Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/EP2457116B1/en
Timestamp: 2018-04-19 21:36:05
Document Index: 789174740

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 205', 'arts 205', 'arts 205', 'arts 205', 'art 229', 'art 227', 'arts 305', 'arts 305', 'art 311']

EP2457116B1 - Connector device and method for producing a furcated fibre optic cable - Google Patents
EP2457116B1
EP2457116B1 EP20100732739 EP10732739A EP2457116B1 EP 2457116 B1 EP2457116 B1 EP 2457116B1 EP 20100732739 EP20100732739 EP 20100732739 EP 10732739 A EP10732739 A EP 10732739A EP 2457116 B1 EP2457116 B1 EP 2457116B1
EP2457116A1 (en )
Cables containing multiple optical fibres are often required for installation and it is common for the cables to be furcated to separate out the individual fibres, or subunits of multi-fibre cables, to connect them to telecommunications / networking units such as patch panels. The individual fibres are too brittle and lack sufficient strength to connect to the patch panel without some form of additional protection. This is often true even when the individual fibres are individually sheathed within the multi-fibre cable since the sheaths used are designed to protect the fibres within the multi-fibre cable structure and not when individually exposed. Typically furcated cables are manufactured by removing a section of an outer sheath/jacket of a multi-fibre cable to expose the individual fibres. Each fibre is then threaded into a new outer sheath that has the required strength, for example because it includes strengthening fibres, such as Aramid fibres. The fibres can be threaded individually into separate sheaths or alternatively several fibres can be threaded into a single sheath. This is a very time consuming process, and hence expensive, and contributes to a significant proportion of the lead time from the installer placing the order to the cables being delivered on site.
Known connectors are disclosed in FR2670303 , US6389214 , WO00/08498 , DE4214039 , FR2676287 and FR2662270 .
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a connector device for connecting a first fibre optic cable to a plurality of second fibre optic cables according to claim 1.The connector device includes a casing having a first opening arranged to receive the first fibre optic cable, a second opening arranged to receive the plurality of second fibre optic cables, a cavity that connects the first and second openings such that a fibre connection can be made between the first fibre optic cable and the plurality of second cables, and first and second parts that are connectable to each other; and securing means for securing the casing to the first fibre optic cable and to the plurality of second fibre optic cables such that when secured thereto the casing transfers tensile loads between the cables, wherein the securing means includes a furcation member that is arranged to receive and support the plurality of second fibre optic cables.
Advantageously the furcation member includes a protruding portion that is arranged such that the strengthening members contained within the plurality of fibre optic cables can be clamped thereto. For example, some fibre optic cables include fibrous strengthening members, such as Aramid fibres, that surround the optical fibre. These fibres can be exposed by removing a portion of cable sheathing and clamping them to the protruding portion, for example by crimping or with some other kind of clamping element. Preferably the protruding portion is substantially axially aligned with the bores. Preferably the protruding portion extends from a central portion of one of the first and second end faces. The protruding portion may optionally include at least one formation such as at least one rib or recess to improve the retaining function of the clamping member. For low tensile applications, fibre optic cables that do not include strengthening elements can be used and these types of cables do not require a protruding portion. These types of cables are preferably fixed to the casing by bonding them to the furcation member with a suitable cement such as an epoxy resin or other type of suitable adhesive.
Advantageously the securing means includes means for clamping strengthening members in the first fibre optic cable to the connector device.
This arrangement has the advantage that as the tensile load applied to the fibre optic cables increases so does the clamping load applied to the strengthening members since the strengthening members act on the clamping member to pull it along the tail portion in the direction of increasing diameter thereby squeezing the strengthening members between the annular clamping member and the tail portion. Typically the taper angle is in the range 5 to 15 degrees. Advantageously the tail portion may optionally include at least one formation such as at least one rib or recess to improve the retaining function of the clamping member. Alternatively the tail portion can be substantially smooth. For low tensile loading applications, a multi-fibre optical cable can be used that does not include strengthening elements. In this application, the connector member cable does not require channels formed in the shoulder portion. These types of cables are preferably fixed to the casing by bonding them to the connector member with a suitable cement such as an epoxy resin. Advantageously the tubular body can include at least one aperture formed therein to enable cement to be inserted into the body to bond the connector member to the first fibre optic cable. Preferably the tubular body includes a plurality of apertures and each aperture is arranged substantially orthogonal to the bore.
