Connection device for fiber optic cable conduits and method for making a connection

Abstract

Connecting device (100, 300) for connecting an end (11) of a first optical fiber conduit (10) to an end (21) of a second optical fiber conduit (20), wherein the first optical fiber conduit (10) and the second optical fiber conduit (20) are configured to accommodate an optical fiber (30), comprising: a carrier unit (110) with a bottom (111) and a top (112); a lid unit (120) with a bottom (121) and a top (122); where the carrier unit (110) and the cover unit (120) have a first and second receiving opening (113, 114, 213, 214) formed at each end face for receiving the ends (11, 21) of the first optical fiber conduit (10) and the second optical fiber conduit (20), and the carrier unit (110) has a first groove (115) on its upper side (112) extending in the direction of extension of the carrier unit (110) from the first receiving opening (113) to the second receiving opening (114), and the cover unit (120) has a further groove (215) on its lower side (121) extending in the direction of extension of the cover unit (120) from the first receiving opening (213) to the second receiving opening (214), and wherein the cover unit (120) can be mounted on the carrier unit (110) and the first groove (115) and the further groove (215) in the extension direction of the cover unit (120) and the carrier unit (110) form a guide channel for receiving the optical fiber cable (30) in the mounted state, characterized by the fact that the guide channel forms a continuous cylindrical cavity with a specific inner diameter that is smaller than the formed inner diameter of the first receiving opening (113, 213) and the second receiving opening (114, 214) when the cover unit (120) is mounted on the carrier unit (110).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device for joining optical fiber conduits, in particular one end of a first optical fiber conduit to one end of a second optical fiber conduit. The present invention further relates to a method for making a connection between one end of a first optical fiber conduit and one end of a second optical fiber conduit using the connecting device according to the invention. The invention also relates to the use of the connecting device.

[0002] Broadband expansion using fiber optic cables is just as crucial for a modern business location as infrastructure and energy supply. Therefore, significant investments are being made to connect all cities and municipalities to the broadband network. A prerequisite for broadband expansion is high-quality, and thus durable, conduit for fiber optic cables. Only in this way can high functionality and a long service life of the necessary communication networks be guaranteed.

[0003] Fiber optic cable conduits are used as feeder lines both within and outside of towns and cities. Fiber optic cables are pulled or blown into these conduits. Fiber optic cable conduits known in the prior art have a smooth outer surface and are usually longitudinally grooved on the inside, which ensures a longer blowing length. These conduits are used to connect a single point of presence (PoP), such as a building connection, to a distribution point. When installing the fiber optic cable conduits in the ground, it is possible that mechanical stress could damage the ground to such an extent that pulling or blowing in the fiber optic cable would not be possible without damaging the conduit. Furthermore, it cannot be guaranteed that no substances (moisture, foreign matter, etc.) will enter damaged fiber optic cable conduits.) penetrate the conduit and negatively affect the fiber optic cable. For example, if a fiber optic cable conduit is damaged, it cannot be pulled or blown in because the damaged area forms an edge or protrusion, which would also damage the fiber optic cable and thus lead to transmission interference. Moisture and foreign objects can also damage an already installed fiber optic cable, causing transmission interference and, in the worst case, requiring replacement. Replacing a fiber optic cable involves enormous effort and expense. Therefore, it is essential that fiber optic cable conduits are undamaged and that any damage to the conduit is repaired before pulling or blowing in a fiber optic cable or another fiber optic cable.

[0004] Currently, no device or method is known in the prior art for repairing a fiber optic conduit containing an optical fiber cable after damage in such a way that another optical fiber cable can be pulled and / or blown in without being damaged itself at the repaired point. A problem with such repairs is that the damaged section of the fiber optic conduit must be removed and replaced with a suitable connection, and, in particular, an already installed optical fiber cable must not be removed. With known connections, edges and protrusions can form at the corresponding connection points at the repaired area, where the optical fiber cable can become caught and / or damaged during pulling and / or blowing in.The connection must also be airtight to prevent the ingress of substances from the outside, and must withstand the stresses caused by the air pressure used to blow in the fiber optic cable.

[0005] DE 10 2012 108 715 A1 discloses a connecting device according to the preamble of independent claim 1. Further prior art is discussed in EP 2 317 357 A1 and DE 20 2012 006 558 U1.

[0006] Based on this, the present invention is based on the technical problem of at least partially overcoming the disadvantages known in the prior art and providing a solution for connecting the ends of two optical fiber cable conduits, in which, in particular, the clear inner diameter of the optical fiber cable conduits to be joined is maintained as precisely as possible even in the transition area.

[0007] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims, in particular by a connecting device for joining optical fiber cable conduits.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a connecting device with the features of claim 1. The connecting device is designed for connecting one end of a first optical fiber conduit to one end of a second optical fiber conduit. An optical fiber conduit is understood to be a tube, preferably a flexible tube, in which the highly sensitive optical fiber (fiber optic cable) is received and enclosed, and thus protected from external influences (e.g., mechanical influences, substances, etc.). The optical fiber, or a plurality of optical fibers, are inserted into the optical fiber conduit by means of compressed air and can thus be distributed from a central connection point to the endpoints. It is also possible for a plurality of optical fiber conduits to be contained in a common optical fiber protective tube.This is advantageous when larger distances need to be bridged and additional protection against mechanical stress, etc., is required. The fiber optic cable conduit preferably has optimal sliding properties, so that the fiber optic cable can be fed through it, for example, using compressed air. Thus, the first and second fiber optic cable conduits are designed to accommodate the fiber optic cable. Furthermore, for the purposes of the present invention, the ends of the first and second fiber optic cable conduits are understood to be the ends that are received by the connection device.

[0009] The connecting device comprises a support unit with a bottom and a top. For the purposes of the present invention, a support unit is understood to be an assembly of the connecting device that accommodates moving parts and / or further assemblies, or on which moving parts and / or further assemblies can be mounted.

[0010] The connecting device comprises a cover unit with a bottom and a top. For the purposes of the present invention, a cover unit is understood to be an assembly that can accommodate further movable parts and / or subassemblies and can be mounted as a separate assembly on the carrier unit via a detachable connection. Alternatively, a non-detachable connection can be provided.

[0011] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the support unit and the cover unit have a first and a second receiving opening at their respective end faces. The first and second receiving openings are designed to receive the ends of the first and second optical fiber conduits. The receiving openings preferably have a shape such that the ends of the first and second optical fiber conduits can be received or inserted into the receiving openings without mechanical processing and / or deformation.

