WO2012123373A1

WO2012123373A1 - Device for extracting an optical element in an optical cable and associated method of extraction

Info

Publication number: WO2012123373A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/054155
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrice Lallinec
Original assignee: Acome Societe Cooperative Et Participative Societe Anonyme Cooperative De Production A Capital Variable
Priority date: 2011-03-11
Filing date: 2012-03-09
Publication date: 2012-09-20
Also published as: FR2972540B1; FR2972540A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for extracting an optical element (82) in an optical cable (8) of the type including a sheath (81) and at least one optical element (82) running inside the sheath (81), the device comprising a body exhibiting: - a cutting part (6) comprising two blades (65, 66) each exhibiting a cutting filament (67, 68), the cutting filaments (67, 68) being positioned with respect to one another while forming a non-zero angle between them, and - a receiving part (5) able to receive the optical element (82), the cutting part (6) and the receiving part (5) being arranged with respect to one another in such a way that when the body (2) is displaced inside the sheath (81) along the optical element in a first direction, the optical element (82) slides in the receiving part (5) and when the body (2) is displaced along the optical element (82) in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, the optical element (82) penetrates between the cutting filaments (67, 68) so as to be sliced by the blades (65, 66).

Description

DEVICE FOR EXTRACTING AN OPTICAL ELEMENT IN AN OPTICAL CABLE AND ASSOCIATED EXTRACTING METHOD

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a device for extracting an optical element in an optical cable, and an associated extraction method.

STATE OF THE ART

The connection of a subscriber to an optical network requires a derivation operation of one or more optical fiber modules from a main optical cable.

A conventional bypass operation consists in removing the protective sheath of the cable over a length slightly greater than the module length that one wishes to derive. The module is then selected and cut in order to be extracted from the sheath.

A disadvantage of this technique is that it requires removing the sheath on a portion of relatively large length, which interrupts the protection of the modules provided by the sheath. The protection must then be restored to restore the mechanical integrity of the cable.

Another disadvantage of this technique is that it requires access to the cable over a large length.

In the case of an optical cable installed in a subterranean pipe, access chambers are generally provided in which a portion of the cable (typically having a length of two meters) is coiled.

Similarly, in the case of an aerial cable or installed on a facade, cable access boxes make it possible to store portions of cable necessary for making taps.

Document FR 2 810 747 A1 discloses an optical cable with continuous accessibility, comprising an oval section protective sheath surrounding a cavity having in cross section two substantially perpendicular axes intersecting at the center of the cavity, and at least two optical fibers possibly assembled in at least two modules. The optical fibers are organized in such a way that they occupy most of the cavity in one axis but leave a large clearance in the other axis of the cavity. The clearance left in the cavity facilitates access to the optical fibers.

During the installation of this cable, it is possible to access continuously, that is to say anywhere in the cable, the optical fibers contained in the sheath.

The derivation operation then consists of making a first access window in the protective sheath by means of a cutting tool at the location chosen for the shunt. Then, a second access window is made in the protective sheath, at a distance from the first window. This distance is chosen according to the length of the optical module portion that one wishes to derive, which may range from a few tens of centimeters to several meters. It then suffices to access the optical module chosen by the second window, to cut it, then to extract it by the first window. After diversion, it is possible to close the windows by fixing lids on the cable sheath.

This technique avoids making a complete removal of the cable sheath over a great length, but nevertheless requires access to the cable at each of the recommended locations for making the windows.

In the case of an optical cable installed in a subterranean pipe, the windows can be made in the portion of cable coiled in an access chamber.

In the case of an aerial cable or installed in frontage, this technique may require the movement of a nacelle operator to go from one window to another.

In addition, this technique entails the risk of error when selecting the module to be cut. This risk is even more important when the second window is located in a location not visible by an operator located near the first window (for example on the floor above in a building). Finally, this technique also requires the use of accessories to close the second window.

WO 2010/103042 A1 describes an extraction device for extracting a module over a large length, ranging from a few tens of centimeters to several meters, by making only one window in the sheath. The extraction device comprises an elongated shaped guide element (for example a tube) comprising a channel extending in a longitudinal direction of the guide element, a transmission element (for example a wire) extending to inside the channel and a cutting element. The guide element is adapted to be inserted inside the sheath along the optical element to convey the cutting element to a cutting point and the cutting element is able to be actuated to distance via the transmission element to cut the optical element at the point of cut.

