WO2009001013A1 - Supporting element for optical fibre splices - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a supporting element (178) for optical fibre splices, including at least two parts (186a, 186b). The invention is arranged such that the aforementioned parts (186a, 186b) can be separated from one another along a pre-determined line (187). Optionally, the supporting element (178) takes the form of a single piece and includes a necking region (187b1, 187b2, 187b3) so that the element (178) can be broken.

Description

 Splice holder for optical fibers.

The invention relates to the connection of optical fibers.

It applies in particular, but not exclusively, to the connection of optical fibers in common parts of a housing complex, for example a building, in particular for the provision of high-speed communication services.

The fiber optic connection is usually located in a junction box. Such a housing comprises a cassette on which the fibers are coiled and connected. The connection between the fibers is performed on a splice support, which can be attached to the cassette removably.

Already known in the state of the art, including US-4627686, a splice support comprising channels having different widths to receive different types of splices, including fiber splices of different sizes. However, in this splice holder, the number of channels that can receive a given type of splice is predetermined and can not be adapted by an installer of the housing when connecting the fibers. Thus, for example, such a support can receive different predetermined types of splices, each in a predetermined number. On the one hand, the installer can not connect the fibers using one of the splice types in a larger number than the predetermined number of corresponding splices, and on the other hand, the installer can not connect the fibers in using a splice type different from the predetermined types.

The object of the invention is to provide a splice support which makes it possible to connect the fibers in a suitable manner, in particular by adapting the support to the types of splices and the number of splices necessary for connecting the fibers in the housing.

To this end, the object of the invention is a support for optical fiber splices, comprising at least two parts and arranged so that the parts can be separated from each other along a predetermined line.

The support according to the invention makes it possible to adapt the support to the type of splice and to the number of splices necessary for connecting the fibers in the casing. Indeed, the support installer can separate the two parts from each other in order to keep and use only the part of the support sufficient for the connection of the fibers in the housing.

In addition, the support can be arranged so that several parts can be separated from each other along several predetermined lines. The support can then be divided into as many parts as necessary. Thus, thanks to the support according to the invention, the connection of the optical fibers can be performed on a necessary and sufficient part.

In order to promote the adaptability of the support to the various cases of optical fiber connection, the support can be arranged so that a large number of parts are separable from each other along corresponding predetermined lines. However, it is desirable that this number is not too large so that the support is adapted to the industrial constraints of cost and feasibility.

The support according to the invention may also be intended to receive different types of splices having characteristics, in particular of different sizes. By predetermined line, there will be understood a line allowing the separation of the parts in a predetermined manner. Thus, the separation between the two parts does not occur randomly. Examples of such a predetermined line are a pre-cutting line, a zone of weakness or a pre-break line. The two parts can thus be separated manually, for example by repeated bending or, where appropriate, using simple means such as a cutter or scissors. According to other optional features of the support according to the invention:

The support is in one piece. Such a support may be molded of plastic, for example polypropylene.

The support comprises a necking zone. A necking zone is an area of the support having a decrease in cross section, in particular the thickness of the support. Such a zone generally has limited structural strength properties allowing easy separation of the two parts interconnected by the necking zone. The support is breakable. - The line is materialized by at least one obviously.

Optionally, the two parts are symmetrical with respect to the predetermined line.

Such a support makes it possible, during the connection of the optical fibers, to avoid differentiation of the parts between them after their separation. Thus, it is useless to be concerned with the preservation of one part rather than that of another, the two separate parts being identical.

According to another optional feature of the support according to the invention, the support comprises means for holding each optical fiber, the holding means comprising at least one channel delimited by at least one pair of pads. Advantageously, at least one of the pairs of studs is able to receive at least two optical fibers and preferably three, especially one above the other. The support thus has a small footprint while allowing to receive several splices in the same channel.

Advantageously, the support comprises, for each channel, at least one pair of pads, in particular two and preferably three, of a first side of a splice area, and at least one pair of pads, in particular two and preferably three, from a second side of the splice area.

The pair of pads on each side of the splice area keeps each fiber on either side of the splice area.

According to another optional feature of the support according to the invention, the support comprises means for blocking the optical fiber in the holding means.

The locking means prevent the optical fibers from coming out of the holding means, in particular during the installation and maintenance operations of the housing.

Advantageously, the blocking means are capable of blocking several fibers independently of one another in holding means common to said fibers and to which these blocking means belong.

With such an arrangement of the locking means, the installer of the housing can easily handle and arrange the fibers on the splice support, the fibers being locked independently of each other.

According to an optional feature of the support according to the invention, the locking means comprise at least one relief carried by at least one of the pads of each pair, the reliefs of the pads of the same channel differing from each other two to two by at least one of the following characteristics: their height relative to a base of the support, the side of the channel where the reliefs are located, and - the pair of studs that carry the reliefs.

Such reliefs can block up to three optical fibers independently of other fibers of the same channel.

The invention also relates to a set of at least two supports as defined above, wherein the two supports are respectively arranged to receive two different types of splices.

Such an assembly enables an installer to choose either the support or supports adapted to the different types of splices to be made, or several supports that can receive different types of splices in order to separate, then combine the necessary and sufficient parts of the supports for realize the different types of splices. -AT-

The invention also relates to a part of a support as defined above, this part resulting from the separation from the other part of the support along the predetermined line.

Such a part can either be used immediately for the connection of optical fibers if it is suitable for this connection, or be stored by the installer of the housing for later use, possibly when connected in another housing.

The subject of the invention is also a cassette for an optical fiber connection box comprising at least one support as defined above and / or at least one part as defined above, preferably the support or the part being attached. to the cassette removably.

The removable support makes it possible to use standard cassettes and to report thereon supports having different sizes and characteristics adapted to each connection. Thus, only the support is to be differentiated during the manufacture of the cassette and the support, which reduces the cost of manufacturing the cassette assembly plus support.

In one embodiment of the cassette according to the invention, the cassette comprises at least two parts as defined above arranged respectively to receive first and second types of splices, the second type being different from the first, the two types being for example so-called fusion splices and so-called mechanical splices.

Such a cassette makes it possible to connect optical fibers on the same cassette with two different types of splices. The cassette comprises, for example, a first part of a first support arranged to receive fusion splices, two parts of which have been separated from one another and a second part from a second support arranged to receive so-called mechanical splices of which two parts have previously been separated from each other.

The invention also relates to a connection box for optical fibers characterized in that it comprises: at least one part as defined above, and / or - at least one support as defined above, and / or at least one cassette as defined above.

The invention finally relates to a method for producing at least one splice between two optical fibers, during which at least two parts of a support as defined above are separated from one another and a Splicing between two optical fibers on one of the two parts. According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, two parts of two supports as defined above are associated respectively arranged to receive first and second types of splices, the second type being different from the first.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a set of dwellings comprising several housings according to the invention; - Figure 2 is a perspective view of an assembly of first and second housings according to a first embodiment of the invention showing the inlet and / or outlet ports of a cable; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 2 showing hinge means; - Figure 4 is a sectional view along the plane IV-IV of a set of two housings in which the second housing is without cover; Figure 5 is an enlargement of the area V of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a view of one of the housings of Figure 4; Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of zone VII of Fig. 6; - Figure 8 is a perspective view of the housing of Figure 6 comprising two cassettes according to the invention in the open position each comprising a splice holder according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 4 in the open position; FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the entire FIG.

6 showing support means of the cable; Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a removable portion of the support means of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a perspective view of an immobilizing member of the assembly of Figure 10; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one of the cassettes of FIG.

8 without the splice holder; Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of zone XIV of Fig. 13; Figure 15 is a top view of one of the cassettes of Figure 8; Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the splice holder of Fig. 15; Figures 17 and 18 are side and top views of the support of Figure 16; Fig. 19 is an enlarged view of a detail of Fig. 17 in which optical fibers are shown; - Figures 20 to 23 are views similar to Figures 16 to 19 illustrating a splice support according to a second embodiment; Figure 24 is another perspective view of the housing of Figure 8 showing the inlet and / or outlet ports of the cable; Figure 25 is a front view of a portion of the cable attachment means of the housing of Figure 24; Figure 26 is a perspective view of a sealing member of the housing of Figure 24; Figure 27 is a perspective view of a variant of the sealing member shown in Figure 24; - Figure 28 is a perspective view of a housing according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 29 is an enlarged view of the XXIX area of Fig. 28; FIG. 30 is a view of a shut-off slide of an inlet and / or outlet of a cable of the housing of FIG. 28.

FIG. 1 shows a set of dwellings designated by the reference number 10. The set of dwellings, in this case a building, comprises eight separate dwellings 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2, 10c1, 10c2, 10d1, 10d2 distributed over four levels 1 1a, 1 1b, 11c and 11d and a network 12 of optical fibers connecting each house 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d to a cable 13, said adduction. The adduction cable 13 comprises a plurality of optical fibers.

The network 12 comprises an assembly 14 of two identical housings 16, 18, each according to a first embodiment of the invention, into which the cable 13 penetrates.

Each housing 16, 18 is called the foot box of a building. The assembly 14 makes it possible to connect the adduction cable 13 to a building cable 15 also comprising a plurality of optical fibers. The building cable 15 connects the housings 16, 18 to housings

20a-d disposed respectively on each bearing 11 a-d. Each housing 20a-d, called bearing housing, is in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. Each housing 20a-d is respectively connected, in this case, two housing housing 20a1, 20a2, 20b1, 20b2, 20c1, 20c2, 20d1, 20d2 housing 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2, 10c1,

10c2, 10d1, 10d2 of the corresponding bearing by an optical fiber FO. Alternatively, each housing 20a-d may be connected to one or more housing housings. Finally, each housing is respectively connected to means such as terminals 22a1, 22a2, 22b1, 22b2, 22c1, 22c2, 22d1, 22d2. These terminals may comprise, for example, reception, decoding and high-speed or very-high-speed signal processing means for Internet, telephony, television, etc. applications. within each dwelling 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2, 10c1, 10c2, 10d1, 10d2.

