Element for passing a cable through a housing wall

Abstract

Cable entry element through a housing wall. This description relates to an entry element (4) through a housing wall (62) for a cable (2), comprising a groove (442) for receiving a sliding locking element. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 4

Description

Title of the invention: Element for crossing a housing wall by a cable Technical field

[0001] The present description relates generally to connection boxes, whether electrical, fiber optic or other, and more particularly to a sealed crossing element of a wall of such a box by a cable.

[0002] The present description applies more particularly to telecommunications boxes, in particular for the distribution or connection of optical fibers. Prior art

[0003] Different types of elements for passing through a wall of a housing are known, including cable gland type elements. Summary of the invention

[0004] There is a need to improve the waterproof wall crossing elements of cable connection boxes.

[0005] In particular, there is a need for a feed-through system that is simple to mount for an operator.

[0006] An embodiment of the present description provides a sealed feed-through element for a cable connection box.

[0007] One embodiment provides an element for passing a cable through a wall of a housing, comprising a groove for receiving a translational locking element.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the crossing element comprises an annular seal between said groove and a shoulder intended to bear against an external face of the wall.

[0009] According to one embodiment, said locking element is a pin.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the locking element is located inside the housing.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the crossing element is of generally cylindrical shape.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the crossing element comprises: a first section of cable reception; a second section carrying said groove and intended to be engaged in the housing; and a third intermediate section with a diameter greater than the diameter of the other two sections.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the first section carries a sealing sheath between the cable and the crossing element.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the feed-through element is intended for an optical fiber cable, the interior of the body integrating a disc separating the fibers exiting individually from the feed-through element via the second section.

[0015] One embodiment provides a sheath for a feed-through element, the sheath comprising a sleeve for receiving the feed-through element and being adapted for locking this feed-through element in the sheath by its locking element.

[0016] One embodiment provides a connection box having an orifice for receiving a feed-through element. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] These characteristics and advantages, as well as others, will be explained in detail in the following description of particular embodiments given without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0018] [Fig.lA], [Fig.lB] and [Fig.lC] represent exploded views of a conventional optical fiber separator sleeve, respectively in section, seen from the side and in perspective;

[0019] [Fig. 2] is a sectional view of the separator of Figures 1A to 1C assembled and with cable;

[0020] [Fig.3] represents an example of a cable with a separator;

[0021] [Fig.4] is a side view of a crossing element according to one embodiment;

[0022] [Fig.5] is a front perspective view of a crossing element according to a mode of realization;

[0023] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of an embodiment of a position locking element of a crossing element;

[0024] [Fig.7] shows an embodiment of a feed-through element and its locking element in position through a wall;

[0025] [Fig.8] is a view of one embodiment of a draw sheath;

[0026] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of a feedthrough element assembled to a sheath of drawing;

[0027] [Fig. 10] is a sectional view illustrating a feedthrough element in position in a draw duct;

[0028] [Fig.11], [Fig.12] and [Fig.13], illustrate operations carried out by an operator to position a crossing element;

[0029] [Fig.14] and [Fig.15] are perspective views of a junction box with a feedthrough element in position; and

[0030] [Fig. 16] and [Fig. 17] illustrate a variant of the crossing element. Description of the embodiments

[0031] The same elements have been designated by the same references in the different figures. In particular, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments may have the same references and may have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0032] For the sake of clarity, only the steps and elements useful for understanding the embodiments described have been shown and are detailed. In particular, the practical production of plastic elements by injection or other type of molding has not been detailed, the embodiments described being compatible with standard techniques.

[0033] Unless otherwise specified, when referring to two elements connected to each other, this means directly connected without any intermediate element other than conductors, and when referring to two elements connected (in English "coupled") to each other, this means that these two elements can be connected or be connected by means of one or more other elements.

[0034] In the following description, when reference is made to absolute position qualifiers, such as the terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or relative position qualifiers, such as the terms "above", "below", "upper", "lower", etc., or to orientation qualifiers, such as the terms "horizontal", "vertical", etc., reference is made unless otherwise specified to the orientation of the figures.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified, the expressions "about", "approximately", "substantially", and "of the order of" mean to within 10% or 10 degrees, preferably to within 5% or 5 degrees.

[0036] Figures 1A, 1B and 1C show exploded views of a conventional optical fiber separator sleeve, respectively in section, side view and perspective.

