FR2622304A1 - Device for integrating optoelectronic and optical components, and its application to patching and distribution racks - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to transmission installations for fibre-optic cables and, more particularly, to the integration of optical or optoelectronic components into distribution equipment. The invention essentially consists of a plug-in unit, the said plug-in unit having a back 2 and at least one module 5 for receiving optical components 52, the said back 2 comprising means for receiving the optical channels VOi, VOj on at least one base 21a, 21b, 21c, means 31, GS for guiding and protecting the said fibres on either side of the sides of the said plug-in unit, and means 54 for conducting the optical fibres in proximity to the said components 52. Application to the production of racks.

Description

 The present invention relates to transmission installations for fiber optic cable and more particularly to bay organizations in terminal or intermediate stations.

 The racks for terminal or intermediate stations must be organized to receive line cables, optical bursting devices, any optical-electrical conversion devices, to facilitate regeneration, multiplexing, and also a multiplicity of optical treatments such as coupling, derivation, splicing.

 The racks for terminal stations must therefore be freed from the position and size of the components present as well as the interconnection cabling (electrical and optical). A frame meeting these modularity requirements and allowing mixing and bypassing has already been described in patent application 87 07 332 of the applicant. It facilitates distribution 11 on demand "of the optical channels and its adaptability to the different wiring configurations.

 Such a rack in particular facilitates the installation of the components in a functional space which is the subject of this patent.

 The device for integrating components is in fact in the form of a drawer of the type of those usually used for electronic cards. This optical bay drawer, however, has specific design features for the application. The invention also relates to the modules for adapting said drawer to the modular rail structure described in the aforementioned application and more generally to bay structures.

 The integration device of the invention for optical or optoelectronic components is essentially in the form of a drawer, this drawer having a bottom 2 and at least one module 5 for receiving optical components 52, said bottom 2 comprising means for receiving the optical channels (VOi, VOj) on at least one base (21a, 21b, 21C) means (31, GS) for guiding and protecting said fibers on either side of the sides of said drawer, means 54 for conducting the optical fibers near said components 52.

 The bottom 2 of the device of the invention comprises an ellipsoidal gutter (or rail) 22 placed on the interior face of said drawer, said rail 22 ensuring a function of grouping and guiding the incoming optical paths, possible storage of the excess lengths of the fibers and fiber distribution according to their allocation.

 In addition, each module 5 equipped to receive the optical components 52 proper, is also equipped with a cover 31 articulated around an axis, said cover 31 serving to support means (33, 34) for storing said optical channels. left or right distributed by said bottom 2.

 In addition, each module 5 is equipped with a rectilinear guide and distribution rail 54, said rail 54 being carried by the edge of said module 5 opposite to said cover 31 and ensuring distribution of the optical channels as close as possible to each row of connectors. 52 by means of a plurality of openings 540 formed along said rail 54.

 According to another characteristic, the storage means (33, 34) placed on the internal face of said cover 31 are essentially formed of at least one disc 33 covered by a flange 34, said flange 34 having the essential function of maintaining the optical fibers against said cover 31.

 According to another characteristic, the retaining flanges 34 covering said discs 33 are non-contiguous in order to leave a passage for the introduction or extraction of said optical fibers, said fibers being capable of forming either "eight" around said discs 33, or large loops by simultaneously bypassing said two discs 33.

 According to another variant, the cover 31 supports on either side of the cassette (33, 34) components such as couplers 36, said couplers 36 being separated from the cassette (33, 34) by at least one module 361 guide.

 The storage means (33, 34) allow, after connection of the fibers to said components 52, to store the length of excess fiber.

 The storage means (33, 34) are connected to said rail 54 by means of flexible sheaths, split longitudinally.

In a preferred application of the invention, the drawer of the invention is suitable for patching and distribution bays for optical channels, means (40, 41) being provided on the bay to cooperate with the bases 21a, b , c of said drawer. The means (40, 41) are for example movable relative to said bay.

 These means (40, 41) are essentially formed by a gutter 41 receiving the optical channels of said bay, these channels then being applied to a plurality of bases (42, 43), the gutter 41, said bases (42, 43 ) being carried by the movable flap 40, said bases (42, 43) being connected to said gutter 41 by means of curved elements (45, 46).

