DE102018101987A1 - Modular system with a splice tray for receiving coupled optical fibers in a distribution cabinet - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular system includes a splice tray (10) for receiving coupled optical fibers in a distribution cabinet, at least one splice tray mounting plate (18) having a splice tray (20) for at least one optical fiber splice, and at least one mounting plate (19, FIG. 19A) for at least one patch coupling (21), wherein each one of the mounting plates (18, 19, 19A) in a receiving window (16) of the splice tray (10) can be engaged.

Description

The invention relates to a modular system with a splice cassette for receiving mutually coupled optical fibers in a distribution cabinet.

In the distribution cabinet incoming optical waveguides (often referred to as "glass fibers"), for example, a communication network with optical fibers are coupled, which are then passed to the end user, for example, to a household or a company. Usually, the optical fibers are connected to each other by a splice.

The splice cassettes used in these distribution cabinets are known in many designs. An example can be found in the DE 10 2016 007 178 A1 , The splice cassettes serve to receive the splice between the individual incoming optical waveguides and the individual outgoing optical waveguides and to guide and hold the optical waveguides in front of and behind the splice.

The splice itself is usually a crimp splice or a shrink splice. The splice is deposited in the splice tray in a splice tray so that it is mechanically protected.

The splice represents a reliable and permanent coupling of the optical waveguides. This results in the problem that a lot of effort is needed to fix faults or to connect measuring devices.

The object of the invention is to reduce the effort that is necessary to correct interference or to perform measurements.

To solve this problem, a modular system is provided according to the invention, which has a splice tray for receiving coupled optical fibers in a distribution cabinet, at least one splice tray mounting plate on which a splice tray is provided for at least one optical fiber splice, and at least one mounting plate for at least one Patch coupling, wherein each one of the mounting plates can be snapped into a receiving window of the splice tray. The invention is based on the idea of connecting the optical waveguides in the distribution box to allow the installer to couple at least some of the incoming optical fibers in a splice selected by him with the continuing optical fibers, but to use a patch coupling. The patch coupling makes it possible, if necessary, to quickly and easily disconnect the currently coupled optical fibers and to re-couple them in a different way. Thus, in the event of a failure, an end customer can switch from one communication network to another without having the knowledge and tools to make a splice. Furthermore, a fitter can, if necessary, open the patch coupling without effort and time delay and connect a meter there, without a splice must be disconnected and then restored.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the mounting plate for the patch coupling on a locking receptacle in which the patch coupling can be releasably engaged. On the one hand, the patch coupling can be mounted with little effort and also exchanged for another one. On the other hand, the locking receptacle can be standardized, so that a certain type of patch coupling can be used by different manufacturers or other types can be mounted by means of suitable adapters.

The latching receptacle, according to one embodiment, has two latching posts extending perpendicularly to the plane of the mounting plate and a transverse part which connects the latching posts to one another at the free end thereof. Such a locking receptacle can be manufactured with little effort as an injection molded part in one piece with the mounting plate.

The locking posts may have an L-shaped profile in cross-section, resulting in a high mechanical strength. Furthermore, one of the legs of the locking post can serve as a mechanical stop when inserting the patch coupling in the locking receptacle and the other leg as a lateral guide for the patch coupling.

In the region of the transition between the locking post and the mounting plate, a reinforcing element is provided in each case, so that the forces acting upon insertion of the patch coupling forces can be reliably supported without the locking receptacle has to be dimensioned correspondingly massive.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the latching receptacle protrudes beyond the upper level of the splice cassette. This embodiment is based on the initially surprising realization that it is not disturbing for the function of the distribution cabinet and the splice cassettes arranged closely adjacent to each other that a few splice cassettes, namely those equipped with the patch coupling, are thicker than the "normal" ones "Splice cassettes. By providing a vertical "oversize" of the patch coupling Splice cassettes is accepted, it is possible to accommodate the patch couplings without much design effort in the splice tray.

It has been found that a vertical excess of the order of 2 mm on the one hand provides sufficient space to accommodate the patch coupling, on the other hand does not affect the function and handling of the splice cassettes within the manifold.

Preferably, the splice tray has a cover which is provided with a recess through which extends the locking receptacle. This allows the latching receptacle to act directly as a stop for the adjacent splice tray without the need for interconnected components that would further increase overall height.

As an alternative to a snap-in receptacle, which is used for detachably fastening the patch coupling on the mounting plate, it is also possible in principle to mount the patch coupling firmly on the mounting plate.

The patch coupling may be, for example, an E2000 clutch, an SC clutch or an LC / APC duplex clutch.

According to one embodiment of the invention it is provided that the mounting plate for the patch coupling has a stepped thickness, wherein the total width of the mounting plate is greater than the width of the receiving window, wherein the thicker region of the mounting plate is in the region of the receiving window. The mounting plate thus has a thin lateral projection, which increases the space available for the attachment of components space.