[0012] Furthermore, the carrier unit has a first groove on its upper surface, extending in the direction of its extension from the first receiving opening to the second receiving opening. For the purposes of this invention, a groove is understood to be an area where material is removed, thus forming a recess relative to the upper surface of the carrier unit. The cover unit also has a further groove on its underside, extending in the direction of its extension from the first receiving opening to the second receiving opening. This further groove on the underside of the cover unit has the same or comparable properties as the groove on the upper surface of the carrier unit.

[0013] Furthermore, the cover unit can be mounted on the carrier unit. For the purposes of the present invention, "mountable" means that the cover unit can be placed on and mounted onto the carrier unit, so that both separate assemblies or units form a separable unit after assembly. In the assembled state, the first groove and the subsequent groove, extending in the direction of the cover unit and the carrier unit, form a guide channel for receiving an optical fiber cable. For the purposes of the present invention, the assembled state is understood to be the state when the cover unit and the carrier unit are placed on top of each other, so that the upper surface of the carrier unit is in contact with the underside of the cover unit. Thus, in the assembled state, the respective grooves of the carrier unit and the cover unit together form a guide channel for receiving the optical fiber cable.The fiber optic cable is routed through this channel. The guide channel forms a continuous cylindrical cavity with a specific inner diameter.

[0014] According to the first aspect, the present invention is characterized in that the guide channel has an inner diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the first receiving opening and the second receiving opening when the cover unit is mounted on the support unit. The first receiving opening and the second receiving opening have the same inner diameter, which is larger than the inner diameter of the guide channel when the connecting device is mounted.

[0015] The present invention is based on the knowledge that there is a need for a device for repairing damaged fiber optic cable conduits so that, after repair, they can provide adequate protection for a fiber optic cable. Currently, no device for repairing a fiber optic cable conduit is known, meaning that a damaged fiber optic cable conduit cannot be used for pulling and / or blowing in a fiber optic cable.

[0016] The connection device according to the invention advantageously provides a solution for reconnecting a fiber optic cable conduit that had to be severed due to damage, such that it can be reused after repair and a fiber optic cable can be pulled and / or blown in. In particular, the connection device according to the invention creates a connection between the ends of the severed fiber optic cable in such a way that no edges or protrusions form at the connection points. This ensures that a fiber optic cable blown in with high-pressure air can slide over the connection points without being damaged.

[0017] A further advantage is that a damaged section of a fiber optic cable conduit can be repaired or replaced even if a fiber optic cable is already installed in the conduit. The existing fiber optic cable does not need to be cut and laboriously re-welded. Thus, even damaged (broken) fiber optic cable conduits with an installed fiber optic cable can be reused for blowing in further fiber optic cables after repair using the present invention. This is made possible by the seamless transition between the fiber optic cable conduits and the connection device.

[0018] A further advantage is that the connection device according to the invention provides a sealing connection, particularly against moisture, substances, and foreign bodies. Thus, the optical fiber cable passing through the connection device is protected from external influences.

[0019] Furthermore, the connection device according to the invention seals the optical fiber cable tube at the ends in such a way that the escape of compressed air is prevented, so that the blowing in of the optical fiber cable can be carried out or improved.

[0020] Fiber optic cable conduits preferably have an outer diameter between 5 mm and 25 mm, in particular 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm, 16 mm or 20 mm. The inner diameter of such fiber optic cable conduits, depending on the selected material thickness, is between 3.5 mm and 16 mm, in particular 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 8.0 mm, 10.0 mm, 11.4 mm, 12.0 mm, 13.0 mm, 15.0 mm, and 16 mm.

[0021] Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims and in the description with reference to the figures.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover unit has at least two guide pins. The guide pins can preferably be oriented such that they are arranged diagonally to each other, thus enabling the cover unit to be placed onto the support unit, in particular enabling placement without tilting. Furthermore, the support unit has at least two guide pin receptacles that correspond in position to the guide pins. The guide pins are received into the guide pin receptacles. The guide pin receptacles have a depth and a diameter that are designed accordingly for receiving the guide pins.In a further embodiment, the guide pin receptacles can be designed as a fit, so that a force-fit connection can be formed by the guide pins in conjunction with the guide pin receptacles and the cover unit is force-fit connected to the carrier unit.

[0023] In a further embodiment, at least four guide pins and corresponding guide pin receptacles are provided. The guide pins and the receiving guide pin receptacles allow the cover unit to be placed on the support unit without tilting, thus enabling the cover unit to be mounted on the support unit.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner diameter of the guide channel is equal to the inner diameter of the first and second fiber optic cable conduits. This advantageously allows a corresponding fiber optic cable to be pulled and / or blown through the guide channel without being damaged. By using identical diameters, edges or protrusions are avoided where the fiber optic cable could snag or be damaged during pulling and / or blowing. This enables the pulling and / or blowing of a fiber optic cable into a repaired fiber optic cable conduit with an existing fiber optic cable without causing damage at the transition between the connection device and the fiber optic cable conduits (the created connection point).

