Multifiber bridge

Abstract

Multi-fiber bridge for arrangement between organizers containing cassettes, characterized by that the multi-fiber bridge (4) has a base body (9) with numerous channels formed on it, which run longitudinally, transversely and arcuately and are interconnected, and that the channels are open on all sides towards the outside of the base body (9), so that fibers (11) from cassettes (7) of one organizer (2) can enter channels of the multi-fiber bridge (4) at any selectable points and exit the channels at suitable points and run to cassettes (7) of the opposite organizer (3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a multi-fiber bridge for arrangement between organizers containing cassettes.

[0002] In a fiber management system, the problem may arise of connecting fiber optic cassettes of one organizer to fiber optic cassettes of another organizer located adjacent to it in a power distribution cabinet. The present invention is based on the object of providing a solution to this problem in which the fiber optic cables can be securely connected in a clear manner throughout the entire area.

[0003] This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the inventions are characterized in the subclaims.

[0004] The invention provides a multi-fiber bridge arranged between two spaced-apart organizers in a fiber optic network distributor, which is characterized in that it has a rib-like base body with numerous channels formed thereon, which run in all directions and are connected to one another, and in that the channels are open on all sides towards the outside of the base body, so that fibers from cassettes of one organizer can be inserted at any point into nearby channels of the multi-fiber bridge and can exit from the channels at suitable points on the opposite side and run to the desired cassettes of the organizer arranged opposite.

[0005] The channels are defined by domes or upright molded bodies formed on the base body and are of such a depth that several glass fibers can be placed one above the other in the channels and can, for example, cross each other in individual channel sections.

[0006] To ensure that the fibers are held securely in the channels, the channels, which are made up of several channel sections, are partially covered by rotatable latches or, preferably, by elastic tabs that allow the fibers to be inserted into the channels without hindrance.

[0007] The multi-component channels or channel sections leading from one side to the opposite side of the multi-fiber bridge are designed to be arranged in such a way that the minimum radii of the fibers are not exceeded. This ensures that the fibers establish the desired connection between the selected cassettes without damage.

[0008] Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that linear, continuous channels are formed along the edge regions of the long sides of the multi-fiber bridge, which are delimited on the outer sides by spaced-apart pin-shaped support domes formed integrally with the base body. The adjacent organizer cassettes can be supported on these pin-shaped domes.

[0009] The length of the organizers arranged in a network distribution cabinet can be so large that the organizers are composed of sections with 18 cassettes each. The present invention advantageously provides for the multi-fiber bridge to also consist of several bridge sections of corresponding length, with the individual bridges joined at the end faces so that they extend over the entire length of the organizers in a fiber optic network distribution cabinet.

[0010] It is also advantageous that the multi-fiber bridge is connected to the organizers without the need for tools by spring-loaded snapping into place under the edge of the organizer.

[0011] The multi-fiber bridge is advantageously made of a plastic such as ABS and is manufactured in one piece using an injection molding process, which means that it can be manufactured at relatively low cost.

[0012] The multi-fiber bridge is a very advantageous component of the fiber management system, as it can connect cassettes of two adjacent organizers in a clear and secure manner.

[0013] Further details of the multifiber bridge according to the invention emerge from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the multifiber bridge and from the associated figures.

[0014] Showing: Fig. 1 a mounting plate with two organizers and a multi-fiber bridge, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the front of the multifiber bridge, Fig. 3 the multi-fiber bridge with fiber overlengths, Fig. 4 the fiber bridge with a different fiber course, Fig. 5 a perspective rear view of the multifiber bridge, Fig. 6 a side view of the multifiber bridge, Fig. 7 the arrangement of a mounting plate according to Fig. 1 on the door of a fiber optic distribution cabinet, Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B the attachment of the multifiber bridge to an organizer, Fig. 9 the support of a cassette stack on the pin-shaped domes of the multi-fiber bridge, Fig. 10 a front view of the multifiber bridge.

[0015] Fig. Figure 1 shows a mounting plate 1 to which two organizers 2, 3 are attached, between which a multifiber bridge 4 is clamped. The organizers 2, 3 hold cassette stacks 5, 6, of which individual cassettes 7 of the two organizers 2, 3 are connected by fibers routed via the multifiber bridge 4.

