WO2009048795A1

WO2009048795A1 - Splice holder with ejector

Info

Publication number: WO2009048795A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/078658
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christophe Desard
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date: 2007-10-09
Filing date: 2008-10-03
Publication date: 2009-04-16

Abstract

A splice holder includes an ejector to facilitate the removal of a fiber optic splice from the splice holder. The splice holder includes a base having a first side and a second side and a plurality of partitions extending from the first side of the base to releasably hold a fiber optic splice. The ejector may be disposed in the base of the splice holder adjacent to at least one of the partitions. The ejector allows removal of a fiber optic splice without disturbing any of the other splices held by the splice holder. The splice holder may be used in a splice tray having a cut-out area in the splicing section of the splice tray.

Description

SPLICE HOLDER WITH EJECTOR

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for securing and retaining fiber optic splices which accommodates a high density of splices, facilitates access to individual splices and minimizes interference with adjacent splices during removal of an individual splice.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Telecommunication networks are increasingly utilizing optical fiber technology to improve the quality of communication because fiber optic networks can handle a higher volume of voice and data transfer than similar sized copper conductor based network. To provide interconnections between widely separated points, splicing is often required to join optical fibers. For example, fiber optic splices are used commonly, in part, to interconnect subscribers to a telecommunication provider, such as a telephone service provider. Two common types of fiber optic splices are fusion splices and mechanical splices, both generally known in the art of fiber optic technology. In order to maintain the quality of transmission over the spliced connection, fiber optic splices are secured in some manner, such as in a splice holder, to prevent undesired agitation, strain and/or damage to the connection. A splice holder can also be used as an organizer to arrange and identify fiber optic splices during installation and maintenance of the fiber network. Conventional splice holders may be made of a foam, rubber or plastic material which can be secured in a splice tray in a fiber optic enclosure or a distribution panel.

A splice holder typically holds the fiber optic splices in a parallel arrangement on a base support. As the fiber network extends closer to the end user more and more fiber optic splices need to be made in a smaller space. When the fiber optic splices are densely packed, removal of one fiber optic splice may interfere with and cause dislodgement of closely positioned adjacent fiber optic splices which could lead to a service disruption.

Therefore, a need exists for an improved splice holder for securing a higher density of fiber optic splices that facilitates access to individual splices and minimizes interference to neighboring splices during removal of an individual splice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a fiber optic splice holder. The splice holder includes a base having a first side and a second side and a plurality of partitions extending from the first side of the base to releasably hold a fiber optic splice. An ejector disposed in the base adjacent to at least one of the partitions to remove the fiber optic splice adjacent to a partition from the splice holder without disturbing any of the other fiber optic splices held by the splice holder. The splice holder may be secured into a splice tray having a cut-out area in it splicing section.

In a second embodiment of the invention, a splice tray includes a splicing section with an ejector. The splice tray includes a support platform having a first side and a second side. A plurality of partitions extends from the first side of the support platform to releasably hold a fiber optic splice. The ejector may be integrally formed in the support platform adjacent to at least one of the partitions to remove the fiber optic splice adjacent to a partition without disturbing any of the other fiber optic splices held by the in the splicing section.

In another embodiment of the current invention, a method is provided to remove a fiber optic splice from a splice holder. The method includes providing a splice holder with splice ejectors. A force is applied to the ejector. The ejector raises an end of the fiber optic splice from a splicing channel in the splice holder and the fiber optic splice is removed from the splice holder.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description that follows more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a top view of a splice holder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows a bottom view of a splice holder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3A-C shows the removal of a fiber optic splice from a splice holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4A shows a cross sectional view of a fiber optic splice positioned in an exemplary splice holder.

