Optical multipoint patch cable, optical connection system and method for mounting such an optical connection system

Abstract

The invention relates to a multipoint optical patch cable (3), comprising a protective sheath (15) surrounding a cavity (19), and a plurality of optical cables (17) extending within the cavity (19), adapted to slide axially, each optical cable (17) comprising an outer sheath (21) and an optical module, the sheath (21) being configured to protect the optical module (23) and being mechanically reinforced, the sheath (21) longitudinally having at least one flat external surface (S1-S4), and the sheath (21) having a bending strength about a first axis Z orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X that is less than the bending strength about a second axis Y orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X and perpendicular to the first axis Z. The invention also relates to an optical connection system comprising such a multipoint optical patch cable (3), as well as a method for mounting such an optical connection system. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Multipoint optical patch cable, optical connection system and method for mounting such an optical connection system. SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a multipoint optical patch cable, to an optical connection system comprising such an optical patch cable, and to a method of mounting such an optical connection system.

[0002] This invention finds preferential application in the field of telecommunication networks known by the acronym FTTH for "Fiber To The Home" in English, which can be translated as fiber optic cable to the subscriber. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Multipoint optical patch cables are known. In some countries, for example in Germany, multipoint optical patch cables are traditionally used, which consist of networks made up of a bundle of buried micro-ducts associated with cylindrical optical cables, which are then deployed by blowing into branch micro-ducts. The network segments concerned are traditionally named "Ne3", "Ne4".

[0004] A "Ne3" segment corresponds to the segment from a street cabinet, also called an optical distribution point, to the entrance of a building, such as a detached house, an apartment building, or a small residential building. Such a "Ne3" segment is thus divided into a portion on public land, called segment "Ne3a" with an average distance of less than 300 m, and a portion suitable for installation on private land, called "Ne3b" with an average distance of less than 30 m. The street cabinet is generally connected to a general distribution network via a main distribution line.

[0005] A “Ne4” segment corresponds to the segment from the building entrance to an optical branch point or optical terminal outlet, and is thus located inside the building.

[0006] Thus, such a deployment of optical fiber by optical cable using these "Ne3" and "Ne4" sections requires numerous different and complex operations, including in particular the laying, often buried, of bundles of microducts each containing an optical cable, the laying of drop microducts usually at sidewalk level, each of them being such that the optical cable coming from a microduct is blown into the drop microduct, the coiling of the waiting drop microduct at the boundary of the private territory, the micro-pipeline for bypass being buried superficially or not buried, to allow for a later connection.

[0007] These steps are carried out by different operators, and some of these steps require specific skills, particularly for blown-in optical cable installation. Furthermore, such steps require specific equipment, especially for blown-in optical cable installation.

[0008] Thus, there is often a lack of operators with these specific, and uncommon, skills to deploy fiber optic cable quickly and reliably. Indeed, defects in the installation of the drop conduit are frequently observed, such as excessive bending, an optical splice that is not properly connected between a micro-conduit in the micro-conduit bundle and the drop conduit, or a drop conduit that is not properly cut at the optical splice. These defects are generally located on public land, and any corrective action requires prior authorization, for example from a municipality, to be able to dig in the ground to reach the source of the defect and correct it.Therefore, resolving such a defect, detected by an operator during the installation of fiber optics at an end user's premises, requires a significant amount of time as well as the intervention of other operators, particularly civil engineers.

[0009] It is also sometimes necessary to be able to replace an optical cable. In the case of microduct bundles, replacement requires digging in the ground to replace all or part of the microduct bundle.

[0010] Furthermore, the non-linearity of the micro-conduits, for example due to the subsidence of the conduits linked to ground movements and / or to work carried out subsequently on public and / or private land, causes difficulties in laying the optical cable and / or removing the optical cable from the associated micro-conduit, whether in the section “Ne3a”, “Ne3b” or “Ne4”.

