Case including an internal mounting device with optical connectors

Abstract

Enclosure comprising an internal mounting device with optical connectors. Optical connection enclosure (1) having a base (3) extending along a base plane (5), the optical connection enclosure (1) comprising a mounting device (7) for optical fibers provided with a plurality of optical connectors (9), each optical connector (9) extending longitudinally along a corresponding cooperation direction (11) which is transverse to a central plane (13) of the optical connection enclosure (1), the central plane (13) itself extending transversely to the base plane (5), the mounting device (7) being movably rotatably mounted on the base (3) or on an additional mounting element attached to the base (3). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Box comprising an internal fixing device with optical connections Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection box comprising an internal fixing device with optical connections. Prior art

[0002] It is known to use optical connectors of different types mounted inside the optical connection box.

[0003] These may be optical connectors extending longitudinally and comprising a female plug at each end. It is thus possible to connect optical fibers ending in male plugs.

[0004] This arrangement is satisfactory in that the connections of the male plugs are quick. However, the optical connections are somewhat bulky and it can be difficult to organize the internal elements of the optical connection box. These optical connections must also be easily accessible.

[0005] The present invention aims to resolve all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above. Statement of the invention

[0006] To this end, the present invention relates to an optical connection box having a base extending along a base plane, the optical connection box comprising a fixing device for optical fibers provided with a plurality of optical connectors, each optical connector extending longitudinally along a corresponding cooperation direction which is transverse to a central plane of the optical connection box, the central plane itself extending transversely to the base plane, the fixing device being mounted so as to be movable in rotation on the base or on an additional mounting element attached to the base.

[0007] This arrangement facilitates the use of the optical connections since the cooperation directions are thus offset relative to the background and substantially parallel to the base plane. Access to the optical connections is therefore easy.

[0008] The fact that the fixing device is movably mounted on the bottom facilitates assembly because the optical connections are all easily accessible by moving the fixing device.

[0009] This mobility therefore allows space to be saved inside the optical connection box since it is not necessary to leave free space near the optical connections. It is sufficient to provide a layout allowing good access- sibility when the fixing device is moved from its original position.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical connection box is an optical connection point or OCP.

[0011] Each optical connection extends along its own direction of cooperation. The directions of cooperation are parallel.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, each optical connector has a first female plug at a first longitudinal end and a second female plug at a second longitudinal end opposite the first longitudinal end, the second female plug having an insertion direction opposite the insertion direction of the first female plug.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, each first female plug and second female plug is configured to cooperate with at least one male plug. The male plug is inserted in the cooperation direction and in the corresponding insertion direction.

[0014] In practice, each first female plug and second female plug is configured to cooperate with one or two male plugs.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical connectors of the plurality of optical connectors are organized in at least one row extending transversely to the directions of cooperation.

[0016] This arrangement allows for a compact organization of the plurality of optical connectors. The optical fibers from the connected male plugs extend on either side of the fixing device in opposite directions according to the directions of cooperation.

[0017] It is then easy to group together optical fibers coming from the same side of the fixing device to route them to another internal location of the optical connection box or to the outside.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical connectors of the plurality of optical connectors are organized in two rows, the optical connectors of a first row being arranged symmetrically to the optical connectors of a second row relative to a median plane of the fixing device.

[0019] The optical connections of the two rows have reversed orientations relative to the median plane in order to facilitate connection while limiting the size of the fixing device.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the fixing device comprises a holding element configured to cooperate with the plurality of optical connectors so as to hold them in position.

[0021] Preferably, the holding element extends substantially in the central plane. In particular, the holding element has for each optical connector of the plurality of optical connectors a corresponding opening for the insertion of said optical connector in the direction of cooperation.

[0022] It is thus possible to add or remove an optical connector from the fixing device. This arrangement is useful for installing an optical connector with another type of connection while retaining the same holding element.

[0023] The connection type may correspond to a connector capable of receiving two male plugs per side or a single male plug per side. This may also correspond to the format of the plug which may be different.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, each optical connector has at least one receiving location configured to cooperate with a removal tab of a male plug of an optical fiber, the receiving location being arranged opposite the median plane transversely to the median plane.