Fig. 4B shows a cross sectional view of a fiber optic splice being removed from an exemplary splice holder. Fig. 5 A shows an exploded view of a splice tray having a splice holder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5B shows a bottom view of a splice tray having a splice holder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows a top view of a splice tray having an integral splice holder according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 7A-B show a partial isometric view of splice holder according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8A shows a partial isometric view of splice holder according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 8B-C show cross-sections of the splice holder of Fig. 8A

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The illustrated embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments according to the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The present invention is directed to a high density splice holder device configured to hold different types of conventional fiber optic splices, including fusion splices mechanical splices, and passive and/or active optical components such as splitters, couplers wave division multiplexer devices and the like. The improved splice holder facilitates access to individual fiber optic splices while minimizing interference to neighboring splices during removal of an individual splices. An exemplary embodiment of a novel splice holder 100 is shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

While splice holder 100 may be adapted to receive either fusion or mechanical splices, and either discrete or ribbon fibers, it is equally suited to accommodate similar optical components such as couplers, splitters and attenuators. The top view of splice holder 100 depicted in Fig. 1 includes a base 110 having a shape generally corresponding to splice holding area in splice trays, such as a generally rectangular or other geometric shape (not shown). The base includes a first side 102 (shown as the top side in Fig. 1) and a second side 103 (shown as the bottom side in Fig. 2). In a preferred embodiment, the splice holder may be rectangular or a parallelogram. At least one latching member 180 can extend from the bottom side of the base to secure the splice holder 100 in a splice tray 200 (Fig. 5B).

Splice holder 100 includes a plurality of partitions or arms 120 which extend from the first side of base 110. The partitions define a series of parallel splice channels 130 for receiving individual fiber optic splices 170. While five splice channels are shown in Fig. 1, a splice holder 100 may be configured to include more splice channels or fewer splice channels that are shown, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the present description. The splice channels are shown in a staggered configuration in Fig. 1, but they may also assume an aligned configuration where the end of each splice is in line with the splice adjacent to it.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, two pairs of partitions line each splice channel, one pair proximate to each end of the splice channels. The length and number of partitions associated with each splice channel may vary by design, but should be considered to fall within the scope of the disclosure. The partitions 120 may be staggered to provide a multi-point load on the fiber optic splices, and can be constructed of a resilient material. Each partition 120 includes a flange or hook 125 formed thereon such that the hooks for a given partition pair face each other and overhang the splicing channel that runs between them. Thus, the fiber optic splice 170 is gripped by four hooks to secure the fiber optic splice in the splicing channel 130. The splice holder 100 may optionally include at least one stop 140 to help position the fiber optic splice 170 in the splice holder.

Splice holder 100 also includes a splice ejector 150 positioned in the bottom of each splice channel 130. The ejector may be in the form of a lever (e.g. a cantilevered beam) which is created by cutting the lever arm free of the base 110 of the splice holder 100 on three sides as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Alternatively, the ejectors may be created when the splice holder is formed (e.g. by an injection molding or stamping process). The ejector 150 includes a free end 152 and an attached end 154, the attached end is connected to the base of the splice holder. The ejector may include a knob 156 formed on the bottom side of the free arm of the lever (Fig. 2). The knob facilitates removal of the fiber optic splice when the free end of the ejector is pressed toward the first side 102 from the second side 103 of base of the splice holder.

Figs. 3A-3C show the removal of a fiber optic splice from an exemplary splice holder. Figs. 3A and 4A show the fiber optic splice positioned in the splice holder. An upward force 158 is applied to the knob 156 at the free end of the ejector 150 (Fig. 3B). This causes the upper surface of the free end of the ejector to protrude the first side of the base to press against the fiber optic splice. As a result, an end of the fiber optic splice is lifted from the splicing channel as shown in Figs. 3C and 4B which can be easily grasped by the technician without disturbing the adjacent fiber splices. Fig. 5 A and 5B show a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a splice tray 200, which includes a splice holder device 100 configured to hold and secure different types of fiber optic splices. Splice tray 200 provides a support platform and small storage area so that, e.g., a distribution cable fiber can be connected to a drop cable fiber, or other cable fiber, to distribute a telecommunications signal in an intended manner. Generally, the fibers mentioned herein can be standard optical telecommunications fibers.

As shown in Fig. 5A, splice tray 200 can be formed as a generally rectangular structure. Although the term "splice tray" is used throughout, as is described in more detail below, in alternative aspects, tray 200, and holder 100, can hold passive and/or active optical components, as well as, or instead of, fiber optic splices. Splice tray 200 includes an attachment mechanism that provides a straightforward coupling of the splice tray 200 to a housing, closure or enclosure in which it resides (e.g., an aerial closure, terminal, pedestal, Network Interface Device (NID), fiber distribution unit, etc.). In a preferred aspect, trunion pins 240 may extend from a backside of tray 200 which can engage in a snug fit or a pivot fit with corresponding receptacles in a support structure in the housing, closure or enclosure. Alternatively, conventional fasteners (screws, bolts, etc.) can be utilized. In a preferred aspect, splice tray 200 can be installed in a Network Interface Device

(NID) located at a premises, such as the outside wall of a house. Alternatively, splice tray 200 can be implemented in a cabinet environment.

