WO2014095310A1

WO2014095310A1 - High density patch and splice unit

Info

Publication number: WO2014095310A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/075142
Authority: WO
Inventors: Urs Schönenberger; Manfred Abel
Original assignee: Huber+Suhner Ag
Priority date: 2012-12-19
Filing date: 2013-11-29
Publication date: 2014-06-26

Abstract

The invention is directed to a splice module (1) comprising a housing (3) and a thereto interconnected drawer (4). The drawer (4) comprises a front panel (17) with a plurality of sockets (19) and a tray (20) which in a first position extends adjacent to one side of the housing (3). The tray (20) comprises at least one opening (23, 24) across which at least one optical fibre (26) crosses a base (25) of the tray (20) in a vertical direction (z).

Description

HIGH DENSITY PATCH AND SPLICE UNIT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a patch and splice unit for fibre optic connections.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Patch and splice units are known from the prior art.

US4971421 assigned to Reliance Comm. Tec. Corp. was published on 20. 1 1 . 1 990 and shows a fiber optic splice and patch enclosure. The enclosure comprises a hollow housing with a splice area and a patch area. The splice area comprises retaining means that allow storing a fiber cable in a way such that the fibers are not bent beyond a critical minimum radius. The splice area as well as the patch panel are mounted on a common shelf which can be moved out of the housing using a sliding mechanism .

US6792190 assigned to Telect Inc. was published on 1 4.09.2004 and concerns a high density fiber optic splitter or connector tray system. The document shows means in order to protect fiber optic cables operatively attached to couplings. Therefore, the couplings are recessed from the front end of the tray system . Fiber splitting means may be mounted toward the rear end of the tray system. Fiber cables connected to the frontal couplings are shielded against mechanical dam- age due to excessive bending by means of a cable guard element which is in an upward protective/guarding position when the tray framework is in an inward/closed position. When in an outward position, the cable guard element can be moved downwards and backwards in order to have access to the frontal couplings and cables. The tray system may also comprise lateral cable passageways, which help to guide the cables connected to the frontal couplings in a rearward direction.

US8285105 assigned to Krone GmbH was published on 09. 1 0.201 2 and describes a coupler module for optical fibers. The module comprises a mounting panel that is mounted pivotable on top of a cassette mount. The mounting panel is configured to support a first plurality of couplings which are able to receive plugs. The mounting panel can be turned around the pivot from a closed to an opened position, which provides better access to the underlying cassette mount. The cassette mount comprises a front panel which is configured to support a second plurality of couplings and may also comprise means to store fibers. The alignment with pivotable mounting panel should allow better access to all coupling components.

WO201 0105651 assigned to ADC GmbH was published on 23.09.201 0 and concerns a patch panel for an optical distributor. According to the specification, the patch panels allow increasing the packaging density of optical distribution frames by using two front panels configured to obtain couplings or adapters. Therefore, in addition to a relatively conventional first front panel, a second front panel is aligned in front and in parallel in a certain distance to the first front panel . This results in an increase in depth of a patch panel module. In order to get better access to the second panel, the first panel may be mounted pivotable. The two front panels may be attached to a cassette which may be moved or pivoted with 5 respect to the housing of the patch panel module and hence allow access to the inner part of the cassette, which may comprise means for splicing of fibers.

US551 1 144 assigned to Sicor Corp. was published on 23.04. 1 996 and shows an optical distribution frame. The frame comprises a column of drawers which are spaced apart from each other and are horizontally slideable. The drawers may i o comprise storage means for storing optical fibers. In addition, they may comprise support means holding a removable splice tray and a removable connector shelf, both vertically spaced apart to the floor of said drawer. The document further concerns radius control guides that protect a plurality of fibers arranged in a row from damage due to excessive bending .

