Cassette set and system

Abstract

The invention relates to a cassette set with several cassettes (16), each of which has a base (26), several structural elements (28), a receiving section (54) and at least one fastening element (30) for fastening a functional element (18) in the receiving section (54) to the cassette, wherein the base (26) has a bottom (38) and a top (40) and the base (26) has a recess (56) extending from the bottom (38) in the receiving section (54), wherein the structural elements (28) extend from the top (40) of the base (26) to a maximum height (H) max ) above the ground (26), wherein the at least one fastening element (30) is provided at least partially in the receiving section (54) and extends over the maximum height (H max) extends beyond, wherein two adjacent cassettes (16) each form a cassette pair with an upper cassette (16) and a lower cassette (16), wherein the adjacent cassettes (16) have pivoting devices (32) with which they are received into adjacent receptacles (24) of the cassette holder (14) and pivotable about a normal position, wherein the cassettes (16) form a right angle in the normal position, wherein the at least one recess (56) of the upper cassette (16) is designed to accommodate the part of the respective associated fastening element (30) of the lower cassette (16) that extends beyond the maximum height (H max) protrudes, at least in the neutral position of the cassettes (16), in which pivotable side edges (42) of the cassettes (16) are aligned with each other, wherein the at least one recess (56) of the upper cassette (16) forms a receptacle for the respective associated fastening element (30) of the lower cassette (16) and wherein the at least one recess (56) of the upper cassette (16) is shaped such that the fastening element (30) of the lower cassette (16) is either free during a pivoting movement or is moved in the recess (56) of the adjacent upper cassette (16) in the direction of the axis-side side edge along the longitudinal direction L of the recess (56), wherein the cassettes (16) are in contact with each other during the pivoting movement.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cassette set and a system for guiding optical fibers.

[0002] Systems with a cassette holder and several cassettes attached to it for guiding and connecting optical fibers are well known.

[0003] For example, EP 2 490 059 A1 discloses an optical fiber system with a base plate and several fiber organizers pivotably arranged on the base plate.

[0004] Furthermore, a modular system with a splice cassette for receiving coupled optical waveguides is known from DE 10 2018 101 987 A1.

[0005] In such systems, the cassette holders have a multitude of slots for the individual cassettes. The spacing of the slots is tailored to the thickness of the cassettes in order to mount as many cassettes as possible close together on the cassette holder.

[0006] Conventional systems use a cassette spacing and thickness of 5 mm. Cassettes with a nominal thickness of 5 mm have so far been able to accommodate excess lengths of optical fibers and fiber connections in the form of splices. However, if more complex functional elements, such as splitters or couplers, are required, cassettes with a greater nominal thickness (e.g., 10 mm) are necessary to securely hold these comparatively large functional elements within a single cassette.

[0007] However, an increased thickness of the cassettes means that such a thicker cassette occupies more than one recording slot, i.e., that at least one slot adjacent to the thick cassette must remain free, thus wasting valuable space.

[0008] Cassettes in which larger functional elements are mounted in thin cassettes typically use friction to secure the functional elements, making them prone to failure.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a cassette assembly and a system in which larger functional components can be securely installed in thin cassettes with dense packing of the cassettes.

[0010] The problem is solved by a cassette set according to claim 1 and a system according to claim 2.

[0011] The features and advantages discussed below regarding the cassette apply equally to the cassette set and vice versa, as well as to the system with such a cassette set.

[0012] The recess is specifically designed to at least partially accommodate a further fastening element that corresponds to, and in particular is identical to, the fastening element of the cassette. For example, the recess is designed to accommodate the part of the further fastening element that extends beyond the maximum height.

[0013] The fastening element allows functional components to be attached to the cassette particularly securely, especially with a positive fit. At the same time, the recess serves to accommodate the part of the fastening element that protrudes beyond the maximum height (more precisely, the part of a fastening element from an adjacent cassette), thus enabling the cassettes to be stacked as densely as if the maximum height or the nominal installation height were always adhered to.

