RU2467363C2 - Telecommunication cable connector - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics, communications.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a ferrule for branching and/or connecting a telecommunication cable, used for a subscriber network where an optical cable is connected to the subscriber. The device has a base whose ends are fitted with a holding means for holding the cable. The ferrule also has a removable plate for forming an allowance for the length of optical modules relative the axis of the cable and facilitating displacement of these optical modules from the axis of the cable. Access to the optical modules is provided through a window formed on the cable having length ranging from several centimetres to tens of centimetres. The plate is adapted for positioning on the base with removal from the bottom of the base by a distance which enables the cable sheath to pass between the plate and the bottom of the base, and has an upper side for receiving optical modules.

EFFECT: easier access to optical modules when the cable is stretched without the need to fold passing modules into a ring.

15 cl, 9 dwg

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to a sleeve for the removal and / or connection of telecommunication cables, used, in particular, for a subscriber network with bringing the optical cable to the subscriber (called FTTH network or Fiber To The Home network with bringing the optical cable to the user) and associated installation method.

The special design of these telecommunication cables allows for simplified and quick access to optical fibers in a cable assembled from several modules, each module containing one or more optical fibers.

State of the art

In practice, the connection of subscribers to these telecommunication cables is carried out from the foundation of the building or from the floor in standard sleeves in which the optical fibers are connected either mechanically or by welding (splicing).

To ensure the connection, they also use the classic solution for branching optical fibers, which requires a cable length allowance rolled up in a ring on each floor to perform the installation of couplings using optical fiber splices.

This technology requires the installer to be able to splicing the optical modules, and in addition, he must twist the unused modules contained in the cable into a ring. These optical modules of excessive length, like the cable itself, are called pass-through optical modules.

These operations increase installation time.

On the other hand, optical modules are often difficult to distinguish, especially for the operator performing subsequent work.

In addition, these standard couplings designed for installation on stairwells are usually square in shape and therefore rather bulky.

Further, these standard sleeves are not suitable for all types of telecommunication cables (subscriber networks bringing the optical cable to the subscriber), in particular, for the type of cable proposed in the patent document EP 1203255 (hereinafter - D1) of this applicant.

The cable proposed in D1 is a cable whose modules are not only easily accessible, but are always available. These cables may contain optical modules containing from one to two optical fibers with a diameter of 250 microns, enclosed in a sheath with a diameter of 900 microns, and called "fiber with semi-dense insulation", "fiber with dense insulation", and / or optical modules that combine beams, at least one optical fiber with a diameter of 250 microns and called "compact tube".

Thus, for a cable of constant availability, part of the cable is opened at a very small length (usually up to 10 cm) along the length of the cable, then part of the cable sheath is removed (for example, using a special tool adapted to the shape and size of the cable), which allows the first window to be made access in a place that is designed to divert one or more optical cable modules on a particular floor.

Autopsy does not pose a risk to the optical modules or optical fibers due to clearance in the cavity of the sheath.

The same operation is carried out further along the cable at a distance from the first window, selected depending on the length of the intended branch, and this length can be, for example, from several tens of centimeters to many meters, and in this way form a second access window.

Now it’s enough to get the selected module in the second window and cut it off, and then remove it through the first window that is selected for retraction.

Thus, constant availability allows the removal of modules containing one or more optical fibers, with a cable stretched without the need to collapse the modules through the ring, as described above for the classical technology of removal.

Disclosure of invention

The aim of the invention is to provide a coupling that allows easier access to the optical modules after mounting the coupling.

The aim of the invention is to provide such a sleeve in which the cable is held securely in its position.

The aim of the invention is to provide a compact coupler.

The aim of the invention is to provide a sleeve especially well suited for a new generation of telecommunication cables, i.e. a sleeve with constant availability.

The aim of the invention is to provide a method of mounting such a coupling.

At least one of these goals is achieved thanks to the coupling for the removal and / or connection of the telecommunication cable, in particular, for the subscriber network with bringing the optical cable to the subscriber, and the cable contains many optical modules that combine one or more optical fibers containing the main part , which at its ends contains means for holding the cable on the main part, characterized in that it further comprises means for forming an allowance for the length of the optical modules relative to the axis of the cable providing displacement of the optical module from the cable axis, wherein the optical modules are available via at least one hole formed by removing a portion of the cable sheath over a length of several centimeters to ten centimeters to form a window.