With this device, it is possible to route the cutting element inside the cable a significant distance from the single window made in the sheath.

A disadvantage, however, of this device is that it requires an actuating mechanism to move the transmissive element within the channel of the guide member. This mechanism requires prior adjustment to accurately control the movement of the cutting element. This mechanism may tend to become unregulated due to repeated use of the device. In addition, the presence of an actuating mechanism increases the cost of the device.

In addition, with such a device, the cutting element must exert a relatively large transverse force on the optical element to produce a break of the optical element. As a result, the cutting element may tend to deteriorate during repeated use of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide an extraction device having a simplified structure and greater reliability. This problem is solved in the context of the present invention by means of a device for extracting an optical element in an optical cable of the type including a sheath and at least one optical element extending inside the sheath, the device comprising a body having

- a cutting section comprising two blades each having a cutting thread, the cutting threads being positioned relative to each other forming between them a non-zero angle, and

a receiving part adapted to receive the optical element, the cutting part and the receiving part being arranged relative to one another so that when the body is moved inside the sheath along the of the optical element in a first direction, the optical element slides in the receiving part and when the body is moved along the optical element in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, the optical element enters between the cutting nets until cut by the blades.

The positioning of the blades, whose cutting threads form a non-zero angle between them, allows a progressive penetration of the blades in the optical element as the body is moved in the second direction.

With such a device, a break in the optical element can be obtained simply because of a reversal of the direction of movement of the body in the sheath.

This device has the advantage of not requiring the use of a particular actuating mechanism and can be operated with one hand.

In addition, with such a device, the force exerted on the blades of the cutting portion is reduced.

The device also makes it possible to obtain a clean cutoff of the optical element.

The proposed device may have the following characteristics:

the angle formed by the two cutting nets is less than 10 degrees, the two cutting threads have a minimum spacing of less than 120 micrometers, preferably less than 100 micrometers,

the cutting portion comprises a junction between the two blades, the junction having a radius of less than 60 micrometers, preferably less than 50 micrometers,

the two blades have a maximum spacing greater than 1, 4 millimeters,

the body comprises a guiding part adapted to receive the optical element for guiding the device along the optical element inside the sheath,

the guide portion comprises a slot for introducing the optical element into the guide portion,

the slot is of helical general shape,

the receiving part comprises a closure element capable of occupying an open position in which the optical element can be introduced into the receiving part and a closed position in which the closure element holds the optical element in the part of reception,

in a first embodiment of the invention, the closure element comprises a flexible tab able to be deformed to occupy the open position or the closed position,

in a second embodiment of the invention, the body comprises an insertion space for insertion of the optical element into the receiving part and the closure element comprises a movable nut capable of being displaced relative to to the body to selectively disengage or close the insertion space,

in a third embodiment, the body comprises a first body portion having a longitudinal receiving slot for receiving the optical element and a second body portion having a longitudinal insertion slot for inserting the optical element, the second body portion being rotatable relative to the first body portion between an open position in which the longitudinal slots are facing each other to allow insertion of the optical element into the slot of reception and a position closed in which the second body portion seals the longitudinal receiving slot to retain the optical element in the receiving slot,

the first body part and the second body part comprise a pin and a slot, the pin being able to slide in the slot to guide the rotation of the second body part with respect to the first body part,

when the closure element occupies a closed position, the closure element defines a reception space having a width greater than 1, 4 millimeters,

the device comprises a drive element connected to the body to push the body inside the sheath in the first direction,

the driving element comprises a flexural cable, longitudinally incompressible,

the driving element comprises a handle for pulling the body inside the sheath in the second direction.

