Splice protection mount

Abstract

Device (10) for receiving at least one splice guard (20), wherein the device (10) comprises: a load-bearing element (50) having a load-bearing element surface (50s) which defines a load-bearing element vertical axis (Z) directed orthogonally to the load-bearing element surface (50s); a first retaining element (30) comprising two segments (30a, 30b) which are spaced apart from the support element surface (50s) in the direction of the support element vertical axis (Z) and are substantially curved in a plane of curvature which is defined parallel to the support element surface (50s), and at least two first webs (40) by means of which this is connected to the support element surface (50s), and which webs (40), considered along a first extension direction (X1) which is defined in a direction of a maximum spatial extension of the first retaining element (30), are arranged at opposite ends of the two segments (30a, 30b); and having a second retaining element (31) having a second direction of extension (X2) which is defined in the direction of a maximum spatial extension of the second retaining element (31) and which deviates by less than 20° from the first direction of extension (X1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for receiving at least one splice protector, a splice cassette, a splice module and a splice module stack therewith as well as the corresponding use.

[0002] Splice protector receptacles are used to mechanically accommodate at least one splice protector, such as a shrink splice protector or a crimp splice protector, for a fiber optic connection. For example, due to a thermal shrinking process during the production of a shrink splice connection, a shrink splice protector to be accommodated may exhibit deviations in its outer diameter. Other splice connections, such as crimp splice connections, may also exhibit deviations in their outer geometry, e.g., due to a specific manufacturing process. These deviations in the outer diameter or outer geometry make secure and reliable fixation in a receptacle difficult.

[0003] The present invention is based on the technical object of providing an advantageous splice protection receiving device.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a splice protector receiving device according to claim 1. The splice protector receiving device comprises a support element, a first holding element, and a second holding element. As explained in detail below, the first holding element and the second holding element are arranged and configured in a special way on a support element surface of the support element. This special arrangement of the holding elements and their configuration ensures secure and reliable fixation of the at least one splice protector. For example, splice protectors with diameters that vary along a longitudinal direction of the splice protector, or with manufacturing variations or other tolerances, can also be securely and reliably fixed.

[0005] Preferred embodiments can be found in the dependent claims and the entire disclosure, whereby the presentation of the features does not always distinguish in detail between device and use aspects; implicitly, the disclosure is to be read with regard to all claim categories. For example, if the advantages of the splice protection receiving device are described for a purpose or in a specific application, this is simultaneously to be considered a disclosure of a corresponding use.

[0006] The support element mentioned in claim 1 has the support element surface. A support element vertical axis is defined orthogonally to the support element surface.

[0007] The first retaining element has two segments that are spaced apart from the support element surface in the direction of the support element's vertical axis. The two segments are curved in a plane of curvature defined parallel to the support element surface. The segments can also be curved in other directions, as long as a significant curvature of the segments lies in the plane of curvature. Preferably, the two segments have their greatest curvature in the plane of curvature.

[0008] The first holding element further comprises at least two first webs, by means of which it is connected to the support element surface. The first webs are arranged at opposite ends of the two segments, viewed along a first direction of extension, which is defined in a direction of greatest spatial extension of the first holding element. The two first webs can therefore preferably be arranged at opposite ends of the first holding element. Alternatively, one of the opposite ends of the two segments can not be the ends of the first holding element. In this case, the web(s) are arranged at the ends of the two segments and the end(s) of the first holding element protrude beyond these webs. The curvature of the segments moreover exists over at least the largest part of their extension in the first direction of extension, preferably the entirety.

[0009] In any case, however, the two first webs are designed to connect the segments to the support element surface. The support element and the first retaining element can be formed integrally and preferably from the same material. This makes it possible to form the support element and the first retaining element in a few or even a single work step.

[0010] The device further comprises a second holding element. The second holding element has a second extension direction, which is defined in the direction of a largest spatial extent of the second holding element. This second extension direction deviates by less than 20° from the first extension direction. The second holding element thus extends substantially parallel to, or at least in a similar direction to, the first holding element.

[0011] The arrangement of the second retaining element relative to the first retaining element and the design of the first retaining element with at least two segments enable the splice protector to be securely and reliably fixed between the first retaining element and the second retaining element. In particular, the design of the first retaining element with two curved segments enables even splice protectors with non-uniform outer diameters to be securely and reliably fixed or held in the splice protector receiving device.

