of telecommunication exchanger system.The current interconnect switch equipment that is used for maybe will be introduced method on the frame that cable is connected switch device, generally include by connector or joint or its combination optical fiber with multistage length to join end to end.Optical fiber may comprise a considerable amount of connectors or joint from introducing cable to the path that equipment frame adopted, especially at the destination device frame in fact away from introducing cable, if for example this equipment is positioned under the situation of the floor that switch building and introducing cable separate.

These traditional methods are normally known, and for example are being illustrated in the following document: by (proceeding EFOC﹠amp such as D.Brewer " modular optical device that is used for Access Network: operating aspect " that the people showed; N (technology and foundation structure) 1995, the 164-167 pages or leaves) (ModularOptical Plant for Access Network:Operational Aspects (Proc.EFOC﹠amp; N (Technology and Infrastructure))).

With rapid wear characteristic intrinsic when using connector or joint to set up the relevant problem of the existing method of fiber path to result from the fiber optic splicing end, this joint is consuming time and cost is high for the demand of specialized equipment and technical skill.Regardless of the quality of joint, connect and engage and all cause the light consume inevitably.Issuable other problem is that for example Cun Chu optical fiber may " use up " at the either side of joint, thereby has reduced the number of turn of optical fiber, and therefore reduces the chance that engages once more in the future.

Summary of the invention

In first aspect, the invention provides a kind of being used for carries out the flexible external member (suite) of route at the telecommunications switch device to optical fiber, and this external member comprises:

First flexible points and second flexible points, described first flexible points comprises first group of pipeline, each pipeline all has first end that is arranged in first array and the second end that is arranged in second array;

Described second flexible points comprises second group of pipeline, and each pipeline all has first end that is arranged in the tri-array and the second end that is arranged in the 4th array; This flexibility external member is arranged to, make and by the tubular interconnection part pipe end and the pipe end on the tri-array on second array to be interconnected, thereby by select its end second and tri-array on the pipeline that interconnects, form continuous path between any pipe end that can be in first array and any pipe end in the 4th array.

This structure is convenient to use blow optical fiber (blown fibre) in switch device.This structure also be convenient to simply by change second and tri-array between the selection of " connector (patch) " that form reuse existing part path new path be provided.

Usually, second group of pipeline formed by the hole of both-end connector.Equally, first group of pipeline formed by the hole of both-end connector usually.Preferably, described connector is the sucking fit connector, around this connector will be managed or the clips in the pipe offers switch or router and as patching pipe, described pipe is used between the flexible external member.This connector is particularly advantageous in and promotes coming into operation fast or reusing of pipeline (tubepath).

In second aspect, the invention provides a kind of telecommunications switch or router apparatus, comprising: telecommunications switch or router, it links to each other with the optical fiber of optical cable, and this optical cable self links to each other with external telecommunications network and introduces from this communication network; The first flexible external member and at least one second flexible external member according to first aspect present invention; Subpath, its by means of second and tri-array between interconnection, limit from first array to the, four arrays by each flexible external member; First array interconnect one of in the 4th array of the first flexible external member and first array of the described second flexible external member or the second flexible external member; Tubular conduit, it is arranged in the 4th array of the second flexible external member or second flexible piece between the 4th array and switch or router of last; Other the second flexible external member (if existence) interconnection continuously by this way, so that first array of each is by the 4th array interconnect of the second flexible external member of tubular interconnection part and front in the second flexible external member subsequently, thereby provide the basic continuous path that is used between the first flexible external member and switch or router, installing the blow fiber optic component.

In the third aspect, the invention provides a kind of method that in the telecommunications switch device, between the optical fiber of telecommunications switch and introducing cable, connects, described introducing cable is connected with communication network and introduces and be terminated at elementary (primary) flexible external member from this communication network, and this method may further comprise the steps:

Multistage blow optical fiber tube is installed and is made the engaged at end of described multistage blow optical fiber tube, to form the path from elementary flexible external member to this telecommunications switch by secondary (secondary) flexible external member, the flexible external member of wherein said primary and secondary comprises the parts that are used in this device the blow optical fiber tube that engages being carried out route; And afterwards, along the path that forms by the blow optical fiber tube that engages continuous blow fiber unit is installed, thereby between the optical fiber of telecommunications switch and introducing cable, form light path by air-blowing (blowing).

In fourth aspect, the invention provides a kind of like this method, promptly, from being connected between first telecommunications switch and the elementary flexible external member, existing connection in the telecommunications switch device is re-routed, to connect between second telecommunications switch and described elementary flexible external member, this method may further comprise the steps:

Disconnect being connected between first telecommunications switch and the elementary flexible external member at elementary flexible external member place, multistage blow optical fiber tube is installed and with each engaged at end in the described multistage blow optical fiber tube, to form the path from elementary flexible external member to second telecommunications switch by secondary flexible external member, the flexible external member of wherein said primary and secondary comprises the parts that are used in this device the blow optical fiber tube that engages being carried out route; And afterwards, along the path that forms by the blow optical fiber tube that engages continuous blow fiber unit is installed, thereby between the optical fiber of second telecommunications switch and introducing cable, is formed light path by air-blowing.

