US20230062112A1 - Cable fan-out arrangements and methods therefore - Google Patents
Cable fan-out arrangements and methods therefore Download PDFInfo
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- US20230062112A1 US20230062112A1 US17/897,456 US202217897456A US2023062112A1 US 20230062112 A1 US20230062112 A1 US 20230062112A1 US 202217897456 A US202217897456 A US 202217897456A US 2023062112 A1 US2023062112 A1 US 2023062112A1
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- fanout
- arrangement
- sheath
- cable
- organizer
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- 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
- G02B6/4472—Manifolds
-
- 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
Definitions
- a cable fanout is a component at which optical fibers of a cable are separated into two or more groups of one or more fibers.
- the optical fibers can be upjacketed (i.e., disposed within sheaths) to protect the fibers.
- the various upjacketed fibers can be routed away from fanout in different directions.
- the optical fibers and upjacketing are potted at the fanout using epoxy.
- the optical fibers are separated into multiple groups of ribbonized optical fibers.
- Each of the groups is upjacketed (e.g., threaded into a sheath) as the group exits the component.
- a mesh sleeve can be mounted about the upjacketed groups of fibers to protect the fibers along a fiber routing path.
- a chassis clamp can be mounted to an opposite end of the mesh sleeve from the cable fanout. The chassis clamp is configured to easily snap-fit the mesh sleeve, and hence the upjacketed groups of fibers, to a chassis.
- multiple mesh sleeves can be mounted at the fanout with each mesh sleeve protecting some of the upjacketed groups of fibers.
- a respective chassis clamp can be mounted to the opposite end of one or more of the mesh sleeves.
- the mesh sleeve is retained at the fanout body.
- the mesh sleeve has an edge external of the fanout body.
- a sleeve retainer arrangement holds the mesh sleeve to the fanout body.
- the sleeve retainer arrangement includes teeth that engage the mesh sleeve.
- the mesh sleeve is retained at the fanout body with a thermally responsive sleeve arrangement.
- the thermally responsive sleeve arrangement includes three adhesively lined thermally responsive sleeves.
- the fanout body includes one or more sheath organizers at which the sheaths (i.e., the upjacketing) are held.
- the sheath organizers are removable from the fanout.
- the upjacketed groups of fibers can be mounted within the sheath organizers external of the fanout body. Accordingly, the sheath organizers of a single fanout body can be moved to separate workstations to be assembled simultaneously, thereby reducing manufacturing time and increasing efficiency.
- inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.
- FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an example cable that can be fanned out using any of the cable fanout arrangements described herein;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first example cable fanout arrangement suitable for use in fanning out an optical cable, such as the optical cable of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cable fanout arrangement of FIG. 2 with the components exploded away from each other for ease in viewing;
- FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the cable fanout arrangement of FIG. 2 using a first sheath organizer holding a first number of sheaths;
- FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the cable fanout arrangement of FIG. 2 using a second sheath organizer holding a second number of sheaths, the second number being less than the first number;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cable fanout arrangement of FIG. 2 with components of a sleeve retention arrangement exploded outwardly for ease in viewing;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of possible components of a second example cable fanout arrangement suitable for use in fanning out an optical cable, such as the optical cable of FIG. 1 , where the components of the cable fanout arrangement are exploded away from each other for ease in viewing;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second cable fanout arrangement of FIG. 7 showing a separator being positioned between first and second sheath organizers within the fanout body;
- FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the loaded fanout body of the second cable fanout arrangement of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second cable fanout arrangement of FIG. 7 showing a third sheath organizer being positioned between first and second sheath organizers within the fanout body;
- FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the loaded fanout body of the second cable fanout arrangement of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the second cable fanout arrangement of FIG. 10 with a cover exploded from the fanout body to reveal the optical fibers within the fanout body interior;
- FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the portion of the second cable fanout arrangement of FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 14 shows a first mesh sleeve arrangement disposed at the second end of the fanout body and components of the sleeve retainer arrangement exploded away from the fanout body of the second cable fanout arrangement of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 15 shows a second mesh sleeve arrangement disposed at the second end of the fanout body and components of the sleeve retainer arrangement exploded away from the fanout body of the second cable fanout arrangement of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 16 shows cable clamps mounted to the distal ends of the mesh sleeve arrangement
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a third example cable fanout arrangement suitable for use in fanning out an optical cable, such as the optical cable of FIG. 1 , where the components of the third cable fanout arrangement are exploded away from each other for ease in viewing;
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a fanout body and anchor insert of the cable fanout arrangement of FIG. 17 ;
- FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the loaded fanout body of the third cable fanout arrangement of FIG. 18 ;
- FIG. 20 shows a mesh sleeve arrangement disposed at the second end of the fanout body and components of the sleeve retainer arrangement exploded away from the fanout body of the third cable fanout arrangement of FIG. 17 ;
- FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a shrink tube arrangement being installed over a loaded fanout body to secure a mesh sleeve to the fanout body.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an example cable 101 to be fanned out.
- the cable 101 includes a jacket or outer tubing 102 and a plurality of optical fibers 103 .
- the optical fibers are disposed within a central tube 105 .
- the optical fibers 103 are arranged in a plurality of ribbons.
- the optical fibers 103 are loose.
- the cable 101 includes at least one strength member 104 (e.g., aramid yarn, GRP rods, etc.).
- FIGS. 2 - 6 illustrate a first example fanout arrangement 100 suitable for use in fanning out a cable 101 .
- FIGS. 7 - 16 illustrate a second example fanout arrangement 200 suitable for use in fanning out a cable 101 .
- FIGS. 17 - 20 illustrate a third example fanout arrangement 300 suitable for use in fanning out a cable 101 .
- Each of the fanout arrangements 100 , 200 , 300 includes a fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 that receives the cable 101 at a first end and retains a plurality of sheaths 106 extending out of the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 at a second end.
- the sheaths 106 protect the optical fibers 103 as the optical fibers exit the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 .
- Each fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 extends along a length between a first end (i.e., rear) 112 , 212 , 312 and a second end (i.e., front) 113 , 213 , 313 .
- the first end 112 , 212 , 312 is configured to receive a jacketed portion of the cable 101 .
- the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 defines a tubular sleeve 115 , 215 , 315 through which the cable 101 extends.
- Each fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 also includes a separation region defining an interior 114 , 214 , 314 .
- the tubular sleeve 115 , 215 , 315 leads from the first end 112 , 212 , 312 to the interior 114 , 214 , 314 .
