WO2018113949A1 - Ensemble d'une cassette d'interconnexion de fibres optiques et d'un élément de serrage, boîte de stockage de fibres, élément de serrage et procédé de fermeture - Google Patents

Ensemble d'une cassette d'interconnexion de fibres optiques et d'un élément de serrage, boîte de stockage de fibres, élément de serrage et procédé de fermeture Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018113949A1
WO2018113949A1 PCT/EP2016/082151 EP2016082151W WO2018113949A1 WO 2018113949 A1 WO2018113949 A1 WO 2018113949A1 EP 2016082151 W EP2016082151 W EP 2016082151W WO 2018113949 A1 WO2018113949 A1 WO 2018113949A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cassette
base
cover
clamping member
sealing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2016/082151
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jianming Zeng
Kees Van Trigt
Mijndert Doorn
Original Assignee
Prysmian S.P.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Prysmian S.P.A. filed Critical Prysmian S.P.A.
Priority to PCT/EP2016/082151 priority Critical patent/WO2018113949A1/fr
Publication of WO2018113949A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018113949A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
    • G02B6/444—Systems or boxes with surplus lengths
    • G02B6/4453—Cassettes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
    • G02B6/444—Systems or boxes with surplus lengths
    • G02B6/4441—Boxes
    • G02B6/4446—Cable boxes, e.g. splicing boxes with two or more multi fibre cables
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
    • G02B6/444—Systems or boxes with surplus lengths
    • G02B6/4441—Boxes
    • G02B6/4446—Cable boxes, e.g. splicing boxes with two or more multi fibre cables
    • G02B6/44465—Seals
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
    • G02B6/444—Systems or boxes with surplus lengths
    • G02B6/4452—Distribution frames
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
    • G02B6/444—Systems or boxes with surplus lengths
    • G02B6/4453—Cassettes
    • G02B6/4454—Cassettes with splices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
    • G02B6/444—Systems or boxes with surplus lengths
    • G02B6/4453—Cassettes
    • G02B6/4455—Cassettes characterised by the way of extraction or insertion of the cassette in the distribution frame, e.g. pivoting, sliding, rotating or gliding
    • 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
    • G02B6/44775—Cable seals e.g. feed-through

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an assembly of a fiber optic interconnection cassette and a clamping member, a fiber storage box for storing one or more fibers, a clamping member for closing a fiber optic interconnection cassette and a method for closing a fiber optic interconnection cassette.
  • a fiber optic interconnection cassette is a closure which can be used for protection of a fiber network component against damage. Damage may be caused by external factors, such as the ingress of material (e.g. water or dirt) in the cassette and/or mechanical causes (e.g. forces or pressures).
  • the closure which is provided by the cassette may be advantageous for example in the area of installation of an optical access networks providing a number of end users with broadband communication services from operators, with a typically high rate of data transmission through optical fibers.
  • the optical network may be a so-called known "FFTx" network, such as "fiber-to-the-premises” (FTTP), "fiber-to-the-home” (FTTH) and “fiber-to-the-business” (FTTB) and may comprise a central unit which is connected with one or more optical distribution boxes.
  • the connection between the central unit and the optical distribution box is performed by means of a network cable.
  • each end user can be directly reached by an optical cable (i.e. "drop cable”).
  • One or more optical fibers of a distribution cable can thus be interconnected with optical fibers of one or more drop cables in an interconnection point, wherein a convenient location for branching fiber optic drop cables to subscribers may be provided by these interconnection points.
  • the cassette usually provides a weatherproof encasement which may envelop exposed area between cables, e.g. spliced cables, where jackets have been removed to expose the individual transmission optical fibers to be joined.
  • the optical fibers can be extracted and be spliced to an optical fiber or split in a plurality of optical fibers of a drop cable.
  • a splice cassette may for example require mid-span access to the distribution cable.
  • Such a cassette may additionally contain a splice organizer for facilitating the splicing process and protect the exposed fibers from external influences such as mechanical damage.
  • an assembly comprising a fiber optic interconnection cassette.
  • the cassette comprises a base comprising at least one circumferential sidewall projecting from the base and at least one sealed port arranged for allowing at least one optical fiber to enter and exit the cassette.
  • the cassette further can comprise a cover cooperating with the at least one side wall for enabling closing of the base.