Description of drawings

Only embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to accompanying drawings in the mode of example, in the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is to use the synoptic diagram of the exchange apparatus of the optical cable that generally adopts according to current classic method;

Fig. 2 A and Fig. 2 B are synoptic diagram, and expression is used according to the optical cable of current classic method and introduced the existing method that re-routes the path between cable and the destination device frame;

Fig. 3 is the synoptic diagram according to exchange apparatus of the present invention;

Fig. 4 A and Fig. 4 B are synoptic diagram, and expression re-routes route method according to the present invention between introducing cable and destination device frame;

Fig. 5 is the synoptic diagram according to another embodiment of exchange apparatus of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is the synoptic diagram according to the another embodiment of exchange apparatus of the present invention;

Fig. 7 represents blow optical fiber flexible pipe module (BFTFM), and that Fig. 7 A to Fig. 7 F represents respectively is single, the structure of the BFTFM of two, three, four, five and six modular structure forms;

Fig. 8 be illustrated in type shown in Fig. 7, part is equipped with the BFTFM external member of blow optical fiber tube, and by among the BFTFM and between the view that patches the path that pipe adopts;

Fig. 9 is illustrated in the typical Build Order of the exchange apparatus of the above-mentioned type shown in Fig. 3;

Figure 10 is illustrated in the example according to cable arrangement in the switch of current method;

Figure 11 to Figure 11 D is illustrated in and uses certain canal curvature management (positive tubebend management) among the BFTFM;

Figure 12 provides the partial enlarged drawing of connector block in BFTFM;

Figure 13 represents another more preferred embodiment of connector block;

Figure 14 represents the details of the tube connector that the connector block with Figure 13 uses; And

Figure 15 is mounted in another view of the connector block of the Figure 13 among the BFTFM.

Embodiment

Fig. 1 represents the representative configuration of the current exchange apparatus (being connected with introducing cable 5) of the specialized equipment frame 2 in the switch building.For fear of doubt, " introducing cable " comprises and enters switch so that its any cable that links to each other with for example external telecommunications network.

Introducing cable 5 links to each other with internal cable 1c by joint 10f usually and terminates at cable chamber joint (CCJ, cable chamber joint) 8 places.CCJ is usually located in the building identical with equipment frame 2, although and needn't be like this.CCJ represent to be used in switch, to carry out optical line by " line side " of switch.Equipment frame represent to be used in switch, to carry out optical line by " equipment side ".

The end of internal cable 1c is bonded at the CCJ place and introduces on the cable, and the other end is bonded on the line side flexible points, for example on light flexible carrier (OFR) 4d.

Flexible points provides various functions, mainly as engaging or distribution point, with allow the user to select and is connected switch in a bit to other point arbitrarily, any other parts for example from arbitrary part of switch device to switch device, perhaps from/to the introducing cable.Flexible points also provides the interface between common high optical fiber count introducing cable and internal cable (it can be that single optical fiber maybe can comprise a plurality of optical fiber), be used for the splicing box of safe storage (splice tray) with introducing optical fiber distribution frame with outside plant, providing for the light access of each single optical fiber and as test point.Yet for the purposes of the present invention, we are only to the sense of competence interest of its connection line optical fiber and equipment side optical fiber.Usually, use at least two flexible points together, more generally be arranged into using, so that the optical fiber in the switch (one in the line side, one at equipment side) is carried out route.Being combined in that these flexible points constituted is called flexible external member in this patent.For fear of doubt, " flexible points " and " flexible external member " refers generally to be used for the OFR and the OFR external member of optical cable in this explanation, and refers to blow optical fiber tube flexible module (BFTFM) and BFTFM external member (following Fig. 3 with reference to the front discusses).

The optical fiber that OFR external member (4a and 4b, 4c and 4d) allows to terminate in line side flexible points and the equipment side flexible points is engaged with each other on the splicing box that is exclusively used in optical fiber or a pair of optical fiber. Optical fiber jumper 3a, 3b are bonded between the pair of O FR of common composition one external member.Another optical cable 1b is connected to back to back line side OFR4b with equipment side OFR4c.OFR external member (comprising 4c and 4d) among Fig. 1 is positioned near the CCJ, and last external member (comprising 4a and 4b) then is positioned near the destination device frame.In the switch of reality, many OFR external members are carried out distribution and route to optical cable; Described " last OFR external member " (comprising 4a and 4b) is the external member that is positioned near destination device frame 2.

Prior art shown in Figure 1 represents to comprise the most basic layout of two couples of OFR (that is two external members).In fact, according to the complicacy and the length of switch building layout and light path, can use the OFR external member of any amount to be described to the light path of equipment frame, this can make a difference to quantity of joint in the light path or connection.For basic structure shown in Figure 1, need minimum six joints (10a to 10f).

Fig. 2 A and Fig. 2 B represent according to current practical operation, in traditional fiber device is how to re-route to second equipment frame 12 from first equipment frame 2 light path.