WO2004039092 assigned to ADC Telecommunications Inc. was published on 06.05.2004 and describes a high density panel with a rotating tray. The tray is located in a housing and can be rotated around a vertical axis arranged laterally at the front of the tray. At the side of the axis of pivot, the tray may furthermore comprise a raised floor which defines part of a cable path from a rear opening of the housing to a cable entry at the frontal side of the tray. The tray furthermore comprises a plurality of connection locations. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aim of the invention is to provide a patch and splice module which, compared to the prior art, has an increased packing density.

Nowadays, the width of a conventional patch and splice module normally is 1 9 inch. The height is given in height units ( H U ), typically Vi , 1 or 2 H U . The depth is limited to 300 mm .

Compared to the prior art, a patch and splice module according to the invention offers the advantage of at least 50% more optical fibers. On the front panel standard connectors (so called SC- or LC-connectors) are preferably used .

A patch and splice module (from now on the term splice module is used instead ) according to the invention offers solutions for problems such as conveniently arranging of additional splice stations, compensating means for overlength fibers and minimal radius of fibers to avoid loss of signal.

In an embodiment of the invention, the splice stations are in a vertical direction (height direction) arranged on a separate level with respect to the adapters of the patch panel . Furthermore, a cable lead-in is preferably arranged on the level of the patch panel . If appropriate, the before mentioned levels can overlap partially as explained subsequent. In an embodiment, the adapters (sockets) of the patch panel are compared to the prior art packet closer to each other in a block with several rows and columns. One embodiment comprises e.g . two blocks of sockets with typically 3x 1 6 Adapters each suitable to receive two optical cables (duplex), resulting in a total of 1 92 channels. In difference to the prior art, the adapters of the patch panel are not arranged uniformly distributed over a front panel of the patch and splice unit. Instead the adapters are preferably only consuming a part of the available height, e.g . 2/3 and are packet in an area below a tray arranged inside the housing of the splice module.

The invention may offer a higher density (number of optical fibers per space) based on the following aspects: On the front panel the adapters may be packed closer together not consuming the complete height of the module. Behind the front panel, a slice of about 1 /3 of the available height may be made available for one or several splice stations arranged above each other in a stacked manner and/or side-by-side to each other. The slice is extending in horizontal direction. It can have one or more steps or cutouts. In one embodiment, the splice station is designed as a carrier suitable to receive one or several individual splices. The at least one splice station can be arranged moveable with respect to a frame to which individual sockets (connectors) or socket banks are attached .

A splice module according to the present invention normally comprises a housing and a thereto interconnected drawer. The drawer comprises a front panel with a plurality of sockets (adapters) and a tray which in a first (closed ) position nor- mally extends adjacent to one side of the housing. If required the drawer can be moved between an open and a closed position with respect to the housing. The tray comprises at least one opening across which at least one optical fibre crosses a base of the tray in a vertical direction. Thereby not only the space above the tray is available, but also the space below the tray is used . In difference to the prior art the optical cables, respectively the optical fibers are not arranged in a single plane (i.e. on one side only of the tray) . Instead they are arranged in a three- dimensional manner (over several planes separated by a base of the tray) . Thereby is becomes possible to increase the channel density (number of optical fibers per unit) significantly. Normally the tray comprises on an upper side at least one splice station to hold at least one individual splice of an optical fiber. Furthermore it comprises at least one fiber guiding means, i.e. in the form of walls or wall sections or pins. The splice stations may be arranged adjacent and/or on top of each other. If appropriate several or all splice stations can be swivel-mounted . The base of the tray may comprise a first and a second opening across which an optical cable may cross the base of the tray in the vertical direction. The first and the second opening may be arranged (in a top view) on the same half (close to each other) or on opposite halves (far apart) of the tray. At least one opening may be arranged along or be integrated in an edge of the tray. The drawer may be arranged moveable with respect to the housing between an open and a closed position. The drawer may be arranged rotatable around a rotation axis. Alternatively or in addition the drawer may be arranged slidable with respect to the housing. The cable entry of the optical cable into the housing may be arranged opposite to the rotation axis. In a preferred embodiment the at least one optical cable enters the housing in a vertical direction below the tray. In a preferred embodiment the sockets are arranged in a vertical direction below the tray. The base of the tray may have several levels and platforms to guide the optical fibers to the splice stations. At least one fiber guiding means and/or at least one fiber holding means may be arranged at the lower side of the tray. The at least one fiber guiding means is e.g . a wall, a wall section or a peg or a combination thereof. Fibre holding means may be shaped as protrusions or fingers or hooks protruding from the fiber guiding means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims. The drawings are showing :