2 to 4, 9 and 10 show the set of housings 14. In these figures, there are shown X, Y, Z orthogonal axes between them corresponding to the longitudinal directions Y, transverse X and vertical Z of the housing as illustrated. Each housing 16, 18 comprises a body 24 delimited by four peripheral walls 28a-d. The two walls 28a, 28b are parallel to the plane X ₁ Z while the two walls 28c, 28d are parallel to the plane Y ₁ Z. With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the walls 28a and 28b are respectively called front walls 28a and rear 28b. However, this name, valid in the example shown in these figures, is no longer relevant in the case where, for example, the assembly is in a vertical position in which the wall 28a is below the wall 28b. Each body 24 is also defined by a bottom 30 parallel to the plane X ₁ Y as shown in Figures 4, 6 and 8. The four walls 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d and the bottom 30 of each housing give it a parallelepiped general shape rectangle. The walls 28a-d define, for each housing 16, 18, an opening 34, visible in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the assembly 14 is shown in the closed position in which the opening 34 of the first housing 16 is closed by the bottom 30 of the second housing 18. The opening 34 of the second housing 18 is, for its part, closed by a cover 38. For the sake of simplicity, the first housing 16 lower housing and the second housing 18 as the upper housing, with reference to the figures. It is understood that the two housings can be superimposed with their vertical backgrounds and that it is even conceivable that the first housing 16 is in contact with a horizontal face of a support, for example the ceiling of a room, and is located thus, above the second housing 18. The cover 38 comprises a transparent identification pane 40 of the housing 18 covering an identification space 42 intended to receive, for example, a label. A hole 44 for a screw is formed in the cover 38.

As shown in Figure 2, each front wall 28a comprises six orifices 46a-f input and / or output for the passage of one or more cables 13 to optical fibers. These orifices are arranged in two groups of three orifices, these groups being arranged on either side of a median longitudinal plane ML of the housing, parallel to the plane Y ₁ Z. Each orifice has a generally circular shape and is provided with a sealing member 48a-f adapted to cooperate with the wall 28a and the cable 13.

With reference to FIG. 3, each bottom 30 also comprises fastening means 50a, 50b, extending parallel to the bottom 30, respectively from the front walls 28a and rear 28b, in opposite directions from each other, towards the outside of the case. These fixing means 50a, 50b are intended for fixing the housing on a support, for example a wall. The front attachment means 50a comprise a tab 51a with a curved edge having an orifice 52a. The rear attachment means 50b comprise a tab 51b of generally rectangular shape having two circular orifices 52b1, 52b2 symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane ML. Each orifice 52a, 52b1, 52b2 allows, among other things, the passage of a screw for fixing the housing 16 to the support.

As shown in Figure 3, each rear wall 28b comprises hinge means 54 of the housings 16 and 18 relative to each other. These means 54 comprise two pads 56 of generally cylindrical shape arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane ML and protruding with respect to the wall 28b in the direction Y. The hinge means 54 also comprise the rear leg 51b. The circular orifices 52b1, 52b2 allow the passage of the pads 56 corresponding to the other housing 16, 18.

FIG. 4 shows a set of two housings without the cover 38. To fix the two housings 16, 18 on the support, these also comprise a channel 64 formed in each front wall 28a. This channel 64 has a cylindrical shape and passes through the wall 28a of each opening 34 parallel to its main faces to each bottom 30. The assembly 14 can thus be fixed to a support by means of a common screw passing through the coaxial channels 64 of the two housings 16, 18. With reference to Figures 4 and 5, each opening 34 is delimited by an edge 66 while each bottom comprises an edge 70. As shown in more detail in Figure 5, each edge 66 opening has a generally U-shaped section and comprises a groove 74 in which is disposed a sealing member 78, for example a crush seal. Each bottom edge 70 also includes a groove 78 also having a generally U-shaped cross-section, inverted with respect to that of the edge 66, this section being larger than the section of the opening groove 74. Thus, the bottom groove 78 can cover the opening edge 66. In addition, each bottom groove 78 comprises a rib 82 cooperating with the crush seal 77. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the edge 66 of the second housing 18 not being covered by the cover 38, the seal 77 is not crushed. FIGS. 9 and 10 show the assembly 14 in an open position in which the housing 16 is open. The hinge means 54 are arranged so that, in this open position, the bottoms 30 are perpendicular to each other and the edge 70 of the bottom 30 of the second housing 18 is in contact with the edge 66 of the opening 34 of the first housing 16. In this case, the bottom groove 78 of the second housing 18 laterally covers the edge 66. As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6, the axis of each orifice 52b1, 52b2 is perpendicular and secant with the axis of each corresponding pad 56 of the same housing. This makes it possible to accommodate the pads 56 of the first housing in the orifices 52b1, 52b2 of the second by hinging the housings 16 and 18 relative to one another.

The assembly comprises means for immobilizing the housings in this relative position where the first housing is open. In the present case, these means comprise between the orifices 52b1, 52b2 of the rear leg 51b a slot 64 formed in the leg 51b and extending parallel to the direction X. The immobilizing means also comprise a latch 134 which can be simultaneously received in the slots 64 of the housings 16 and 18. As shown in Figure 12, the latch 134 comprises a body 136 of generally flat rectangular shape, having two main faces 136a and 136b and two opposite edges 138 and 139 each provided with 142 and 144. The relief 142 protrudes from the face 136a. The relief 144 comprises, on the one hand, a portion 144a protruding from the face 136a of the same side of the body as the relief 142 and, on the other hand, a portion 144b protruding from the face 136b on the opposite side to part 144a. The face 136b has two cheeks 145 perpendicular to the face 136a and disposed on the edges 145a, 145b perpendicular to the edges 138, 139. Each cheek 145 extends over about two thirds of each edge 145a, 145b. The distance between the edge 139 and each cheek 145 is equal to the thickness of the rear leg 51b so that this edge is held between the relief 144 and each cheek 145.

Each housing 16, 18 also comprises hinge means 86 for rotating two cassettes 88, 90 for receiving optical fibers. These cassettes 88, 90 will be described precisely below with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15. These articulation means 86 comprise two pairs 92, 94 of holes 92c, 92d and 94c, 94d, of generally circular shape, formed in each of the walls. 28c and 28d, symmetrically with respect to the ML plane. Each pair 92 and 94 defines two axes A1 and A2 of rotation of the cassettes. The holes 92c, 92d, 94c, 94d are disposed in the half of the housing 16 opposite that comprising the orifices 46a-f input and / or output. Each pair 92, 94 is able to receive means of complementary joints of each cassette 88, 90, in this case a pair of fingers 96b, 96c as shown in FIGS. Figures 13 and 15. Each hole 92c and 92d is disposed at half height of each wall 28c, 28d. Each hole 94c, 94d is disposed at mid-height between each hole 92c, 92d and the edge 66. The pairs 92, 94 are aligned in a direction parallel to the Z direction.

As shown in FIG. 8, each cassette 88, 90 is rotatable between an operating position and a maintenance position relative to the bottom 30. In FIG. 8, the cassettes 88, 90 are shown in their maintenance position.

In the maintenance position, the first cassette 88 forms an angle of about 50 ° with the bottom 30 and the second cassette 90 forms an angle of about 90 ° with the bottom 30. The first and second cassettes 88, 90 are respectively maintained in their maintenance position by holding means 100c, 100d and 102c, 102d, shown in more detail in FIG. 7. These means 100c, 100d and 102c, 102d are arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane ML and comprise pins making projecting from the walls 28c, 28d. The pads 100c, 100d are oriented to form an angle of approximately 50 ° with the bottom 30 while the pads 102c, 102d are oriented to form an angle of approximately 90 ° with the bottom 30. In addition, the hinge means 86 comprise guide means for sliding the fingers 96, 98 respectively from the edge 66 to the pairs 92 and 94. These guide means each comprise a channel 108, 1 10 delimited by two edges 108a, 108b, 1 10a, 1b. Channel 1 is rectilinear while channel 108 has an angle between edge 66 and each hole 92c, 92d.

With reference to FIGS. 4, 6 and 8, in the operating position, the cassette 88 bears on bearing means 1 12. These bearing means 112 comprise two pairs of ribs 112c1, 1 12c2, 112d1, 1 12d2 of rectangular general shape each protruding respectively relative to the inner face of each wall 28c, 28d. The ribs January 12c1, 112d1 are located about a quarter of the length of the housing from the wall 28a. The ribs 112c2, 1 12d2 are located about a quarter of the length of the housing from the wall 28b. These ribs 112c1, 112c2, 1 12d1, 1 12d2 extend from the bottom 30 of the housing 16 to about one third of the height of each wall 28a, 28d. The bearing means 1 12 also comprise a pair of reliefs 1 14a-b respectively allowing the cassettes 88, 90 to be held in the closed position, in particular when the casing 16 is fixed to a vertical wall. Each relief 114a, 1 14b protrudes from a rounded portion of the inner face of the wall 28a including the channel 64. The relief 1 14a is located about two thirds of the height between the bottom 30 and the edge 66. relief 1 14b is located flush with the opening 34. In this maintenance position, the cassettes 88, 90 give more access than operating position to a compartment 1 16 located on the bottom side 30 relative to the cassette 88.

As illustrated in Figures 4, 6 and 8, this compartment 1 16 comprises a base 1 18 of generally cylindrical shape, rigidly secured to the bottom 30, located substantially in the center of the bottom 30. As also shown in Figure 10, a removable spacer 120 is threaded coaxially on the base 118. With reference to Figure 1 1, this spacer 120 comprises a body 121 of generally cylindrical shape having two lower edges 122 and 124. 122 upper edge is the edge of the spacer 120 The edge 122 carries three lower tabs 122a-c projecting radially away from the axis of the removable portion and extending perpendicularly to its axis and parallel to the bottom 30. These three legs 122a -c are angularly arranged at 120 ° relative to each other. Each tab 122a-c comprises, at its end, a lug 123-c, extending substantially parallel to the Z direction. The tabs 122a and 122b are approximately twice as long radially as the tab 122c. The upper edge 124 carries three upper tabs 124a-c protruding radially away from the axis of the spacer and extending substantially parallel to the bottom 30. These three tabs 124a-c are radially of the same length as the tab lower 122c. They are angularly arranged at 120 ° relative to each other, and offset respectively by 60 ° relative to the lower tabs 122a-c. The removable spacer 120 is held on the base 118 by the cassette 88 when it is in its operating position.

The spacer 120 and the base 1 18 form support means 126 defining two storage spaces E1 and E2 separated from each other by the lower tabs 122a-c which form separation means 127 of the two spaces E1 and E2. The space E1 is delimited by the bottom 30 and the lower tabs 122a-c whereas the space E2 is delimited by the lower tabs 122a-c and the upper tabs 124a, 124b, 124c. These means 126 allow the support of turns 128 of the cable 13. The means 126 define minimum and maximum radius of curvature of the turns 128. The body 121 defines the minimum radius of curvature of E2 while the walls 28c, 28d define the radius maximum curvature of E1. The base 118 defines the minimum radius of curvature of E1 whereas the lugs 123a-c define the maximum radius of curvature of E2.

The space E2 generally allows the support of a cable whose fibers are intended to be connected to a cassette of the upper housing 18 while the space E1 allows the support of a cable whose fibers are intended to be connected 16. In a variant, these functions of the spaces E1 and E2 can be interchanged. To allow the passage of the cable from the lower housing 16 to the upper housing 18, the bottom 30 of the latter has a through hole 130. This orifice has a generally oblong shape and extends in the half of the bottom 30 closest to the edge 70 of the second housing 18 in contact with the edge 66 of the opening 34 of the housing 16 in the open position. The orifice 130 extends over a little less than half the transverse width of the bottom 30. Another orifice 132, symmetrical with the orifice 130 with respect to the plane ML, is formed in the bottom 30. In the example shown in Figure 10, the orifice 132 is closed by a breakable lid 133.

FIGS. 13 and 15 show a cassette 88, identical to the cassette 90. This cassette 88 has a generally rectangular shape and comprises a bottom 146 from which walls 148a-d project perpendicular to the bottom 146. Each wall 148a-d extends respectively opposite each wall 28a-d. Each wall 148c, 148d has at its end opposite the wall 148a, the finger 96c, 96d. The fingers 96c, 96d define an axis of rotation of the cassette 88 coincides with the axis of rotation A1 defined by the holes 92c, 92d. The wall 148d is set back from this axis of rotation so that, when the cassette is mounted on the housing 16 as shown in FIG. 8, an opening 140 is formed between the cassette and the wall 28b. The axis of rotation A1 of the cassette intercepts this opening 140 and the orifice 130 is located at the right of this opening 140. The cassette 88 comprises two zones 150 and 152 separated from one another by a wall 153 projecting relative to the bottom 146 and extending in the direction Z. The wall 153 is substantially parallel to the X, Z plane and is located about halfway between the walls 148a and 148b. The zone 150 comprises guide means 154 of at least one fiber, in particular arranged to give the fiber a radius of curvature greater than a predetermined radius of curvature, below which the transmission of the signal could be degraded. These means are arranged to make it possible to arrange the or each fiber so that its direction of winding changes along the fiber and / or so that the fiber crosses at least once, and / or at least two turns of the fiber. fiber stretch side by side. In this case, the guide means 154 comprise two drums 156 and 158 arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to the plane ML. Each drum 156 and 158 comprises walls 160 projecting from the bottom 146 and extending in the direction Z. The walls 160 are arranged around a center C1, C2 of the drum 156, 158 and consist of an alternation of four convex walls 160a1-4 and four concave walls 160b1 -4 around center C1, C2. The concave walls 160b1, 160b2, 160b4 of the drum 156 are respectively facing the walls 148c, 148a, 148b. The concave walls 160b1, 160b2, 160b4 of the drum 158 are respectively facing the walls 148d, 148a, 148c. The walls 160b3 of the drums 156 and 158 are opposite one another. The convex walls 160a 1-4 are directed towards the four corners of the cassette 88.

The guide means 154 also comprise two walls 162c and 162d protruding from the bottom 146, arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to the plane ML and each having an arcuate shape. The center of curvature of each wall 162c, 162d is located on the side of the center of the housing 16. Each wall 162c,

162d is arranged respectively between each wall 148c, 148d and each drum 156,

158.

In addition, the guide means 154 comprise means for vertically guiding an optical fiber. These guide means comprise tabs 164 having a generally point-like shape extending substantially parallel to the bottom 146 of the cassette 88. A tab 164a extends from the wall 160b3 of the drum 156 to the drum 158 without touching it. here, the arrow pointing to the drum 158. A tab 164b extends from the wall 153, in the middle thereof in the direction X, towards the wall 148b, the arrow pointing to the wall 148b. A tab 164c extends from the wall 148b, in the middle thereof in the X direction, towards the wall 153, the arrow pointing to the wall 153. Two other tabs 164d and 164e, located on both sides other of the tab 164c, symmetrically with respect to the plane ML, extend similarly to this tab 164c and have homothetically reduced dimensions. Finally, tabs 164f and 164g, arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane ML, respectively extend in the Y direction from the middle of the walls 148c and 148d, towards the walls 160b1, the arrow pointing towards these walls 160b1.

With reference to FIG. 14, the zone 150 also comprises two combs 166 for holding the optical fibers, each provided with a counter comb 168 movable relative to the comb 166 to close the latter. The combs 166 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane ML, between the walls 162c, 162d and the walls 148b, 148c, 148d. Each comb 166 extends from the vicinity of the corresponding corner of the housing 16 towards each drum 156, 158. In the present case and as shown in detail in FIG. 14, each comb 166 comprises four recesses 168a1-4 alternating with three 168b2-4 teeth, and two ends 168b1 and 168b5 of the comb. The counter-comb 168 is rotatably mounted around a shaft 170 received in a housing 172 formed in the end 168b5. The counter-comb 168 is locked in a closed position of the recesses 168a1-4 thanks to conventional elastic locking means 174 forming a clip formed in the end 168b1 and against the comb 168 opposite the axis 170 The area 152 of the cassette 88 includes a housing 176 for a splice holder 178 attached to the cassette removably. This housing 176 has a shape rectangular shape corresponding to the general shape of a base 179 of the splice support 178. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 13, the zone 152 comprises orifices 180 arranged in three lines parallel to the direction Y when the cassette 88 is in the position closed. Two lines 180a, 180b are arranged on either side of the plane ML. Each line 180a, 180b respectively comprises three orifices 180a1-3, 180b1-3 for accommodating clips 182a1-3, 182b1-3 of the splice support 178, visible in FIG. 17. A line 180c also makes it possible to house studs centering 184 of the support 178.

As shown in FIGS. 16 to 19, the splice support 178 according to the first embodiment of the invention is in one piece and comprises two parts 186a and 186b which can be separated from each other in a predetermined line 187. The two parts 186a, 186b are symmetrical with respect to the predetermined line 187. In the present case, the support is breakable thanks to, on the one hand, two recesses 187a1, 187a2 and, on the other hand, three zones of necking 187b1, 187b2, 187b3 alternating with the recesses 187a1, 187a2. The recesses and the necking zones materialize the predetermined line 187. The splice support 178 comprises two retaining zones 188, 190 for optical fibers on either side of a splice zone 192. Each of these zones 188 , 190 intersects in the middle line 187.

Each holding zone 188, 190 respectively comprises holding means 196a, 196b of an optical fiber comprising a plurality of pairs of pads. The pairs of studs delimit several channels 194 opening onto the splice zone 192. In this case and as shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, each channel 194 is delimited by first, second and third pairs of studs, respectively referenced 200 , 202 and 204 on each side of the splice area 192 and aligned in the X direction from the edges 205, 206 of the base 179 parallel to the Y direction to the splice area 192.

The support 178 also comprises means 198 for locking the optical fibers in the holding means 196a, 196b. These locking means 198 belong to the holding means 196a, 196b and are capable of blocking several fibers independently of each other in the common holding means 196a, 196b to said fibers. In this case, the locking means comprise reliefs carried by at least one of the pads of each pair. Thus, a first stud 200a for holding the first pair 200 bears a relief 200a1 positioned at about two thirds of the height of the stud 200a with respect to the base 179 and pointing towards the inside of the channel. A second stud 202a holding the second pair 202 associated with the same channel 194, carries a relief 202a1, positioned at the top of the pad 202a, the second holding stud 202a being disposed on one side of the channel 194 opposite that of the first pad 200a. The relief 202a1 also points towards the inside of the channel 194. A third stud 204a for holding the third pair 204 carries a relief 204a1 for holding. The blocking relief 204a1 is disposed on the same side of the channel 194 as that of the first block 200a. The pad 204 has a height equal to about one third of the height of the pads 200a and 202a. The relief 204a1 is disposed at the top of the pad 204 and points inwardly of the channel 194. It will be noted that depending on whether the pads are arranged on the portion 186a or 186b of the support 178, the reliefs are not oriented in the same way. Indeed, on the part 186a designated as being closest to the wall 153, illustrated in Figures 13 and 15, the reliefs 200a1, 204a1 point to the wall 153 while the reliefs 202a1 point in the opposite direction to the wall 153. On the part 186b designated as the farthest from the wall 153 in Figure 15, the reliefs 200a1, 204a1 point in the opposite direction to the wall 153 while the reliefs 202a1 point to the wall 153. It will also be noted that the adjacent channels at the edges of the support 178 comprise a reduced number of pads. In this case, these adjacent channels are delimited by only two pairs of pads.

It will be noted that, in general, each channel 194 carries at least two blocking protrusions of each FO fiber. The reliefs differ from one another in pairs, by at least one of the following characteristics: their height relative to the base of the support, the side of the channel where they are located, and the pair of studs that carry them . These studs and reliefs make it possible to maintain up to three FO fibers in the same channel, independently of one another above each other and parallel to each other, as shown in FIG. 19. It will be noted that moreover, that the support 178 is intended to receive fusion splices.

According to a second embodiment of the support according to the invention and as shown in FIGS. 20 to 23, the support 178 can receive so-called mechanical splices. In these figures 20 to 23, the elements similar to those shown in the preceding figures are designated by identical references. In this embodiment, each channel 194 is delimited by first and second pairs of pads on each side of the splice zone, respectively referenced 200, 202 aligned in the X direction starting from the edges 205, 206 of the base 179 to the splice zone 192. A first 200b holding stud of the first pair 200 carries a relief 200b1 positioned at the top of the pad 200b and pointing towards the inside of the channel 194. A second pad 202b for holding the second pair 202 associated with the same channel 194, carries a relief 202b1, positioned at the top of the pad 202b, this second retaining stud 202a being disposed on the same side of the channel 194 as that of the first pad 200b. The relief 202b1 also points to the interior of the channel 194. In this embodiment, the Plots 200b and 202b all have equal heights. It will be noted that the studs, whether they are arranged on the part 186a or 186b of the support 178, have reliefs all oriented in the same way, in this case towards the wall 153. In this embodiment, the studs and reliefs allow to maintain up to two fibers in the same channel.

The two supports according to the first and second embodiments form a set of supports according to the invention which can be used to connect different optical fibers with different types of splices. Indeed, each support being breakable, it is possible to arrange side by side a part resulting from the separation from the other part of the support according to the first embodiment along the predetermined line and another part resulting from the separation of with the other part of the support according to the second embodiment according to the predetermined line. Each of these parts can then receive respectively fusion splices and mechanical splices. Thus, it will be noted that, in a general manner, the housing according to the invention may comprise at least a part of a support according to the invention and / or a support according to the invention and / or at least one cassette according to the invention. 'invention.

FIG. 24 shows the housing 16 in which each orifice 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d of entry and / or exit for the passage of an optical fiber cable is provided with its corresponding sealing member 48a. d in accordance with Figure 26. In this figure 26, each member 48a-d is symmetrical of revolution and comprises a wide portion 208 extended by a narrow portion 210 of generally cylindrical shape and outer radius weaker. The organs are hollow. Their inner radius is constant over their entire length so that the cable passing through each sealing member 48a-d matches their inner walls 208a, 210a respectively. The outer surface 208b of the body 210 has a groove 212 for positioning each sealing member in the corresponding orifice 46a-d. Thus, during the passage of the fiber optic cable, the latter widens the sealing member so that the groove 212 is pressed against the corresponding orifice 46a-d. In addition, each member 48a-d comprises a sealing film 214 extending in a passage space of the cable in the member, defined by the inner wall 208a of the portion 208 from the wall 208a. Preferably, the film 214 is precut. In a variant and as shown in FIG. 27, the sealing member may comprise only a body 208. In another variant and as shown in FIG. 2, the sealing member 48a, 48b, 48c , 48d comprises a partial extension 215 extending in the opposite direction to the extension 210. This extension 215 makes it possible to support the cable before it passes through the member. In Figure 24, the extension 210 is sandwiched between two parts 216 and 218 for fixing the cable. In the case where the sealing member 48a-d is in accordance with the variant described with reference to FIG. 27, the cable is directly gripped in contact with the parts 216 and 218. The part 216 is in one piece with the housing 16 while the portion 218 is attached to the housing 16. As shown in Figures 24 and 25, the insert 218 has a general shape of bridge with three arches 217a-c separated from each other by pillars 218a-d. The portion 218 comprises, between the arches of the pairs of arches 217a, 217b and 217b, 217c, a hole 220b, 220c of generally cylindrical shape formed in each pillar 218b and 218c. The end pillars 218a and 218d are extended by studs 220a and 22Od. Part 216 has a shape complementary to part 218, namely a general shape of bridge with three arches separated from each other by pillars. Part 216 comprises, between the arches of the two pairs of arches, a generally cylindrical stud extending each pillar and intended to penetrate into the corresponding orifice 220b, 220c of part 218. The pillars at the ends of the bridge have orifices intended to receive the studs 220a and 22Od of the part 218.

The housings 16, 18 according to the first embodiment of the invention make it possible to implement a method for producing at least one splice between two optical fibers. During the installation of the assembly 14 in the building 10, the first housing 16 or lower housing is fixed on a support, for example a wall of the building by means of screws that are passed through the orifices. 52a, 52b1 and 52b2. Then, the supply cable 13 is passed through the orifice 46a provided with the sealing member 48a.

In the case where the supply cable is too large, it is divided into two parts that can pass, for example, in the orifices 46a and 46b, each provided with members 48a and 48b. However, assuming here that the cable 13 comprises a number of optical fibers FO too large for the connection to be made in the single housing 16, this time divides into the housing these optical fibers FO into two beams. The first beam is wound in the space E1, passed through the openings 140 corresponding to the cassettes 88, 90 of the housing 16, and then coiled on the cassettes 88, 90. The second beam is associated with the second housing as indicated below.

Then, the second housing 18 is installed on the first. Before or after this step, the building wire is identified and its FO fibers are passed through the front openings 46a and 46b of the housing 18, each provided with members 48a and 48b. Then we position the assembly 14 in the open position as shown in FIGS.

9 and 10. The latch 134 makes it possible to immobilize the housings 16 and 18 in this position. The orifice 130 of the bottom of the second housing is then released by removing the lid 133 and a first fiber bundle FO of the building cable 15 is passed through this orifice 130 from the second housing to the first housing.

The first bundle comprising fibers to be connected by so-called mechanical splices and by fusion, is separated, on the one hand, from one another, two parts 186a and 186b of the support 178 according to the first embodiment and, on the other hand, one of the other two parts 186a and 186b of the support 178 according to the second embodiment. Then, two parts 186a of the two supports are combined according to the two embodiments on each of the cassettes 88 and 90. Then, the first bundle of the building cable 15 is connected to the first bundle of the adduction cable 13, fiber-to-fiber on the associated splice supports 178 of the cassettes 88, 90 of the lower housing 16. Alternatively, all the fibers to be connected by so-called mechanical splices could be connected to the cassette 88 and all the fibers to be connected by splices said by melting on the cassette 90, subject to adapt the supports to such use.

The second bundle of the supply cable 13 is wound in the space E2 of the lower housing 16. Then it is passed through the opening 140 of this housing, through the orifice 130 of the bottom of the upper housing, then through the opening 140 of this housing Finally, the FO fibers of the second bundle of the adduction cable 13 are connected to the FO fibers of the second bundle of the building cable 15, fiber to fiber, in this second housing, on the cassettes 88, 90 in a similar manner to the connection between the first bundle of the building cable 15 and the first bundle of the adduction cable 13.

The latch 134 is then removed to position the assembly in the closed position. To do this, the opening 34 of the lower housing 16 is closed with the bottom 30 of the upper housing 18. Then, the opening 34 of the upper housing 18 is closed with the cover 38.

The housings 16, 18 according to the first embodiment of the invention also make it possible to implement a maintenance method whose main features related to the invention will be described.

An installer removes the cover 38 and performs maintenance operations in the upper case 18, if necessary by lifting the cassette. Once these are done, he moves the upper housing 18 relative to the lower housing 16 through the hinge means 54, thus passing the assembly 14 from its closed position to its open position. The installer then carries out the maintenance operations in the lower case 16, if necessary by lifting the cassette or cassettes. FIGS. 28 and 29 show the housing 20a according to the second embodiment of the invention. This case is identical to the 20b-d cases. In Figures 28, 29, the elements similar to those shown in the preceding figures are designated by identical references. Unlike the housing 16, the housing 20a comprises on each of the front walls

28a and 28b, an opening 222a and 222b cable entry and exit. In addition, these openings have a general shape of "U" opening at the upper edge 66. The front opening 222a is located opposite an arch of the part 216 so that a cable passing through the opening 222a can be enclosed between the parts 216 and 218. The rear wall 28b also comprise orifices 224 for the output of an optical fiber cable provided with sealing members 226 similar to the sealing members shown in FIG. 2. In order to seal each opening 222a, 222b, a slide 227 shown in FIG. 30, has a shape complementary to that of the orifice provided with the cable 15. This slide has two edges 227a and 227b capable of sliding in complementary slideways 228a, 228b formed in each wall 28a and 28b.

In this embodiment and as shown in Figure 1, the housing 20a allows to cross the optical fiber cable 15 in the housing 20a by drifting the cable 15 some of its optical fiber FO to dwellings 10a1, 10a2. These FO fibers then pass through the orifices 224. The remainder of the cable is then directed to the next landing. The cable 15 can also enter the housing through the opening 222a without coming out through the opening 222b, as shown at the level of the bearing 1 1 d in Figure 1.

The housing 20a according to the second embodiment of the invention makes it possible to implement a method for producing at least one splice between two optical fibers whose main aspects related to the invention will be described.

At the arrival on the first landing, the building cable 15 comprises at least 8 optical fibers intended for the dwellings 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2, 10c1, 10c2, 10d1,

10d2. The housing 20a is fixed on a support. The slider 227 is removed from each of the walls 28a, 28b of the housing 20a. The building cable 15 is passed through the opening 222a. We replace the corresponding slide. In the case, the fibers of the adduction cable to be derived are connected to the fibers intended to go into each of the houses 10a1 and 10a2. These FO fibers are fed out by two orifices 224 each provided with the sealing member 226. The cable 15 is taken out of the housing with the fibers that remain there through the orifice 222b and the corresponding slide is replaced.

The invention is not limited to the previously described embodiments. Indeed, the housing may have various sizes. As an example of order of magnitude, the dimensions of the housing may take values ranging from decimeter to meter.

In addition, the housing according to the invention may have a generally cylindrical shape, ovoid or other without departing from the scope of the invention.

In addition, it should be noted that the characteristics:

- from the whole,

- the spacer 120,

the cassette 88, the sealing member 48a-d, and

- Parts 216, 218 described above can be implemented independently of each other and regardless of the fact that the support is arranged so that the parts can be separated from each other along a predetermined line.

Claims

1. Support (178) for optical fiber splices, characterized in that the carrier (178) comprises at least two parts (186a, 186b) and is arranged so that the parts (186a, 186b) can to be separated from each other along a predetermined line (187). 2. Support (178) according to claim 1, wherein the support (178) is in one piece. 3. Support (178) according to claim 1 or 2, which comprises a necking zone (187b1, 187b2, 187b3). 4. Support (178) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two parts (186a, 186b) are symmetrical with respect to the predetermined line (187). 5. Support (178) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising holding means (196a, 196b) of each optical fiber, the holding means (196a, 196b) comprising at least one channel (194) delimited by minus a pair of pads (200, 202, 204). 6. Support (178) according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the pairs of pads (200, 202, 204) is adapted to receive at least two optical fibers and preferably three, especially above the other. 7. Support (178) according to claim 5 or 6, comprising for each channel (194) at least one pair of pads (200, 202, 204), including two and preferably three, a first side of a zone splice (192), and at least one pair of pads, especially two and preferably three, of a second side of the splice area (192). 8. Support (178) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, comprising means (198) for locking the optical fiber in the holding means (196a, 196b). 9. Support (178) according to claim 8, wherein the locking means (198) are capable of blocking several fibers independently of each other in holding means (196a, 196b) common to said fibers and to which belong these means of blocking (198). 10. Support (178) according to claims 5 and 8, wherein the locking means (198) comprise at least one relief (200a 1, 202a1, 204a1, 202b1, 202b1) carried by at least one of the pads of each pair ( 200, 202, 204), the reliefs of the pads of the same channel differing from one another in pairs by at least one of the following characteristics: their height relative to a base (179) of the support (178), the side of the channel where the reliefs are located, and the pair of studs that carry the reliefs. 1. An assembly of at least two supports (178) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two supports (178) are respectively arranged to receive two different types of splices. 12. Part (186a, 186b) of a support (178) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it results from the separation from the other part of the support along the predetermined line ( 187). 13. Cassette (88, 90) for fiber optic connection box characterized in that it comprises at least one support (178) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or at least a portion (186a, 186b ) according to the preceding claim, preferably the support or the portion being attached to the cassette removably. 14. housing (16, 18) for optical fiber connection, characterized in that it comprises: at least one part (186a, 186b) according to claim 12, and / or at least one support (178) according to any one Claims 1 to 10, and / or - at least one cassette (88, 90) according to Claim 13. 15. Process for producing at least one splice between two optical fibers, characterized in that at least two parts (186a, 186b) of a support (178) are separated from one another according to any one of Claims 1 to 10 and splicing between two optical fibers on one of the two parts.