[0025] The removal tab is thus easy to access since it can be reached from the outside of the fixing device and this for each row.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the fixing device is mounted to be able to rotate along a displacement axis extending transversely to the central plane of the optical connection box.

[0027] This simple construction allows the orientation of the fixing device to be changed so as to make all of the optical connections accessible.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the fixing device is removably mounted on the bottom. Preferably, the fixing device is reversible by revolution around a central axis of the fixing device transverse to the axis of movement.

[0029] This arrangement allows great flexibility of installation, since it is possible not only to move the fixing device but also to detach it from the bottom and possibly to install it in the other direction.

[0030] When the fixing device is mounted on the bottom, the central axis is included in the central plane.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the fixing device is configured to be moved between two end-of-travel positions, the end-of-travel positions corresponding respectively to a deployed position and a retracted position.

[0032] This arrangement defines a storage position, the retracted position, and a maximum accessibility position, the deployed position, for the installation of the optical connections.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the fixing device comprises two lugs extending in opposite directions along the axis of movement when the fixing device is mounted on the bottom, the optical connection box comprising a cooperation element attached to the bottom and provided with reception orifices, each reception orifice being intended to receive a corresponding lug.

[0034] Preferably, the lugs and / or the receiving holes are configured to limit the movements of the fixing device between the two end positions.

[0035] The lugs and / or the receiving holes are configured to maintain the fixing device in end-of-travel positions in the absence of stress.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical connection box comprises a plurality of fixing devices.

[0037] This arrangement allows the installation of a large number of optical connections in a limited space, namely the interior of the connection box.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the plurality of fixing devices comprises a first group of adjoining fixing devices capable of being arranged in a retracted position and a second group of adjoining fixing devices capable of being arranged in a deployed position, a fixing device of the first group being adjoining a fixing device of the second group so as to generate a mounting space.

[0039] This arrangement makes it possible to free up space for mounting optical connections at the level of the fixing devices located at the boundary between the first group and the second group.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the central axes of the fixing devices of the first group are parallel and inclined relative to the central axes of the fixing devices of the second group. The central axes of the fixing devices of the second group are also parallel.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the fixing devices can be moved so as to move devices from the first group to the second and vice versa.

[0042] This arrangement allows the mounting space to be created at different locations between two adjoining fixing devices. All the removal tabs can thus be accessible while maintaining the mounting space nearby.

[0043] Indeed, when two adjoining fixing devices are both in the same position, either retracted or deployed, the tabs of these devices are close to each other.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the first group or the second group may not comprise any fixing device, the plurality of fixing devices being in the retracted position or respectively in the deployed position.

[0045] Preferably, two adjoining fixing devices in the same position are in contact or have a separation space of negligible dimension compared to the mounting space.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the displacement axes are arranged parallel to each other at a distance from each other. Preferably, the fixing devices are aligned along the central plane. In particular, the displacement axes are arranged relative to each other so that the plurality of fixing devices can be arranged in position retracted at the same time. This arrangement allows the connection box to be closed. It is also possible to have all the fixing devices in the deployed position at the same time.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the bottom has a distribution zone configured to receive and organize optical fibers, the distribution zone at least partially surrounding the fixing device according to the base plane.

[0048] This arrangement facilitates the organization of the optical fibers coming from the male plugs connected to the optical connectors.

[0049] Preferably, the axis of movement of the fixing device is surrounded at least partially by the distribution zone relative to the base plane. In particular, when the optical connection box comprises several fixing devices, said fixing devices are surrounded at least partially by the distribution zone.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical connection box comprises a plurality of coiling and / or splicing cassettes for optical fibers.

[0051] This arrangement makes it possible to include within the same optical connection box two possible types of connection between two optical fibers: by using the optical connectors of the fixing device and by splicing at the level of the coiling and / or splicing cassettes.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical connection box comprises a support inclined relative to the base plane and attached to the bottom, the coiling and / or splicing cassettes being attached to the inclined support.

[0053] This arrangement saves space by limiting the surface area occupied by the bottom. According to one aspect of the invention, the inclined support is arranged on the bottom so that the bottom of the inclined plane is oriented towards the fixing device(s).