In the device shown in Fig. 2 A, the light path cable 5 that will enter the mouth is connected to existing equipment frame 2.Between inlet cable 5 and equipment frame 2, six joints (10a to 10f) are arranged.For light path is re-routed to the new equipment 12 that is positioned at diverse location, the joint at OFR10e place must disconnect in old path.Other joint (10a to 10d) along old path also can disconnect if desired.Fig. 2 B represents by the light path of two OFR external members 4 to new equipment frame 12.Five new joint 10h to 101 have been constructed, to set up new light path from the line side OFR4d adjacent with CCJ8.Therefore as mentioned above, joint is consuming time and needs the process of the costliness of suitable professional skill.Each joint all causes signal weakening inevitably, and sets up new joint and will inevitably bring the danger that forms defective joint in light path.Can remove the cable that in old light path, uses, and if be unsuitable for reusing (normally like this), then it is abandoned.Alternatively, it can be stayed suitable position, therefore further increase congested problem in the switch.

Fig. 3 represents the first embodiment of the present invention.Replace connecting discretely the multistage optical fiber (for example, the 1a among Fig. 1,3a, 1b, 3b and 1c) of the OFR that needs joint, 2 install blow fiber units (BFU) to be implemented in the connection of introducing between cable 5 and the equipment frame 2 from OFR4 to the equipment frame.

Introduce cable 5 as above to terminate at OFR4 place, first line side with reference to the described common mode of Fig. 1.Internal cable 1 engages with introducing cable at the CCJ place, and sentences as above with reference to Fig. 1 described common mode at its other end and engage with splicing box in being contained in traditional line side OFR4.From line side OFR4, multistage blow optical fiber tube (BFT) or its fibre bundle 16 patch equipment frame 2 by the flexible points of a plurality of BFT of being used for, and below we are called blow optical fiber tube flexible module (BFTFM) 14 with these flexible points.These BFTFM generally include single pipe and sucking fit BFT connector.Can obtain suitable sucking fit connector from John Gai Site (John Guest) company.As above described with reference to Fig. 1, BFTFM is a flexible points, thereby allows to generate from the arbitrfary point blow fiber device path of other point extremely arbitrarily by route and joint multistage blow optical fiber tube in the switch building.The same with OFR, use BFTFM in most cases paired or completely, one at line side 14b, and one at equipment side 14a.The OFR4 of internal cable 1 joint has formed half of flexible external member, and second half of external member is the BFTFM14c that is positioned at equipment side.We should the flexibility external member be called elementary flexible external member.In the blow optical fibre channel between elementary flexible external member and the switch/router, one or more other flexible external members will be had, and these external members will be called as (one or more) secondary flexible external member.

As the replaceable scheme of the structure of above-mentioned elementary external member, this elementary flexible external member also can comprise two BFTFM (relative with a BFTFM with an OFR).The major function of OFR in the elementary flexible external member is to hold to introduce cable 5 (this cable can comprise nearly for example 144 optical fiber), and is provided for the cut-off point of the single optical fiber in this cable.The single optical fiber of introducing cable can be at for example CCJ8 place or the disconnection of place, the arbitrfary point between CCJ and elementary flexible external member.Yet this is not usually desirable because this means cause elementary flexible external member nearly for example 144 single optical fiber need to handle.Therefore for the purpose of this instructions, described elementary flexible external member will be used as OFR-BFTFM to discussing, and be not unique possible structure although be interpreted as this.

BFT in the present embodiment (16a, 16b) is installed in an equipment side BFTFM between the back to back line side BFTFM along the path of leading to equipment frame.This path patches pipe 17a, 17b by installation in flexible external member (14c and 4,14a and 14b) and finishes, and forms a BFT path completely like this between OFR4 and equipment frame, to hold blow fiber unit (BFU).Then from an end or the other end in path, i.e. slave unit frame 2 or by air-blowing BFU is installed from an OFR4.

In preferred version of the present invention, used in EP-B-052170 the EPFU (high-performance optical fiber unit) of big volume description.Usually have diameter in 1.5 to 5mm scopes as the BFT or the pipeline that patch pipe, be more typically in the endoporus in 2.0 to the 4mm scopes.Especially preferred aperture is 2.5mm, and the pipe with this hole dimension can be made the external diameter with 4mm easily.Certainly, although all use such cross section usually, be not to use the interior cross section of annular, and the outer cross section that also needn't use annular.Usually, the fiber unit that use only comprises single optical fiber, but the situation of wherein using greater number optical fiber is also arranged.Usually, if fiber unit comprises even number root optical fiber, for example two optical fiber, four optical fiber, eight optical fiber then can make fiber unit make more stablely, but can certainly use odd number root optical fiber.The fiber unit that use has multifiber is useful in following situation for example: wherein multifiber will terminate at same purpose frame and/or wherein they are used for same consumer.

Fig. 3 has represented only to use the situation of two flexible external members, but as mentioned above, can use more flexible external member according to actual range, building layout and from the path that origin-to-destination is taked.

In the mode of example,, then install and to comprise the steps: if situation relates to CCJ8, the elementary flexible external member 4 on the bottom and the equipment frame 2 on the ground floor that is arranged in basement

1. CCJ8 is installed.

2. introducing cable 5 is terminated on this CCJ.

3. internal cable 1 is installed between the OFR of CCJ and elementary flexible external member 4.

4. at the CCJ place, make from all fiber splices of introducing cable 5 on internal cable 1.

5. make all optical fiber distribution frame with outside plant from internal cable 1 on OFR4.

6. the equipment side of the BFTFM14c from elementary flexible external member is installed BFT16b to line side BFTFM14b on ground floor.

