EP3172606A1

EP3172606A1 - Distribution container for optical fibres

Info

Publication number: EP3172606A1
Application number: EP15732950.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tommaso Pensato; Claudio MEGA
Original assignee: Optotec SpA
Current assignee: Optotec SpA
Priority date: 2014-07-24
Filing date: 2015-05-25
Publication date: 2017-05-31
Also published as: WO2016012873A1

Abstract

A distribution container for optical fibre cables comprising a containment box (2) defining an internal housing compartment (3) and having two base surfaces (S1,S2) opposite each other. The containment box (2) comprises at least one inlet portion (8) and at least one outlet portion (9) for at least one optical fibre cable (C). The container (1 ) comprises a supporting structure (12) suitable for receiving a plurality of junction modules (M) for the optical fibres arranged stacked along planes that lie parallel to at least a first base surface (S1 ). The container comprises a tray (13) suitable for receiving at least one optical fibre and/or at least one optical fibre cable (C), which are not engaged with the junction modules (M) and are wound inside a groove (14) arranged at least along a portion (13a) of the periphery of the tray (13).

Description

DISTRIBUTION CONTAINER FOR OPTICAL FIBRES

The present invention relates to a distribution container for optical fibre cables, hereinafter indicated as container.

The increasing use of high-speed network applications along with the high population density nowadays requires a massive installation of optical cabling networks with a high number of fibres and therefore a large use of distribution containers for the junction of the optical fibres.

The present invention finds particular application in the telecommunications field, in particular wherever there is need for a connection unit of the optical fibre system for optical access to the network infrastructure.

Usually, this is a sealed container suitable to protect the optical fibre joints from external agents that may interfere with the proper operation of the fibres. In particular, it is a mechanical distribution box for optical fibre cables generally constituted by two largely symmetrical half-shells, which are the body of the box itself and define two flat base surfaces of the container. The optical fibres are distributed inside the container within junction modules on which they are spliced.

The containers must be often placed in areas difficult to access and/or characterized by small spaces, inside wells or utility rooms of buildings, such as condominiums, and therefore containers with small size are needed.

The present invention therefore relates in particular to distribution containers for optical fibre cables having a small volume, in other words micro-containers.

These containers, in order to meet and comply with the most stringent directives, preferably should be made with volumes of up to 2 litres. Hence, the need to minimize the size of the containers to obtain small overall sizes that are easily manageable.

Containers of small size are known in which the junction modules, generally having a planar shape similar to tabs, are arranged alongside and stacked on each other to be arranged parallel or transversely with respect to the base surfaces of the container so as to occupy the least possible space.

In a possible embodiment shown in the publication US6249632, the tabs are arranged with planes that lie parallel to a base surface in which a half- shell lies, while in patent application US2003/0091315 the tabs are arranged transversely with respect to the base surface.

However, in addition to the junction modules, in the container it must also be placed the wiring of the optical fibre cables.

In fact, the container must have an appropriate containment volume for optical fibre cables needed to make the connection container compatible with the optical fibre network within a specific maximum distance as provided by the extension length of each cable.

The excess wiring, otherwise also defined as surplus cable, which is therefore not used for the junction of the optical fibres, is maintained and arranged within the container in order to protect it from the outside and to be ready for future use.

The positioning of the excess wiring is one of the critical points of the distribution containers for optical fibre cables of the prior art, in fact its placement often determines the overall dimensions of the entire container, which desirably must be as small as possible.

A technical problem of the arrangement of optical fibre cables, and then of the fibres themselves, is that these cannot be wound with too small radii of curvature, because of problems of a proper signal transmission. Therefore, since they cannot be wound in coils of small size and not being easily storable, they must necessarily have a bulky development inside the container, with radii of curvature that allow the correct operation of the optical fibre by preventing an excessive stress of the cables.

The search of the reduced size and the physical limit in the positioning of the wiring interfere greatly with the internal arrangement of the other elements within the container. Consequently, the containers of the known art are disorganized and the various components therein are difficult to access.

In particular, both during the joining and maintenance operations in the installation phase and in later stages of life of the container, such as for example subsequent wiring installations, the containment zone of the cables is hardly accessible and often, in order to access to certain cables to be wired, it is necessary to remove other cables. This operation implies greater stress for the fibres, even those that should not be used, which must, however, be manipulated to be removed from the place of storage. Note also that, since the fibres not wired used in the boxes located downstream, whenever they are handled all the fibres for the selection of those to be wired, malfunctions may occur in the signal transmission to the users downstream. Containers are known in which the most common solution is to arrange the excess wiring below the junction modules, as shown for example in US patent US6249632.