- a shrinkable tube 160 e.g., a thermally responsive tube, an elastic tube, etc. fits over the tubular sleeve 115 , 215 , 315 and over a portion of the jacketed portion of the cable 101 to secure the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 to the cable 101 .
- the optical fibers 103 extend out of the jacketed portion of the cable within the interior.
- the fanout body 110 , 210 includes a base 111 , 211 and a cover 118 , 218 that cooperate to define an interior.
- the cover 118 , 218 snap-fits to the base 111 , 211 .
- one of the base and cover may include latching arms 119 , 219 and the other of the base and cover may include a latching shoulder or other latching receiver to which the latching arms 119 , 219 attach.
- the fanout body 310 may be potted with epoxy instead of attaching a cover. In certain examples, the epoxy may fill an interior of the fanout body 310 .
- some example fanout bodies 110 , 210 include one or more removable sheath organizers 120 , 220 that mount at the second ends 113 , 213 of the fanout bodies 110 , 210 (see FIGS. 3 and 7 ).
- each of the sheath organizers 120 , 220 define a plurality of channels into which the sheaths 106 can slot.
- each sheath organizer 120 , 220 is configured to hold the sheaths 106 in one or more rows.
- each sheath organizer 120 , 220 is configured to hold the sheaths 106 in one or more columns.
- each sheath organizer 120 , 220 is configured to hold the sheaths 106 in offset layers.
- Other example fanout bodies 310 do not have removable sheath organizers. Rather, the fanout body 310 includes separators 326 that divide the sheaths 106 into two or more groups (see FIG. 17 ).
- a mesh sleeve 130 can be mounted over some or all of the sheaths 106 extending out from the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 .
- multiple mesh sleeves 130 can be coupled to the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 .
- the mesh sleeve 130 organizes and/or protects the sheaths 106 within the mesh sleeve 130 .
- the mesh sleeve 130 couples to the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 using a sleeve retainer arrangement 140 , 240 , 340 that mounts about an exterior of the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 , respectively.
- a sleeve retainer arrangement 140 , 240 , 340 include first and second housing pieces 141 a , 141 b , 241 a , 241 b , 341 a , 341 b that couple together about the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 to be axially fixed (i.e., fixed along a length of the cable) relative to the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 .
- the housing pieces 141 a , 141 b , 241 a , 241 b , 341 a , 341 b cooperate to engage the mesh sleeve 130 in an axially fixed position relative to the sleeve retainer arrangement 140 and, hence, to the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 .
- the first and second housing pieces 141 a , 141 b , 241 a , 241 b , 341 a , 341 b snap-fit together.
- the first housing piece 141 a , 241 a , 341 a latches to the second housing piece 141 b , 241 b , 341 b .
- the first housing piece 141 a , 241 a , 341 a includes latch arms 146 , 246 , 346 that snap fit to latch receivers 147 , 247 , 347 of the second housing piece 141 b , 241 b , 341 b .
- first and second housing pieces 141 a , 141 b , 241 a , 241 b , 341 a , 341 b can be fastened, welded, glued, heat-staked, or otherwise coupled together.
- the sleeve retainer arrangement 140 , 240 , 340 includes a first portion 142 , 242 , 342 and a second portion 143 , 243 , 343 .
- the first portion 142 , 242 , 342 is sized and shaped to fit about the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 .
- the first portion 142 , 242 , 342 is configured to engage the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 to axially retain the sleeve retainer arrangement 140 , 240 , 340 relative to the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 .
- the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 defines a recess 117 , 217 and at least one of the housing pieces 141 a , 141 b , 241 a , 241 b includes an inward protrusion 148 , 248 that fits within the recess 117 , 217 to axially retain the sleeve retainer arrangement 140 , 240 relative to the fanout body 110 , 210 .
- the housing pieces 341 , 341 b include partial end walls 348 extending over the first and second ends 312 , 313 of the fanout body 310 to axially retain the sleeve arrangement 340 relative to the fanout body 310 .
- the second portion 143 , 243 , 343 includes one or more teeth 144 , 244 , 344 that extend into holes in the mesh sleeve 130 to axially retain the mesh sleeve 130 relative to the second portion 143 , 243 , 343 .
- the first housing piece 141 a , 241 a , 341 a includes two rows of inwardly extending teeth 144 , 244 , 344 .
- the teeth can be arranged in any number of rows or in any configuration.
- both housing pieces can include teeth 144 , 244 , 344 .
- the second portion 143 , 243 , 343 also can include a curved end surface 145 , 245 , 345 (e.g., a trumpet shape, a funnel shape, etc.) to protect the mesh sleeve 130 during flexing/bending movement of the mesh sleeve 130 relative to the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 .
- the fanout arrangement 100 , 200 , 300 is prepared in a factory or other manufacturing site.
- the sheaths 106 can be potted within the fanout bodies 110 , 210 , 310 with epoxy (e.g., fully or partially filling the fanout bodies 110 , 210 , 310 ).
- the fanout arrangement 100 , 200 , 300 can be prepared in the field.
- a field assembler may not have access to the tools needed to fully or partially epoxy an interior of the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 once the sheaths 106 are in place.
- an arrangement 170 of thermally responsive sleeves can be used to secure the sheaths 106 to the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 and/or couple the mesh sleeve 130 to the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 .
- a first shrinkable (e.g., thermally responsive, elastic, etc.) sleeve 172 is mounted at the first end 112 , 212 , 312 of the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 to extend over the tubular sleeve 115 , 215 , 315 and over a section of the jacketed portion of the cable 101 .
- the first shrinkable sleeve 172 aids in axially retaining the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 relative to the cable 101 .
- a second shrinkable sleeve 174 is mounted at the second end 113 , 213 , 313 of the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 .
- the second shrinkable sleeve 174 remains external, but adjacent to the second end 113 , 213 , 313 of the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 .
- the second shrinkable sleeve 174 seals around the mesh sleeve 130 and axially retains the mesh sleeve 130 to the sheaths 106 by radially clamping the mesh sleeve 130 onto the bundle of sheaths 106 within the mesh sleeve 130 .
- a protective sheet e.g., foil
- a protective sheet is wrapped over a portion of the mesh sleeve 130 to protect the mesh sleeve 130 during shrinking of the sleeve 174 (e.g., during application of heat to the sleeve 174 ).