The resulting by the lateral projection width of the mounting plate allows, for example, two patch couplings side by side to arrange on the mounting plate. It is also possible to arrange a splitter or a splice tray in addition to a patch coupling.

In a splice tray according to the invention can be provided that it has a removable divider, which separates an outer receiving channel for a splitter from a more inner region in which the receiving window is located. The removable divider increases flexibility, as it can be removed with little effort, such as with a pair of pliers. When the divider is present, it serves as a mechanical separation, and when removed, a wide mounting plate can be mounted in the splice tray carrying, for example, two patch couplings.

• - 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht eine Spleißkassette des Baukastensystems in einer ersten Konfiguration;
• - 2 die Spleißkassette von 1 in einer Explosionsansicht;
• - 3 die Spleißkassette des Baukastensystems in einer zweiten Konfiguration;
• - 4 die Spleißkassette von 3 in einer Explosionsansicht;
• - die 5a bis 5e die in der Konfiguration von 3 verwendete Montageplatte in einer Unteransicht, einer Seitenansicht, einer Draufsicht, einer perspektivischen Ansicht und einer Vorderansicht;
• - 6 die Spleißkassette des Baukastensystems in einer dritten Konfiguration,
• - 7 die Spleißkassette von 6 in einer Explosionsansicht; und
• - die 8a bis 8e die bei der Spleißkassette von 6 verwendete Montageplatte in einer Unteransicht, einer Seitenansicht, einer Draufsicht, einer perspektivischen Ansicht und einer Vorderansicht.

The invention will be described below with reference to various embodiments, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In these show:

• - 1 in a perspective view of a splice tray of the modular system in a first configuration;
• - 2 the splice tray of 1 in an exploded view;
• - 3 the splice tray of the modular system in a second configuration;
• - 4 the splice tray of 3 in an exploded view;
• - the 5a to 5e in the configuration of 3 used mounting plate in a bottom view, a side view, a plan view, a perspective view and a front view;
• - 6 the splice tray of the modular system in a third configuration,
• - 7 the splice tray of 6 in an exploded view; and
• - the 8a to 8e the at the splice tray of 6 used mounting plate in a bottom view, a side view, a plan view, a perspective view and a front view.

In the 1 and 2 is a splice tray 10 shown intended to be used in a fiber optic distribution cabinet. It has a snap mechanism 12 on, with which it can be attached to one of many slots, which are provided side by side on a holder within the distribution cabinet. In the assembled state, the splice tray can be pivoted relative to the holder in the distribution cabinet.

In the area of the snap mechanism 12 the splice tray has two connection channels 14 for optical fibers, by means of which incoming and outgoing optical fibers in the splice tray 10 can be guided or led out of this.

The splice tray 10 is further provided with various, known per se recording and leadership designs with which the optical fibers can be guided and held within the splice tray.

The splice tray 10 is part of a modular system with which it can be adapted to different requirements and purposes. In the 1 and 2 is the splice tray 10 shown in a "normal state", the state that is most needed in practice. In this normal state is in a recording window 16 the splice tray a splice tray mounting plate 18 used. This is with several comb-like splice trays 20 provided in which a splice between an incoming optical fiber and an outgoing optical fiber can be stored to mechanically protect him. The splice may be, for example, a crimp splice or a shrink splice.

In the 3 to 5 is the splice tray 10 shown in a second configuration. For those of the 1 and 2 known components and features, the same reference numerals are used, and reference is made in this regard to the above explanations.

The difference between the first and second configurations is essentially that in the second configuration, a mounting plate 19 for a patch coupling 21 instead of the splice tray mounting plate 18 is used.

The mounting plate 19 for the patch coupling 21 is in the same recording window 16 attached, which also for the attachment of the splice tray mounting plate 18 is used.

The mounting plate 19 has a thicker middle area 22 on that within the recording window 16 and both sides of the mid-range 22 two wings 24 which have a smaller thickness than the central region. The wings are located (relative to the fiber path in the region of the recording window) "in front" and "behind" the recording window and lie on the inside of the splice tray.

On top of the mounting plate 19 So on the inside of the splice tray 10 facing side, is a snap-in receptacle 26 for the patch coupling 21 arranged. In this can be the patch coupling 21 be releasably attached. For this purpose, the patch coupling has two detent springs 28 on.

The snap-in receptacle 26 consists of two snap-in posts 30 , which are perpendicular to the mounting plate 19 extend, and one of the two free ends of the locking posts 30 interconnecting cross member 32 ,

The two catch posts 30 have an L-shaped cross-section, so that in each case a longer, parallel to the insertion direction of the patch coupling 21 extending leg 34 and a shorter, a stop for the patch coupling 21 forming thigh 36 available.

On the shorter thigh 36 opposite side joins the longer leg 34 one reinforcing element each 38 which is triangular here.

The patch coupling 21 can with little effort in the locking receptacle 26 be mounted by placing in the space between the catch posts 30 and the crosspiece 32 is inserted, so that the locking springs 28 on the "back" of the catch posts 30 snap.