Fig. 1 a splice station in a closed position in a slanted front view from above and right;

Fig. 2 the splice station according to Figure 1 in a slanted front view from above and left;

Fig. 3 a top view of the splice station according to Figure 1 in an open position; Fig. 4 the splice station according to Figure 3 in a slanted front view from above and left;

Fig. 5 parts of the splice station according to Figure 1 in a side view;

Fig. 6 the parts of the splice station according to Figure 5 a perspective view.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following drawings alike elements are designated with the same reference signs unless indicted otherwise.

Figure 1 shows a splice module 1 according to the present invention in a closed manner in a perspective view from the right and above and Figure 2 from the left and above. Figure 3 shows the splice module in an open position in a top view and Figure 4 the configuration according to Figure 3 in a perspective view from the left and above.

Figure 5 shows the certain parts of the splice module 1 in a side view from the left and Figure 6 in a perspective view. In Figures 5 and 6 certain elements are not displayed to provide better visibility of the inside and the arrangement of an optical cable 2 inside the device 1 . For the same reason hidden lines are displayed in Figures 5. The splice module 1 has a box like shape and comprises a fixed frame (housing) 3 and a thereto attached drawer 4, which in the shown embodiment is arranged rotatable around an axis 5 arranged close to the right front corner of the splice module 1 . In a top view, the housing 3 is in principle U -Shaped comprising a first and a second side wall 6, 7 and rear wall 8. In the shown embodiment the housing 3 can be fixed e.g . to a wall by fastening means arranged at the rear wall. The structural parts of the frame 3 and the drawer 4 are in the shown embodiment made out of sheet metal.

The drawer 4 can be rotated between a closed position as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and an open position as shown in Figures 3 and 4. In the closed and in the open position the drawer is fixed by a lock 9 which can be operated manually by pressing down a spring-loaded lever 1 0, thereby disengaging a bolt 1 1 from a first (closed position), respectively a second (open position) recess 1 2, 1 3.

The drawer 4 is interconnected to the first frame 3 by a hinge 1 4 rotating around the rotation axis 5. The drawer 4 comprises a second frame 1 6 to which other elements are attached. The second frame 1 6 comprises a front panel 1 7 with openings 1 8 in which sockets 1 9 are arranged in several rows and columns. A cover 1 5 is arranged in front of the sockets 1 9. It serves to cover the patch cables interconnected to the sockets from the outside. In the shown embodiment the cover 1 5 is attached to the front panel 1 7 in a movable manner. The drawer 4 further comprises a tray 20 which extends in a horizontal direction and in the shown embodiment takes in a closed position a slice-shaped section in the upper part of the first frame 3 which acts as a housing for the tray 20.

When moving the drawer 4 from the closed position (as shown in Figure 1 and 2) to the open position (as shown in Figure 3 and 4), the drawer hinges around the rotation axis 5. Thereby, the tray 20 is pulled out of the first frame 3 and the top of the tray 20 becomes accessible. Instead of a hinging movement alternatively or in addition a sliding movement can be foreseen . In this case instead of a hinge 1 4 a sliding mechanism can be foreseen .