The invention also relates to a method of extracting an optical element in an optical cable of the type including a sheath and at least one optical element extending inside the sheath, with the aid of a device as defined above, the method comprising steps of:

- make an opening in the cable sheath to discover the optical element,

- introducing the optical element into the receiving part of the body, - moving the body along the optical element in a first direction to convey the cutting part to a cutting site, and

moving the body along the optical element in a second direction opposite to the first direction to cause cutting of the optical element at the location of the cutting site. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description which follows, which is purely illustrative and nonlimiting and should be read in conjunction with the appended figures, among which:

FIG. 1 schematically represents an extraction device according to a first embodiment of the invention, in which the closure element is in the open position,

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the cutting part of the extraction device of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sectional portion of the extraction device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 schematically represents the extraction device of FIG. 1, in which the closure element is in the closed position;

FIG. 5 schematically represents a cutting blade,

FIG. 6 schematically represents an extraction device according to a second embodiment of the invention, in which the closure element is in the open position;

FIG. 7 schematically represents the extraction device of FIG. 6, in which the closure element is in the closed position;

FIGS. 8A to 8C schematically represent components of an extraction device according to a third embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 9 schematically represents the device of FIG. 8, in which the closure element is in the open position,

- Figure 10 schematically shows the device of Figure 8, wherein the closure member is in the closed position.

- Figures 1 1 to 15 illustrate schematically steps of an extraction method implementing the extraction device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

Figures 1 to 5 show schematically an extraction device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

In FIG. 1, the extraction device 1 represented comprises a body 2 and a driving element 3.

The body 2 can be formed in a single piece of material, for example steel. The body 2 has an elongated shape with a first end 21 intended to be connected to the driving element 3 and a second end 22 intended to penetrate first into the sheath of the optical cable. From the first end 21 to the second end 22, the body 2 successively comprises an attachment part 4, a receiving part 5, a cutting part 6 and a guiding part 7.

The drive element 3 comprises a cable 31 and a handle 32. The cable 31 has a first end 33 connected to the handle 32 and a second end 34 connected to the attachment portion 4. The cable 31 has a length of 20 cm. approximately 1.5 meters and a diameter of about 2.5 millimeters. It can be formed of a metal spring with contiguous turns so that it has a certain flexibility while being incompressible longitudinally.

The term "incompressible" means that the cable 31 has a longitudinal deformation of less than 1% during its use.

The attachment portion 4 is located at the first end 21 of the body 2 and comprises a bulge 41 and an orifice 42 formed in the bulge 41, the orifice 42 being adapted to receive the end 34 of the cable 31 to allow a welding attachment of the driving element 3 to the body 2.

In this first embodiment, the receiving portion 5 comprises a fixed tab 51 and a movable tab 52 delimiting between them a receiving opening 53 in the body 2 through which an optical element can slide. The receiving portion 5 also includes a locking stop 54. The fixed tab 51 extends in a longitudinal direction of the body 2 between the attachment portion 4 and the cutting portion 6. The movable tab 52 extends from of the cutting portion 6 and presents a free end 55. The movable tab 52 is flexible so that it can be deformed to occupy an open position (shown in Fig. 1) or a closed position (shown in Fig. 4).

When the mobile leg 52 is at rest, it naturally occupies the open position. In this position, an optical element can be inserted between the tab 52 and the stop 54 to be introduced into the receiving opening 53.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the movable tab 52 can be elastically deformed to pass the free end 55 beyond the stop 54. The movable tab 52 is then held in closed position by the stop 54 which prevents the movable tab 52 to return to the open position. When the mobile tab 52 is in the closed position, the tab 52 holds the optical element in the reception opening 53.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cutting portion 6 comprises a V-shaped notch 61 formed in the body 2. The notch 61 extends from the receiving opening 53, in the extension of the receiving opening 53. The notch 61 comprises two straight edges 62 and 63 forming a non-zero angle between them, thus defining between them a cutting space 64 whose width decreases away from the receiving opening 53. Each edge 62, 63 is bevelled to form a blade 65, 66 having a cutting net 67, 68.

The angle formed by the two threads 67, 68 is small so as to limit the force required for the blades to enter the optical element to be cut. This angle is preferably less than 10 degrees. It is typically about 5 degrees.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the cutting portion 6 also comprises a circular junction 69 formed in the body 2 between the two blades 65, 66. The junction 69 has a radius r which is smaller than the radius R of an optical fiber that is to say preferably less than or equal to 60 micrometers.