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the respective receiving openings have receiving areas. These receiving areas extend from the end faces of the support unit and the cover unit to the guide channel, particularly in the direction of the guide channel formed in the assembled state. The receiving areas are designed such that they completely receive the ends of the fiber optic cable conduits and seal around them. In one embodiment, the receiving areas are also designed as grooves and, in the assembled state, form a guide channel for receiving the fiber optic cable. The guide channel of the receiving areas has a specific inner diameter. This inner diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the guide channel formed by the support unit and cover unit.Advantageously, no edge or protrusion is formed at the transition from the ends of the fiber optic cable conduit to the connection device. In a further embodiment, the ends of the fiber optic cable conduit are received by the receiving areas of the connection device for a length of at least 10 mm to 100 mm, preferably 20 mm to 50 mm. This creates a sealing connection between the ends of the fiber optic cable conduits and the connection device. Furthermore, the ends of the fiber optic cable conduits are received in the receiving areas in such a way that they are prevented from slipping out.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the respective receiving area is designed as a profiled groove. For the purposes of this invention, a profiled groove is understood to be a continuous, helical groove formed on the wall of the receiving area. The groove has peaks and valleys, thereby creating an irregularly shaped surface and increasing the coefficient of friction. In a further embodiment, the profiled groove can be designed as a non-continuous groove, in which successive grooves and material protrusions are provided without connection to one another. The profiled groove and the resulting peaks and valleys increase the coefficient of friction between the receiving area and the ends of the fiber optic cable conduits.During the assembly of the connector, the material of the fiber optic cable conduits in contact with the receiving areas takes on the shape of the profiled indentation and is held within it. This results in improved adhesion and friction, making it more difficult or even impossible for the fiber optic cable conduits to slip out of the receiving areas of the connector.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the respective receiving area is designed as a friction surface. In particular, the friction surface can be designed as a roughened friction surface. A roughened friction surface is understood to be a friction surface where, through mechanical processing, the surface of the material of the carrier unit and the cover unit, especially the receiving areas, is broken up into peaks and valleys as elevations and depressions, thus reducing the load-bearing surface of the receiving areas. For example, the surface texture can be processed by knurling processes in such a way that it becomes rougher and provides better grip. The coefficient of friction can be maximized by shaping the friction surface. This causes the material of the optical fiber conduit to be pressed against the shape of the friction surface when clamped in the connection device and to assume its shape.This increases the coefficient of friction and makes the seating of the optical fiber cable conduit in the receiving area more secure or improved.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiving area has a cable conduit seal at the end opposite the receiving opening. The cable conduit seal is designed to create a sealing connection between the end of a first fiber optic cable conduit and the end of a second fiber optic cable conduit. In particular, the cable conduit seal is designed to create a sealing connection between the fiber optic cable conduit received by the receiving area and the connection device, and thus the support unit and / or the cover unit. The cable conduit seal rests against the end of the receiving area adjacent to the respective groove. In one embodiment, the cable conduit seal can be designed as a radial seal. In this case, the cable conduit seal rests against the outside of the fiber optic cable conduit and forms a seal against substances such as liquids and other foreign matter.Furthermore, the radial seal of the cable duct prevents the escape of compressed air used to blow in the fiber optic cable. The cable duct seal is designed with two wing-like protruding surfaces that rest against the top of the support unit and the underside of the cover unit, respectively. This prevents the ingress of substances through capillary action via the contact surfaces between the support and cover sides.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cable duct seal is formed from a material selected from the group comprising elastomers, fluoropolymers, fiber materials, graphite with and without metal inserts, synthetic rubber, in particular nitrile butadiene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, ethylene propylene terpolymer rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorosilicone, fluorocarbon rubber, acrylate rubber, polyethylene acrylate, perfluororubber, perfluororubber, DuPont perfluororubber, polychlorprene rubber, chlorinated rubber, chlorosulfonyl polyethylene rubber, polyester urethane rubber. Polyether urethane rubber, butyl rubber, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, Santoprene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded tetrafluoroethylene, perfluoroethylene propylene copolymerPerfluoroalkoxy copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride, combinations thereof and the like.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first and a second indentation are formed on the upper surface of the carrier unit. The first and second indentations extend along the first groove. The indentation preferably has a depth of 0.1 to 5 mm to adequately accommodate and stabilize the seal. The first and second indentations preferably incorporate a groove seal. The groove seal is designed as a linear seal. The groove seal has a width in the range of 0.5 to 20 mm. Furthermore, the groove seal has a height in the range of 0.5 to 7 mm. The groove seal prevents the ingress of substances from the outside into the guide channel via the longitudinal side of the connecting device. At the same time, it prevents harmful external influences from affecting the optical fiber cable located within the guide channel.Furthermore, the connection device is sealed in such a way that no compressed air escapes during the blowing in of the fiber optic cable. In an advantageous embodiment, the ends of the groove seal overlap with the wing-shaped surfaces of the cable conduit seal.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first and a second indentation are formed on the underside of the cover unit, extending along the further groove. The indentation preferably has a depth of 0.1 to 5 mm to adequately accommodate and stabilize the seal. The first and second indentations preferably incorporate a groove seal. The groove seal is designed as a linear seal and has a width in the range of 0.5 to 20 mm. The groove seal prevents the ingress of substances from the outside into the guide channel via the longitudinal side of the connecting device. At the same time, it prevents harmful external influences from affecting the optical fiber cable located within the guide channel. Furthermore, the connecting device is sealed in such a way that no compressed air escapes when the optical fiber cable is blown in.In an advantageous embodiment, the ends of the groove seal overlap with the wing-shaped surfaces of the cable duct seal.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the respective groove seals are formed from a material selected from the group comprising elastomers, fluoropolymers, fiber materials, graphite with and without metal inserts, synthetic rubber, in particular nitrile butadiene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, ethylene propylene terpolymer rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorosilicone, fluorocarbon rubber, acrylate rubber, polyethylene acrylate, perfluororubber, perfluororubber, DuPont perfluororubber, polychlorprene rubber, chlorinated rubber, chlorosulfonyl polyethylene rubber, polyester urethane rubber. Polyether urethane rubber, butyl rubber, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, Santoprene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded tetrafluoroethylene, perfluoroethylene propylene copolymerPerfluoroalkoxy copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride, combinations thereof and the like.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cable conduit seal and the first and subsequent groove seals are formed in one piece. In another embodiment, the cable conduit seal and the first and subsequent groove seals are injection-molded in one piece. By injection-molding the groove seal and cable conduit seal in one piece, individual sealing requirements can be met and complex sealing geometries can be created to adequately seal the connection device against the ingress of substances and the effects of external influences. Due to the one-piece design, there are no overlaps that could lead to a leak in the event of insufficient overlap and / or compression. The one-piece design allows the groove seal and the cable conduit seal to be individually adapted to the specific application and sealing of the connection device.This results in a beneficial improvement in terms of safety against loss, ease of use during assembly, and durability in operation.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support unit and the cover unit each have at least two through-holes arranged laterally to the first and subsequent grooves in the longitudinal direction. The two through-holes are preferably equidistant from the end face and the longitudinal side of the connecting device. Preferably, the support unit and the cover unit have 3 to 10 through-holes, and particularly preferably 6 through-holes. The through-holes are preferably spaced equally apart in the support unit and the cover unit. Naturally, it is also within the scope of the present invention that the number of holes or screws can be further adapted to the length of the embodiment to ensure a tight connection of the components. The through-holes have a diameter suitable for M4.In particular, a cylinder head screw according to DIN912 is provided.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the through holes are designed to receive a screw. Via the through holes and the screw, in conjunction with a counterpart to the screw, a force-fit connection can be established between the support unit and the cover unit of the connecting device.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support unit and the cover unit each have a longitudinal groove on their respective outer surfaces. This longitudinal groove is designed to accommodate a screw-fastening unit with threaded holes for securing the screws, acting as a counterpart to the screws. The screws, which are inserted through the through-holes, can be screwed into the screw-fastening unit, thereby creating a force-fit connection between the cover unit and the support unit. The screw-fastening unit can be configured as a threaded rail, which acts as the counterpart to the screws in the through-hole. The threaded rail can be made of aluminum, steel, and in particular, a stainless and acid-resistant steel such as 1.43.71 or 1.44.04.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the screws are secured by a nut. The screws can be locked against the underside of the support unit by a nut. In a further embodiment, the nuts can be recessed into the underside of the support unit so that they are flush with the underside of the support unit.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier unit and the lid unit are formed from a material selected from a group comprising plastics, in particular hard plastics such as polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonates (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), combinations thereof and the like.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover unit has a length in the range of 75 to 90% of the length of the support unit. Furthermore, a clamping unit is provided on each end face of the cover unit. The clamping unit has a length of 12.5 to 5% of the length of the support unit. In a further embodiment, the length of the clamping unit can be adapted to the design of the receiving area. Lengths between 100 and 500 mm, and especially lengths of 250 mm or 480 mm, are particularly preferred.

