Patent Description:
A FTTH ("Fiber To The Home") network is an optical access network providing a number of end customers with broadband communication services from operators, i.e. with services requiring data transmission at a very high rate, for example of some Mbit/s.

Typically, a FTTH network comprises a termination box or cabinet which cooperates with an access network and which is typically located in the basement of the building where the end users reside. An optical trunk cable, hereinafter referred to as "riser cable", exits the termination box and runs through the building from the basement up to all the building floors.

At each floor of the building, the riser cable may be optically connected to one or more optical cables, hereinafter referred to as "drop cables". Each drop cable typically terminates at its far end into a respective customer optical termination box located within or in proximity of the apartment or office of an end user.

During installation of the optical termination box, the operator has to lay down the drop cable from a distribution cabinet to the apartment of the end user where the operator has to cut the drop cable and connect the optical fibers to optical connectors by means of optical fiber splices.

Therefore, there is a demand from the operator during installation operations to easily and firmly connect the optical cables to the termination box.

<CIT> discloses a cord grip for an electrical accessory in which a first member having a first cable gripping surface is biased towards a second member having a second gripping surface so that the cable to be gripped lies between the gripping surfaces. In order to prevent the gripping surfaces drifting relative to each other in a plane roughly parallel to the gripping planes so that the cable "walks" out of the grip, a protrusion is provided at one end of each gripping surface which extends towards the opposition gripping surface.

<CIT> discloses a clamping device for a cable or the like. The clamping device comprises a clamping part provided with a trapezoidal groove in cross-section, in which the side walls of the groove are provided with downwardly directed saw-toothed projections. The latter are obliquely inclined in the direction of the expected train toward the bottom of the groove.

<CIT> discloses a cam cleat to retain fiber, wire, ropes or cordage by means of complex teeth structure involving pins, spring elements and relative cams blocks.

The above mention gripping devices complicate the installation operations of the optical cable to the termination box. Furthermore, the known devices do not provide a sufficient tension and torsion resistance to the retained optical cable.

The Applicant has tackled the problem of providing a gripping device capable of facilitating insertion operations of cables and providing a firmly engagement between the cable and the device itself, avoiding torsion or movements of the retained cable relative to the gripping device
The Applicant has found that providing taper protrusions speeds up and facilitates the insertion of the cable, avoiding that the cable meets obstacles which could prevent correct insertion of the cables as well as damages of the cable itself.

Therefore, the present invention relates to gripping device for retaining a cable, the gripping device comprising a base, two opposed gripping arms projecting from the base towards respective end portions along an insertion direction and mutually spaced apart along a transversal direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, the gripping arms having retaining portions configured to receive the cable therebetween and insertion portions configured to allow insertion of the cable towards the retaining portions, first protrusions projecting from the retaining portions, extending along a first direction angled with respect to the insertion direction and configured to act on the cable to retain the cable between the retaining portions, wherein the gripping device comprises second protrusions projecting from the insertion portions and extending along a second direction angled with respect the insertion direction, each second protrusion being tapered along the insertion portion towards the respective end portion.

Preferably, each second protrusion projects from the respective insertion portion for a height which tapers towards the respective end portion of the gripping arm along the second direction.

Preferably, the second protrusions define a tapering surface configured to engage the cable to guide the cable towards the retaining portions upon insertion of the cable along the insertion direction.

Each gripping arm extends between a first portion and an opposed second portion along a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and the transversal direction. The gripping arms are configured to receive the cable extending along the longitudinal direction between the first portions and the second portions.

Preferably, the insertion portions mutually approach along the longitudinal direction from the first portions towards the second portions.

Preferably, the retaining portions mutually approach along the longitudinal direction from the first portions towards the second portions to increase the grip of the first protrusions on the cable received between the second portions.

Preferably, the first protrusions are configured to act, along the transversal direction, on the cable received between the retaining portions to retain the cable along the longitudinal direction and prevent rotation of the cable around the longitudinal direction.

Preferably, each first protrusion has a sawtooth or triangular profile with a pointed free end configured to act on the cable to increase the grip on the cable received between the retaining portions.

Preferably, each free end of the first protrusions has a concave profile with concavity facing towards the opposed gripping arm, the concave profile being configured to centre along the insertion direction the cable received between the retaining portions.

Preferably, the first protrusions and the second protrusions are joined at a connection portion and each second protrusion has a sawtooth or triangular profile with a pointed free end at the connection portions.

Preferably, the insertion portions mutually space apart along the insertion direction towards the end portions to guide the cable towards the retaining portions upon insertion of the cable.

Preferably, the retaining portions mutually space apart along the insertion direction towards the base to prevent the cable from moving along the insertion direction towards the end portions when the cable is received between the retaining portions.

Preferably, the gripping arms are configured to elastically deform along the transversal direction and generate an elastic force along the transversal direction and directed towards the cable upon insertion of the cable between the retaining portions.

Preferably, each second protrusion has a width widening along the insertion portion towards the respective end portion to guide the cable towards the retaining portions upon insertion of the cable.

Further characteristics and advantages will become more apparent by reading the following detailed description of some embodiments given as examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

For the purposes of the present description and claims a cable is deemed to be an optical, electrical or hybrid cable. An optical cable comprises one or more optical fiber units, an outer sheath and, optionally, flexible strength members. An electrical cable comprises one or more conductive wire and an outer sheath. A hybrid cable comprises one or more optical cables and one or more electrical cables.

<FIG> shows a gripping device <NUM> for retaining a cable <NUM>.

The gripping device <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> preferably attachable to a box for example a distribution box or electrical box (not shown) to attach the cable <NUM> to the box.

The gripping device <NUM> comprises two opposed gripping arms <NUM>, <NUM> projecting from the base <NUM> towards respective end portions <NUM>, <NUM> along an insertion direction Z-Z, preferably perpendicular to the base <NUM>.

The gripping arms <NUM>, <NUM> are mutually spaced apart along a transversal direction Y-Y perpendicular to the insertion direction Z-Z.

The end portions <NUM>, <NUM> define an insertion opening <NUM> through which the cable <NUM> firstly passes upon insertion of the cable <NUM> along the insertion direction Z-Z between the gripping arms <NUM>, <NUM>.

The gripping arms <NUM>, <NUM> have retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> configured to receive the cable <NUM> therebetween and insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM> configured to allow insertion of the cable <NUM> towards the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> and, preferably, between the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Preferably, the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> are proximate to the base <NUM> and the insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM> are proximate to the end portions <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> are downstream with respect to the insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM> along the insertion direction Z-Z.

As shown in the figures, along the transversal direction Y-Y, the insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM> are mutually spaced apart for an insertion distance Di and the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> are mutually spaced apart for a retaining distance Dr.

Accordingly, the insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM> define therebetween an insertion area <NUM> and retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> define therebetween a retaining area <NUM>.

Each gripping arm <NUM>, <NUM> extends between a first portion <NUM>, <NUM> and an opposed second portion <NUM>, <NUM> along a longitudinal direction X-X perpendicular to the insertion direction Z-Z and the transversal direction Y-Y. Specifically, the gripping arms <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to receive the cable <NUM> extending along the longitudinal direction X-X between the first portions <NUM>, <NUM> and the second portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

In detail, the insertion opening <NUM> is defined at the end portions <NUM>, <NUM> and extends longitudinally between the first portions <NUM>, <NUM> and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> and transversally between the end portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

More preferably, first portions <NUM>, <NUM> and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> define respectively a first <NUM> and a second opening <NUM> for passage of the cable <NUM> along the longitudinal direction X-X. In detail, the gripping arms <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to receive the optical cable <NUM> passing through the first opening <NUM> and second opening <NUM>. More in detail, the first opening <NUM> and second opening <NUM> extend along the insertion direction Z-Z between the base <NUM> and the end portions <NUM>, <NUM> and along the transversal direction Y-Y respectively between the first portions <NUM>, <NUM> and the second portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, the insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM> mutually space apart along the insertion direction Z-Z towards the end portions <NUM>, <NUM> to guide the cable <NUM> towards the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> upon insertion of the cable <NUM> through the insertion opening <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM> mutually diverge along the insertion direction Z-Z towards the end portions <NUM>, <NUM> increasing the insertion distance Di along the insertion direction Z-Z.