At least one of the goals is also achieved thanks to a method for installing a telecommunication cable, in particular for a subscriber network, bringing the optical cable to the subscriber, the cable comprising a plurality of optical modules combining one or more optical fibers in a coupling for removal and / or connection cable, characterized in that the cable is pre-opened at a predetermined length to provide access to the optical modules, create an allowance for the length of the optical modules relative to the axis of the cable and provide an offset quiet optical module from the cable.

Brief List of Drawings

Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings without limitation. In the drawings:

figure 1 depicts a clutch according to the invention in a first embodiment,

figure 2 depicts the clutch according to the invention in a variant of the first exemplary embodiment,

figure 3 depicts an enlarged view of an example embodiment of the plate of the coupling of figure 1,

figure 4 depicts an enlarged view of the base of the coupling of figure 1 or 2,

figure 5 depicts the coupling of figure 1 with a telecommunication cable laid on the base,

Fig.6 depicts in an enlarged view the area In the drawing of Fig.5, representing the location of the cable in the sleeve,

Fig.7 depicts a part of the clutch according to the invention according to the second exemplary embodiment,

Fig. 8 depicts, in a third exemplary embodiment, a portion of the sleeve of the invention in which a cable is laid that has been previously opened at a predetermined length,

Fig.9 depicts in an enlarged view of the zone In the drawing of Fig.5, representing the location of the cable in the sleeve.

The implementation of the invention

The sleeve for removal and / or connection is intended for telecommunication cable 7, in particular for the subscriber network with bringing the optical cable to the subscriber, and the cable contains one or more modules combining one or more optical fibers.

As shown in figures 1 and 2, the sleeve contains the main part 1. In this example, it is an elongated base 1, which contains at its ends 11, 12 retaining means 6 for holding the cable in position on the base 1 and means 13, 14, which serve as means for positioning the cable to hold it in a central position along the width of the sleeve, and also serve as guiding means for the cable channel of the outlet leading to the subscriber.

Typically, the sleeve has a length L within 160 <L <250 mm and a width I within 30 <I <50 mm, preferably I <60 mm. As an example, the coupling may have dimensions L = 190 mm, I = 38 mm and a height h = 36 mm.

Cable holding means 6 located at the ends of the base 1 are irregularities 6, preferably formed by the material of the base 1, to limit sliding movements or longitudinal movement of the cable. These irregularities 6 contribute to limiting the rotation of the cable around its longitudinal axis.

As shown in FIG. 3, the coupling mainly comprises means 4 for forming an allowance for the length of the optical modules 8 with respect to the cable axis. Access to these optical modules 8 is provided by at least one hole in the cable sheath and by offsetting them relative to the specified axis. These means are formed by the auxiliary part 4, forming a removable plate 4, which can be installed on the base 1 at a distance from the bottom of the base 1.

This distance allows you to skip between the plate 4 and the bottom of the base 1, the sheath of the cable 7, to provide access to the inside of the sheath,

As shown in FIG. 4, the base 1 and the plate 4 are connected by respective fixing means 5, for example, formed pins and hollow cylinders of appropriate sizes.

It may be provided that the specified distance is such that it compresses the sheath of the cable 7, pressing it to the bottom of the base 1. Thus installed plate 4 helps to prevent rotation of the cable. In addition, the uncut cable sheath 7 partially provides mechanical fastening of the cable and contributes to the fact that it does not rotate due to clamping between the plate 4 and the bottom of the base 1.

Plate 4 has an upper side 41 configured to receive optical cable modules. Thus, these optical modules can be made easily accessible to the operator.

The upper part 41 of the plate as a whole has the shape of a flat rectangle. Under the upper part 41 of the plate should be understood as the part of the plate oriented outward from the base when the plate 41 and the base are connected.

As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 (see also FIG. 9), the plate 4 is removable, so that it can be installed inside the base 1 and positioned in such a way that it forms an allowance for the optical modules 8 relative to the axis of the cable, while the optical modules become available due to the fact that a hole is made in the cable sheath, and the modules are displaced from the specified axis, in this case they are located on the upper part 41 of the plate 4.