[0016] Fig. 2 shows details of the multifiber bridge 4. The multifiber bridge 4 contains a base body 9 consisting of a plurality of ribs 8 and transverse walls 15 ( Fig. 5) on which a plurality of differently shaped domes 10 or upright elements are formed, between which a plurality of channels run, in which any number of fibers 11 can be guided from one organizer to the other. This is largely schematically shown in the top view of the Fig. 10 shown.

[0017] At the edges of the long sides of the multi-fiber bridge 4, pin-shaped domes 12 are formed at a distance from each other, which support the adjacently arranged cassettes 7, as Fig. 9 shows.

[0018] With this design of the multifiber bridge 4, fibers 11 from cassettes 7 of an organizer 2 or 3 can enter the channels of the multifiber bridge 4 at any selectable locations and exit from the channels at a suitable location on the other side and run to associated cassettes of the organizer 2 or 3 there.

[0019] The Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show that not only can the fibers 11 be guided from one side to the other side of the multifiber bridge, but also that excess lengths 13 of fibers 11 can be stored in the multifiber bridge 4. This is possible because straight channels run in the two lateral edge areas of the multifiber bridge 4.

[0020] To ensure that the fibers are securely held in the selected channels, elastic tabs 14 are formed on the top side of the channels, which allow the fibers 11 to be easily inserted into the channels but prevent them from accidentally exiting the channels.

[0021] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective rear view of the multi-fiber bridge 4, which consists of a plurality of ribs 8 and transverse walls 15. The multi-fiber bridge 4, including its ribs 8, transverse walls 15, and various domes and molded bodies 10, 12, is manufactured using a plastic injection molding process. ABS is used as the preferred material.

[0022] The Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B show that lateral tabs 16 protrude from the organizers, which snap into place springily, without the need for tools, over indentations 17 of the multi-fiber bridge 4.

[0023] The mounting plate 1 with the organizers 2, 3 and the multi-fiber bridge 4 can be attached to the inside of the door 16 of a fiber optic network distribution cabinet 17, as Fig. 7 shows.

Claims

[1] Multifiber bridge for arrangement between organizers containing cassettes, characterized by , that the multi-fibre bridge (4) has a base body (9) with numerous channels formed thereon, which run in the longitudinal direction, transverse direction and in an arcuate manner and are connected to one another, and that the channels are open on all sides towards the outside of the base body (9), so that fibers (11) from cassettes (7) of one organizer (2) can enter channels of the multi-fiber bridge (4) at any selectable locations and exit the channels at suitable locations and run to cassettes (7) of the oppositely arranged organizer (3). [2] Multifiber bridge according to claim 1, characterized by that the base body (9) has ribs (8) and transverse walls (15). [3] Multifiber bridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the channels are limited by domes (10, 12) formed on the base body. [4] Multifiber bridge according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the channels on the top side are partially covered by rotatable latches or elastic tabs (14). [5] Multifiber bridge according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the assembled channels leading from one side to the opposite side do not fall below the minimum radii of the fibers (11). [6] Multifiber bridge according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that continuous channels are formed along the edge regions of the longitudinal sides of the multi-fiber bridge (4), which are delimited on the outside by spaced-apart pin-shaped support domes (12) for adjacent cassettes (7) formed on the base body (9). [7] Multifiber bridge according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat several multi-fiber bridges (4) are assembled at the end faces so that they extend over the entire length of the organizers (2, 3) in a fiber optic network distribution cabinet (17). [8] Multifiber bridge according to claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the multi-fibre bridge (4) is connected to the organisers (2, 3) in a spring-loaded manner without the need for tools. [9] Multifiber bridge according to claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the multi-fiber bridge (4) is part of the fiber management system in a fiber optic network distribution cabinet (17). [10] Multifiber bridge according to claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the multi-fibre bridge (4) is made of plastic such as ABS. [11] Multifiber bridge according to claim 10, characterized by that the multi-fibre bridge (4) is manufactured in one piece by injection moulding.

Images