[0011] Thus, due to this non-linearity, the assembly of the optical cable, subsequent to the installation of the micro-duct bundle, is often difficult or even impossible without damage, as the risk of damaging an optical fiber, in particular breaking an optical fiber, is significant. Indeed, when an optical cable is wound upon itself, below a minimum radius of curvature, it collapses upon itself suddenly and irreversibly, creating a sharp angle. This is the straw effect, which is well known to occur during assembly, particularly when inserting an optical cable into a duct with non-linear sections. When this point is reached, at best the optical fibers are stressed and their Optical efficiency is reduced, or at worst, all or part of the optical fibers inside the optical cable are broken.

[0012] Furthermore, the deployment of the optical fiber to the end user is not carried out simultaneously for all optical cables originating from the same micro-duct bundle. Therefore, it is necessary to intervene several times and at different times to deploy the optical fiber in different buildings for different users.

[0013] There is therefore a need to be able to easily access the optical cables specific to each building while facilitating their installation for deployment on the private territory. Description of the invention

[0014] The present invention aims to overcome all or part of the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0015] The invention aims in particular to provide a multipoint optical connection cable equipped with optical cables to facilitate their assembly while limiting the risk of damage to the optical fibers contained in the optical cables.

[0016] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a multipoint optical connection cable, remarkable in that it comprises: - a protective sheath surrounding a cavity extending axially along the multipoint optical patch cable, - a plurality of optical cables extending in the cavity, the optical cables being suitable for being arranged parallel and sliding axially relative to each other along the multipoint optical patch cable, each optical cable comprising a sheath extending longitudinally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the optical cable and a single optical module surrounded by the sheath and comprising at least one optical fiber, the sheath being configured to protect the optical module and being mechanically reinforced by at least one mechanical reinforcement element embedded in the sheath while being separated from the optical module by the sheath, the sheath longitudinally comprising at least one flat external surface, and the sheath having a flexural strength about a first axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis which is less than the flexural strength about a second axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first axis.

[0017] Thus, thanks to the invention, the multipoint optical connection cable is equipped with optical cables which facilitate their assembly while limiting the risk of damage to the optical fibers contained in the optical cables.

[0018] Indeed, each optical fiber in such a multipoint optical patch cable is less susceptible to the straw effect than a conventional cylindrical optical cable. Thus, the An optical cable originating from such a multipoint optical patch cable, emerging from a window in the protective sheath, can be inserted by pushing it in, without risk of damage or breakage, over a considerable length and without requiring blowing. Blowing requires complex equipment and specific skills from the operator performing the blowing. In contrast, for an optical cable originating from such a multipoint optical patch cable, the operator can simply push the optical cable in by hand or using a portable hand tool, which may be motorized. The permissible insertion length, typically at least 30 meters, or even at least 80 meters, is at least equal to, or even greater than, the push length required for a standard cylindrical optical cable, for example, one originating from a microduct bundle and pushed in by blowing.

[0019] Furthermore, because in such a multipoint optical patch cable each optical cable includes a sheath as previously defined, each optical cable can be extracted from the multipoint optical patch cable without risk of breakage and over a very long length, such as the length of the multipoint optical patch cable. Thus, replacing an optical cable within the multipoint optical patch cable is facilitated.

[0020] The multipoint optical patch cable according to the invention is advantageously and optionally supplemented by the following features, taken alone or in any of their technically possible combinations:

[0021] - The plurality of optical cables extends freely within the cavity. Thus, the The sliding of optical cables between each other and within the cavity is facilitated.

[0022] - The plurality of optical cables is between 2 and 24 optical cables, of Preference between 6 and 18 optical cables, preferably exactly 12 optical cables.

[0023] - The casing has at least one longitudinally flat external surface parallel to the second axis. Thus, the straw effect of the optical cable is limited in a particularly simple and robust way.

[0024] - The envelope comprises at least one pair of longitudinal external surfaces planes opposite and parallel to each other. Thus, the straw effect of the optical cable is limited in a particularly simple and robust way.

[0025] - The envelope comprises at least one pair of longitudinal external surfaces planes opposite and parallel to the second axis. Thus, the straw effect of the optical cable is limited in a particularly simple and robust way.

[0026] - Each optical cable is suitable for connection to an optical branch point or to an optical terminal outlet. For example, the optical connection point is at the entrance of a building. For example, the optical terminal outlet is inside a dwelling.

[0027] - The multipoint optical patch cable is connected to a network of optical distribution, preferably is connected to a distribution point.

[0028] - Each optical cable is a flat optical cable. Thus, the straw effect of the cable optics is limited in a particularly simple and robust way.

[0029] - The casing is externally rectangular in cross-section. Thus, a Such an envelope is particularly advantageous in that the straw effect of the optical cable is particularly limited.

[0030] - The cross-section of the envelope delimits a surface between 2 and 10 mm2, preferably between 5 and 7 mm2, more preferably equal to 6 mm2. Such an optical cable is compact yet robust.

[0031] - The envelope comprises externally, in cross-section and widthwise, two first edges opposite and parallel to the first axis, and in length, two second edges opposite and parallel to the second axis, a ratio of length to width being between 1.2 and 2. Thus, the straw effect of the optical cable is limited in a particularly simple and robust way.

[0032] - The length-to-width ratio is equal to 1.5. This ratio is particularly advantageous for limiting the straw effect of the optical cable.

[0033] - Each first edge forms a cross-sectional width between 1 mm and 2.5 mm, preferably equal to 2 mm.

[0034] - Each second edge forms a length in cross-section between 1.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably equal to 3 mm.

[0035] - The casing has two opposing notches on either side of the cable optical, on two opposite outer edges of the envelope.

[0036] - Each notch is formed on a second edge.

[0037] - The casing is peelable and is designed to break at the notches to release the optical module. Thus, the optical module can be easily released from the casing, while still being protected by it.

[0038] - The envelope is axially symmetrical.

[0039] - The envelope is made of a homogeneous and isotropic material.

[0040] - The casing is made of a thermoplastic material, preferably a LSHF-FR thermoplastic material, meaning "Low Smoke Halogen Free - Fire Retardant," or HFFR thermoplastic material, meaning "Halogen Free Flame Retardant," can be used. This allows the building envelope to be installed while minimizing the risk of fire spread.

[0041] - The casing is mechanically reinforced by exactly two reinforcing elements mechanical, which are longitudinal and arranged laterally on either side of the optical module. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for limiting the straw effect of the optical cable.

[0042] - Each mechanical reinforcement element is dielectric.

[0043] - Each mechanical reinforcement element consists of a matrix made of material Fiber-reinforced plastic, preferably with an epoxy matrix. This allows for the production of mechanical reinforcement elements in a particularly simple and economical manner.

[0044] - The reinforcing fibers represent between 75% and 95% by weight of the reinforcing element mechanical, preferably 90% by weight of the mechanical reinforcement element. Thus, the mechanical reinforcement elements are particularly strong.

[0045] - The reinforcing fibers are glass fibers.

[0046] - Each optical module comprises between 1 and 24 optical fibers, preferably between 1 and 6 optical fibers, more preferably exactly 1, 2, or 4 optical fibers. This allows for easy selection of an optical module suited to the specific fiber optic installation required, for example, in a single-family home or an apartment building.

[0047] - For each optical module comprising a plurality of optical fibers, the fibers The optical fibers are arranged in parallel within this optical module. This makes the optical module simple to manufacture and limits the risk of breakage of the optical fibers.

[0048] - The mechanical reinforcement element or elements, and the fiber The optical fibers are arranged parallel to each other in each optical cable. Thus, the mechanical reinforcement elements provide optimal protection for the optical fibers.

[0049] - The envelope is not square in cross-section.

[0050] - The envelope is not straight cylindrical.

[0051] - The envelope is polygonal in cross-section.

[0052] - The protective sheath is made of polyethylene, preferably made of HDPE. Thus, the protective sheath is made in a simple and inexpensive way, while being resistant to stress.

[0053] - The protective sheath comprises two opposing mechanical reinforcement elements. The The resistance of the protective sheath is thus improved.

[0054] - The cavity has a filling rate by optical cables less than or equal to 60%, preferably less than or equal to 50%. This facilitates the sliding of the optical cables against each other and within the cavity.

[0055] - The multipoint optical patch cable has a length between 30 meters and 300 meters.

[0056] According to a second aspect, the invention provides an optical connection system comprising a multipoint optical patch cable as previously described, at least one junction box and at least one branch conduit, the junction box being adapted to allow the insertion of a portion of an optical cable from of the multipoint optical connection cable in the branch conduit designed to surround the portion of the optical cable.

[0057] Thus, we have a particularly simple optical connection system, which allows the optical cable to be easily inserted over a long length, typically at least 30 meters, or even at least 80 meters, by pushing it, from a window made in the protective sheath, into the branch conduit while ensuring, once the insertion has been made, the protection of the intermediate part of the optical cable located between the multipoint optical connection cable and the branch conduit.

[0058] The optical connection system according to the invention is advantageously and optionally supplemented by the following features, taken alone or in any of their technically possible combinations:

[0059] - The optical connection system includes at least one clean spare box to house the portion of the optical cable. Such a spare box is also called a transition box.

[0060] - The spare box includes external access to a suitable housing unit the portion of the optical cable. Thus, particularly later on, there is easy access to the portion of the optical cable that needs to be deployed to allow its connection to an optical branch point or an optical terminal outlet.

[0061] - The multipoint optical patch cable is buried or carried by a cable above ground, preferably buried.

[0062] According to a third aspect, the invention proposes a method for mounting an optical connection system as previously described, comprising the following steps: - notching the protective sheath of the optical multipoint patch cable to form a first window and a second window longitudinally separated from each other, preferably separated by 5 meters to 100 meters, - cutting an optical cable from the optical multipoint patch cable at the first window, and removing a portion of the optical cable at the second window up to the exit of the cut end of the optical cable through the second window, - inserting the portion of the optical cable into a branch conduit, - placing a junction box at each window to block access to the window.

[0063] Thus, a method is provided for mounting an optical connection system whose assembly is simplified while preventing damage to optical cables and optical fibers. The provision of a junction box makes it possible to protect the cavity of the multipoint optical connection cable from the ingress of debris or liquids, for example, soil or water.

[0064] By "insert" an element, it is necessary to understand pushing that element or simultaneously pushing and pulling that element.

[0065] The assembly method according to the invention is advantageously and optionally supplemented by the following features, taken alone or in any of their technically possible combinations:

[0066] - The assembly process includes the following step: placing the portion of the cable optic opening out of the bypass conduit into a spare box.

[0067] - The assembly process includes the following step: inserting the portion of the cable optic opening out of the bypass conduit and / or placed in the spare box in an installation conduit.

[0068] - The assembly method includes the following step: laying a multipoint cable optical connection as previously described, the multipoint optical connection cable being underground or aerial or on the facade of one or more buildings, preferably buried.

[0069] - The assembly process includes the following step: connecting the multipoint cable optical connection to an optical distribution network, preferably to an optical distribution point. Preferably, during this step, each optical cable is optically connected to the optical distribution network, preferably to the optical distribution point. Thus, when the optical cable is subsequently connected at the other end to an optical branch point or optical terminal outlet, it is not necessary to intervene again at the optical distribution network or optical distribution point for the installation to be functional. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0070] Other features, objectives and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description below, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples and on which: - Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an optical connection system; - [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a multipoint optical patch cable; - [Fig.3] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a branch conduit housing an optical cable coming from the multipoint optical patch cable; - [Fig.4] schematically represents the steps of a process for assembling an optical connection system according to an embodiment.

[0071] Throughout the figures, similar elements are designated by identical reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0072] Fig. 1 schematically represents an optical connection system 1.

[0073] Such an optical connection system 1 comprises a multipoint cable 3 of optical connection, shown in more detail in [Fig.2], at least one junction box 5 and at least one branch conduit 7, shown in more detail in [Fig.3].

[0074] Advantageously, the multipoint optical connection cable 3 is connected to an optical distribution network 9, preferably is connected to an optical distribution point 11.

[0075] Preferably, the optical connection system 1 includes at least one spare box 13.

[0076] Advantageously, the reserve box 13 is placed in a sidewalk 14, and is flush with the surface of the sidewalk 14.

[0077] Preferably, the reserve box 13 is located on public land while being tangent to private land or partially encroaching on private land.

[0078] Advantageously, the multipoint optical connection cable 3 has a length between 30 meters and 300 meters.

[0079] The multipoint optical connection cable 3, shown in more detail in [Fig.2], comprises a protective sheath 15 and a plurality of optical cables 17.

[0080] Advantageously, each optical cable 17 is suitable for connection to an optical branch point or an optical terminal outlet. For example, the optical branch point is at the entrance of a building 18. For example, the optical terminal outlet is in a dwelling.

[0081] Preferably, the junction box 5 is suitable for allowing the insertion of a portion of an optical cable 17 from the multipoint optical connection cable 3 into a branch conduit 7 suitable for surrounding the portion of the optical cable 17.

[0082] Advantageously, the storage box 13 is suitable for housing one end of the portion of the optical cable 17. Preferably, this end of the portion of the optical cable 17 is suitable for being connected to an optical branch point or to an optical terminal outlet, the other end of the optical cable 17 being suitable for being connected to the optical distribution point 11.

[0083] Advantageously, the plurality of optical cables 17 is between 2 and 24 optical cables 17, preferably between 6 and 18 optical cables 17, preferably exactly 12 optical cables 17.

[0084] Advantageously, the protective sheath 15 surrounds a cavity 19 extending axially along the multipoint optical connection cable 3.

[0085] Preferably, the protective sheath 15 is made of polyethylene, preferably high-density polyethylene, also known as HDPE.

[0086] Advantageously, the protective sheath 15 includes at least one mechanical reinforcement element 20, preferably two opposing mechanical reinforcement elements 20.

[0087] Advantageously, the optical cables 17 extend into the cavity 19. Preferably, the plurality of optical cables 17 extend freely into the cavity 19. Thus, the optical cables 17 extend freely into the cavity 19.

[0088] Advantageously, the cavity 19 has a filling rate by the optical cables 17 less than or equal to 60%, preferably less than or equal to 50%.

[0089] Preferably, the optical cables 17 are suitable for being arranged parallel.

[0090] Advantageously, the optical cables 17 are suitable for sliding axially relative to each other along the multipoint optical connection cable 3.

[0091] Each optical cable 17 comprises an envelope 21 and a single optical module 23.

[0092] Advantageously, each optical cable 17 is a flat optical cable.

[0093] Preferably, each optical cable 17 is a drop cable, also known as a "drop cable" in English.

[0094] Fig. 3 schematically represents a branch conduit 7 housing an optical cable 17 originating from the multipoint optical connection cable 3.

[0095] Advantageously, the envelope 21 extends longitudinally parallel to a longitudinal axis X of the optical cable 17. More precisely, it must be understood that the envelope 21 extends longitudinally in the absence of deformation of the optical cable 17.

[0096] Preferably, the envelope 21 is axially symmetric.

[0097] Advantageously, the envelope 21 is made of a homogeneous and isotropic material.

[0098] Preferably, the envelope 21 is made of a thermoplastic material, preferably of an LSHF-FR thermoplastic material or an HFFR thermoplastic material.

[0099] Preferably, the optical module 23 is surrounded by the envelope 21 and includes at least one optical fiber 25. Thus, the envelope 21 is configured to protect the optical module 23.

