Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an optical fiber distribution system, including a rack, and elements which populate the rack, including fiber terminations, patching, fiber splitters, and fiber splices.

Background of the Invention

Optical fiber distribution systems include fiber terminations and other equipment which is typically rack mounted. Various concerns exist for the optical fiber distribution systems, including density, ease of use, and cable management. There is a continuing need for improvements in the optical fiber distribution area.

Summary of the Invention

One implementation of a system in accordance with the examples of the disclosure includes a building block element mountable to a rack or other structure. The element includes a chassis and a movable tray. The tray is movably mounted to the chassis with a slide mechanism that allows the tray to slide relative to the chassis. The slide mechanism includes a synchronized movement feature for managing the cables extending to and from the tray, such that cable pull at the entry and exit locations is reduced or eliminated as the tray is moved.

One synchronized movement feature includes gears, including a rack and pinion system. Another synchronized movement feature includes wheels and wires.

The tray preferably includes mounting structures for holding cable terminations, splitters, and/or splices. One mounting structure includes an open shaped frame member for connector access. In one example, two frame members are provided, one positioned over the other. For improved access, the frame members are hingedly mounted to the tray. In a termination arrangement, the adapters are arranged so that the connector axes are horizontal and extend in a perpendicular direction to the direction of travel for the tray.

Each frame member can be populated with adapter blocks. Pathways guide cables to the adapter ports of the adapter blocks for fiber optic cables terminated with connectors to be received therein. The cables follow a general S-shaped pathway from a side of each element to the adapter blocks. The S-shaped pathway includes two levels inside of the tray to segregate cables between the two frame members. Various flanges and radius limiters can be provided to assist with cable management.

The elements can be stacked in a column with each tray mounted horizontally, or used in a group or block mounted vertically. In the case of a column of elements, a selected tray is pulled outward to access the desired tray, and then the frame members on the tray can be pivoted as needed.

One side of each element can be for patch cables, and the opposite side can be for cable termination of an incoming cable, such as a distribution cable or a feeder cable. Because of the synchronized movement feature, cables can be secured along the sides of the elements and still allow for sliding movement of the trays without a need for large amounts or any cable slack.

The tray and the frame members allow for easy top and bottom access to connectors on either side of the adapters. Openings are provided in the tray bottom for hand access if desired.

The cable mounts for the distribution cables or feeder cables can be snap mounted to the elements and/or mounted in a longitudinal slide mount, and include strength member clamps and cable clamps.

Groupings of loose cables can be managed with cable wraps or other cable guides such as flexible troughs.

The elements can be configured as desired and form building blocks for an optical fiber distribution system (ODF).

When the elements are mounted in a column in a rack, the cables can be placed in vertical cable guides to enter and exit the selected element. The example rack is front accessible, however, the elements can be used racks, frames, cabinets or boxes including in arrangements where rear access is desirable or useful. Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an optical fiber distribution element in accordance of aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is a top view of the element of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the element of Figure 1 showing the tray pulled forward from the chassis;

Figure 4 shows one of the tray frame members pivoted upwardly from the tray; Figure 5 shows a second frame member pivoted upwardly relative to the tray; Figure 6 shows a portion of a cable management area of the element of Figure 1 ; Figure 7 shows a similar view to Figure 6, with one of the frame members pivoted upwardly;

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of an element with different cable management at the entry points;

Figure 9 shows three of the elements of Figure 8 mounted in a block formation, with cable radius limiters at the entry point mounted in an alternative position;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the block of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a view of the block of Figure 9, with the tray of the middle element pulled forward for access to the fiber terminations;

Figure 12 shows an enlarged portion of an entry point for one of the elements with a cable radius limiter in a first position;

Figure 13 shows a similar view as in Figure 12, with the cable radius limiter positioned in an alternate position;

Figure 14 shows an exploded view of a cable mount;

Figure 15 shows an element with a cable mount on one side, and a cable radius limiter on an opposite side;

Figure 16 shows an alternative cable mount; Figures 17-29 show various views of the elements shown in Figures 1-16 including additional details and cable routings shown for illustration purposes;

Figure 30 shows an alternative embodiment of a block of two alternative elements;

Figure 31 shows a tray pulled forward from the chassis of one of the elements of the block of Figure 30;

Figure 32 shows the tray extended forward as in the view of Figure 31 , with one of the frame members pivoted upwardly;

Figure 33 is a view similar to the view of Figure 32, with a second frame member pivoted upwardly;

Figure 34 shows a block including two elements;

Figure 35 shows an exploded view of the two elements of the block of

Figure 34;

Figure 36 shows a single element;