Laterally next to the snap-in receptacle 26 is the mounting plate 19 here with two splice trays 20 provided in which two are schematically in 4 shown crimp splices 40 can be included.

Another difference between the splice tray 10 that in the 3 and 4 is shown and in the 1 and 2 shown splice tray is that in the splice tray according to the 3 and 4 a divider 42 is provided, which at the of the snap mechanism 12 opposite side of the recording window 16 is arranged and between itself and the outside of the splice tray 10 a receiving channel 44 separates, in which a splinter 46 is arranged.

The divider 42 is removable, so it can be removed with little effort, for example, can be broken out.

In the 6 to 8th is the splice tray 10 shown in a third configuration. For the components known from the preceding figures, the same reference numerals are used, and reference is made to the above explanations in this respect.

The essential difference between the third and the second configuration is that in the third configuration, a mounting plate 19A is used on the two patch couplings 21 are arranged side by side.

The mounting plate 19A here is wider than the mounting plate 19 used in the second configuration. Accordingly, the mounting plate 19 not only in the longitudinal direction of a stepped thickness with two wings 25 but it also has a stepped thickness in the transverse direction with an "outboard" wing 25 on top of the snap mechanism 12 opposite side of the recording window 16 comes to rest on the inside of the splice tray.

As a result, the space is created in the transverse direction by two slots for patch couplings 21 accommodate. The snap-in receptacle 26 has accordingly three locking posts 30 on, by a broad cross section 32 connected to each other.

So that the mounting plate 19A in the splice tray 10 can be attached, the divider becomes 42 the splitter cassette 10 broken out.

To the different mounting plates 18 . 19 . 19A in the splice tray 10 to mount, are suitable mounting tabs / mounting recesses 50 on the mounting plates and the splitter cassette 10 intended.

The splice tray 10 and the different mounting plates 18 . 19 . 19A form a modular system with which a fitter can equip the distribution box on site in the desired manner. Normally, the splice tray mounting plate 18 used to conventionally accommodate multiple optical fiber splices within the splice cassette. If, on the other hand, the optical waveguides or at least some of the optical waveguides are to be coupled so that they can be repositioned with little effort or a measuring device can be connected, the splice cassette is provided with a patch coupling 21 or with multiple patch couplings 21 Provided. Due to the modularity, the same splice cassette can be used per se. It has been found that it is irrelevant to the overall functionality that the patch coupling 21 due to the necessary space usually slightly above the splice tray 10 protrudes.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102016007178 A1 [0003]

Claims (16)

Modular system comprising a splice tray (10) for receiving mutually coupled optical fibers in a distribution cabinet, comprising at least one splice tray mounting plate (18) on which a splice tray (20) for at least one optical fiber splice is provided, and at least one mounting plate (19, 19A) for at least one patch coupling (21), wherein each one of the mounting plates (18, 19, 19A) in a receiving window (16) of the splice tray (10) can be engaged. Modular system according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the mounting plate (19, 19A) for the patch coupling (21) has a latching receptacle (26) in which the patch coupling (21) can be releasably engaged. Modular system according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the latching receptacle (26) has two mutually perpendicular to the plane of the mounting plate (19, 19A) extending latching post (30) and a transverse part (32) which connects the latching post (30) at the free end together. Modular system according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the latching posts (30) have an L-shaped profile in cross section. Modular system according to Claim 3 or Claim 4 , characterized in that in the region of the transition between the latching post (30) and the mounting plate (19, 19A) each have a reinforcing element (38) is provided. Modular system according to one of Claims 2 to 5 , characterized in that the latching receptacle (26) beyond the upper level of the splice tray (10) protrudes. Modular system according to Claim 6 characterized in that the detent receiver (26) extends about 2 mm beyond the upper level of the splice tray (10). Modular system according to Claim 6 or Claim 7 , characterized in that the splice cassette (10) has a cover and that the cover has a recess through which the locking receptacle (26) extends therethrough. Modular system according to Claim 1 , characterized in that on the mounting plate (19, 19A) for the patch coupling, the patch coupling is fixedly mounted. Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the patch coupling (21) is an E2000 coupling, an SC coupling or an LC / APC duplex coupling. Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting plate (19, 19A) for the patch coupling (21) has a stepped thickness, wherein the total width of the mounting plate (19, 19A) is greater than the width of the receiving window (16 ), wherein the thicker region of the mounting plate (19, 19A) is in the region of the receiving window (16). Modular system according to Claim 11 , characterized in that two patch couplings (21) are arranged side by side on the mounting plate (19, 19A). Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a splitter (46) is arranged on the mounting plate (19, 19A) for the patch coupling (21). Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the mounting plate (19, 19A) for the patch coupling (21) and a splice tray (20) is arranged. Modular system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the splice cassette has a removable separating web (42) which separates an outer receiving channel (44) for a splitter (46) from a further inner region, in which the receiving window (16) located. Mounting plate for a patch coupling for use in a splice cassette of a modular system according to one of the preceding claims.

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