[0100] Advantageously, each optical module 23 comprises between 1 and 24 optical fibers 25, preferably between 1 and 6 optical fibers 25, more preferably exactly 1 or 2 or 4 optical fibers 25.

[0101] Preferably and according to a variant not shown, for each optical module 23 comprising a plurality of optical fibers 25, the optical fibers 25 are arranged parallel in this optical module 23.

[0102] Advantageously, in each optical module 23, the optical fiber 25 or each optical fiber 25 is sheathed in a sleeve, which is preferably insulating. Alternatively, at least one optical module 23, preferably each module optical 23, is formed by at least one optical fiber 25. In other words, according to this alternative, at least one optical module 23 or each optical module 23 consists of at least one optical fiber 25. Preferably, according to this alternative, at least one optical module 23 or each optical module 23 consists either of a single optical fiber 25, or of a bundle of optical fibers 25.

[0103] Advantageously, the casing 21 is mechanically reinforced by at least one mechanical reinforcement element 27 embedded in the casing 21 while being separated from the optical module 23 by the casing 21.

[0104] Advantageously, the mechanical reinforcement element 27 or the mechanical reinforcement elements 27, and the optical fiber 25 or the optical fibers 25, are arranged parallel in each optical cable 17.

[0105] Preferably, the envelope 21 has a bending resistance about a first axis Z orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X which is less than the bending resistance about a second axis Y orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X and perpendicular to the first axis Z.

[0106] Advantageously, the casing 21 has at least one longitudinally planar external surface S1-S4. Preferably, the casing 21 has at least one longitudinally planar external surface S3-S4 parallel to the second Y-axis.

[0107] Preferably, the casing 21 is not straight cylindrical. Preferably, the casing 21 is polygonal in cross-section. Preferably, the casing 21 is not square in cross-section. According to an alternative (not shown), the casing 21 is oblong.

[0108] Advantageously, the envelope 21 comprises at least one pair of opposite and parallel planar longitudinal external surfaces S1-S2, S3-S4.

[0109] Preferably, the envelope 21 comprises at least one pair of opposite planar longitudinal external surfaces S3-S4 parallel to the second axis Y.

[0110] Advantageously, the envelope 21 is externally rectangular in cross-section.

[0111] Preferably, the cross-section of the envelope 21 delimits a surface between 2 and 10 mm2, preferably between 5 and 7 mm2, more preferably equal to 6 mm2.

[0112] Advantageously, the envelope 21 has externally in cross-section, in width, two first edges B1-B2 opposite and parallel to the first axis Z, and in length, two second edges B3-B4 opposite and parallel to the second axis Y, a ratio of the length to the width being between 1.2 and 2. Preferably, the ratio of the length to the width is equal to 1.5.

[0113] Advantageously, each first edge B1-B2 forms a cross-sectional width of between 1 mm and 2.5 mm, preferably equal to 2 mm.

[0114] Advantageously, each second edge B3-B4 forms a cross-sectional length of between 1.5 mm and 5 mm, preferably equal to 3 mm.

[0115] Advantageously, the enclosure 21 has two opposite notches 29 on either side of the optical cable 17, on two opposite outer edges B3-B4 of the enclosure 21, preferably on the second edges B3-B4.

[0116] Preferably, each notch 29 is formed on a second edge B3-B4.

[0117] Advantageously, the casing 21 is peelable. Preferably, the casing 21 is designed to break at the notches 29 to release the optical module 23.

[0118] Advantageously, the casing 21 is mechanically reinforced by exactly two mechanical reinforcement elements 27, which are longitudinal and are arranged laterally on either side of the optical module 23.

[0119] Preferably, the two mechanical reinforcement elements 27 are spaced apart from each other in projection onto a plane formed by the first Z axis and the second Y axis.

[0120] Preferably, the two mechanical reinforcement elements 27 are coincident in projection onto a plane formed by the first axis Z and the longitudinal axis X.