On the top of the tray 20 several fibre guiding means, here shaped as vertical wall sections 2 1 , and fibre holding means, here shaped as horizontal lugs 22, are arranged which serve to guide and position the fibers between a first and a second opening 23 , 24 of a base (bottom) 25 of the tray 4 through which the optical fibers 2 (only one is schematically shown ) cross from the lower to the upper side (across the first opening 23 ) of the tray 20 and vice-versa (across the second opening 24) . As it can be seen in Figure 6 at least one fibre guiding means 41 can be arranged at the lower side of the tray 20.

As can be best seen in Figure 3, an optical cable 2, which comprises a bundle of optical fibers 26, enters the housing (first frame) 3 in the rear left corner of the housing 3. Although there is only one optical cable 2 shown, normally there is at least one optical cable, i.e. several optical cables 2 arranged similar as described . For strain-relief it is attached to the housing 3 e.g. by a binder 27 (not visible in detail as arranged at the rear wall 8 of the frame 3 ) . The optical cable 2 is then guided on top of the base 25 of the tray 20 over a ramp 30 across the first opening 23. As it can be seen in Figure 3, the optical cable 2 extends across the inside of the first frame 3 parallel to the second side wall 7. When moving the drawer 4 into a closed position as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the optical cable 2 is folded into the housing 3.

When entering on top of the tray 20, the optical cable 2 is attached a second time to a cable anchorage 28, which is positioned in the area of the upper end of the ramp 30. The cable anchorage 28 has a comb-like shape and offers to attach several optical cables side by side. The optical cable 2 normally consists out of a tubular cable jacket 29 which encompasses one or several optical fibers 26. The cable jacket 29 ends at the cable anchorage 28 and the at least one optical fibre 26 continues on its own guided by a first channel 3 1 which in the shown embodiment extends along the front panel 1 7 to a first bobbin 32 onto which ( if necessary) an extensive cable length can be coiled. In the shown embodiment, the first bobbin 32 is positioned with respect to the first opening 23 at the opposite rear end of the tray 20. The optical fibre 26 is then guided through a second channel 33 into a splice area 34 where one or several splice stations 35 are arranged lateral and/or on top of each other and/or offset with respect to each other. The splice stations 35 are foreseen to act as holding means for the individual splices of the optical fibers 26. After the splice stations 35 the optical fiber 26 exits the splice area 34 by a third channel 36 which guides the optical fiber 26 to a second bobbin 37 onto which (if necessary) an extensive cable length is coiled. Then the optical fiber 26 is guided by a fourth channel 38 to the second opening 24 across which the optical fiber 26 is guided to the lower section of the tray 20. Below a main level of the base 25 the at least one optical fiber 26 is interconnected to a socket 1 9 arranged at the front panel 1 7 of the drawer 4 such that the optical fiber 26 can be patched from the front of the front panel 1 7. Although the path of the optical fibers 26 has been explained based on a single optical fiber 26, it speaks for itself that each optical fiber interconnected to a socket arranged in the front panel 1 7 can follow the same path across the splice unit 1 . The first through the fourth channel 32, 33 , 36, 38 as well as the first and the second bobbin 32, 37 are shaped such that the radius of the optical fiber 26 does not fall below a critical value. Further channels and guiding means may be present to guide at least one optical fiber at least partially on a different path (both not shown in detail) .