More specifically, the maximum spacing between the blades 65, 66 is greater than the diameter of an optical element (typically 250 micrometers for a bare fiber, 1, 35 mm for a module containing 12 optical fibers, or 1, 7 millimeters for a module containing 24 optical fibers) to allow penetration of the optical element in the cutting space 64. This maximum spacing is preferably greater than or equal to 1, 4 millimeters.

The minimum spacing between the blades 65, 66 is smaller than the diameter of an optical fiber (typically 125 micrometers) so as to ensure cutting of the fiber (s) contained in the optical element. This minimum gap is preferably less than or equal to 120 micrometers.

The guide portion 7 comprises a guide ring 71 located at the second end 22 of the body 2. The guide ring 71 is adapted to receive an optical element to guide the body 2 along the optical element to inside the cable sheath. The guide ring 71 comprises a helical slot 72 for introducing the optical element into the guide ring 71.

Figures 6 and 7 show schematically an extraction device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

The device is identical to the device of FIGS. 1 to 5 except for the receiving part 5.

In this second embodiment, the receiving portion 5 comprises two fixed parallel tabs 51 and 56 extending in a longitudinal direction of the body 2. The tabs 51 and 56 delimit between them an opening 53 of reception in the body 2 through which an optical element can slide.

The first tab 51 extends between the attachment portion 4 and the cutting portion 6. The second tab 56 extends from the cutting portion 6 and has a free end 57. The second tab 56 is shorter the first tab 51 so that an insertion space 58 remains between the free end of the second tab 56 and the attachment portion 4. This insertion space 58 communicates with the receiving opening 53. The device further comprises a nut 59 positioned around the body 2 and having an internal thread adapted to cooperate with an external thread provided on the external surface of the body 2 to move the nut 59 relative to the body 2.

The nut 59 is able to be moved between an open position

(shown in Figure 6) or a closed position (shown in Figure 7). For this purpose, the nut 59 can be rotated relative to the body 2, which, because of the threads, causes a translation of the nut 59 from the open position to the closed position.

When the nut 59 is in the open position, the receiving space 58 is disengaged (FIG. 6). In this position, an optical element can be inserted into the insertion space 58 to be introduced into the reception opening 53.

When the nut 59 is in the closed position, it obstructs the reception space (FIG. 7). In this way, the nut 59 holds the optical element in the receiving opening 53.

Figures 8 to 10 show schematically an extraction device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

In this third embodiment, the body 2 is formed in two parts. The body 2 comprises in fact a first body part 23 (or inner part) shown in FIG. 8C and a second body part 24 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B (or outer part).

The first body part 23 comprises a first tube 231 having a first end 232 and a second end 233. The first tube 231 comprises a wall 234 and an internal longitudinal channel 235 defined by the wall 234. The first body part 23 also comprises a longitudinal slot 236 introduced into the wall 234 and extending over a portion of the length of the tube 231 from the second end 233 of the tube 231. In addition, the first body member 23 comprises a pin 237 extending radially projecting from the wall 234.

The second body part 24 comprises a second tube 241 adapted to slide on the first tube 231. The second tube 241 has a first end 242 and a second end 243. The second tube 241 comprises a wall 244 and an internal longitudinal channel 245 defined by the wall 244. The second body member 24 comprises a first longitudinal slot 246 insertion, visible on the Figure 8A, made in the wall 244 and extending over the entire length of the tube 241 from the first end 242 of the tube to the second end 243 of the tube.

The second body member 24 also includes a transverse slot 247 formed in the wall 244 and extending proximate the first end 242 of the tube. The transverse slot 247 is arranged to receive the peg 237 of the first body part 23 when the second tube 241 is threaded around the first tube 231 in order to block the body parts 23 and 24 in translation relative to one another. other while allowing a certain degree of rotation of the second body part 24 with respect to the first body part 23.

The second body part 24 finally comprises a second longitudinal slot 248, visible in FIG. 8B, and a V-shaped notch 61 formed in the wall 244. The notch 61 is extinguished after the extension of the second slot longitudinal 248 and delimits a cutting space 64. Thus, the second longitudinal slot 248 extends over a portion of the length of the tube 241 from the first end 242 of the tube 241 to the cutting space 64.