 Other advantages and characteristics will appear on reading the following description illustrated by drawings.

 FIG. 1 represents a front view of the interior of the bottom 2 of the drawer of the invention.

 FIG. 2 represents a front view of the cover 31 of the basket of the invention in the open position.

 Figure 3 shows a top view of the interior of the basket when the cover 31 is open.

 FIG. 4 represents an adapter plate for the drawer of the invention in its application to distribution and mixing bays.

 FIG. 5 represents a sectional view of the plate of FIG. 4.

 6 shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of the cover 31 of Figure 2 also in the open position.

 The device for integrating optoelectronic components of the invention essentially consists of a drawer of the type of those usually used for electrical cards or circuits in electrical or optical devices, for example # a sliding type with front access.

 The drawer of the invention differs from conventional drawers essentially in its layout and functions.

It can slide by means of two articulation hinges for example, from back to front in a bay structure, this bay structure can be of any type or of the type of that of patent application 87 07 332 of the application trained.

 FIG. 1 represents a front view, interior side, of the bottom 2 of the drawer of the invention. This bottom 2 is essentially formed by a plate 20 supporting a certain number of parts for receiving and distributing the optical channels.

These optical channels arrive from the outside of the drawer on the outside of the plate 20 at the bases (21 ,, 21b, 21cil
In the present description, three bases 21a, b, c for example, allow access to three groups of optical channels which emerge from the inside of the plate 20, for example, by means of optical points 210 with angled outlet.

The optical channels (VOi, VOj) thus have free rotational or preoriented outputs and are grouped towards a rail 22 of ellipsoidal protection surrounding the three bases (21a, 21b, 21C) of the plate 20. This rail 22 of protection has substantially the shape of a U open towards the outside, the inner edge of which is provided with a plurality of accesses 220 distributed for example along the two rectilinear edges of this rail 22.

 The optical channels (VOi, VOS with angled outputs 210 emerge from the bases (21a, 21b, 21C) at an incidence of the order of 45o so as not to cause damaging twisting or bending on the optical fibers and also in order to occupy a minimum space in this drawer. These optical channels (VOi, VOj) are therefore grouped together and routed through one of the ports 220, for example the closest to its angled outlet 210, in the rail 22. The optical channels (VOi, VOj) then make several loops in this rail 22 before exiting from this rail 22 at two distribution nozzles 23.

 Advantageously, on the optical fibers (VOi, VO) placed in the rail 22, there is an anti-vibration lining 24 such as an elastomer O-ring. Then retaining clips 25 can hold the lining assembly 24 and optical fibers (VOi, VOk) in the rail 22.

 At the outlet of the distribution nozzles 23, the optical channels (VOi, VOj) are then placed in flexible protective sheaths GS, for example split longitudinally to be routed, as shown in FIG. 2, to a cover 31 of the integration of the invention. These GS sheaths have already been described in the aforementioned patent application of the applicant. They must be able to admit a suitable radius of curvature but be sufficiently rigid to avoid crushing or small radii of curvature. A preferred embodiment of the invention consists in using the circularly annulated sheaths.

 These sheaths are advantageously split to allow easy assembly and disassembly of the fibers without manipulation of the other fibers contained therein in order to facilitate easy assembly and disassembly of the fibers without manipulation of the other fibers contained outside. They assume a function of grouping the optical strands into strands.

 Referring to FIG. 2, the drawer of the invention is equipped with at least one cover 31 having very numerous particularities: on the one hand, it protects the interior of the drawer which it covers, on the other hand , it fulfills both a reserve function and a distribution function from the optical channels to the components.

 Indeed, the interior of the drawer is subdivided into two modules 5 for example, each module 5 consisting of a removable mechanical carcass of component supports and / or cards commonly called "basket" by those skilled in the art.

Each basket, or module 5, is fitted along an outer upper edge 50, with a cover 31 hinged about an axis xx 'carried by such an edge 50. Thus, in the example of FIG. 3, the cover 31 is carried by the edge 50 of the basket 5, which is parallel to the sliding hinges of the drawer.

