EP1839381A1 - Device for the leakproof connection of telecommunication cables and production method thereof - Google Patents

Device for the leakproof connection of telecommunication cables and production method thereof

Info

Publication number
EP1839381A1
EP1839381A1 EP06709389A EP06709389A EP1839381A1 EP 1839381 A1 EP1839381 A1 EP 1839381A1 EP 06709389 A EP06709389 A EP 06709389A EP 06709389 A EP06709389 A EP 06709389A EP 1839381 A1 EP1839381 A1 EP 1839381A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tubes
plug
telecommunications
intended
cables
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06709389A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Marc Cailleaux
Bernard Cahuzac
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.)
Orange SA
Original Assignee
France Telecom SA
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 France Telecom SA filed Critical France Telecom SA
Publication of EP1839381A1 publication Critical patent/EP1839381A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
    • G02B6/4471—Terminating devices ; Cable clamps
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G15/00—Cable fittings
    • H02G15/013—Sealing means for cable inlets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G15/00—Cable fittings
    • H02G15/02—Cable terminations
    • H02G15/04—Cable-end sealings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G15/00—Cable fittings
    • H02G15/08—Cable junctions
    • H02G15/10—Cable junctions protected by boxes, e.g. by distribution, connection or junction boxes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the general field of telecommunications. It relates more particularly to a device for sealing telecommunications cables, for example optical fibers, for use in a protective housing used for distribution lines.
  • the fiber optic cables that are used to build the telecommunication lines are connected by means of connectors and splices.
  • the cable ends and connectors are usually placed in watertight enclosures, the latter being themselves arranged in telecommunications works (underground chambers, cabinets, gutters, etc.).
  • Such protective housings generally parallelepipedal or tubular, have inputs that are most often located on two opposite faces. They must be perfectly sealed, both in terms of their closing devices and their cable entries.
  • the cable entries of these housings have a large size because they consist of tight and resistant tubular plugs. Their number is therefore limited for the same case.
  • the maximum number of inputs is generally of the order of 6 to 12 for a number of 100 to 200 optical fibers spliced. This number of cable entries is sufficient for the transport links where the division ratio of the cables is low (of the order of 2 to 3 at most).
  • PON Passive Optical Network
  • EP 0 695 900 provides for dividing a cable entry having a diameter of 20 mm into 2 or 4 entries of 3 to 4 mm each.
  • the protective housing which initially had 6 cable entries, can then be converted into a housing with a large diameter inlet to divide a large diameter cable into 20 small cables.
  • the cable entries of this document besides not allowing to obtain a densification of cables sufficient for an application to an optical distribution network, have the disadvantage that they are interdependent. Thus, when it is necessary to act on one of these inputs (for a cable installation or replacement), the other inputs are also requested.
  • the elastomer washers that seal an inlet are common to all the inputs so that an operation on one of them leads to destruction of the seal of the assembly. They also have the disadvantage of offering low retention of cables in the elastomer washers.
  • the main purpose of the present invention is thus to overcome such drawbacks by proposing a device for connecting telecommunications cables to substantially increase the density of cables for the same volume of protective housing while maintaining independence between the inputs of cables.
  • a device for connecting telecommunications cables tightly comprising a tubular plug intended to be housed in an input of a telecommunications protection case, and a plurality of tubes each intended to receive at least one telecommunication cable, the tubes being arranged longitudinally in the cap so as to pass therethrough from one side, characterized in that it further comprises a resin which is cast between the tubes so as to ensure both a retention mechanical tubes in the plug and a sealing of the connecting device.
  • the use of a plurality of tubes housed in the plug makes it possible to substantially increase the density of cables. For example, the same plug can accommodate up to 36 tubes, or at least as many telecommunication cables.
  • each plug which is intended to be housed in an inlet of a protective casing has its own seal, and that, on the other hand , the cables are placed in the tubes "on the water” without affecting the existing seal between the tubes or between the tubes and cables already in place.
  • connection device has a reliability (in terms of mechanical strength, sealing and resistance to pollutants) which is perfectly adapted to the environment of a telecommunications protection case.
  • Another advantage of such a connecting device is that it is possible to keep existing boxes under the same conditions of use, which reduces costs, especially in training operators.
  • the plug comprises a section reduction at an inlet end so as to ensure longitudinal locking of the tubes in the plug.
  • the plug comprises at least two separate annular compartments each intended to be traversed through by a plurality of tubes.
  • the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a connecting device.
  • This method is characterized in that it consists in using a tubular plug intended to be housed in an input of a telecommunications protection case, using a plurality of tubes each intended to receive at least one telecommunications cable, to arrange longitudinally the tubes in the cap so that the tubes pass through it, and pour a resin between the tubes so as to ensure both a mechanical retention of the tubes in the cap and a sealing of the connecting device.
  • the resin can be poured into the stopper via an injection tube emerging between the tubes.
  • the tubes are advantageously spaced from each other by means of rings so as to facilitate the distribution of the resin during casting.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a distribution box for receiving a connection device according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a partially cut away view of a connecting device according to the invention.
  • FIGS. 3 to 9 represent different stages of the manufacturing method according to the invention of the connection device of FIG. 2.
  • Figure 1 schematically shows a protective housing 10 typically used in the terminal part of a telecommunications network to serve a large number of users from the same point.
  • the housing 10 of substantially parallelepipedal shape, has at its two ends an inlet face 12 and an outlet face 14.