Figure 37 shows an exploded view of the element of Figure 36;

Figure 38 shows the element of Figure 37, without the top cover;

Figure 39 is a top view of the element of Figure 38;

Figure 40 is an alternative view of the element of Figure 38, showing alternative devices at the cable entry points;

Figure 41 is a top view of the element of Figure 40;

Figure 42 shows an alternative embodiment of an element in a top view with an alternative synchronized movement feature;

Figure 43 is a perspective view of the element of Figure 42;

Figures 44 and 45 show movement of the various components of the

synchronized movement feature of Figures 42 and 43;

Figures 46 and 47 show an element with an alternative radius limiter at the cable entry and exit locations;

Figures 48 and 49 show an element with alternative radius limiters on the slide mechanism;

Figure 50 shows a pair of elements in a stacked configuration, the elements shown with another alternative radius limiter on the slide mechanism; and Figure 51 is a top view of one of the elements of Figure 50 illustrating the alternative radius limiter.

Detailed Description

Referring now to Figures 1-16, various embodiments of an optical fiber distribution element 10, or element 10, are shown. The elements 10 can be individually mounted as desired to telecommunications equipment including racks, frames, or cabinets. The elements 10 can be mounted in groups or blocks 12 which forms a stacked arrangement. In one embodiment, a vertical stack of elements 10 populates an optical fiber distribution rack.

Each element 10 holds fiber terminations, or other fiber components including fiber splitters and/or fiber splices. In the case of fiber terminations, incoming cables are connected to outgoing cables through connectorized cable ends which are connected by adapters, as will be described below.

Each element includes a chassis 20 and a movable tray 24. Tray 24 is movable with a slide mechanism 30 including one or more gears 32 and a set of two toothed racks or linear members 34.

Slide mechanism 30 provides for synchronized movement for managing the cables extending to and from tray 24. Entry points 36 on either side of chassis 20 allow for fixation of the input and output cables associated with each element 10. The radius limiters 38 associated with each slide mechanism 30 move in synchronized movement relative to chassis 20 and tray 24 to maintain fiber slack, without causing fibers to be bent, pinched, or pulled.

Each tray 24 includes mounting structure 50 defining one or more of fiber terminations, fiber splitters, fiber splices, or other fiber components. As shown, mounting structure 50 holds adapters 52 which allow for interconnection of two connectorized ends of cables. Each tray 24 includes one or more frame members 56. In the example shown, two frame members 56 are provided. As illustrated, each frame member 56 is T-shaped. Also, each tray 24 includes two frame members 56 which are hingedly mounted at hinges 58. A top frame member 62 is positioned above a bottom frame member 64. The mounting structure 50 associated with each frame member 62, 64 includes one or more integrally formed adapter blocks 70. Adapter blocks 70 include a plurality of adapter ports for interconnecting to fiber optic connectors 72. A pathway 76 defines a generally S-shape from radius limiters 38 to adapter blocks 70. As shown, pathway 76 includes an upper level 78 and a lower level 80 in the interior. A portion 84 of pathway 76 is positioned adjacent to hinges 58 to avoid potentially damaging cable pull during pivoting movement of frame members 56. Flanges 86 and radius limiters 90 help maintain cables 74 in pathways 76.

Tray 24 includes openings 96 to allow for technician access to the cable terminations at adapter blocks 70. In addition, the T-shapes of frame members 56 further facilitate technician access to the connectors 72.

Cables 74 extending to and from element 10 can be affixed with a cable mount 100 as desired. Additional protection of the fiber breakouts can be handled with cable wraps 102. Radius limiters 106 can be additionally used to support and protect the cables 74.

Referring now to Figures 17-29, various examples of cable routings are illustrated for element 10.

If desired, more than one feeder cable can supply cabling to more than one element 10.

Referring now to Figures 30-41, various additional embodiments of elements 210 are shown. Element 210 includes a chassis 220 in a movable tray 224 mounted with a slide mechanism 230 which promotes synchronized movement of radius limiters 238. Each tray 224 includes two hingedly mounted frame members 256. Each frame member 256 has a middle portion 260 separated by openings 262 from side portions 264. Middle portion 260 can hold fiber terminations. Side portions 264 include radius limiters 270. Cover 266 goes over tray 224. Latches 268 latch tray 224 to cover 266 in the closed position.

A pathway 276 extends from either side from tray 224 to supply cables to each of trays 224. An upper level 278 and a lower level 280 supply the respective frame members 256 with cabling. A general S-shaped pathway 276 is defined wherein the pathway 276 passes close to hinges 258.