The disadvantage in the choice of these systems, however, is that the height of the container is increased and therefore excessive compared to the other two dimensions, because of the superimposed positioning of junction modules at the excess wiring.

The solution is however not very versatile also as regards the portions of the inlet and outlet of the cables, which are arranged only along a transverse edge of the container.

Also known are solutions in which the junction modules lie on respective vertical planes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the planar development of the main plane of the base of the container, and in which the surplus wiring is rolled up and arranged on the base surface of the box, on a path surrounding the portion of the modules closest to the aforementioned main plane of the base of the container. An example of this type of interior arrangement is found, for example, in patent application US2003/0091315. In fact, in this solution is described a container whose modules are housed vertically in a respective support associated with the base surface of the containment box; however, in addition to being a solution obviously cumbersome, due to the arrangement of the modules along a development plane transverse to development of the container, which determines a considerable height of the container itself, also remain unused volumes between the modules themselves and the inner side surfaces of the container.

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a distribution container for the junction of optical fibre cables that overcomes one or more drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a distribution container for optical fibre cables, which is structurally simple, compact, particularly small, and that optimizes the spatial internal distribution of its components while minimizing the empty spaces.

A further object of the present invention is to propose a distribution container for optical fibre cables, which allows an ordered and selective access of its internal components, facilitating the joining and maintenance operations, and allows at the same time to arrange adequately the cables along paths that cannot cause stress conditions for the cables.

Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to propose a distribution container for optical fibre cables, which is versatile and usable in any application regardless of the in and out directions of the cables. The technical task mentioned and the objects stated are substantially achieved by a method and a distribution container for optical fibre cables, comprising the technical characteristics set out in one or more of the appended claims.

In particular, the present invention provides a distribution container for optical fibre cables comprising a containment box defining an internal housing compartment and having two base surfaces opposite each other. The containment box comprises at least one inlet portion and at least one outlet portion for at least one optical fibre cable.

The container includes a supporting structure suitable for receiving a plurality of junction modules, each of which exhibiting connection paths for at least one optical fibre.

Each junction module is arranged, in an operative configuration of the container, along a plane that lies parallel to at least a first base surface of the two base surfaces, and the junction modules are stacked in such a manner as to define an overall volume of the junction modules.

The container comprises a tray suitable for receiving at least one optical fibre and/or at least one optical fibre cable, which are not engaged with the junction modules and are wound inside a groove arranged at least along a portion of the periphery of the tray.

The dependent claims, here embodied for reference, correspond to different embodiments of the invention.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of an exemplary, but not exclusive, and therefore non-limiting preferred embodiment of a container for optical fibres, as illustrated in the appended figures, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a distribution container for optical fibre cables according to a possible embodiment of the present invention in the operative configuration;

- Figure 2 is a partial schematic exploded perspective view of the detail of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the container of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of Figure 3 in which the tray is in a non-operative configuration;

- Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of Figure 4 in which the supporting structure of the junction modules is in a non-operative configuration; - Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of Figure 5 in which the junction modules are in a non-operative configuration;

- Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of Figure 5 from a different perspective, in a first possible configuration of the wiring;

- Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of Figure 5 from a different perspective in a second possible configuration of the wiring; and

- Figure 9 is a schematic bottom perspective view of a second portion of Figure 8.

With reference to the attached figures, 1 refers to a container for the junction of optical fibre cables as a whole.

Note that the term optical fibre cable includes a cable composed of at least one optical fibre.

The container 1 comprises a containment box 2 defining an internal housing compartment 3 and having two base surfaces S1 ,S2 opposite each other,

The internal housing compartment 3 is defined by the internal volume of the containment box 2.

Preferably, the containment box 2 defines a volume lower than or equal to

2 litres to be so used in compliance with the most stringent regulations in terms of size.

The containment box 2 is formed by two coupable semi-parts 2a,2b respectively defining the two base surfaces S1 ,S2.

In other words, the two base surfaces S1 ,S2 lie respectively on the main development plans of the two semi-parts 2a,2b.

