GB2368138A - Splice storage apparatus with peripheral store for optic fibre - Google Patents
Splice storage apparatus with peripheral store for optic fibre Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2368138A GB2368138A GB0025467A GB0025467A GB2368138A GB 2368138 A GB2368138 A GB 2368138A GB 0025467 A GB0025467 A GB 0025467A GB 0025467 A GB0025467 A GB 0025467A GB 2368138 A GB2368138 A GB 2368138A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- tray
- optical fibre
- storage apparatus
- splice storage
- length
- 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- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 8
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 title claims description 9
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 34
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
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
- G02B6/444—Systems or boxes with surplus lengths
- G02B6/4441—Boxes
- G02B6/4442—Cap coupling boxes
-
- 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
- G02B6/444—Systems or boxes with surplus lengths
- G02B6/4453—Cassettes
- G02B6/4454—Cassettes with splices
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
An optical fibre splice storage apparatus comprises an enclosure having a cable entry port(s) (11, Fig 1) and an optical fibre splice storage tray(s) 14 removably mounted within the enclosure. Each tray 14 is configured to store a length of optical fibre 29 in a channel which extends peripherally thereof around the exterior surface of its peripheral walls 19. In use, excess lengths of optical fibre extending between the cable entry port(s) (11, Fig 1) and the tray(s) 14 can be conveniently and easily stored by coiling them around the periphery of the trays 14 to which they extend, preferably in a tube 26.
Description
Optical Fibre Splice Storage Apparatus
This invention relates to an optical fibre splice storage apparatus.
It is well known to store splices between the fibres of optical fibre cables in enclosures. Typically, such known enclosures comprise a plurality of trays arranged in a stack, which store the coiled ends of the fibres and the splices therebetween.
In order to gain access to the trays, it has been proposed to pivotally mount them inside the enclosure, such that they can be pivoted through their own plane about an axis extending perpendicular thereto.
A disadvantage of the above arrangement is that it is difficult to effect and mount the splices in a tray without actually removing the tray to a remote location where it can be mounted in a jig.
It has been proposed to provide removable trays mounted within a splice enclosure, in which a tray can be removed to a remote location for effecting and mounting the splices between fibres extending between the cable entry ports of the enclosure and the tray. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that a long length of fibre has to be provided between the tray and the cable entry port, in order to allow the tray to be removed to the remote location.
The excess length of fibre, which can be up to 1 metre in length, has to be stored inside the enclosure and as such occupies a substantial amount of room, especially if the enclosure is of the mass storage type arranged to receive two cables each carrying say 864 fibres.
Hitherto excess lengths of fibres have been stored in coils, which are housed loosely in spaces inside the enclosure or in baskets. However, this arrangement is awkward to use and the fibres are prone to becoming damaged or tangled.
We have now devised an optical fibre storage apparatus which alleviates the above-mentioned problems.
In accordance with this invention there is provided an optical fibre splice storage apparatus comprising an enclosure having a cable entry port and a optical fibre splice storage tray removably mounted within the enclosure, wherein the tray is configured to store a length of optical fibre peripherally thereof.
In use, the excess optical fibre between the cable entry port and the try can be conveniently and easily stored by coiling it around the periphery of the tray. It is then a relatively simple matter to uncoil it from the tray as the tray is removed to a remote location.
Preferably the fibre is received in an outwardly-facing channel which extends peripherally of the tray.
Preferably the tray is bounded by a peripheral wall or walls, having an exterior surface arranged to receive said length of optical fibre.
Preferably outwardly projecting tabs are provided on said wall or walls to define said channel.
Preferably a plurality of apertures are disposed peripherally of the tray, so that the length of fibre can be retained by clips or ties, which can easily be removed to allow the fibre to be uncoiled.
Preferably an opening is formed in the peripheral wall or walls, so that the fibre can enter a central portion of the tray.
Preferably the tray is elongate and preferably comprises parallel sides, the try being configured to store said length of optical fibre around said sides and one end thereof.