  • the inlet face 12 has at least one inlet port 16 for the passage of telecommunications cables to optical fiber.
  • Additional orifices 17 are also provided on the input face 12 of the housing. Such additional ports 17 have the function of allowing the unitary entry or exit of telecommunications cables.
  • a device 18 for sealing telecommunication cables is intended to be housed in the inlet orifice 16 made on the input face 12 of the housing 10.
  • the connecting device 18 comprises in particular a tubular plug 20 and a plurality of tubes 22 each intended to receive at least one telecommunications cable (also called telecommunication cable transport tubes).
  • the tubular plug 20 has an inlet wall 20a which is intended to be positioned in the protective housing and an outlet wall 20b which is opposite to the inlet wall 20a.
  • the plug 16 has two annular compartments 24a, 24b which are distinct from one another. These compartments 24a, 24b, which pass right through the plug 20, are each intended to receive a plurality of tubes 22 for transporting the telecommunications cables. The number of compartments may however be different.
  • the plug 20 is also provided with a flange 26 which is intended to bear against the input face 12 of the protective housing 10 when the connecting device is mounted in the housing.
  • the tubes 22 transporting telecommunications cables which have for example an internal diameter of 4 mm for an outer diameter of 6 mm, can be made of polyolefin or polyamide. They are arranged longitudinally in the compartments 24a, 24b of the cap 20 so as to pass therethrough from one side to the other.
  • the tubes 22 are flush with the inlet wall 20a of the plug 20.
  • the tubes project longitudinally with respect to the wall outlet 20b of the stopper 20.
  • the connecting device 18 further comprises a resin 28 which is cast between the tubes 22 so as to ensure both a mechanical retention of the tubes in the plug 20 and an overall seal to the connecting device.
  • the resin 28 is poured into each compartment 24a, 24b of the plug 20, between its inlet walls 20a and outlet 20b. In order to ensure perfect mechanical retention of the tubes 22 in the plug 20 and a good seal, the resin 28 is distributed between the tubes and between the tubes and the inner walls of the plug.
  • the resin may be of the mono or bi-component type. It may for example be made of polyester or polyurethane. Its composition must meet certain standards in force for the protection of splices for telecommunication cables. In particular, it must have a relatively short setting time.
  • the plug 20 comprises, at each compartment 24a, 24b, a sectional reduction 30 at its inlet end so as to ensure longitudinal locking of the tubes 22 in the plug.
  • the tubes 22 may include a hood 32 for sealing the tubes in the absence of telecommunications cables.
  • a cable 34 is inserted into a tube, the hood 32 thereof is removed and sealing is performed, for example by means of a heat-shrinkable envelope.
  • the additional orifices 17 may also receive a tubular plug of the type described above, preferably a single compartment.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates in perspective an example of plug 20 for the manufacture of such a connecting device.
  • the plug 20 has two compartments 24a, 24b for the passage of telecommunications cables.
  • each compartment 24a, 24b has a wall 36 which can be uncapped, for example by means of a screwdriver and a hammer (only one wall 36 is shown in FIG. 3, that of the compartment 24b). .
  • a plurality of tubes 22 for transporting telecommunication cables.
  • These tubes 22 are spaced from each other by means of rings 38 fixed at their inlet end 22a.
  • These rings 38 are arranged on all the staggered tubes in order to have the same gap between all the tubes (for example of the order of 1 mm). They also allow to provide a gap between the tubes and the inner walls of the compartments of the cap.
  • An injection tube 40 is also provided. This tube 40 is used to inject the resin into the compartments 24a, 24b according to a procedure described later. It is provided with a plurality of holes 42 at its input end 40a.
  • the tubes 22 are arranged around the injection tube 40 and are held in this position, for example by means of adhesive tapes 44 wound around their inlet and outlet ends 22a and 22b.
  • the inlet end 40a of the injection tube 40 is disposed longitudinally slightly recessed relative to the tubes 22 to allow the injection of the resin between the tubes.
  • the next step (FIG. 6) consists in longitudinally introducing the sets of tubes 22, 40 thus prepared in the compartments 24a, 24b of the stopper 20 so that the tubes pass right through it.
  • the sets of tubes 22, 40 abut against the reduction of section 30 provided at the inlet end of each compartment.
  • a sealing bead 46 (for example butyl putty) is then disposed at the outlet end 22a of the tubes 22 in order to seal the latter.
  • An additional sealing bead 48 may also be wound around the tubes 22, against the inlet wall 20a of the plug 20.
  • a tip 50 forming a plug is then positioned around the outlet end 22a of the tubes 22 (Figure 7).
  • this endpiece 50 abuts against the additional sealing bead 48 to ensure a perfectly sealed closure of all the tubes.
  • Adhesive tape (not shown) may be required to hold the mouthpiece in this position.
  • the stopper 20 and the tubes 22 thus positioned are then arranged vertically, with the tip 50 directed downwards.
  • the resin 28 is then poured into the compartments 24a, 24b by means of the injection tube 40 provided with the holes 42 (FIG. 8).
  • the tips 50 are removed and the excess of tubes 22 protruding from the inlet wall 20a of the plug is cut (by sawing for example) as shown in Figure 9.
  • the adhesive tapes are also be removed.
  • the end of the tubes 22 is leveled and deburred after cutting.
  • the tubes 22, 40 can be cut to the same length.
  • a sealing hood 32 may be disposed at the outlet end 22b, 40b of the tubes 22, 40 in the absence of sealing cables.