[0037] [Fig. 2] is a sectional view of the separator of Figures 1A to 1C assembled and with cable.

[0038] [Fig.3] shows an example of a cable with a separator.

[0039] A splitter 1, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, is commonly referred to by its Anglo-Saxon name “FanOut”. Taking the example of optical fibers, the role of the splitter 1 is to distribute the optical fibers individually (or in small groups of less than 10 fibers, preferably less than 5 fibers) for their connection in a housing (not shown in Figures 1 to 3). The splitter 1 has the general shape of a cylindrical sleeve into which a cable 2 (visible in Figures 2 and 3), grouping together several optical fibers not individually sheathed, enters at one end and the individualized fibers 22 exit from the other end of the sleeve in the form of what is called a fiber whip. Each fiber 22 is then individually sheathed and equipped, at its free end, with a connector 24 (visible in [Fig.3]) intended to allow its connection in the housing.

[0040] The FanOut assembly is pre-assembled, i.e. the separator 1 is pre-mounted same as 24 connectors.

[0041] Generally, the separator 1 consists of a tube 11 of constant section and two end pieces 13 and 15, respectively on the cable 2 side and on the fiber whip 22 side. The cable 2 passes through the end piece 13 with the interposition of a seal 132 and an adhesive 134 locking the cable 2 in the end piece 13. The fibers of the cable are separated (stripped) inside the tube 11 by means of a perforated disc 17 having a hole for each fiber allowing each fiber to be guided into a sheath. An adhesive 154 makes it possible to lock, on the end piece 15 side, the sheaths receiving the fibers against the disc 17. The assembly or whip of fibers 22, individually sheathed, then passes through the end piece 15. In order to perfect the sealing, the whole is wrapped in a heat-shrinkable sheath 19 from the cable 2 to the fibers 22.

[0042] The operator in charge of the connection in a housing conventionally engages the fibers 22 as well as the optical connectors 24 through a cable gland orifice by passing the fibers, associated with their respective optical connector, one by one or in small groups in the passage hole of the cable gland or hole in the housing due to the small diameter of the hole. Sealing is ensured by then screwing the external female part of the cable gland against the housing, the separator 1 remaining entirely outside the housing.

[0043] The purpose of the FanOut is to separate the fibers present in a cable. In the example shown, entry into the FanOut is made by a single cable 2 itself composed of several unsheathed fibers 22. The FanOut makes it possible to split this single cable and to exit with the fibers 22 inserted in several different sheaths.

[0044] A problem arises in the implementation phase on the connection box. Indeed, a cable gland type interface system is generally required as explained above to ensure position retention and sealing.

[0045] The embodiments described provide for associating, with the separator or FanOut, a function of a crossing element for the wall of the housing. In other words, a crossing element is provided combining the function of a sealed crossing element for a housing wall and of separation of fibers contained in a cable.

[0046] Preferably, the crossing element is added an additional function of keeping the fiber whip sealed in a mounting or pulling sheath serving to protect the fiber whip during operations (handling, mounting to a pole carrying the housing, passing and pulling in an underground conduit, etc.) preceding the crossing of the housing.

[0047] [Fig.4] represents a crossing element 4 according to one embodiment.

[0048] According to the embodiments described, the crossing element 4 comprises a body of generally cylindrical shape of which: a first part or section 42, designated rear, is intended to be assembled from waterproof way with a cable 2; a part or section 44, designated front, is intended to pass through the wall of a housing; and an intermediate part or section 46, between the front and rear sections, is intended to ensure sealing with the wall of the housing.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the interior of the crossing element 4, more precisely its body, comprises all or part of the constituents of the element 1 described previously, namely, a rear end piece, a front end piece, a perforated disc and their associated seals and adhesives. The fiber separation zone may be located entirely in the rear section 42 or extend into the intermediate 46 and front 44 sections.

[0050] Preferably, the rear part or section 42 comprises, on the external face as illustrated in [Fig.4], harpoons 422 or parallel ribs to improve the hold of a heat-shrinkable sheath (not visible in [Fig.4]).

[0051] The front part or section 44 is intended to engage in an orifice in a wall of a housing to pass through this wall. This front part 44 is, for example, of a diameter greater than the diameter of the rear section 42 and the fiber whip 22 emerges from this front part. The front part 44 comprises an annular groove or groove 442 for receiving a member for locking the crossing element 1 in the wall of the housing.

