Telecommunication device

Abstract

A telecommunications interconnection terminal (100) is provided, comprising: a housing including: a first set of ports (122-1-1) for connection to an external multi-fiber cable (125-1); a second set of ports (122-2) for connection to an external single-fiber cable (125-2); a third set of ports (124) including a hole and a joint (140) for receiving and engaging a non-external optical cable (125-3); and a splicing patch panel (150) for receiving and accommodating spliced ​​optical fibers in the fiber optic cable received from ports in at least two of the first, second, and third sets of ports.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to telecommunications equipment, and more particularly to interconnection terminals for fiber optic telecommunication cables. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of fiber optic technology, various types of telecommunication optical cables have been deployed (and are likely to continue to be deployed) as part of telecommunication networks. As a result of this change, an uneven distribution has emerged in the types of optical cables that form part of modern telecommunication networks.

[0003] For example, optical cables may vary in the following aspects: cable type (e.g., ribbon cable vs. round cable); number of optical fibers; fiber arrangement; cable construction (such as filling gel or fluid); and / or the presence, absence, and type of terminal connectors.

[0004] Optical cables can be interconnected using interconnecting terminals. These interconnecting terminals also provide a means of connecting one optical cable to another.

[0005] However, different types of interconnect terminals may be needed to facilitate connections between several different types of optical cables, and such different types of interconnect terminals may need to be linked together to achieve interconnection between one type of optical cable and another.

[0006] Therefore, existing solutions suffer from at least the need to maintain an inventory of several different types of interconnect terminals and to locate enough space to accommodate multiple interconnect terminals; these burdens can lead to inefficient installation and upgrades of fiber optic networks.

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to at least alleviate some of the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a telecommunications interconnection terminal is provided, comprising: a housing including: a first set of ports for connection to (optionally, at least one) an externally connected multi-fiber cable; a second set of ports for connection to (optionally, at least one) an externally connected single-fiber cable; a third set of ports including holes and joints for receiving and engaging (optionally, at least one) a non-externally connected optical cable; and a splice distributor for receiving and accommodating spliced ​​optical fibers from ports of the first, second, and third sets of ports (preferably at least two). Preferably, the interconnection terminal is provided as a single unit. Preferably, as used herein, "a set of ports" can be used to include at least one port.

[0009] Preferably, the first set of ports and / or the second set of ports are in the form of connectors or include connectors. Preferably, as used herein, the term "connector" means a mechanical connector and / or an electrical or optical connector for facilitating the propagation of telecommunication signals. Preferably, the splicing patch panel includes at least one splicing tray and may include multiple splicing trays, wherein interconnections (e.g., in the form of holes) may be provided between the multiple splicing trays. Preferably, as used herein, the term "multi-fiber cable" means having multiple optical fibers. Preferably, as used herein, the term "single-fiber cable" means having only a single optical fiber. Preferably, the non-external optical cable is a multi-fiber cable. Preferably, the first set of ports includes Bayonet Neill-Concelman (BNC) ports and / or Multiple-fiber Push-On (MPO) ports. Preferably, the second set of ports includes Subscriber Connector (SC) and / or Ferrule Connector (FC). Preferably, the aperture is adapted to receive blown fiber optic tubing (BFT) conduits or branch conduits and / or cable optical fiber (COF) cables. Preferably, the BFT and / or COF comprises up to 96 optical fibers. Preferably, the first set of ports and the second set of ports are located on the same side of the housing. Preferably, the third set of ports is located opposite to the first set of ports and / or the second set of ports. Preferably, the third set of ports is located on the housing away from the first set of ports and / or the second set of ports. Optionally, the first set of ports and the second set of ports are located on a side of the housing different from the third set of ports. Preferably, one port of the third set of ports is aligned with one port of the first set of ports or one port of the second set of ports. Preferably, the first set of ports, the second set of ports, and / or the third set of ports include a seal for sealing the optical cable. Preferably, the seal is located within the housing. Preferably, the third set of ports includes a knockout wall member formed as part of the housing, wherein the knockout wall member is removable from the housing to expose the aperture. Preferably, the knockdown wall component is integrally formed as part of the housing. Preferably, the knockdown wall component is connected to the housing in a brittle manner. Preferably, the interconnecting terminal further includes a routing guide for receiving optical fiber from the first set of ports, the second set of ports, and / or the third set of ports and routing the optical fiber to the splice patch panel. Preferably, the first set of ports includes at least two different types of ports, each type being used to connect to different types of external multi-fiber cables. Preferably, the second set of ports includes at least two different types of ports, each type being used to connect to different types of external single-fiber cables.Preferably, the splicing patch panel is disposed within the housing between the first group of ports, the second group of ports, and the third group of ports. Preferably, the splicing patch panel, the first group of ports, the second group of ports, and / or the third group of ports are arranged in the same plane.