Splice tray 200 includes a support platform 210 having a first surface 212 (shown as the top surface in Fig. 5A) and a second surface 214 (shown as the bottom surface in Fig. 5B). The splice tray may include one or more external walls 220 around the edges of and extending away from the first surface 212 of the support platform 210. Tray 200 can be formed with a cutout 230 at the splicing area so that a splice holder 100 can be mounted to the tray 200 such that access to the ejectors 150 is available from the second surface 214 of the tray. Access to the ejectors from the second surface 214 of the splice tray is shown in Fig. 5B.

Tray 200 further includes fiber entrance and exit channels 255, 256 formed through the external walls 220. In a preferred aspect, splice tray 200 may be configured to secure the fiber optic splices from at least one outdoor drop line to at least one indoor drop line. Referring back to Fig. 5A, entering/exiting fibers can be routed to/from the splicing area via a fiber routing structure 260 that allows for some slack storage without bending the fiber beyond its minimum bend radius. Further fiber guiding structures 265, can be formed in splice tray 200 to route, support, and secure the fiber(s) being spliced.

In one aspect, fiber from the distribution cable/drop cable is received in fiber entrance/exit channels 255, 256 and then routed to a splice holder 100. The splice holder 100 is configured to support mechanical and fusion splices made to the fiber, as well as passive and/or active components.

The various components of the splice tray 200 can be formed of any suitable material. The materials may be selected depending upon the intended application and may include both polymers and metals. In one embodiment, the splice tray is formed of polymeric materials by methods such as injection molding, extrusion, casting, machining, and the like. Alternatively, components may be formed of metal by methods such as molding, casting, stamping, machining and the like. Material selection will depend upon factors including, but not limited to, chemical exposure conditions, environmental exposure conditions including temperature and humidity conditions, flame retardancy requirements, material strength, and rigidity, to name a few.

In a preferred aspect, the splice holder device 100 can be formed as an integral portion of tray 300 as shown in Fig. 6. In this case the partitions 320 on either side of the splice channels 330 extend from the first surface 312 of the support platform 310 and the ejector 350 is integrally formed in the support platform 310. Optionally, splice tray 300 may include an optical component securing channel 340 disposed between an external wall 322 and an internal wall 345 such that the tray can accommodate a splitter or other optical component in the optical component securing channel and fiber optic splices in the splicing channel. The optical component securing channel 340 can also include an ejector (not shown) located in the bottom of the channel to facilitate removal of the optical component.

Although not shown, splice trays 200, 300 can further include a removable cover, such as a plastic cover, preferably a transparent cover.