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the leakproof connection of telecommunication cables (18), comprising a tubular cap (20) which is intended to be housed in an inlet in a telecommunications protection casing and a plurality of tubes (22) which are each intended to receive at least one telecommunication cables (34). According to the invention, the tubes (22) are disposed longitudinally in the cap (20) such as to extend straight through same, and a resin (28) is poured between the tubes (22) such as to ensure that the tubes are retained mechanically in the cap and that the connection device is leakproof.

Description

Dispositif de raccordement étanche de câbles de télécommunications et son procédé de fabricationSealed connection device for telecommunication cables and method of manufacturing the same
Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention
La présente invention se rapporte au domaine général des télécommunications. Elle concerne plus particulièrement un dispositif de raccordement étanche de câbles de télécommunications, par exemple à fibres optiques, destiné à être utilisé dans un boîtier de protection utilisé pour les lignes de distribution.The present invention relates to the general field of telecommunications. It relates more particularly to a device for sealing telecommunications cables, for example optical fibers, for use in a protective housing used for distribution lines.
Les câbles à fibres optiques qui sont utilisés pour construire les lignes de télécommunications sont raccordés au moyen de connecteurs et d'épissures. Afin de les protéger de l'humidité et d'autres agents ambiants (huiles, acides, ou autres polluants), les extrémités de câbles et les connecteurs sont généralement placés dans des boîtiers de protection étanches, ces derniers étant eux-mêmes disposés dans des ouvrages de télécommunications (chambres souterraines, armoires, caniveaux, etc.).The fiber optic cables that are used to build the telecommunication lines are connected by means of connectors and splices. In order to protect them from moisture and other environmental agents (oils, acids, or other pollutants), the cable ends and connectors are usually placed in watertight enclosures, the latter being themselves arranged in telecommunications works (underground chambers, cabinets, gutters, etc.).
De tels boîtiers de protection, généralement de forme parallélépipédique ou tubulaire, présentent des entrées qui sont le plus souvent situées sur deux faces opposées. Ils doivent être parfaitement étanches, tant au niveau de leurs dispositifs de fermeture, que de leurs entrées de câbles.Such protective housings, generally parallelepipedal or tubular, have inputs that are most often located on two opposite faces. They must be perfectly sealed, both in terms of their closing devices and their cable entries.
Par ailleurs, les entrées de câbles de ces boîtiers ont un encombrement important car elles sont constituées de bouchons tubulaires étanches et résistants. Leur nombre est donc limité pour un même boîtier. Ainsi, dans le cas d'un boîtier de protection dédié à des câbles à fibres optiques, le nombre maximum d'entrées est en général de l'ordre de 6 à 12 pour un nombre de 100 à 200 fibres optiques épissurées. Ce nombre d'entrées de câbles est suffisant pour les liaisons de transport où le rapport de division des câbles est faible (de l'ordre de 2 à 3 au maximum).Furthermore, the cable entries of these housings have a large size because they consist of tight and resistant tubular plugs. Their number is therefore limited for the same case. Thus, in the case of a protective housing dedicated to fiber optic cables, the maximum number of inputs is generally of the order of 6 to 12 for a number of 100 to 200 optical fibers spliced. This number of cable entries is sufficient for the transport links where the division ratio of the cables is low (of the order of 2 to 3 at most).
En revanche, dans le cas d'un réseau optique de distribution, il est fréquent de desservir un grand nombre d'usagers à partir d'un même point. Ainsi, il existe une architecture de réseau appelée PON (pour « Passive Optical Network ») qui consiste à séparer une même fibre optique au moyen d'un coupleur en 8, 16 ou 32 fibres optiques afin de desservir autant d'usagers, ce qui accroît de manière exponentielle le nombre d'entrées de câbles nécessaires.On the other hand, in the case of an optical distribution network, it is common to serve a large number of users from the same point. Thus, there is a network architecture called PON (for "Passive Optical Network") which consists in separating the same optical fiber by means of a coupler in 8, 16 or 32 optical fibers in order to serve as many users, which exponentially increases the number of cable entries required.
Le document EP O 695 900 prévoit de diviser une entrée de câble ayant un diamètre de 20 mm en 2 ou 4 entrées de 3 à 4 mm chacune. Le boîtier de protection qui comportait initialement 6 entrées de câbles peut alors être transformé en boîtier présentant une entrée de grand diamètre permettant de diviser un câble de diamètre important en 20 petits câbles.EP 0 695 900 provides for dividing a cable entry having a diameter of 20 mm into 2 or 4 entries of 3 to 4 mm each. The protective housing, which initially had 6 cable entries, can then be converted into a housing with a large diameter inlet to divide a large diameter cable into 20 small cables.
Les entrées de câbles de ce document, outre qu'elles ne permettent pas d'obtenir une densification de câbles suffisante pour une application à un réseau optique de distribution, présentent l'inconvénient qu'elles sont interdépendantes. Ainsi, lorsqu'il est nécessaire d'agir sur l'une de ces entrées (pour une installation ou un remplacement de câble), les autres entrées sont également sollicitées. En particulier, les rondelles d'élastomère qui assurent l'étanchéité d'une entrée sont communes à toutes les entrées de sorte qu'une opération sur l'une d'entre elles entraîne une destruction de l'étanchéité de l'ensemble. Elles présentent également l'inconvénient d'offrir une faible rétention des câbles dans les rondelles d'élastomère.The cable entries of this document, besides not allowing to obtain a densification of cables sufficient for an application to an optical distribution network, have the disadvantage that they are interdependent. Thus, when it is necessary to act on one of these inputs (for a cable installation or replacement), the other inputs are also requested. In particular, the elastomer washers that seal an inlet are common to all the inputs so that an operation on one of them leads to destruction of the seal of the assembly. They also have the disadvantage of offering low retention of cables in the elastomer washers.