[0121] Preferably, each mechanical reinforcement element 27 is dielectric. In other words, each mechanical reinforcement element 27 is not electrically conductive.

[0122] Advantageously, each mechanical reinforcement element 27 consists of a matrix of plastic material reinforced by reinforcing fibers, the matrix preferably being an epoxy matrix.

[0123] Advantageously, the reinforcing fibers represent between 75% and 95% by weight of the mechanical reinforcing element 27, preferably 90% by weight of the mechanical reinforcing element 27.

[0124] Preferably, the reinforcing fibers are glass fibers.

[0125] Figure 1 shows four different C1-C4 mounting configurations within the optical connection system 1.

[0126] In each of these four configurations C1-C4, an optical cable 17 emerges from a window in the protective sheath 15 of the optical patch cable 3. More precisely, a portion of the optical cable 17 exits through the window in the protective sheath 15 of the optical patch cable 3. The window is protected by a junction box 5. The portion of this optical cable 17 exiting through the window is inserted into a branch conduit 7.

[0127] According to a first configuration Cl, the optical cable 17 is inserted into a branch conduit 7 leading directly to the entrance of the building 18 for the connection of the optical cable 17 to an optical branch point or to an optical terminal outlet in the building 18.

[0128] According to a second configuration C2, the optical cable 17 is inserted into a branch conduit 7 leading to a spare box 13 and then coiled in the spare box 13, for later installation, no building yet being constructed to allow the installation of at least one optical fiber 25. Advantageously, in this configuration, the spare box 13 is located on public land, represented by the sidewalk 14, while partially encroaching on private land, on which the building 18 is located.

[0129] According to a third configuration C3, the optical cable 17 is inserted into a branch conduit 7 leading to a spare box 13 and then coiled in the spare box 13, for subsequent connection of the optical cable 17 to an optical branch point or to an optical terminal outlet in the building 18. Advantageously, in this configuration, the spare box 13 is located on the public territory, represented by the sidewalk 14, while being tangent to a private territory, on which the building 18 is located.

[0130] According to a fourth configuration C4, the optical cable 17 is inserted into a branch conduit 7 leading to a spare box 13, then into an installation conduit 31 leading from the spare box 13 to the entrance of the building 18 for the connection of the optical cable 17 to an optical branch point or to an optical terminal outlet in the building 18. Advantageously, in this configuration, the spare box 13 is located on public land, represented by the sidewalk 14, while being tangent to private land, on which the building 18 is located.

[0131] Fig. 4 represents the main steps of a method for assembling an optical connection system as previously described.

[0132] Such an assembly method comprises the following steps: - P30 notch the protective sheath 15 of the multipoint optical connection cable 3 to form a first window and a second window longitudinally separated from each other, preferably 5 meters to 100 meters apart, - P40 cut an optical cable 17 from the multipoint optical patch cable 3 at the first window, and remove a portion of the optical cable 17 at the second window until the cut end of the optical cable 17 exits through the second window, - P50 insert the portion of the optical cable 17 into a branch conduit 7, as shown for example in [Fig.3], - P60 install a junction box 5 at the level of each window to block access to the window.

[0133] Preferably, the assembly method further includes the following step: - P70 place the portion of the optical cable 17 exiting the branch conduit 7 into a spare box 13.

[0134] Preferably, the assembly process further comprises the following step: - P80 insert the portion of the optical cable 17 emerging from the branch conduit 7 and / or placed in the spare box 13 into an installation conduit 31.

[0135] Preferably, the assembly process further comprises the following step: - P90 for at least one optical cable 17, connect the portion of the optical cable 17 emerging from the branch conduit 7 or placed in the spare box 13 or emerging from the installation conduit 31 to an optical branch point or to an optical terminal outlet.

[0136] Preferably, the assembly process further comprises the following step: - P10 install a multipoint optical connection cable 3 as previously described, the multipoint optical connection cable 3 being underground or aerial or on the front of one or more buildings 18, preferably buried.