  • a sealing member can be disposed between the base and the cover.
  • the assembly can further comprise a clamping member for clamping the cover to the at least one sidewall of the base against the sealing member so as to provide protection against ingress material to the cassette.
  • the clamping member can comprise a first wall and a second wall. The first wall can be arranged to contact a surface of the cover and the second wall can be arranged to contact a surface of the base.
  • the complexity for obtaining a tight closure can be significantly reduced by means of the assembly.
  • Closing the cassette by the cover and clamping the cover to the base using the clamp can be applied with the least effort, and provides for durable high level ingress protection.
  • the ingress of material such as external or foreign material inside the cassette can thereby be avoided and/or reduced.
  • Such ingress material may potentially comprise solid objects, fluids, liquids, water, dirt, dust, etc.
  • the assembly allows for reducing the labor time required to obtain the sealed closure of the cassette by means of the cover.
  • the clamping member may enable a secure sealing clamping of the cover against the base of the cassette, and may also provide additional protection against mechanical impacts for the cassette.
  • the clamping member can effectively increase and/or better distribute the pressure exerted on the cover for obtaining a tight sealing closure of the cassette.
  • the sealing can j[ZJGi]be improved and thus also protection against ingress material to the cassette.
  • the cassette can be sealed by means of a cover or a lid.
  • the placing of the cover on the base of the cassette and/or the coupling between the cover and the base of the cassette can be carried out in different ways.
  • the cover may be removable or detachable with respect to the base of the cassette. However, in an example, it may also be arranged hingedly or pivotally with respect to the base of the cassette so that the cassette can be opened and closed by performing a pivotal movement of the cover. Many alternatives are possible for arranging a pivot connection.
  • the cassette When the cassette has been sealed by means of the cover, the cassette can be at least partially placed in the clamping member.
  • a large part of the cassette can be placed in the clamping member.
  • the cassette can be held at least by the first wall and the second wall of the clamping member.
  • This can result in a gripping action by the clamping member on the cassette, wherein the clamping member exerts a clamping force on the first wall on a surface of the cover and the second wall exerts a force on a surface of the base.
  • the forces can result in a pressure on contact surfaces on the cassette.
  • the clamping member is arranged to push the first wall and the second wall on the cover and the base, respectively.
  • the clamping member may increase the pressure and/or improve the distribution of the exerted pressure in order to get an enhanced sealing action.
  • the clamping member is formed as a separate component of the assembly.
  • the clamping member may be a separate piece which can be detached from the rest of the assembly. By detaching the clamping member from the cassette and/or removing the cassette from the clamping member, the cassette and the clamping member can be separated. As a result, components of the assembly (i.e. cassette, clamping member) can be replaced more easily, improving inter-changeability.
  • the clamping member may be formed as a unitary piece or may comprise a plurality of parts connectable to each other.
  • the clamping member is shaped such as to snugly fit around the base and the cover, such as to exert a uniformly distributed pressure on the sealing member via the cover and the base.
  • This provides a number of advantages. Firstly, the enclosing of the cassette on a number of sides thereof provides an additional barrier to ingress material, provided by the walls of the clamp. Secondly, by providing a tight fit the sealing action by the clamping member can be improved. Thirdly, a uniformly distributed pressure exerted by such a clamp may also improve the sealing, since it can be prevented that at certain locations along the circumference of the sealing member a weaker sealing is obtained compared to other locations along the circumference of the sealing member. Thus
  • a uniform pressure distribution provided by such a clamp improves the overall sealing quality of the cassette by preventing locations along the circumference of the sealing member having a weaker sealing, i.e. weak spots.
  • a more robust and reliable ingress protection can thus be obtained by the sealing pressure exerted by the clamping member of the assembly, as a result of the more evenly/uniformly distributed pressure.
  • a tight fit may prevent accidental sliding of the cassette with respect to the clamping member.
  • the clamping member comprises a slot arranged for receiving the cassette.
  • the slot may be formed by one or more walls of the clamping member.
  • a slot may provide an opening with dimensions suitable for fitting the cassette inside the clamping member, wherein a tight fit can be provided when the cassette is inserted in the slot of the clamping member.
  • a clamping member may comprise a plurality of slots configured for receiving one or more cassettes inside.
