GB2368137A - Optic fibre splice storage apparatus with tube engagement device - Google Patents
Optic fibre splice storage apparatus with tube engagement device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2368137A GB2368137A GB0025466A GB0025466A GB2368137A GB 2368137 A GB2368137 A GB 2368137A GB 0025466 A GB0025466 A GB 0025466A GB 0025466 A GB0025466 A GB 0025466A GB 2368137 A GB2368137 A GB 2368137A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- storage apparatus
- optical fibre
- fibre splice
- splice storage
- entry port
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 title description 3
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004382 potting Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 abstract 2
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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
- G02B6/4471—Terminating devices ; Cable clamps
- G02B6/44765—Terminating devices ; Cable clamps with means for strain-relieving to exterior cable layers
-
- 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
- G02B6/4459—Ducts; Conduits; Hollow tubes for air blown fibres
-
- 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
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
An optical fibre splice storage apparatus comprises an enclosure having a cable entry port 22 which may be formed in a base portion 20 thereof and optionally at least one splice tray mounted within the enclosure. A device 10 is mounted to the base 20, axially of the through axis of the cable entry port 22, for engaging the ends of protective tubes 25 extending to the trays from the cable entry port 22. A cable 23 entering the enclosure through the cable entry port 22 is cut back to expose the optical fibres 24 therein, which are then fed to the trays through the protective tubes 25. The ends of the tubes 25 are securely mounted axially of the cable 23 The exposed fibres 24 may be protected by a shroud 18.
Description
Optical Fibre Splice Storage Apparatus
This invention relates to an optical fibre splice storage apparatus.
It is well known to store splices between the fibres of optical fibre cables in enclosures. Typically, such known enclosures comprise a base portion formed with a plurality of tubular cable entry ports projecting from its underside, through which the cables enter and leave the enclosure.
The splices or joints are contained in trays mounted inside the enclosure. An elongate tubular cap-ended cover is provided for sealingly engaging the base, so as to enclose the splices or joints between the cables.
The cables entering the enclosure may carry a plurality of optical fibres either arranged individually or joined sideby-side in ribbons as groups of 6 or 12 fibres. Once inside the enclosure, the outer sheath and shielding of the cable is cut back to expose the fibres, which are then fed to the trays.
In order to protect the exposed fibres and group them as they extend between the cable entry port and the trays, it has been proposed to pass them through sheaths or tubes.
However, it can often be difficult to identify which tube carries which fibre if they are all arranged loosely inside the enclosure. Another disadvantage of arranging the tubes loosely is that they can become dislodged or axially displaced, thereby exposing the fibres to potential damage.
We have now devised an optical fibre splice storage apparatus which alleviates the above-mentioned problems.
In accordance with this invention, as seen from a first aspect, there is provided an optical fibre splice storage apparatus comprising an enclosure having a cable entry port and a device disposed axially of the through axis of the cable entry port for engaging an end of a tube arranged to receive one or more optical fibres of a cable which extends through
said port.
The end of the tube is securely mounted axially of the cable and thus the risk of the tube becoming dislodged or axially displaced is avoided. Furthermore, it is relatively easy to identify which tube carries which fibres, because the end of the tube is mounted in front of the cable which feeds it.
Preferably said device is arranged to engage the ends of a plurality of tubes.
Preferably, the device is arranged such that the ends of the tubes are mounted in a plane extending normal to the axis of said cable entry port.
Preferably the cable entry port is provided in a base of the apparatus, the device being connected to the base.
Preferably a space is provided between said device and the base, so as to allow room for the fibres extending from the cable to fan out into the tubes.
Preferably, the device comprises a shroud which extends axially towards the cable entry port, so as to protect the exposed fibres as they extend from the cable and before they enter the tubes.
Preferably the shroud is channel-shaped in crosssection, so that if desired, it can be filled with a potting compound such as resin to further protect the exposed fibres.
In one embodiment, the device comprises a pair of fingers, having a space therebetween for receiving the end of the or each tube.
Preferably the device comprises a plurality of pairs of fingers, preferably extending radially from a central core of the device.
Preferably the fingers extend perpendicular to the axis of the port.
Preferably the axis of the core substantially co
extends with the axis of the port.
Preferably the fingers are of equal length, each finger comprising an elongate end surface which extends axially of the port. In this manner, the tubes can be retained in the device by applying a clamping device such as a cable tie circumferentially of the device.
In some instances, it may be desirable to provide an inner and outer row of tubes in each finger, accordingly the device preferably comprises first and second portions arranged axially of each other with respect to the axis of the port, the length of the fingers in the first portion being less then that in the second portion. In this manner the inner row of tubes can be engaged by applying a cable tie etc. around the periphery of the first portion and the second row can be engaged by applying a cable tie etc. circumferentially of the second portion.
In an alternative embodiment, the device comprises first and second portions which clamped together to grip the end of the or each tube.
Preferably the first and second portions are separable along a line which extends perpendicular to the axis of the port.