[0010] Preferably, the first set of ports, the second set of ports, and the third set of ports, along with the splicing patch panel, are configured such that optical fibers from any one of the first, second, and third sets of ports can be received by the splicing patch panel within the bending radius tolerance of the optical fibers. Preferably, the bending radius tolerance is between 20 mm and 40 mm. Preferably, the first set of ports, the second set of ports, and / or the third set of ports are located on the periphery of the housing. Preferably, the housing is formed of complementary bodies and covers, wherein the cover is oversized relative to the bodies. Preferably, the splicing patch panel is adapted to receive and accommodate spliced ​​optical fibers from all three sets of ports in the optical cable.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a telecommunications network is provided, comprising: a distribution-side telecommunications optical cable; a customer-side telecommunications optical cable; and an interconnection terminal according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution-side telecommunications optical cable is connected to a port in a third group of ports, and the customer-side telecommunications optical cable is connected to a port in a first group of ports or a second group of ports, and wherein the cables are interconnected via a splicing patch panel.

[0012] This invention includes any novel aspects described and / or illustrated herein. The invention also extends to methods and / or apparatuses generally as described herein and / or illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is also provided as computer programs and / or computer program products for performing any of the methods described herein and / or for embodying any of the device features described herein, and as computer-readable media storing programs for performing any of the said methods and / or for embodying any of the device features described herein. Features described as being implemented in hardware may alternatively be implemented in software, and vice versa.

[0013] The present invention also provides a method for transmitting signals, and a computer product having an operating system that supports computer programs for performing any of the methods described herein and / or for specifically implementing any of the device features described herein.

[0014] Any device feature can also be provided as a corresponding step of the method, and vice versa. As used herein, device plus functional features can alternatively be expressed according to their corresponding structures (e.g., a properly programmed processor).

[0015] Any feature of one aspect of the invention may be applied in any appropriate combination to other aspects of the invention. Any, some, and / or all features of one aspect may be applied in any appropriate combination to any, some, and / or all features of any other aspect. Specific combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspect of the invention may be implemented and / or provided and / or used independently.

[0016] As used throughout the text, unless otherwise specified, the word "or" may be interpreted in an exclusive and / or inclusive sense.

[0017] This invention extends to interconnected terminals and telecommunication networks as described herein and / or substantially as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention will now be described entirely by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1a and Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of interconnected terminals; and

[0019] Figure 2a and Figure 2b This is a view of the interconnected terminals. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Figures 1a to 2a An interconnection terminal 100 for use in a telecommunications network is shown.

[0021] Interconnection terminal 100 is provided for use in or near a customer’s residence to help connect the customer-side and distribution-side telecommunications fiber optic cables, thereby connecting the customer’s residence to the telecommunications network and distributing the connection around the customer’s residence.

[0022] More specifically, the interconnect terminal 100 includes a housing formed by a body 110-1 and a cover 110-2. The body includes, in turn, a plurality of ports 122, 124 for receiving optical fiber 125, and a splicing patch panel 150. The housing provides an enclosed volume within which optical fibers received via the ports from optical fiber 125 are routed, stored, and spliced.

[0023] The plurality of ports includes a set of external ports 122 and a set of non-external ports 124, which are in Figure 1a It is best shown in the middle.