[0052] The intermediate part or section 46 is intended to come, by means of a flexible, toric or flat seal 464, into abutment against the external face of the wall of the housing in order to ensure sealing. This section 46 defines a shoulder both on the front section 44 side and on the rear section 42 side.

[0053] [Fig.5] is a front perspective view of a crossing element according to one embodiment.

[0054] The feedthrough element 4 is similar to element 4 of [Fig.4] but is shown with a heat-shrinkable sheath 48, on the cable 2 side.

[0055] The sheath 48 acts as a sealing sleeve and ensures the sealing of the connection between the body of the element 4 and the single cable 2 integrating the optical fibers 22. The shape of the body of the element 4, in particular the shoulder between the rear section 42 and the intermediate section 46, gives it an ergonomic shape to facilitate its gripping and its assembly without tools to a housing.

[0056] The heat-shrinkable sheath 48 is located only on the rear section 42 and stops against or before the shoulder formed by the intermediate section 46.

[0057] According to another embodiment which will be explained later in relation to figures 16 and 17, the sealing sheath is a stuffing box.

[0058] The view of [Fig.5] illustrates, in the front part, an exemplary embodiment in which, referring to the example of [Fig.2], the front end piece and the perforated disc 444 are merged. In this view, the disc 444 is set back relative to the free end of the front section 44 but alternatively, the perforated disc may be flush with the free end of the front section.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the constituents of the crossing element are made of plastic material and assembled in the manner of the usual crossing element 1.

[0060] According to another embodiment, the body of the crossing element 4 is a plastic element overmolded on the end of the cable 2, the individualized fibers 22 and the separator disc 444.

[0061] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of an embodiment of a position locking element of a feedthrough element.

[0062] According to this embodiment, the locking element is a pin 5. This pin makes it possible to block, at least in translation, the position of the crossing element relative to the wall through which it passes.

[0063] The pin 5 has, for example, a cut ring shape so as to allow its engagement in the groove and its elastic deformation. According to another example, the pin has a U shape with locking clips at the ends. It preferably comprises a gripping element 52 allowing the operator to put it in place and remove it.

[0064] [Fig.7] shows an embodiment of a feed-through element and its locking element in position through a wall 62.

[0065] In [Fig.7], for simplicity, only one wall 62 of a housing 6 is shown. This wall comprises orifices 64 for the passage of crossing elements.

[0066] The external diameters of the front section 44 (excluding groove 442) and of the intermediate section 46 of a feed-through element 4 are adapted to the diameter of the orifices 64 of the housing for which the feed-through element is intended. In other words, the front section 44 has a diameter slightly smaller than that of the orifice 64 so as to allow the engagement of the feed-through element 4, the intermediate section 46 having a diameter greater than that of the orifice 64 so as to come to bear against the external face of the wall 62, via the seal 464.

[0067] The pin 5 is, once the element 4 is engaged through the wall 62 of the housing, engaged in the groove 442 inside the housing 6 so as to block any translational movement of the crossing element 4 relative to the wall 62. The pin 5 holds the seal 464 against the external face of the wall 62 in order to ensure sealing with the housing, the pin 5 bearing against the internal face of the wall 62 of the housing.

[0068] Preferably, the orifices 64 are of the same diameter as the orifices of a conventional housing crossed by cable glands. Thus, the crossing element described is compatible with conventional housings.

[0069] Preferably, the feed-through element 4 and its locking element 5 also serve to temporarily hold the fiber whip in a mounting or pulling. This pulling sheath serves to protect the fibers 22 and the optical connectors 24 during handling, for example when the cable 2 is hoisted to the top of a pole or pylon, or pulled into a conduit, for example underground.

[0070] [Fig.8] is a partial view of one embodiment of a draw sheath.

[0071] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of a feedthrough element assembled to a sheath of drawing.

[0072] [Fig. 10] is a sectional view illustrating a feedthrough element in position in a draw duct.

[0073] The sealing sheath between the cable 2 and the crossing element 4 is not shown in figures 9 and 10. It could be a heat-shrinkable sheath, a cable gland, a layer of glue, etc.

[0074] A pulling sheath 7 is typically a corrugated plastic sheath commonly used in the cabling industry. For simplicity, only one end (the one intended to cooperate with the feed-through element) of the pulling sheath 7 is shown, its other end comprising a gripping element of the handle or loop type allowing the sheath to be pulled. The length of the pulling sheath is a function of the length of the fiber whip so that it is protected during handling.