7. the equipment side from the equipment frame on the ground floor 2 to ground floor BFTFM14a is installed BFT16a.

8. use BF to patch pipe 17a, 17b the BFT path is patched at flexible external member place, on-site cutting becomes section usually." patch pipe " and be generally the pipe of short length, between the BFT in the line side of the BFT of the equipment side of BFTFM and BFTFM, to provide " patching ".

9. BFU is installed.Usually slave unit frame 2 or carry out air-blowing from OFR4 is although also can carry out air-blowing from some intermediate point.

10. at the OFR place, internal cable 1 is bonded on the mounted BFU.

11. at the equipment frame place, the exit of equipment frame 2 is bonded on mounted BFU upward (certainly, if the equipment exit has been installed connector, promptly has connector, be favourable then, thereby (one or more) connector of (one or more) BFU can be bonded on the connector of this exit) for the BFU that wants pre-add-in connectors.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the interconnect major advantage of optical device and external network of the single hop blow fiber unit that use not have disconnects is, has removed joint and/or connector that consume is arranged.Remove joint and/or connector and also eliminated known reliability weakness.With in the traditional structure described in Fig. 1 between CCJ and equipment frame every optical fiber have six joints and compare, only have three joint 10a, 10b, 10c in the basic structure described in Fig. 3.Owing to reduced the expensive and accurate joint and the installation of connector significantly, therefore saved time and cost.

Fig. 4 A and Fig. 4 B represent according to the present invention how will connect the light path of introducing cable 5 and existing equipment frame 2 and change on the new equipment frame 12.

Fig. 4 A represents introducing the existing light path of creating between cable 5 and the used equipment frame 2 by two flexible external members 14.How Fig. 4 B represents that in existing light path only needs disconnect two joint 10a, 10b, just obtain with the classic method that needs 5 break connector under (referring to Fig. 2) equivalent effect.After break connector (perhaps more generally cutting off optical fiber), remove the blow fiber unit.Use in BFT16 between the flexible external member (14d and 14e, 14c and 4) and the external member the single pipe BFT between the flexible points to patch lead-in wire 17c, 17d then and re-construct path.Then, as described in reference Fig. 3,, promptly by air-blowing BFU is installed from new equipment frame 12 or from OFR4 from an end or the other end of path.Two new joint 10c, 10d have only been made at OFR and new equipment frame place.

As can be seen, the conventional art of heavier cable is installed with needs is compared, another advantage of the present invention is the dirigibility that re-routes and to user close friend.

Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 represent the improvement to above layout described in Fig. 3, as the embodiment of the required joint quantity of further minimizing of the present invention.

In Fig. 5, CCJ8 and joint have herein been removed.Introducing cable 5 changes at line side OFR4 place and directly is bonded on (when mounted) on the blow fiber unit.In this arrangement, every optical fiber only has two joints between introducing cable and switch/router.In the mode of example, below for can be taked, wherein to introduce cable and in basement, enter the building to set up the exemplary steps of this device, elementary flexible external member 4 is on bottom, and equipment frame is positioned at ground floor:

1. will introduce cable 5 routes to elementary flexible external member 4 from the cable chamber OFR.

2. make all optical fiber distribution frame with outside plant of introducing cable 5 on OFR4.To the line side BFTFM14b on the ground floor BFT16a is installed from the equipment side of the bottom BFTFM14c of elementary flexible external member.

3. the equipment side of slave unit frame 2 to ground floor BFTFM14a is installed BFT.

4. use BF to patch pipe 17a, 17b BFT path by all BFTFM is provided, on-site cutting becomes section usually.

5. BFU is installed.Usually slave unit frame or carry out air-blowing from an OFR.

6. at the OFR place, will introduce cable 5 and be bonded on the mounted BFU.

7. at the equipment frame place, will be bonded on from the exit of equipment frame 2 on the mounted BFU, if connector perhaps is installed, then the connector with BFU is bonded on the connector of exit.

Layout among Fig. 6 allows at equipment frame 2 and introduces and only use single joint 10 to connect between the cable 5 at the OFR4 place.In this case, the slave unit frame is directly installed on BFT the equipment side of the BFTFM that approaches equipment frame 14a most.BFU installs in the described mode of reference Fig. 3.In the mode of example, below be to may be utilized to set up the exemplary steps of this device, wherein to introduce cable and in basement, enter the building, elementary flexible external member 4 is on bottom, and equipment frame is positioned at ground floor:

1. will introduce cable 5 routes to elementary flexible external member from the cable chamber OFR4.

2. make all optical fiber distribution frame with outside plant of introducing cable on OFR4.

3. to the line side BFTFM14b that is positioned on the ground floor BFT16b is installed from the equipment side of the bottom BFTFM of elementary flexible external member 14c.

4. slave unit frame 2 is installed BFT16a to the equipment side of ground floor BFTFM14a.

5. use BF to patch pipe 17a, 17b and patch BFT path by all BFTFM, on-site cutting becomes section usually.

6. from the equipment side of switch or router the BFU that connector is installed in advance is installed by air-blowing.

7. at the OFR place, will introduce cable 5 and be bonded on the BFU.