  • the clamping member comprising a slot enabling a substantially uniform distribution of the pressing force pushing the cover on the sidewall of the base of the cassette, without the need of adjustment of the first wall and the second wall with respect of each other (i.e. clamping walls). In this way, the complexity of the design of the clamping member can be reduced while obtaining a sufficient sealing action provided by the clamping member.
  • adjustment means may be provided for changing the dimensions of the opening provided by the slot.
  • the slot of the clamping member may be closable by means of a locking mechanism for locking a cassette inside the slot, at least partially preventing further movement of the clamped cassette with respect to the clamping member.
  • the cassette can be configured to be shifted or pushed in the slot of the clamping member so as to obtain a distributed pressure on the cover of the cassette. In this way, an ingress protection (e.g. watertight sealing) along the circumferential length of the sealing member can be obtained.
  • an ingress protection e.g. watertight sealing
  • the clamping member may further comprise a stop arranged at an opposite end of the slot. Such a stop may support in snugly holding the cassette inside the slot of the clamping member.
  • the cassette comprises a cassette insert module insertable inside the base, wherein the insert module comprises at least means for guiding a fiber optic cable.
  • the insert module may be arranged for holding and/or guiding fiber splices.
  • An extra length of fiber can be stored in the cassette insert.
  • the extra length of fiber may be used for many applications, such as for example for splicing (e.g. used by a splicing machine), splitting, etc.
  • the insert module can be removably coupled with the cassette.
  • the insert module and the base of the cassette are made unitary.
  • the base of the cassette may comprise means for holding the insert module, so that the fibers can enter and exit the cassette being guided through the insert module.
  • the cassette insert module comprises at least one of a group comprising: one or more splice carrying elements, one or more splitter guiding elements, a fiber storage area, and fiber guiding elements.
  • a fiber storage area extra-length portions of the optical fiber can be parked inside the cassette, with the insert module held inside the cassette.
  • the guiding elements may be arranged for collecting extra-length portions of optical fibers in the fiber storage area. It may also be employed for retaining the optical fibers in a position within the cassette.
  • the cassette comprises a first sealed port and a second sealed port.
  • a sealed port may prevent the entrance of material inside the cassette through the port, while allowing optic fiber entering and/or exiting the cassette.
  • a plurality of sealed ports are arranged. By providing for example two sealed ports, through which one or more fibers enter the cassette, the optical fibers can be more conveniently spliced.
  • the at least one sealed port comprises a sealing grommet.
  • the sealing member is arranged on the sidewall of the base and/or the cover.
  • the sealing member can be arranged on the edges of the cover.
  • a force or pressure needs to be exerted on the cover so as to keep the cover in contact with the sealing member. This can be obtained by the clamping member.
  • the sealing member is a sealing biasing member, such as rubber.
  • Other sealing biasing materials than rubber can also be employed.
  • the sealing member may be in the form of a sealing gasket or ring.
  • the sealing member may be housed in a groove formed along a top surface of the sidewall of the base portion.
  • the cassette may be pushed in the slot of the clamping member by performing a shifting movement. This movement may be allowed as a result of the sealing member being able to be at least partially pressed inwards (compression) as a result of the application of a force or pressure on the cover of the cassette.
  • the cassette, clamped by the clamping member may be placed in a fiber storage box or an enclosure which is also to some extent resistant to the ingress of material to the inside. Therefore, inside the enclosure, in which one or more cassettes can be contained, a first level of ingress protection is provided by the enclosure, wherein inside the cassettes clamped by clamping member a second level of ingress protection is provided.
  • the optical fibers and cables inside the enclosure are less susceptible to ingress material, such as for example water or other liquids.
  • the fiber is more sensitive to ingress material.
  • splices are typically significantly more sensitive to water or liquids. A fiber coating of a fiber can be stripped off when making a splice, increasing the vulnerability to water.
  • a higher performance ingress protection may be desired, compared to the ingress protection provided by the enclosure containing the one or more cassettes inside.
  • a higher performance ingress protection can be provided inside the cassette by means of the clamping member compared to the ingress protection provided by the enclosure. In this way, the means for obtaining the ingress protection inside the enclosure containing the one or more cassettes are subject to less stringent conditions.
  • a fiber storage box for storing one or more fibers, the storage box comprising a holding member for holding the assembly.