[0014] For example, the structural elements protrude from the ground on one side, especially vertically.

[0015] The functional element is, for example, an electrical, optical or optoelectronic component, e.g. a coupler or divider (splitter).

[0016] The base, the structural elements and the at least one fastening means can be manufactured together in one piece, in particular as an injection-molded part.

[0017] The fastening element can be a fastening lug and / or a fastening projection.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one fastening element is attached to one of the structural elements, in particular to the side of the structural element facing away from the ground, thereby achieving a simple construction.

[0019] In one aspect, at least one fastening element partially limits the height of the recording area within the recording section, thus also structurally limiting the recording area upwards.

[0020] The height or vertical direction extends from the top of the ground upwards.

[0021] For example, the fastening element forms an undercut towards the receiving area.

[0022] In one embodiment, the base has a nominal thickness, where the sum of the thickness and the maximum height equals the nominal height of the cassette, and / or where the thickness of the base in the area of ​​the recess is less than the nominal thickness, in particular where the recess is an opening in the base. In this way, the recess can be easily created.

[0023] The cassette may be taller than its nominal height at the points where the fastening element extends over the maximum height.

[0024] In particular, the length by which the fastening element extends beyond the maximum height is less than the nominal thickness of the cassette.

[0025] In one embodiment, the recess has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, wherein the width of the recess in the transverse direction essentially corresponds to the width of the at least one fastening element in the transverse direction, thereby ensuring the stability of the floor and the cassette.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the length of the recess in the longitudinal direction corresponds to a multiple of the length of the fastening element in the longitudinal direction, thus enabling a large swivel range.

[0027] In order to easily compensate for the height of the fastening element, the contour of the fastening element, in particular the part of the fastening element that protrudes beyond the maximum height, can lie within the contour of the recess in a top view of the cassette.

[0028] The top view is particularly vertical, e.g. a vertical projection onto the plane of the ground.

[0029] In one embodiment, the cassette has at least one pivoting device that defines a pivot axis and serves to pivotally attach the cassette to a cassette holder, thereby allowing the cassette to be pivoted relative to the cassette holder.

[0030] To allow for easy pivoting, the recess can have a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, with the longitudinal direction extending perpendicular to the pivot axis.

[0031] For example, the recess is longer in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction. The transverse direction can run parallel to the pivot axis. For example, the recess in the transverse direction is essentially as wide as the fastening element.

[0032] In one embodiment, the cassette has a fiber input channel and / or a fiber output channel which is attached to the bottom, in particular on the side of the pivot axis, whereby optical fibers can be safely guided into or out of the cassette.

[0033] The fiber input channel or fiber output channel can represent at least parts of the swivel device.

[0034] A channel can simultaneously be a fiber input channel and a fiber output channel.

[0035] In one embodiment, the fiber input channel and / or the fiber output channel have an opening into the surroundings of the cassette, which has a diameter of at least 4 mm. This simplifies the insertion of optical fibers into the cassette.

[0036] For example, a recess or projection running perpendicular to the channel direction is provided in the fiber input channel and / or the fiber output channel, and which has a predetermined distance from the channel opening. The recess or projection can serve as a marker to visually separate different areas of the cassette.

[0037] The depression or projection can be formed on an inner wall of the respective channel. The channel openings either into the surrounding area or into the cassette itself.

[0038] In one embodiment, the recess extends from a side edge of the base, in particular perpendicular to the side edge and / or to the pivot axis, thereby enabling far-reaching pivoting movements.

[0039] To design the surface of the cassette, the structural elements can form at least one wall that runs at least partially along the side edge of the base, and / or guide elements for optical fibers.

[0040] In particular, the recording area borders a side edge of the floor and / or the at least one fastening element is provided on the at least one wall, thereby simplifying the construction of the cassette.