[0075] According to the embodiments described, the end of the draw sheath 7, on the crossing element side, is equipped with a sleeve 72. This sleeve 72 is, for example, mechanically held to the sheath 7 by lugs 722 ([Fig. 10]) on the internal face of the sleeve. The sleeve 72 is intended to receive, by engagement, the crossing element and, more particularly, its front section 44 until the intermediate section comes into abutment. The sheath is therefore not fully engaged in the sleeve but leaves a part of the sleeve free to receive the front section 44 of a crossing element. The sleeve 72 comprises, at its end opposite the sheath, an annular slot 724 allowing the passage of the pin 5 so that it engages in the groove 442 of the crossing element 4. The slot is open at the periphery of the sleeve 72 over a length depending on the shape of the pin, so as to allow the latter to engage fully.The distance between the slot 722 and the free end of the sleeve 72 corresponds approximately to the thickness of the wall 62 of the housing 6 for which the feed-through element 4 is intended. Thus, the intermediate section 46 of the feed-through element 4 comes to bear, by means of the seal 464 against the end of the sleeve 72 and ensures the seal between the feed-through element 4 and the draw sheath 7. If necessary, a heat-shrinkable sheath, not shown, ensures the seal of the connection between the sheath 7 and the sleeve 72. Alternatively, the sleeve 72 is glued to the sheath 7 and the seal is ensured by the glue.

[0076] The pulling or mounting sheath 7 with its sleeve 7 is preferably pre-mounted on a crossing element 4 in the workshop so as to protect the fiber whip during all operations up to arrival at the housing. The lengths of the whip fibers are preferably different from each other so as to allow the housing of these fibers and the end connectors in the pulling sheath which, preferably, has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the orifice 64 of the housing 6 for which the crossing element 4 is intended.

[0077] The cable assembly 2, fiber whip 22 and sheath 7, held by the crossing element 4, its pin 5 and the sleeve 72, is transported to the place of laying and connection of the fibers inside the housing 6.

[0078] Figures 11, 12 and 13 illustrate operations carried out by an operator to position a feed-through element 4 on a housing.

[0079] As illustrated in [Fig.l 1], when ready to insert the fibers 22 into the housing 6, the operator removes the pin 5 (arrow I) and exerts traction (arrow II) on the sleeve 72 of the sheath 7 so as to separate the sheath from the feedthrough element 4. The pin 5 is thus removed to remove the temporary protection provided by the sheath 7.

[0080] The operator then engages ([Fig. 12]) the fibers 22, associated with their respective connectors 24, one by one or in small groups, by passing the connectors 24 through the orifice 64 of the housing 6. Integration and installation on the housing are simplified by avoiding the passage of the wall 62 by a cable gland.

[0081] If necessary (if the diameter of the pulling sheath 7 is adapted to allow its passage through the orifice in the wall), the operator can even use the sheath 7 to pass all the fibers through the wall 62 at once and detach the pin 5 from the sleeve 72 of the sheath 7 at the last moment. In this case, a retractable or flexible pin can be provided to allow it to pass through the orifice 64 of the housing 6.

[0082] Once the crossing element 4 is in place ([Fig. 13]), the operator pushes on it (arrow I) to press the seal 464 against the wall 62 and re-engages the pin 5 in the groove 442 (arrow II) from inside the wall 62 in order to lock the crossing element 4 on the housing 6. Replacing the pin 5 for locking on the housing is particularly simple.

[0083] Figures 14 and 15 are perspective views of a connection box 6 with a feedthrough element 4 in position.

[0084] In [Fig. 14], the sealing sheath 48 between the feedthrough element 4 and the cable 2 is not shown. In [Fig. 15], this sealing sheath 48 is shown in the form of a heat-shrinkable sheath.

[0085] Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the compatibility of the described feed-through element 4 with conventional connection boxes. This feed-through element 4 can replace all or part of the conventional cable glands 66 to pass through the wall 62 of the box.

[0086] Figures 16 and 17 illustrate a variant of the crossing element.

[0087] [Fig. 16] is a side view of a crossing element 4.

[0088] [Fig. 17] is a perspective view of a junction box equipped with a feed-through element.