Also, in accordance with this invention, as seen from a second aspect, there is provided an optical fibre splice storage apparatus comprising an enclosure having a cable entry port, at least one splice tray mounted within the enclosure, and a device disposed axially of the through axis of the cable entry port and engaged with an end of a tube extending from the tray for receiving one or more optical fibres of a cable which extends through said port.
Preferably the tube is attached at its opposite end to the tray.
Preferably the tray is connected to another device
mounted axially of a second cable entry port of the apparatus.
Preferably the apparatus comprises a plurality of trays, the or each device being engaged with tubes extending to one or more of the trays.
Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :
FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a tube mounting device of an embodiment of this invention;
FIGURE 2 is a side view of the device of Figure 1;
FIGURE 3 is a front view of the device of Figure 1;
FIGURE 4 is a front view of the device of Figure 1, when in use;
FIGURE 5 is a side view of the device of Figure 1, when in use;
FIGURE 6 is a plan view of a tube mounting device of an alternative embodiment of this invention; and
FIGURE 7 is a side view of the device of Figure 5 when in use.
Referring to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, there is shown an elongate device for receiving the ends of tubes arranged to protect optical fibres extending between a cable entry port of an optical fibre splice storage enclosure and a splice tray mounted within the enclosure.
One end of the elongate device comprises a head portion 10 formed of first part 11 and a second part 12 slidably mounted to the first part 11 for movement along a line extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device.
The two parts 11,12 each comprise mutually parallel opposed faces extending axially of the device in planes perpendicular to the line of movement.
The opposed faces each comprise three axially-extending channels, respective opposed ones of which co-operate to define
three axially-extending apertures 13 through the head 10 of the device.
The outer side walls of the outer channels of each head portion 11,12 are formed by respective fingers 14,15, which are staggered so that they interengage when the two portions 11,12 are brought together.
The head portion 10 is generally circular is section when the two portions 11,12 are brought together and grooves 16 are formed circumferentially of the head for receiving cable ties (not shown) which can be tightened to urge the two portions together.
Are-entrant T-shaped slot 18 extends axially down one side of the second portion 12 for receiving the end of a mounting post.
The other end of the device comprises an elongate shroud 18 which is C-shaped in section and which extends axially of the device from the first portion 11 of the head 10.
Referring to Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings, the device is mounted to the base 20 of an optical fibre splice enclosure by a metal mounting post 21 which extends axially of a tubular cable entry port 22 of the base 20.
The device is mounted so that its longitudinal axis is generally in line with the longitudinal axis of a cable 23 entering the base 20 of the enclosure through the port 22. The head 10 of the device is spaced away from the base 20 and the shroud 18 extends axially towards the cable entry port 22.
The cable 23 is cut back once it enters the base 20 to expose the individual fibres or ribbons of fibres 24 therein.
The fibres 24 then enter tubes 25, which extend to splice trays (not shown) mounted within the enclosure. The ends of the tubes 25 are securely fastened to the head 10 of the device by inserting them into the apertures 13 and tightening the cable ties applied around the head 10, to cause the two portions
11, 12 of the head to be urged together to grip the tubes 25.
The shroud 18 serves to protect the exposed fibres 27 between the end of the cable 23 and the tubes 25. If desired, the shroud, which is C-shaped in section can be filled with resin to encapsulate the exposed fibres.
Referring to Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings, in an alternative embodiment, the device comprises a one-piece moulding of plastics material having a plurality of fingers 30 projecting radially from an elongate tubular central core 31.
The fingers 30 define parallel-sided slots 32 therebetween, which are arranged to receive the ends of oval-section tubes 33 extending to the trays. Each slot is arranged to receive an inner and an outer row of two tubes 33.
Accordingly, the fingers 30 at one axial end 34 of the core 31 are 50% shorter in length than at the other end 35, so that a cable tie 36 applied around a groove located circumferentially of the end 34 only constrains the tubes 33 in the radially inner row.
Similarly, cable ties 38 applied around grooves 39 located circumferentially of the end 35 constrains the outer row of tubes 33 against the outer face of the inner cable tie 36.
A re-entrant slot 40 extends axially down one quadrant of the device which is not provided with fingers, so that the device can be mounted axially of a cable entry port in a similar manner to the previous embodiment.
The devices serve to securely retain the end of tubes extending between the cable entry ports and trays of an optical fibre splice storage enclosure, so as to prevent the tubes from moving axially of the fibres contained therein, thereby reducing the risk of the exposed sections of fibre being damaged.
Furthermore, the devices prevent the tubes from becoming tangled with each other and also serve to make identification of the tubes simpler.
Claims (22)
- Claims 1. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus comprising an enclosure having a cable entry port and a device disposed axially of the through axis of the cable entry port for engaging an end of a tube arranged to receive one or more optical fibres of a cable which extends through said port.
- 2. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said device is arranged to engage the ends of a plurality of tubes
- 3. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the device is arranged such that the ends of the tubes are mounted in a plane extending normal to the axis of said cable entry port
- 4. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cable entry port is provided in a base of the apparatus, the device being connected to the base.