[0041] Of course, one or more guide elements can also limit the recording area.

[0042] To increase the functionality of the cassette, the cassette can have a fiber connection area for storing optical fiber connections and / or a fiber storage area for storing excess lengths of optical fibers, which are formed by the structural elements, in particular the guide elements.

[0043] In the fiber optic connection area, connections, such as splices, of optical fibers can be stored and safely stowed away. This area can also be referred to as splice storage.

[0044] In the fiber storage area, excess lengths of optical fibers can be safely wound up.

[0045] For example, a cassette has a fiber placement area, a fiber connection area and a receiving area, which are adjacent to each other, for example in this order.

[0046] In one embodiment, the cassette has a clamping element that is at least partially integrated into the receiving section, with the base having at least one mounting opening for attaching the clamping element, the at least one mounting opening being located in the receiving section. Narrower (but equally tall) functional elements can also be securely attached to the cassette by means of the clamping element.

[0047] For example, the clamping part is a separate part from the base and the structural elements.

[0048] To simplify the manufacture of the cassette, at least one fastening opening can extend into the recess, in particular wherein the fastening opening is provided adjacent to the recess in the transverse direction of the recess.

[0049] Likewise, according to the invention, a cassette set can also consist of one or more cassette assemblies and a mixture of at least one cassette assembly and at least one cassette.

[0050] It goes without saying that the lower cassette of one pair can also be the upper cassette of another pair.

[0051] Likewise, according to the invention, a system can also comprise one or more cassette assemblies and / or cassette sets.

[0052] The cassette holder mounts are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis.

[0053] For example, the distance between the recordings corresponds to the nominal height of the cassettes.

[0054] In one embodiment, one of the cassettes and another cassette, which is mounted in an adjacent receptacle, are in contact with each other, at least during movement, in particular where the underside of the base of one of the cassettes and the structural elements of the other cassette are in contact with each other. Specifically, the fastening element does not rest on the functional element. In this way, the functions of the optical fibers and components, such as the functional element, within the cassette are not impaired.

[0055] For example, the cassette holder may have a protrusion or recess, particularly perpendicular to the recordings. This recess or protrusion can serve as a marker to visually separate different areas of the cassette holder.

[0056] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made. The drawings show: - Fig. 1 a perspective view of a system according to the invention for guiding optical waveguides with a cassette set according to the invention, which has several cassette assemblies according to the invention, each with a cassette according to the invention, - Fig. 2 an enlarged perspective view of a section of the system according to Fig. 1, - Fig. 3 a top view of a cassette according to Fig. 1, - Fig. 4 a side view of the cassette according to Fig. 3, - Fig. 5 a perspective bottom view of the cassette according to Fig. 3, - Fig. 6 a perspective view of a section of two cassette assemblies according to Fig. 1, - Fig. 7 a perspective view of a further embodiment of a cassette assembly according to the invention, - Fig. 8 a bottom view of the cassette assembly according to Fig. 7, - the Fig. 9, Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 the cassette assemblies according to Fig. 7 in different sections, the sections along lines IX, X and XI in Fig. 3 correspond, and - the Fig. 12, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 sectional views of the cassette assembly according to Fig. 7 according to the view according to Fig. 10 in three different swiveled positions.

[0057] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a system 10 for guiding optical fibers with several cassette assemblies 12 and a cassette holder 14.

[0058] The cassette assemblies 12 each have a cassette 16 and a functional element 18.

[0059] Several cassettes 16 or several cassette assemblies 12 can also represent a cassette set 20.

[0060] System 10 is used to route optical fibers (fiber optic cables) and connect them to other optical fibers in an organized manner. System 10 is primarily used in network distribution cabinets or main distribution cabinets.

[0061] The cassette holders 14 serve to movably hold the cassettes 16 or the cassette assemblies 12 and are also referred to as organizers.