[0040] In this advantageous embodiment, the cover unit is divided into three assemblies, comprising two assemblies designed as clamping units and a third assembly designed as the main section. The clamping units and the main section have corresponding through-holes for receiving screws to create a force-fit connection between the support unit and the cover unit.

[0041] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a connection between one end of a first optical fiber conduit and one end of a second optical fiber conduit by means of a connecting device according to the present invention. The method comprises several steps. In a first step, the end of the first optical fiber conduit and the end of the second optical fiber conduit are inserted into a first receiving opening and a second receiving opening of a carrier unit of the connecting device, respectively. In a further step, a cover unit of the connecting device is mounted onto the carrier unit.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises creating a force-fit connection between the cover unit and the support unit by screwing the cover unit to the support unit. This connection can alternatively be achieved by clipping or clamping. Furthermore, clamps can also be used for cylindrical embodiments. Finally, a material-bonded connection can also be achieved by using suitable adhesives.

[0043] According to another aspect, the invention, in particular the connecting device, can be used for sealing the connection of optical fiber cable conduits.

[0044] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

[0045] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawings. These show: Fig. 1. A first embodiment of the connecting device in an exploded view; Fig. 2 another embodiment of the connecting device in an exploded view; Fig. 3 another embodiment of the connecting device in an exploded view; Fig. 4 an embodiment of the support unit of the connecting device in top view; and Fig. 5 An embodiment of the seals of the connecting device in front view.

[0046] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0047] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally equivalent, and equally effective elements, features, and components are each provided with the same reference symbols, unless otherwise stated.

[0048] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention in an exploded view. Fig. Reference numeral 100 denotes the connection device according to the invention. The connection device 100 is designed to connect an end 11 of a first optical fiber conduit 10 to an end 21 of a second optical fiber conduit 20. In particular, the connection device 100 is designed to seal an end 11 of a first optical fiber conduit 10 to an end 21 of a second optical fiber conduit 20. The first optical fiber conduit 10 and the second optical fiber conduit 20 are designed to carry an optical fiber 30 (fiber optic cable, cf. Fig. 4) to protect and enclose them from external influences. The first fiber optic cable conduit 10 and the second fiber optic cable conduit 20 can be the two components of a continuous fiber optic cable conduit that was or had to be separated due to damage. It is also possible to connect two separate and previously independent fiber optic cable conduits 10, 20 to each other in a sealing manner using the connection device 100 according to the invention.

[0049] The connecting device 100 has a carrier unit 110. The carrier unit 110 has a bottom surface 111 and a top surface 112. The carrier unit 110 is an assembly of the connecting device 100, which itself may have further assemblies or units. The connecting device 100 also has a cover unit 120. The cover unit 120 has a bottom surface 121 and a top surface 122. The cover unit 120 is an assembly of the connecting device 100, which itself may have further assemblies or units. The carrier unit 110 and the cover unit 120 have in the Fig. The lid unit 120 has the same shape and longitudinal extent as the carrier unit 110 shown in Figure 1. The lid unit 120 can be placed on and mounted onto the carrier unit 110, so that the lid unit 120 and the carrier unit 110 form a single unit. The lid unit 120 has at least two guide pins 190. The carrier unit has two guide pin receptacles 191 that correspond in position to the guide pins 190. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the lid unit 120 has at least two guide pin receptacles 191. Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cover unit 120 has four guide pins 190 and the support unit 110 has four matching guide pin receptacles 192. In alternative embodiments, further guide pins 190 and guide pin receptacles 191, preferably an even number, may be provided. Using the guide pins 190 and guide pin receptacles 191, the cover unit 120 can be placed and mounted on the support unit 110 of the connecting device 100 without tilting or damaging either unit during assembly. The arrows of the Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the placement movement when the cover unit 120 is placed onto the support unit 110. In one embodiment of the connecting device 100, a fit can be achieved via the guide pins 190 and guide pin receptacles 191, which ensures a secure fit of the cover unit 120 onto the support unit 110. The illustration of the connecting device 100 with guide pins 190 in the Fig. Paragraph 1 does not preclude the embodiment of the connecting device 100 without guide pins. Likewise, the cover unit 120 can be provided without corresponding guide pins 190 and mounted on the support unit 110.

[0050] The carrier unit 110 has a first receiving opening 113 and a second receiving opening 114 at each of its end faces. The cover unit 120 has a first receiving opening 213 and a second receiving opening 214 at each of its end faces. The respective first receiving openings 113, 213 and the respective second receiving openings 114, 214 are designed to receive the ends 11, 21 of the first optical fiber conduit 10 and the second optical fiber conduit 20. In particular, the first and second receiving areas have the shape of the first and second optical fiber conduit 10, 20.

[0051] Furthermore, the carrier unit 110 has a first groove 115 on its upper surface 112. The first groove 115 extends in the direction of travel of the carrier unit 110 from the first receiving opening 113 to the second receiving opening 114. The first groove 115 is designed as a recess (material cutout) relative to the upper surface 112 of the carrier unit 110. The first groove 115 may have a semi-cylindrical shape. Additionally, the cover unit 120 has a further groove 215 on its lower surface 121. This further groove 215 extends in the direction of travel of the cover unit 120 from the first receiving opening 213 to the second receiving opening 214. This further groove 215 is designed as a recess (material cutout) relative to the lower surface 121 of the cover unit 120. This further groove may have a semi-cylindrical shape.