Fig. 7 represents the embodiment of BFTFM14.It has plugboard 11, and plugboard shown here does not all have the both-end form in each hole shown in the plate 11 (for example, connector as shown in figure 14) is although all be provided with these connectors usually.Show one group of crooked control blade or axle (mandrel) 24 above plate 11, each is used for a connector of plate 11.As can be seen, these blades or axle are configured for holding from the left side near the pipe of BFTFM, thereby these pipes are bent downwardly and arrive the connector that is positioned on the plate 11 then.These pipes can be to patch pipe, and perhaps they can be the pipes from last external member or arrival back one external member.Towards down, and pipe (be generally and patch pipe) cooperates with these connectors the other end of connector, guides to the connector (BFTFM of another part of same external member normally is provided) of another BFTFM then in being assembled to plate 11 time.Layout shown in Fig. 7 is intended to use with the cooperation BFTFM shown in Fig. 7 B.In this layout, patch that pipe is passed down through usually and pass by the hole 99 that is positioned at the BFTFM back.Substantially be used to be provided for engage the bending mandrel that patches pipe of two BFTFM of external member by the curved surface of three structures of Reference numeral 77 expressions.End 76 and 78 provides and has patched a certain horizontal restriction of pipe, and another curved guide axle is provided.Preferably, the axle 24 that warp architecture is set is as single structure, to be fit to the plugboard of specific dimensions.Equally, preferably, the axle of warp architecture or its assembly can assemble at either side, promptly from the left side of external member or from the right side receiving tube of external member.Bending mandrel structure or assembly can be arranged to from left and right sides receiving tube (that is, the left part of assembly 24 can be as shown in Figure 7, and the right side part can have axle or have the blade of bend (for example, the mirror image in left side) to the right).Be clear that these structures need not to be and make the left-half bending left of axle and the crooked symmetrical structure of right half part to the right, but for example can be arranged to 1/3rd, 2/3rds or 1/5th, 4/5ths.

In order to be easy to replace, BFTFM preferably takies and the current existing OFR that uses in switch or other common flexible carrier area identical and space.Therefore at Britain (UK), in the switch of Britain Telecom (British Telecommunications plc), expectation BFTFM is approximately that 1000cm is wide, 400cm reaches the 830cm height deeply.The BFTFM that wishes this structure can pile up three module height at circuit and equipment side, as shown in Fig. 7 F, to take the overall height of about 2500cm.Certainly make by size and structure BFTFM according to the concrete needs of occasion.

As above briefly described, preferably, BFTFM comprises certain canal curvature management (that is, axle 24), is used for optimization BFU device.In the discussion of Figure 10 and Figure 11, provide further discussion below, but in brief, this optical fiber that helps to prevent to install is to carry out bending less than its minimum bending radius that allows to this technology.

Fig. 7 A to Fig. 7 F represents from possible structural texture individual module to six module, that the BFTFM of Fig. 7 is built into the BFTFM external member.Although can use single BFTFM as flexible points, preferred use multimode (for example, providing one or more external member), and the flexible and spreading range of the feasible use of its modularization.

Fig. 7 A represents individual module BFTFM.Can obtain two kinds of schemes, promptly allow to introduce respectively cable from the left side or the right side enter.Shown example allows from left side supply cable.All so individual units can be installed in flexible points (for example, on rear portion OFR) to provide first of flexible external member to make up piece, especially near CCJ or introduce the external member of cable.

Fig. 7 B represents the BFTFM module of two back-to-back installations, has the flexible external member of line side and equipment side with formation.Usually, two modules provide the best of breed of circuit and equipment side dirigibility.

Fig. 7 C represents to be installed in the another BFTFM module on the top of structure of Fig. 7 B.For example need this structure under equipment side module demand growth therein and the unbalanced situation of line side module demand growth.

Fig. 7 D represents also and can further make up from the side of an end of described external member.In this case, because therefore the cable inlet can increase more module to the right from left-hand side.

Fig. 7 E and Fig. 7 F represent five modular structures and six modular structures, use the potentiality that increase among the BFTFM to illustrate.

The view on right side represents that part is assembled with another view that blow optical fiber patches the BFTFM external member 14 of pipe 17 among Fig. 8.This is the structure spare of three height (three-high) of line side and equipment side module.As described in elsewhere, BFTFM carries out and engages or the distribution function, to connect between the point of permission user in switch.BFTFM comprises plugboard 11, and this plugboard comprises and patches tube connector 13.In the present embodiment, the end that patches pipe is pushed into and is engaged in the receiver, to limit connecting path.In a preferred embodiment, plugboard comprises 19 parallel transistor connectors, and 14 are in grid or matrix form or the array.

The plugboard that described BFTFM is right (for example, 14a among Fig. 3 and 14b) allow the user in switch wider and more directed with redirect the joints of optical fibre.By the tube end sucking fit is formed the pipe path in corresponding tube connector after, just can be by (one or more) BFTFM along (for example, introducing cable 5) arrives the path air-blowing optical fiber of purpose (for example, equipment frame 2) from the source.By extract optical fiber out from the pipe path, tube connector from corresponding BFTFM is pulled out pipe, connects and can easily remove and/or redirect optical fiber, and if desired, can be by carrying out repeatedly that above-mentioned steps forms from new source or to the path of new purpose.