  • the storage box or enclosure containing the one or more cassettes can be adapted to the assembly comprising the cassette and the clamping member.
  • the design of the enclosure, which is configured to house the one or more cassettes, can be significantly simplified resulting in a cheaper design, wherein a higher damage and/or ingress protection is provided where needed (i.e. inside a clamped cassette) and not for the whole enclosed space inside the enclosure.
  • the storage box wherein the assembly of the invention is placed is at least to some extent also resistant to the ingress of external material, to further protect the cassette against influences or ambient conditions in the surroundings.
  • the storage box, containing one or more cassettes may be placed in an impervious environment, such as a manhole, or attached to a pole and similar places, to provide a higher level of ingress protection than already provided by the assembly of the cassette and clamp in accordance with the invention. This may for instance provide a complete protection against dust or a complete protection against a ingress of water or other liquids.
  • the storage box and the assembly inside the box provide for a first ingress protection level inside the box but outside the cassette, and a second ingress protection level inside the cassette, wherein the second ingress protection level is greater than the first ingress protection level.
  • a clamping member for closing the fiber optic interconnection cassette by clamping the cover to the at least one sidewall of the base against the sealing member so as to provide protection against ingress material to the cassette.
  • the clamping member can be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the cassette for clamping the cover of the cassette to the sidewall of the cassette so as to have the pressure, required for closing the cassette, evenly distributed over the cover by the clamping member. In this way, the pressure can be uniformly distributed along the sealing member.
  • the pressure for closing the cassette is evenly spread over a large portion of the cover for obtaining a better distribution of the clamping pressure.
  • a method for closing a fiber optic interconnection cassette wherein the cassette comprises a base comprising at least one circumferential sidewall projecting from the base and at least one sealed port arranged for allowing at least one optical fiber to enter and exit the cassette, a cover cooperating with the at least one side wall for enabling closing of the base, and a sealing member disposed between the base and the cover, the method comprising the step of clamping by means of a clamping member the cover to the at least one sidewall of the base against the sealing member.
  • the distance between the first wall and the second wall is adjustable.
  • the assembly may comprise locking means for locking the cassette inside the clamping member.
  • the clamping member may comprises adjustment means for adjusting the clamping force exerted on the cassette.
  • a clamping member may comprise a first wall and a second wall between which the cassette is disposed so as to obtain a clamping action.
  • an optical fiber may be an elongated optical element comprising an optical waveguide, constituted by an optically transmissive core, surrounded by a cladding.
  • the optical waveguide can be generally covered by at least one protective coating layer ("coating").
  • Two protective coating layers may be preferably provided: a first coating layer (primary coating) is in direct contact with the optical waveguide, while a second coating layer (second coating) covers the primary coating.
  • a buffer layer may cover the optical fiber.
  • the buffer layer may be substantially in contact with the secondary coating (tight buffer) or it may consist of a small tube housing one or more optical fibers (loose buffer).
  • the buffer can be also protected by a jacket.
  • Fig. 1 shows schematically a cross-sectional side view of an assembly of the current invention
  • Fig. 2 shows schematically an exploded view of a cassette of the current invention
  • Fig. 3 shows schematically a clamping member of the current invention
  • Fig. 4 shows schematically an assembly of the current invention
  • Fig. 5 shows schematically an enclosure and cassette of the current invention
  • Fig. 6 shows a method of the current invention.
  • Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of an assembly 1 comprising a fiber optic interconnection cassette 2 being closed and clamped.
  • the cassette 2 comprises a base 4 with a circumferential sidewall 6 projecting from it, and at least one sealed port 8 arranged for allowing at least one optical fiber to enter and exit the cassette 2.
  • the sealed port is arranged on the sidewall 6.
  • the cassette 2 further comprises a cover 10 cooperating with the side wall 6 for enabling closing of the base 4.
  • a sealing member 12 is disposed between the base 4 and the cover 10.
  • the sealing member 12 is arranged on an outer end of the sidewall 6 of the base 4, wherein the outer end is facing the cover 10. In this way a sealed space 13 can be formed inside the cassette 2 when the base 4 is sealed by the cover 10.
  • the assembly 1 further comprises a clamping member 14 for clamping the cover 10 to the sidewall 6 of the base 4 against the sealing member 12 so as to provide protection against ingress material to the cassette 2.