[0062] The cassettes 16 serve to connect, split, or otherwise connect multiple optical fibers. This connection or splitting can be accomplished by functional elements 18 mounted within the cassettes 16. These include, for example, couplings, beam splitters, couplers, or other electrical, optical, or optoelectronic components. Despite these various functions, the cassettes 16 are commonly referred to as splice cassettes.

[0063] In Fig. For the sake of clarity, only two cassettes 16 or two cassette assemblies 12 are shown in Figure 1. However, the cassette holders 14 are usually predominantly, and in particular completely, equipped with cassettes 16 or cassette assemblies 12.

[0064] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the cassette holder 14 has a base part 22 on which several receptacles 24 are formed. The receptacles 24 serve, in a manner known per se, to receive or pivotably attach one cassette 16 each.

[0065] The mountings 24 define a swivel axis S of the cassettes 16 inserted into the mounting 24 and a swivel range R ( Fig. 12-14), i.e. a range of motion that the cassettes 16 can perform.

[0066] It can be clearly seen that the pivot axes S of the recordings 24 run parallel to each other and that the recordings 24 are each spaced at a distance A A are spaced apart.

[0067] In Fig. Figure 3 is a cassette 16 shown in top view as an example for all cassettes 16.

[0068] The cassette 16 has a base 26, several structural elements 28, two fastening elements 30, a swivel device 32, a fiber input channel 34 and a fiber output channel 36.

[0069] The base has a bottom surface 38 and the top surface 40 shown. In addition, the base 26 has a side edge 42 that surrounds the base 26.

[0070] The swivel device 32 is attached to the base 26 via the side edge 42 and defines the swivel axis S.

[0071] The side edge 42 of the cassette 16, on which the pivoting device 32 is provided, is referred to as the axis side within the scope of this invention.

[0072] Within the scope of this invention, the side of the cassette 16 opposite the axle side is referred to as the pivoting side.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the swivel device 32 has two detent projections 33 that can interact with contours 35 of the base part 22, thus defining several detent positions. At these detent positions, the detent projections 33 prevent the cassette 16 from swiveling without additional force (i.e., solely due to gravity), thereby simplifying the assembly of optical fibers in the cassettes 16. Three exemplary detent positions are shown in the Fig. 12, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 shown.

[0074] The fiber input channel 34 and the fiber output channel 36 can be integrally formed with the swivel device 32. In other words, the swivel device 32 can encompass the fiber input channel 34 and the fiber output channel 36.

[0075] For example, the swivel device 32, as well as the fiber input channel 34 and the fiber output channel 36, are integrally formed with the base 26, for example as an injection-molded part.

[0076] The fiber input channel 34 and the fiber output channel 36 each have an opening 37 into the vicinity of the cassette 16, i.e., into the base part 22. The opening has, for example, a diameter of at least 4 mm.

[0077] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the attachment of a cassette 16, more precisely the swivel device 32, in the cassette holder 14.

[0078] In the installed state, optical fibers can now be guided in the cassette holder 14 and fed into or out of the cassette 16 via the fiber input channel 34 or fiber output channel 36.

[0079] Both on the cassette holder 14 and in the fiber input channel 34 or fiber output channel 36, a marking is provided that runs perpendicular to the pivot axes S and thus also to the channel axes of the channels 34, 36.

[0080] The marking can be formed as a molded depression 66 or a molded protrusion.

[0081] The marking is provided on the base part 22 of the cassette holder 14 and on the cassettes 16 the markings are provided on the inner wall of the fiber input channel 34 or fiber output channel 36.

[0082] When the cassette 16 is inserted into the cassette holder 14, the markings on the base part 22 and in the respective channels 34, 36 of the cassette 16 align with each other.

[0083] The base part 22 thus has two markings, each of which aligns with the markings of one of the channels 34, 36.

[0084] The markings serve to separate the area of ​​the cassette holder 14 and the cassette 16, in which the optical fiber is stripped, i.e., stripped and the single fiber is exposed, from the area in which the optical fiber is completely insulated.