The synoptic diagram in left side is represented the side view of BFTFM external member (be shown in the right side of one page and as mentioned above) among Fig. 8, and demonstrates the details that the pipe between the plugboard on each BFTFM patches.As can be seen, patch pipe and withdraw from connector 13 downwards.In the external member on the reduced levels of assembly, patch the front and back side (left side and right side perhaps as shown in the figure) of pipe connector sleeves spare.Also as can be seen, top-right BFTFM has used the BFTFM interconnection that patches pipe and left side central portion.Equally, each of the middle level of BFTFM all links to each other with the undermost BFTFM of stack assemblies.Be apparent that accompanying drawing just schematically shows, and use the more highdensity pipe that patches to connect in practice usually.

Pursue the path that (track) patches pipe 17 in the drawings between the BFTFM of varying level.

Fig. 9 represents to use the OFR of universal class to make up the typical sequence that is used for installing described in Fig. 6.Following steps with respect to the sequence consensus of accompanying drawing.

Elementary flexible external member (4 and the 14c of Fig. 3) is installed

1. OFR4 (for clarity, having removed back cover in the accompanying drawings) is installed.Install to introduce cable 5 and with its optical fiber distribution frame with outside plant on splicing box, be preferably single loop.Cable can from above or below enter.

2. be close to the rear portion of OFR a BFTFM14c is installed.Each BFTFM can both hold 384 single BF pipes usually, is equivalent to the optical cable of 4 96 cores.Can on flexible external member, increase by the second and the 3rd BFTFM, thereby typically hold 1152 single BF pipes.

3. vertical cable bracket 20, axle adapter 22 and interior bending mandrel 24 are installed.Described axle is positively managed the bending of optical fiber tube, to prevent overbend.In this example, the cable route that makes progress.

Secondary flexible external member (for example, the 14a of Fig. 3 and 14b) subsequently is installed

4. vertical cable bracket 26, support frame pillar 28 and sheth 30 are installed on the switch base plate.

5. increase bandy axle 32 and line side BFTFM14b.

6. the second vertical cable bracket 26, equipment side BFTFM14a, axle adapter and aduncate axle are installed.

Present secondary flexible external member has been ready to receive the BF pipe.Shown device can patch pipe by 384 BF of outfit as many as.

The BF pipe is installed

7. the end face of cutting BF pipe 16 is to flush with the edge of BFTFM14.Each pipe that holds all is routed through on the plastic tube axle, thereby controls its bending radius.Then pipe is cut into pieces and is inserted in the dividing plate accessory of sucking fit, this accessory is positioned at again in the suitable hole in the plugboard.

8. make progress with the example one of vertical cable bracket interface.

9. downward with the example one of vertical cable bracket interface.

We turn to Figure 10 and Figure 11 now, and they help to illustrate crooked really purposes of managing in the telecommunications switch environment.As mentioned above, this technology has solved the problem of coming curved fiber to be produced with less than the minimum permission of optical fiber bending radius.As everyone knows, too closely curved fiber may cause a large amount of optical losss and/or mechanical optical fiber to damage.Fibre bundle has than it forms the bigger minimum permission bending radius of optical fiber.Control helps to prevent optical tube or optical fiber kinking or bends to closed radius (tight radius) with management of optical fibers bending (passing relative from flexible external member voluntarily to flexible external member with allowing optical fiber simply), otherwise can hinder blow fiber device and/or best optical fiber property.Optical fiber can be limited in the predefined paths, or simply along the curve guiding fiber of describing desirable radius, this ideal radius minimum allow the bending radius place or near.

This characteristic of optical fiber problem especially in large-scale telecommunications switch.In the mode of example, Britain Telecom must eliminate (date) more than 4,000 switch in whole the United Kingdom, and each in wherein about 200 all served and surpassed 20,000 users.Maximum switch has multilayer, become hundred equipment frame and quantity extremely huge around and spread all over the optical fiber and the copper cable of switch building route.As time goes on, it is more seriously various that switch becomes, and equipment change, user's demand etc. all need to re-route and termination cable again.Have been found that if do not control then the route of being undertaken by cable may weaken optical fiber properties.For example, if reuse jumper cable, then must cut and reconnect this jumper cable, jumper cable is lacked very much and can not easily be arrived between the both sides usually, thereby possibility must be tightened up and therefore impair the minimum bending radius size, as shown in figure 10.Certainly, this influences optical fiber and link performance, but since the user that serves of switch need change, make that this is recurrent phenomenon in switch, for example device upgrade need change cable channels, and the increase of number of cables in switch.

Figure 11 represents above-mentioned with reference to the BFTFM that Fig. 9 discussed, and shows how to use certain canal curvature administrative skill.Figure 11 A and Figure 11 B represent such situation, the wherein bending of may command and management cable 40 in typical B FTFM is provided with.

The canal curvature management devices can take curved guide members or axle () form for example, 24 among Fig. 9, described circumference of cannon bone around or twine with respect to this device.Degree of crook depends on the particular type of employed cable pipe, but in Britain, this degree of crook is typically about the radius of 50mm.

Wherein and how Figure 11 C and Figure 11 D are illustrated in conjunction with carrying out certain canal curvature management to managing 16 among the BFTFM of the described type of Fig. 9.Crooked control axle 24 makes around the mode guiding fiber 16 of the curve that is fit to fiber radius with control, to prevent tension ground route cable.