Preferably the side walls of the tray extend axially of the through axis of the cable entry port, the tray being
configured to store said length of optical fibre around said sides and the distal end of the tray.
An embodiment of this invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 is a side view of an optical fibre splice storage enclosure in accordance with this invention;
FIGURE 2 is a sectional view along the line II-II of the enclosure of Figure 1 when in use;
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view from above of a tray of the enclosure of Figure 1;
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view from below of the tray of Figure 3;
FIGURE 5 is a plan view of the tray of Figure 3 when in use;
FIGURE 6 is a bottom view of the tray of Figure 3 when in use; and
FIGURE 7 is a side view of the enclosure of Figure 1 with some parts being shown in section and illustrating how the tray can be removed.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown an optical fibre storage apparatus which comprises a circular base portion 10 formed with a plurality of tubular cable entry ports 11 projecting from its underside, through which the cables to be spliced together enter and leave the enclosure.
An elongate tubular cap-ended cover 13 is provided for sealingly engaging the base 10, so as to enclose the splices or joints between the cables.
The splices or joints are contained within six elongate plastics trays 14 mounted axially of the enclosure in a stack which extends perpendicular to the axis thereof. The trays 14 are mounted in a support cage 15 which is attached to the base
by means of legs 16. The support cage 15 contains the stack of trays 14 on three sides but one side is left open, so that individual trays 14 can be removed, as will be described hereinafter.
Referring to Figures 3 to 6 of the drawings, each tray 14 is generally rectangular in shape and comprises a flat central portion 18 which is provided on its opposite sides with a row of transverse ribs 12, between which optical fibre retaining elements 17 can be provided.
The tray 14 further comprises opposite side walls 19 and arcuate end walls 24 which extend peripherally thereof.
The central portion 18 of the tray lies in a plane extending intermediate the top and bottom edges of the walls 19, 24. A plurality of tabs 20 project outwardly from the top and bottom edges of the side walls 19.
The outer surface of side walls 19 are formed with recessed channels 21 which extend perpendicular to the plane of the tray. A bridge 25 extends across each channel 21, so that in use, cable ties 23 can be inserted along the channels 21 and under their bridges 25 for securing tubes 26 carrying official fibres 29, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.
In use, two cables each carrying say 6 tubes of 144 fibres enter the enclosure through the ports 11. Two tubes from each cable are then fed to respective trays 14. The two tubes 26 extend from the base 10 to the tray 14 where they extend side-by-side axially of the cable entry ports 11 up the side wall 19 of the tray which faces outwardly of the open side of the support cage 15. The two tubes 26 then extend around the axially outer end of the tray 14 and down the opposite side wall 19 until they reach an opening 22 formed between the side wall 19 and the axially inner end wall 24.
The end of the tubes 26 are retained inside the tray 14 by cable ties and the individual fibres 29 therein are fed to
one or both sides of the central portion 18 of the tray, with the fibres 29 being able to pass between opposite sides of the tray through arcuate apertures 27 at opposite ends of the thereof.
Referring to Figure 7 of the drawings, in order to remove one of the trays 14 to a remote splicing location, it is removed from the stack and the peripheral cable ties 23 removed, so that the two tubes 26 can be uncoiled from around the periphery of the tray.
It will be appreciated that the free length of the tubes 26 is now sufficient to allow the tray 14 to be taken to a remote splicing location. Once the splicing has been completed, the tubes 26 are coiled around the tray again and retained with cable ties prior to replacing the tray in the stack.
The free length of tube provided can be up to 1.4 metres depending on the dimensions of the tray but in any event, the tubes are neatly stored around the trays 14 when they are mounted in the stack and as such will not become tangled or damaged. The coiled excess tubing is held around the periphery of the tray, thereby avoiding the need to provide a separate space inside the enclosure for storing excess tubing.
Claims (10)
- Claims 1. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus comprising an enclosure having a cable entry port and a optical fibre splice storage tray removably mounted within the enclosure, wherein the tray is configured to store a length of optical fibre peripherally thereof.