[0012] In this technical field, plastic parts, in particular injection-molded parts made of thermoplastics, are common and also preferred in the present case. Such components have a relatively pronounced inherent elasticity due to the material, which, in conjunction with the design of the first holding element with two curved segments, enables the splice protector to be securely fixed. An inherent elasticity of the material used is also preferred independently. In particular, the webs and / or segments can react elastically during the inventive fixing of a splice protector and thus facilitate or enable fixing. However, other materials, such as metals, also exhibit a certain inherent elasticity, which, in conjunction with the spring-like shape of the segments, supports their function as a holding element.

[0013] The splice protector can be secured using a force-locking or / and a form-locking method. With a force-locking method, the splice protector is clamped, for example, between the segments of the first retaining element, the second retaining element, and the surface of the supporting element. Alternatively, the splice protector can also be clamped, for example, between the segments of the first retaining element and the webs of the second retaining element. With a form-locking method, the splice protector can lie at least partially below the segments of the first retaining element on the surface of the supporting element and be secured against falling out or unintentional release by the segments of the first retaining element and the second retaining element, and possibly the respective webs. Of course, both force-locking and form-locking methods can be combined.

[0014] The elasticity already mentioned helps in both cases and can in particular enable or facilitate deformation to adapt to the splice protector to be fixed and / or snapping into place (i.e. creating a positive fit).

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the second retaining element also has two segments and at least two second webs in the above sense. The two segments of the second retaining element are spaced apart from the support element surface in the direction of the support element's vertical axis. The two second webs are connected to the support element surface. For example, the support element and the second retaining element can be formed integrally and preferably from the same material. This makes it possible to form the support element and the second retaining element in a few or a single work step.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the two segments of the second holding element are also curved in the plane of curvature in the above sense.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the second webs are also arranged at opposite ends of the two segments of the second holding element, specifically viewed along the second direction of extension. Alternatively, one of the opposite ends of the two segments may not be the ends of the second holding element. In this case, the web(s) are arranged at the ends of the two segments, and the end(s) of the second holding element protrude beyond these webs. The curvature of the segments, moreover, exists over at least the majority of their extension in the first direction of extension, preferably the entirety.

[0018] In any case, however, the two second webs are designed to connect the segments to the support element surface. The support element and the second retaining element can be formed integrally and preferably from the same material. This makes it possible to form the support element and the second retaining element in a few or a single work step. Here, too, as above, elastic materials and plastics are preferred.

[0019] In one embodiment, a first of the segments of the first holding element is curved in the opposite direction to a second of the segments of the first holding element. Furthermore, a first of the segments of the second holding element is curved in the opposite direction to a second of the segments of the second holding element. Put simply, the two segments of the first holding element are curved in opposite directions to one another, and the two segments of the second holding element are also curved in opposite directions to one another. The opposite curvature of the segments of the first holding element and the second holding element makes it possible to arrange a plurality of first and second holding elements in a transverse direction that is defined parallel to the support element surfaces and orthogonal to the first extension direction and / or the second extension direction, such that a splice protector can be fixed between each of the pairs of first holding element and second holding element.Put simply, this allows each first holding element and second holding element to be used to fix at least one splice protector.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment (which does not necessarily have to be combined with the previous one), the first segment of the first holding element, which is arranged next to the first segment of the second holding element, is curved in the same direction as the latter. In this case, the splice protector is pressed, for example, by the first segment of the first holding element against a next-to-neighbor web of the second holding element and by a second segment of the second holding element against a next-to-neighbor web of the first holding element. Each splice protector is thus fixed at at least two points by the first holding element and the second holding element or the associated webs, as viewed along the first and / or second extension direction.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, the first segment of the first retaining element, which is arranged next to the first segment of the second retaining element, is curved in the opposite direction to the latter. When combined with the opposite curvature of the adjacent segments of the same retaining element, similar possibilities arise as in the previous embodiment.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the first retaining element has three first webs. One of the first webs is arranged between the first segment and the second segment of the first retaining element, and the remaining two webs are arranged at the remaining ends of the segments. Thus, along the first extension direction of the first retaining element, three first webs are arranged: one between the two segments and the remaining two at the ends of the two segments. The additional web improves the retaining function of the segments and stabilizes the retaining element.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, this also applies or independently applies to the second holding element.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the support element has recesses in the support element surface between at least some of the webs of the holding elements in the region of the segments. More precisely, the support element surface is interrupted in the region (seen along the support element's vertical axis) below the segments and between the webs connected to the holding elements and the support element surfaces. The segments are therefore arranged over regions of the support element in which the support element surface has a recess. This facilitates the production of the splice protection receiving device, including the webs and the holding elements, for example by injection molding. Furthermore, this can increase the flexibility of the holding elements and make it easier to press out the mounted splice protectors, for example with the help of a tool.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the splice protection holder is made in one piece from ABS plastic, preferably as an injection-molded part. This makes it possible to produce the splice protection holder with sufficient tolerances, cost-effectively, and in large quantities. Furthermore, it is possible to produce splice protection holders with sufficient mechanical and thermal resilience. Furthermore, these splice protection holders are cost-effective and exhibit advantageous inherent elasticity.

