Cable sealing module

A sealed structure (e.g., sealing module, sealing projection, etc.) transitions the direction of one or more cables passing through the structure. Sealant (e.g., a gel block) is disposed within the structure to seal one or more cables extending along a transition path within the sealed structure. Ducts and/or cables may be anchored to the sealed structure. The sealed structure may be mechanically secured to a closure at a selected rotational orientation.

BACKGROUND

Telecommunications systems typically employ a network of telecommunications cables capable of transmitting large volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances. The telecommunications cables can include fiber optic cables, electrical cables, or combinations of electrical and fiber optic cables. A typical telecommunications network also includes a plurality of telecommunications enclosures integrated throughout the network of telecommunications cables. The telecommunications enclosures are adapted to house and protect telecommunications components such as splices, termination panels, power splitters and wavelength division multiplexers.

It is often preferred for the telecommunications enclosures to be re-enterable. The term “re-enterable” means that the telecommunications enclosures can be reopened to allow access to the telecommunications components housed therein without requiring the removal and destruction of the telecommunications enclosures. For example, certain telecommunications enclosures can include separate access panels that can be opened to access the interiors of the enclosures, and then closed to re-seal the enclosures. Other telecommunications enclosures take the form of elongated sleeves formed by wrap-around covers or half-shells having longitudinal edges that are joined by clamps or other retainers. Still other telecommunications enclosures include two half-pieces that are joined together through clamps, wedges or other structures.

Telecommunications enclosures are typically sealed to inhibit the intrusion of moisture or other contaminants. Pressurized gel-type seals have been used to effectively seal the locations where telecommunications cables enter and exit telecommunications enclosures. Example pressurized gel-type seals are disclosed by document EP 0442941 B1 and document EP 0587616 B1. Both of these documents disclose gel-type cable seals that are pressurized through the use of threaded actuators. Document U.S. Pat. No. 6,046,406 discloses a cable seal that is pressurized through the use of an actuator including a cam lever. While pressurized cable seals have generally proven to be effective, improvements in this area are still needed.

SUMMARY

Some aspects of the disclosure are directed to a structure that transitions the direction of one or more cables. In an example, the structure transitions the one or more cables about 90°. In other examples, the structure transitions the one or more cables between about 20° and about 160°, between about 45° and about 135°, between about 30° and about 160°, between about 60° and about 120°, or between about 70° and about 110°.

In certain implementations, the transition structure includes sealant to seal one or more cables within the structure. For example, the transition structure includes a gel block or other seal member (e.g., foam block, rubber gasket, etc.) that extends along a transition path along which the one or more cables extend within the transition structure.

In some examples, the transition structure may be attached to a closure (e.g., a cabinet, a pedestal, etc.) to facilitate routing the one or more cables into the closure. For example, the transition structure may be disposed at a cable port of the closure to aid in routing the one or more cables into an interior of the closure.

In other examples, the transition structure is routed through a sealing arrangement at an entrance or exit of a closure. A main body of the transition structure remains external to the sealing arrangement while a stem portion of the transition structure extends through the sealing arrangement.

In still other examples, the transition structure is unitarily formed with a closure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to a structure that transitions the direction of one or more cables. In an example, the structure transitions the one or more cables about 90°. In other examples, the structure transitions the one or more cables between about 20° and about 160°. In certain examples, the structure seals the one or more cables within the structure. For example, the structure includes a gel block or other seal member (e.g., foam block, rubber gasket, etc.) that extends along a transition path along which the one or more cables extend within the structure.

The transition structure may be attached to a closure (e.g., a cabinet, a pedestal, etc.) to facilitate routing the one or more cables into the closure. For example, the transition structure may be disposed at a cable port of the closure to aid in routing the one or more cables into an interior of the closure. In an example, the transition structure is disposed at a bottom of the closure to receive one or more cables routed generally parallel to the bottom of the closure and to transition the cables up through the bottom of the closure.

Referring now to the figures in general, a transition structure100includes a main enclosure body101defining a main interior102. A projection103projects outwardly from the main enclosure body101. The projection103includes a distal end104defining at least one port105. The projection103and main interior102define a volume within which one or more cables170can extend along one or more interior routing paths R, R1, R2.