In a possible embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, preferably the two semi-parts 2a, 2b are fixable to each other by the use of closing profiles 4 arranged along the longitudinal edges of the semi-part 2b and engageable with the semi-part 2a by means of fastening devices 5, and by the use of screws 6 passing through the semi- part 2b perpendicular to the base surfaces S1 ,S2 and insertable in the semi-part 2a, so as to firmly lock the two semi-parts 2a, 2b therebetween. Preferably, the containment box 2 is made of sealing material resistant to external atmospheric agents so as to protect the contents of the container 1 .

The containment box 2 can also be fixed to a support, for example a wall, using preferably the connecting portions 7, which are integral with the half- part 2a in the embodiment illustrated in the attached Figures.

The containment box 2 according to the present invention comprises at least an inlet portion 8 and at least an outlet portion 9 for at least one optical fibre cable C, which will be referred to as cable C in the continuation of the description.

Note in this regard that, as will become clear from the subsequent description, the inlet portion 8 and the outlet portion 9 can also be inverted. In other words, an inlet portion 8 can also be an outlet portion 9, and vice versa. In fact, thanks to the present invention, a cable C can advantageously enter or exit from an inlet portion 8 or from an outlet portion 9 indifferently, i.e. there is not necessarily any limit by which a portion has to be indiscriminately an input portion or an output portion. Preferably, inside the housing compartment 3 is disposed a supporting frame 10 engaged with the first base surface S1 of the containment box 2 and having at least a first longitudinal edge 10a parallel to the first base surface S1 .

Preferably, the inlet portion 8 and the outlet portion 9 are arranged near at least one transverse edge 10c of the supporting frame 10.

Preferably, the supporting frame 10 comprises shaped walls 10' defining extensions of the inlet portion 8 and/or the outlet portion 9 of the containment box 2. In other words, the shaped walls 10' are arranged along the transverse edges 10c of the supporting frame 10.

Still more preferably, the shaped walls 10' are at least partially inserted within the inlet portion 8 and/or outlet portion 9, as shown in Figures 3-6. In the embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figure 2, gaskets 1 1 are provided that are inserted in the shaped walls 10' between the extensions of the inlet portion 8 and/or the outlet portion 9 in order to wind up the cables C entering or outgoing from the container 1 and to protect the contents of the housing compartment 3 from dirt or external agents. Note that the gaskets 1 1 are schematically represented in the attached figures according to two possible embodiments.

In Figures 3-6 the gaskets 1 1 are not shown to put greater emphasis on other components of the container 1 .

The container 1 according to the present invention comprises a supporting structure 12 suitable for receiving a plurality of junction modules M, each of which exhibiting connection paths M' for at least one optical fibre of at least one optical fibre cable C.

The junction modules M, also known as junction tabs, are of known type. Each junction module M is arranged, in an operative configuration of the container 1 , along a plane that lies parallel to the first base surface S1 . The junction modules M are stacked sin such a manner as to define an overall volume of the junction modules M.

Note in this regard that the term operative configuration of the container 1 refers here to the configuration in which the container 1 is arranged, as illustrated in Figure 1 , i.e., when the containment box 2 is closed defining an internal housing compartment 3.

Preferably, the supporting structure 12 of junction modules M extends along a plane that lies parallel to the planes in which the junction modules (M) lie and it is rotatably hinged to the supporting frame 10 along a first tilt axis X that is a parallel and through-axis for the first longitudinal edge 10a of the supporting frame 10 and for a first longitudinal edge 12a of the supporting structure 12.

Advantageously, in this way the supporting structure 12 is movable between an operative configuration wherein it is arranged parallel to the first base surface S1 and a non-operative configuration wherein it is in a distanced position with respect to the first base surface.

Preferably, the junction modules M are rotatably hinged one by one to the supporting structure 12 along tilt axes parallel to the first longitudinal edge 10a of the supporting frame 10, each tilt axis being a through-axis for a respective connecting portion M" of the junction modules M.

Advantageously, in this way the junction modules M are movable between an operative configuration, wherein they are arranged parallel to the supporting structure (12), and a non-operative configuration, wherein they are in a distanced position with respect to the supporting structure 12.

Preferably, the tilt axes of the junction modules 12 are through-axes for a second longitudinal edge 12b of the supporting structure 12, the edge 12b being opposite the first longitudinal edge 12a of the supporting structure 12. In other words, the sense of opening/closing of the supporting structure 12 with respect to the supporting frame 10 is reverse to the direction of opening/closing of the junction modules M, which, in addition to rotating about their tilt axes, can rotate also integrally with the supporting structure 12 about the tilt axis X.