- 2. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the fibre is received in an outwardly-facing channel which extends peripherally of the tray.
- 3. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the tray is bounded by a peripheral wall or walls, having an exterior surface arranged to receive said length of optical fibre.
- 4. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which outwardly projecting tabs are provided on said wall or walls to define said channel
- 5. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claims 3 or 4, in which an opening is formed in the peripheral wall or walls, so that the fibre can enter a central portion of the tray.
- 6. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a plurality of apertures are disposed peripherally of the tray.
- 7. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the tray is elongate.
- 8. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which each tray comprises parallel sides, the traybeing configured to store said length of optical fibre around said sides and one end thereof.
- 9. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the tray is bounded by a peripheral wall or walls, having an exterior surface arranged to receive said length of optical fibre, the side walls of the tray extending axially of the through axis of the cable entry port, the tray being configured to store said length of optical fibre around said sides and the distal end of the tray.
- 10. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0025467A GB2368138A (en) | 2000-10-17 | 2000-10-17 | Splice storage apparatus with peripheral store for optic fibre |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0025467A GB2368138A (en) | 2000-10-17 | 2000-10-17 | Splice storage apparatus with peripheral store for optic fibre |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0025467D0 GB0025467D0 (en) | 2000-11-29 |
| GB2368138A true GB2368138A (en) | 2002-04-24 |
Family
ID=9901485
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0025467A Withdrawn GB2368138A (en) | 2000-10-17 | 2000-10-17 | Splice storage apparatus with peripheral store for optic fibre |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2368138A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10578823B2 (en) | 2017-12-28 | 2020-03-03 | Afl Ig Llc | Wall cabinets and fiber management trays |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0178179A2 (en) * | 1984-10-11 | 1986-04-16 | Reliance Electric Company | Handling and storing cable spliced ends of optical fibers |
| EP0222691A2 (en) * | 1985-11-12 | 1987-05-20 | KRONE Aktiengesellschaft | Device for the preservation of the fibres of glass fibre cables in the distribution assemblies of a telecommunication network |
| EP0466668A2 (en) * | 1990-07-11 | 1992-01-15 | Adc Telecommunications, Inc. | Fiber optic connector module |
| EP0579899A1 (en) * | 1992-03-30 | 1994-01-26 | KRONE Aktiengesellschaft | Connection device for a glass fibre cable |
| EP0712018A1 (en) * | 1994-11-14 | 1996-05-15 | France Telecom | Cassette for housing and protection of an optical fibre and storage system for these cassettes |
| US5825964A (en) * | 1995-06-23 | 1998-10-20 | Preformed Line Products Company | Optical fiber splice case with cross connect feature |
-
2000
- 2000-10-17 GB GB0025467A patent/GB2368138A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0178179A2 (en) * | 1984-10-11 | 1986-04-16 | Reliance Electric Company | Handling and storing cable spliced ends of optical fibers |
| EP0222691A2 (en) * | 1985-11-12 | 1987-05-20 | KRONE Aktiengesellschaft | Device for the preservation of the fibres of glass fibre cables in the distribution assemblies of a telecommunication network |
| EP0466668A2 (en) * | 1990-07-11 | 1992-01-15 | Adc Telecommunications, Inc. | Fiber optic connector module |
| EP0579899A1 (en) * | 1992-03-30 | 1994-01-26 | KRONE Aktiengesellschaft | Connection device for a glass fibre cable |
| EP0712018A1 (en) * | 1994-11-14 | 1996-05-15 | France Telecom | Cassette for housing and protection of an optical fibre and storage system for these cassettes |
| US5825964A (en) * | 1995-06-23 | 1998-10-20 | Preformed Line Products Company | Optical fiber splice case with cross connect feature |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10578823B2 (en) | 2017-12-28 | 2020-03-03 | Afl Ig Llc | Wall cabinets and fiber management trays |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0025467D0 (en) | 2000-11-29 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |