Housing for telecommunications cable winding

Abstract

Housing for winding telecommunications cable. This description relates to a housing (150) for winding cable (107) comprising: – a base (103); – a cable winding reel (105) mounted for rotation relative to the base and comprising: a first hub (134-1) adapted to receive a first portion (107-1) of the cable (107) intended to be unwound from the housing; and a second hub (134-2) coaxial with the first hub (134-1) and adapted to receive a second portion (107-2) of the cable (107) intended to remain inside the housing. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Housing for winding telecommunications cable technical field

[0001] This description relates generally to telecommunications installations, and more particularly to optical termination points (OTPs) intended to allow optical fiber connection between devices in an optical network. Previous technique

[0002] Various types of optical termination points, designed to be installed in the dwelling (apartment or house) of a subscriber to an optical telecommunications network and comprising a box in which an optical cable is wound, have been proposed. These optical termination points are generally fixed, for example, to a wall, and then wired inside the dwelling by an installer, for example, employed by a company separate from the one that operates the optical network. An optical terminal, for example, an internet box, is then connected to the optical termination point, thus allowing the subscriber to benefit from various services (internet access, television, telephone, etc.) provided by the optical network operator.In the case of an installation in a residential building, the optical termination point allows, for example more precisely, the connection, by optical cable, of an "indoor" optical branch point (PBO) installed for example on a landing of the building outside the apartment, to the subscriber's optical terminal.

[0003] One drawback of existing optical termination points is that their implementation requires the installer to perform time-consuming and highly delicate operations which, in the event of delays or handling errors, result in lost revenue for the company employing the installer and subscriber dissatisfaction. Furthermore, the installer is required to use specific equipment and train operators.

[0004] In particular, optical termination points with a cable reel are known in which an internal end of the cable, wound or coiled around a reel mounted for rotation around a base, is pre-connected and can remain connected during the cable unwinding operation from the optical termination point. However, these optical termination points have the disadvantage of having only one possible locking position for the rotation of the reel relative to the base. This thus leads, in most situations, to the presence of an excess of cable, or "slack" of cable, protruding outside the optical termination point after on-site installation and constituting a risk of cable damage. Summary of the invention

[0005] There is a need to improve existing boxes for telecommunications cable winding, existing optical termination points and existing methods for installing optical termination points.

[0006] In particular, there is a need to simplify the operations carried out by an installer during the installation and wiring, or connection, of an optical termination point.

[0007] To this end, one embodiment provides a cable winding box comprising: - a base; - a cable winding reel mounted for rotation relative to the base and comprising: a first hub adapted to receive a first section of the cable intended to be unwound from the housing; and a second coaxial hub to the first hub and adapted to receive a second part of the cable intended to remain inside the housing.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the coil further comprises a separating element for the first and second hubs, preferably a flange comprising a set of radially arranged disjoint fins.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the coil further comprises a housing for receiving a pre-connectorized assembly of the cable.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the spool further comprises an external ring for retaining the second part of the cable around the second hub.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the housing further includes a locking button for the angular position of the coil relative to the base, the locking button being adapted to be translated coaxially to the coil between locking and release positions of the rotation of the coil relative to the base.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the spool includes a toothed wheel cooperating with the locking button.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the base includes an external ring for retaining the cable around the reel.

[0014] One embodiment provides an optical termination point comprising: - a housing as described above; and - an optical cable wound on the reel and comprising a first end intended to be connected to the outside of the housing and a second end comprising a plug connected to an internal pre-connectorized assembly.

[0015] One embodiment provides for a method of installing the optical termination point as described above, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) translation of the locking button from the locking position to the position for releasing the rotation of the coil relative to the base; b) unwinding the optical cable by pulling on its first end, causing the reel to rotate around its axis; and c) translation of the locking button from the release position to the locking position of the coil rotation relative to the base.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises, subsequent to step c), a step d) of inserting the internal pre-connectorized assembly into a housing of the base. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] These features and advantages, as well as others, will be described in detail in the following description of particular embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, in relation to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0018] [Fig.1] is an exploded perspective view of an optical termination point according to one embodiment;

[0019] [Fig.2], [Fig.3], [Fig.4], [Fig.5], [Fig.6] and [Fig.7] are perspective views illustrating successive steps of a method for installing the optical termination point of [Fig.1] according to an embodiment;

[0020] [Fig. 8] and [Fig. 9] are perspective and cross-sectional views illustrating respectively the locking and unlocking positions of a coil of the optical termination point of [Fig. 1] according to one embodiment; and

[0021] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of the coil of the optical termination point of [Fig. 1] according to one embodiment. Description of the implementation methods

[0022] The same elements have been designated by the same reference numerals in the different figures. In particular, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments may have the same reference numerals and may have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0023] For the sake of clarity, only the steps and elements useful for understanding the described embodiments have been shown and are detailed. In particular, the various applications of the boxes for winding telecommunications cable of this description and the various devices that may incorporate these boxes have not been detailed, the embodiments described being compatible with all or most common applications and with all or most common devices implementing at least one box for winding telecommunications cable, possibly subject to adaptations within the reach of a person skilled in the art upon reading this description.

[0024] Unless otherwise specified, when referring to two elements connected together, this means directly connected without intermediate elements other than conductors, and when referring to two elements coupled together, this means that these two elements can be connected or linked through one or more other elements.

[0025] 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", "superior", "inferior", etc., or to orientation qualifiers, such as the terms "horizontal", "vertical", etc., reference is made, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures.

[0026] Unless otherwise specified, the expressions "approximately", "about", "substantially", and "in the order of" mean to within 10% or 10°, preferably to within 5% or 5°.

[0027] Unless otherwise specified, the expression "in contact with" means "in mechanical contact with".

[0028] One of the objectives of the described embodiments is to facilitate the installation and wiring, by an installer, of an optical termination point (OTP).

[0029] An optical termination point generally comprises a reel for an optical cable intended to be at least partially unwound by the installer to allow connection of the optical termination point to an optical branching point (OBP). In the case of an apartment building, the optical branching point is referred to as the "indoor" OBP. It is installed, for example, on a landing of the building outside a residential unit, such as an apartment, belonging to the subscriber. The indoor optical branching point, also called a floor box (FB) or landing box (LNB), connects, for example, each unit to a vertical network point in the building. In the case of a house, the optical branching point is referred to as the "outdoor" OBP. It is installed, for example, in a cabinet or on an overhead pole. The outdoor optical branching point is typically used to connect single-family homes.The optical termination point also provides a means of connecting an optical terminal, typically a fiber internet box, intended to be placed in the dwelling and enabling the subscriber to access. offers and services provided by a company operating, or running, the optical network to which the terminal is connected.

[0030] The installation and connection of the optical cable presents a challenge for the installer, as the optical cable, containing for example at least one optical fiber, such as a single optical fiber (a so-called "1 FO" cable), four optical fibers (a so-called "4 FO" cable), etc., is fragile and can easily be damaged by improper handling. In particular, connecting the optical fiber within the cable to plugs or connector sockets or fittings carries a high risk of breakage or malfunction, due, for example, to the need to perform cleaving, fusion splicing, etc., of the optical fiber.

[0031] Furthermore, there is a wide variety of dwellings where the optical termination point may be installed. In particular, the installation location of the optical termination point varies, for example, depending on the room in which the user wishes to install their internet box. In order to adapt to the different situations encountered, the optical cable wound inside the optical termination point is designed to be long enough to allow connection to the optical termination point in most cases. After on-site installation, however, it is common for excess cable to be present outside the optical termination point. This poses a risk of breakage, for example, if the cable were to be snagged.

[0032] The described embodiments provide a housing for winding a "pre-connected" or "pre-connectorized" cable, i.e., one equipped with a connector and a fitting, at least at one end prior to winding it into the housing. This saves time during the installation of the optical termination point on site and significantly reduces the risk of handling errors.

[0033] Furthermore, the described embodiments provide for a housing comprising a base and a cable winding reel, as well as elements to prevent the reel from rotating relative to the base. Unlike existing optical termination points, the locking elements of this application have the advantage of allowing only the length of cable necessary for connecting the optical termination point to be unwound, thus avoiding excessive cable slack outside the optical termination point. This greatly reduces the risk of cable damage after the housing is installed and facilitates its installation and connection.

[0034] The [Fig. 1] is an exploded perspective view of an optical termination point (OTP) 100 according to one embodiment.

[0035] In the example shown, optical termination point 100 comprises: - a mounting plate 101; - a base 103; - a reel 105 mounted to rotate relative to the base 103 and on which an optical cable 107 is wound; - a button 109 for locking the angular position of the coil 105 relative to the base 103; and - a cover 111, or hood.

[0036] The mounting plate 101, the base 103, the coil 105, the button 109 and the cover 111 are, for example, made of plastic. In this case, each of these elements is, for example, manufactured by plastic injection molding.

[0037] Optical cable 107 includes, for example, a single optical fiber (1 FO cable).