Objet et résumé de l'inventionObject and summary of the invention
La présente invention a donc pour but principal de pallier de tels inconvénients en proposant un dispositif de raccordement étanche de câbles de télécommunications permettant d'accroître sensiblement la densité de câbles pour un même volume de boîtier de protection tout en conservant une indépendance entre les entrées de câbles.The main purpose of the present invention is thus to overcome such drawbacks by proposing a device for connecting telecommunications cables to substantially increase the density of cables for the same volume of protective housing while maintaining independence between the inputs of cables.
A cet effet, il est prévu un dispositif de raccordement étanche de câbles de télécommunications, comportant un bouchon tubulaire destiné à venir se loger dans une entrée d'un boîtier de protection de télécommunications, et une pluralité de tubes destinés chacun à recevoir au moins un câble de télécommunications, les tubes étant disposés longitudinalement dans le bouchon de façon à traverser celui-ci de part en part, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre une résine qui est coulée entre les tubes de façon à assurer à la fois une rétention mécanique des tubes dans le bouchon et une étanchéité du dispositif de raccordement. L'utilisation d'une pluralité de tubes logés dans le bouchon permet d'augmenter sensiblement la densité de câbles. A titre d'exemple, un même bouchon peut recevoir jusqu'à 36 tubes, soit au moins autant de câbles de télécommunication. L'indépendance de tels dispositifs de raccordement est rendue possible par le fait que, d'une part, chaque bouchon qui est destiné à être logé dans une entrée d'un boîtier de protection présente sa propre étanchéité, et que, d'autre part, les câbles sont placés dans les tubes « au fil de l'eau » sans affecter l'étanchéité existante entre les tubes ou entre les tubes et les câbles déjà en place.For this purpose, there is provided a device for connecting telecommunications cables tightly, comprising a tubular plug intended to be housed in an input of a telecommunications protection case, and a plurality of tubes each intended to receive at least one telecommunication cable, the tubes being arranged longitudinally in the cap so as to pass therethrough from one side, characterized in that it further comprises a resin which is cast between the tubes so as to ensure both a retention mechanical tubes in the plug and a sealing of the connecting device. The use of a plurality of tubes housed in the plug makes it possible to substantially increase the density of cables. For example, the same plug can accommodate up to 36 tubes, or at least as many telecommunication cables. The independence of such connection devices is made possible by the fact that, firstly, each plug which is intended to be housed in an inlet of a protective casing has its own seal, and that, on the other hand , the cables are placed in the tubes "on the water" without affecting the existing seal between the tubes or between the tubes and cables already in place.
Par ailleurs, un tel dispositif de raccordement présente une fiabilité (en termes de résistance mécanique, d'étanchéité et de tenues aux polluants) qui est parfaitement adaptée à l'environnement d'un boîtier de protection de télécommunications.Moreover, such a connection device has a reliability (in terms of mechanical strength, sealing and resistance to pollutants) which is perfectly adapted to the environment of a telecommunications protection case.
Un autre avantage d'un tel dispositif de raccordement est qu'il est possible de conserver des boîtiers existants dans les mêmes conditions d'utilisation, ce qui permet de réduire les coûts, notamment en formations des opérateurs.Another advantage of such a connecting device is that it is possible to keep existing boxes under the same conditions of use, which reduces costs, especially in training operators.
Selon une disposition avantageuse de l'invention, le bouchon comporte une diminution de section à une extrémité d'entrée de façon à assurer un blocage longitudinal des tubes dans le bouchon.According to an advantageous arrangement of the invention, the plug comprises a section reduction at an inlet end so as to ensure longitudinal locking of the tubes in the plug.
Selon une autre disposition avantageuse de l'invention, le bouchon comporte au moins deux compartiments annulaires distincts destinés chacun à être traversé de part en part par une pluralité de tubes.According to another advantageous arrangement of the invention, the plug comprises at least two separate annular compartments each intended to be traversed through by a plurality of tubes.
L'invention vise également un procédé de fabrication d'un tel dispositif de raccordement. Ce procédé se caractérise en ce qu'il consiste à utiliser un bouchon tubulaire destiné à venir se loger dans une entrée d'un boîtier de protection de télécommunications, utiliser une pluralité de tubes destinés chacun à recevoir au moins un câble de télécommunications, disposer longitudinalement les tubes dans le bouchon de sorte que les tubes traversent celui-ci de part en part, et couler une résine entre les tubes de façon à assurer à la fois une rétention mécanique des tubes dans le bouchon et une étanchéité du dispositif de raccordement.The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a connecting device. This method is characterized in that it consists in using a tubular plug intended to be housed in an input of a telecommunications protection case, using a plurality of tubes each intended to receive at least one telecommunications cable, to arrange longitudinally the tubes in the cap so that the tubes pass through it, and pour a resin between the tubes so as to ensure both a mechanical retention of the tubes in the cap and a sealing of the connecting device.