 These flexible sheaths GS issuing from the distribution nozzles 23 of FIG. 2 are therefore applied to the inlet of access nozzles 32 supported by the # cover 31 and substantially collinear with the axis of rotation xx ′ of the c # cover 31 .

Therefore, on each side, are placed two end pieces 32, one of which allows the arrival (resp. The exit) of the optical channels coming from the rail 22 of FIG. 2, the other a distribution towards components as well as it will be explained later, for example to connectors 52 arranged in the center of the baskets 5 proper of the drawer.

 On the cover 31 are fixed, for example, two coiling discs 33; the optical channels VOi can then be distributed around one or the other disc 33 or else make an eight around the two discs 33 or even, if necessary, make a large loop around the two discs 33. On each disc 33 is implanted a holding plate 34 whose surface substantially exceeds the edges of each disc 33. The two flanges 34, however, do not cover them hermetically. Indeed, these flanges 34 trap the optical channels VOi against the cover 31 but they are separated by a space 35 or passage allowing the insertion or extraction of the optical fibers. The flanges 34 are advantageously chosen to be transparent in order to better control the occupation of the optical channels around the discs 33.

 In order to reduce the location occupied by the optical channels between the flanges 34 and the bottom of the cover 31, the fibers VOi, VOk are placed, for example, without a sheath at the outlet of the distribution nozzles 32 in the cassette proper.

 In the same way, the optical fibers CVOi, VOk) can be placed sheathed in the cassette (33, 34) formed by the discs 33 and the flanges 34 of the cover 31.

 The cassette installed according to the invention in the cover 31 of the basket assumes three main functions. The first consists of absorbing the extra lengths, in addition to that allocated to the ellipsoidal rail 22, as explained above, in the bottom 2 of the drawer. A second consists in ensuring the distribution of the optical channels towards the interior of the basket and this by allowing protection of the optical channels up to the proximity of the components of the basket, for example near the connectors. A third function consists in equipping the cover 31 with couplers on either side of the cassette. This variant will be explained later.

 The interior space of the drawer of the invention is advantageously divided into modules 5 in a direction perpendicular to the bottom 2 of the drawer, therefore in a direction parallel to the hinges of this drawer. A first module 5 is shown in FIG. 3 equipped with its cover 31 this module 5 receives the optical channels provided by the left nozzle 23G for distributing the bottom 2 of the drawer. A second module 5 ′, not shown in FIG. 3, placed symmetrically with respect to the rail 54, receives the optical channels coming from the right nozzle 23D for distributing the bottom 2 of the drawer, in the same way as the first module 5. The second module 5 ′ is also equipped with a cover 31 ′ identical to that described in FIG. 2 but articulated substantially collinearly with the other hinge.

FIG. 3 thus represents a view of the interior arrangement of one half of the drawer and more particularly of the basket 5 in top view when the cover 31 is open, that is to say occupies a substantially vertical position The basket 5 comprises a support profile 51 for connectors allowing the mounting of connectors 52 and therefore the insertion of electric or electrooptic cards connected to the connectors 52. This profile 51 is standardized and allows the basket 5 to be fitted with 6, 12, 18, 24 or 30 cards of predetermined format. These cards, not shown, can support any type of component such as components ensuring electro-optical conversion, electrical treatment or even optical treatment. This profile 51 essentially has the function of serving as a support for optical connectors 52, for example, accessible from the top of the drawer. Optical points 520 with angled outputs provide the interface between these connectors 52 and the optical channels (VOi V0j) transmitted by the cover 31 and more particularly by the cassette of this cover 31. In fact, the optical fibers (VOi, VOj) leaving the cassette of the cover 31 are applied to the inlet of the outlet distribution nozzles 32 on one side or the other and led by means of the flexible sheaths GSG and GSD to a distribution rail 54 placed for example in the center of the drawer on the edge of the basket 5, opposite the edge 50 for example. This rail 54 extends over the entire length of the basket and more particularly perpendicular to the rows of connectors 52. Thus, openings 540 made in the rail 54 distribution of the optical channels, openings 540 oriented towards the inside of the drawer, allow an emergence of each optical channel of the opening 540 placed closest to the connector 52 considered. In addition, if the optical path length is excessive up to the connector 52, it is easy to store the excess optical path in the cover cassette 31 around one of the disks 33 or of the two disks 33, by pushing the fiber towards the cover. The cover 31 therefore assumes a function of protecting the connectors 52 against external aggressions and of protecting the fibers serving these connectors 52 by avoiding excess lengths and tangling of optical fibers, and in particular in the part unprotected from optical points what
The drawer for components according to the invention has been described above in a connector integration function 52. However, it adapts equally well to the integration of all types of optical or optoelectronic components, its essential distribution function and protection being kept from the entrance of the optical fibers at the level of the protection bottom 2 by means of the cover 31 particular to the invention, these elements cooperating with flexible sheaths GS also described above.