In other words, the insertion distance Di between the insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM> gradually increases along the insertion direction Z-Z in order to define a V shaped insertion area <NUM>. By this arrangement, the cable <NUM> is easily inserted between the gripping arms <NUM>, <NUM> at the insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM>. This reduces the installation time of the cable <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, the insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM> mutually approach along the longitudinal direction X-X from the first portions <NUM>, <NUM> towards the second portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM> mutually converge along the longitudinal direction X-X from the first portions <NUM>, <NUM> towards the second portions <NUM>, <NUM> decreasing the insertion distance Di from the first portions <NUM>, <NUM> to the second portion <NUM>, <NUM>.

In other words, the insertion distance Di between the insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM> gradually decreases along the longitudinal direction X-X from the first portions <NUM>, <NUM> to the second portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> mutually space apart along the insertion direction Z-Z towards the base <NUM> to prevent the cable <NUM> from moving along the insertion direction Z-Z towards the end portions <NUM>, <NUM> when the cable <NUM> is received between the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> mutually diverge along the insertion direction Z-Z towards the base <NUM> increasing the retaining distance Dr along the insertion direction Z-Z.

In other words, the retaining distance Dr between the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> gradually increases along the insertion direction Z-Z in order to define an upside-down V shaped retaining area <NUM>. This constrains the cable <NUM> along the insertion direction Z-Z towards the base <NUM> upon undesired movements of the cable <NUM> along the insertion direction Z-Z towards the end portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Accordingly, the cable <NUM> is pushed down along the insertion direction Z-Z towards the base <NUM> upon moving the cable <NUM> along the insertion direction Z-Z towards the end portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> mutually approach along the longitudinal direction X-X from the first portions <NUM>, <NUM> towards the second portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> mutually converge along the longitudinal direction X-X from the first portions <NUM>, <NUM> towards the second portions <NUM>, <NUM> decreasing the retaining distance Dr respectively.

In other words, the retaining distance Dr between the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> gradually decreases along the longitudinal direction X-X from the first portions <NUM>, <NUM> to the second portions <NUM>, <NUM>. This increases the action on the cable <NUM> at the second portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Preferably, the gripping arms <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to elastically deform along the transversal direction Y-Y and generate an elastic force along the transversal direction Y-Y. Specifically, the generated force is directed towards the cable <NUM> upon insertion of the cable <NUM> between the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM>. In detail, the elastic force is directed towards the cable <NUM> received between the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

More preferably, each gripping arm <NUM>, <NUM> comprises an elastic portion <NUM>, <NUM> connected to the base <NUM> and configured to elastically deform the insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM> and the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> along the transversal direction Y-Y upon insertion of the cable <NUM>.

Thanks to the provision of an elastic portion <NUM>, <NUM>, the insertion area <NUM> and the retaining area <NUM> may vary to allow the gripping device <NUM> to receive cables with different diameters. Moreover, the elastic portions <NUM>, <NUM> provide a retaining action on the cable <NUM> received between the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> reducing relative movement between the cable <NUM> and gripping device <NUM>.