In Figure 9, the device 1 is shown in the open position. In this position, the second body piece 24 extends around the first body piece 23. In other words, the first body piece 23 is received in the longitudinal channel 245 of the second body piece 24. The second piece of body body 24 is positioned relative to the first body part 23 so that the first longitudinal slot 246 for insertion of the second tube 241 is opposite the longitudinal slot 236 for receiving the first tube 231.

In this way, an optical element 82 can be inserted into the longitudinal slots 236 and 246 inside the channel 235. In addition, the pin 237 is received in the transverse slot 247 to block the body parts 23 and 24 in translation relative to each other. In this configuration, the longitudinal slot 236 extends beyond the second body member 24. In addition, the second end 233 of the first body member 23 is flush with the second end 243 of the second body member 24. To close the device, it is sufficient to rotate the second body part 24 relative to the first body part 23 about a longitudinal axis of the first body part 23. The movement of the second body part 24 relative to the first body part 23 is guided by the displacement of the pin 237 in the transverse slot 247. During its movement, the second body part 24 partially closes the longitudinal slot 236 in which the optical element 82 is received. In addition, the first body part 23 closes the longitudinal slot 246.

In Figure 10, the device is in the closed position.

In this position, the pin 237 abuts against one end of the transverse slot 247. The second longitudinal slot 248 for receiving the second tube 241 is opposite the longitudinal slot 236 for introducing the first tube 231 and the second tube 231. notch 61. The optical element 82 is trapped in the second longitudinal slot 248 by the second body piece 24, the long longitudinal slot 248 thus defining a receiving opening.

An advantage of this third embodiment is that in the closed position, the longitudinal slots 236 and 246 are obstructed by the walls 244 and 234 of the second body part 24 and the first body part 23. insertion of the body 2 inside the sheath of the cable, optical elements are introduced into the slot 236 or 246. The manipulation of the device is facilitated.

FIGS. 11 to 15 schematically illustrate steps of an extraction method implementing the extraction device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10.

In FIG. 11, the optical cable 8 represented comprises a sheath 81 and a plurality of optical elements 82 extending inside the sheath. 81. Each optical element 82 comprises an envelope enclosing at least one optical fiber.

According to a first step (FIG. 11), an operator makes an opening 83 in the sheath 81 at the place where he wishes to make a bypass.

According to a second step (FIG. 12), the operator selects an optical element 82 that he wishes to derive and introduces the optical element 82 selected in the reception part 5. In the case of the first and second embodiments, the operator introduces the optical element 82 in the guide ring 71 and in the opening 53 of reception. Then it moves the movable tab 52 or the nut 59 in the closed position to retain the optical element in the receiving opening 53.

In the case of the third embodiment, the operator introduces the optical element 82 in the insertion slot 236 and in the receiving slot 248. Then he rotates the second body part 24 with respect to the first piece of body 23 in the closed position to retain the optical element in the receiving slot 248.

According to a third step (FIG. 13), the operator inserts the body 2 inside the sheath 81 through the opening 83. The operator moves the body 2 along the optical element 82 in a first direction , by pushing on the driving element 3, until the receiving part 5 is at the location of a desired cutting point.

During the introduction of the driving element 3 inside the sheath 81, the optical element 82 slides in the guide ring 71 and in the reception opening 53 or the reception slot 248. body 2 is thus guided inside the sheath 81 of the cable by the optical element 82, while being kept parallel to the optical element 82.

According to a fourth step (FIG. 14), once the cutting point is reached, the operator pulls on the handle 32, which has the effect of moving the body 2 along the optical element 82 in a second, opposite direction in the first sense.

The optical element 82 then enters the cutting space 64, between the two cutting threads 67, 68 of the blades 65, 66. As the operator pulls on the handle 32, the optical element 82 penetrates deeper and deeper into the notch 61 and the cutting threads 67, 68 cut into the optical element 82. The cutting threads 67, 68 penetrate the optical element 82 until the optical element is completely cut by the blades 65, 66. The particular positioning of the blades 65, 66, whose cutting threads 67, 68 form a non-zero angle between them, allows the progressive penetration of the blades 65, 66 in the optical element as the body 2 is moved in the second direction.

The arrangement of the blades 65, 66 has the advantage of limiting the force exerted by the optical element on the blades and therefore preserve the blades of rapid wear. This arrangement also makes it possible to obtain a clean cut of the optical element.