- a third shrinkable sleeve 176 is mounted to extend over the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 (e.g., see FIG. 22 ).
- the third shrinkable sleeve 176 extends partially over the first shrinkable sleeve 172 so that the third shrinkable sleeve 176 seals to the first shrinkable sleeve 172 when shrunk.
- the third shrinkable sleeve 176 extends partially over the second shrinkable sleeve 172 so that the third shrinkable sleeve 176 seals to the second shrinkable sleeve 172 when shrunk.
- the shrinkable sleeves 172 , 174 , 176 cooperate to hold the mesh sleeve 130 in an axially fixed position relative to the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 and to the cable 101 .
- one or more of the shrinkable sleeves 172 , 174 , 176 have adhesive lining to aid in axial retention of the sleeve.
- the fanout arrangement 100 , 200 , 300 can be used in a data center or other location in which the optical fibers 103 of a cable 101 are routed to separate racks or to separate chasses or components on the same rack.
- a clamp arrangement 150 can be mounted to the mesh sleeve 130 at an opposite side of the mesh sleeve 130 from the fanout body 110 , 210 , 310 .
- the clamp arrangement 150 facilitates securing the sheaths 106 to the chassis or other component.
- the clamp arrangement 150 includes a first body 151 and a second body 152 that clamp the mesh sleeve 130 therebetween.
- the clamp arrangement 150 includes retention structure to hold the clamp arrangement 150 at an aperture in a chassis or other structure. Further description of an example clamp arrangement 150 suitable for use with the fanout arrangement 100 , 200 , 300 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,448,365, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- the first example fanout arrangement 100 suitable for use in fanning out the cable 101 is shown.
- the fanout arrangement 100 is configured to accommodate different sizes of cable 101 .
- the fanout arrangement 100 includes different sheath organizers 120 that can be inserted into the fanout body 110 to hold various numbers of sheaths 106 depending on the number of optical fibers 103 of the cable 101 and/or the number of groups into which the fibers 103 should be broken.
- the fanout arrangement 100 includes a first sheath organizer 120 a and a second sheath organizer 120 b .
- the sheath organizer 120 a is configured to hold more sheaths 106 than the sheath organizer 120 b .
- a user selects one of the sheath organizers 120 a , 120 b to be inserted within the fanout body 110 .
- the sheaths 106 are mounted to the sheath organizer 120 before inserting the sheath organizer 120 into the fanout body 110 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the fanout body 110 with the sheaths 106 mounted in the first sheath organizer 120 a .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the fanout body 110 with the sheaths 106 mounted in the second sheath organizer 120 b.
- the sheath organizer 120 includes an organizer cover 125 that mounts to the sheath organizer 120 to aid in retaining the sheaths 106 at the organizer 120 .
- each sheath organizer 120 a , 120 b has a corresponding organizer cover 125 a , 125 b that fills the space between the sheaths 106 and a top of the organizer 120 .
- the organizer cover 125 fills the space between the sheaths 106 and a top of the fanout body 110 .
- FIGS. 7 - 16 illustrate the second example fanout arrangement 200 suitable for use in fanning out the cable 101 .
- the second fanout arrangement 200 also is configured to accommodate different sizes of cable 101 .
- the second fanout arrangement 200 includes an organizer arrangement of multiple sheath organizers 220 that can be inserted into the fanout body 210 in various configurations depending on the number of optical fibers 103 of the cable 101 and/or the number of groups into which the fibers 103 should be broken.
- the organizer arrangement includes a first sheath organizer 220 a and a second sheath organizer 220 b that can both be inserted into the fanout body 210 .
- the first sheath organizer 220 a holds a first plurality of the sheaths 106 and the second sheath organizer 220 b holds a second plurality of the sheaths 106 .
- the second sheath organizer 220 b is laterally offset from the first sheath organizer 220 a while both sheath organizers 220 a , 220 b are disposed at the second end 213 of the fanout body 210 .
- a spacer 228 is positioned between the first and second sheath organizers 220 a , 220 b (e.g., see FIG. 9 ).
- the spacer 228 includes a wall 229 that blocks access to the fanout body interior 214 through the spacer 228 .
- a third sheath organizer 220 c is positioned between the first and second sheath organizers 220 a , 220 b (e.g., see FIG. 11 ).
- the third sheath organizer 220 c holds a third plurality of sheaths 106 .
- the organizer arrangement is configured to be held at an axially fixed position relative to the fanout body 210 .
- the fanout body 210 defines recesses 216 a into which one or more of the sheath organizers 220 extend.
- each sidewall of the fanout body 210 defines a recess 216 in which a portion 225 of a respective sheath organizer 220 extends.
- An example sheath organizer 220 may define notches 226 at opposite ends to define the portion 225 .
- the fanout body 110 defines a recess 116 in which portions of the sheath organizers 120 extend (e.g., see FIG. 3 ).
- the organizer arrangement is disposed between a lip 213 a at the second end 213 of the fanout body 210 and a stop member 216 b recessed within the fanout body 210 from the second end 213 .
- each of the sheath organizers 220 , 220 a , 220 b , 220 c and the spacer 228 define notches 224 at the front to accommodate the lip 213 a.
- each of the sheath organizers 220 , 220 a , 220 b , 220 c and spacer 228 includes opposite sidewalls connected by a bottom wall 224 .
- outer sidewalls 222 of the first and second sheath organizers 220 a , 220 b contact an inner surface of the fanout body 210 .
- Inner sidewalls 221 of the first and second sheath organizers 220 a , 220 b contact the sidewalls of the spacer 228 or of the third sheath organizer 220 c.
- the sidewalls or the sheath organizers 220 , 220 a , 220 b , 220 c define channels, slots, or other recesses 227 to aid in positioning the sheaths 106 within the organizer.
- one of the sidewalls 221 of the sheath organizer 220 , 220 a , 220 b is deeper than the other 222 so that the shallower sidewall 222 fits within the recess 216 a and the deeper sidewall 221 does not fit within the recess 216 a .
- the third sheath organizer 220 c and the spacer 228 have sidewalls of equal depth.
- the sidewalls of the third sheath organizer 220 c and the spacer 228 are substantially the same depth as the deeper sidewalls 221 of the first and second sheath organizers 220 a , 220 b . In certain examples, the sidewalls of the organizers 220 and spacer 228 are sufficiently deep to inhibit torqueing of the organizers 220 and spacer 228 after assembly.