In an embodiment, guide means 10 for optical modules may be provided on the upper part 41 of the plate 4. These guiding means 10 are not absolutely necessary for carrying out the invention, but if present, they help to eliminate any stretching of the optical modules. For this, the guiding means 10 of the plate 4 can be formed by a plurality of pins 10. For example, four pins 10 can be provided that are arranged in pairs opposite each other, so that the optical modules pass between them. The pins 10 have rounded outer surfaces in order to allow in this case to allow windings of optical module allowances around them on the plate 4 (ring-laying zone of the optical modules). This is of interest to eliminate any accidental stretching of the cable 7.

Regardless of the embodiment, the positioning of the cable 7 is as follows: the plate 4 is inserted between the cable sheath 7 and the optical modules 8, creating a length allowance, so that the cable sheath 7 is between the base 1 and the plate 4, and the optical modules 8 are located on the upper part 41 of the plate four.

The height of the side walls 9 of the base 1 near the fixing means 5 is selected so that the plate 4 preferably locally rises above the walls 9 of the base 1. This creates an allowance for the length of the optical modules relative to the axis of the cable.

This elevation above the walls makes it easier for the operator to locate and capture optical modules to be retracted. More precisely, this helps the operator to see the whole set of optical modules 8 due to their elevation relative to the cable, which facilitates, for example, the choice of the optical modules that he is going to tap, and allows him to effectively direct the optical modules to the point of their tap.

It should be noted that the coupling is made in such a way that the cable 7 is centered in the coupling. Such centering allows the sleeve to be elongated, smaller in size.

The sleeve contains one or more cassettes 2, removably mounted on the base 1. However, in the aspect of the invention, their use is optional.

Thus, when the operator works, for example, with a cable containing fibers with a diameter of 900 μm with semi-dense insulation, he can perform the retraction operation using a sleeve. The optical module is simply retracted in the sleeve from cable 7 to the cable channel intended for the connected subscriber.

Now, to obtain a sufficient fiber length, the operator is no longer required to splicing. For this, it is enough for him to use the principle of cable with constant availability, that is, he needs to climb one or several floors depending on the length he wants to get, cut off the corresponding module, then go down again and pull out this cut-off module. Thus, the tap is simply to introduce this optical module by pushing into the cable channel to the subscriber (using means 13 for guiding the cable channel).

This solution has the advantage that it does not require an experienced operator capable of splicing.

Of course, splicing may be necessary in some cases. To this end, a cassette is provided in the coupling, having the appropriate dimensions for processing the optical module, so that the operator can perform this operation.

Clutches with cassettes can also be provided, both for processing fibers with a diameter of 250 microns from compact tube cables and for fibers with a diameter of 900 microns with semi-dense insulation.

In all cases, fasteners for cassettes at each end are provided in the coupling. The cassette or cassettes 2 are removable and allow the operator to perform a splicing operation in the event of a problem or in a special situation.

However, it should be noted that the cassette or cassettes 2 have the peculiarity that the optical fibers are arranged for splicing in the center, which contributes to the compactness of the coupling. Cassettes are sized in accordance with the dimensions of the base 1 or cover 3 of the coupling.

Next, a method for laying a telecommunication cable in the above-described sleeve will be described.

Previously, the cable 7 is opened at a given length, for example, from a few centimeters to ten centimeters, using a special tool and form a window for access to the optical modules 8.

The plate 4 is inserted between the cable 7 at the level of the hole and the optical modules 8, which in this case fall on the upper part 41 of the plate 4.

Next, the cable 7 is inserted between the positioning means 13, 14 and secured by means of retaining means (Kolson type couplers) on the base of the sleeve, preferably outside the previously opened area.

Then, the plate 4 is fixed on the base 1 of the coupling using reciprocal fixing means (for example, pins and cylinders).

In an embodiment, the two previous steps may be performed in the reverse order, that is, fixing the plate 4 on the base 1 before introducing the cable into the cable holding means 7 on the base 1.

At this stage, the cable 7 and the optical modules 8 are in place in the sleeve.