 In a preferred application of the invention, the device for integrating components into a drawer makes it possible to extend the optical path of the optical bay, of the type described in patent application 87 07 332 of the applicant, towards optical points of cards located in the drawer. It will be remembered that such a bay is essentially formed by one or two vertical rails; the integration drawer for components of the invention then slides between these rails by means of slides.

 Thus, it may be advantageous to equip the bay with a mechanical interface plate cooperating with the drawer of the invention.

 FIG. 4 represents the diagram of a mechanical interface plate between the flexible sheath GS coming from the aforementioned optical rail and the drawer of the invention proper.

This interface plate essentially consists of a movable flap 40 hinged for example around a horizontal axis YY 'between two points of the bay structure. Thus, the flap 40 can occupy two positions by pivoting around the horizontal axis YY ′, a so-called horizontal working position allowing accessibility to the various elements, a so-called vertical position of rest in which the flap 40 provides a protective function and adaptation.

 Indeed, the flap 40 is equipped with at least one gutter 41 receiving one end of flexible sheath GS, each gutter 41 is chosen rigid, for example made of stainless steel. It is substantially tubular with circular or rectangular section and assumes a protective function for the optical channels, distribution to bases -42 and 4S for example. In addition, it serves as a mechanical interface to the flexible protective sheath GS, the connector 44 of which is inserted on its inner part in the plane of articulation of the flap 40.

The gutter 41 is advantageously formed of a U-shaped structure 410 open towards the outside of the flap 40 and is covered with a cover 411 screwed for example by means of screws 412.

The cover 411 is advantageously provided with notches 413 as shown in section in FIG. 5.

 On either side of the gutter 41, a curved element 45 is fixed, for example by means of rivets, on the edges of the U. This element 45 therefore extends from the lateral edge of the gutter 41 and extends to the top of the base 43 of an electro-optical pantograph trainer. Pantographs are foldable mechanical elements ensuring the electrical and optical continuity of a connection when the drawer is opened, that is to say when one wants to access a card from the drawer. They fit on the bases 43 of the plate 4 on one side and on the bases 21 of the bottom 2 of the drawer on the other hand. It would also be easy to use those of the flounder type, drum system. In certain applications, flexible ducts GS of the aforementioned type would also be suitable.

 The optical channels are guided and protected during their passage in the gutter 41 then again during their passage over the curved element 45, and maintained as close as possible to the points of insertion in the base 43. These curved elements 45 ensure a radius of curvature suitable for optical channels. A cover 46 with a curved structure also anchors in the notches 413 of the cover 411 and provides a protective function for the optical fibers up to the vicinity of the base 43 of the straggler.

 It would be easy to equip the movable flap 40 with two identical gutters and to install nine struts bases in this way without changing the device of the invention.

 FIG. 5 illustrates the guiding of the VOk fibers between the base 43 and the gutter 41. Holding clips 47 hold the lower and upper curved elements (45, 46) together and press the fibers along the lower curve.

 The base 43 may for example be a base for optical streaker. Each strut (not shown) cooperates via the rear face of each base of the flap 40 with the rear face of the bases 21a, 21b, 21C of FIG. 1.

