PATCHMODUL

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a stack of patch modules, each with a plurality of patch points for fiber optic cable management (FO: optical fiber), as well as a distribution cabinet with such stacks and uses of the stack and the distribution cabinet.

[0002] Fiber optic cables are used for signal transmission with high transmission rates and / or long distances and are becoming increasingly popular. In particular, fiber optic cable networks are increasingly being laid all the way to the consumer or even to the end device in the home or office. With the expansion of fiber optic cable networks, the task of connecting fiber optic cables to each other is becoming increasingly common.

[0003] The individual fibers are joined together using a known technology, and these so-called splice and patch points are arranged in a similarly known manner, as well as being accessible and protected. For example, splice modules are used, in which typically a plurality (e.g., twelve or a plurality of twelve) optical fibers are spliced ​​into cables, each with a single optical fiber in a splice cassette, and are connected to termination elements (such as connectors and couplings) using short connecting cables (pigtails). Fiber optic cables with connecting elements (such as connectors), particularly patch cables, can then be used to continue the fiber optic connections. In the following, the term "fiber optic cable" refers to a cable type within the scope of such a splice or patch module and not, for example, to a "fiber optic cable" buried beneath a road with a thick and diverse bundle of individual fibers.

[0004] To access the individual splice and patch points, known modules typically feature a movable drawer-like pull-out and a stationary mount. In special variants, the pull-out does not extend translationally, but rather pivots around a pivot axis, typically near the corner of the mount. For example, see EP 2 221 650 A1.

[0005] However, patch modules can also occur without splice points provided within the same module. These are generally modules with multiple connectors for fiber optic cables, known as patch points. Typically, one of the fiber optic cables involved is itself a patch cable, meaning it also has a connector element at its other end.

[0006] Patch modules with multiple splice cassettes or carrier systems with a stack of patch modules are known. For example, DE 20 2013 012 809 U1 shows a splice module in which several splice cassettes are arranged vertically one above the other on a cassette carrier plate. Also located on the cassette carrier plate is a patch unit with a shelf in front of it, which serves to prevent connected patch cables from sagging. The splice module is designed as a rotating tray within a stack of such patch modules.

[0007] DE 20 2018 000 741 U1 also discloses a stack of multiple patch modules, each of which contains multiple splice cassettes. Additionally, each patch module contains a patch unit with an additional passage for fiber optic cables.

[0008] DE 10 2009 013 299 B3 discloses a patch module in which two rows of patch points are arranged one behind the other, and stacks formed from such patch modules. This is intended to double the packing density of optical fibers.

[0009] DE 20 2009 001 709 U1 discloses a support frame with interchangeable units, each containing a plurality of patch modules. The patch modules include a rotatable pivoting cassette, which in turn contains a fiber tray and diagonally arranged patch units.

[0010] US Pat. No. 5,758,002 discloses a support frame for storing and / or cabling fiber optic cables. The patch cables are connected to variably mountable and stacked patch modules, and the cables are secured using suitable guide elements. During the assembly or disassembly of fiber optic cables, unused dust caps can be stored in a tray, which can be variably mounted at different heights on the support frame. This document represents the closest prior art.

[0011] The present invention is based on the object of providing a particularly practical design for a patch module stack and a distribution cabinet for fiber optic cable management and advantageous uses thereof.

[0012] To this end, the invention is directed to a patch module stack according to claim 1, a distribution cabinet according to claim 12 and uses according to claims 13 and 14.

[0013] The invention is therefore based on a patch module which, in addition to the plurality of patch points, has a storage compartment which can be used for small parts relevant for the assembly or use of the patch module and which is open at the top for this purpose. In particular, such a storage compartment can be very practical for dust protection caps which are mounted or to be mounted on unused patch points. Such dust protection caps, as the name suggests, have the function of preventing exposed areas of a patch point from becoming dusty. Thus, if only one of the plug-in connection elements is in place, i.e. the connection is open, such a dust protection cap can prevent contamination until the connection is closed, i.e. the second plug-in connection element is plugged in.