[0026] Furthermore, the splice protection receiving device can particularly preferably also be manufactured by means of two-component injection molding (so-called “2K injection molding”), wherein, for example, the holding elements are made entirely or partially from a material that is softer than the support element, thereby further advantageously increasing their inherent elasticity.

[0027] The invention also relates to a splice cassette for accommodating at least one splice protector. The splice cassette comprises at least one excess length storage and a splice area with a splice protector receiving device according to the invention. A plurality of splice protector receiving devices can naturally be provided in the splice cassette, and excess lengths of the optical fibers connected to the splice points can be stored in the excess length storage provided directly in the splice cassette.

[0028] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a splice module with a splice cassette according to the invention. The splice module comprises at least one patch point and a plurality of splice cassettes.

[0029] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a splice module stack with a plurality of splice modules according to the invention.

[0030] The invention also relates to the use of the splice protection receiving device according to the invention in a splice cassette, preferably also in the form of a use of the splice cassette in a splice module. For example, the splice protection receiving device according to the invention can be designed as a component of a splice cassette and used therein. The splice protection receiving device according to the invention can be designed integrally with the splice cassette or as a separate component inserted into the splice cassette. Furthermore, the splice protection receiving device according to the invention can, for example, be arranged in a splice cassette, which as such is arranged in a splice module stack.

[0031] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments, whereby the individual features can also be essential to the invention in other combinations within the scope of the claims and no distinction is made in detail between the different claim categories.

[0032] In detail: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of part of a splice protection receiving device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the splice protector receiving device with two inserted splice protectors; Fig. 3 a sectional view of the splice protector receiving device with two inserted splice protectors; Fig. 4 a splice cassette with a splice protection receiving device according to the invention.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a splice protection receiving device 10 according to the invention, which comprises a support element 50, a first holding element 30 and a second holding element 31. More specifically, Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the splice protection receiving device 10, in which a plurality of first holding elements 30 and second holding elements 31 are arranged on the support element 50. The holding elements 30, 31 correspond to one another, so that the role assignment as first or second holding elements is arbitrary in this example.

[0034] Each of the first holding elements 30 has two segments 30a, 30b and three first webs 40. The first holding elements 30 comprise first webs 40, by means of which they are connected to a support element surface 50s of the support element 50. One of the first webs 40 is arranged between a first segment 30a and a second segment 30b of the first holding element 30. The remaining two first webs 40 are arranged at the respective remaining ends of the segments 30a, 30b. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first webs 40 extend essentially parallel to a support element vertical axis Z, which is defined orthogonally to the support element surface 50s. Viewed along this support element vertical axis Z, the segments 30a, 30b are spaced from the support element surface 50s. Below the segments 30a, 30b (ie in the area between two first webs 40), recesses 52 are made in the support element 50 in the support element surface 50s.

[0035] The second holding elements 31, as previously explained, accordingly also have two segments 31a, 31b and three second webs 41. The above description can therefore also be applied analogously to the second holding elements 31.