Advantageously the connector device can include means for clamping, or otherwise attaching, a wire-like fibre optic cable strengthening member to the connector device. Advantageously the means can include a first clamping member that is arranged to receive the strengthening member from an axial direction and a second clamping member that is arranged to clamp the strengthening member to the first clamping member in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction. Advantageously the first clamping member can include the pillar that is used to connect the first and second parts of the casing together. This helps to keep the number of parts in the connector device to a low number. The pillar can include a bore formed therein that is arranged substantially orthogonal to the threaded bore, the arrangement being such that when the strengthening member is located in the bore, it is clamped to the pillar by inserting screw elements into the threaded bore. Since the pillar is fixed to the casing by the screw elements, the first fibre optic cable is also fixed to the casing.
Advantageously the first fibre optic cable can include at least one of: fibrous strengthening members and a wire-like strengthening member, such as a central metallic cord, plastic cord or fibre reinforced plastic cord, and wherein at least one of the strengthening members is clamped, or otherwise connected, to the connector device such that tensile loads are transferred between the first fibre optic cable and the connector device mainly through the strengthening members.
Advantageously the fibre optic cable assembly can include a plurality of third fibre optic cables and at least one further connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 20 connected to one of the second fibre optic cables and the plurality of third fibre optic cables.
This provides a second furcation stage. It will be apparent to the skilled person that additional furcation stages can be applied if required. Advantageously the first, second and/or third fibre optic cables can have different constructions, for example the number of fibres, the arrangement of strengthening members and protective sheaths.
Advantageously a fibre optic cable assembly having a plurality of furcation junctures can be provided, wherein at each of first and second furcation junctures there is provided a connector device including a casing having first and second openings, a cavity that connects the first and second openings, and first and second parts that are connectable to each other; and securing means for securing the casing to a first fibre optic cable and to a plurality of second fibre optic cables, and/or plurality of cable sheaths, such that when secured thereto the casing transfers tensile loads between the cables, wherein the securing means includes a furcation member that is arranged to receive and support the plurality of second fibre optic cables, and/or the plurality of cable sheaths.
The first fibre optic cable can include a wire-like strengthening member, such as a metallic or fibre reinforced plastic cord, and the method includes clamping the wire-like strengthening member to the connector device.
Figure 3 is an isometric view of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the invention;
Figures 4a to 4e are views of a casing from the connector device of Figure 3;
Figures 5a to 5d are views of a support column from the connector device of Figure 3;
Figures 6a to 6d are views of a furcation support element from the connector device of Figure 3;
Figures 7a to 7d are views of a multi-fibre cable connector element from the connector device of Figure 3;
Figure 10a and 10b show alternative furcation cable support elements, in accordance with the invention, whereas Figures 10c and 10d show furcation cable support elements that are not part of the invention;
Figures 11a to 11d show two alternative multi-fibre optical cable connector elements;
Figures 12a to 12d show two alternative support columns;
Figures 13a to 13c show a first alternative casing;
Figures 14a to 14d show a second alternative casing;
Figures 15a and 15b show a second embodiment of the invention that includes a passive optical element;
Figures 16a and 16n show a third embodiment of the invention that does not include a multi-fibre cable connector element; and
Figures 17a to 17f show a furcation arrangement having first and second furcation stages A,E, wherein Figure 17b is an enlarged view of the first furcation stage A,
Figure 17d is an enlarged view of the second furcation stage E, and Figure 17f is an enlarged view of the second furcation stage E in an alternative arrangement.