 FIG. 6 represents a preferred embodiment of the invention of the cover 31. The nozzles 32 for distributing optical fibers are similarly supported by the cover 31 in the vicinity of its axis of rotation xx ′ and maintain the flexible sheaths GS protection of optical fibers VOi, VOk. The cassette part of the cover 31 is likewise formed by at least two discs 33, each disc 33 being covered by a flange 34 with an area greater than that of said disc 33 which it covers.

 There are according to the invention on the cover 31 itself rows of optical couplers 36, on either side of the cassette part (33, 34). The optical couplers 36 are advantageously chosen to be coplanar with the cassette (33, 34), for example of the type described in French patent 2,542,458. In FIG. 6, there are shown 20 plates 360 for connection of individual optical fibers. Four plates being necessary to form a coupler, five couplers 36 are thus available on each side of the cassette on the cover in this embodiment of FIG. 6.

 In this form of application, the cassette (33, 34) is advantageously completed with two guide cores 361.

These guide cores 361 are advantageously interposed between the discs 33 and the connection module 360 closest to the cassette. Thus, these guide cores 361 have any convex shape and make it possible to guide the optical fibers leaving the cassette (33, 34) so that these fibers reach the level of each module 360 under a favorable incidence compatible with their acceptable radii of curvature . Likewise, the fibers leaving the couplers 36 can make reserve loops around the discs 33 before being applied to one of the outlet distribution nozzles 32.

Claims (12)

 1 - Integration device for optical or optoelectronic components, characterized in that it is substantially in the form of a drawer, this drawer having a bottom (2) and at least one module (5) for receiving components optical (52), said bottom (2) comprising means for receiving the optical channels (VOi, VOj) on at least one base (21a, 21bt 21C), means (31, GS) for guiding and protecting said fibers from and on the other side of said drawer, means (54) for conducting the optical fibers near said components (52).  2 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the bottom (2) comprises a gutter called ellipsoidal rail (22) placed on the inside of said drawer, said rail- (22) providing a function of grouping and guiding the tracks incoming optics, possible storage of extra fiber lengths and fiber distribution according to their allocation.  3 - Device according to one of claims 1, 2 characterized in that each module (5i equipped to receive the optical components (52) proper, is also equipped with a cover (31) articulated around an axis, said cover (31) serving as a support for means (33, 34) for storing said left or right optical channels distributed by said bottom (2).  4 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that each module (5) is equipped with a rail (54) rectilinear guide and distribution, said rail (54) being carried by the edge of said module (5) opposite said cover (31) and ensuring distribution of the optical channels as close as possible to each row of connectors (52), by means of a plurality of openings (540) formed along said rail (54).  5 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that said means (33, 34) for storage, placed on the internal face of said cover (31), are essentially formed of at least one disc (33) covered by a flange (34), said flange (34) having the essential function of holding the optical fibers against said cover (31).  6 - Device according to claim 5 characterized in that the flanges (34) holding covering said discs (33) are non-contiguous in order to leave a passage (35) for introduction or extraction of said optical fibers, said fibers being likely to form either "eight" around said discs (33), or large loops by simultaneously bypassing said two discs (33).  7 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the cover (31) supports, on either side of the cassette (33, 34), components such as couplers (36), said couplers (36) being separated from the cassette (33, 34) by at least one guide module (361).  8 - Device according to one of claims 5, 6 and 7 characterized in that said means (33, 34) for storage allow, after connection of the optical fibers to said components (52), to store the length of excess fiber.  9 - Device according to one of claims 5, 6, 7, 8 characterized in that said storage means (33, 34) are connected to said rail (54) by means of flexible sheaths, split longitudinally.  10 - Application of- integration device according to one of claims 1 to 9, in the production of patching and distribution bays for optical channels, characterized in that means (40, 41) are provided to cooperate with the bases (21) of the bottom (2) of said integration device.  11 - Application according to claim 10 characterized in that said means (40, 41) are movable relative to said bay.  12 - Application according to one of claims 10, 11 characterized in that said means (40, 41) are essentially formed of a gutter (41) receiving the optical channels of said bay and applying these channels to a plurality of bases (42, 43), the gutter (41) and said bases (42, 43) being carried by said movable flap (40), said bases (42, 43) being connected to said gutter (41) by means of elements curved (45, 46).