- a user fans out a cable 101 using the cable fanout arrangement 200 by removing a portion of the cable jacket 102 from the cable 101 to expose a plurality of optical fibers 103 .
- the user may need to also remove a portion of an inner tube to expose the fibers 103 .
- the user separates the optical fibers 103 .
- the fibers 103 may be individually separated or separated into separate ribbons or separate loose groups.
- the optical fibers 103 are threaded through sheaths 106 to upjacket the optical fibers 103 .
- two or more fibers 103 e.g., a fiber ribbon
- the sheaths 106 are loaded into the sheath organizers 220 .
- the sheaths 106 are affixed to each other and/or to the sheath organizers 220 to hold the sheaths 106 in position during assembly.
- this adhesive which only contacts the sheaths 106 and/or sheath organizer 2220 , is not sufficient to withstand a pull-out force required for normal operation.
- the sheath organizers 220 are positioned external of the fanout body 210 to facilitate arranging the sheaths 106 at the sheath organizer 220 .
- the first sheath organizer 220 a can be positioned at a first workstation and the second sheath organizer 220 b can be positioned at a second workstation. Accordingly, a first user can arrange a first plurality of the sheaths 106 at the first sheath organizer 220 a at the first workstation while a second user can arrange a second plurality of the sheaths 106 at the second sheath organizer 220 b at the second workstation.
- the third sheath organizer 220 c can be loaded with sheaths 106 by a third worker at a third workstation. Such simultaneous assembly increases speed and efficiency in assembling the fanout arrangement 200 .
- each sheath organizer 220 and the respective sheaths 106 are moved into the fanout body 210 as a unit.
- a single mesh sleeve 130 a may be disposed over all of the sheaths 106 exiting the fanout body 210 .
- the single mesh sleeve 130 a may have a first end 132 defining a single opening through which the sheaths 106 enter the mesh sleeve 130 a .
- the sleeve retainer arrangement 240 engages the first end 132 of the mesh sleeve 130 a .
- the single mesh sleeve 130 a may split into multiple second sections 134 to enable separate routing of at least some of the sheaths 106 away from the fanout body 210 .
- the single mesh sleeve 130 a can be used when all three sheath organizers 220 a , 220 b , 220 c are utilized.
- the sheaths 106 can be routed through a mesh sleeve arrangement 130 b including multiple mesh sleeves 130 .
- the mesh sleeves 130 can be taped (see 136 ) or otherwise held together at the second end 213 of the fanout housing 210 .
- the sleeve retainer arrangement 240 can either engage the individual mesh sleeves 130 or can engage the taped together portion of the mesh sleeve arrangement 130 b .
- the mesh sleeve arrangement 130 b is used when the spacer 228 is disposed between the sheath organizers 220 a , 220 b .
- Each mesh sleeve 130 aligns with one of the sheath organizers 220 a , 220 b .
- a single mesh sleeve 130 , 130 a could be utilized.
- one or more clamp arrangements 150 can be mounted to the opposite end(s) of the mesh sleeve 130 , 130 a , 130 b .
- a clamp arrangement 150 could be mounted to the end of one or more of the second sections 134 .
- a clamp arrangement 150 can be mounted to the opposite end of one or more mesh sleeves 130 of the mesh sleeve arrangement 130 b (see FIG. 16 ).
- FIGS. 17 - 20 illustrate a third example fanout arrangement 300 suitable for use in fanning out a cable 101 .
- the third fanout arrangement 300 does not include a removable sheath organizer. Rather, the fanout arrangement 300 includes a fanout body 310 with an integral sheath organizer.
- the fanout body 310 may include one or more dividers 328 that extend upwardly at the second end 313 of the fanout body 310 .
- the sheaths 106 are routed through gaps between the dividers 328 (see FIG. 19 ).
- the sheaths 106 are potted within an interior 314 of the fanout body 310 to hold the sheaths 106 at the fanout body 310 .
- the interior 314 of the fanout body 310 can be closed with a cover.
- an anchor insert 360 is disposed within the fanout body 310 to aid in holding the fanout body 310 relative to the cable 101 .
- the anchor insert 360 includes a flange 361 sized to fit within the fanout body interior 314 , but not through the tubular sleeve 315 .
- the anchor insert 360 also includes flexible arms 362 sized to fit within the tubular sleeve 315 . Each of the flexible arms 362 includes a lip 363 or other lock member at a distal end.
- the anchor insert 360 defines a passage 364 through which the jacketed portion of the cable 101 extends. In certain examples, one or more teeth 365 or other retention members extend inwardly from the passage 364 to engage the cable 101 .
- the flexible arms 362 are sized so that the flexible arms 362 can be slid through the tubular sleeve 315 from the fanout body interior 314 to the first end 312 of the fanout body 310 .
- the flange 361 abuts an interior wall of the fanout body 310
- the lips 363 of the flexible arms 362 snap-fit over an exterior edge of the tubular sleeve 315 at the first end 312 of the fanout body 310 .
- the flange 361 inhibits further axial movement of the anchor insert 360 relative to the fanout body 310 in a first direction.
- Engagement between the lips 363 and the first end 312 of the fanout body 310 inhibits further axial movement of the anchor insert 360 relative to the fanout body 310 in an opposite second direction.
- a single mesh sleeve 130 , 130 a may be disposed at the second end 313 of the fanout body 310 to receive the sheaths 106 .
- the number of mesh sleeves 130 may correspond to the number of sheath groups formed by the dividers 328 .
- the mesh sleeves 130 , 130 a , 130 b may be coupled to the fanout body 310 using either a sleeve retainer arrangement 340 or a shrinkable tube arrangement.
Abstract
A fanout arrangement includes a fanout body; a mesh sleeve; and an arrangement to hold the mesh sleeve to the fanout body. The arrangement The fanout body may have one or more removable sheath organizers to retain the upjacketing for the fanned out optical fibers.
Description
- This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/044,024, filed on Sep. 30, 2020, which is a National Stage Application of PCT/US2019/024810, filed on Mar. 29, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/650,524, filed on Mar. 30, 2018, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosed applications.
- In general, a cable fanout is a component at which optical fibers of a cable are separated into two or more groups of one or more fibers. In certain types of cable fanouts, the optical fibers can be upjacketed (i.e., disposed within sheaths) to protect the fibers. The various upjacketed fibers can be routed away from fanout in different directions. Typically, the optical fibers and upjacketing are potted at the fanout using epoxy.
- Improvements are required.