Advantageously, therefore, the overall dimensions of the junction modules M, which in the operative configuration of the container 1 are arranged parallel to the base surfaces S1 ,S2, during a non-operative configuration of the container (for example, during the maintenance phases in which the semi-part 2b is removed from the containment box 2) can be moved laterally by rotating the supporting structure 12 along the tilt axis X. In this way, the user can selectively operate inside the container 1 without the encumbrance due to the modules junction M may hinder its operations. With reference to Figures 2-6, the container 1 comprises a tray 13 suitable for receiving at least one optical fibre and/or at least one optical fibre cable C, which are not engaged with the junction modules M and are wound inside a groove 14 arranged at least along a portion 13a of the periphery of the tray 13. Preferably, the groove 14 of the tray 13 extends around the overall volume of the junction modules M.

Preferably, the tray 13 is centrally hollow and the groove 14 of the tray 13 extends with a height A lower than or equal to a height B of the overall volume.

In this regard, it is noted that the height A of the groove 14 and the height B of the overall volume of the junction modules M are measured in a direction perpendicular to the first base surface S1 .

In the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, in particular an upper surface 13b of the tray 13, configured to be facing the base surface S2 of the semi-part 2b in the operative configuration of the container 1 , it is coplanar to the upper surface of the junction module M having an upper face facing towards the base surface S2 through the central cavity of the tray 13.

Advantageously, therefore, the excess wiring, comprising the cables C and the optical fibres not engaged with the junction modules M, can be wound around the junction modules M in the groove 14 of the tray 13 by exploiting and optimizing the unused side space around the overall volume of the modules M themselves.

In this way, the cables C and the optical fibres can be bent with large radii of curvature such as to not hamper their operation.

Preferably, the tray 13 is rotatably hinged to the supporting frame 10 along a second tilt axis Y parallel to the first longitudinal edge 10a of the supporting frame 10, the axis Y also being a through-axis for a second longitudinal edge 10b of the supporting frame 10 and the edge 10b being opposite the first longitudinal edge 10a of the supporting frame 10.

Advantageously, in this way the tray 13 is movable between an operative configuration, wherein it is arranged parallel to the supporting frame 10, and a non-operative configuration, wherein it is in a distanced position with respect to the supporting frame 10. Preferably, the supporting structure 12 is configured to be arranged between the supporting frame 10 and the tray 13 in the operative configuration of the supporting structure 12 and of the tray 13.

Advantageously, therefore, the overall dimensions of the tray 13 which receives the cables C and the optical fibres not engaged with the junction modules M, during a non-operative configuration of the container 1 (for example, during maintenance phases in which the semi-part 2b is removed) can be moved laterally by rotating the tray 13 along the tilt axis Y.

In this way, the user can selectively operate inside the container 1 without the encumbrance due to the modules junction M may hinder its operations. In other words, the user, after removing the semi-part 2b of the containment box 1 , may advantageously move the tray 13 from one side, by tilting it along the second tilt axis Y, move the supporting structure 12 on the side opposite that of the tray 13 by flipping it along the tilt axis X, and "browse" through the junction modules M along their tilt axes as if they were pages of a book.

Preferably, in the operative configuration of the container 1 , the overall volume of junction modules M forms an oblique prism.

Preferably, one junction module M of the plurality of junction modules M in the operative configuration is arranged adjacent to a junction module M, translated along the plane in which it lies so as to define a step, as shown in Figures 3-5.

With reference to Figures 5-6, the supporting frame 10 comprises a plurality of raised guides 15 suitable for directing said at least one optical fibre towards the plurality of junction modules M and/or towards the groove 14 of the tray 13, and/or for directing said at least one optical fibre cable C towards at least one inlet portion 8 and/or towards at least one outlet portion 9 and/or towards the groove 14.

In fact, the raised guides 15 form curvilinear paths for the cables C that allow the cables C to enter from any inlet portion 8 arranged indifferently along any of the transverse edges 10c of the supporting frame 10 and to exit from any outlet portion 9 arranged indifferently along any of the transverse edges 10c of the supporting frame 10.

In other words, the user who has to prepare a cable C in the container 1 , can insert a cable C inside an inlet portion 8 and subsequently direct it through one or more raised guides 15 towards the destination.