In some examples, one or more discrete routing paths are defined within the volume. In other examples, however, the one or more cables170can be freely routed within the volume. In such examples, the one or more cables170define the interior routing paths R, R1, R2. The volume is structured so that the one or more routing paths R, R1, R2turn between the port105and the main interior102.

In some examples, the one or more interior routing paths R, R1, R2turns at an angle θ of at least 45 degrees as the interior routing paths extends from the port105to the main interior102. In certain examples, the one or more routing paths R, R1, R2turns at an angle θ of at least 60 degrees. In certain examples, the one or more routing paths R, R1, R2turns at an angle θ of at least 75 degrees. In certain examples, the one or more routing paths R, R1, R2turns at an angle θ of about 90 degrees (e.g., seeFIG.3).

In some implementations, the projection103has a base end106unitarily formed with the main enclosure body101. In other implementations, the projection103is a separate part that mechanically attaches to the main enclosure body101. In certain examples, the distal end104of the projection103defines a plurality of the ports. In certain examples, the projection103is one of multiple projections projecting from the main enclosure body101.

In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, sealant112is contained within the interior volume along the one or more routing paths R, R1, R2. In some examples, the sealant112includes gel. In other examples, the sealant112includes foam, rubber, or other such materials. In some examples, the sealant112extends fully along the one or more routing paths R, R1, R2. In other examples, the sealant112extends along only a portion of the one or more routing paths. In some example, the sealant112extends into the projection103. In other examples, the sealant112is disposed only in the main interior102. In some examples, the sealant112fully fills the main interior102. In other examples, the sealant112fills part of the main interior102.

In such implementations, the transition structure100forms a sealing module108that seals about one or more cables170and/or one or more ducts160routed to a closure150(e.g., a cabinet, a pedestal, etc.). Optical fibers or optical fiber cables170can be pushed, pulled, or blown through the ducts160. In an example, the closure150includes a fiber distribution hub (FDH). In another example, the closure150includes an optical termination enclosure (OTE). The closure150has a sealed entrance location152for receiving the cables160and/or ducts. The sealed entrance location152provides access to an interior154of the closure150.

The ducts160can be initially installed prior to installing the fibers or cables160. The ducts160are secured to the sealing module108during the initial installation. Subsequently, cables170(e.g., pushable cables) are routed through the ducts160to the closure150. The cables170are routed through the sealing module108as will be described herein and into the closure interior154.

The sealing module108includes the module housing110and sealant112within the module housing110. The module housing110includes a first end portion114and a second end portion116. The first end portion114defines at least one first port118and the second end portion116defines a second port105in communication with the at least one first port118. The second end portion116is configured to be sealed within the sealed entrance location152of the closure150with the second port105in communication with the interior154of the closure150.

In certain implementations, the module housing110defines a routing path R, R1, R2that turns at least 45 degrees as the routing path R, R1, R2extends from the at least one first port118to the second port105. In certain implementations, the routing path R, R1, R2turns at least 60 degrees. In certain examples, the routing path R, R1, R2turns at least 75 degrees. In certain examples, the routing path R, R1, R2turns about 90 degrees.

The first port118defines a first axis A1and the second port105defines a second axis A2(seeFIG.3). The first and second axes A1, A2are angled relative to each other at an angle θ. In certain examples, the first and second axes A1, A2are angled at an angle θ of at least 75 degrees relative to one another. In certain examples, the first and second axes A1, A2are angled at an angle θ in the range of 75 to 135 degrees. In certain examples, the first and second axes A1, A2are angled at an angle θ in the range of 75-120 degrees. In an example, the first and second axes A1, A2are angled at an angle θ of about 90 degrees.

In certain implementations, the first end portion114defines a plurality of the first ports118. In the example shown, the first end portion114defines three first ports118. In other examples, however, the first end portion114can define a greater or lesser number of first ports118(e.g., one, two, four, six, eight, etc.).

In some implementations, the first end portion114is integral with the module housing110while the second end portion116is formed by the projection103extending from the module housing110. In other examples, the first end portion114also can be formed by a separate projection extending from the module housing110. In still other examples, both the first end portion114and the second end portion116can be integral with the module housing110.

In certain implementations, the module housing110extends along a longitudinal axis L (FIG.2) so that an insertion axis of the first port118is parallel with the longitudinal axis L. In certain examples, the insertion axes of each first port118are parallel with the longitudinal axis L. In certain examples, the longitudinal axis L defines the largest dimension of the module housing110.

In certain implementations, the module housing110is re-enterable. For example, when the cables170are routed through the ducts160towards the closure150, the module housing110may be opened to route the cables170through the sealing module108. For example, an installer may pull the cables170into the module housing and route the cables170along a curved path from the first port118to the second port105. When the module housing110is closed, the sealant112protects the cables170from the external environment. For example, a gel-type sealant112may be pressurized causing the gel to flow around the cables170to fill voids and to provide sealing about the cables170. In certain examples, the gel also seals/flows partially into the end of the duct160to close the duct end. Accordingly, the end of the duct160may become embedded in the sealant112.

In certain examples, the module housing110includes first and second shell pieces120,122that mate together to enclose at least part of an interior102of the module housing110. The shell pieces120,122are separable to provide access into the interior102of the module housing110. In an example, the first and second shell pieces120,122are half-shell pieces. In an example, the first and second shell pieces120,122are identically formed. In other examples, the first shell piece120is larger or smaller than the second shell piece122.

In some implementations, the projection103is defined by the second shell piece122and the first shell piece120is configured to rotate about the projection103of the second shell piece122. In such implementations, the first and second shell pieces120,122cooperate to form the first end portion114, the main interior102, and the second end portion116of the sealing module110. In other implementations, the main interior102and the first end portion114are defined by the first and second shell pieces120,122of the module housing110while the second end portion116is defined by a separate stem124that mechanically couples to the shell pieces120,122. In such implementations, the first and second shell pieces120,122cooperate to form a main housing body111that defines the main interior102. The main housing body111also may define the one or more first ports118.

In certain implementations, the stem124extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis L. In an example, the stem124extends generally transverse to the longitudinal axis L. In certain implementations, the stem124is generally cylindrical.

In certain implementations, the stem124has an interior volume that is less than the interior volume of the main housing body111. In certain examples, the interior volume of the stem124is significantly less than the interior volume of the main housing body111. For example, the interior volume of the stem124may be less than 50%, less than 45%, less than 40%, less than 35%, less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, or less than 15% of the interior volume of the main housing body111.

In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, the sealing module108is used with a system including a duct160for containing at least one optical fiber or at least one fiber optic cable170. The duct160anchors to the first end portion114of the module housing110. The at least one optical fiber or fiber optic cable170is adapted to be routed from the duct160, through the sealing module108, to the interior102of the enclosure110.

In certain implementations, the first end portion114is configured for anchoring a duct160or cable170routed to the at least one first port118. The first end portion114includes a first mechanical anchoring interface that interlocks with a second mechanical anchoring interface of the duct160to anchor the duct160relative to the first end portion114of the module housing110.

In some examples, the second mechanical anchoring interface includes a flange162. In other examples, the duct160is convoluted or has an exterior convoluted portion164that provides the second mechanical anchoring interface. In certain examples, the first end portion114includes a slot or slots126for receiving the flange162or the portion of a convolution164of a duct160.

In the example shown, a series of ribs128are disposed within the module housing110recessed inwardly from the first end portion114. Each of the ribs128defines one or more slots126that align with the cable ports118at the first end portion114. The flange162or convoluted portion164of the duct160can be sandwiched or caught between the ribs128or between the ribs128and the module housing110. In certain examples, the ribs128are disposed between the cable ports118and the sealant112.

In certain examples, the module housing110opens to separate ribs128carried by the first shell housing piece120from ribs128carried by the second shell housing piece122. The duct160can be inserted into the interior102of the module housing110and laterally slid into the slots126of the ribs128of one of the shell housing pieces120,122. The module housing110can be closed by moving the shell housing pieces120,122together so that the respective ribs128of the shell housing pieces120,122cooperate to define openings through which and end of the duct160extends. In certain examples, sealant, such as sealant112, can be disposed between the ribs128and/or at the cable ports118to seal around the ducts160.