[0014] Conversely, it is important to keep such dust caps within easy reach in case a patch point or the connection there is disconnected for more than a very short period of time. The storage system according to the invention is extremely advantageous in this regard, because a dedicated space in the immediate vicinity of the patch points, namely within the patch module, allows dust caps to be stored and ensures that such dust caps are readily available when needed. Experience shows that otherwise there is a risk of losing dust caps or having to procure them specifically when needed, or at least having to search for them.

[0015] Therefore, the invention is directed to a stack of patch modules which is provided with at least one dust protection cap already provided in one of the shelves.

[0016] The storage according to the invention can of course also be used for other purposes, in particular for specific tools for use on the patch module and in particular on the patch points. This will be discussed in more detail below. For example, special tools for releasing components of a patch point are possible, such as special flat plug-in tools for releasing snap-in connections. Such snap-in connections are not necessarily intended to secure the plug-in connection elements provided at the cable ends, but can also secure these receiving sockets in a holder. In this case, it may be necessary, or at least practical and effective, to work with a special tool to remove such a socket and to have this tool readily available.

[0017] As already explained at the beginning, the patch module can also have splice trays, for example, in so-called splice cassettes. These splice cassettes can be stacked, for example. The patch points can establish detachable connections to the splice points using so-called pigtail cables.

[0018] The splice trays are preferably provided, for example, as splice cassettes (stacks), on a carrier plate. The tray for dust caps, for example, is preferably located outside the area of ​​the carrier plate designated for the splice tray and separated from it by a partition. This prevents the user from coming close to the splice trays when using the tray, and allows the area near the splice trays to be used unobstructed, for example, for laying the cables and fibers leading there.

[0019] The aforementioned pigtail cables can run between the patch points and the splice point trays and are preferably pre-installed, meaning they are already inserted when the patch module is delivered. Furthermore, in their pre-installed form, they can already be plugged into the detachable connectors with a plug-in connector. In principle, the preferred pre-installation of cables to one side (from the patch points) also applies regardless of the special case of pigtail cables to the splice points. The corresponding patch points can be covered with the aforementioned dust caps (also preferably pre-installed). These dust caps can then be placed, at least partially, into the tray when additional cables (especially patch cables) are connected.

[0020] The patch module is pivotable. In one part of the pivot position, the patch points are particularly easy to access (or only accessible at all). Furthermore, the aforementioned splice point trays may be accessible in one part of the pivot position but not in another.

[0021] According to the invention, the storage compartment is located at a corner of the patch module that is at the front when pivoted in and opposite the pivot axis. This provides particularly easy access and does not interfere with other functional areas.

[0022] The pivot axis is freely selectable and mounted at one of two front corners. When exchanging the pivot axis, a part containing the shelf can be exchanged for another containing the pivot axis. Two largely mirror-symmetrical parts can also be used, each optionally containing the pivot axis. Preferably, both parts can contain a shelf.

[0023] The patch points mentioned several times are provided in a plurality, for example, 12, 24, or more. They are preferably arranged in a row (or a plurality of rows), preferably horizontally. The shelf can be provided adjacent to this row and at the front with respect to a typical user position.

[0024] In this situation, the component with the shelf can also be used to laterally hold a rail with bend protection elements for the patch cables, which rail is located in front of the patch points (in the direction of the user position) and can run in particular parallel to them and preferably horizontally.

[0025] A further embodiment provides for through-connection points for continuous cables in the vicinity of the patch points, particularly in the immediate vicinity and in a 1:1 relationship to the patch points, as an alternative to the patch and pigtail cables combined by the patch connections. Such through-connection points can be advantageously used to install particularly important and safety-critical connections without inherently failure-prone plug connections. In this sense, existing patch connections can also be subsequently removed and replaced with such a continuous cable, or, conversely, such continuous cables can be subsequently replaced with the patched combination of a patch and a pigtail cable.In one case, a dust cap stored in the tray, for example, must be inserted into the patch connection point that becomes free on one side, and in the other case, when this point is used again, it must be removed and then stored in the tray.

[0026] The tray is preferably open only at the top, relative to the normal installation and use position of the patch module, meaning it is completely closed not only at the bottom but also at the sides. This applies, of course, to a technically reasonable extent, i.e., not to openings so small that typical parts such as dust caps cannot fall through (for example, not to openings with a diameter of 2 mm or less, or even 1 mm or less). The stored parts, especially dust caps, will then not fall out of the tray, even in the event of vibration or even careless insertion.