[0052] The cover unit 120 can be mounted on the support unit 110. In the mounted state, that is, when the cover unit 120 is placed on the support unit 110, the first groove 115 of the support unit 110 and the further groove 215 of the cover unit form a guide channel for receiving an optical fiber cable 30. The guide channel extends in the direction of extension of both the cover unit 120 and the support unit 110. In the mounted state, the first groove 115 and the further groove 215 preferably form the cylindrical guide channel for receiving the optical fiber cable. The grooves in the Fig. The arrows shown in Figure 1 represent the direction in which the cover unit 120 is placed onto the support unit 110 of the connecting device 100.

[0053] In its assembled state, the guide channel forms a specific inner diameter. This specific inner diameter is smaller than the formed inner diameter of the first receiving opening 113, 213 and the second receiving opening 114, 214. Due to the advantageous design, no edges and / or protrusions are formed between the connecting device 100 and the first and second fiber optic cable conduits 10, 20 that could damage the fiber optic cable 30 during insertion and / or blowing. In particular, the transition area from the fiber optic cable conduits 10, 20 to the connecting device 100, which corresponds to the repair point of the fiber optic cable conduits 10, 20, is designed and maintained in such a constant manner that no edges and / or protrusions are formed that could lead to damage to a fiber optic cable 30 (cf. Fig. 4) during insertion and / or blowing in. For the purposes of the present invention, "constantly formed" means that the inner diameter of the guide channel formed in the assembled state corresponds to the inner diameter of the optical fiber cable conduit 10, 20.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the guide channel, in particular the cylindrical guide channel, has an inner diameter that is equal to the inner diameter of the first optical fiber cable tube 10 and the second optical fiber cable tube 20. The inventive design also avoids edges and / or protrusions, so that damage to the optical fiber cable 30 is avoided during insertion and / or blowing in.

[0055] The support unit 110 and the cover unit 120 of the connecting device 110 are made of a material selected from the group comprising polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonates (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), combinations thereof, and the like. It is particularly advantageous if the materials used exhibit a stiff and / or hard material property in order to minimize twisting of the structure, especially of the support unit 110 and the cover unit 120, and to ensure uniform force transmission during the connection of the assemblies.

[0056] Fig. Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention in a further exploded view. Fig. Figure 2 shows the carrier unit 110 and the cover unit 120 as assemblies of the connecting device 100. The carrier unit 110 and the cover unit 120 have the properties of those described in the Fig. 1 shown connection device 100 on.

[0057] The carrier unit 110 of the Fig. 2 has a first receiving opening 113 and a second receiving opening 114 at each of its end faces. The cover unit 120 has a first receiving opening 213 and a second receiving opening 214 at each of its end faces. The respective first receiving openings 113, 213 and the respective second receiving openings 114, 214 are designed to receive the ends 11, 21 of the first optical fiber conduit 10 and the second optical fiber conduit 20. In particular, the first and second receiving areas 113, 114, 213, 214 have the shape of the first and second optical fiber conduit 10, 20. In addition, the respective receiving openings 113, 213, 114, 214 have receiving areas 130. The receiving areas 130 of the carrier unit 110 and the cover unit 120 extend from the respective end faces of the carrier unit 110 and the cover unit 120 in the direction of the first groove 115 and the further groove 215 respectively.of the guide channel formed in the assembled state of the connecting device 100. The receiving areas 130 are designed to receive the ends 11, 21 of the first and second optical fiber tubes 10, 20. Preferably, the receiving areas 130 have the shape of the optical fiber tubes 10, 20. In one embodiment, the receiving areas 130 have a length in the range of 10 mm to 100 mm, particularly in the range of 20 mm to 50 mm, preferably in the range of 30 mm. The receiving areas 130 receive the ends 11, 21 of the optical fiber tubes 10, 20 in the connecting device 100 in such a way that the probability of the optical fiber tubes 10, 20 unintentionally slipping out of the connecting device 100 is reduced.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment of the connecting device 100, the receiving areas 130 are designed as a profiled groove 192 or as a friction surface 192. The profiled groove 192 is a continuous helical groove formed on the wall of the receiving area 130. The groove has peaks and valleys, thereby creating an irregularly shaped surface and increasing the coefficient of friction. In a further embodiment, the profiled groove 192 can be designed as a non-continuous groove, with successive grooves and material protrusions that are not connected to each other. The profiled groove 192 and the peaks and valleys it forms increase the coefficient of friction between the receiving areas 130 and the ends 11, 21 of the optical fiber cable conduits 10, 20.During the assembly of the connecting device 100, the material of the optical fiber cable conduits 10, 20, which is in contact with the receiving areas 130, assumes the shape of the profiled indentation 192 and is received into it. This results in improved adhesion or static friction, so that the optical fiber cable conduits 10, 20 are only able to slip out of the receiving areas 130 of the connecting device 100 with difficulty or to a limited extent.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the respective receiving area 130 is designed as a friction surface 192. In particular, the friction surface 192 can be designed as a roughened friction surface. The roughened friction surface 192 is a surface where the material of the support unit 110 and the cover unit 120, especially the receiving areas 130, is divided into peaks and valleys as elevations and depressions, thus advantageously reducing the load-bearing surface of the receiving areas 130 in order to increase the coefficient of friction. When clamped in the connecting device 100, the material of the optical fiber conduit 10, 20 is pressed against the shape of the friction surface and assumes its shape. Thus, the coefficient of friction is increased and the seating of the optical fiber conduit 10, 20 in the receiving area 130 is made more secure or improved.