- Some aspects of the disclosure are directed to various types of cable fanout arrangements and methods of assembly thereof. In certain examples, the optical fibers are separated into multiple groups of ribbonized optical fibers. Each of the groups is upjacketed (e.g., threaded into a sheath) as the group exits the component.
- A mesh sleeve can be mounted about the upjacketed groups of fibers to protect the fibers along a fiber routing path. In certain examples, a chassis clamp can be mounted to an opposite end of the mesh sleeve from the cable fanout. The chassis clamp is configured to easily snap-fit the mesh sleeve, and hence the upjacketed groups of fibers, to a chassis.
- In certain examples, multiple mesh sleeves can be mounted at the fanout with each mesh sleeve protecting some of the upjacketed groups of fibers. A respective chassis clamp can be mounted to the opposite end of one or more of the mesh sleeves.
- The mesh sleeve is retained at the fanout body. In certain examples, the mesh sleeve has an edge external of the fanout body. In some implementations, a sleeve retainer arrangement holds the mesh sleeve to the fanout body. In certain examples, the sleeve retainer arrangement includes teeth that engage the mesh sleeve. In other implementations, the mesh sleeve is retained at the fanout body with a thermally responsive sleeve arrangement. In certain examples, the thermally responsive sleeve arrangement includes three adhesively lined thermally responsive sleeves.
- In certain implementations, the fanout body includes one or more sheath organizers at which the sheaths (i.e., the upjacketing) are held. In certain examples, the sheath organizers are removable from the fanout. The upjacketed groups of fibers can be mounted within the sheath organizers external of the fanout body. Accordingly, the sheath organizers of a single fanout body can be moved to separate workstations to be assembled simultaneously, thereby reducing manufacturing time and increasing efficiency.
- A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:
-
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an example cable that can be fanned out using any of the cable fanout arrangements described herein; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first example cable fanout arrangement suitable for use in fanning out an optical cable, such as the optical cable ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cable fanout arrangement ofFIG. 2 with the components exploded away from each other for ease in viewing; -
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the cable fanout arrangement ofFIG. 2 using a first sheath organizer holding a first number of sheaths; -
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the cable fanout arrangement ofFIG. 2 using a second sheath organizer holding a second number of sheaths, the second number being less than the first number; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cable fanout arrangement ofFIG. 2 with components of a sleeve retention arrangement exploded outwardly for ease in viewing; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of possible components of a second example cable fanout arrangement suitable for use in fanning out an optical cable, such as the optical cable ofFIG. 1 , where the components of the cable fanout arrangement are exploded away from each other for ease in viewing; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second cable fanout arrangement ofFIG. 7 showing a separator being positioned between first and second sheath organizers within the fanout body; -
FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the loaded fanout body of the second cable fanout arrangement ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second cable fanout arrangement ofFIG. 7 showing a third sheath organizer being positioned between first and second sheath organizers within the fanout body; -
FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the loaded fanout body of the second cable fanout arrangement ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the second cable fanout arrangement ofFIG. 10 with a cover exploded from the fanout body to reveal the optical fibers within the fanout body interior; -
FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the portion of the second cable fanout arrangement ofFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 14 shows a first mesh sleeve arrangement disposed at the second end of the fanout body and components of the sleeve retainer arrangement exploded away from the fanout body of the second cable fanout arrangement ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 15 shows a second mesh sleeve arrangement disposed at the second end of the fanout body and components of the sleeve retainer arrangement exploded away from the fanout body of the second cable fanout arrangement ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 16 shows cable clamps mounted to the distal ends of the mesh sleeve arrangement; -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a third example cable fanout arrangement suitable for use in fanning out an optical cable, such as the optical cable ofFIG. 1 , where the components of the third cable fanout arrangement are exploded away from each other for ease in viewing; -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a fanout body and anchor insert of the cable fanout arrangement ofFIG. 17 ; -
FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the loaded fanout body of the third cable fanout arrangement ofFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 20 shows a mesh sleeve arrangement disposed at the second end of the fanout body and components of the sleeve retainer arrangement exploded away from the fanout body of the third cable fanout arrangement ofFIG. 17 ; and -
FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a shrink tube arrangement being installed over a loaded fanout body to secure a mesh sleeve to the fanout body. - Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
- The present disclosure is directed various types of cable fanout arrangements and methods for assembling the cable fanout arrangements.
FIG. 1 illustrates anexample cable 101 to be fanned out. Thecable 101 includes a jacket orouter tubing 102 and a plurality ofoptical fibers 103. In certain examples, the optical fibers are disposed within acentral tube 105. In some examples, theoptical fibers 103 are arranged in a plurality of ribbons. In other examples, theoptical fibers 103 are loose. In certain implementations, thecable 101 includes at least one strength member 104 (e.g., aramid yarn, GRP rods, etc.). -
FIGS. 2-6 illustrate a firstexample fanout arrangement 100 suitable for use in fanning out acable 101.FIGS. 7-16 illustrate a second example fanout arrangement 200 suitable for use in fanning out acable 101.FIGS. 17-20 illustrate a third example fanout arrangement 300 suitable for use in fanning out acable 101. Each of thefanout arrangements 100, 200, 300 includes afanout body cable 101 at a first end and retains a plurality ofsheaths 106 extending out of thefanout body sheaths 106 protect theoptical fibers 103 as the optical fibers exit thefanout body - Each