  • the assembly 1 provides a tight closure and a secure clamping by means of the clamping member 14 so that ingress of material such as water, dirt, moisture, dust, etc. can be avoided or at least partially prevented.
  • the clamping member 14 comprises a slot 16 providing an entrance opening for the insertion of the cassette 2 inside the clamping member 14.
  • the cassette 2 is being clamped between a first part 18a and a second part 18b of the clamping member 14.
  • An inner side 20a of the first part 18a of the clamping member 14 is arranged to be brought in contact with the cover 10 of the cassette 2.
  • an inner side 20b of the second part 18b is arranged to be brought in contact with the base 4 of cassette 2.
  • the contact between the clamping member 14 and the cassette 2 can be achieved by sliding and/or pushing the cassette 2, sealed by the cover 10, inside the slot of the clamping member 14.
  • An end wall 22 of the clamping member 14 forms a stop inside the slot 16.
  • Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a cassette 2.
  • the cassette 2 comprises a base 4 with a sidewall 6 along its periphery.
  • a sealing member 12 is provided on the sidewall 6, on a side facing towards the cover 10 so as to be disposed between the sidewall 6 and the cover 10 when the cassette 2 is closed.
  • the sealing member 12 can also be arranged on the cover 10.
  • a sealing member 12 can be arranged on both the sidewall 6 and the cover 10, wherein during sealing the sealing member 12 is arranged to cooperate so as to form a tight fit. Sealing can be performed in various ways.
  • the sealing member 12 is compressible. Rubber or similar materials may for example be used as a sealing member 12.
  • the base 4 comprises two sealed ports 8 arranged for allowing at least one optical fiber (not shown) to enter and exit the cassette 2.
  • An exploded view of one of the sealed ports 8 is shown in fig. 2.
  • the sealed port 8 comprises a nut 24 for holding a pressing plate 26 against a sealing grommet 28.
  • the sealing grommet 28 forms a sealing body and may prevent the ingress of material (such as liquids) inside the inner space 13 of the cassette 2 when the cassette 2 is sealed by means of the cover 10.
  • the sealing grommet 28 is substantially cylindrical in shape and may be partially pressure inserted in the respective sealed port 8.
  • the sealing grommet 28 is preferably made of rubber, or the like, and includes a plurality of openings for the passage of one or more optical cables and/or optical fibers.
  • the openings of the sealing grommet 28 may extend longitudinally through the sealing grommet 28 of the sealed port 8 (forming a sealing gland).
  • the pressing plate 26 may comprise a plurality of openings for the passage of optical cables and/or optical fibers.
  • the openings formed in the pressure plate 26 can be coaxial with the openings formed in the sealing grommet 28.
  • the nut 24 can be threaded mounted on the respective sealed port 8 thereby housing therein the sealing grommet 28 and the pressing plate 26.
  • a female thread can be formed in an inner wall of the nut 24 suitable for coupling with a male thread formed on an outer wall of the sealed port 8.
  • the nut 24 can be screwed on the threaded end so that an edge of the nut 24 can push the pressing plate 26 against the sealing grommet 28 so that the latter is squeezed on the one or more optical cables and/or optical fibers for sealing possible voids between the openings and one or more optical cables and/or fibers.
  • the assembly 1 may further comprise a cassette insert module 30 insertable inside the base 2.
  • the insert module 30 can be first inserted inside the inner space 13 of the base 4 prior to placing the cover 10 on the sidewall 6 of the base 4 (cfr. arrow A in FIG. 2).
  • the insert module 30 may form a splice cassette insert.
  • the cassette 2 can form a splice cassette 2 with sealed fiber entry ports 8.
  • the insert module 30 comprises a splice housing area 32 comprising a number of side by side splice carrying elements 34, each of which being able to house one or more splices between optical fibers.
  • Guiding elements may be provided configured to collect extra-length portions of optical fibers in the fiber storage area 32.
  • the guiding elements may comprise curved portions having a radius of curvature at least greater than or equal to a minimum bending radius of the optical fibers.
  • the value of the minimum bending radius depends on the type of the optical fibers. For example, it may be in the range of 20-40 mm.
  • the cassette may be adapted for different types of optical fibers by changing the insert module 30.