Figs. 7A and 7B show a simplified partial view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary ejector for a splice holder. Splice holder 400 includes a base 410 having a shape generally corresponding to a splice holding area in splice trays (not shown). The base includes a first side 402 (shown as the top side in Fig. 7A) and a second side opposite the first side (not shown). Splice holder 400 also includes an ejector 450 positioned in the bottom of each splice channel (not shown). The ejector may be in the form of a lever that resembles a seesaw. The ejector 450 includes a fulcrum 451 which is integrally connected to the base 410 and to a pair of opposing legs 452,453 that extend from the fulcrum. One of the opposing legs 452 can include a pair of spaced apart 455 extending from the top surface of leg 452. When a fiber optic splice 170 is inserted into splice holder 400, it rests between the spaced apart projections 455 on the top surface of leg 452. To remove the fiber optic splice from the splice holder, a downward force 460 is applied to the tops of the spaced apart projections 455. The ejector 450 pivots around the fulcrum 451 causing leg 453 to lift fiber optic splice 170 from the splice holder 400. This design of the ejector allows the activation of the ejector from the same side of the splice tray as the fiber optic splices are disposed which may have advantages in some applications. While Figs. 7A and 7B only show a simplified representation of splice holder with only a single ejector, splice holders capable of retaining multiple fiber optic splices should be considered to be within the scope of the current invention. In embodiments for retaining a plurality of fiber optic splices, the ejectors may be staggered (i.e. the projections may be spaced apart) to facilitate removing a single fiber optic splice without disturbing any adjacent splices. Figs. 8A-C show a simplified partial view of another embodiment of an exemplary ejector for a splice holder. Splice holder 500 includes a base 510 having a shape generally corresponding to a splice holding area in splice trays (not shown). The base includes a first side 502 (shown as the top side in Figs. 8A-8C) and a second side 503 (shown as the bottom side in Figs. 8B-8C). Splice holder 400 also includes an ejector 550 positioned in the bottom of each splice channel (not shown). The ejector may be in the form of a button. The button ejector 550 is fitted into an opening 560 created in the base at the bottom of the splice channel (not shown). Referring to Fig. 8B, an exemplary embodiment of the button ejector may have an "I" shaped cross-section. The button ejector is retained in opening 560 by a flange 552 having a smaller diameter the cross bar portion of the button is disposed on the second side 503 of splice holder 500. To remove a fiber optic splice 170 fitted into splice holder 510, a force 555 (shown as an upward force in Fig. 8B) is applied to the button. The button is lifted in the opening and the upper cross bar of the button pushes fiber optic splice 170 out of splice holder 500. While Figs. 8A-8C only show a simplified representation of splice holder with only a single ejector, splice holders capable of retaining multiple fiber optic splices should be considered to be within the scope of the current invention.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein for purposes of description of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in a very wide variety of embodiments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A fiber optic splice holder comprising: a base having a first side and a second side; a plurality of partitions extending from the first side of the base to hold an fiber optic splice; and an ejector disposed in the base to remove the fiber optic splice from the splice holder.

2. The splice holder of claim 1, further comprising a first splicing channel formed between a first plurality of partitions, wherein the fiber optic splice resides in the first splicing channel.

3. The splice holder of claim 2, wherein the ejector is formed in a bottom of the splicing channel.

4. The splice holder of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic splice is one of a mechanical splice and a fusion splice.

5. The splice holder of claim 1, wherein the ejector comprises a lever, wherein the lever includes a free end and an attached end, wherein the attached end is connected to the base of the splice holder.

6. The splice holder of claim 5, wherein the ejector includes a knob located on the free end of the lever.

7. The splice holder of claim 5, wherein fiber optic splice is removed from the splice holder by pressing on the free end of the ejector from the second side of the base.

8. The splice holder of claim 1, wherein the ejector comprises a lever having a fulcrum and two opposing legs.

9. The splice holder of claim 8, wherein the ejector further comprises a pair of spaced apart projections extending from the top surface of one of the two opposing legs.

10. The splice holder of claim 8, wherein fiber optic splice is removable from the splice holder by pressing on the pair of spaced apart projections.

11. The splice holder of claim 1 , wherein the ejector comprises a button.

12. The splice holder of claim 11 , wherein fiber optic splice is removable from the splice holder by pressing on the button from the second side of the base.

13. The splice holder of claim 1, wherein the splice holder has a plurality of splicing channels, wherein each of the splicing channels has an ejector disposed therein and wherein each of the splicing channel is capable of releasably holding a fiber optic splice.

14. The splice holder of claim 1, wherein the splice holder comprises a structure that is insertable into a cut-out region in a splicing section of a splice tray .

15. A fiber optic splice tray comprising: a support platform having a first side and a second side; and a splicing section integrally formed on a first side of the support platform wherein the splicing section comprises a plurality of partitions extending from the first side of the support platform to hold a fiber optic splice; and an ejector integrally formed in the support platform to remove the fiber optic splice from the splicing section.

16. The splice tray of claim 15, further comprising an optical component securing channel formed on the first side of the support platform.

17. A method of removing a fiber optic splice from a splice holder, the method comprising: providing a splice holder having a splice ejector integrally formed in a base of the splice holder; applying a force to the ejector; raising an end of the fiber optic splice from a splicing channel in the splice holder; and removing the fiber optic splice from the splice holder.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the force is applied from the second side of the base.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the force is applied from the first side of the base.