La résine peut être coulée dans le bouchon par l'intermédiaire d'un tube d'injection débouchant entre les tubes. Dans ce cas, les tubes sont avantageusement espacés les uns des autres par l'intermédiaire de bagues de façon à faciliter la répartition de la résine lors de sa coulée.The resin can be poured into the stopper via an injection tube emerging between the tubes. In this case, the tubes are advantageously spaced from each other by means of rings so as to facilitate the distribution of the resin during casting.
Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront de la description faite ci-dessous, en référence aux dessins annexés qui en illustrent un exemple de réalisation dépourvu de tout caractère limitatif. Sur les figures :Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate an embodiment having no limiting character. In the figures:
- la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un boîtier de distribution destiné à recevoir un dispositif de raccordement selon l'invention ;- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a distribution box for receiving a connection device according to the invention;
- la figure 2 est une vue partiellement en écorché d'un dispositif de raccordement selon l'invention ; et- Figure 2 is a partially cut away view of a connecting device according to the invention; and
- les figures 3 à 9 représentent différentes étapes du procédé de fabrication selon l'invention du dispositif de raccordement de la figure 2.FIGS. 3 to 9 represent different stages of the manufacturing method according to the invention of the connection device of FIG. 2.
Description détaillée d'un mode de réalisationDetailed description of an embodiment
La figure 1 représente de façon schématique un boîtier 10 de protection typiquement utilisé en partie terminale d'un réseau de télécommunications pour desservir un grand nombre d'usagers à partir d'un même point.Figure 1 schematically shows a protective housing 10 typically used in the terminal part of a telecommunications network to serve a large number of users from the same point.
Le boîtier 10, de forme sensiblement parallélépipédique, présente à ses deux extrémités une face d'entrée 12 et une face de sortie 14. La face d'entrée 12 présente au moins un orifice d'entrée 16 pour le passage de câbles de télécommunications à fibres optiques.The housing 10, of substantially parallelepipedal shape, has at its two ends an inlet face 12 and an outlet face 14. The inlet face 12 has at least one inlet port 16 for the passage of telecommunications cables to optical fiber.
Des orifices supplémentaires 17 sont également prévus sur la face d'entrée 12 du boîtier. De tels orifices supplémentaires 17 ont pour fonction de permettre l'entrée ou la sortie unitaire de câbles de télécommunications.Additional orifices 17 are also provided on the input face 12 of the housing. Such additional ports 17 have the function of allowing the unitary entry or exit of telecommunications cables.
En liaison avec la figure 2, un dispositif 18 de raccordement étanche de câbles de télécommunications est destiné à venir se loger dans l'orifice d'entrée 16 pratiqué sur la face d'entrée 12 du boîtier 10.In connection with FIG. 2, a device 18 for sealing telecommunication cables is intended to be housed in the inlet orifice 16 made on the input face 12 of the housing 10.
Le dispositif de raccordement 18 selon l'invention comporte notamment un bouchon tubulaire 20 et une pluralité de tubes 22 destinés chacun à recevoir au moins un câble de télécommunications (appelés aussi tubes de transport des câbles de télécommunications). Le bouchon tubulaire 20 présente une paroi d'entrée 20a qui est destinée à venir se positionner dans le boîtier de protection et une paroi de sortie 20b qui est opposée à la paroi d'entrée 20a.The connecting device 18 according to the invention comprises in particular a tubular plug 20 and a plurality of tubes 22 each intended to receive at least one telecommunications cable (also called telecommunication cable transport tubes). The tubular plug 20 has an inlet wall 20a which is intended to be positioned in the protective housing and an outlet wall 20b which is opposite to the inlet wall 20a.
Sur l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 2, le bouchon 16 présente deux compartiments annulaires 24a, 24b qui sont distincts l'un de l'autre. Ces compartiments 24a, 24b, qui traversent de part en part le bouchon 20, sont chacun destinés à recevoir une pluralité de tubes 22 de transport des câbles de télécommunications. Le nombre de compartiments peut cependant être différent.In the embodiment of Figure 2, the plug 16 has two annular compartments 24a, 24b which are distinct from one another. These compartments 24a, 24b, which pass right through the plug 20, are each intended to receive a plurality of tubes 22 for transporting the telecommunications cables. The number of compartments may however be different.
Le bouchon 20 est également muni d'une collerette 26 qui est destinée à venir en appui contre la face d'entrée 12 du boîtier de protection 10 lorsque le dispositif de raccordement est monté dans le boîtier.The plug 20 is also provided with a flange 26 which is intended to bear against the input face 12 of the protective housing 10 when the connecting device is mounted in the housing.
Les tubes 22 de transport des câbles de télécommunications, qui présentent par exemple un diamètre interne de 4 mm pour un diamètre externe de 6 mm, peuvent être réalisés en polyoléfine ou en polyamide. Ils sont disposés longitudinalement dans les compartiments 24a, 24b du bouchon 20 de façon à traverser celui-ci de part en part.The tubes 22 transporting telecommunications cables, which have for example an internal diameter of 4 mm for an outer diameter of 6 mm, can be made of polyolefin or polyamide. They are arranged longitudinally in the compartments 24a, 24b of the cap 20 so as to pass therethrough from one side to the other.
Plus précisément, à une de leurs extrémités d'entrée 22a, les tubes 22 sont affleurants avec Ia paroi d'entrée 20a du bouchon 20. A leur extrémité opposée 22b (extrémité de sortie), les tubes font saillis longitudinalement par rapport à la paroi de sortie 20b du bouchon 20.More precisely, at one of their inlet ends 22a, the tubes 22 are flush with the inlet wall 20a of the plug 20. At their opposite end 22b (outlet end), the tubes project longitudinally with respect to the wall outlet 20b of the stopper 20.