In Figure 7 is shown a schematic example of wiring of a cable C entering from an inlet portion 8 arranged along a transverse edge 10c of the supporting frame 10 and outgoing from an outlet portion 9 arranged along the opposite transverse edge 10c.

Instead, in Figure 8 is shown a schematic example of wiring of a cable C entering from an inlet portion 8 arranged along a transverse edge 10c of the supporting frame 10 and outgoing from an outlet portion 9 also arranged along the same transverse edge 10c.

In the figures, there is provided a schematic representation of the path of the cable C after being inserted inside the containment box 2; the optical fibres that constitute it extend partially inside the raised guides 15 to reach the junction modules M, while the excess wiring can advantageously be wound along the groove 14 and then be redirected towards the outlet portion 9. In addition, in Figures 7-8 is represented by way of example a portion of a possible further U cable incoming/outgoing at the transverse edge 10c of the supporting frame 10; the U cable may be for example of the user cable to which the container 1 must be connected via the cable C. In particular, in the solution of Figure 8, the cable C, in order to reach the outlet portion 9, is passed in the lower part of the frame 10 in a redirecting zone R between the semi-part 2a and the supporting frame 10 to enable a redirecting path that have large radii of curvature in the case of cable C incoming and outgoing from the same transverse edge 10c.

Advantageously, the redirecting zone R is configured as a very small volume of the containment box 2, which remains selectively separated from the other components and the remaining portions of the wiring of the cable C. In fact, it is known that this end part of the cable C contained in the redirecting zone R, before the exit of the cable C from the container 2, in addition to being particularly delicate being more subject to mechanical stress, is rarely used by the operator since it represents the portion of the cable C required to reach the outlet portion 9, therefore, it is not subject to frequent operations.

Thus, remaining "isolated" in the redirecting zone R, this portion of the cable C is not subject to displacements and stresses, and advantageously also does not hamper the maintenance operations on the cable C in excess or not in excess, remaining however selectively accessible when needed.

In Figure 9 it is shown the development of the excess cable C towards the outlet portion 9 in the configuration the inlet portion 8 and the portion outlet 9 are arranged along the same transverse edge 10c, as in the example of Figure 8.

To allow for an easy development of the excess wiring while avoiding mechanical stresses which may affect the correct operation of the cable C, the supporting frame 10 is provided with protrusions 10d extending within the thickness of the redirecting zone R and defining guides for the disposition of the excess cable C along a redirecting curvilinear path towards possible outlet portions 9.

Furthermore, still referring to Figures 8 and 9, a series of interrupted wires can be also provided near the redirecting zone R to be introduced in the raised guides 15 provided on the surface opposite to that of the projections 10 d.

In this way, the cables arranged in the zone R and that have to be joined are interrupted at the zone R and directed towards the opposite surface where the raised guides 15 extend.

Thanks to the present invention, the wiring is orderly and inside the containment box 2, there are not free cables C that can interfere with the distribution and junction operations of the cables/optical fibres, and with any future maintenance operations or updates of the internal configuration of the container 1 .

The user then can operate selectively within the container 1 on the intended components with an immediate visual layout of each element without interfering and then stressing the fibres, which are not to be wired or otherwise removed.

Therefore, the user is provided with a container 1 of small size, structurally simple and well organized internally thanks to an exploitation of spaces that reaches the proposed objects and overcomes the drawbacks in the known art.

Claims

A distribution container for optical fibre cables, comprising:

a containment box (2) defining an internal housing compartment (3) and having two base surfaces (S1 ,S2) opposite each other, said containment box (2) comprising at least one inlet portion (8) and at least one outlet portion (9) for at least one optical fibre cable;

a supporting structure (12) suitable for receiving a plurality of junction modules (M), each of which exhibiting connection paths (Μ' ) for at least one optical fibre of said at least one optical fibre cable (C), each junction module (M) being arranged, in an operative configuration of the container (1 ), along a plane that lies parallel to at least a first base surface (S1 ) of said two base surfaces (S1 ,S2), said junction modules (M) being stacked in such a manner as to define an overall volume of the junction modules (M);

characterized in that it comprises a tray (13) suitable for receiving at least one optical fibre and/or at least one optical fibre cable (C) which are not engaged with said junction modules (M) and are wound inside a groove (14) arranged at least along a portion (13a) of the periphery of said tray (13), said groove (14) extending around the overall volume of the junction modules (M) with a height (A) lower than or equal to a height (B) of said overall volume, said height (A) of the groove (14) and said height (B) of the overall volume being measured in a direction perpendicular to said first base surface (S1 ).