  • the fiber storage area 32 may further comprise one or more fins 36 that project cantilevered from the top surface of the curved sidewall 38 of the insert module 30 for retaining the optical fibers in position within the insert module 30 (e.g. forming a splice tray).
  • the curved sidewall 38 of the insert module 30 is arranged to cooperate with the sidewall 6 of the base 4 so as to allow insertion.
  • the base 4 and the cover 10 of the cassette 2 can be made by moulding a plastic.
  • the plastic used can for example be ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene).
  • the insert module 30 may be formed by moulding a plastic such as ABS.
  • the sealing grommet 28 of the at least one sealed port 8 and the sealing member 12 can be made of elastomeric and polymeric materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers, vulcanite rubbers, polyurethane foams, soft plastics, soft rubber, flexible rubber.
  • Fig. 3 shows a clamping member 14 arranged for clamping a cassette 2 by holding cover 10 of the cassette 2 against the base 4 of the cassette 2 so as to form a sealed inner space 13 inside of the cassette 2.
  • the clamping member 14 comprises a first part 18a forming top wall 18a and a second part 18b forming a bottom wall 18b.
  • One or more clamping member sidewalls 42 are arranged between the top wall 18a and the bottom wall 18b of the clamping member 14.
  • the one or more clamping member sidewalls 42 extend from the bottom wall 18b to the top wall 18a such as to form a slot 16 in which a cassette can be inserted for being clamped by the clamping member 14.
  • the clamping member 14 is adapted for clamping the cassette 2 between the first part 18a and the second part 18b.
  • the slot 16 provides an entrance for the cassette 2 in a space 44 surrounded by the walls of the clamping member 14. Since the first part 18a and the second part 18b form a wall, the contact interface between the first and second part 18a, 18b and respectively the cover 10 and the base 4 of a clamped cassette 2 can be improved. By means of contact walls of the clamping member 14, a larger contact surface area can be obtained resulting in a more even distribution of the pressure along the periphery of the sealing member 12. Thus, a better sealing of the cassette 2 can be obtained when clamped by the clamping member 14.
  • the clamping member 14 may comprise one or more additional openings.
  • the clamping member 14 comprises an additional opening 46 in the top wall 18a. Further, a cutout is provided in the bottom wall 18b so that insertion and removal of the cassette 2 from the slot 16 of the clamping member 14 can be facilitated.
  • a stop 22 is provided opposite the opening provided by the slot 16 for limiting an extent of movement of the cassette 2. In the shown example, the stop 22 forms a connection between the upper wall 18a and the lower wall 18b of the clamping member 14. However, such a stop can also be connected to one or more of the upper wall 18a, lower wall 18b or sidewall 42.
  • Fig. 4 shows an assembly 1 comprising a clamping member 14 and a cassette 2.
  • the cassette 2 is inserted in the slot 16 of the clamping member 14.
  • the cassette 2 is being clamped by the clamping member 14 between the first part 18a and the second part 18b.
  • a tight fit is provided by the walls of the clamping member 14.
  • the first part 18a forms a contact surface with the cover 10 and the second part 18b forms a contact surface with the base 4, wherein the sealing pressure exerted by the clamping member 14 on the closed cassette 2 is
  • Optical fibers can enter and exit the inner space enclosed by the cassette 2 by means of the sealed ports 8.
  • Fig. 5 shows a storage box or enclosure 50 of an optical access network.
  • the enclosure 50 comprises an enclosure base body 52 and an enclosure cover (not shown).
  • the enclosure cover can be hinged to the enclosure base body 52, so as to close a compartment 60 for housing optical access network components, such as an assembly 1.
  • the enclosure base body 52 comprises a bottom wall 54, and edges 56 upwardly extending from the bottom wall 54. More specifically, the edges may comprise a front edge, a rear edge and a pair of lateral edges.
  • a support element for the clamping member 14 and/or assembly 1 may be arranged so as to allow to hold the clamping member 14 and/or assembly 1.
  • the enclosure 50 can have other shapes and dimensions suitable for housing at least one or more cassettes 2.
  • Openings 58 are formed in each of the lateral edges 56 for housing an optical cable passing through the enclosure 50 and comprising a jacket enclosing a plurality of optical fibers.