Le dispositif de raccordement 18 comporte en outre une résine 28 qui est coulée entre les tubes 22 de façon à assurer à la fois une rétention mécanique des tubes dans le bouchon 20 et une étanchéité globale au dispositif de raccordement.The connecting device 18 further comprises a resin 28 which is cast between the tubes 22 so as to ensure both a mechanical retention of the tubes in the plug 20 and an overall seal to the connecting device.
La résine 28 est coulée dans chaque compartiment 24a, 24b du bouchon 20, entre ses parois d'entrée 20a et de sortie 20b. Afin d'assurer une parfaite rétention mécanique des tubes 22 dans le bouchon 20 et une bonne étanchéité, la résine 28 est répartie entre les tubes et entre les tubes et les parois internes du bouchon.The resin 28 is poured into each compartment 24a, 24b of the plug 20, between its inlet walls 20a and outlet 20b. In order to ensure perfect mechanical retention of the tubes 22 in the plug 20 and a good seal, the resin 28 is distributed between the tubes and between the tubes and the inner walls of the plug.
La résine peut être du type mono ou bi-composant. Elle peut par exemple être constituée de polyester ou de polyuréthane. Sa composition doit répondre à certaines normes en vigueur pour la protection d'épissures pour câbles de télécommunication. Notamment, elle doit présenter un temps de prise relativement court. Selon une disposition avantageuse de l'invention, le bouchon 20 comporte, au niveau de chaque compartiment 24a, 24b, une diminution de section 30 à son extrémité d'entrée de façon à assurer un blocage longitudinal des tubes 22 dans le bouchon.The resin may be of the mono or bi-component type. It may for example be made of polyester or polyurethane. Its composition must meet certain standards in force for the protection of splices for telecommunication cables. In particular, it must have a relatively short setting time. According to an advantageous arrangement of the invention, the plug 20 comprises, at each compartment 24a, 24b, a sectional reduction 30 at its inlet end so as to ensure longitudinal locking of the tubes 22 in the plug.
Par ailleurs, au niveau de leur extrémité de sortie 22b, les tubes 22 peuvent comporter une capote 32 permettant d'assurer une étanchéité des tubes en l'absence de câbles de télécommunications. Lorsqu'un câble 34 est inséré dans un tube, la capote 32 de celui-ci est retirée et l'étanchéité est réalisée, par exemple à l'aide d'une enveloppe thermorétractable.Moreover, at their outlet end 22b, the tubes 22 may include a hood 32 for sealing the tubes in the absence of telecommunications cables. When a cable 34 is inserted into a tube, the hood 32 thereof is removed and sealing is performed, for example by means of a heat-shrinkable envelope.
Lorsqu'ils ne sont utilisés pour l'installation d'un câble unitaire, les orifices supplémentaires 17 peuvent également recevoir un bouchon tubulaire du type de celui décrit ci-dessus, de préférence à un seul compartiment.When not used for the installation of a unitary cable, the additional orifices 17 may also receive a tubular plug of the type described above, preferably a single compartment.
On décrira maintenant le procédé de fabrication d'un tel dispositif de raccordement en se référant aux figures 3 à 9 qui illustrent différentes étapes de celui-ci.The method of manufacturing such a connecting device will now be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 9 which illustrate various steps thereof.
La figure 3 illustre en perspective un exemple de bouchon 20 pour la fabrication d'un tel dispositif de raccordement. Le bouchon 20 présente deux compartiments 24a, 24b pour le passage de câbles de télécommunications.Figure 3 illustrates in perspective an example of plug 20 for the manufacture of such a connecting device. The plug 20 has two compartments 24a, 24b for the passage of telecommunications cables.
En l'absence de câbles de télécommunications, un tel bouchon 20 est destiné à venir fermer l'un des orifices d'entrée du boîtier de protection. A cet effet, chaque compartiment 24a, 24b présente une paroi 36 qui peut être désoperculée, par exemple à l'aide d'un tournevis et d'un marteau (une seule paroi 36 est représentée sur la figure 3, celle du compartiment 24b).In the absence of telecommunication cables, such a cap 20 is intended to close one of the inlet ports of the protective housing. For this purpose, each compartment 24a, 24b has a wall 36 which can be uncapped, for example by means of a screwdriver and a hammer (only one wall 36 is shown in FIG. 3, that of the compartment 24b). .
En liaison avec la figure 4, il est prévu une pluralité de tubes 22 (quatre sur la figure 2) pour le transport des câbles de télécommunications. Ces tubes 22 sont espacés les uns des autres par l'intermédiaire de bagues 38 fixés au niveau de leur extrémité d'entrée 22a. Ces bagues 38 sont disposées sur l'ensemble des tubes en quinconce afin d'avoir le même intervalle entre tous les tubes (par exemple de l'ordre de 1 mm). Elles permettent également de ménager un intervalle entre les tubes et les parois internes des compartiments du bouchon. Un tube d'injection 40 est également prévu. Ce tube 40 permet d'injecter la résine dans les compartiments 24a, 24b selon un mode opératoire décrit ultérieurement. Il est muni d'une pluralité de trous 42 au niveau de son extrémité d'entrée 40a.In connection with Figure 4, there is provided a plurality of tubes 22 (four in Figure 2) for transporting telecommunication cables. These tubes 22 are spaced from each other by means of rings 38 fixed at their inlet end 22a. These rings 38 are arranged on all the staggered tubes in order to have the same gap between all the tubes (for example of the order of 1 mm). They also allow to provide a gap between the tubes and the inner walls of the compartments of the cap. An injection tube 40 is also provided. This tube 40 is used to inject the resin into the compartments 24a, 24b according to a procedure described later. It is provided with a plurality of holes 42 at its input end 40a.