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the coiling and / or splicing cassettes are mounted to be able to rotate on the support inclined along a pivot connection axis.

[0055] The axes of the pivot connections of the coiling and / or splicing cassettes are offset along the base plane so that the coiling and / or splicing cassettes are substantially parallel to the base plane in a stowed position.

[0056] Preferably, the size of the coiling and / or splicing cassettes in the stored position transversely to the base plane is substantially the same as the size of the fixing device(s) in the retracted position.

[0057] Thus, the internal layout of the optical connection box allows optimal storage by taking advantage of the internal volume.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the optical connection box comprises an input / output side wall transverse to the base plane and having external openings.

[0059] The distribution area allows the optical connection box to be connected to the network. An optical cable comprises a part internal to the optical connection box which is stripped. The optical fibers coming from this stripped cable can either be terminated by a male plug and connected to the fixing device or be connected to another optical fiber by splicing.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the fixing device(s) are arranged between the inlet / outlet side wall and the coiling and / or splicing cassettes.

[0061] This internal arrangement facilitates the connection of male plugs to the fixing device.

[0062] The optical connection box further comprises a front closing part capable of cooperating with the rest of the optical connection box to close it.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the retracted position of the fixing device(s) allows the optical connection box to be closed with the front part.

[0064] The different aspects defined above which are not incompatible can be combined. Brief description of the figures

[0065] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the detailed description which is set out below with reference to the appended drawings.

[0066] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of an interior part of an optical connection box comprising three fixing devices, one of which is in the deployed position.

[0067] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the interior of the optical connection box with two fixing devices in the deployed position.

[0068] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the interior of the optical connection box with three fixing devices in the deployed position.

[0069] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a fixing device and male plugs connected to said fixing device.

[0070] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a holding element of the fixing device.

[0071] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the interior of the optical connection box.

[0072] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the interior of the optical connection box without coiling and / or splicing cassettes.

[0073] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of the closed optical connection box. Description with reference to figures

[0074] In the detailed description which follows of the figures defined above, the same elements or the elements fulfilling identical functions may retain the same references so as to simplify the understanding of the invention.

[0075] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 and 6 and 7, an optical connection box 1 has a bottom 3 extending along a base plane 5. The connection box optical 1 can be an optical branch point or PBO.

[0076] The optical connection box 1 comprises three fixing devices 7 for optical fibers, each being provided with a plurality of optical connectors 9.

[0077] Each optical connection 7 extends longitudinally along a corresponding cooperation direction 11 which is transverse to a central plane 13 of the optical connection box 1, the central plane 13 itself extending transversely to the base plane 3.

[0078] Each optical connection 9 extends along a direction of cooperation 11 which is specific to it. The directions of cooperation 11 are parallel.

[0079] As illustrated in [Fig.4], each optical connector 9 has a first female plug 15 at a first longitudinal end and a second female plug 17 at a second longitudinal end opposite the first longitudinal end, the second female plug 17 having an insertion direction opposite to the insertion direction of the first female plug 15.

[0080] Each first female plug 15 and second female plug 17 is configured to cooperate with at least one male plug 19. The male plug 19 is inserted in the cooperation direction 11 and in the corresponding insertion direction.

[0081] In practice, each first female plug 15 and second female plug 17 is configured to cooperate with one or two male plugs 17.

[0082] The optical connectors 9 of the plurality of optical connectors 9 are organized in at least one row 21 extending transversely to the cooperation directions 11.

[0083] The optical fibers coming from the connected male plugs 19 extend on either side of the fixing device 7 in opposite directions according to the cooperation directions 11.

[0084] In particular, the optical connectors 9 of the plurality of optical connectors 9 are organized in two rows 21, the optical connectors 9 of a first row 21a being arranged symmetrically to the optical connectors 9 of a second row 21b relative to a median plane 23 of the fixing device 7.

[0085] As illustrated in [Fig.5], the fixing device 7 comprises a holding element 25 configured to cooperate with the plurality of optical connectors 9 so as to hold them in position.