For the removal of one or more optical fibers to a specific floor for the supply of one or more subscribers, various subsequent steps may be provided.

If this cable is the cable shown in D1, that is, a cable of constant availability, select the optical module of the cable and take it from the coupling to the subscriber or subscribers.

To obtain a sufficient length of the optical module downstream of the cable from the first window, for example, at the top floor of the building, a second window is made in the cable, the optical module is cut at the level of this second window and the optical module of a certain length (for example, twenty meters) is removed at the level of the first windows, as explained in the prior art section of this description. In this case, we are talking about the tap, usually performed on a fiber with a semi-dense insulation of 900 microns. As described above, after the tap, this optical module is pushed into the cable channel to the subscriber.

In the case of splicing, the required length of the optical module with which the optical fiber or fibers are to be spliced is less (from one to two meters). Splicing is performed with another optical fiber introduced from the outside. After splicing, the spliced fiber is rolled up in a cassette 2, adapted to the diameter of this optical module.

In a second embodiment, partially shown in FIG. 7, the main part 1 is a U-shaped part with an opening 111 on the upper part 121 for accessing the optical modules.

These optical modules are made accessible by at least one hole made in the cable sheath and by offsetting the optical modules relative to its axis. Means 4 for creating an allowance for the length of the optical modules 8 relative to the axis of the cable are formed by an auxiliary part forming a retainer 4 with a flat bottom 421 and a part 422 protruding relative to the bottom 421.

More specifically, the protruding part 422 allows you to simultaneously push the previously opened part of the shell and the optical modules towards the hole 111 of the main part 1 and as a result increase the opening of the cable sheath 7 in a plane substantially parallel to the plane formed by the hole 111 of part 1 (i.e., essentially perpendicular to the direction of pushing).

This push lifts the modules, as in the first embodiment. This lift makes it easier for the operator to locate and grab the optical modules for retraction.

The protruding portion 422 may have various shapes (for example, a rounded shape with a radius of curvature similar to the radius of the cable, the shape of the apex of a triangle or a rectangular shape), provided that this shape causes the optical modules to become separated from each other by means of an opening made in cable sheath.

Thus, the main step of the installation method is to make holes on a given cable length and to position the cable sheath and the remaining modules on the protruding portion 422.

In the third embodiment, partially shown in Fig. 8, part 1 is a base containing means 4. Means 4 for forming an allowance for the length of the optical modules 8 relative to the cable axis and their offset from this axis are formed by at least two holding elements 411 and 412 for holding the cable sheath located respectively on two longitudinal edges of part 1.

In particular, the holding elements 411 and 412 may be located opposite each other.

Here, for laying the cable into the sleeve, two holes are made in the cable sheath located approximately at an angular distance of 180 ° around the circumference of the same part of the cable 7 for a given length. In this case, each of the two formed parts of the cable sheath is captured by the corresponding holding element 411, 412.

Thus, the optical modules contained in the cable 7 are biased due to the allowance for the length formed by positioning the two parts of the sheath on the holding elements 411, 412, as shown in Fig. 8.

There is also a rise in the optical modules due to the fact that the length of the optical modules is greater than the length of the coupling (optical modules tend to bend). This lift makes it easier for the operator to locate and grab the optical modules for retraction.

For these two embodiments, the sleeve may also have a length L within 160 <L <250 mm and a width I within 30 <I <50 mm, preferably I <60 mm. At the same time, it should be noted that for the third embodiment, the coupling has an L / I ratio less than for other examples, since it is necessary to have a minimum width I for the correct displacement of the modules. In addition, the main part 1 comprises means 13, 14 (not shown in FIG. 7) for positioning the cable, centered across the width of the sleeve, so that the sleeve is centered on the cable 7.

Cable holding means 6 located at the ends of the main body 1 may be irregularities 6 (not shown in FIGS. 7 and 8), preferably formed by the material of the main body 1 to limit sliding movements or longitudinal movement of the cable.

Here, the clutch may also contain one or more cassettes 2, removably mounted on the main part 1, and means of fastening the cassettes at each end.

It should be understood that the proposed coupling is particularly suitable for the cable shown in D1, that is, for a cable of constant availability.