Thanks to the approaching of the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> along the longitudinal direction X-X, the gripping arms <NUM>, <NUM> at the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to generate on the cable <NUM> an increasing elastic force along the longitudinal direction X-X from first portions <NUM>, <NUM> to second portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Thanks to the approaching of the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> along the insertion direction Z-Z, the gripping arms <NUM>, <NUM> at the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to generate on the cable <NUM> an increasing elastic force along the insertion direction Z-Z from the base <NUM> to end portions <NUM>, <NUM>. Consequently, the gripping arms <NUM>, <NUM> at the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to counteract movement of the cable <NUM> along the insertion direction Z-Z towards the end portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

The gripping device <NUM> comprises first protrusions <NUM> projecting from the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM>, extending along a first direction A-A angled with respect to the insertion direction Z-Z and configured to act on the cable <NUM> to retain the cable <NUM> between the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Each first protrusion <NUM> projects from the respective retaining portion <NUM>, <NUM> for a height preferably constant along the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Preferably, the first direction A-A is inclined with respect the insertion direction Z-Z by an angle comprised in a range between <NUM>° and <NUM>°.

The first protrusions <NUM> are configured to provide additional torsion resistance avoiding the cable to rotate around the longitudinal direction X-X.

Preferably, the first protrusions <NUM> are configured to translate the cable <NUM> therealong towards the base <NUM> ensuring the retention of the cable <NUM> between the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> when a pull force, at the first portions <NUM>, <NUM> is applied to the retained cable <NUM> along the longitudinal direction X-X.

More preferably, the first protrusions <NUM> are configured to translate the cable <NUM> therealong towards the end portions <NUM>, <NUM> when a push force, at the first portions <NUM>, <NUM>, is applied to the retained cable <NUM> along the longitudinal direction X-X.

Therefore, the approaching of the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> combined with an increase of the elastic load pushes back the cable <NUM> towards the base <NUM> counteracting the push force and ensuring the cable <NUM> between the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

The first protrusions <NUM> are configured to act on the cable <NUM> to retain the cable <NUM> between the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Preferably, the first protrusions <NUM> are configured to act, along the transversal direction Y-Y, on the cable <NUM> received between the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Accordingly, the first protrusions <NUM> are configured to retain the cable <NUM> along the longitudinal direction X-X and to prevent rotation of the cable <NUM> around the longitudinal direction X-X.

According to one embodiment, the approaching of the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> along longitudinal direction X-X from the first portions <NUM>, <NUM> towards the second portions <NUM>, <NUM> allows to increase the grip of the first protrusion <NUM> on the cable <NUM> at the second portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Thanks to the combination of the approaching of the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> along longitudinal direction X-X and the first protrusions <NUM>, the gripping device <NUM> provides suitable tension and torsion resistance along the retained cable <NUM>.

Preferably, the first protrusion <NUM> has a sawtooth or triangular profile with a pointed free end <NUM> configured to act on the cable <NUM> to increase the grip on the cable <NUM> received between retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

More preferably, each free end <NUM> of the first protrusions <NUM> has a concave profile <NUM> with concavity facing towards the opposed gripping arm <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, the concave profile <NUM> is configured to centre along the insertion direction Z-Z the cable <NUM> received between the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The concave profile <NUM> has a slight radius, preferably in a range between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The gripping device <NUM> comprises second protrusions <NUM> projecting from the insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM> and extending along a second direction B-B angled with respect the insertion direction Z-Z.

Each second protrusion <NUM> is tapered along the respective insertion portion <NUM>, <NUM> towards the respective end portion <NUM>, <NUM>.

Preferably, the second direction B-B is inclined with respect the insertion direction Z-Z by an angle comprised in a range between <NUM>° and <NUM>°.

More preferably, each second protrusion <NUM> projects from the respective insertion portion <NUM>, <NUM> for a height which tapers towards the respective end portion <NUM>, <NUM> of the gripping arm <NUM>, <NUM>, along the second direction B-B. Specifically, the height of the second protrusions <NUM> gradually decreases along the second directions B-B from a starting height to a final height.

According to the preferred embodiment, the final height is zero while the starting height is comprised in range between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The second protrusions <NUM> define a tapering surface <NUM> configured to engage the cable <NUM> to guide the cable <NUM> towards the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> upon insertion of the cable <NUM> along the insertion direction Z-Z.