  • an access window can be created in the jacket to extract one or more optical fibers from it.
  • the extracted optical fibers can enter the cassette 2 by passing through a sealed port of the cassette 2.
  • a portion of the optical fibers which are not used can be parked in a fiber storage area of the cassette 2.
  • the optical fibers which are used reach a splice housing area, where each of them can be spliced to a respective pre- connectorized optical fiber or alternatively can be split in a plurality of optical fibers.
  • Each optical fiber so spliced or split can exit the cassette 2 of the assembly 1 by passing through the second sealed port and then can exit the enclosure 50 by passing through passages openings 58 preferably formed in the lateral edges 56 of the enclosure base body 52.
  • sealing elements are provided in the enclosure 50, specifically at least at the openings 58 and/or at an upper surface of the edges 56 configured to mate with the cover (not shown) of the enclosure, in order to sealingly close the enclosure 50.
  • the sealing elements may be configured to protect the enclosure from the ingress of foreign objects with a level of protection independent of that of the cassette 2, obtained by means of the clamping member 14 clamping the cassette 2. More specifically, the level of protection of the enclosure 50 is lower than that of the cassette 2 or assembly 1 comprising the cassette.
  • the level of protection in the cassette 2 can be improved by means of the clamping member 14, the level of protection of the inner enclosure space 60 of the enclosure 50 (when sealed) can be lowered. This may result in a simpler design of the enclosure 50.
  • the level of ingress protection of the cassette 2 (or splice tray) can be maintained independent from the level of ingress protection of the enclosure 50, thereby reaching a reduction of the installation costs.
  • the box may have a null level of protection against the ingress of foreign objects or a level of protection against the ingress of foreign objects lower than the level of protection of the cassette 2 in order to reduce even more the design and installation costs.
  • Fig. 6 shows a method for closing a fiber optic interconnection cassette 2.
  • a cassette 2 according to the above description is provided.
  • the cover 10 of the cassette 2 is placed on the base 4 for closing off the cassette 2. This results in the formation of a closed inner space 13 within the cassette 2.
  • the closed cassette 2 is clamped by means of a clamping member 14.
  • the clamping member 14 holds the cover 10 against the sealing member 12 arranged between the at least one sidewall 6 of the base 4 and the cover 10 for sealing of the cassette 2.
  • a clamping pressure can be exerted which pushes the cover 10 against the sealing member 12.
  • the clamping member 14 is adapted to cooperate with the cassette 2. As a result of the clamping of the cassette 2 a uniformly distributed clamping pressure can be provided, resulting in an improved sealing and consequently also an improved ingress protection.
  • the clamping member 14 is arranged for allowing sliding the cassette 2 in the slot 16 of the clamping member 14.
  • the cassette 2 may be a splice cassette for housing splices/sp litters and extra length of fiber optics with an ingress protection level adequate to protect splices/sp litter and fiber optics within the splice cassette.
  • the enclosure 50 which is arranged for holding one or more cassettes 2 can be a splice box 50.
  • the sealed ports 8 of the splice cassette 2 may be water and dust tight fiber unit entry ports.
  • the cover 10 typically has a cooperating shape with respect to the sidewall 6 of the base 4 against which the cover 10 will be pushed for sealing off the cassette 2. To provide the pressure on the cover 10 necessary to reach the required ingress protection level, the cassette 2 with cover 10 is pushed into the clamping member 14. In this way, a splice cassette with the required ingress protection for protecting the splices /splitters and fiber optics is obtained, which enables the overall splice box to have a different ingress protection level.
  • Cables, connectors and fiber units arranged inside an optical cable splice box require a lower level of protection against water/moisture compared to the protection against water/moisture required to protect fiber splices and bare fibers.
  • a box/enclosure 50 having a first level of ingress protection and comprising a splice cassette 2 for housing splices/splitters and extra length of fiber optics, the splice cassette being arranged inside said box/enclosure 50 having a second level of ingress protection, wherein the first level of ingress protection is different from the second level of ingress protection. It may not be necessary to seal the entire splice box to the level required for protection of the fiber splices and the bare fibers only, leading to a simpler design and installation, as well as reduction on total cost of ownership.
  • the sealed fiber entry ports 8 of the splice cassette 2 may be constructed based on multi-entry gland seal principle.