Figure 12 provides the details of using certain canal curvature management on BFTFM.The right side of this figure is the partial enlarged drawing that is positioned at the embodiment of the plug-in units on the plugboard 11.Other method that is used to control fiber bending radius comprises: use limit bend pipe (the perhaps curved cover of the limit on the common tube); Cover material (that is, using harder or firmer material) is managed and protected in selection; And the thickness (that is, use the wall thickness be generally used for patching length more can be) that can stop overbend with the radius bend of overbend; Or the like.In the present embodiment, guiding piece 15 be positioned on the tube connector or near, to hold and to control through the pipe of receiver and the bending radius of optical fiber.These all help to prevent the overbend of type shown in Figure 10.

Figure 13 represents to be installed in another preferred embodiment on the BFTFM, plug-in units of the present invention.In this embodiment, described unit comprises two major parts, and first is the connector body 19 that is configured for holding the BFT17 that enters (or withdrawing from) module, and second is the tube connector 13 that is assemblied on this main body.Connector body comprises the groove that is shaped and is used as guiding piece 15, to prevent BFT and optical fiber overbend.Under the situation of plug-in units shown in Figure 12, with the BFT sucking fit on tube connector 13.Tube connector is fixed on the connector body 19, and in Figure 13 one in only visible two receiving units 21.

Illustrated tube connector is not fixed on the remainder of plug-in units, and its details is shown in Figure 14.It mainly comprises the connector tube 23 that has two receiving units 21, and each receiving unit lays respectively on the opposed end of connector tube.

In the time of on being installed in BFTFM, plug-in units forms a matrix on plugboard 11, thereby allow the user between two BFTFM, to set up tubular passageway, and therefore in the more broad range of switch, form the part tubular passageway between cable 5 and the destination device frame 2 introducing.Figure 15 illustrates another view of this embodiment of plug-in units, this figure demonstrates plug-in units that is installed on the BFTFM and the part path that is occupied by tube connector 13 by BFT17.As above for example described with reference to Fig. 8, the pipe among the current embodiment is connected on the plugboard with the structure of sucking fit.Although the sucking fit connector is very easy to use, clamp or tighten connector but also can use, connect will manage fixing and to be sealed on the plugboard, although the dirigibility of the potential rerouting that provides of the present invention can be provided in this permanent or semipermanent connection as for example cold gluing or cold welding.

Figure 15 represents that plug-in units is located in the plugboard of BFTFM its position that provides is provided, thereby its arm 25 is directed upwards towards, and tube connector 13 points to downwards.As described in reference Fig. 8, nearly 266 such plug-in units (cross in a plugboard 19 and the degree of depth 14) can be contained among the embodiment of the BFTFM that is discussed.With finally being positioned to, be located on the connector body between the connector arm from and to reaching the BFT that introduces cable 5 or equipment frame 2.Groove as guiding piece 15 guides to tube connector 13 with BFT, thereby prevents the cable overbend.With the BFT sucking fit on the receiving unit 21 of the tube connector 13 that is arranged in groove (invisible) end from figure.Other tube connector on the connector opposed end can simultaneously or receive another section BFT individually, thus make away from or continuous from the tubular passageway of BFTFM.

Although above-mentioned argumentation relates generally to by the present invention at equipment frame with connect being connected of setting up between the introducing cable of switch and external telecommunications network, but those skilled in the art should easily recognize, the present invention can be used in and connects arbitrarily other starting point and in switch or outside any point of destination, and has same effect or advantage.In addition, although in the scope in telecommunications switch building, carried out specific description, but should be clear that, the present invention also can be applied in any other environment, wherein can use blow optical fiber technology according to the present invention to replace traditional optical fiber that connector and/or joint are housed or current BFT management practice.Especially, the present invention can be applicable in the Local Area Network environment.

Those skilled in the art should also be understood that the present invention is not limited to be applied in the new device of preparing to set up, in the device that also is not limited to set up in mode described herein.Especially can even be applied in traditional device about the feature of the present invention that re-routes light path, step by step method of the present invention is moved in these traditional devices.Even in these are used, also can realize using benefit of the present invention.

Claims (22)

1. a flexible external member is used for carrying out route at telecommunications switch device interior focusing fibre, and this external member comprises:

First flexible points and second flexible points, this first flexible points comprises first group of pipeline, each pipeline all has first end that is arranged in first array and the second end that is arranged in second array;

This second flexible points comprises second group of pipeline, and each pipeline all has first end that is arranged in the tri-array and the second end that is arranged in the 4th array;

This flexibility external member is arranged such that, make an end that patches pipe and described second end interconnection that patches pipe that is connected to the pipe end on the tri-array of the pipe end that is connected on second array by the tubular interconnection part, thereby by select its end second and tri-array on the pipeline that interconnects, form continuous path between any pipe end that just can be in first array and any pipe end in the 4th array.

2. flexible external member as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, be provided with described tubular interconnection part and its with second and tri-array on the pipe end interconnection, and wherein be provided with the parts that are used to control the path of being taked by this tubular interconnection part.

3. flexible external member as claimed in claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that, each pipe end on described second, third and the 4th array all is provided with the connector that is used for the corresponding pipeline end is connected on the tubular interconnection part.