Figure 1 is an example of a first type of multi-fibre optic cable 1. The cable includes an outer jacket 3, which is typically a low smoke zero halogen jacket, e-glass non-metallic strength members 5 (which also act as a water blocking layer) an absorbent tape 7 for absorbing moisture/water, eight multi-fibre subunits 9, each having a helical core binder 11 and twelve 250µm fibres 13 each having a plastics material sheath 15, and a gel-filled core 17. The cable 1 also includes a central strength member 19 that is made from fibre reinforced plastic and has an outer jacket 21, an absorbent thread 23 and a rip cord 25. This type of cable 1 carries a large number of fibres, 96 are shown in Figure 1. However, it will be apparent to the skilled person that a different number of subunits 9 can be included within the outer jacket 3 and a different number of fibres 13 can be included in each subunit 9.
An alternative type of multi-fibre cable 101 is shown in Figure 2. That cable 101 includes an outer jacket 103, water blocking Aramid strength members 105, an inner tube 109 for blocking water and sixteen 250µm optical fibres 113, each having a plastic sheath 115.
Figure 3 shows a connector device 203 for providing additional mechanical strength for a multi-fibre cable 1,101 at a furcation juncture. The connector device 203 includes a casing 205 having first and second parts 205a,205b, a connector column 207, a cable furcation support element 209, a cable connector element 211 and a clamping element 213.
The casing 205 is tubular and has a substantially cylindrical form that is open at each end 204,206. The casing is elongate and comprises first and second similar parts 205a,205b that are releasably connectable to each other. Having substantially identical first and second parts 205a,205b reduces the manufacturing cost. The cylindrical body is split longitudinally across its diameter into two halves. The casing has a typical length in the range 50 to 70mm, and preferably approximately 60mm and a diameter in the range 5 to 25mm.
Each part of the casing 205a, 205b includes a first recess 215 for receiving the furcation support element 209 formed in the interior face of the curved wall 216 of the casing. The recess 215 includes a first channel 217 formed in the internal face of the curved wall 216 that is contiguous with the first recess 215 and is arranged substantially perpendicular thereto and substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the casing. Each part of the casing 205a,205b includes a second recess 219 that is arranged to receive a part of the connector element 211 and is formed on the internal face of the casing 216. The second recess 219 includes a second channel 221 that is contiguous with the recess 219 and arranged substantially co-axially with the first channel 217. When the two halves of the casing 205a, 205b are positioned together the first and second recesses 215,219 are substantially annular, the first channels 217 are arranged substantially diametrically opposite each other, as are the second channels 219.
Each part of the casing 205a,205b includes a through hole 223 that extends through the curved wall 216 of the casing and is arranged centrally along the length of the casing 205. When the two halves of the casing 205a, 205b are fitted together the holes 223 are substantially axially aligned. The support column 207 is arranged to fit between the holes 223 and includes an internal thread 210 at each end to receive a screw element (not shown) for fixing the two parts 205a, 205b of the casing together, that is one screw element at each end (see Figures 3 and 5a to 5d).
The cable connector element 211 includes a frusto-conical portion 227 and a cylindrical portion 229 having four slots 231 formed in its outer surface (see Figures 7a to 7d). The slots 231 are evenly distributed about the circumference of the cylindrical portion 229, with each pair being substantially diametrically opposite each other. The cylindrical portion 229 also includes two tabs 233 extending from an end face 235 thereof. The tabs 233 are arranged substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cable connector element 211 and extend in the opposite direction to the frusto-conical portion 227. The cable connector element 211 includes a central bore 237 that extends through the frusto-conical and cylindrical portions 227,229. The angle of inclination 9 of the conical portion 227 is typically in the range 5 to 15 degrees.
