In a typical fiber optic distribution network, sealed and re-enterable enclosures are used to provide access to optical fibers from one or more fiber optic cables. For example, the optical fibers from multi-fiber distribution cables can be accessed within the enclosures.
Splice trays, patch panels, and various optical components can be provided within the enclosures. In certain examples, the enclosures include ruggedized adapter ports for allowing pre-connectorized drop cables to be connected to the optical fibers from the distribution cable. In some further examples, the optical fibers from the distribution cable are spliced inside the enclosures to optical fibers corresponding to drop cables that are routed out of the enclosure through sealed ports. Effective sealing is an important consideration relating to outdoor enclosures used in fiber optic distribution networks.
In certain examples, a distribution cable is looped through an enclosure such that the distribution cable can pass through multiple enclosures in the distribution network. It can be challenging to seal the locations where the looped distribution cable enters and exits the enclosure. For this and other reasons, improvements are desirable.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a device and method for providing effective sealing with regard to telecommunication enclosures. In certain aspects, the device assembles around a cable to effectively seal the cable and/or the ports of an enclosure where the cable enters and/or exits the enclosure.
In one aspect, a device for sealing a telecommunications cable includes a first part; a second part having one or more attachment members that assemble onto the first part to assemble the first and second parts together; and a cavity defined between the first and second parts that extends along a central axis and between first and second ends of the device; wherein the cavity is structured to seal the cable between the first and second parts without threading the cable through the first and second ends, and the first and second parts define at least one mounting location for a cable port in a telecommunications enclosure.
In another aspect, a method of sealing a telecommunications cable includes providing first and second parts of a device; striping a portion of the outer protective jacket; assembling the first and second parts around a portion of the cable; applying a resin to seal the portion of the cable inside a cavity defined between the first and second parts of the device; and inserting the device into a cable port of a telecommunications enclosure. In some cases, the method includes positioning or wrapping an outer device around the outer protective jacket of the cable.
In another aspect, a device for sealing a telecommunications cable includes a first part; a second part having one or more attachment members that assemble onto the first part to assemble the first and second parts together; and a cavity defined between the first and second parts that extends along a central axis between first and second ends of the device; wherein the cavity is structured to receive a cable between the first and second parts without having to thread the cable through the first and second ends.
In a further aspect, the first and second parts define a first mounting location structured to mount to a port in a first type of enclosure and a second mounting location structured to mount to a port in a second type of enclosure.
A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the examples disclosed herein are based.
The following drawing figures, which form a part of this application, are illustrative of described technology and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner.
Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.
There are one or more reasons to seal an end of a cable used in connection with an enclosure. One reason is prevent the escape of pressuring test gas placed into the cable interior to check for cuts or breakages of the cable. Another reason may be to prevent the entry of moisture or gas into an interior of an enclosure.
In certain embodiments, an inert gas is injected into a telecommunications cable such as a multi-fiber distribution cable. The inert gas is used to pressurize the cable to detect a leakage or breakage in the cable, and to also prevent moisture from entering inside the cable.
Additionally, in certain embodiments, an inert gas is injected into a telecommunications enclosure where various telecommunications cables are routed therein. The inert gas may be used to pressurize the enclosure to ensure that there are no leaks or damage to the enclosure. As will be described in more detail, a device 100 is structured to seal a pressurized telecommunications cable, and/or to seal a cable port of one or more types of telecommunications enclosures.
The interface between the device 100 and resin also creates a fixation from axial pulls or pushes on the cable, in some embodiments. Additionally, in some embodiments, the interior and/or the exterior of the enclosure may include fixation structures which fix onto the outer jacket and/or strength members of the cable.
The device 100 further includes a first mounting location 102 for sealing a cable port in a first type of enclosure such as the enclosure 200 shown in
The device 100 includes first and second parts 106, 108 that are structured for assembly in the field. As shown in
When assembled together, the first and second parts 106, 108 define the cavity 110 that extends along a central axis 116 of the device 100 between a first end 112 and a second end 114 of the device 100. The cavity 110 is structured to surround a cable that enters or exits an enclosure such as a multi-fiber distribution cable or a drop cable. Additionally, the cavity 110 is also structured to receive a resin to seal the cable inside the cavity 110.
Advantageously, by providing the first and second parts 106, 108 that assemble together, the device 100 can be wrapped around the cable without having to thread the cable through the cavity 110. Thus, the device 100 can be attached to a middle portion of the cable that is distant from the distal ends of the cable. In one example, device 100 is configured to wrap around a loop cable that is looped through the enclosure.