In practice, in the case of multiple branching of optical fibers, solutions using a cable of constant availability provide significant savings. In addition, the laying of straight lines due to the fact that there is no need for splicing on the floor, allows the use of less qualified personnel and reduces installation time.

In general, the proposed coupling provides the following advantages:

reducing the size of the coupling due to its symmetrical position relative to the cable;

adaptability to cramped and cluttered places (for example, in a hatch for technical access) and, especially, if the cable is laid in plain sight;

speed and reliability of work when connecting without splicing;

connection in the closest proximity to the subscriber;

ease of new operator access for further installation and installation work;

ease of capture of optical modules due to their separation from the cable sheath.

Claims (15)

1. A sleeve for tapping and / or connecting a telecommunication cable (7), in particular for a subscriber network, bringing the optical cable to the subscriber, the cable comprising a plurality of optical modules (8) combining one or more optical fibers containing a base (1), which is provided at its ends (11, 12) with holding means (6) for holding the cable on the base (1), characterized in that it further comprises a removable plate (4) for forming an allowance for the length of the optical modules (8) relative to the cable axis and providing bias I of these optical modules from the cable axis, and access to the optical modules (8) is through a window formed on the cable, having a length of several centimeters to ten centimeters, and the plate (4) is made with the possibility of positioning on the base with a distance from the bottom of the base providing the transmission of the cable sheath, inside of which access is provided, between the plate (4) and the bottom of the base (1), while the plate (4) has an upper side (41) for receiving optical modules. 2. The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the specified distance is selected in order to ensure that the cable sheath is pressed against the bottom of the base (1) when the plate (4) is installed on the base (1). 3. The sleeve according to claim 2, characterized in that the uncut cable sheath (7) partially provides mechanical fastening of the cable and prevents cable rotation due to its blocking between the plate and the bottom of the base (1). 4. The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the plate (4) and the base (1) are made with the possibility of positioning relative to each other using fixing means (5) formed, for example, by pins and hollow cylinders of appropriate sizes. 5. The coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that the side walls (9) of the base (1) located near the fixing means (5) have such a height that the plate (4) locally rises relative to these walls (9). 6. The coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the plate (4) contains on its upper side (41) guide means (10) for the optical modules, made in the form of a plurality of pins having rounded outer surfaces to enable winding allowances for the length of the optical modules around these pins. 7. The sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that it has an elongated shape, for example, a length L in the range 160 <L <250 mm and a width I in the range 30 <I <50 mm, preferably I <60 mm. 8. The sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (1) comprises means (13, 14) for positioning the cable (7), centered across the width of the sleeve, so that the sleeve is centered on the cable (7). 9. The sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining means (6) for the cable located at the ends of the base (1) contain bumps (6), preferably formed by the base material (1) to limit the sliding movements of the cable. 10. The coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains one or more cassettes (2) mounted removably on the basis of (1). 11. The clutch of claim 10, characterized in that it contains on each end of the means of mounting cassettes. 12. A method for installing a telecommunication cable (7), in particular for a subscriber network with bringing an optical cable to a subscriber, the cable comprising a plurality of optical modules combining one or more optical fibers in a sleeve for removal and / or connection of a cable described in any of the preceding paragraphs, and the cable (7) is pre-opened at a given length to provide access to the optical modules, create an allowance for the length of the optical modules (8) relative to the axis of the cable and provide an offset for these optical m from the cable axis, while between the cable sheath (7) at the level of its hole and the optical modules, the plate (4) is advanced by sliding, and then the optical modules are positioned on the upper part (41) of the plate (4). 13. The method according to p. 12, characterized in that the plate (4) is fixed on the basis of (1) the coupling. 14. The method according to p. 12, characterized in that the cable (7) is inserted between the means (13, 14) for positioning the base (1), preferably in the unopened area of the cable. 15. The method according to any one of paragraphs.12-14, characterized in that the cable (7) is a cable of constant availability, and the cable is again opened at a predetermined distance from the first hole to access the optical module or modules, the selected optical module or modules is reached through the second hole, the module selected for retraction is cut off, then the module is removed through the first hole, which is the selected hole for retraction, the length of the retraction corresponding to a preselected distance.

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