[0085] The markings are therefore provided at a predetermined distance from the mouth of the respective channel 34, 36 towards the surrounding area.

[0086] The structural elements 28 extend vertically upwards from the base 26 and structure the upper surface 40 of the base 26.

[0087] Firstly, structural elements 28 can extend at least partially along the side edge 42 and thus form walls 44 of the cassette 16. The walls 44 define the area of ​​the cassette 16 in which optical fibers are guided.

[0088] Within this area, further structural elements 28 are provided, which are designed as guide elements 46 and which serve to guide optical fibers, in particular to ensure that optical fibers are guided while adhering to the necessary minimum bending radii.

[0089] The structural elements 28 form a fiber storage area 48, a fiber connection area 50 and a receiving area 52 for the functional element 18 on the upper surface 40 of the cassette 16 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0090] The fiber storage area 48 serves to store excess lengths of optical waveguides and can be designed in a form known per se, for example in such a way that a change of direction of the stored optical waveguides is possible.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the fiber placement area 48 borders the axis side of the cassette 16.

[0092] The fiber connection area allows for the placement of optical waveguide connections, such as splices, and can also be designed in a manner known per se. This area can also be referred to as a splice tray.

[0093] The receiving area 52 serves to receive the functional element 18 and in the illustrated embodiment is limited by the wall 44 on the pivoting side and towards the axis side by a guide element 46.

[0094] The recording area 52 is located in a recording section 54 of the cassette 16, the recording section 54 also including the areas above and below the recording area 52 as well as the adjacent structural elements 28.

[0095] The two fastening elements 30 are formed on the structural element 28, here the wall 44 on the pivoting side.

[0096] The fastening elements 30 are attached to the side of the wall 44 facing away from the floor 26 and thus extend higher than the wall 44.

[0097] In the direction of the pivot axis S and parallel to the floor 26, the fastening elements 30 extend beyond the wall 44 and the receiving area 52, thus limiting the receiving area 52 in a direction perpendicular to the floor.

[0098] The fastening elements 30 thus provide an undercut towards the receiving area 52.

[0099] For example, the recording area 52 in the direction perpendicular to the floor 26 is limited by the floor 26 on the one hand and the fastening elements 30 on the other.

[0100] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of cassette 16. It is clearly visible that the structural elements 28 extend to a maximum height H. maxextend beyond the base 26. The base 26 itself has a nominal thickness D, whereby the nominal height B of the cassette 16 is the sum of the maximum height H. max and the nominal thickness D. In the illustrated embodiment, the nominal height B is 5 mm. However, it is also conceivable that the nominal height B is 10 mm.

[0101] In particular, the nominal building height B and the distance A A The positions of the recordings 24 of the cassette holder 14 are interdependent to enable the densest possible packing of the cassettes 16 on the cassette holder 14. For example, A A = B / sin (a) + c or B = (A A - c) / sin(a), where α is the maximum desired swivel angle and c is a constant, in particular less than 1 mm. For example, c = 0.4.

[0102] At the points where the fastening element 30 extends beyond the maximum height H maxExtending beyond this, the cassette 16 thus exceeds the nominal installation height B by the length Δ, which the fastening element 30 extends to the maximum height H max exceeds.

[0103] For example, this length Δ is 1 mm, so the cassette 16 is 6 mm thick at these points.

[0104] For example, this length Δ is less than the nominal thickness D of the soil 26.

[0105] The base 26, the structural elements 28 and the fastening elements 30 are manufactured together in one piece, for example as an injection-molded part.

[0106] In order to exceed the maximum height H max In order to be able to equip each receptacle of the cassette holder 14 with the nominal height B, the cassette 16 has two recesses 56 on the underside 38 of the base 26 in the receptacle section 54.