Thanks to the tapering surface <NUM> the cable <NUM>, upon insertion through the insertion opening <NUM>, easily slides along the insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM>. This reduces installation time and damages on the cable <NUM>.

According to preferred embodiment, the first direction A-A is inclined with respect to the second direction B-B by angle comprised in a range between -<NUM>° and <NUM>°.

According to one embodiment, the first protrusions <NUM> and the second protrusions <NUM> are joined at a connection portion <NUM>, <NUM>.

Thanks to the joint between the first protrusion <NUM> and second protrusions <NUM>, the cable <NUM> is able to slide smoothly from the insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM> to the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> along the insertion direction Z-Z.

Preferably, each second protrusion <NUM> has a sawtooth or triangular profile with a pointed free end <NUM> at the connection portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The same sawtooth or triangular profile of the first <NUM> and second protrusions <NUM> simplifies manufacturing of the gripping device <NUM>.

More preferably, the first protrusions <NUM> and the second protrusions <NUM> have the same height at the connection portion <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, the height of the first protrusions <NUM> is equal to the starting height of the second protrusion <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, each second protrusion <NUM> has a width widening along the insertion portion <NUM>, <NUM> towards the respective end portion <NUM>, <NUM> to guide the cable <NUM> towards the retaining portions <NUM>, <NUM> upon insertion of the cable <NUM>. Preferably, the width of each second protrusion <NUM> widens from the pointed free end <NUM> towards the retaining portion <NUM>, <NUM>.

Accordingly, the widening of the second protrusions <NUM> widens the tapering surface <NUM> allowing the second protrusions <NUM> to better engage the cable at the insertion portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

According to the invention, the gripping devices <NUM> can be realized in one piece in plastic material or in metal. Preferably, the gripping devices <NUM> is produced through injection moulding process. More preferably, one or more gripping device <NUM> are mutually connected at the base <NUM> along the transversal direction Y-Y as shown in <FIG>.

Claim 1:
A gripping device (<NUM>) for retaining a cable (<NUM>), the gripping device (<NUM>) comprising:
- a base (<NUM>),
- two opposed gripping arms (<NUM>, <NUM>) projecting from the base (<NUM>) towards respective end portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) along an insertion direction (Z-Z) and mutually spaced apart along a transversal direction (Y-Y) perpendicular to the insertion direction (Z-Z), the end portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining an insertion opening (<NUM>) through which the cable (<NUM>) firstly passes upon insertion of the cable (<NUM>) along the insertion direction (Z-Z) between the gripping arms (<NUM>, <NUM>), the gripping arms (<NUM>, <NUM>) having retaining portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to receive a cable therebetween and insertion portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to allow insertion of a cable (<NUM>) towards the retaining portions (<NUM>, <NUM>), the gripping arms (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending between a first portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) and an opposed second portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) along a longitudinal direction (X-X) perpendicular to the insertion direction (Z-Z) and the transversal direction (Y-Y) to receive therebetween the cable (<NUM>) extending along the longitudinal direction (X-X),
- first protrusions (<NUM>) projecting from the retaining portions (<NUM>, <NUM>), extending along a first direction (A-A) angled with respect to the insertion direction (Z-Z) and configured to act on a cable (<NUM>) to retain a cable (<NUM>) between the retaining portions (<NUM>, <NUM>),
- second protrusions (<NUM>) projecting from the insertion portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) and extending along a second direction (B-B) angled with respect the insertion direction (Z-Z), each second protrusion (<NUM>) being tapered along the insertion portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) towards the respective end portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) and
- the first protrusions (<NUM>) and the second protrusions (<NUM>) are joined at a connection portion (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein
- each gripping arm (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises an elastic portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) connected to the base (<NUM>) and configured to elastically deform the insertion portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the retaining portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) along the transversal direction (Y-Y) upon insertion of a cable (<NUM>);
- the gripping device (<NUM>) is realized in one piece in plastic or in metal material.