[0027] Furthermore, the storage is preferably intended exclusively for the purpose described and not at the same time as a storage space for fiber optic cables or holding devices for them.

[0028] With regard to the aforementioned tool, in particular a special pair of tweezers, it is preferable that it can be secured in the holder, and that a device is provided for this purpose in the holder. This could, for example, be a pin that protrudes upwards, onto which the tool can be attached, for example, via a hole in it. This allows for a particularly secure position of the tool, and additional dust caps, for example, can be gripped more securely because the tool is less disruptive in its fixed position.

[0029] According to the invention, the patch module is a component of a stack of similar patch modules, wherein the stacking direction preferably coincides with the pivot axis already mentioned. The explanations above regarding pivoting out the module then refer to a position in the stack and an at least partially pivoted out position. The patch points can be provided adjacent to a side that is at the front in relation to this, as in the exemplary embodiments, while further behind, for example, splice point shelves or cassettes can be accommodated. Furthermore, a stack of patch modules can be a component of a distribution cabinet. Such a distribution cabinet can also contain a plurality of patch module stacks.

[0030] According to the invention, a cable guide, such as that described above, can rotate with the respective pivoting module and, for example, be fixed relative to the retaining plates, for which reference is made to the exemplary embodiment. This allows for a particularly simple and stable design.

[0031] As mentioned, the invention relates to a plurality of splice modules that are implemented in a serial manner as stacks, namely, arranged in a row or stacked in the direction of the pivot axis (e.g., horizontally or vertically). Furthermore, the splice modules arranged in such a row can also be housed in a known distribution cabinet, in particular in the described stacked design and in particular with a plurality of stacks therein. Reference can again be made to the previously cited prior art.

[0032] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment, whereby the individual features within the scope of the claims can also be essential to the invention in other combinations and no distinction is made in detail between the different claim categories.

[0033] In detail, Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a simplified patch module according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a section of Figure 1 enlarged, Figure 3 a variant of the patch module from Figure 1 , Figure 4 a perspective view of a Figure 1 component of the patch module drawn in legal form and Figure 5 in the lower part a top view and in the upper part a sectional view of Figure 4 .

[0034] To understand the overall context, reference is first made to the two documents already cited, EP 2 221 650 A1 and EP 3 511 753 A1. In particular, the Figures 1 and 3in the former a relevant distribution cabinet with a plurality of splice module stacks and shows the Figure 2 there such a splice module stack with the pivot axis A located at the front right. In the second quote you can see the distribution cabinet in Figure 8 and a splice module stack with the pivot axis A also located at the front right in Figure 7. Figure 6 there shows a single pivoting splice module from the stack with pluggable patch points at the front and behind it two vertical stacks of a large number of splice cassettes, each containing a plurality of splice point shelves.

[0035] Figure 1of the present application largely corresponds to the last-described Figure 6, although this time the pivot axis A is at the front left. For simplicity, the splice module 1 shown is shown without splice point storage, ie, without the relevant splice cassettes, which can, however, be imagined to be added to the carrier plate 8 in a manner analogous to Figure 6 in EP 3 511 753 A1. This splice module 1 can be pivoted about the pivot axis A.

[0036] In Figure 2It can also be seen that at the patch point 2, a plug connection element 10, which is shown and attached to the patch cable 3, is plugged into a socket 11, which in turn is held in a horizontal opening of a transverse rail 12. If the plug connection element 10 were removed from this socket 11, a dust protection cap, not shown here but known per se from the prior art, could be plugged onto the socket instead. Such a dust protection cap can be Figure 1 can be accommodated in the storage 13 shown at the front and enclosed on all sides, which is clearly formed at the end of the front of the patch module 1 opposite the pivot axis A in a component 14 complementary to the component 6 containing the pivot axis A. This also contains a holder 3 further forward for guiding patch cables which belong to the right half of the patch points 2 shown overall.