[0060] The one in Fig. The connection device 100 shown in Figure 2 has a cable conduit seal 140-1, 140-2 in the receiving areas 130 of the support unit 110 and cover unit 120 at the end opposite the receiving openings 113, 114, 213, 214. Thus, the cable conduit seal 140-1, 140-2 is formed at the transition area between the receiving area and the guide channel. The cable conduit seal 140-1, 140-2 is configured to provide a sealing connection between an end 11 of the first fiber optic cable conduit 10 and an end 21 of the second fiber optic cable conduit 21. In particular, the cable conduit seal 140-1, 140-2 is configured to provide a seal between the ends 11, 21 of the first and second fiber optic cable conduits 10, 20 and the connection device 110. In an alternative embodiment, it can be provided that only the receiving areas 130 of the support unit 110 have a cable duct seal 140-1. The cable duct seal 140-1,140-2 is formed from a material selected from the group comprising elastomers, fluoropolymers, fiber materials, graphite with and without metal inserts, synthetic rubber in particular nitrile butadiene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, ethylene propylene terpolymer rubber, silicone rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorosilicone, fluorocarbon rubber, acrylate rubber, polyethylene acrylate, perfluororubber, perfluororubber, DuPont perfluororubber, polychloroprene rubber, chlorinated rubber, chlorosulfonyl polyethylene rubber, polyester urethane rubber, polyether urethane rubber, Butyl rubber, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, Santoprene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded tetrafluoroethylene / tetrafluoroethylene, perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer, perfluoroalkoxy copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride and combinations thereof.

[0061] The cable duct seals 140-1, 140-2 have a semicircular shape with a radius such that the cable duct seals 140-1, 140-2 are in contact with the outer surface of the fiber optic cable duct 10, 20. In addition, the cable duct seals 140-1, 140-2 have two projecting surfaces 140-3 designed as wings. These projecting surfaces 140-3 are in contact with the upper surface of the support unit 110. The Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 has a cable conduit seal 140-1, 140-2 in both the receiving area 130 of the carrier unit 110 and in the receiving area 130 of the cover unit 120. Thus, a cable conduit seal 140-1, 140-2 is in contact with both the top of the carrier unit 110 and the bottom of the cover unit 120. In this embodiment, the optical fiber conduit is thus completely enclosed by the cable conduit seal. This prevents the ingress of substances through capillary action via the contact surfaces between the carrier unit 110 and the cover unit 120. In an alternative embodiment, only one cable conduit seal 140-1 can be provided, either on the carrier unit 110 or on the cover unit 120.

[0062] The in Fig. The connecting device 100 shown in Figure 2 has a first notch 116 and a second notch 117 on the upper surface 112 of the support unit 110. The first notch 116 and the second notch 117 extend along the first groove 115 of the support unit 110. The first notch 116 and the second notch 117 are designed to receive a groove seal 150. The groove seal 150 is preferably designed as a linear seal. In a further embodiment (not shown), a first notch 216 and a second notch 217 are formed on the lower surface 121 of the cover unit 120. The first notch 216 and the second notch 217 of the cover unit 120 extend along the further groove 215. The first notch 216 and the second notch 217 of the cover unit preferably have a further groove seal 250 (not shown). The groove seal 150 and the further groove seal 250 have a width in the range of 0.5 to 20 mm.

[0063] The groove seal 150 and the further groove seal 250 are made of a material selected from a group comprising elastomers, fluoropolymers, fiber materials, graphite with and without metal inserts, synthetic rubber in particular nitrile butadiene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, ethylene propylene terpolymer rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorosilicone, fluorocarbon rubber, acrylate rubber, polyethylene acrylate, perfluororubber, perfluororubber from DuPont, polychlorprene rubber, chlorinated rubber, chlorosulfonyl polyethylene rubber, polyester urethane rubber. Polyether urethane rubber, butyl rubber, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, Santoprene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded tetrafluoroethylene / tetrafluoroethylene, perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer, perfluoroalkoxy copolymerPolyvinylidene fluoride and combinations thereof. Advantageously, the groove seal 150 and the further groove seal 250 seal the surfaces of the upper side 112 of the support unit 110 and the lower side 121 of the cover unit 120 against each other in the assembled state of the connection device 100, so that no substances and liquids can penetrate the connection device, for example by capillary action. Furthermore, the escape of compressed air during the blowing in of the optical fiber cable 30 (cf. , ) is prevented. Fig. 4) reduced or avoided, so that blowing in can be carried out without disruption.

[0064] The groove seal 150 and the additional groove seal 250 have an overlap area in the region of the cable conduit seal 140-1, 140-2. Specifically, the projecting surfaces 140-3 of the cable conduit seals 140-1, 140-2, designed as wings, overlap the groove seal 150 on the corresponding side, and, if provided, the additional groove seal 250. When the connecting device 100 is assembled, the cable conduit seal 140-1, 140-2 and the groove seal 150, and, if provided, the additional groove seal 250, form a seal of the connecting device 100 to the outside under force.

[0065] In an alternative embodiment, the cable duct seal 140-1, 140-2 and the first and second groove seals 150, 250 are formed in one piece, preferably injection-molded in one piece. Injection molding processes known in the prior art can be used for injection molding the cable duct seal with the first and second groove seals.

[0066] Furthermore, the support unit 110 and the cover unit 120 of the connecting device 100 have at least two through-holes 180-n. The through-holes 180-n are arranged laterally to the first groove 115 and the second groove 215 in the direction of their extension. The through-holes 180-n are designed to receive screws. In further embodiments of the connecting device 100 according to the invention, preferably 3 to 10 through-holes 180-n, and particularly preferably 6 through-holes, are provided. The through-holes 180-n can be arranged at equal intervals from each other and from the edges of the support unit 110 and the cover unit 120.

[0067] In one embodiment of the connecting unit 100, the screws in the through-holes 180-n can be secured with a nut. The cover unit 120 is held on the support unit 110 by these screw connections. For example, nuts can be provided on the underside 111 of the support unit 110 to create a force-fit connection between the support unit 110 and the cover unit 120 of the connecting device 100. Furthermore, the nuts on the underside 111 of the support unit 110 can be recessed into the support unit 110, so that a flat underside 111 is formed.

[0068] In an alternative embodiment, a screwing unit 160 can be provided for tightening the screws. To accommodate the screwing unit 160, the support unit 110 and the cover unit 120 of the connecting device 100 have a longitudinal groove 118, 119, 218, 219 extending along their two outer sides. Advantageously, the screwing unit 160 has threaded bores. The threaded bores are present in the same number and at the same intervals as the through bores, so that a force-fit connection between the support unit 110 and the cover unit 120 can be provided by the screws and the screwing unit 160. The screwing unit 160 can, in one configuration, be designed as a threaded rail that forms the counterpart to the screws in the through bore 180-n.