fanout body first end cable 101. In certain examples, thefanout body tubular sleeve cable 101 extends. Eachfanout body tubular sleeve first end tubular sleeve cable 101 to secure thefanout body cable 101. Theoptical fibers 103 extend out of the jacketed portion of the cable within the interior. - In some implementations, the
fanout body base cover cover base arms 119, 219 and the other of the base and cover may include a latching shoulder or other latching receiver to which the latchingarms 119, 219 attach. In other implementations, thefanout body 310 may be potted with epoxy instead of attaching a cover. In certain examples, the epoxy may fill an interior of thefanout body 310. - As will be discussed in more detail herein, some
example fanout bodies fanout bodies 110, 210 (seeFIGS. 3 and 7 ). In certain implementations, each of the sheath organizers 120, 220 define a plurality of channels into which thesheaths 106 can slot. In certain implementations, each sheath organizer 120, 220 is configured to hold thesheaths 106 in one or more rows. In certain implementations, each sheath organizer 120, 220 is configured to hold thesheaths 106 in one or more columns. In certain implementations, each sheath organizer 120, 220 is configured to hold thesheaths 106 in offset layers. Otherexample fanout bodies 310 do not have removable sheath organizers. Rather, thefanout body 310 includes separators 326 that divide thesheaths 106 into two or more groups (seeFIG. 17 ). - A
mesh sleeve 130 can be mounted over some or all of thesheaths 106 extending out from thefanout body multiple mesh sleeves 130 can be coupled to thefanout body mesh sleeve 130 organizes and/or protects thesheaths 106 within themesh sleeve 130. - In some implementations, the
mesh sleeve 130 couples to thefanout body sleeve retainer arrangement fanout body sleeve retainer arrangement second housing pieces fanout body fanout body housing pieces mesh sleeve 130 in an axially fixed position relative to thesleeve retainer arrangement 140 and, hence, to thefanout body - In certain implementations, the first and
second housing pieces first housing piece 141 a, 241 a, 341 a latches to thesecond housing piece first housing piece 141 a, 241 a, 341 a includeslatch arms receivers second housing piece second housing pieces - In certain implementations, the
sleeve retainer arrangement first portion second portion first portion fanout body first portion fanout body sleeve retainer arrangement fanout body fanout body recess housing pieces inward protrusion 148, 248 that fits within therecess sleeve retainer arrangement fanout body housing pieces 341, 341 b includepartial end walls 348 extending over the first and second ends 312, 313 of thefanout body 310 to axially retain thesleeve arrangement 340 relative to thefanout body 310. - The
second portion fanout body mesh sleeve 130. In certain examples, thesecond portion more teeth mesh sleeve 130 to axially retain themesh sleeve 130 relative to thesecond portion first housing piece 141 a, 241 a, 341 a includes two rows of inwardly extendingteeth teeth second portion curved end surface mesh sleeve 130 during flexing/bending movement of themesh sleeve 130 relative to thefanout body - In some implementations, the
fanout arrangement 100, 200, 300 is prepared in a factory or other manufacturing site. In certain such implementations, thesheaths 106 can be potted within thefanout bodies fanout bodies fanout arrangement 100, 200, 300 can be prepared in the field. In such implementations, a field assembler may not have access to the tools needed to fully or partially epoxy an interior of thefanout body sheaths 106 are in place. Accordingly, anarrangement 170 of thermally responsive sleeves can be used to secure thesheaths 106 to thefanout body mesh sleeve 130 to thefanout body - For example, as shown in
FIG. 21 , a first shrinkable (e.g., thermally responsive, elastic, etc.)sleeve 172 is mounted at thefirst end fanout body tubular sleeve cable 101. When shrunk, the firstshrinkable sleeve 172 aids in axially retaining thefanout body cable 101. - A second
shrinkable sleeve 174 is mounted at thesecond end fanout body shrinkable sleeve 174 remains external, but adjacent to thesecond end fanout body shrinkable sleeve 174 seals around themesh sleeve 130 and axially retains themesh sleeve 130 to thesheaths 106 by radially clamping themesh sleeve 130 onto the bundle ofsheaths 106 within themesh sleeve 130. In certain examples, a protective sheet (e.g., foil) is wrapped over a portion of themesh sleeve 130 to protect themesh sleeve 130 during shrinking of the sleeve 174 (e.g., during application of heat to the sleeve 174). - A third
shrinkable sleeve 176 is mounted to extend over thefanout body FIG. 22 ). The thirdshrinkable sleeve 176 extends partially over the firstshrinkable sleeve 172 so that the thirdshrinkable sleeve 176 seals to the firstshrinkable sleeve 172 when shrunk. The thirdshrinkable sleeve 176 extends partially over the secondshrinkable sleeve 172 so that the thirdshrinkable sleeve 176 seals to the secondshrinkable sleeve 172 when shrunk. Accordingly, theshrinkable sleeves mesh sleeve 130 in an axially fixed position relative to thefanout body cable 101. In certain examples, one or more of theshrinkable sleeves - In use, the
fanout arrangement 100, 200, 300 can be used in a data center or other location in which theoptical fibers 103 of acable 101 are routed to separate racks or to separate chasses or components on the same rack. In certain implementations, aclamp arrangement 150 can be mounted to themesh sleeve 130 at an opposite side of themesh sleeve 130 from thefanout body clamp arrangement 150 facilitates securing thesheaths 106 to the chassis or other component. Theclamp arrangement 150 includes afirst body 151 and asecond body 152 that clamp themesh sleeve 130 therebetween. Theclamp arrangement 150 includes retention structure to hold theclamp arrangement 150 at an aperture in a chassis or other structure. Further description of anexample clamp arrangement 150 suitable for use with thefanout arrangement 100, 200, 300 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,448,365, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2-6 , the firstexample fanout arrangement 100 suitable for use in fanning out thecable 101 is shown. Thefanout arrangement 100 is configured to accommodate different sizes ofcable 101. For example, thefanout arrangement 100 includes different sheath organizers 120 that can be inserted into thefanout body 110 to hold various numbers ofsheaths 106 depending on the number ofoptical fibers 103 of thecable 101 and/or the number of groups into which thefibers 103 should be broken. - In the example shown, the
fanout arrangement 100 includes a first sheath organizer 120 a and asecond sheath organizer 120 b. The sheath organizer 120 a is configured to holdmore sheaths 106 than thesheath organizer 120 b. During assembly of thefanout arrangement 100, a user selects one of thesheath organizers 120 a, 120 b to be inserted within thefanout body 110. In certain examples, thesheaths 106 are mounted to the sheath organizer 120 before inserting the sheath organizer 120 into thefanout body 110. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of thefanout body 110 with thesheaths 106 mounted in the first sheath organizer 120 a.FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of thefanout body 110 with thesheaths 106 mounted in thesecond sheath organizer 120 b. - In certain implementations, the sheath organizer 120 includes an organizer cover 125 that mounts to the sheath organizer 120 to aid in retaining the