In some examples, an outer device can be positioned around the cable at a location where it is desired to assemble the device 100 around the cable before the first and second parts 106, 108 are assembled together. In some examples, the outer device is foam tape that can be wrapped around the cable. The outer device can be of a predetermined thickness. The outer device can help ensure that the cable is held snuggly inside the cavity 110 and prevent the cable from sliding relative to the device 100 after the first and second parts 106, 108 are assembled around the cable. The outer device, such as foam tape, can increase the sealing effect from resin. Also, the outer device can increase the cable thickness, and is appreciated to be an optional feature in some embodiments. The outer device can allow device 100 to be used with a variety of cable sizes.
In the examples depicted in the figures, the cavity 110 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape to accommodate cables having a circular cross-section. However, it is possible for the cavity 110 have a plurality of different shapes and sizes to accommodate a variety of different cables, or multiple cables grouped together, having different shapes and sizes.
In the embodiment depicted in the figures, the first and second projections 122, 124 are circular rims that extend around the central axis 116, and the first mounting location 102 is a cylindrical exterior surface that is defined between the first and second projections 122, 124. As shown in
Referring back to
Additionally, the second mounting location 104 includes a surface 136 that is orthogonal to the central axis 116. The surface 136 is structured to interface with a cover 304 of the enclosure 300 to secure the device 100 inside a cable port of the enclosure 300.
The attachment locations 120 each include an attachment member 140 of a first type, and an attachment member 142 of a second type. In certain embodiments, the attachment members 142 are latch members that snap-fit onto mating surfaces of the attachment members 140. For example, the attachment members 140 each include a flat mating surface and a sloped surface. The attachment members 142 each include a sloped surface that causes the attachment members 142 to flex when engaging the sloped surface of the attachment member 140 such that a flat mating surface of each attachment member 142 is able to latch onto the flat mating surface of each corresponding attachment member 140.
While the embodiment depicted in the figures shows the first part 106 as having the attachment members 140 of the first type, and the second part 108 as having the attachment members 142 of the second type, in alternative embodiments the first part 106 can have the attachment members 142 of the second type, and the second part 108 can have the attachment members 140 of the first type. Also, in alternative embodiments, the first part 106 can have attachment members 140, 142 of both the first and second types, and the second part 108 can have attachment members 140, 142 of both the first and second types.
Still referring now to
As shown in
As shown in
While the embodiment depicted in the figures shows the first part 106 as having the alignment ribs 154, and the second part 108 as having the alignment grooves 156, in alternative embodiments the first part 106 can have the alignment grooves 156, and the second part 108 can have the alignment ribs 154. Also, in alternative embodiments, the first part 106 can have an alignment rib 154 and an alignment groove 156, and the second part 108 can have a corresponding alignment groove 156 and a corresponding alignment rib 154.
The first mounting location 102 of the devices 100a, 100b is configured to mount inside the cable ports 210a, 210b. For example, the first projection 122 is structured to engage an exterior surface of the cable seals 208, and the second projection 124 is structured to engage an interior surface of the cable seals 208 to secure the rounded exterior surface of the first mounting location 102 between the exterior and interior surfaces of the cable seals 208.
The cable seals 208 are stacked inside the cable seal opening 206 of the base 202. In the configuration illustrated in the figures, three cable seals 208a-208c are stacked inside each cable seal opening 206. For example, a first cable seal 208a is stacked inside each cable seal opening 206 followed by a second cable seal 208b. The cable seals 208a, 208b define a first cable port 210a. A third cable seal 208c is thereafter stacked in each cable seal opening 206, and the cable seals 208b, 208c define a second cable port 210b in each cable seal opening 206.
The devices 100a, 100b are inserted into the first and second cable ports 210a, 210b by mounting the first cable seal 208a in the cable seal opening 206, mounting the first mounting location 102 of the device 100a onto the first cable seal 208a, and thereafter mounting the second cable seal 208b over the first cable seal 208a and the device 100a, and thereby capturing the device 100a inside the first cable port 210a. Next, the device 100b is mounted over the second cable seal 208b, and the third cable seal 208c is mounted over the second cable seal 208b and the device 100b, and thereby capturing the device 100b inside the second cable port 210b.
In some embodiments, a rubber gasket, a resin, or other type of sealant can be positioned around the first mounting location 102 of the device 100a to provide an improved seal between the device 100a and the first and second cable seals 208, 208b in the first cable port 210a. Likewise, a sealant such as a rubber gasket, a resin, or other type of sealant can be positioned around the first mounting location 102 of the device 100b to provide an improved seal between the device 100b and the second and third cable seals 208b, 208c in the second cable port 210b.
In some examples, the cable ports 310a-310d can be initially blocked by temporary covers 306 that can be removed to open the cable ports 310a-310d. As an illustrative example, the temporary covers 306 can be punched out or cut out to open the cable ports 310a-310d.