[0107] The recess 56 is formed by the fact that the base 26 has a thickness less than its nominal thickness D in certain areas. In particular, the thickness in this area can be 0, i.e., the recess 56 is an opening in the base 26.

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 56 begins at the side edge of the base 26, here at the pivoting side edge.

[0109] The recess 56 has a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction Q, whereby the recess 56 is smaller in the transverse direction Q (i.e. its width) than in the longitudinal direction L (i.e. its length).

[0110] The longitudinal direction L extends perpendicular to the pivot axis S and parallel to the ground 26.

[0111] The transverse direction Q extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and parallel to the ground 26. The transverse direction Q can run parallel to the pivot axis S.

[0112] The width of the recess in the transverse direction Q corresponds approximately to the width of a fastening element 30 in the transverse direction Q; in particular, the recess 56 is slightly wider than the fastening element 30.

[0113] In the longitudinal direction L, the recess 56 is significantly longer than in the transverse direction Q and is, for example, a multiple of the length of the fastening element 30 in the longitudinal direction L, for example at least one and a half times or twice as long.

[0114] The recesses 56 are each assigned to one of the fastening elements 30 and are formed below the assigned fastening element 30 in the base 26.

[0115] The contour of the fastening element 30 lies within the contour of the associated recess 56 when the cassette 16 is viewed in a vertical projection or a top view such as that shown in the Fig. 3 is considered.

[0116] In Fig. Figure 6 shows the cassette 16 with the functional element 18 inserted, i.e. the entire cassette assembly 12.

[0117] Functional element 18 has in the example of the Fig. 6. It has a longitudinal dimension of 7 mm and a height of 4 mm. It is, for example, a 1:16 or 1:32 coupler.

[0118] It can be clearly seen that the functional element 18 is fully received in the receiving area 52 and engages in the undercuts created by the fastening elements 30.

[0119] The functional element 18 is thus positively attached to the cassette 16 by means of the fastening elements 30.

[0120] This represents a safety improvement compared to purely friction-based fastenings of functional elements 18, as known from the prior art.

[0121] In Fig. Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of the cassette assembly 12, which is essentially the same as that of the first embodiment, so that only the differences will be discussed below and identical and functionally equivalent parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0122] The cassette 16 of the cassette assembly 12 of the second embodiment corresponds to the cassette 16 of the first embodiment, wherein the cassette 16 now additionally has a clamping part 58 which is separate from the base 26 and the other elements molded onto it.

[0123] The clamping element 58 is arranged in the receiving area 52 to reduce the free space in the receiving area 52, so that smaller functional elements 18 can also be securely fastened. For example, the functional element 18 in this cassette assembly 12 has a longitudinal dimension L of only 12 mm.

[0124] For fastening the clamping part 58, the base 26 has two fastening openings 60 which are provided with an undercut.

[0125] The mounting openings 60 are provided in the receiving section 54.

[0126] In particular, the fastening openings 60 are located diagonally opposite the fastening elements 30 through the receiving area 52.

[0127] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening elements 30 are located in the transverse direction Q between the two fastening openings 60.

[0128] For example, the mounting openings 60 transition into the recesses 56. In other words, each mounting opening 60 and each recess 56 are designed as one large opening, in this exemplary embodiment L-shaped.

[0129] The clamping part 58 has locking hooks 62 which are spaced the same distance apart as the two mounting openings 60.

[0130] The locking hooks 62 engage in the undercuts on the mounting openings 60 and thus fix the clamping part 58 in the receiving area 52, as shown in Fig. 8 is clearly visible.

[0131] The locking hooks 62 of the clamping element 58 are designed such that the clamping element extends over the recesses 56, but does not block the recesses 56. Except for the locking hooks 62 and the areas spanning the recesses 56, the clamping element 58 rests on the base 26.

[0132] In the Fig. 9, Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 shows three cassette assemblies 12, which form a cassette set 20, in three different sections.

[0133] The uppermost cassette set 20, arranged on the left in the figures, corresponds to the second embodiment, the other two cassette sets 20 correspond to the first embodiment.

[0134] The uppermost (left) cassette 16 is closed with a cover 64, which rests on the structural elements 28 on the side facing away from the base 26. The cover 64 has recesses for the fastening elements 30 so that it can close the cassette 16. Such a cover 64 is only necessary for the uppermost cassette 16 of a cassette set 20 and can, of course, also be used for cassette sets 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0135] It is easy to see in Fig. 10, how the fastening elements 30 are received in the recesses 56, such that the recesses 56 form a receptacle for the respective fastening element 30.

[0136] The recess 56 receives the part of the fastening element 30 that extends beyond the maximum height H. max extends beyond.

[0137] In the Fig. 12, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 are the three cassettes 16 of the Fig. 10 shown in different swivel positions on the cassette holder 14.

[0138] For the sake of clarity, the cassette holder and the axle-side part of the cassettes 16 are only indicated.

[0139] The cassettes 16 form two pairs of cassettes 16, each with an upper cassette (left in the figures) and a lower cassette (right in the figures). The middle cassette is thus simultaneously the lower cassette of the left pair and the upper cassette of the right pair.

[0140] The cassettes 16 are each held in three adjacent receptacles 24 of the cassette holder 14 with their swivel device 32, wherein in Fig. Figure 13 shows the neutral position of the cassettes 16 relative to the cassette holder 14. In this position, the cassettes 16 form a right angle with the cassette holder 14.

[0141] In the Fig. In positions 12 and 14, the cassettes 16 are each pivoted relative to the neutral position and, for example, at the ends of the pivoting range R.

[0142] In the illustrated embodiment, the swivel range R is symmetrical around the neutral position, so that the cassettes 16 can be swivelled by a maximum angle α in both directions.

[0143] Of course, the swivel range R can also be asymmetrical, so that two different maximum swivel angles α are present.

[0144] To illustrate the interaction of the fastening elements 30 with the recesses 56, the movement sequence of the cassettes 16 from one end of the swivel range R in Fig. 14 to the other end of the swivel range in Fig. 12 described.

[0145] Due to the previously described design of the cassettes 16 and their parallel attachment to the cassette holder 14, (except for the very topmost cassette of the cassette set 20, on which a cover 64 is provided) each fastening element 30 of a lower cassette is assigned a recess 56 of the associated upper cassette.

[0146] In Fig. In section 14, the fastening elements 30 are located on the side of the cassettes 16 facing away from the cassette holder 14 and are freely positioned. In this position, it is not a problem that the fastening elements 30 extend beyond the maximum height H. max survive.

[0147] If the cassettes 16 are now moved into the neutral position ( Fig. 13) pivoting, a point is reached at which the fastening elements 30 are no longer free, but are inserted into the recesses 56 from the side edge 42 until the neutral position is finally reached.

[0148] It is clearly visible that in the neutral position the pivoting side edges of the cassettes 16 are aligned with each other. This is achieved by the fact that the part of the fastening elements 30 that extends beyond the maximum height H max protrude, through which the recesses 56 of the adjacent upper cassette are received. In this way it is possible that the distance A A The thickness of the recordings 24 can be less than the maximum thickness of the cassette 16. Rather, the cassettes 16 can be used like cassettes with a nominal height B, to which the distance A is attached. A The recordings are adjusted to 24. The distance A A For example, B / sin(α) + c, where c is a constant. The constant c is less than 1 mm, for example c = 0.4 mm. For example α = 45°.

[0149] If the cassettes are now pivoted towards the other end of the swivel range R ( Fig. 12), the fastening elements 30 move within the recesses 56 in the direction of the axial side edge of the adjacent upper cassette along the longitudinal direction L of the recess 56.