A dovetail 288 is used to hold cable mounts 286 and radius limiters 284. An opening 290 in tray 224 allows for connector access by the technician.

Similarly, openings 262 on each frame member 256 allow for technician access to the individual connectors.

To form a block 292 of plural elements 210, bars 294 and fasteners 296 are used. Bars 294 give a small spacing between each element 210.

Referring now to Figures 42-45, an alternative slide mechanism 330 is shown in alternative element 310. Slide mechanism 330 allows for movement of the trays and related radius limiters and synchronized movement similar to slide mechanism 30, 230. Alternative slide mechanism 330 includes two wheels 332 and two wires 334, 336. The wheels 332 are located on second part 342. The wires are looped in opposite directions and are connected to the first part 340 and the third part 344.

Referring now to Figures 46 and 47, an alternative radius limiter 420 is shown on alternative element 410. Radius limiter 420 includes friction members 430 which limit the amount of sliding movement of cables passing through radius limiter 420, to assist with cable management. Friction members 430 include flexible fingers which press lightly on the cables in radius limiter 420 to reduce or eliminate sliding movement of the cables in the radius limiter 420.

Referring now to Figures 48 and 49, an alternative element 510 is shown with a slide mechanism 530 which allows for synchronized movement of radius limiters 538 for cable management. Radius limiters 538 are also provided with a pivot feature to allow them to pivot rearwardly as the tray 524 is pulled out from chassis 520. Such rearward movement (pivot) allows for reduced pull on the cables, if pull is present, to allow the tray to be fully pulled out. Any angle can be provided. Fifteen degrees is one example angle.

Referring now to Figures 50 and 51, an alternative radius limiter 638 is shown on the slide mechanisms of alternative elements 610. Elements 610 are generally similar in construction and function to those of the elements discussed previously. Radius limiter 638 defines a generally U-shaped configuration that leads cables from and to the element 610 while preserving minimum bend radius requirements.

The U-shaped radius limiter 638 defines an inner end 621 and an outer end 623 and a divider 625 extending from adjacent the inner end 621 to adjacent the outer end 623. According to one embodiment, the divider 625 does not extend all the way to the inner and outer ends 621, 623 of the U-shaped radius limiter 638. The outer end 623 of the radius limiter 638 cooperates with a cable guide 684 that is mounted to the chassis 620 of the element 610 for leading cables to and from the tray 624 of the element 610.

The divider 625 of the radius limiter 638 forms two separate troughs 627, 629 for the radius limiter 638. The two troughs 627, 629 isolate and separate the cables (e.g., coming in and going out) of the element 610 into two distinct paths. According to one example cable routing configuration, the two troughs 627, 629 may guide the cables to the upper and lower levels 678, 680 defined toward the rear of the tray 624 while maintaining the S-shaped pathway 676 created within the element 610. The divider 625 of the radius limiter 638 includes a plurality of cable management tabs 631 mounted thereon for retaining the cables within the troughs 627, 629. A similar tab 633 is also found at the rear of the tray 624 for retaining the cables that are being lead to the upper and lower levels 678, 680. The tabs 631 and 633 may be removable, snap-on structures.

The tabs 631 and 633 cooperate with additional cable management fingers 635 defined both on the radius limiter 638 and toward the rear of the tray 624 in retaining the cables within the S-shaped pathway 676.

Parts List

10 element

12 block

20 chassis

24 tray

30 slide mechanism

32 gears

34 rack

36 entry points

38 radius limiters

50 mounting structure

52 adapters

56 T-shaped frame member

58 hinge

62 top frame member

64 bottom frame member

70 adapter blocks

72 connectors

74 cables

76 pathway

78 upper level

80 lower level

84 portion

86 flanges

90 radius limiters

96 openings

100 cable mount

102 cable wrap

106 radius limiters

210 element

220 chassis 224 tray

230 slide mechanism

238 radius limiters

256 frame members

258 hinges

260 middle portion

262 openings

264 side portions

266 cover

268 latches

270 radius limiters

276 pathway

278 upper level

280 lower level

284 radius limiters

286 cable mounts

288 dovetail

290 opening

292 block

294 bar

296 fasteners

310 element

330 slide mechanism

332 wheels

334 wire

336 wire

340 first part

342 second part

344 third part

410 element

420 radius limiter 430 friction members

510 element

520 chassis

524 tray

530 slide mechanism

538 radius limiters

610 element

620 chassis

621 inner end of radius limiter

623 outer end of radius limiter

624 tray

625 divider

627 trough

629 trough

631 cable management tab

633 cable management tab

635 cable management finger

638 radius limiter

676 pathway

678 upper level

680 lower level

684 cable guide