[0037] On the other side, i.e. at the front left, one can see a component 6, which is stably screwed together from metal plates and has the pivot axis A in it. This also contains a guide 9 for patch cables, here the patch cables of the left half of the patch points 2, whereby the guide 9 is made of an elastomer material so that the cables can be pushed through, namely in a space containing the geometric pivot axis A under the drill hole 5. This drill hole 5 is used for the connection to an overlying module, whereby the pivot axis is realized within the framework of this connection.

[0038] In addition, you can see a row of 4 guide pins in front of the patch points, which hold the patch cables and separate them from each other, thereby avoiding bending radii that are too small.

[0039] Figure 3also shows stacks 20 of splice cassettes arranged side by side and mirror-symmetrically to each other in the rear area. Such stacks 20 can also be seen in Figure 1 in the open area to the right behind patch points 2.

[0040] The component 14 with the shelf 13 is in the Figures 4 and 5 shown in more detail. Furthermore, there is a plug-in tool 15 with a tweezers-like shape and a handle. This can be plugged onto the pin 16 shown there, for which purpose a hole in a handle of the tool 15 serves. The tool 15 can be used to release the bushing 11 from the Figures 1 and 2 shown position, in which it is pushed with its two legs at the top and bottom between the bushing 11 and the rail, thereby pushing the not shown locking springs out of their engagement. Then the bushing can be moved (with respect to Figures 1 and 2 ) at the top right or at the back.

[0041] In the situation shown, there is still space for dust caps on both sides of and on the fixed tool 15, although in this exemplary embodiment there is less than the number of patch points 2, namely less than 24. This is because the dust caps are pre-mounted and plugged onto the corresponding sockets 11 in the delivered state of the patch module or the stack constructed from it or the distribution cabinet equipped with it, with corresponding pigtail cables pre-installed on the other (rear) sides of the sockets 11, which already lead to the splice point storage. Only a small number of such prepared patch connections are not used during the assembly of the patch module 1 or are replaced by a continuous connection at a later time. Such a continuous connection consists of a Figures 1 and 2The fiber optic cable passing through the openings 7 in the rail 12 marked above the patch points 2. As already mentioned, dust protection caps should be kept in the tray for such cases.

[0042] Figure 3 shows an alternative to the variant from the Figures 1 and 2 Here, component 17 containing the pivot axis (far left) is less solid than in the variant in Figure 1 and is designed as a component identical to the mirror-symmetrical component 18 on the other side (from the right). In the event of a pivot axis change, the axis, in the form of a continuous axis rod, must simply be moved from the holes visible on the left into the holes visible on the right of the mirror-symmetrical component 18. Both components 17, 18 each contain a storage compartment on their upper side, as indicated by reference numeral 19.

[0043] In the variant from the Figures 1 and 2When changing the axle, component 14 on the front right would have to be swapped for component 6 on the front left, with both components being rotated 180°. Therefore, component 14 on the front right contains a shelf 13 not only at the top but also at the bottom.

Claims

1. Stack of a plurality of patch modules (1) of the same type, each with a plurality of patch points (2) for fiber optic cable management and with an upwardly open storage compartment (13, 19) for a dust protection cap, which is provided for unused patch points (2), wherein the patch modules (1) each contain such a storage compartment (13, 19) and at least one dust protection cap for a patch point (2) is provided and is deposited in such a storage compartment (13, 19), wherein the patch modules (1) are each designed to be pivotable about a pivot axis (A) between a swung-out position with accessible patch points (2) and a swung-in position, the patch modules (1) each having the storage compartment (13, 19) provided at a corner opposite the pivot axis (A) and adjacent to the patch points, and wherein in each of the patch modules (1) the pivot axis (A) can be selectably attached to one of two corners; characterized in that in the patch modules (1), a part (14, 18) containing the storage compartment (13, 19) can be exchanged for a part (6, 17) containing the pivot axis (A) when the pivot axis is changed.

2. Stack of a plurality of patch modules (1) according to claim 1, wherein the patch modules (1) each have splice point receivers, in particular in splice cassettes (20), which splice point receivers are provided in a splice point area on a carrier plate (8) of the patch module (1), wherein the storage compartment is provided outside the splice point area and separated therefrom by an intermediate wall.

