Abstract:
An optical fiber distribution system including a rack and elements which populate the rack including fiber terminations. Each element includes a chassis and a movable tray. The movable tray includes a synchronized movement device for moving a cable radius limiter. The tray includes cable terminations which extend in a line generally parallel to a direction of movement of the movable tray. Each of the cable terminations are mounted on hinged frame members positioned on each tray. The cables entering and exiting the movable tray follow a generally S-shaped pathway.

Description:
This application is a National Stage Application of PCT/EP2014/051714, filed 29 Jan. 2014, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/758,266, filed 29 Jan. 2013, U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/798,256, filed 15 Mar. 2013, U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/815,500, filed 24 Apr. 2013, and U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/892,558, filed 18 Oct. 2013 and which applications are incorporated herein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosed applications. 
    
    
     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 in other racks, frames, cabinets or boxes including in arrangements where rear access is desirable or useful. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an optical fiber distribution element in accordance of aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the element of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the element of  FIG. 1  showing the tray pulled forward from the chassis; 
         FIG. 4  shows one of the tray frame members pivoted upwardly from the tray; 
         FIG. 5  shows a second frame member pivoted upwardly relative to the tray; 
         FIG. 6  shows a portion of a cable management area of the element of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows a similar view to  FIG. 6 , with one of the frame members pivoted upwardly; 
         FIG. 8  shows an alternative embodiment of an element with different cable management at the entry points; 
         FIG. 9  shows three of the elements of  FIG. 8  mounted in a block formation, with cable radius limiters at the entry point mounted in an alternative position; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the block of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a view of the block of  FIG. 9 , with the tray of the middle element pulled forward for access to the fiber terminations; 
         FIG. 12  shows an enlarged portion of an entry point for one of the elements with a cable radius limiter in a first position; 
         FIG. 13  shows a similar view as in  FIG. 12 , with the cable radius limiter positioned in an alternate position; 
         FIG. 14  shows an exploded view of a cable mount; 
         FIG. 15  shows an element with a cable mount on one side, and a cable radius limiter on an opposite side; 
         FIG. 16  shows an alternative cable mount; 
         FIGS. 17-29  show various views of the elements shown in  FIGS. 1-16  including additional details and cable routings shown for illustration purposes; 
         FIG. 30  shows an alternative embodiment of a block of two alternative elements; 
         FIG. 31  shows a tray pulled forward from the chassis of one of the elements of the block of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  shows the tray extended forward as in the view of  FIG. 31 , with one of the frame members pivoted upwardly; 
         FIG. 33  is a view similar to the view of  FIG. 32 , with a second frame member pivoted upwardly; 
         FIG. 34  shows a block including two elements; 
         FIG. 35  shows an exploded view of the two elements of the block of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  shows a single element; 
         FIG. 37  shows an exploded view of the element of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 38  shows the element of  FIG. 37 , without the top cover; 
         FIG. 39  is a top view of the element of  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 40  is an alternative view of the element of  FIG. 38 , showing alternative devices at the cable entry points; 
         FIG. 41  is a top view of the element of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 42  shows an alternative embodiment of an element in a top view with an alternative synchronized movement feature; 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of the element of  FIG. 42 ; 
         FIGS. 44 and 45  show movement of the various components of the synchronized movement feature of  FIGS. 42 and 43 ; 
         FIGS. 46 and 47  show an element with an alternative radius limiter at the cable entry and exit locations; 
         FIGS. 48 and 49  show an element with alternative radius limiters on the slide mechanism; 
         FIG. 50  shows a pair of elements in a stacked configuration, the elements shown with another alternative radius limiter on the slide mechanism; and 
         FIG. 51  is a top view of one of the elements of  FIG. 50  illustrating the alternative radius limiter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 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  FIGS. 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  FIGS. 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  FIGS. 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  FIGS. 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  FIGS. 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  FIGS. 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