[0069] Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the connecting device 300 in an exploded view. Fig. 3 is an alternative embodiment of the connecting device 100 with reference to the one described in Fig. 2. The connecting device 300 comprises all components and assemblies of the device connected with the Fig. 2 shown connection device 100. The one in the Fig. The connecting device 300 shown in Figure 3 has a cover unit 120 with an extension length in the range of 75% to 90% of the extension length of the support unit 110. A clamping unit 170 is formed on the respective end face of the cover unit 120. The respective clamping units 170 have an extension length of 12.5% ​​to 5% of the extension length of the support unit 110. The cover unit 120 of the in the Fig. The embodiment of the connecting device 300 shown in Figure 3 is divided into three assemblies.

[0070] In this advantageous embodiment, the cover unit is divided into three assemblies and comprises two assemblies designed as clamping units 170 and a third assembly designed as the main section. The clamping units 170 and the main section have corresponding through-holes 180-n for receiving screws for a force-fit connection between the support unit 110 and the cover unit 120.

[0071] Furthermore, the clamping units 170 and the main area have guide pins 190, and the support unit 110 has guide pin receptacles 191 arranged in relation to the guide pins 190. In a further embodiment, the clamping unit 170 may, in addition to the guide pins, have screws for creating a force-fit connection between the clamping units 170 and the support unit 110. It is also conceivable that only screws are provided for creating a force-fit connection between the clamping units 170 and the support unit 110.

[0072] Furthermore, the clamping units 170 have receiving areas 130 that correspond functionally and technically to those of the carrier unit 110. Advantageously, this design allows the ends 11, 21 of the fiber optic cable conduits 10, 20 to be clamped in the connection device 300 in a position-specific manner by means of the clamping units 170, so that displacement and / or slippage of the fiber optic cable conduits 10, 20 can be prevented.

[0073] The clamping units 170 additionally feature the cable duct seal 140-2 for sealing the connections of the ends 11, 21 of the fiber optic cable ducts 10, 20. The cable duct seal 140-1, 140-2, the groove seal 150, and the additional groove seal 250 can be designed as a single-piece seal.

[0074] Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the support unit of the connecting device 100, 300 in a top view of the support unit without the mounted cover unit. Fig. Reference numeral 4 designates the carrier unit. The carrier unit 110 is shown open with optical fiber cable conduits 10, 20 inserted in the receiving areas 130. In addition, the Fig. Figure 4 shows the indentations 116, 117 of the support unit 110 for receiving the groove seal 115. The receiving areas 130 comprise the profiled indentation 192 or friction surface 192. The receiving area 130 is shown in two magnifications A, B.

[0075] In magnification A, the receiving area 130 with the profiled indentation 192 or the friction surface 192 is shown. Furthermore, in magnification A the Fig. Figure 4 shows the groove seal 150 as a linear seal for laterally sealing the connection device 100. In magnification A, the receiving area 130 does not have a cable conduit seal 140-1.

[0076] In magnification B, the receiving area 130 with the profiled indentation 192 or the friction surface 192 is shown. Furthermore, in magnification B, the Fig. Figure 4 shows the groove seal 150 in combination with the cable duct seal 140-1. The groove seal 150 and the cable duct seal 140-1 overlap in the area of ​​the receiving area 130. In particular, the groove seal 150 and the two wing-shaped projecting surfaces 140-3 of the cable duct seal 140-1 overlap. Advantageously, a seal is thus achieved between the fiber optic cable duct 10, 20 and the connecting device 100, 300.

[0077] According to the method of the present invention, a damaged section of a fiber optic cable conduit 10, 20, or a damaged fiber optic cable conduit 10, 20 in general, can be repaired in such a way that a fiber optic cable already contained within the fiber optic cable conduit 10, 20 can continue to be used. In particular, the fiber optic cable 30 already contained within the fiber optic cable conduit does not need to be removed or cut in order to install the connection device 100, 300 according to the invention and to repair damage to the fiber optic cable conduit. This reduces the effort required for installation and repair. Additional damage to the fiber optic cable 30 and the associated reductions in the data transmission rate can be avoided.

[0078] In the Fig. Figure 4 shows the optical fiber cable 30 within the optical fiber conduits 10, 20 as a dashed line. The optical fiber conduits 10, 20 are received by the receiving areas 130 of the connecting device 100, 300, and the optical fiber cable 30 already pulled into the optical fiber conduits 10, 20 is received in the assembled state by the groove 115 of the support unit 110 or by the guide channel formed by the groove 115 and the groove 215 of the cover unit 120. Advantageously, it is not necessary to cut the optical fiber cable 30 for the installation of the connecting device 100, 300. Furthermore, additional optical fiber cables 30 can be blown and / or pulled into the repaired connecting cable conduits 10, 20 via the connecting device 100, 300 without being damaged.

[0079] Fig. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the seals of the connecting device 100, 300 according to the invention in a front view, showing the end face of the connecting device 100, 300. Fig.Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the fiber optic cable conduit 10, 20. The illustrated embodiment also includes the groove seal 150 and the cable conduit seal 140-1, 140-2. When the cover unit 120 is mounted onto the support unit 110, the two cable conduit seals 140-1, 140-2 exert pressure on the groove seal 150. The groove seal 150 can expand in the X-direction, increasing the pressure for the lateral seal (groove seal) and thus creating an improved seal. When the cover unit 120 is placed onto the support unit 110 and the positive connection is established, the two cable conduit seals 140-1, 140-2 are compressed almost to zero, creating the necessary seal against the ingress of external substances and the escape of compressed air. Reference symbol list 10, 20 fiber optic cable tube 30 fiber optic cables 11, 21 fiber optic cable tube end 100, 300 connecting device 110 carrier unit 111 Underside of carrier unit 112 Top side of carrier unit 113, 213 first recording opening 120 lid unit 121 Underside of cover unit 122 Top Cover Unit 114, 214 second aperture 115, 215 Nut 130 recording area 140-1, 140-2 Cable duct sealing 140-3 protruding surfaces 116, 117 Notch carrier unit 216, 217 Notch lid unit 150 groove seal 160 screw unit 180-n through hole 170 clamping unit 190 guide pins 191 Guide pin receptacle 192 profiled indentation, friction surface 118, 119, 218, 219 Langnut