sheaths 106 at the organizer 120. In the example shown, eachsheath organizer 120 a, 120 b has acorresponding organizer cover 125 a, 125 b that fills the space between thesheaths 106 and a top of the organizer 120. In certain examples, the organizer cover 125 fills the space between thesheaths 106 and a top of thefanout body 110. -
FIGS. 7-16 illustrate the second example fanout arrangement 200 suitable for use in fanning out thecable 101. The second fanout arrangement 200 also is configured to accommodate different sizes ofcable 101. For example, the second fanout arrangement 200 includes an organizer arrangement of multiple sheath organizers 220 that can be inserted into thefanout body 210 in various configurations depending on the number ofoptical fibers 103 of thecable 101 and/or the number of groups into which thefibers 103 should be broken. - In certain implementations, the organizer arrangement includes a first sheath organizer 220 a and a
second sheath organizer 220 b that can both be inserted into thefanout body 210. The first sheath organizer 220 a holds a first plurality of thesheaths 106 and thesecond sheath organizer 220 b holds a second plurality of thesheaths 106. Thesecond sheath organizer 220 b is laterally offset from the first sheath organizer 220 a while bothsheath organizers 220 a, 220 b are disposed at thesecond end 213 of thefanout body 210. - When a smaller number of
sheaths 106 needs to be accommodated, aspacer 228 is positioned between the first andsecond sheath organizers 220 a, 220 b (e.g., seeFIG. 9 ). Thespacer 228 includes awall 229 that blocks access to thefanout body interior 214 through thespacer 228. When a larger number ofsheaths 106 needs to be accommodated, athird sheath organizer 220 c is positioned between the first andsecond sheath organizers 220 a, 220 b (e.g., seeFIG. 11 ). Thethird sheath organizer 220 c holds a third plurality ofsheaths 106. - In certain implementations, the organizer arrangement is configured to be held at an axially fixed position relative to the
fanout body 210. In certain examples, thefanout body 210 defines recesses 216 a into which one or more of the sheath organizers 220 extend. In the example shown, each sidewall of thefanout body 210 defines a recess 216 in which aportion 225 of a respective sheath organizer 220 extends. An example sheath organizer 220 may definenotches 226 at opposite ends to define theportion 225. Similarly, thefanout body 110 defines arecess 116 in which portions of the sheath organizers 120 extend (e.g., seeFIG. 3 ). In certain examples, the organizer arrangement is disposed between a lip 213 a at thesecond end 213 of thefanout body 210 and astop member 216 b recessed within thefanout body 210 from thesecond end 213. In an example, each of thesheath organizers spacer 228 definenotches 224 at the front to accommodate the lip 213 a. - In certain implementations, each of the
sheath organizers spacer 228 includes opposite sidewalls connected by abottom wall 224. When the organization arrangement is disposed within thefanout body 210,outer sidewalls 222 of the first andsecond sheath organizers 220 a, 220 b contact an inner surface of thefanout body 210.Inner sidewalls 221 of the first andsecond sheath organizers 220 a, 220 b contact the sidewalls of thespacer 228 or of thethird sheath organizer 220 c. - The sidewalls or the
sheath organizers sheaths 106 within the organizer. In certain examples, one of thesidewalls 221 of thesheath organizer 220, 220 a, 220 b is deeper than the other 222 so that theshallower sidewall 222 fits within the recess 216 a and thedeeper sidewall 221 does not fit within the recess 216 a. In certain examples, thethird sheath organizer 220 c and thespacer 228 have sidewalls of equal depth. In certain examples, the sidewalls of thethird sheath organizer 220 c and thespacer 228 are substantially the same depth as the deeper sidewalls 221 of the first andsecond sheath organizers 220 a, 220 b. In certain examples, the sidewalls of the organizers 220 andspacer 228 are sufficiently deep to inhibit torqueing of the organizers 220 andspacer 228 after assembly. - In use, a user fans out a
cable 101 using the cable fanout arrangement 200 by removing a portion of thecable jacket 102 from thecable 101 to expose a plurality ofoptical fibers 103. The user may need to also remove a portion of an inner tube to expose thefibers 103. The user separates theoptical fibers 103. Thefibers 103 may be individually separated or separated into separate ribbons or separate loose groups. Theoptical fibers 103 are threaded throughsheaths 106 to upjacket theoptical fibers 103. In some examples, two or more fibers 103 (e.g., a fiber ribbon) can be threaded into asingle sheath 106. - The
sheaths 106 are loaded into the sheath organizers 220. In some examples, thesheaths 106 are affixed to each other and/or to the sheath organizers 220 to hold thesheaths 106 in position during assembly. In certain examples, this adhesive, which only contacts thesheaths 106 and/or sheath organizer 2220, is not sufficient to withstand a pull-out force required for normal operation. - In certain implementations, the sheath organizers 220 are positioned external of the
fanout body 210 to facilitate arranging thesheaths 106 at the sheath organizer 220. In certain examples, the first sheath organizer 220 a can be positioned at a first workstation and thesecond sheath organizer 220 b can be positioned at a second workstation. Accordingly, a first user can arrange a first plurality of thesheaths 106 at the first sheath organizer 220 a at the first workstation while a second user can arrange a second plurality of thesheaths 106 at thesecond sheath organizer 220 b at the second workstation. In certain examples, thethird sheath organizer 220 c can be loaded withsheaths 106 by a third worker at a third workstation. Such simultaneous assembly increases speed and efficiency in assembling the fanout arrangement 200. When the sheath organizers 220 are loaded, each sheath organizer 220 and therespective sheaths 106 are moved into thefanout body 210 as a unit. - As shown in
FIG. 14 , a single mesh sleeve 130 a may be disposed over all of thesheaths 106 exiting thefanout body 210. The single mesh sleeve 130 a may have afirst end 132 defining a single opening through which thesheaths 106 enter the mesh sleeve 130 a. In the example shown, thesleeve retainer arrangement 240 engages thefirst end 132 of the mesh sleeve 130 a. In certain examples, the single mesh sleeve 130 a may split into multiplesecond sections 134 to enable separate routing of at least some of thesheaths 106 away from thefanout body 210. In an example, the single mesh sleeve 130 a can be used when all threesheath organizers - As shown in