[0024] Each external port 122 includes a connector for mechanical engagement and optical mating with an optical cable having a complementary connector; while the non-external port 124 does not include any connector.

[0025] Each external port 122 and its component connectors are connected to the main body 110-1 or integrated into the main body 110-1. The group of external ports 122 includes:

[0026] A set of multi-fiber external ports 122-1, including multi-fiber connectors for connecting to multi-fiber optical cables 125-1 and / or mating with multiple optical fibers from the optical cable; and

[0027] A set of single-fiber external ports 122-2, which includes a single-fiber connector for connecting to a single-fiber cable 125-2 and / or for mating with a single fiber optic cable forming a single fiber optic cable.

[0028] More specifically, this group of multi-fiber external ports 122-1 includes:

[0029] Neil Conseman bayonet (BNC) port 122-1-1; and

[0030] Multi-fiber push-in (MPO) port 122-1-2.

[0031] Thus, the BNC 122-1-1 port and the MPO 122-1-2 port are configured to receive external cable fiber (COF) with BNC connectors and MPO connectors, respectively, such as so-called COF 200, COF 201, COF 205, COF 250, COF600, and COF 950 cables.

[0032] The single-fiber external port 122-2 is configured to receive a snap-fit ​​square connector (SC) optical cable 125-2, and therefore adopts the SC port form. The SC optical cable is, for example, an EZ Bend® optical cable supplied by OFS Fitel LLC (headquartered at 2000 Northeast Expressway, Norcross, GA 30071 USA).

[0033] like Figure 2a and Figure 2b As best illustrated in this example, the interconnect terminal 100 includes an array of 12 SC ports 122-2, a single BNC port 122-1-1, and a single MPO port 122-1-2; all of these are arranged on the same surface of the body 110-1.

[0034] The set of non-external ports 124 includes multiple ports, each including (or available to include) an opening in the body 110-1, the opening being sized to receive non-external optical cables 125-3 entering the housing (i.e., optical cables without terminal connectors to facilitate mechanical, electrical, and / or optical connections, and thus with loose fiber optic cables emerging from the cable). Examples of non-external telecommunications optical cables include COF and blown fiber optic tubing (BFT) cables. In the example shown, the interconnect terminal 100 has two adjacent non-external ports 124 located on the same side of the body 110-1.

[0035] Figure 1a The interconnecting terminal 100 is shown in the open state (i.e., without the cover 110-2). Figure 1a As best shown, an engagement formation 140 is provided within the body 110-1 and closest to each non-external port 124. This engagement formation is configured to engage non-external optical cables or components thereof received by the non-external ports 124. In one example, the engagement formation 140 takes the form of a clamp or cable tie for securing the optical cable integrally or to the tensile (or strength) members of the optical cable to the body 110-1. In this way, non-external cables can be secured to the interconnection terminal 100.

[0036] Considering the trend of external ports and non-external ports being associated with customer-side and switching-side allocations, respectively, the group of external ports 122 is configured opposite to the group of non-external ports 124 on the main body 110-1. This allows the interconnect terminal 100 to be used for in-line connection between the customer-side optical cable and the switching-side optical cable, thereby helping to avoid bending the cable to mate with ports 122, 124.

[0037] Once the optical cable has been received by the appropriate ports 122 and 124, the component optical fibers in the cable can be used for routing to the splice patch panel 150 located within the main body 110-1. The splice patch panel 150 is configured to manage the routing of the optical fibers from ports 122 and 124 and to accommodate these optical fibers where they have been spliced ​​together.

[0038] The splicing patch panel 150 is shown as a set of stacked splicing trays hinged to the main body 110-1. Figure 1a and Figure 2a In the image, the splicing panel is shown as being in a lowered state, while... Figure 2b In the image, the assembly panel is shown in a raised position (as during installation and maintenance).

[0039] In this way, a pair (or more) of optical cables can be used to be received by the interconnecting terminal 100 via ports 122, 124, and the optical fiber of the component is then routed to the splicing patch panel 150 and spliced ​​together, thereby interconnecting the optical cables.