Referring now to
A rubber padding, resin, or other type of sealant can be inserted into the grooves 130 of the devices 100a, 100b to provide a gas-tight seal between the grooves 130 and the cable ports 310c, 310d. Similarly, a sealant such as a rubber pad or resin can also be mounted to the surface 136 to provide a gas-tight seal between the surface 136 and the ridge surface 308 of the cover.
A portion of the outer protective jacket 402 is stripped to expose the tubes 404. The first and second parts 106, 108 are assembled around the portion of the telecommunications cable 400 where the outer protective jacket 402 is stripped. In some further examples, the first and second parts 106, 108 are assembled around where the outer device 406 is positioned.
The outer device 406 (e.g., foam tape) can help to ensure that the telecommunications cable 400 is held snuggly inside the cavity 110 such that the cable does not slide relative to the device 100 after the first and second parts 106, 108 are assembled around the cable. The outer device 406 can also help to retain the poured resin in place until cured.
A resin 408 is applied into the cavity 110 to seal the telecommunications cable 400 inside the device 100. The resin 408 can seal around an exterior of the outer protective jacket 402. The resin 408 can also seal around an area where the outer protective jacket 402 is stripped, and around the tubes 404 that contain the optical fibers.
In certain examples, the telecommunications cable 400 is pressurized with an inert gas, and the resin 408 inside the cavity 110 seals the inert gas inside the cable. In some embodiments, the resin 408 has a certain viscosity such that it does not overflow or run out before curing.
Next, the method 500 includes an operation 504 of stripping a portion of the outer protective jacket 402. In some examples, operation 504 is optional.
Next, the method 500 has an operation 506 of wrapping an outer device 406 such as foam tape around a remaining portion of the outer protective jacket 402 of the telecommunications cable 400. In some examples, operation 506 is optional.
In
Next, the method 500 includes an operation 508 of assembling the first and second parts 106, 108 around the telecommunications cable 400 where the outer protective jacket 402 is stripped. In some examples, operation 508 can also include assembling the first and second parts 106, 108 around the portion where the outer device 406 is positioned. The attachment members 140, 142 can be used to snap-fit the first and second parts 106, 108 together to provide a simple and easy assembly around the telecommunications cable 400.
Next, the method 500 includes an operation 510 of applying the resin 408 to seal the telecommunications cable 400 inside the cavity 110. In some examples, operation 510 includes applying the resin 408 first to the interior surface 150 of the first part 106 and to the interior surface 152 of the second part 108 before the first and second parts 106, 108 are assembled around the telecommunications cable. In some examples, operation 510 includes filling the cavity 110 with the resin 408 after the first and second parts 106, 108 are assembled around the telecommunications cable 400. Additional examples are contemplated.
In certain embodiments, the telecommunications cable 400 is pressurized with an inert gas and the resin 408 seals the cable to prevent the inert gas from escaping out of the cable at the location where the outer protective jacket 402 is stripped.
Next, the method 500 includes an operation 512 of inserting the device 100 into a cable port of a telecommunications enclosure.
In one embodiment, operation 512 includes inserting the device 100 into a cable port of the enclosure 200 by mounting a first cable seal 208a in a cable seal opening 206, mounting the first mounting location 102 of the device 100 onto a cable port 210a partially defined by the first cable seal 208a, and mounting a second cable seal 208b over the first cable seal 208a and the first mounting location 102 of the device 100a to capture the device 100a inside the cable port 210a between the first and second cable seals 208a, 208b.
In some further embodiments, the first mounting location 102 of a second device, such as the device 100b of
In some further embodiments, the enclosure 200 is pressurized with an inert gas after the device 100b is mounted onto the cable port 210b, and the cover 204 is attached to the base 202 of the enclosure 200. In such examples, the devices 100a, 100b seal the cables ports 210a, 210b, and prevent the inert gas from escaping out of the enclosure 200.
In another embodiment, operation 512 includes inserting the device 100 into a cable port of the enclosure 300 by removing a temporary cover 306 to open a cable port 310, slotting the groove 130 in the second mounting location 104 of the device 100 onto the cable port 310 such that the groove 130 is engaged between interior and exterior surfaces of the base 302 of the enclosure 300, and then attaching the cover 304 to the base 302 such that the surface 136 of the second mounting location 104 interfaces with the cover 304 to capture the second mounting location 104 between the base 302 and the cover 304 of the enclosure 300.
In certain embodiments, the enclosure 300 is pressurized with an inert gas. The device 100 seals the cable port 310 to prevent the inert gas from escaping out of the enclosure 300.
The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and application illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63/010,332, filed on Apr. 15, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/EP2021/059642 | 4/14/2021 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
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63010332 | Apr 2020 | US |