  • the sealed fiber entry ports 8 provide a ingress protection level to at least water and dust entering the cassette.
  • the cassette insert 30 enables the mounting of splices/sp litters and storage of fiber optics.
  • the cassette cover 10 together with a sealing member 12 provides an ingress level protection to at least water and dust entering the cassette 2.
  • the cassette clamp 14 provides the required pressure on the sealing memberl2 between the base sidewall 6 and the cover 10 of the cassette 2.
  • IP-code Ingress Protection-code
  • the IP-code comprises two characteristic numerals, i.e. a first characteristic numeral and a second characteristic numeral.
  • the first characteristic numeral of the IP code determines how the electrical equipment is protected against the ingress of solid foreign objects, including dust, and, on the other hand, states the level of protection of person against access of hazardous parts.
  • the second characteristic numeral of the IP code determines protection of the electrical equipment against damaging effects caused by the ingress of water.
  • a level of ingress protection may optionally be expressed by an IP-code. However, other representations for the ingress protection level may also be used.
  • any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.
  • the word 'comprising' does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim.
  • the words 'a' and 'an' shall not be construed as limited to 'only one', but instead are used to mean 'at least one', and do not exclude a plurality.
  • the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne également un ensemble comprenant une cassette d'interconnexion de fibres optiques et un élément de serrage. La cassette comprend une base avec au moins une paroi latérale circonférentielle faisant saillie à partir de la base et au moins un orifice scellé conçu pour permettre à au moins une fibre optique d'entrer et de sortir de la cassette, un couvercle coopérant avec l'ou les parois latérales pour permettre la fermeture de la base, et un élément d'étanchéité disposé entre la base et le couvercle. L'élément de serrage est agencé pour serrer le couvercle sur l'ou les parois latérales de la base contre l'élément d'étanchéité de façon à assurer une protection contre le matériau d'entrée de la cassette.
PCT/EP2016/082151 2016-12-21 2016-12-21 Ensemble d'une cassette d'interconnexion de fibres optiques et d'un élément de serrage, boîte de stockage de fibres, élément de serrage et procédé de fermeture WO2018113949A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2016/082151 WO2018113949A1 (fr) 2016-12-21 2016-12-21 Ensemble d'une cassette d'interconnexion de fibres optiques et d'un élément de serrage, boîte de stockage de fibres, élément de serrage et procédé de fermeture

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2016/082151 WO2018113949A1 (fr) 2016-12-21 2016-12-21 Ensemble d'une cassette d'interconnexion de fibres optiques et d'un élément de serrage, boîte de stockage de fibres, élément de serrage et procédé de fermeture

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2018113949A1 true WO2018113949A1 (fr) 2018-06-28

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PCT/EP2016/082151 WO2018113949A1 (fr) 2016-12-21 2016-12-21 Ensemble d'une cassette d'interconnexion de fibres optiques et d'un élément de serrage, boîte de stockage de fibres, élément de serrage et procédé de fermeture

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2177265A (en) * 1985-06-26 1987-01-14 Rose Walter Gmbh & Co Kg Pressure-tight housing for cable connector fittings, particularly light wave guides
US20060147171A1 (en) * 2003-07-17 2006-07-06 Darren Dofher Surface inlaid fibre optic network installations
WO2009029259A1 (fr) * 2007-08-27 2009-03-05 Tyco Electronics Corporation Ensemble d'étanchéité pour éléments allongés et procédés d'utilisation correspondants
US20140314387A1 (en) * 2013-04-18 2014-10-23 Furukawa Industrial S.A. Produtos Eletricos Aerial splicebox for fiber optic cables

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2177265A (en) * 1985-06-26 1987-01-14 Rose Walter Gmbh & Co Kg Pressure-tight housing for cable connector fittings, particularly light wave guides
US20060147171A1 (en) * 2003-07-17 2006-07-06 Darren Dofher Surface inlaid fibre optic network installations
WO2009029259A1 (fr) * 2007-08-27 2009-03-05 Tyco Electronics Corporation Ensemble d'étanchéité pour éléments allongés et procédés d'utilisation correspondants
US20140314387A1 (en) * 2013-04-18 2014-10-23 Furukawa Industrial S.A. Produtos Eletricos Aerial splicebox for fiber optic cables

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