[0089] According to this variant, the seal between the cable 2 and the feed-through element 4 is ensured by a cable gland 48'. The harpoons 422 ([Fig.4]) for holding the heat-shrinkable sheath or sleeve are then replaced by a screw thread intended to receive the tightening nut of the cable gland 48'. A seal 482 is interposed, inside the rear section 42 of the feed-through element, between the cable 2 and this rear section 42. It is not a problem here to provide a cable gland insofar as the assembly is carried out in advance (for example in the workshop). The simplicity of assembly of the feed-through element on the housing is therefore not affected. Since the assembly of this gland is carried out in advance (for example, before engaging the feed-through element 4 in a pulling sheath 7), it is not a problem if the pin 5 does not block the rotation.

[0090] Among the advantages of the system described, we will note: - the fact that the result of the assembly in the housing 6 is, unlike sealing by means of a cable gland, independent of the operator. Indeed, with a cable gland, the sealing depends on the screwing carried out whereas with the solution described, the pin 5, once engaged, ensures the sealing; - compatibility with existing housings 6 designed for cable gland feedthroughs, the feedthrough element 4 described then engaging in the orifice 64 provided in the wall 62 for the cable gland feedthrough device; - the dual functionality of the element 4 serving both to lock and seal the passage through the wall 62 of the housing 6 and to hold this same element in the mounting sheath 7 by pin 5; - the solution combines all the functions required for connection to a 6 connection box (maintenance, sealing, ease of installation, splitting of cables into several fibers, etc.); - no rotation is necessary during installation, which facilitates installation and limits the risk of damaging the fibers; - the possibility of installing a loop or draw sheath 7 for the installation; - the use of a minimum of parts; - the possibility of integration in place of other equipment such as cable glands, breakable joints, plugs, while remaining compatible with the use of these elements for the pre-assembly of cable 2 on the crossing element 4; - the possibility of installation on walls 62 of different thicknesses by providing elements 4 in which the longitudinal positions of the groove 442 for receiving the pin 5 vary, or by providing pins 5 of non-regular section.

[0091] The crossing element 4 is preferably made of plastic material and is preferably obtained by injection of plastic material into a mold, or alternatively by any material, for example recyclable, compatible with the provision of the elements required for crossing the wall of the housing.

[0092] The length of the crossing element 4, more particularly of the gap between the shoulder of the intermediate section 46 and the groove 442 for receiving the pin 5, is adapted to the thickness of the wall 62 to be crossed, taking into account the thickness of the seal 464. An adaptation to different wall thicknesses 62 can also be achieved by the thickness of the seal 464 itself.

[0093] The pin 5 is preferably metallic but may, alternatively, be made of plastic. Furthermore, different types of pins may be provided provided that they provide the described functionalities.

[0094] Various embodiments and variants have been described. The person skilled in the art will understand that certain features of these various embodiments and variants could be combined, and other variants will appear to the person skilled in the art. In particular, the example of a splitter for a fiber optic cable has been taken, but it could also be provided that the crossing element serves for the crossing of a housing wall by an electrical or other cable. Furthermore, the example of a pin has been taken, but any element providing the same function without screwing could be provided.

[0095] Finally, the practical implementation of the embodiments and variants described is within the reach of the person skilled in the art from the functional indications given above. In particular, the dimensions of the feed-through element will be provided according to the housings for which these elements are intended.

Claims

Claims

1. Element (4) for passing through a wall (62) of a housing (6) by a cable (2), said passing element comprising a groove (442) for receiving a translational locking element (5).

2. A feed-through element (4) according to claim 1, comprising an annular seal (464) between said groove (442) and a shoulder intended to bear against an external face of the wall (62).

3. A feedthrough element (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said locking element is a pin (5).

4. A feedthrough element (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking element (5) is located inside the housing (6).

5. Crossing element (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, of generally cylindrical shape.

6. Crossing element (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: a first section (42) for receiving the cable 2; a second section (44) carrying said groove (442) and intended to be engaged in the housing (6); and a third intermediate section (46) of diameter greater than the diameter of the other two sections.

7. Crossing element (4) according to claim 6, in which the first section (44) carries a sealing sheath (48, 484) between the cable (2) and the crossing element.

8. A feedthrough element (4) according to claim 6, intended for a cable (2) of optical fibers (22), in which the interior of the body integrates a disc (444) separating the fibers exiting individually from the feedthrough element (4) via the second section (44).

9. Sheath (7) for a feed-through element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a sleeve (72) for receiving the feed-through element and being adapted for locking this feed-through element in the sheath by its locking element (48, 48').

10. Connection box (6) comprising an orifice (64) for receiving a feed-through element (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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