[0086] The holding element 25 extends substantially in the central plane 13. The holding element 25 has for each optical connector 9 of the plurality of optical connectors 9 a corresponding opening 27 for the insertion of said optical connector 9 in the direction of cooperation 11.

[0087] The female plug connection type can accommodate two male plugs 19 as is the case in [Fig.4].

[0088] Each optical connection 9 has at least one receiving location 29 configured to cooperate with a removal tab 31 of a male plug 19 of an optical fiber, the receiving location 29 being arranged opposite the median plane 23 transversely to the median plane 23.

[0089] As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the fixing device 7 is mounted to be able to rotate about a displacement axis 33 extending transversely to the central plane 13 of the optical connection box 1.

[0090] The fixing device 7 is removably mounted on the bottom 3. The fixing device 7 is reversible by revolution around a central axis 35 of the fixing device 7 transverse to the displacement axis 33.

[0091] When the fixing device 7 is mounted on the bottom 3, the central axis 35 is included in the central plane 13.

[0092] The fixing device 7 comprises two lugs 37 extending in opposite directions along the axis of movement 33 when the fixing device 7 is mounted on the bottom 3, the optical connection box 1 comprising a cooperation element attached to the bottom and provided with reception orifices, each reception orifice being intended to receive a corresponding lug 37.

[0093] The lugs 37 and / or the receiving holes are configured to limit the movements of the fixing device 7 between two end-of-travel positions.

[0094] The lugs 37 and / or the receiving holes are configured to hold the fixing device 7 in the end-of-travel positions in the absence of stress.

[0095] The end-of-travel positions correspond to a deployed position and a retracted position, the retracted position allowing the optical connection box to be closed. In Figures 1 to 3, several possibilities are illustrated: a single fixing device 7 in the deployed position, two in [Fig.2] and three in [Fig.3].

[0096] Thus, the plurality of fixing devices 7 comprises a first group 38 of adjoining fixing devices 7 capable of being arranged in the retracted position and a second group 40 of adjoining fixing devices 7 capable of being arranged in the deployed position, a fixing device 7 of the first group 38 being adjoining a fixing device 7 of the second group 40 so as to generate a mounting space 42.

[0097] The central axes 35 of the fixing devices 7 of the first group 38 are parallel and inclined relative to the central axes 35 of the fixing devices 7 of the second group 40. The central axes 35 of the fixing devices 7 of the second group 40 are also parallel.

[0098] The fixing devices 7 can be moved so as to move fixing devices 7 from the first group to the second and vice versa as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

[0099] The first group 38 or the second group 40 may not include any device fixing devices 7, the plurality of fixing devices 7 being in the retracted position or respectively in the deployed position. The displacement axes 33 are arranged parallel at a distance from each other. The fixing devices 7 are aligned along the central plane 35.

[0100] The movement axes 33 are arranged relative to each other so as to be able to arrange the plurality of fixing devices 7 in the retracted position at the same time.

[0101] As illustrated in [Fig.7], the bottom 3 has a distribution area 39 configured to receive and organize optical fibers, the distribution area 39 surrounding the fixing devices 7 according to the base plane 5.

[0102] The displacement axis 33 of the fixing device 7 is surrounded by the distribution zone 39 relative to the base plane 5.

[0103] As illustrated in [Fig.6], the optical connection box 1 comprises a plurality of coiling and / or splicing cassettes 41 for optical fibers.

[0104] The optical connection box 1 comprises a support 43 inclined relative to the base plane 5 and attached to the bottom 3, the coiling and / or splicing cassettes 41 being attached to the inclined support 43.

[0105] The inclined support 43 is arranged on the bottom 3 so that the bottom of the inclined plane 43 is oriented towards the fixing devices 7. The coiling and / or splicing cassettes 41 are mounted to rotate on the inclined support 43 along a corresponding pivot connection axis 45.

[0106] The axes of the pivot connections 45 of the coiling and / or splicing cassettes 41 are offset along the base plane 5 so that the coiling and / or splicing cassettes 41 are substantially parallel to the base plane 5 in a stored position as illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0107] The size of the coiling and / or splicing cassettes 41 in the stored position transversely to the base plane 5 is substantially the same as the size of the fixing devices 7 in the retracted position.