[0137] Preferably, the assembly process further comprises the following step: - P20 connect the multipoint optical patch cable 3 to an optical distribution network 9, preferably to an optical distribution point 11.

[0138] Preferably, during step P20, each optical cable 17 is optically connected to the optical distribution network 9, preferably to the optical distribution point 11.

[0139] The invention is not limited to the embodiments and variants shown, and other embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art. In particular, it is possible to combine the embodiments and variants with each other.

Claims

Demands

1. A multipoint optical patch cable (3), characterized in that it comprises: - a protective sheath (15) surrounding a cavity (19) extending axially along the multipoint optical patch cable (3), - a plurality of optical cables (17) extending within the cavity (19), the optical cables (17) being adapted to be arranged parallel to and to slide axially relative to one another along the multipoint optical patch cable (3), each optical cable (17) comprising a sheath (21) extending longitudinally parallel to a longitudinal axis X of the optical cable (17) and a single optical module (23) enclosed by the sheath (21) and comprising at least one optical fiber (25), the sheath (21) being configured to protect the optical module (23) and being mechanically reinforced by at least one mechanical reinforcement element (27) embedded in the sheath (21) while being separated from the optical module (23) by the envelope (21),the envelope (21) having longitudinally at least one flat external surface (S1-S4), and the envelope (21) having a flexural strength about a first axis Z orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X which is less than the flexural strength about a second axis Y orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X and perpendicular to the first axis Z.

2. Multipoint optical patch cable (3) according to claim 1, wherein the sheath (21) comprises at least one pair of opposite and parallel longitudinal planar external surfaces (S1-S2; S3-S4).

3. Multipoint optical patch cable (3) according to claim 2, wherein the sheath (21) is externally rectangular in cross-section.

4. Multipoint optical patch cable (3) according to claim 3, wherein the sheath (21) has externally in cross-section, in width, two first edges (B1-B2) opposite and parallel to the first axis Z, and in length, two second edges (B3-B4) opposite and parallel to the second axis Y, a length-to-width ratio being between 1.2 and 2, preferably equal to 1.

5.

5. Multipoint optical patch cable (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sheath (21) has two opposing notches (29) on either side of the optical cable (17), on two opposite outer edges of the sheath (21).

6. Multipoint optical patch cable (3) according to claim 5, wherein the sheath (21) is peelable and is designed to break at the notches (29) to release the optical module (23).

7. Multipoint optical patch cable (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sheath (21) is mechanically reinforced by exactly two mechanical reinforcement elements (27), which are longitudinal and are arranged laterally on either side of the optical module (23).

8. Multipoint optical patch cable (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each optical module (23) comprises between 1 and 24 optical fibers (25), preferably between 1 and 6 optical fibers (25), more preferably exactly 1, 2 or 4 optical fibers (25).

9. Multipoint optical patch cable (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the mechanical reinforcement element (27) or mechanical reinforcement elements (27), and the optical fiber (25) or optical fibers (25), are arranged parallel in each optical cable (17).

10. Optical connection system (1) comprising a multipoint optical patch cable (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, at least one junction box (5) and at least one branch conduit (7), the junction box (5) being adapted to permit the insertion of a portion of an optical cable (17) from the multipoint optical patch cable (3) into the branch conduit (7) adapted to surround the portion of the optical cable (17).

11. A method for assembling an optical connection system (1) according to claim 10, comprising the following steps: - notching the protective sheath (15) of the multipoint optical patch cable (3) to form a first window and a second window longitudinally separated from each other, preferably from 5 meters to 100 meters apart, - cutting an optical cable (17) of the multipoint optical patch cable (3) at the first window, and removing a portion from the optical cable (17) to the second window until the cut end of the optical cable (17) exits through the second window, - insert the portion of the optical cable (17) into a branch conduit (7), - place a junction box (5) at each window to block access to the window.

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