Figures 6a-6d show views of the furcation support element 209. The furcation support element includes a cylindrical body 239 having first and second end faces 241,243 and a plurality of holes formed through the body 239 from the first end face 241 to the second end face 243. In the arrangement shown in Figure 6d there are twelve through holes 245 that are arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body 239. The holes are arranged in two sets of six, wherein adjacent holes overlap with each other, as can be seen in Figure 6d. The overlapping arrangement ensures that there is sufficient space for each cable. The holes 245 are for receiving fibre optic cables 220 (see Figures 9a and 9b), which can be multi-fibre cables or single fibre cables. The size and arrangement of the holes 245 is dependent upon the type of fibre optic cable being used (some alternative fiircation elements are shown in Figures 10a-10d for different types of cable - see below). The furcation support element 209 includes first and second tabs 247 extending from the peripheral portion of the second end face 243. The tabs 247 are arranged diametrically opposite each other. A shaft 249 protrudes from a central portion of the first end face 241 and is arranged substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body 239. The shaft 249 includes a series of ribs 251, the arrangement of the shaft and ribs 249,251 enables strengthening members of the fibre optic cables 220 to be attached thereto by crimping or some other fixing arrangement. The furcation support element 209 is arranged to fit into the casing 205 such that the cylindrical body 239 fits into the first recess 215, the tabs 247 fit into the first channels 217, and the shaft 249 is located within the tubular casing. The first recess 215 fixes the axial position of the furcation support element 209 relative to the casing. The tabs 247 interact with the first channels 217 to prevent the furcation support element 209 from rotating relative to the casing 205. The cylindrical part 229 of the connector element 211 is arranged to fit into the second recess 219 such that the tabs 233 fit into the second channels 221 and the tail portion extends through the opening in the casing 204. The second recess 217 fixes the axial position of the connector element 211 relative to the casing and the interaction of the tabs 233 with the second channels 221 prevents the connector element 211 from rotating relative to the casing 205. Both the furcation and connector elements 209,211 can be removed from the casing when the casing is opened.
Figures 9a to 9b show a multi-fibre fibre optic cable 1;101 at a first furcation site A. In Figure 9b the fibre optic cable 101 is shown by way of example to illustrate the detail, however it will be appreciated by the skilled person that it can be replaced by the fibre optic cable 1, or some other type of cable. This arrangement is manufactured by starting with the multi-fibre cable 101, hereinafter referred to as the input cable, and removing a section of the outer jacket 103 to expose the individual cable units 9 or fibres 113 (see Figure 9e: 250). The individual fibres 113 may be sheathed 115 or unsheathed. Pre-existing optical fibres 220, herein after referred to as the output cables 220, each having at least one output fibre 222, are provided. Sections of the output fibres 222 are exposed by removing sections of outer sheathing. The input and output fibres 113,222 are treated to remove any external coatings and are cleaned with a suitable solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol (see Figure 9e: 252). The clamping ring 213 is threaded onto the multi-fibre cable 101. The cable connector element 211 is then threaded onto the input cable 101. The output cables 220 are pushed through the holes 245 in the furcation support element 209 (see Figure 9e: 254). The ends of the fibres 113,222 are then cleaved to provide good quality connecting faces (see Figure 9e: 256). Individual input fibres 113 are then aligned with corresponding individual output fibres 222 on a fusion splicing machine, such as a Fitel S122M12 fusion splicing machine produced by The Furukawa Electric CO., LTD. The fibres 113,222 are then fused together, on a one input fibre 113 to one output fibre 222 basis, by the fusion splicing machine. A heat shrink protective coating is then applied to each joint. This process is repeated until each of the input fibres 113 is connected to an output fibre 222 (see Figure 9e: 258).
The fibrous strengthening members 105 of the input cable 101 are then pulled over the cylindrical body 229 of the cable connector element 211 such that they lie within the slots 231 and extend over the frusto-conical tail 227. The clamping ring 213 is then forced over the fibrous strengthening members 105 onto the frusto-conical tail 227 thereby clamping the strengthening members to the cable connector element 211. The fibrous strength members of the output cables 220 are wrapped around the shaft 249 on the furcation support element 209 and are crimped thereto with a crimping element 253 (see Figure 9e: 260).