[0150] To achieve movement to the end of the swivel range R, the length of the recess 56 is, for example, equal to the distance A. A , times the sine of the maximum swivel angle α in this direction, plus the length L B of the fastening elements 30 in longitudinal direction L, i.e. equal to sin(α)·A A + L B .

[0151] In the Fig. 12, Fig. 13 and Fig.Figure 14 also shows that adjacent cassettes 16, i.e., cassettes 16 that are mounted in adjacent receptacles 24, abut each other when moved. More precisely, the underside 38 of the base 26 rests against the top side 40 of the structural elements 28 of the other cassette 16. In particular, the fastening elements 30 do not touch the functional elements 18 of the adjacent cassette 16; that is, they are spaced apart from each other. This is achieved by making the length Δ smaller than the nominal thickness D of the base 26.

[0152] By using the fastening elements 30 and the recesses 56 within a cassette set, the cassettes 16 can thus be stacked efficiently, and at the same time the functional elements 18 can be attached to the respective cassette 16 in a form-fitting manner - and not just by friction.

Claims

[1] Cassette set with several cassettes (16), each having a base (26), several structural elements (28), a receiving section (54) and at least one fastening element (30) for fastening a functional element (18) in the receiving section (54) to the cassette, wherein the base (26) has a bottom (38) and a top (40) and the base (26) has at least one recess (56) extending from the bottom (38) in the receiving section (54), wherein the structural elements (28) extend from the top (40) of the base (26) to a maximum height (H) max ) above the ground (26), wherein the at least one fastening element (30) is provided at least partially in the receiving section (54) and extends over the maximum height (H max) extends beyond, wherein two adjacent cassettes (16) each form a cassette pair with an upper cassette (16) and a lower cassette (16), wherein the adjacent cassettes (16) have pivoting devices (32) with which they are received into adjacent receptacles (24) of the cassette holder (14) and can be pivoted about a neutral position, wherein the cassettes (16) in the neutral position form a right angle with the cassette holder (14), wherein the at least one recess (56) of the upper cassette (16) is designed to accommodate the part of the respective associated fastening element (30) of the lower cassette (16) that extends beyond the maximum height (H max) protrudes, at least in the neutral position of the cassettes (16), in which pivotable side edges (42) of the cassettes (16) are aligned with each other, wherein the at least one recess (56) of the upper cassette (16) forms a receptacle for the respective associated fastening element (30) of the lower cassette (16) and wherein the at least one recess (56) of the upper cassette (16) is shaped such that the fastening element (30) of the lower cassette (16) is either free during a pivoting movement or is moved in the recess (56) of the adjacent upper cassette (16) in the direction of the axis-side side edge along the longitudinal direction L of the recess (56), wherein the cassettes (16) are in contact with each other during the pivoting movement. [2] System for guiding optical fibers, comprising a cassette set (20) according to claim 1 and a cassette holder (14) comprising a base part (22) and several receptacles (24) formed on the base part (22) for pivotally receiving one of the cassettes (16), wherein a cassette (16) is inserted into one of the receptacles (24) and the receptacles (24) each provide a swivel range (R) associated with the swivel axis (S) of the cassettes, through which the cassette (16) can be moved, and wherein at least one fastening element (30) of one of the cassettes (16) engages in the associated recess (56) of another of the cassettes (16) which is received in an adjacent receptacle (24) and is received in the recess (56) at least over parts of the movement of the cassettes (16) in the pivot ranges (R). [3] System according to claim 2, characterized by , that the distance (A A) the distance between the recordings (24) depends on the nominal height (B) of the cassettes (16), in particular where A A = B / sin(α) + c, where α is the maximum desired swivel angle and c is a constant. [4] System according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that one of the cassettes (16) and another of the cassettes (16) which is received in an adjacent receptacle (24) are in contact with each other at least when moving, in particular wherein the underside (38) of the base (26) of one of the cassettes (16) and the structural elements (28) of the other of the cassettes (16) are in contact with each other.

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