Claims

[1] Connecting device (100, 300) for connecting an end (11) of a first optical fiber conduit (10) to an end (21) of a second optical fiber conduit (20), wherein the first optical fiber conduit (10) and the second optical fiber conduit (20) are configured to accommodate an optical fiber (30), comprising: a carrier unit (110) with a bottom (111) and a top (112); a lid unit (120) with a bottom (121) and a top (122); where the carrier unit (110) and the cover unit (120) have a first and second receiving opening (113, 114, 213, 214) formed at each end face for receiving the ends (11, 21) of the first optical fiber conduit (10) and the second optical fiber conduit (20), and the carrier unit (110) has a first groove (115) on its upper side (112) extending in the direction of extension of the carrier unit (110) from the first receiving opening (113) to the second receiving opening (114), and the cover unit (120) has a further groove (215) on its lower side (121) extending in the direction of extension of the cover unit (120) from the first receiving opening (213) to the second receiving opening (214), and wherein the cover unit (120) can be mounted on the carrier unit (110) and the first groove (115) and the further groove (215) in the extension direction of the cover unit (120) and the carrier unit (110) form a guide channel for receiving the optical fiber cable (30) in the mounted state, characterized by , that the guide channel forms a continuous cylindrical cavity with a specific inner diameter that is smaller than the formed inner diameter of the first receiving opening (113, 213) and the second receiving opening (114, 214) when the cover unit (120) is mounted on the carrier unit (110). [2] Connecting device (100, 300) according to claim 1, wherein the cover unit (120) has at least two guide pins (190) and the support unit (110) has at least two guide pin receptacles (191) corresponding in position to the guide pins (190). [3] Connecting device (100, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner diameter of the guide channel is equal to an inner diameter of the first optical fiber tube (10) and the second optical fiber tube (20). [4] Connecting device (100, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective receiving openings (113, 114, 213, 214) have receiving areas (130) extending from the end faces of the carrier unit (110) and the cover unit (120) to the guide channel. [5] Connecting device (100, 300) according to claim 4, wherein the receiving area (130) is designed as a profiled indentation (192) or as a friction surface (192). [6] Connecting device (100, 300) according to one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the receiving area (130) at the opposite end to the receiving opening (113, 114, 213, 214) has a cable conduit seal (140-1, 140-2) for sealingly connecting the end (11) of a first optical fiber conduit (10) with the end (21) of a second optical fiber conduit (20). [7] Connecting device (100, 300) according to claim 6, wherein the cable duct seal (140-1, 140-2) is formed from a material selected from the group comprising elastomers, fluoropolymers, fiber materials, graphite with and without metal inserts, synthetic rubber, in particular nitrile butadiene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, ethylene propylene terpolymer rubber, silicone rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorosilicone, fluorocarbon rubber, acrylate rubber, polyethylene acrylate, perfluororubber, perfluororubber, DuPont perfluororubber, polychlorprene rubber, chlorinated rubber, Chlorosulfonyl polyethylene rubber, polyester urethane rubber, polyether urethane rubber, butyl rubber, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, Santoprene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded tetrafluoroethylene / tetrafluoroethylenePerfluoroethylenepropylene copolymer, perfluoroalkoxy copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride and combinations thereof. [8] Connecting device (100, 300) according to one of claims 6 and 7, wherein a first and a second notch (116, 117) extending along the first groove (115) are formed on the upper side (112) of the carrier unit (110) and the first and the second notch (116, 117) preferably have a first groove seal (150), and wherein the groove seal (150) has a width in the range of 0.5 mm to 20 mm. [9] Connecting device (100, 300) according to one of claims 6 and 7, wherein a first and a second notch (216, 217) extending along the further groove (215) are formed on the underside (121) of the cover unit (120) and the first and the second notch (216, 217) preferably have a further groove seal (250), and wherein the further groove seal (250) has a width in the range of 0.5 mm to 20 mm.[10] Connecting device (100, 300) according to one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the groove seal (150) and the further groove seal (250) are formed from a material selected from the group comprising elastomers, fluoropolymers, fiber materials, graphite with and without metal inserts, synthetic rubber in particular nitrile butadiene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, ethylene propylene terpolymer rubber, silicone rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorosilicone, fluorocarbon rubber, acrylate rubber, polyethylene acrylate, perfluororubber, perfluororubber, DuPont perfluororubber, polychlorprene rubber, chlorinated rubber, Chlorosulfonyl polyethylene rubber, polyester urethane rubber, polyether urethane rubber, butyl rubber, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, Santoprene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, polytetrafluoroethyleneExpanded tetrafluoroethylene / tetrafluoroethylene, perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer, perfluoroalkoxy copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride and combinations thereof. [11] Connecting device (100, 300) according to one of claims 9 and 10, wherein the cable duct seal (140-1, 140-2) and the first and the further groove seal (150, 250) are formed in one piece, preferably injection molded in one piece. [12] Connecting device (100, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support unit (110) and the cover unit (120) have at least two through holes (180-n) arranged laterally to the first groove (115) and the further groove (215) in the extension direction, preferably 3 to 10 through holes (180-n), particularly preferably 6 through holes (180-n). [13] Connecting device (100, 300) according to claim 12, wherein the through holes (180-n) are designed to receive a screw. [14] Connecting device (100, 300) according to claim 13, wherein the support unit (110) and the cover unit (120) have a longitudinal groove (118, 119, 218, 219) on their respective outer sides in the longitudinal direction, designed to accommodate a screwing unit (160) with threaded holes for securing the screws. [15] Connecting device (100, 300) according to claim 13, wherein the screws are secured by a nut. [16] Connecting device (100, 300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support unit (110) and the lid unit (120) are formed from a material selected from the group comprising polyoxymethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonates, polyvinyl chloride and combinations thereof. [17] Connecting device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover unit (120) has an extension length in a range of 75 to 90% of the extension length of the support unit (110) and a clamping unit (170) is provided on the respective end face of the cover unit (120) with an extension length of 12.5 to 5% of the extension length of the support unit (110). [18] Method for producing a connection between an end (11) of a first optical fiber conduit (10) and an end (21) of a second optical fiber conduit (20) by means of a connecting device (100, 300) according to one of the preceding claims comprising the steps: Inserting the end (11) of the first optical fiber conduit (10) and the end (21) of the second optical fiber conduit (20) into a first receiving opening (113) and a second receiving opening (114) of a carrier unit (110) of the connecting device, and Mounting a cover unit (120) of the connecting device onto the carrier unit (110). [19] The procedure according to the preceding procedure claim, the procedure further comprising: Creating a force-fit connection between the lid unit (120) and the carrier unit (110) by screwing the cover unit (120) and the carrier unit (110). [20] Use of the connecting device (100, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 17 for sealing the connection of optical fiber cable conduits (10, 20).

Images