The device 1 can then be removed from the cable 8 through the opening 83.

According to a fifth step (FIG. 15), the operator extracts a sectioned portion of the optical element 82 through the opening 83. The extracted optical element portion 82 can then be used to operate a bypass.

Claims

1. Device (1) for extracting an optical element (82) in an optical cable (8) of the type including a sheath (81) and at least one optical element (82) extending inside the sheath ( 81), the device comprising a body (2) having:

- a cutting portion (6) comprising two blades (65, 66) each having a cutting thread (67, 68), the cutting threads (67, 68) being positioned relative to one another forming between them a non-zero angle, and

a receiving part (5) able to receive the optical element (82), the cutting part (6) and the receiving part (5) being arranged relative to one another so that when the body (2) is moved inside the sheath (81) along the optical element in a first direction, the optical element (82) slides in the receiving part (5) and when the body (2) ) is moved along the optical element (82) in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, the optical element (82) enters between the cutting threads (67, 68) until it is cut by the blades ( 65, 66).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the angle formed by the two cutting nets (67, 68) is less than 10 degrees.

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two cutting nets (67, 68) have a minimum spacing of less than 120 micrometers, preferably less than 100 micrometers.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutting portion (6) comprises a junction (69) between the two blades (65, 66), the junction (69) having a radius less than 60 micrometers preferably less than 50 micrometers.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two blades (65, 66) have a maximum spacing greater than 1, 4 millimeters.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the body (2) comprises a guide portion (7) adapted to receive the optical element (82) for guiding the device (1) along the optical element (82) inside the sheath (81).

The device of claim 6, wherein the guide portion (7) includes a slot (72, 236, 246) for introducing the optical element (82) into the guide portion (7).

8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the slot (72) is generally helical.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a closure member (52, 59, 23) adapted to occupy an open position in which the optical element (82) can be introduced into the receiving portion (5). ) and a closed position in which the closure element (52, 59, 23) holds the optical element (82) in the receiving part (5).

Device according to claim 9, wherein the closure element (52) comprises a flexible tab adapted to be deformed to occupy the open position or the closed position.

1 1. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the body (2) comprises an insertion space (58) for insertion of the optical element into the receiving portion (5) and the closure member (59) comprises a movable nut movable relative to the body (2) for selectively disengaging or closing the insertion space (58).

The device according to claim 9, wherein the body (2) comprises a first body portion (23) having a longitudinal receiving slot (236) for receiving the optical element (82) and a second body portion (24). ) having a longitudinal insertion slot (246) for inserting the optical element (82), the second body portion (24) being rotatable relative to the first body portion (23) between an open position in which the longitudinal slots (236, 246) are opposite one another to allow insertion of the optical element (82) into the receiving slot (236) and a closed position in which the second part of body (22) closes the longitudinal receiving slot (236) to retain the optical element (82) in the receiving slot (236).

The device according to claim 12, wherein the first body portion (23) and the second body portion (24) comprise a pin (237) and a slot (247), the pin (237) being slidable in the slot (247) for guiding the rotation of the second body portion (24) relative to the first body portion (23).

14. Device according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein, when the closure element (52, 59, 23) occupies a closed position, the closure element (52, 59, 23) defines a space of receiving (53, 236) having a width greater than 1, 4 millimeters.

15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a drive member (3) connected to the body (2) for pushing the body (2) inside the sheath (81) in the first direction.

16. Device according to claim 15, wherein the driving element (3) comprises a flexible cable (31), incompressible longitudinally.

17. Device according to one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the driving element (3) comprises a handle (32) for pulling the body (2) inside the sheath (81) in the second meaning.

18. A method of extracting an optical element in an optical cable of the type including a sheath (81) and at least one optical element (82) extending inside the sheath, using a Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 17, the method comprising steps of:

- making an opening (83) in the sheath (81) of the cable to discover the optical element (82),

introducing the optical element (82) into the receiving part (5) of the body (2),

moving the body (2) along the optical element (82) in a first direction to convey the cutting portion (6) to a cutting site, and

moving the body (2) along the optical element (82) in a second direction opposite to the first direction to cause cutting of the optical element (82) at the cutting site.