Comme illustré sur la figure 5, les tubes 22 sont agencés autour du tube d'injection 40 et sont maintenus dans cette position, par exemple à l'aide de rubans adhésifs 44 enroulés autour de leurs extrémités d'entrée 22a et de sortie 22b. On remarquera que l'extrémité d'entrée 40a du tube d'injection 40 est disposée longitudinalement légèrement en retrait par rapport aux tubes 22 afin de permettre l'injection de la résine entre les tubes.As illustrated in FIG. 5, the tubes 22 are arranged around the injection tube 40 and are held in this position, for example by means of adhesive tapes 44 wound around their inlet and outlet ends 22a and 22b. Note that the inlet end 40a of the injection tube 40 is disposed longitudinally slightly recessed relative to the tubes 22 to allow the injection of the resin between the tubes.
Ces opérations sont répétées pour chaque ensemble de tubes 22, 40 destiné à venir se loger dans les compartiments 24a, 24b du bouchon 20.These operations are repeated for each set of tubes 22, 40 intended to be housed in compartments 24a, 24b of plug 20.
L'étape suivante (figure 6) consiste à introduire longitudinalement les ensembles de tubes 22, 40 ainsi préparés dans les compartiments 24a, 24b du bouchon 20 de sorte que les tubes traversent celui-ci de part en part. Les ensembles des tubes 22, 40 viennent en butée contre la diminution de section 30 prévue à l'extrémité d'entrée de chaque compartiment.The next step (FIG. 6) consists in longitudinally introducing the sets of tubes 22, 40 thus prepared in the compartments 24a, 24b of the stopper 20 so that the tubes pass right through it. The sets of tubes 22, 40 abut against the reduction of section 30 provided at the inlet end of each compartment.
Un cordon d'étanchéité 46 (par exemple du mastic de butyle) est alors disposé au niveau de l'extrémité de sortie 22a des tubes 22 afin d'obturer ces derniers. Un cordon d'étanchéité supplémentaire 48 peut également être enroulé autour des tubes 22, contre la paroi d'entrée 20a du bouchon 20.A sealing bead 46 (for example butyl putty) is then disposed at the outlet end 22a of the tubes 22 in order to seal the latter. An additional sealing bead 48 may also be wound around the tubes 22, against the inlet wall 20a of the plug 20.
Un embout 50 formant bouchon est ensuite positionné autour de l'extrémité de sortie 22a des tubes 22 (figure 7). Avantageusement, cet embout 50 vient en appui contre le cordon d'étanchéité supplémentaire 48 afin d'assurer une obturation parfaitement étanche de l'ensemble des tubes. Un ruban adhésif (non représenté) peut être nécessaire pour maintenir l'embout dans cette position.A tip 50 forming a plug is then positioned around the outlet end 22a of the tubes 22 (Figure 7). Advantageously, this endpiece 50 abuts against the additional sealing bead 48 to ensure a perfectly sealed closure of all the tubes. Adhesive tape (not shown) may be required to hold the mouthpiece in this position.
Afin de faciliter la coulée de la résine, le bouchon 20 et les tubes 22 ainsi positionnés sont alors disposés verticalement, avec l'embout 50 dirigé vers le bas. La résine 28 est alors coulée dans les compartiments 24a, 24b au moyen du tube d'injection 40 muni des trous 42 (figure 8). Une fois que la résine 28 est polymérisée, les embouts 50 sont retirés et l'excédent de tubes 22 dépassant de la paroi d'entrée 20a du bouchon est découpé (par sciage par exemple) comme illustré sur la figure 9. Les rubans adhésifs sont également être retirés.In order to facilitate the pouring of the resin, the stopper 20 and the tubes 22 thus positioned are then arranged vertically, with the tip 50 directed downwards. The resin 28 is then poured into the compartments 24a, 24b by means of the injection tube 40 provided with the holes 42 (FIG. 8). Once the resin 28 is polymerized, the tips 50 are removed and the excess of tubes 22 protruding from the inlet wall 20a of the plug is cut (by sawing for example) as shown in Figure 9. The adhesive tapes are also be removed.
Du côté de cette paroi d'entrée 20a, l'extrémité des tubes 22 est arasée et ébavurée après la découpe. Du côté de la paroi de sortie 20b du bouchon, les tubes 22, 40 peuvent être découpés à la même longueur.On the side of this inlet wall 20a, the end of the tubes 22 is leveled and deburred after cutting. On the side of the outlet wall 20b of the plug, the tubes 22, 40 can be cut to the same length.