[0036] The first holding element 30 and the second holding element 31 each extend along a first extension direction X1 and a second extension direction X2, respectively, defining their greatest spatial extent. In the illustrated embodiment, the first extension direction X1 is parallel to or identical to the second extension direction X2. The three first holding elements 30 and the three second holding elements 31 are thus arranged in pairs next to one another and parallel to one another on the support element. Furthermore, the segments 30a, 30b, 31a, 31b are curved in a plane of curvature defined parallel to the support element surface 50s. More precisely, a first of the segments 30a of the first holding element is curved in the opposite direction to a second of the segments 30b of the first holding element. Furthermore, a first of the segments 31a of the second holding element 31 is curved in the opposite direction to a second of the segments 31b of the second holding element 31. Fig. 1 also shows that the first segment 30a of the first holding element 30, which is closest to the first segment 31a of the second holding element 31, is curved in the same direction. Thus, both the first holding element 30 and the second holding element 31 have an S-shape lying in the plane of curvature, with both S-shapes corresponding to each other except for the transverse offset. For easier understanding, Fig. 1 only three first and three second holding elements 30, 31 of the embodiment are shown.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the splice protector receiving device 10 with two inserted splice protectors 20 and five first and five second holding elements 30, 31. In addition to Fig. 1 shows Fig. 2 which is an edge element 51 of the support element 50. This edge element 51 can, for example, be an outer circumference of a splice cassette (see Fig. 4). However, more than five pairs of retaining elements can also be arranged on the support element surface 50s. For example, viewed along the first extension direction X1, several first and / or second retaining elements 30, 31 can also follow one another. Viewed transversely to the first extension direction X1, more than five pairs of retaining elements can also be arranged.

[0038] In Fig. 2, each of the splice protectors 20 is held by a pair of holding elements. More precisely, the splice protector 20 is held by a first holding element 30 and a second holding element 31. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, for example, up to ten splice protectors 20 can be held.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged sectional view of the Fig. 2 with inserted splice protectors 20. From the figure, it can be seen that the accommodated splice protectors 20 can have different outer diameters. For example, the splice protector 20 located further to the right has a larger outer diameter than the splice protector 20 located further to the left. The right-hand splice protector 20 is pressed by the first segment 30a of the first holding element against at least one of the second webs 41 of the second holding element 31 and the support element surfaces 50 and is thereby fixed. Due to the larger diameter of the right-hand splice protector 20, the first segment 30a of the first holding element 30 is elastically prestressed in a force-fitting manner. The left-hand of the two splice protectors 20, in contrast, has a smaller outer diameter and is held (only or essentially) in a form-fitting manner under the bulges of the adjacent segments 30, 31 directed towards it.Of course, the positive fixation also applies to the right splice protector 20.

[0040] Out of Fig. 3 already shows that, depending on the shape and geometry of the splice protectors 20 and the design of the holding elements 30, 31, there are different possibilities for fixing the splice protectors 20 in the splice protector receiving device 10. If, for example, the outer diameter of the splice protector 20 is greater than the distance between the support element surface 50s and a lower edge of at least one of the segments 30a, 30b (seen along the support element vertical axis Z), the splice protector 20 is permanently subjected to force by at least one of the segments 30a, 30b. In contrast, if the outer diameter of the splice protector 20 is smaller than the distance from the support element surface 50s to the lower edge of at least one of the segments 30a, 30b (seen along the support element vertical axis Z), the splice protector 20 can be positively secured against falling out without being permanently subjected to force by one of the segments 30a, 30b.In addition, if the outer diameter of the splice protector 20 is smaller than the distance between the first web 40 and the second web 41, it can be pressed by at least one of the segments 30a, 30b against at least one second web 41 opposite (the segments 30a, 30b). In contrast, if the outer diameter of the splice protector 20 approximately corresponds to the distance between the first web 40 and the second web 41, it can be held by both webs 40, 41. As can be seen in the example of the right-hand splice protector 20, the segments 30, 31 are elastically deformed in such a way that the splice protector 20 is arranged between them in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner.