In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, the module housing110includes a stabilization arrangement that inhibits relative movement between the sealing module108and the closure150. For example, the stabilization arrangement may include a first stabilization mechanical interface130of the module housing110that engages a second stabilization mechanical interface140of the closure150to limit relative movement between the module housing110and the closure150. In certain examples, the stabilization arrangement can allow for a limited range of pivotal movement (e.g., 0-20 degrees) about the axis of the second port105or stem124of the sealing module108.

In certain implementations, one of the first and second stabilization mechanical interfaces130,140includes a projection132and the other of the first and second stabilization mechanical interfaces130,140includes a receptacle146. In certain implementations, the first and second stabilization mechanical interfaces130,140secure the sealing module108at a selected angular position relative to the closure150about an axis defined by the second port105or stem124.

In certain examples, the second stabilization mechanical interface140is incorporated as part of a bracket141that attaches to the closure150. For example, a bracket141may be attached to the closure150to define the receptacle146. The module housing110may be oriented so that the projection132extends into the receptacle146defined by the bracket141. Engagement between the projection132and the receptacle146inhibits lateral and/or rotational movement of the module housing110.

In the example shown, the bracket141includes a mounting section142that is configured to be secured (e.g., fastened, welded, etc.) to the closure150(e.g., to a bottom surface of the closure150). The bracket141also includes at least one stabilizing section144that extends outwardly (e.g., downwardly) from the mounting section142. The stabilizing section144defines the receptacle (e.g., aperture)146.

In the example shown, the first stabilization mechanical interface130includes a projecting rib132extending outwardly from the module housing110. In certain examples, the projecting rib132extends outwardly at an opposite end of the module housing110from the first end portion114. In certain examples, the projecting rib132is integral with the module housing110(e.g., with at least one of the shell pieces120,122). In the example shown, the projecting rib132includes a generally rectangular-shaped extension. In other examples, the projecting rib132can have any desired shape. In the example shown, the projecting rib132extends generally along the longitudinal axis L of the main housing body111. In other examples, the projecting rib132may extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis L of the main housing body111.

Preferably, the first and second stabilization mechanical interfaces130,140allows the angular position to be selected from a plurality of angular positions. For example, the bracket could be mounted to the closure150at a plurality of different positions corresponding to different angular orientations of the sealing module108relative to the closure150about the stem or second port axis. In other examples, the bracket141could have a plurality of different interlock structures (e.g., slots146) defining different angular mounting positions. In certain examples, the bracket141includes multiple stabilizing sections144that extend outwardly (e.g., downwardly) from the mounting section142in various orientations. Each stabilizing section144defines an aperture146for receiving the projecting rib132. For example, one of the stabilizing sections144may be oriented at an angle (e.g., 45°, 90°, etc.) relative to another of the stabilizing sections144.

In certain implementations, the sealing module108can have a plurality of different interlock structures (e.g., projecting ribs)132spaced about the axis of the second port105or stem124to define different angular mounting positons. For example, a first projecting rib132may be angled (e.g., at 20°, at 30°, at 45°, at 60°, at 75°, at 90°, etc.) relative to another projecting rib132. In certain examples, multiple projecting ribs132may extend outwardly from the module housing110at regular angled intervals (e.g., every 10°, every 20°, every 30°, every 45°, every 90°, etc.) over an angular distance of between about 90° and about 180°. In an example, the sealing module108could have a gear-like structure with teeth/projections/ribs132positioned about the axis of the second port105or stem124so that the sealing module108can be locked at a certain rotational positon about the axis of the second port105or stem124relative to the closure150by engaging the tooth/projection/rib132corresponding to the desired angular position with the interlock structure146of the bracket141.

Referring toFIG.7, the sealing module108can be utilized with a sealing arrangement180for a closure (e.g., closure150). In the example shown, the sealing arrangement180can be positioned beneath the closure150. A non-limiting example closure150suitable for use with a sealing arrangement180is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,948,082, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The sealing arrangement180includes a first sealing portion181and a second sealing portion188that cooperate to define a cable passage through the sealing arrangement180. Each of the sealing portions181,188includes a gel block186disposed between two retention members182,184. Moving the retention members182,184towards each other compresses and activates the gel block186. Each sealing portion181,188defines a groove or channel185,187that cooperate to define the cable passage when the sealing portions181,188are fit together (e.g., pressed together). Cables can be routed through the sealing arrangement180along the cable passages. For example, inFIG.7, cables can be routed from a bottom of the sealing arrangement180to a top of the sealing arrangement180.

In certain implementations, the sealing module108can be mounted to the sealing arrangement180to enable cables to be routed through the sealing arrangement180along a curved path. For example, the cables can be routed from a side of the sealing arrangement180to the top of the sealing arrangement180. The sealing module108is positioned relative to the sealing arrangement180so that the second end portion116of the sealing module108is positioned between the first and second sealing portions181,188. In an example, the projection103or stem124of the sealing module108extends through one of the cable passages defined by the sealing portions181,188. The main housing body111is disposed external to (e.g., beneath) the sealing arrangement180. In an example, a radial flange129of the stem124or projection103also is disposed external to (e.g., above) the sealing arrangement180. Cables enter the sealing module108at the first port or ports118, transition direction within the sealing module108, and extend along the second portion116of the sealing module108through the cable passage185,187to pass through the sealing arrangement180.

Referring toFIG.8, the features of the sealing module108can be incorporated into an enclosure (e.g., sealing arrangement body)190that forms part of or mounts to a closure, such as closure150. In some examples, the enclosure190can be mounted to the closure150(e.g., at the bottom) at the sealed cable entrance152. In other examples, the enclosure190forms part of the closure150and defines the sealed cable entrance152.

The enclosure190includes a main enclosure body191defining a main interior192. A projection193projects outwardly from the main enclosure body191. The projection193includes a distal end193adefining at least one externally accessible port194. In certain examples, the distal end193aof the projection193defines a plurality of the ports194. In the example shown, each projection193defines three externally accessible cable ports194. In other examples, each projection193can define a lesser or greater number (e.g., one, two, four, six, eight, etc.) of ports194.

The projection193defines an interior routing path that extends from the port194to the main interior191(e.g., via an internally accessible port195). The interior routing path transitions a direction of the cable between the externally accessible port194and the internally accessible port195.

In certain examples, the routing path turns the cable at least 45 degrees as the interior routing path extends from the externally accessible port194to the main interior192. In certain examples, the routing path turns at least 60 degrees. In certain examples, the routing path turns at least 75 degrees. In certain examples, the routing path turns about 90 degrees.

In certain implementations, sealant is contained within the routing path. In an example, the sealant includes gel. In certain implementations, sealant also may be contained within the main interior192of the main enclosure body191. For example, sealant (e.g., gel, epoxy, foam, etc.) may be added (e.g., placed, poured, etc.) to the main interior192after the cables are routed to the closure150.

In certain implementations, the projection193is openable to facilitate routing the cables through the projections193along the cable routing paths. For example, the projection193may be formed from two or more shell pieces that cooperate to define the projection193. In another example, the projection193has a first body portion unitary with the main enclosure body191and a second body portion that is removable from the first body portion. Removing the second body portion exposes a plane over which the cables can be routed through the projection193. Portions of the sealant can be carried on each shell piece or body portion.

In certain examples, the projection193has a base end unitarily formed with the main enclosure body191. In some examples, the second shell piece or body portion of the projection193at least partially defines the externally accessible ports194. In other examples, the externally accessible ports are fully formed by the first shell piece or first body portion.

In certain implementations, the enclosure190includes multiple projections193. In the example shown, the enclosure190includes four projections193. In other examples, the enclosure190can include a lesser or greater number (e.g., one, two, three, five, six, eight, ten, twelve, sixteen etc.) of projections193. In some examples, all of the projections193are disposed at a common wall of the enclosure190. In other examples, the projections193are distributed over at least two walls. In certain examples, the projections193extend outwardly from four sides of the enclosure190.

Having described the preferred aspects and implementations of the present disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.