[0108] The optical connection box 1 comprises an input / output side wall 47 transverse to the base plane 5 and having external openings 49. In Figures 6 and 7, removable closing elements are arranged in the external openings 49.

[0109] An optical cable may comprise a part internal to the optical connection box 1 which is stripped. The optical fibers coming from this stripped cable may either terminate in a male plug 19 and be connected to the fixing devices or be connected to another optical fiber by splicing.

[0110] The fixing devices 7 are arranged between the inlet / outlet side wall 49 and the coiling and / or splicing cassettes 4L.

[0111] As illustrated in [Fig.8], the optical connection box 1 further comprises a front closing part 51 capable of cooperating with the rest of the optical connection box 1 to close it.

[0112] The optical connection box 1 described above facilitates the use of the optical connections 9 since the cooperation directions 11 are offset relative to the bottom 3. Access to the optical connections 9 is therefore easy. The internal organization of the optical connection box 1 is compact.

[0113] The optical connections 9 of the two rows 21 have inverted orientations relative to the median plane 23 in order to facilitate the connection while limiting the size of the fixing device 7.

[0114] It is thus possible to add or remove an optical connection 9 from the fixing device without being hindered by another part of the optical connection box 1.

[0115] The removal tab 31 is in fact easy to access since it is possible to reach it from the outside of the fixing device 7 and this for each row 21.

[0116] As goes without saying, the invention is not limited to the single embodiment described above as an example; on the contrary, it encompasses all variant embodiments.

Claims

Claims

1. Optical connection box (1) having a bottom (3) extending along a base plane (5), the optical connection box (1) comprising: - a plurality of fixing devices (7) for optical fibers, each fixing device (7) being provided with a plurality of optical connectors (9), each optical connector (9) extending longitudinally along a corresponding cooperation direction (11) which is transverse to a central plane (13) of the optical connection box (1), the central plane (13) itself extending transversely to the base plane (5), the fixing device (7) being mounted rotatably on the bottom (3) or on an additional mounting element attached to the bottom (3), the bottom (3) having a distribution zone (39) configured to receive and organize optical fibers, the distribution zone (39) surrounding the fixing devices (7) along the base plane (5),- a plurality of coiling and / or splicing cassettes (41) for optical fibers, - an entry / exit side wall (47) transverse to the base plane (5) and having external openings (49), the fixing devices (7) being arranged between the entry / exit side wall (47) and the coiling and / or splicing cassettes (41).,

2. An optical connection box (1) according to claim 1, wherein the optical connections (9) of the plurality of optical connections (9) are organized in at least one row (21) extending transversely to the cooperation directions (11).

3. An optical connection box (1) according to claim 2, wherein the optical connections (9) of the plurality of optical connections (9) are arranged in two rows (21), the optical connections (9) of a first row (21a) being arranged symmetrically to the optical connections (9) of a second row (21b) with respect to a median plane (23) of the fixing device (7).

4. Optical connection box (1) according to claim 3, in wherein each optical connector (9) has at least one receiving location (29) configured to cooperate with a removal tab (31) of a male plug (19) of an optical fiber, the receiving location (29) being arranged opposite the median plane (23) transversely to the median plane (23).

5. Optical connection box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the fixing device (7) is mounted to be movable in rotation along a displacement axis (33) extending transversely to the central plane (13) of the optical connection box (1).

6. Optical connection box (1) according to claim 5, wherein the fixing device (7) is configured to be moved between two end-of-travel positions, the end-of-travel positions corresponding respectively to a deployed position and a retracted position.

7. An optical connection box (1) according to claim 6 in combination with claim 4, wherein the plurality of fixing devices (7) comprises a first group of adjoining fixing devices (7) capable of being arranged in a retracted position and a second group of adjoining fixing devices (7) capable of being arranged in a deployed position, a fixing device (7) of the first group being adjoining a fixing device (7) of the second group so as to generate a mounting space.

8. Optical connection box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising an inclined support (43) relative to the base plane (5) and attached to the bottom (3), the coiling and / or splicing cassettes (41) being attached to the inclined support (43).

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