[0040] Therefore, the size of the interconnect terminal 100 is designed and the splice patch panel 150 is configured relative to all ports 122, 124 such that the route of the optical fiber from any of the ports to the splice patch panel 150 does not need to exceed the permissible bending radius of the optical fiber (e.g., a bending radius of not less than 20 mm).

[0041] To facilitate fiber optic routing to splice patch panel 150, interconnect terminal 100 also includes routing guides 160. Routing guides 160 take the form of channels, conduits (e.g., 5 mm tubing), hooks, and / or pegs to guide the fiber optic cable through the housing, and specifically to guide the fiber optic cable into and out of splice patch panel 150. Routing guides 160 help protect and constrain the movement of the fiber optic cable and also limit the bending radius of the fiber optic cable to acceptable limits (e.g., between 20 mm and 40 mm).

[0042] In a first exemplary application, multiple customer residences can be supplied via inbound (e.g., distribution side) non-external BFT cables, while outbound (e.g., customer side) distribution to each customer residence can be provided via SC cables.

[0043] In a second exemplary application, the distribution point may be supplied by an inbound (24-fiber) BNC external COF cable and needs to be interconnected with an outbound non-external (12-fiber) COF cable.

[0044] In the first and second exemplary applications, only the interconnect terminal 100 needs to be supplied and installed to facilitate the connection between the inbound and outbound optical cables. In fact, the same single interconnect terminal 100 is suitable for both the first and second exemplary applications.

[0045] By providing interconnecting terminals with different types of fiber optic ports (particularly external and non-external ports) and splice patch panels 150 configured to accommodate interconnections from any of these ports, interconnecting terminal 100 provides a single device for facilitating interconnections between various fiber optic cables. Thus, the same interconnecting terminal 100 can be used (and reused) across different sites, where the type of customer-side and / or distribution-side fiber optic cables can vary. As a result, interconnecting terminal 100 provides a degree of versatility regarding the variety of fiber optic cables it can receive and the interconnections it can facilitate. Therefore, engineers can carry fewer different types of interconnecting terminals, reducing installation time and also decreasing the space required to accommodate interconnections on-site.

[0046] like Figure 1a As best shown, housing 110 also includes a storage area 170 for storing spare optical fibers, for example, for accommodating optical fibers (unspliced ​​or spliced) up to 1.5 m in length before and / or after splice patch panel 150 receives such fibers. Storage area 170 is located within housing 110-1 and surrounds the perimeter of housing 110-1.

[0047] The body 110-1 and the cover 110-2 are configured to mechanically engage, thereby enclosing the optical cable received by the interconnect terminal 100. In one example, the housing 110 is rated to IP55 standard, and the body, ports 122, 124, and the cover are therefore provided with appropriate seals.

[0048] like Figure 1b As best shown, the cap 110-2 is larger than the body 110-1, such that when the cap is fitted to the body, it provides a lip 110-3 that hangs above the body and specifically above the set of external ports 122, thus providing some protection for the external ports 122. Accordingly, the cap may be designed to also (or alternatively) overhand the set of non-external ports 124.

[0049] To aid in installation, the main body 110-1 includes a mounting structure (not shown) for securing the telecommunications interconnection terminal 100 to a fixture or wall. The mounting structure may take the form of screw holes or a bracket, for example.

[0050] The single-fiber external port 122-2 can be used to include (alternatively or alternatively) ports for the following:

[0051] Fiber Channel Connector (FC);

[0052] Straight Tip (ST) connector;

[0053] SMA connector;

[0054] Ultra Physical Contact (UPC);

[0055] Angled Physical Contact (APC) connectors; and / or

[0056] Lucent Connector (LC) with small square (or interchangeable, small or partial) opening.

[0057] In one example, the non-external port 124 includes a knock-out member integrally formed with the body 110-1 by means of a fragile connector, allowing a user (preferably without tools) to detach the knock-out member and thus provide an opening for the non-external port. In yet another example, the knock-out member is provided with multiple break points, allowing the user to select the opening size of the non-external port 124 that most appropriately fits the optical cable to be received by the non-external port.