The casing 205 is then applied to house the exposed fibres 113,222, the cable connector element 211 and the furcation support element 209 (see Figure 9e: 252). The casing is closed by providing the support column 207 and screwing the two halves of the casing 205a,205b together by inserting screws into the holes 223 and attaching the halves of the casing 205a,205b to the column 207. When the casing 205 is secured it provides additional mechanical strength at the furcation site A to resist tensile forces and also provides a protective shell for the exposed fibres 113,222. The arrangement of the support column 207 is such that the fibres 113,222 are not kinked or bent through too tight a radius which prevents degradation of optical signals from occurring since the fibres are arranged within acceptable limits. If the cables 101,220 are pulled, for example during installation the loads are transferred from the strengthening fibres 105 to the cable connector element 211, the casing 205, the furcation support element 209 and hence to the fibrous strengthening members of the cables 220. This provides a very strong connection which prevents the fibres 113,220 from being damaged when large loads are applied during installation. At the input end, the arrangement of the clamping element is such that applying a load to the input cable 101 causes the fibres 105, to pull the clamping element 213 further up the frusto-conical tail 237 thereby increasing the clamping load on the fibres 105.
Figures 10a and 10b show alternative furcation support elements 209 that fall within the scope of the invention. The furcation elements of Figures 10c and 10d are not part of the invention to the extent that they do not include a shaft similar to shaft 249. The number and sizes of the holes formed through the body are determined by the number of fibres to be furcated, for example Figures 10a and 10c show two arrangements for 24 fibres, Figure 10b shows an arrangement for receiving 6 subunits 9. It can also be seen in Figures 10c and 10d that it is not necessary to include a shaft 249. For example in the arrangements shown in Figures 10c and 10d the individual fibres can be bonded into place using an epoxy resin instead of binding fibre strength elements to the shaft 251. These are particularly useful in applications where the tensile loading applied to the cables is low.
Figures 11a to 11d show two alternative cable connector elements (a second version shown in Figures 11a and 11b and a third version shown in Figures 11c and 11d). The cable connector element 211b includes holes 257 in its tail. The holes 257 allow epoxy resin, or similar, to be injected into the interior of the casing in order to further secure the cable 1;101 in place. This is however an additional bonding means it is not the main means for transferring loads, which is still via cable strengthening members 5,19;105 and the casing 205. It can also be seen that the cable connector element 211 b does not include slots formed in the cylindrical part. This type of connector element 211b is used for cables having only central strengthening members 19 or when it is desirable to use only the central strengthening member 19.
The tail part 227c of the third version of the cable connector elements 211c includes ribs 228 to enable the fibrous strength members 5; 105 to be crimped thereto with a crimping element.
Figures 12a to 12d show two alterative versions of the support column 207b;207c. The main difference between the first support column 207 and the second support column 207b is that it includes a hole 208b that is arranged substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the column. The second version 208b is arranged to be used with cables 1 that include a central strength member 19. In this arrangement, the central strength member is arranged to extend into the hole 208b and to be clamped in place by the screw elements when the casing 205a, 250b is secured to the column 207b. The third version of the column 207c is similar to the second version except that instead of having a circular cross section the column has a more oval or elongate cross-section. When the third support column 207c is used a flat 261 is formed in the inner face 216 of the curved wall of each part of the casing 1205a, 1205b to seat the column 207c (see Figures 13a to 13c).
Figures 14a to 14d show an alternative casing 2205. The casing is made from a plastics material such as Nylon, and preferably Nylon 6-6 with a 15% glass fill, and has a snap fit arrangement. Otherwise, it is similar to the casing 205 for the first embodiment. The snap fit arrangement includes a recess 2206 formed in a central region of the curved wall and arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the casing and a complementary ridge 2208 formed opposite. The casing 2205 also includes protrusions 2210 and recesses 2212 that are arranged to receive the protrusions 2210 on the opposing part. The inventors have found that the plastics casing provides sufficient mechanical strength for typical installations and is significantly cheaper to produce than an aluminium casing.
Figures 15a and 15b show a furcation site A including a passive optical device 263 that is connected to the input cable 1;101 adjacent the cable connector element 211. The output fibres 222 are connected to the passive optical device 263 and exit the casing 2205 via the furcation support device 209d. The passive optical device may be for example a splitter wherein a single fibre is connected at the input side to the splitter 263, multiple output fibres 222 are connected to the output side of the splitter 263 and wherein the signal carried by the individual input fibre is transferred to each of the individual outgoing fibres 222, albeit the signal power being reduced. Alternatively, the passive optical device 263 can be a wave division multiplexer (WDM) or alternatively a wave division demultiplexer (WDD). Other suitable passive optical devices 263 can be located in the casing. Each of the output fibres 222 can include a connector element 224, for example for connecting to the rear of a patch panel.