The distribution container for optical fibre cables according to claim 1 , wherein said tray (13) is centrally hollow; said junction modules (M) being housed inside the cavity of said tray (13).

The distribution container for optical fibre cables according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the volume of said internal housing compartment (3) is less than or equal to 2 litres.

The distribution container for optical fibre cables according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein inside said housing compartment (3) a supporting frame (10) is arranged and engaged with said first base surface (S1 ) of the containment box (2), said supporting frame (10) having at least a first longitudinal edge (10a) parallel to said first base surface (S1 ).

5. The distribution container for optical fibre cables according to claim 4, wherein said supporting structure (12) supporting the junction modules (M) extends along a plane that lies parallel to the planes in which the junction modules (M) lie and it is rotatably hinged to said supporting frame (10) along a first tilt axis (X) that is a parallel and through-axis for said first longitudinal edge (10a) of said supporting frame (10) and for a first longitudinal edge (12a) of said supporting structure (12), so that the supporting structure (1 2) is movable between an operative configuration wherein it is arranged parallel to the first base surface (S1 ) and a non-operative configuration wherein it is in a distanced position with respect to said first base surface (S1 ).

The distribution container for optical fibre cables according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said junction modules (M) are rotatably hinged one by one to the supporting structure (12) along tilt axes parallel to said first longitudinal edge (10a) of said supporting frame (10), each tilt axis being a through-axis for a respective connecting portion (M") of said junction modules (M), so that the junction modules (M) are movable between an operative configuration, wherein they are arranged parallel to the supporting structure (12), and a non- operative configuration, wherein they are in a distanced position with respect to said supporting structure (12).

The distribution container for optical fibre cables according to claim 6, wherein said tilt axes of said junction modules (12) are through- axes for a second longitudinal edge (12b) of the supporting structure (12), said edge (12b) being opposite the first longitudinal edge (12a) of the supporting structure (12).

The distribution container for optical fibre cables according to one or more of claims 4 to 7, wherein said tray (13) is rotatably hinged to said supporting frame (10) along a second tilt axis (Y) parallel to the first longitudinal edge (10a) of said supporting frame (10), said axis (Y) also being a through-axis for a second longitudinal edge (10b) of said supporting frame (10) and said edge (10b) being opposite the first longitudinal edge (10a) of said supporting frame (10), so that the tray (13) is movable between an operative configuration, wherein it is arranged parallel to the supporting frame (10), and a non-operative configuration, wherein it is in a distanced position with respect to said supporting frame (10).

9. The distribution container for optical fibre cables according to claim 8, when dependent upon claim 5, wherein said supporting structure (12) is configured to be arranged between said supporting frame (10) and said tray (13) in said operative configuration of said supporting structure (12) and of said tray (13).

10. The distribution container for optical fibre cables according to one or more of claims 4 to 9, wherein said supporting frame (10) comprises a plurality of raised guides (15) suitable for directing said at least one optical fibre towards said plurality of junction modules (M) and/or towards said groove (14) of said tray (13), and/or for directing said at least one optical fibre cable (C) towards said at least one inlet portion (8) and/or towards said at least one outlet portion (9) and/or towards said groove (14).

1 1 . The distribution container for optical fibre cables according to claim 10, wherein said supporting frame (10) comprises shaped walls (10') defining extensions of said inlet portion (8) and/or said outlet portion (9) of said containment box (2), said shaped walls (10') being at least partially inserted inside said inlet portion (8) and/or said outlet portion (9).

12. The distribution container for optical fibre cables according to one or more of claims 4 to 1 1 , wherein said at least one inlet portion (8) and said at least one outlet portion (9) are arranged on at least one transverse edge (10c) of said supporting frame (10).

13. The distribution container for optical fibre cables according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said containment box (2) is made up of two coupleable semi-parts (2a, 2b) respectively defining said two base surfaces (S1 ,S2).

14. The distribution container for optical fibre cables according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, in the operative configuration of the container (1 ), said overall volume of the junction modules (M) forms an oblique prism.

15. The distribution container for optical fibre cables according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein one junction module (M) of said plurality of junction modules (M) in the operative configuration is arranged adjacent to a junction module (M), translated along the plane in which it lies so as to define a step.