[0041] Fig.4 shows an embodiment of a splice cassette 100 with an analog splice protector receiving device 10 accommodated therein. The splice cassette 100 comprises an excess length storage area 110 and a splice area 120. After the splicing process, the optical fibers connected to splice protectors 20 are deposited in the splice receiving device 10 of the splice cassette 100 and secured therein. Several of the splice cassettes 100 can be combined to form a splice cassette stack and form a splice module. Furthermore, several splice modules can be combined to form a splice module stack. Such embodiments are described, for example, in European patent applications EP 3 511 753 A1 and EP 3 916 449 A1 and in German utility model DE 20 2013 012 809 U1. Reference symbol 10 Splice protection holder 20 splice protection 30 first holding element 30a, 30b segments (of the first holding element) 31 second holding element 31a, 31b segments (of the second holding element) 40 first bridges 41 second bridges 50 supporting element 50s load-bearing element surface 51 edge element 52 recess 100 splice cassettes 110 Overlength storage 120 splice area X1 first expansion direction X2 second expansion direction Z Support element vertical axis QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 511 753 A1

[0041] EP 3 916 449 A1

[0041] DE 20 2013 012 809 U1

[0041]

Claims

[1] Device (10) for receiving at least one splice protector (20), the device (10) comprising: a support element (50) having a support element surface (50s) which defines a support element vertical axis (Z) directed orthogonally to the support element surface (50s); a first holding element (30) comprising two segments (30a, 30b) which are spaced apart from the support element surface (50s) in the direction of the support element vertical axis (Z) and are curved substantially in a plane of curvature which is defined parallel to the support element surface (50s), and at least two first webs (40), by means of which it is connected to the support element surface (50s), and which webs (40), viewed along a first extension direction (X1), which is defined in a direction of greatest spatial extension of the first holding element (30), are arranged at opposite ends of the two segments (30a, 30b); and a second holding element (31) having a second extension direction (X2) which is defined in the direction of a greatest spatial extension of the second holding element (31) and which deviates by less than 20° from the first extension direction (X1). [2] Splice protection receiving device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the second holding element (31) has two segments (31a, 31b) and at least two second webs (41), wherein the at least two segments (31a, 31b) are spaced apart from the support element surface (50s) in the direction of the support element vertical axis (Z), and wherein it is connected to the support element surface (50s) by means of the at least two second webs (41). [3] Splice protection receiving device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the at least two second webs (41) are arranged at opposite ends of the two segments (31a, 31b) as viewed along the second extension direction (X2). [4] Splice protection receiving device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the two segments (31a, 31b) are curved substantially in the plane of curvature. [5] Splice protection receiving device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which a first of the segments (30a) of the first holding element (30) is curved in the opposite direction to a second of the segments (30b) of the first holding element (30), and in which a first of the segments (31a) of the second holding element (31) is curved in the opposite direction to a second of the segments (31b) of the second holding element (31). [6] Splice protection receiving device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first segment (30a) of the first holding element (30) is arranged next to the first segment (31a) of the second holding element (31) and is curved in the same direction as the latter. [7] Splice protection receiving device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first segment (30a) of the first holding element (30) is arranged next to the first segment (31a) of the second holding element (31) and is curved in the opposite direction to the latter. [8] Splice protection receiving device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first holding element (30) has three first webs (40), wherein one of the first webs (40) is arranged between the first segment (30a) and the second segment (30b) of the first holding element (30), and wherein the remaining two first webs (40) are arranged at the respective remaining ends of the segments (30a, 30b). [9] Splice protection receiving device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the second holding element (31) has three second webs (41), wherein one of the second webs (41) is arranged between the first segment (31a) and the second segment (31b) of the second holding element (31), and wherein the remaining two second webs (41) are arranged at opposite ends of the second holding element (31). [10] Splice protection receiving device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the support element (50) has recesses (60) in the support element surface (50s) between the webs (40, 41) of the holding elements (30, 31) in the region of the segments (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b). [11] Splice protection receiving device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which is made in one piece from an ABS plastic, preferably as an injection-molded part. [12] Splice cassette (100) for receiving at least one splice protector (20), wherein the splice cassette (100) has at least one excess length storage (110) and a splice area (120) with a splice protector receiving device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11. [13] Splice module comprising a plurality of splice cassettes (100) according to claim 12 and at least one patch point. [14] Splice module stack comprising a plurality of splice modules according to claim 13. [15] Use of a splice protection receiving device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11 in a splice cassette (100) according to claim 12, preferably also in the form of a use of the splice cassette (100) in a splice module according to claim 13.

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