Enfin, comme il a été décrit en liaison avec la figure 2, une capote d'étanchéité 32 peut être disposée au niveau de l'extrémité de sortie 22b, 40b des tubes 22, 40 en l'absence de câbles d'étanchéité. Finally, as described in connection with Figure 2, a sealing hood 32 may be disposed at the outlet end 22b, 40b of the tubes 22, 40 in the absence of sealing cables.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif de raccordement étanche (18) de câbles de télécommunications, comportant un bouchon tubulaire (20) destiné à venir se loger dans une entrée (16) d'un boîtier de protection de télécommunications (10), et une pluralité de tubes (22) destinés chacun à recevoir au moins un câble de télécommunications (34), lesdits tubes (22) étant disposés longitudinalement dans le bouchon (20) de façon à traverser celui-ci de part en part, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre une résine (28) qui est coulée entre les tubes (22) de façon à assurer à la fois une rétention mécanique des tubes dans le bouchon et une étanchéité du dispositif de raccordement.A sealed connection device (18) for telecommunications cables, comprising a tubular plug (20) intended to be housed in an input (16) of a telecommunications protection case (10), and a plurality of tubes ( 22) each intended to receive at least one telecommunications cable (34), said tubes (22) being arranged longitudinally in the plug (20) so as to pass therethrough from one side to the other, characterized in that it comprises in addition to a resin (28) which is cast between the tubes (22) so as to ensure both a mechanical retention of the tubes in the cap and a sealing of the connecting device.
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le bouchon (20) comporte une diminution de section (30) à une extrémité d'entrée de façon à assurer un blocage longitudinal des tubes (22) dans le bouchon.2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug (20) comprises a section reduction (30) at an inlet end so as to ensure a longitudinal locking of the tubes (22) in the plug.
3. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que le bouchon (20) comporte au moins deux compartiments (24a, 24b) annulaires distincts destinés chacun à être traversé de part en part par une pluralité de tubes (22).3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the plug (20) comprises at least two separate annular compartments (24a, 24b) each intended to be traversed from one side by a plurality of tubes (22). ).
4. Procédé de fabrication d'un dispositif de raccordement étanche (18) de câbles de télécommunications, caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste à :4. A method of manufacturing a sealed connection device (18) for telecommunications cables, characterized in that it consists of:
- utiliser un bouchon tubulaire (20) destiné à venir se loger dans une entrée (16) d'un boîtier de protection de télécommunications (10) ;- Use a tubular plug (20) intended to be housed in an inlet (16) of a telecommunications protection case (10);
- utiliser une pluralité de tubes (22) destinés chacun à recevoir au moins un câble de télécommunications (34) ;- Use a plurality of tubes (22) each for receiving at least one telecommunications cable (34);
- disposer longitudinalement les tubes (22) dans le bouchon (20) de sorte que les tubes traversent celui-ci de part en part ; et- Lay longitudinally the tubes (22) in the plug (20) so that the tubes pass through it from one side to the other; and
- couler une résine (28) entre les tubes (22) de façon à assurer à la fois une rétention mécanique des tubes dans le bouchon et une étanchéité du dispositif de raccordement. casting a resin (28) between the tubes (22) so as to ensure both a mechanical retention of the tubes in the plug and a sealing of the connecting device.
5. Procédé selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que la résine (28) est coulée dans le bouchon (20) par l'intermédiaire d'un tube d'injection (40) débouchant entre les tubes (22).5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the resin (28) is poured into the plug (20) via an injection tube (40) opening between the tubes (22).
6. Procédé selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que les tubes (22) sont espacés les uns des autres par l'intermédiaire de bagues (38) de façon à faciliter la répartition de la résine (28) lors de sa coulée. 6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the tubes (22) are spaced apart from each other by means of rings (38) so as to facilitate the distribution of the resin (28) during casting.
EP06709389A 2005-01-04 2006-01-02 Device for the leakproof connection of telecommunication cables and production method thereof Withdrawn EP1839381A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0500030A FR2880478A1 (en) 2005-01-04 2005-01-04 DEVICE FOR SEALING TELECOMMUNICATION CABLES AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
PCT/FR2006/050001 WO2006072751A1 (en) 2005-01-04 2006-01-02 Device for the leakproof connection of telecommunication cables and production method thereof

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EP1839381A1 true EP1839381A1 (en) 2007-10-03

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US (1) US20090045591A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1839381A1 (en)
KR (1) KR20070094821A (en)
CN (1) CN100555782C (en)
FR (1) FR2880478A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2006072751A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9201205B2 (en) 2013-01-16 2015-12-01 3M Innovative Properties Company Telecommunications cable inlet device
US20160341923A1 (en) * 2015-05-20 2016-11-24 Corning Optical Communications LLC Pushable fiber optic cable for small ducts
DE102018107965A1 (en) * 2018-04-04 2019-10-24 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Charging device for an electrically operated motor vehicle

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3781456A (en) * 1972-08-01 1973-12-25 Atlantic Richfield Co Pressure sealed cable packoff and method for making and using same
US5166473A (en) * 1991-01-23 1992-11-24 The Okonite Company Naval electrical power cable and method of installing the same
JPH06223661A (en) * 1993-01-22 1994-08-12 Yazaki Corp Waterproof structure of grommet and method for waterproofing same
JP2947000B2 (en) * 1993-06-08 1999-09-13 住友電装株式会社 Wire harness waterproofing method and waterproofing structure
EP0677894B1 (en) * 1994-04-13 2001-09-05 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. Sealing device and method for producing a waterproof connector
FR2723419A1 (en) * 1994-08-02 1996-02-09 Crespel Daniel WATERPROOF PASSAGE DEVICE FOR CABLES OR THE LIKE

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See references of WO2006072751A1 *

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KR20070094821A (en) 2007-09-21
CN101099276A (en) 2008-01-02
FR2880478A1 (en) 2006-07-07
CN100555782C (en) 2009-10-28
US20090045591A1 (en) 2009-02-19
WO2006072751A1 (en) 2006-07-13

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