4. flexible external member as claimed in claim 3, it is characterized in that, provide each connector of described tri-array by an end of a pair of terminal adapter, the other end of this both-end connector provides the corresponding connectors of described the 4th array, and the hole of described connector provides described second group of pipeline.

5. flexible external member as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, each pipe end of described first array also is provided with the connector that is used for the corresponding pipeline end is connected to a tubular interconnection part.

6. flexible external member as claimed in claim 5, it is characterized in that, provide each connector of described second array by an end of a pair of terminal adapter, the other end of this both-end connector provides the corresponding connectors of described first array, and the hole of described connector provides described first group of pipeline.

7. flexible external member as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, the diameter in the hole of described pipeline and tubular interconnection part is between 1.5 and 5 millimeters.

8. flexible external member as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that the diameter in described hole is between 2 and 4 millimeters.

9. flexible external member as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described second array and tri-array or described first array and the 4th array are arranged side by side.

10. flexible external member as claimed in claim 9 is characterized in that, described array side by side is arranged on two plates that differ from one another.

11. telecommunications switch or router apparatus comprise:

Telecommunications switch or router;

According in the claim 1 to 9 each the first flexible external member and at least one second flexible external member;

Subpath, its by means of second and tri-array between interconnection, limit from first array to the, four arrays by each flexible external member;

First array interconnect one of in the 4th array of the described first flexible external member and first array of the described second flexible external member or the second flexible external member;

Tubular conduit, it is arranged in the 4th array of the described second flexible external member or the second flexible external member between the 4th array and described switch or router of last;

Other the second flexible external member, interconnection continuously by this way, so that first array of each is by the 4th array interconnect of the second flexible external member of tubular interconnection part and front in the second flexible external member subsequently, thereby a basic continuous path is provided, has been used between the first flexible external member and switch or router, installing the blow fiber optic component; Wherein, described switch or the router optical fiber by a continuous blow fiber optic component carries out light with an optical fiber that enters the optical cable of this device from external telecommunications network and is connected, and described blow fiber optic component extends along described basic continuous path.

12. device as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, the fiber splices of described blow fiber optic component is on the optical fiber of described optical cable.

13. device as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, the fiber splices of described blow fiber optic component is on the optical fiber of a cable or fiber unit, in this cable or the fiber unit light path between described optical cable and blow fiber optic component.

14. as each described device in the claim 11 to 13, it is characterized in that, also comprise a plurality of secondary flexible external members.

15. device as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, by the flexible external member of primary and secondary a plurality of telecommunications switchs is connected on the optical fiber of a plurality of introducing cables.

16. device as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, also comprises the crooked control unit of the bending radius that is used to control the blow optical fiber tube.

17. a method that connects between the optical fiber of telecommunications switch or router and introducing cable in telecommunications switch or router apparatus, described introducing cable are connected with communication network and from this communication network introducing, this method comprises the steps:

Multistage blow optical fiber tube is installed and is made the engaged at end of described multistage blow optical fiber tube, to form path by secondary flexible external member from elementary flexible external member to this telecommunications switch, the flexible external member of wherein said primary and secondary comprises the parts that are used in this device the blow optical fiber tube that engages being carried out route, and along the described path that forms by the blow optical fiber tube that engages continuous blow fiber unit is installed by air-blowing afterwards, thereby between the optical fiber of telecommunications switch and introducing cable, is formed light path.

18. one kind is used for from being connected between first telecommunications switch or router and the elementary flexible external member the existing connection at telecommunications switch or router apparatus being re-routed the method that connects with between second telecommunications switch or router and this elementary flexible external member, this method may further comprise the steps:

Disconnect being connected between described first telecommunications switch and the elementary flexible external member, engaged at end with multistage blow optical fiber tube, to form path by secondary flexible external member from described elementary flexible external member to second telecommunications switch, the flexible external member of wherein said primary and secondary comprises the parts that are used in described device the blow optical fiber tube that engages being carried out route, and afterwards, along the described path that forms by the blow optical fiber tube that engages continuous blow fiber unit is installed by air-blowing, thereby between the optical fiber of second telecommunications switch or router and introducing cable, is formed light path.

19. according to claim 17 or 18 described methods, it is characterized in that, described elementary flexible external member comprises the circuit sidelight flexible points and the equipment side blow optical fiber tube flexible points of placement close to each other, and described secondary flexible external member comprises the line side blow optical fiber flexible points and the equipment side blow optical fiber flexible points of placement close to each other, the path of wherein following formation from described elementary flexible external member to telecommunications switch: to the line side blow optical fiber flexible points that is arranged in described secondary flexible external member one blow optical fiber tube is installed from the equipment side blow optical fiber flexible points that is arranged in described elementary flexible external member, to telecommunications switch one blow optical fiber tube is installed from the equipment side blow optical fiber flexible points that is arranged in described secondary flexible external member, and is made the equipment side flexible points interconnection in described line side flexible points and the flexible external member.

20. method according to claim 17 is characterized in that, by described continuous blow fiber unit is installed from the equipment frame air-blowing that accommodates telecommunications switch.

21. method according to claim 17 is characterized in that, described continuous blow fiber unit is equipped with connector in advance.

22. method according to claim 17 is characterized in that, by the circuit sidelight flexible points air-blowing from described elementary flexible external member described continuous blow fiber unit is installed.

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