[0058] In another example, the non-external port 124 is configured to receive and engage a grommet (also not shown in the figure) to reduce the size of the opening provided by the non-external port 124 and to help establish a seal around the non-external optical cable received by the non-external port via the grommet.

[0059] In one example, external and / or non-external ports may be used to include gas seals (located outside or inside the body 110-1) for maintaining the gas seal of the optical cable.

Claims

1. A telecommunications interconnection terminal, the telecommunications interconnection terminal comprising: Housing, the housing comprising: The first set of external ports is used to connect to an external multi-fiber cable; The second set of external ports is used to connect to an external single fiber optic cable; The third set of ports includes holes and connectors for receiving and engaging non-external optical cables; and A splicing patch panel for receiving and accommodating spliced ​​optical fibers received from ports in at least two of the first set of external ports, the second set of external ports, and the third set of ports in an optical cable.

2. The telecommunications interconnection terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The first set of external ports includes Neil-Conseman bayonet (BNC) ports and / or multi-fiber push-in (MPO) ports.

3. The telecommunications interconnection terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second set of external ports includes snap-fit ​​square connectors (SC) and / or round threaded connectors (FC).

4. The telecommunications interconnection terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The aperture is adapted to receive blown fiber tubing (BFT) conduits or branch conduits and / or cable optical fiber (COF) cables.

5. The telecommunications interconnection terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The first set of external ports and the second set of external ports are located on the same side of the housing.

6. The telecommunications interconnection terminal according to claim 1, wherein the third group of ports is configured opposite to the first group of external ports and / or the second group of external ports.

7. The telecommunications interconnection terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The ports in the third group of ports are aligned with the ports in the first group of external ports or the second group of external ports.

8. The telecommunications interconnection terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The first set of external ports, the second set of external ports, and / or the third set of ports include seals for sealing the optical cable.

9. The telecommunications interconnection terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The third set of ports includes a knock-off wall member formed as part of the housing, wherein the knock-off wall member is detachable from the housing to expose the hole.

10. The telecommunications interconnection terminal according to claim 1, wherein the interconnection terminal further comprises a routing guide, the routing guide being configured to receive optical fiber from a port in the first group of external ports, the second group of external ports and / or the third group of ports and route the optical fiber to the splicing patch panel.

11. The telecommunications interconnection terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The first set of external ports includes at least two different types of external ports, each type of external port being used to connect to different types of external multi-fiber cables.

12. The telecommunications interconnection terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The second set of external ports includes at least two different types of external ports, each type of external port being used to connect to different types of external single fiber optic cables.

13. The telecommunications interconnection terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The splicing patch panel is disposed within the housing between the first set of external ports, the second set of external ports, and the third set of ports.

14. The telecommunications interconnection terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The first set of external ports, the second set of external ports, the third set of ports, and the splicing patch panel are configured such that optical fibers from any one of the first set of external ports, the second set of external ports, and the third set of ports can be received by the splicing patch panel within the bending radius tolerance of the optical fibers.

15. The telecommunications interconnection terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The first set of external ports, the second set of external ports, and / or the third set of ports are located on the periphery of the housing.

16. The interconnection terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The housing is formed of complementary body and lid, wherein the lid is oversized relative to the body.

17. The telecommunications interconnection terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The splicing patch panel is adapted to receive and accommodate spliced ​​optical fibers received from ports in the first set of external ports, the second set of external ports, and the third set of ports.

18. A telecommunications network, the telecommunications network comprising: Distribution-side telecommunications optical cable; Customer-side telecommunications fiber optic cable; And a telecommunications interconnection terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the distribution-side telecommunications optical cable is connected to a port in the third group of ports, and the client-side telecommunications optical cable is connected to a port in the first group of external ports or the second group of external ports, and wherein the optical cables are interconnected via the splicing patch panel.

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