FIG. 15 , thesheaths 106 can be routed through amesh sleeve arrangement 130 b includingmultiple mesh sleeves 130. In certain examples, themesh sleeves 130 can be taped (see 136) or otherwise held together at thesecond end 213 of thefanout housing 210. Thesleeve retainer arrangement 240 can either engage theindividual mesh sleeves 130 or can engage the taped together portion of themesh sleeve arrangement 130 b. In the example shown, themesh sleeve arrangement 130 b is used when thespacer 228 is disposed between thesheath organizers 220 a, 220 b. Eachmesh sleeve 130 aligns with one of thesheath organizers 220 a, 220 b. In other examples, asingle mesh sleeve 130, 130 a could be utilized. - As shown in
FIG. 16 , one ormore clamp arrangements 150 can be mounted to the opposite end(s) of themesh sleeve clamp arrangement 150 could be mounted to the end of one or more of thesecond sections 134. In another example, aclamp arrangement 150 can be mounted to the opposite end of one ormore mesh sleeves 130 of themesh sleeve arrangement 130 b (seeFIG. 16 ). -
FIGS. 17-20 illustrate a third example fanout arrangement 300 suitable for use in fanning out acable 101. The third fanout arrangement 300 does not include a removable sheath organizer. Rather, the fanout arrangement 300 includes afanout body 310 with an integral sheath organizer. For example, thefanout body 310 may include one ormore dividers 328 that extend upwardly at thesecond end 313 of thefanout body 310. Thesheaths 106 are routed through gaps between the dividers 328 (seeFIG. 19 ). In some examples, thesheaths 106 are potted within an interior 314 of thefanout body 310 to hold thesheaths 106 at thefanout body 310. In other examples, theinterior 314 of thefanout body 310 can be closed with a cover. - In certain implementations, an
anchor insert 360 is disposed within thefanout body 310 to aid in holding thefanout body 310 relative to thecable 101. Theanchor insert 360 includes aflange 361 sized to fit within thefanout body interior 314, but not through thetubular sleeve 315. Theanchor insert 360 also includesflexible arms 362 sized to fit within thetubular sleeve 315. Each of theflexible arms 362 includes alip 363 or other lock member at a distal end. Theanchor insert 360 defines apassage 364 through which the jacketed portion of thecable 101 extends. In certain examples, one ormore teeth 365 or other retention members extend inwardly from thepassage 364 to engage thecable 101. - The
flexible arms 362 are sized so that theflexible arms 362 can be slid through thetubular sleeve 315 from thefanout body interior 314 to thefirst end 312 of thefanout body 310. When theflange 361 abuts an interior wall of thefanout body 310, thelips 363 of theflexible arms 362 snap-fit over an exterior edge of thetubular sleeve 315 at thefirst end 312 of thefanout body 310. Theflange 361 inhibits further axial movement of theanchor insert 360 relative to thefanout body 310 in a first direction. Engagement between thelips 363 and thefirst end 312 of thefanout body 310 inhibits further axial movement of theanchor insert 360 relative to thefanout body 310 in an opposite second direction. - As shown in
FIG. 20 , asingle mesh sleeve 130, 130 a may be disposed at thesecond end 313 of thefanout body 310 to receive thesheaths 106. In other examples, the number ofmesh sleeves 130 may correspond to the number of sheath groups formed by thedividers 328. Themesh sleeves fanout body 310 using either asleeve retainer arrangement 340 or a shrinkable tube arrangement. - Having described the preferred aspects and implementations of the present disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.
Claims (1)
1. A fanout arrangement comprising:
a fanout body extending along a length between a first end and a second end and along a width between a first side and a second side, the fanout body defining an interior, the first end being configured to receive a cable;
a first organizer disposed at the second end of the fanout body, the first organizer being removable from the fanout body, the first organizer being configured to hold a first plurality of sheaths;
a second organizer disposed at the second end of the fanout body, the second organizer being removable from the fanout body, the second organizer being configured to hold a second plurality of sheaths, the second organizer being offset along the width of the fanout body from the first organizer.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/897,456 US20230062112A1 (en) | 2018-03-30 | 2022-08-29 | Cable fan-out arrangements and methods therefore |
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US201862650524P | 2018-03-30 | 2018-03-30 | |
PCT/US2019/024810 WO2019191570A1 (en) | 2018-03-30 | 2019-03-29 | Cable fan-out arrangements and methods therefore |
US202017044024A | 2020-09-30 | 2020-09-30 | |
US17/897,456 US20230062112A1 (en) | 2018-03-30 | 2022-08-29 | Cable fan-out arrangements and methods therefore |
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US17/044,024 Continuation US11428888B2 (en) | 2018-03-30 | 2019-03-29 | Cable fan-out arrangements and methods therefore |
PCT/US2019/024810 Continuation WO2019191570A1 (en) | 2018-03-30 | 2019-03-29 | Cable fan-out arrangements and methods therefore |
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US20230062112A1 true US20230062112A1 (en) | 2023-03-02 |
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US17/044,024 Active US11428888B2 (en) | 2018-03-30 | 2019-03-29 | Cable fan-out arrangements and methods therefore |
US17/897,456 Abandoned US20230062112A1 (en) | 2018-03-30 | 2022-08-29 | Cable fan-out arrangements and methods therefore |
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US17/044,024 Active US11428888B2 (en) | 2018-03-30 | 2019-03-29 | Cable fan-out arrangements and methods therefore |
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WO2022182657A1 (en) * | 2021-02-25 | 2022-09-01 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Sheath termination and ribbon orienting devices and methods for flat optical fiber ribbons |
WO2023064591A1 (en) * | 2021-10-14 | 2023-04-20 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Staggered breakout assemblies using split mesh sleeving and thread-on transition housing |
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CN102129103A (en) * | 2010-01-20 | 2011-07-20 | 深圳世纪人通讯设备有限公司 | Optical fiber shunt |
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2019
- 2019-03-29 CN CN201980016904.4A patent/CN111801614B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2019-03-29 US US17/044,024 patent/US11428888B2/en active Active
- 2019-03-29 MX MX2020009222A patent/MX2020009222A/en unknown
- 2019-03-29 WO PCT/US2019/024810 patent/WO2019191570A1/en active Application Filing
- 2019-03-29 EP EP19777598.4A patent/EP3776040A4/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2022
- 2022-08-29 US US17/897,456 patent/US20230062112A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US20180149823A1 (en) * | 2015-01-07 | 2018-05-31 | ADC Telecommunications (Shanghai) Distribution Co. Ltd. | Optical cable fanout device |
US20170322380A1 (en) * | 2016-05-05 | 2017-11-09 | Belden Canada Inc. | Overmoulded assembly with strain relief |
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WO2019191570A1 (en) | 2019-10-03 |
US20210124140A1 (en) | 2021-04-29 |
US11428888B2 (en) | 2022-08-30 |
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EP3776040A1 (en) | 2021-02-17 |
EP3776040A4 (en) | 2021-12-08 |
MX2020009222A (en) | 2020-10-14 |
CN111801614B (en) | 2022-10-18 |
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