Figures 16a to 16n show an embodiment 303 for a controlled flexibility cable that is not part of the invention to the extent that the furcation element 319 does not include a shaft.. The second connector device 303 includes a casing 305 comprising first and second parts 305a,305b. The casing 305 is made from a plastics material such as Nylon and the first and second parts 305a,305b are arranged to fit together with a snap fit tongue 308 and groove 306 arrangement. The casing has a length of around 50mm and an outside diameter of around 8mm. The casing 305 is hollow and has a multi-fibre cable receiving end 311, which includes a substantially cylindrical bore having a series of annular ribs 314 spaced along the bore and that are arranged to impinge on the cable 1;101 when the first and second halves 305a,305b of the casing are connected together. The ribs 314 fix the relative positions of the cable 1;101 and the casing 305. The multi-fibre cable receiving part 311 of the casing 305 has an internal diameter of around 3.5mm and extends axially through the bore around 20mm.
A substantially octagonal bore extends from the furcation end through the casing until it meets a substantially cylindrical bore. The octagonal bore has a greater width than the diameter of the cylindrical bore. A trough is located within each half of the casing that extends longitudinally in a position proximal to the tongue and groove 308,306. When the second halves of the casing 305a,305b are fixed together, the troughs 316 form a tube having a substantially rectangular cross section. The troughs 316 are arranged to guide and support the fibres 13;113 towards the furcation support element 309.
Figures 17a to 17f show two examples of a two stage furcation arrangement. Figure 17a shows a first multi-fibre cable 1 having six subunits 9, entering into a first connector device 203. The individual fibres from each subunit 9 are connected to equivalent cables 9' by fusion splicing to the subunits 9 in a furcated manner as shown in an enlarged view in Figure 17b, or each fibre is threaded into new sheaths by the traditional method. Each section of fibre optic cable 9' is routed appropriately and is connected to another connector device 203 at a second furcation stage E, as shown in Figure 17c. The cable 9' is fusion spliced to output cables 220 each having a single fibre 222 and is furcated as shown in Figure 17d, or each fibre is threaded into a new sheath by the traditional method. Each of the output cables 220 has a connector 224, for example for connecting to a network or telecommunications device such as the rear of a patch panel. Figures 17e and 17f show a similar arrangement. However, instead of using the connector device of the first embodiment 203 at the second furcation site E, the connector device of the second embodiment 303 is used.
The support column, furcation support element and / or cable connector element can be formed integrally with the casing.
A connector device (203) for connecting a first fibre optic cable (1;101) to a plurality of second fibre optic cables (220), said connector device (203) including a casing (205) having a first opening arranged to receive the first fibre optic cable (1;101), a second opening arranged to receive the plurality of second fibre optic cables (220), a cavity (223) that connects the first and second openings such that a fibre connection can be made between the first fibre optic cable (1,101) and the plurality of second cables (220), and first and second parts (205a,205b) that are connectable to each other; and securing means for securing the casing (205) to the first fibre optic cable (1;101) and to the plurality of second fibre optic cables (220) such that when secured thereto the casing (205) transfers tensile loads between the cables (1;101,220), wherein the securing means includes means for clamping (213) at least one strengthening member (5; 105) in the first fibre optic cable (1;101) to the connector device (203), a furcation member (209) that is arranged to receive and support the plurality of second fibre optic cables (220), said furcation member including a protruding portion (249) that is arranged such that strengthening members contained within the plurality of second fibre optic cables (220) can be clamped thereto and characterised by clamping means (253) for clamping the strengthening members to the protruding portion.