3. Stack of a plurality of patch modules (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the patch modules (1) each have cables, in particular pigtail cables between the patch points (2) and the splice point receivers, which cables each terminate at the patch points in a detachable connecting device.

4. Stack of a plurality of patch modules (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which patch modules the patch points (2) are arranged in at least one row and the storage compartments (13, 19) are arranged adjacent to and in front of the row of patch points with respect to an operator position.

5. Stack of a plurality of patch modules (1) according to claim 4, in which patch modules the storage compartments (13) are integrated in a respective component (14) which laterally holds a rail with bending protection elements (4) for patch cables, which rail is positioned in front of the row of patch points.

6. Stack of a plurality of patch modules (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage compartments (13, 19) are depressions open at the top but otherwise enclosed on all sides.

7. Stack of a plurality of patch modules (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage compartments (13, 19) are free of optical fiber cables and holding devices for optical fiber cables.

8. Stack of a plurality of patch modules (1) according to one of the preceding claims with tools (15) for use on the patch modules (1), in particular tools (15) for use on the patch points (2), which tools (15) can be or are deposited in the storage compartments (13, 19).

9. Stack of a plurality of patch modules (1) according to claim 8, each with a fixing device in the storage compartments (13, 19) for the tools (15), in particular a pin (16) for placing a tool (15) respectively.

10. Stack of a plurality of patch modules (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which are stacked one above the other along a stacking direction, namely along the pivot axis (A), wherein the patch modules (1) can be moved, in particular pivoted, out of the stack to make at least the patch points (2) accessible.

11. Stack according to claim 10, comprising a housing around the stacked patch modules, from which housing the patch modules (1) can be moved out, wherein the patch points (2) are arranged adjacent to a side of the housing open for this movement.

12. Distribution cabinet for fiber optic cable management comprising a plurality of stacks according to one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Use of a stack of a plurality of patch modules (1) of the same type, each having a plurality of patch points (2) for fiber-optic cable management and having an upwardly open storage compartment (13, 19) for a dust protection cap, which is provided for unused patch points (2), the patch modules (1) each containing such a storage compartment (13, 19), wherein the patch modules (1) are each designed to be pivotable about a pivot axis (A) between a swung-out position with accessible patch points (2) and a swung-in position, wherein in the patch modules (1) the storage compartment (13, 19) is provided at a corner opposite to the pivot axis (A) and adjacent to the patch points (1), and wherein the pivot axis (A) of the patch modules (1) can be selectably attached to one of two corners and a part (14, 18) containing the storage compartment (13, 19) can be exchanged for a part (6, 17) containing the pivot axis (A) when the pivot axis is changed, in which use a dust cap for a patch point (2) is deposited in one of the storage compartments (13, 19) and the stack thus becomes a stack according to one of claims 1-11.

14. Use of a distribution cabinet for fiber optic cable management with a plurality of stacks, which stacks each have a plurality of patch modules (1) of the same type, each having a plurality of patch points (2) for fiber optic cable management and an upwardly open storage compartment (13, 19) for a dust protection cap, which is provided for unused patch points (2), the patch modules (1) each containing such a storage compartment (13, 19), wherein the patch modules (1) are each designed to be pivotable about a pivot axis (A) between a swung-out position with accessible patch points (2) and a swung-in position, wherein in the patch modules (1) the storage compartment (13, 19) is provided in each case at a corner opposite the pivot axis (A) and adjacent to the patch points (1), and wherein the pivot axis (A) of the patch modules (1) can be selectably attached to one of two corners and a part (14, 18) containing the storage compartment (13, 19) can be exchanged for a part (6, 17) containing the pivot axis (A) when the pivot axis is changed, in which use a dust protection cap for a patch point (2) is deposited in one of the storage compartments (13, 19) and the distribution cabinet thus becomes a distribution cabinet according to claim 12.

15. Use of a stack according to one of claims 1-11 or a distribution cabinet according to claim 12, in which use a tool (15) is deposited in one of the storage compartments (13, 19) and / or a tool (15) is removed from one of the storage compartments (13, 19) and inserted at one of the patch modules (1).