[0038] In the illustrated example, the mounting plate 101 comprises: - mounting interfaces 113 such as grooves, circular and / or oblong openings and / or openings substantially in the shape of a portion of a circular crown, clips, etc., allowing, for example, the optical termination point 100 to be fixed to a support, for example a DIN rail, a flush-mounting box, a wall, etc.; and - clips 115, or lugs, allowing the base 103 to be mechanically secured with the plate 101, for example by clipping the base onto the plate after fixing the plate to the support.

[0039] The plate 101 is optional. When omitted, the optical termination point 100 is, for example, fixed to a support by its base 103.

[0040] In the example shown, the base 103 comprises: - openings 117 allowing the base 103 to be clipped onto the plate 101; - openings, for example oblong holes, allowing the base to be fixed to a support in the absence of the plate, for example by means of screws and plugs; - a substantially cylindrical hub 119 on which the coil 105 is inserted and around which the coil can rotate when the rotation is not blocked by the button 109; - elements 121 for holding the coil 105 on the hub 119, so that once the coil 105 is coupled to the hub 119 it can no longer translate along its axis of rotation (vertical axis, in the orientation of [Fig.l]); - an external ring 123 for holding the cable 107 around the reel 105; - a cable guide element 125 for cable 107 having walls flaring out towards the cable exit of the box; - a housing 127 intended to receive a pre-connectorized assembly 129 comprising a connector and a fitting, for example an internal fitting of the cable 107 intended to receive a plug carried on one end of the cable 107; and - fixing elements for cover 111, for example clips.

[0041] In the illustrated example, coil 105 comprises: - a lower flange 131 located on the base side 103, the flange 131 being able to consist of a solid disc, a perforated disc or a set of radial fins; and - an upper flange 133 located on the cover side 111 and allowing the passage of part of the cable 107 to the end of which the assembly 129 is fixed.

[0042] A first part 107-1 of the cable 107 is wound on a first hub 134-1, or drum, of the reel 105 on either side of which are located the flanges 131 and 133. The first part corresponds to the major part of the cable and is intended to be unwound, in part or in whole, outside the housing 100 to connect the cable 107 for example to a PBO. A second part 107-2 of the cable 107, much shorter (for example at least ten times shorter) than the first part, intended to remain inside the housing, is surrounded, or coiled, on a second hub 134-2, or drum, of the spool 105 above the upper flange 133. The second part of the cable 107 forms, for example, at least one turn, for example two or three turns, surrounded or coiled around the second hub 134-2.The second hub 134-2, for example, is located in line with the first hub 134-1 and has, for example, a diameter that is substantially identical, within manufacturing variations, to that of the first hub 134-1.

[0043] In the example shown, flange 133 comprises: - a housing 135 for receiving the pre-connectorized assembly 129, comprising the connector and the fitting for mechanically securing the assembly 129 to the reel 105 during the unwinding of the cable 107; and - radially arranged disjoint fins and an external retaining ring for the second part 107-2 of the cable 107 around the second hub 134-2.

[0044] In the upper part, the coil 105 further includes a toothed wheel 137, or gear wheel, intended to cooperate with the button 109.

[0045] In the illustrated example, the button 109 has teeth, or lugs, intended to be engaged in spaces, or grooves, located between the notches, or teeth, of the toothed wheel 137 in order to prevent the rotation of the coil 105, that is to say, to block its angular position, relative to the base 103. This corresponds to a blocked, or locked, position of the coil 105. In an unlocked, or unlocked, position of the coil 105, the teeth of the button 109 are disengaged from the spaces located between the notches of the wheel 137, and the rotation of the coil 105 relative to the hub 119 carried by the base 103 is thus released.

[0046] The button 109 is inserted for example into a slot formed in the upper part of the hub 119 and is held together with the base 103 by a pin, or lug, of the base which fits into a groove in the button 109. This makes the button 109 “unlosable”.

[0047] The cover 111 includes for example pre-cuts and / or cutouts allowing the cable 107 to exit and allowing an external face of the pre-connectorized assembly 129 to be flush with the side wall of the cover 111 to allow the connection of a plug, for example connected to one end of an optical connection cable to an optical terminal.

[0048] The plate 101, the base 103, the reel 105, the button 109 and the cover 111 of the optical termination point 100 are part of a housing 150 for winding telecommunications cable.

[0049] Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are views in perspective illustrating successive steps of a process for installing optical termination point 100 of [Fig.1] according to an embodiment.

[0050] Figure 2 illustrates a state in which the optical termination point 100 has previously fixed to a support (not shown), for example a wall.

[0051] At this stage, the cover 111 is opened, i.e. detached from the base 103. The cable 107 is entirely contained inside the optical termination point 100 and the pre-connectorized assembly 129 is placed in the housing.

[0052] The button 109 is in a pressed, or engaged, position in which it locks the angular position of the coil 105 relative to the base 103. The coil 105 is thus immobilized relative to the base 103.

[0053] The cable 107 has, at its end opposite the pre-connectorized assembly 129 and intended to be pulled out of the optical termination point 100, a pulling sock 201. The cable 107 is engaged in the guide element 125, in the vicinity of the pulling sock 201.

[0054] Figure 3 illustrates a subsequent step in unlocking the angular position of the coil 105 relative to the base 103. In particular, the angular position of the coil 105 is unlocked relative to the hub 119, which is mechanically fixed to the base 103. To achieve this, a disengagement operation of the knob 109 is performed so as to free the rotation of the coil 105 relative to the base 103. More precisely, the knob 109 is translated upwards, coaxially with the coil 105, for example by applying traction along a substantially vertical axis. This causes the teeth of the knob 109 to disengage from the grooves of the gear 137 carried by the coil 105.

[0055] Figure 4 illustrates a subsequent step of pulling (arrow 401) the cable 107 out of the optical termination point 100 by its end fitted with the pulling sock 201. During this step, pulling the cable 107 causes a rotation (arrow 403) of the reel 105 relative to the base 103. The pre-connectorized assembly 129 remains attached to the reel 105; that is, the assembly 129 rotates relative to the base 103 at the same time as the reel 105. The second part 107-2 of the cable 107 remains wound around the second hub. The first part 107-1 of the cable 107 is unwound at least partially from the first hub 134-1 of the reel 105 under the action of the pulling of the cable 107.

[0056] Figure 5 illustrates a further step in locking the angular position of the coil 105 relative to the base 103. Once a sufficient length of cable 107 to allow connection has been unwound from the coil 105, the angular position of the coil 105 relative to the base 103 is locked by engaging the teeth of the button 109 in the grooves of the toothed wheel 137. More specifically, the button 109 is translated downwards, coaxially with the coil 105, for example by exerting a push along a substantially vertical axis.

[0057] Furthermore, during this step, the pre-connectorized assembly 129 is moved from the housing 135, carried by the reel 105, to the housing 127, carried by the base 103. This amounts, for example, to unclipping the assembly 129 from the reel 105 and clipping it onto the base 103. Depending on the angular position of the reel 105 relative to the base, in particular depending on the position of the housing 135 relative to the housing 127, the second part 107-2 of the cable 107 can be at least partially unwound from the second hub of the reel 105 in order to have a sufficient length to allow the movement of the assembly 129.

[0058] The second part 107-2 of the cable 107 has, for example, a length — a function of the number of turns of the second part 107-2 of the cable 107 and the external diameter of the second hub — sufficient, that is to say, the cable 107 has enough "slack" on the side of the pre-connectorized assembly 129, to allow the movement of the assembly 129 regardless of the angular position of the coil 105. This length is, for example, determined according to the respective positions of the housings 127 and 135 in the most unfavorable case, that is to say requiring the greatest length of the part 107-2 of the cable 107.

[0059] Installing the pre-connectorized assembly 129 in the housing 127 allows the assembly 129 to be positioned so that it is accessible from outside the optical termination point 100 once the cover 111 (not shown) has been replaced. This allows, for example, the subsequent connection of a plug to one end of an optical cable for connecting an optical terminal to the optical termination point 100.

[0060] The toothed wheel 137, cooperating with the button 109, allows adjustment of the angular locking position of the reel 105 after the desired length of cable 107 has been unwound. This adjustment is more precise the greater the number of notches on the wheel 137. An advantage of the locking elements for the reel 105 of the optical termination point 100 is that they prevent an excessive amount of cable 107 from being present outside the termination point. Optical termination 100 at the end of the installation. Another advantage is that in the event of unwanted tension on the cable 107, it cannot be unwound inadvertently because the reel is locked in place.

[0061] Figure 6 illustrates a later step in which the cover 111 of the optical termination point 100 is brought onto the base 103.

[0062] Figure 7 illustrates a state in which the optical termination point 100 is closed. The cover 111 is integral with the base 103 and protects the internal components of the optical termination point 100 from external elements (shocks, dust, water, etc.). Openings in a lower lateral face of the cover 111 allow the cable 107 to exit and provide access to the pre-connectorized assembly 129 for plugging in a connector.