A connector device according to claim 1, wherein the securing means includes a connector member (211) having a tubular body that is arranged to receive the full cross-section of the first fibre optic cable (1;101), the arrangement being such that when the first fibre optic cable (1;101) is inserted into the tubular body from a first end at least one of the strengthening members (5;105) can protrude through a second end of the tubular body and be folded backwards over an external surface of the tubular body and clamped thereto with the clamping member (213).
A connector device according to claim 2, wherein the tubular body (227,237) includes a shoulder portion (229) towards one end and a tail portion (227) towards the other end, the shoulder portion includes at least one formation (231) formed therein for receiving at least one strengthening member (5;105) contained within the first fibre optic cable (1;101), and the tail portion (227) of the tubular body is tapered, or includes a tapered part, and the clamping member (213) is arranged to clamp the strengthening members (5;105) to the taper.
A connector device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the connector member (211) is located towards the first opening of the casing (205) and is a separate component from the casing (205).
A connector device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protruding portion (249) includes at least one formation (251), such as at least one rib or recess, to improve the retaining function of a clamping member (253).
A connector device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the furcation member (209) is located within the casing (205) towards the second opening and is a separate component from the casing.
A connector device according to claim 6, wherein the casing (205) includes a formation, such as a recess (215), that is arranged to receive and interact with at least a part of the furcation member (209) to fix its axial position and/or rotational orientation relative to the casing (205).
A connector device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing (205) is elongate and is arranged such that the first and second parts (205a,205b) are separable from each other along the length of the casing (205), and such that the first and second parts (205a,205b) are releasably connectable to each other.
A connector device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing (205) is made from a plastics material and the first and second parts (205a,205b) of the casing are arranged to snap-fit together.
A connector device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing means including means for clamping, or otherwise attaching, a wire-like fibre optic cable strengthening member (19) to the connector device.
A connector device according to claim 10, wherein the clamping means includes a first clamping member (207b) that is arranged to receive the wire-like strengthening member (19) from an axial direction and a second clamping member that is arranged to clamp the strengthening member to the first clamping member (207b) in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction.
A connector device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the means for clamping the wire-like fibre optic cable strengthening member (19) to the connector device includes a member that is used to connect the first and second parts of the casing together.
A connector device according to any one of the preceding claims, including a passive optical device (263) located within the casing that is connectable with the multi-fibre optical cable (1;101) and the plurality of second optical cables (222), and preferably the passive optical device (263) includes any of the following: a splitter, a wave division multiplexer (WDM) and a wave division demultiplexer (WDD).
A connector device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing is constructed and arranged to clamp directly onto the first fibre optic cable (1;101) and firmly grip the cable (1;101) when the first and second parts (205a,205b) are secured together.
A connector device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing includes at least one formation (225) for attaching the casing to a support member.
A fibre optic cable assembly including a first fibre optic cable (1;101) having at least one strengthening member (5,105), a plurality of second fibre optic cables (220) wherein at least some of the second fibre optic cables (220) include fibrous strengthening members, and a connector device (203) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fibre optic cable (1;101) is connected to at least some of the plurality of second fibre optic cables (220) either directly or via an intermediate component.
A fibre optic cable assembly according to claim 16, including a plurality of third fibre optic cables and at least one further connector device (203) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 connected to one of the second fibre optic cables (220) and the plurality of third fibre optic cables.
A method for producing a furcated fibre optic cable assembly, said method including providing a first fibre optic cable (1;101) comprising a multi-fibre optical cable, exposing a section of the fibres (113) contained therein, providing a plurality of second fibre optic cables (220) and exposing a section of the fibres (222) contained therein, connecting at least some of the fibres (113) in the multi-fibre optical cable to the second fibre optic cables (220), and applying a connector device (203) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 to house the exposed fibres (113,222) and to increase the tensile strength between the first and second cables (1;101,220).
A method according to claim 18, including connecting the multi-fibre optical cable (1;101) to the second fibre optic cables (220) by fusing them together, and preferably using a fusion splicing process.
EP2457116A1 true EP2457116A1 (en) 2012-05-30
EP2457116B1 true EP2457116B1 (en) 2015-11-25