Figures 5 and 6 show the tray 20 and the sockets 1 9 along with the optical cable 2 and the there from arising in an isolated manner at least one optical fiber 26 in an isolated manner. In Figure 5 tray 20 is visible in a side view from the left such that the path of the optical cable 2 and the there from arising at least one optical fiber 26 in a vertical direction (z) can be better seen . Hidden lines are displayed for illustration purposes. In Figure 6 the same arrangement can be seen in an inclined perspective view from behind . The optical cable 2 enters the housing (see previous Figures) below the tray 20 in a lower section indicated by dashed line 39. It then arises above the base 25 of the tray 20 where it is spliced out (separated ) into the individual optical fibers 26. The individual optical fibers 26 are then (if required ) spliced in the splice area 34. Individual splices 40 (only one visible) are held in the splice stations 35 arranged at the splice area 34. Then it submerges under the level of the base 25 of the tray 20, where it is interconnected to the sockets 1 9 which in a vertical direction are arranged below the tray 20. If required at least one fibre guiding means 41 is arranged at the lower side of the tray 20. In the present embodiment the lower fibre guiding means 41 has the shape of a peg which protrudes in a vertical direction from the lower surface of the tray 20. The wall section of the peg which is directed to the optical cable 2 is rounded and has no sharp edges to prevent damage of the cable or optical fibers. The peg 41 is use to guide the optical cable 2 when the drawer 4, respectively the tray 20 is pushed inside the housing 3. It ensures correct folding in and positioning of the optical cable 2 into the housing 3. If required further fiber guiding and holding means may be arranged on the lower side of the tray. This arrangement offers compared to the prior art a very high density of optical fibers 26, respectively sockets 1 9 , resulting in a very high density of channels.

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

1 Splice module 22 Fibre holding means (finger)

2 Optical cable 23 First opening

3 First frame (housing) 25 24 Second opening

5 4 Drawer 25 Base

5 Axis (rotation axis) 26 Optical fiber (individual)

6 First side wall 27 Binder

7 Second side wall 28 Cable anchorage

8 Rear wall 30 29 Cable jacket

10 9 Lock 30 Ramp

10 Lever 31 First channel

11 Bolt 32 First bobbin

12 First recess 33 Second channel

13 Second recess 35 34 Splice area

15 14 Hinge 35 Splice station

15 Cover 36 Third channel

16 Second frame 37 Second bobbin

17 Front panel 38 Fourth channel

18 Opening 40 39 Below section

20 19 Socket (Adapter) 40 Splice

20 Tray 41 Lower fibre guiding means

21 Fibre guiding means (wall)

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Splice module (1) comprising a housing (3) and a thereto interconnected drawer (4) comprising a front panel (17) with a plurality of sockets (19) and a tray (20) which in a first position is arranged inside the housing (3), whereby the tray (20) comprises at least one opening (23, 24) across which at least one optical fibre (26) crosses a base (25) of the tray (20) in a vertical direction (z) to the lower side of the tray (20).

2. The splice module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the tray (20) comprises on an upper side at least one splice station (35) to hold at least one individual splice (40) of an optical fiber (26) and the at least one fiber guiding means (21 ).

3. The splice module (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein several splice stations (35) are arranged adjacent and/or on top of each other.

4. The splice module ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the base (25) of the tray (20) comprises a first and a second opening (23, 24) across which at least one optical cable (2, 26) crosses the base (25) of the tray (20) in vertical direction (z).

5. The splice module (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the first and the second opening (23, 24) are arranged on the same half or on opposite halves of the tray (20).

6. The splice module (1 ) according to one of the previous claims, wherein at least one opening (23) is arranged along an edge of the tray (20).

7. The splice module ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the drawer (4) is arranged moveable with respect to the housing (3) between an open and a closed position.

8. The splice module ( 1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the drawer is arranged rotatable around a rotation axis (5).

The splice module (1 ) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the drawer (4) arranged slidable with respect to the housing (3).

The splice module ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the cable entry of the optical cable (26) into the housing (3) is arranged opposite to the rotation axis (5).

The splice module ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the optical cable (2) enters the housing (3) in a vertical direction below the tray (20).

12. The splice module ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the sockets (19) are arranged in a vertical direction below the tray (20).

13. The splice module ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the base (25) of the tray (20) has several levels and platforms.

14. The splice module (1 ) according to one of the previous claims, wherein at least one fiber guiding means (41 ) and/or at least one fiber holding means is arranged at the lower side of the tray (20).

15. The splice module ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one fiber guiding means is a wall (21 ), a wall section or a peg (41 ).