[0063] Fig.8 and Fig.9 are perspective and section views illustrating respectively blocking and release positions of the rotation of the coil 105 relative to the base 103 of the optical termination point 100 of Fig.1 according to an alternative embodiment.

[0064] In figures 8 and 9, the button 109 has a different shape from that illustrated in figures 1 to 7, for example a shape facilitating gripping at the top of the button 109, thus making the disengagement operation easier.

[0065] In the example shown, the toothed wheel 137 of the coil 105 has a repeated hollow geometry corresponding to a counter-form of the geometry of notches located in the lower part of the button 109.

[0066] The button 109 is translatable along a defined stroke, greater than the height of the notches of the toothed wheel 137. In the position illustrated in [Fig. 8], the teeth of the button 109 are not in contact with the grooves of the wheel 137. Rotation of the coil 105 relative to the base 103 is possible. In the position illustrated in [Fig. 9], the teeth of the button 109 are in contact with the grooves of the wheel 137. Rotation of the coil 105 relative to the base 103 is impossible.

[0067] The button 109 has a geometry allowing bistable behavior, for example by means of deformable lateral parts (curved sides of a vertical part of the button 109 illustrated in [Fig.1] intended to fit into the base 103).

[0068] The [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of the coil 105 of the optical termination point 100 of the [Fig. 1] according to one embodiment.

[0069] In the example shown, the reel 105 includes, respectively below and above the flange 133, the first hub 134-1 and the second hub 134-2 intended respectively to wind, or coil, the first part 107-1 and the second part 107-2 of the cable 107.

[0070] As an example, the coil 105 is made of a single piece of plastic material produced by injection.

[0071] One advantage of the described embodiments is that the operations required to install the optical termination point 100 are fewer and easier than with existing optical termination points. Furthermore, no on-site cabling operations, particularly splicing and soldering, are required during the installation of the optical termination point 100. In particular, the optical termination point 100 provides the installer with a supply of pre-terminated cable of adjustable length.

[0072] Various embodiments and variations have been described. Those skilled in the art will understand that certain features of these various embodiments and variations could be combined, and other variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In particular, what is set forth more specifically in relation to an application example in which the telecommunications cable is an optical cable applies more generally to any type of telecommunications cable.

[0073] Finally, the practical implementation of the described embodiments and variants is within the reach of a person skilled in the art, based on the functional specifications given above. In particular, the described embodiments are not limited to the specific examples of materials and dimensions mentioned in this description.

Claims

Demands

1. Housing (150) for winding cable (107) comprising: - a base (103); - a cable winding reel (105) mounted for rotation relative to the base and comprising: a first hub (134-1) adapted to receive a first portion (107-1) of the cable (107) intended to be unwound out of the housing; and a second hub (134-2) coaxial with the first hub (134-1) and adapted to receive a second portion (107-2) of the cable (107) intended to remain inside the housing.

2. Housing (150) according to claim 1, in which the coil (105) further comprises a separating element (133) of the first (134-1) and second (134-2) hubs, preferably a flange comprising a set of radially arranged disjoint fins.

3. Housing (150) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the reel (105) further includes a housing (135) for receiving a pre-connectorized assembly (129) of the cable (107).

4. Housing (150) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spool (105) further comprises an external retaining ring for the second part (107-2) of the cable (107) around the second hub (134-2).

5. Housing (150) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a button (109) for locking the angular position of the coil relative to the base, the locking button being adapted to be translated coaxially to the coil between locking and release positions of the rotation of the coil relative to the base.

6. Housing (150) according to claim 5, in which the coil (105) includes a toothed wheel (137) cooperating with the locking button (109).

7. Housing (150) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base (103) includes an external ring (123) for retaining the cable (107) around the reel (105).

8. Optical termination point (100) comprising: - a housing (150) according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and - an optical cable (107) wound on the reel (105) and comprising a first end intended to be connected outside the housing and a second end comprising a plug connected to an internal pre-connectorized assembly (129).

9. Method of installing the optical termination point (100) according to claim 8 in its dependence on claim 5, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) translation of the locking button (109) from the locking position to the position of release of the rotation of the coil (105) relative to the base (103); b) unwinding of the optical cable by pulling on its first end causing a rotation of the coil about its axis; and c) translation of the locking button from the position of release to the position of locking the rotation of the coil relative to the base.

10. Method according to claim 9, further comprising, subsequent to step c), a step d) of inserting the internal pre-connectorized assembly (129) into a housing of the base (127).

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