- S. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which a space is provided between said device and the base.
- 6. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the device comprises a shroud which extends axially towards the cable entry port.
- 7. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which the shroud is channel-shaped in crosssection.
- 8. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed inclaim 7, in which the shroud is filled with a potting compound.
- 9. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the device comprises a pair of fingers, having a space therebetween for receiving the end of the or each tube.
- 10. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which the device comprises a plurality of pairs of fingers.
- 11. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claim 10, in which the fingers extend radially from a central core of the device.
- 12. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claim 11, in which the fingers extend perpendicular to the axis of the cable entry port.
- 13. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claims 11 or 12, in which the axis of the core substantially co-extends with the axis of the port.
- 14. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13, in which the fingers are of equal length, each finger comprising an elongate end surface which extends axially of the port.
- 15. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14, in which the device comprises first and second portions arranged axially of each other with respect to the axis of the port, the length of the fingers in the first portion being less then that in the second portion
- 16. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed inclaims 9 to 10, in which the device comprises first and second portions which are clamped together to grip the end of the or each tube.
- 17. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claim 16, in which the first and second portions are separable along a line which extends perpendicular to the axis of the port.
- 18. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus comprising an enclosure having a cable entry port, at least one splice tray mounted within the enclosure, and a device disposed axially of the through axis of the cable entry port and engaged with an end of a tube extending from the tray for receiving one or more optical fibres of a cable which extends through said port.
- 19. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claim 18, in which the tube is attached at its opposite end to the tray.
- 20. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claim 19, in which the tray is connected to one end of another tube, the opposite end of said other tube being connected to a second said device mounted axially of a second cable entry port of the apparatus.
- 21. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus as claimed in claim 20, in which the apparatus comprises a plurality of trays, the or each device being engaged with tubes extending to one or more of the trays.
- 22. An optical fibre splice storage apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 or Figures 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0025466A GB2368137A (en) | 2000-10-17 | 2000-10-17 | Optic fibre splice storage apparatus with tube engagement device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0025466A GB2368137A (en) | 2000-10-17 | 2000-10-17 | Optic fibre splice storage apparatus with tube engagement device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0025466D0 GB0025466D0 (en) | 2000-11-29 |
| GB2368137A true GB2368137A (en) | 2002-04-24 |
Family
ID=9901484
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0025466A Withdrawn GB2368137A (en) | 2000-10-17 | 2000-10-17 | Optic fibre splice storage apparatus with tube engagement device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2368137A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2365367A1 (en) * | 2009-05-14 | 2011-09-14 | CCS Technology, Inc. | Cable hood with cable sealing device |
Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2229545A (en) * | 1989-03-21 | 1990-09-26 | Stc Plc | Jointing optical fibre cables. |
| EP0408266A2 (en) * | 1989-07-11 | 1991-01-16 | BICC Public Limited Company | Termination system for optical fibres |
| US5339379A (en) * | 1993-06-18 | 1994-08-16 | Telect, Inc. | Telecommunication fiber optic cable distribution apparatus |
| WO1995022071A2 (en) * | 1994-02-08 | 1995-08-17 | Miniflex Limited | A cable routing device |
| GB2299409A (en) * | 1995-03-30 | 1996-10-02 | Plessey Telecomm | Clamps for tube and optical fibre in it |
| GB2305258A (en) * | 1995-09-16 | 1997-04-02 | Bowthorpe Plc | Optic fibre splice enclosure with ducted tubes for fibres |
| GB2312053A (en) * | 1996-04-12 | 1997-10-15 | Telephone Cables Ltd | Splice cassettes with optic fibre guide on hinge axis |
-
2000
- 2000-10-17 GB GB0025466A patent/GB2368137A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2229545A (en) * | 1989-03-21 | 1990-09-26 | Stc Plc | Jointing optical fibre cables. |
| EP0408266A2 (en) * | 1989-07-11 | 1991-01-16 | BICC Public Limited Company | Termination system for optical fibres |
| US5339379A (en) * | 1993-06-18 | 1994-08-16 | Telect, Inc. | Telecommunication fiber optic cable distribution apparatus |
| WO1995022071A2 (en) * | 1994-02-08 | 1995-08-17 | Miniflex Limited | A cable routing device |
| GB2299409A (en) * | 1995-03-30 | 1996-10-02 | Plessey Telecomm | Clamps for tube and optical fibre in it |
| GB2305258A (en) * | 1995-09-16 | 1997-04-02 | Bowthorpe Plc | Optic fibre splice enclosure with ducted tubes for fibres |
| GB2312053A (en) * | 1996-04-12 | 1997-10-15 | Telephone Cables Ltd | Splice cassettes with optic fibre guide on hinge axis |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2365367A1 (en) * | 2009-05-14 | 2011-09-14 | CCS Technology, Inc. | Cable hood with cable sealing device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0025466D0 (en) | 2000-11-29 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |