Splitter module with interlocking feature for stacking and installation

A fiber optic splitter module includes a body including a front wall, a rear wall, and first and second side walls together at least partially defining an interior space. The first side wall includes a tongue extending longitudinally along the first side wall, and the second side wall includes a first groove that is complementary to the tongue. The fiber optic splitter module also includes an optical splitter positioned in the interior space, an input fiber extending through the front wall or the rear wall into the interior space and optically coupled to the optical splitter, and a plurality of output fibers extending through the front wall or the rear wall into the interior space and optically coupled to the optical splitter.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to optical connectivity, and more particularly to a fiber optic splitter module having at least one interlocking feature for stacking and installation.

BACKGROUND

Optical fibers are useful in a wide variety of applications, including the telecommunications industry for voice, video, and data transmissions. The benefits of optical fiber are well known and include higher signal-to-noise ratios and increased bandwidth compared to conventional copper-based transmission technologies. To meet modern demands for increased bandwidth and improved performance, telecommunication networks are increasingly providing optical fiber connectivity closer to end subscribers. These initiatives include fiber-to-the-node (FTTN), fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), and the like (generally described as FTTx).

In an FTTx network, fiber optic cables are used to carry optical signals to various distribution points and, in some cases, all the way to end subscribers. For example,FIG. 1is a schematic diagram of an exemplary FTTx network10that distributes optical signals generated at a switching point12(e.g., a central office of a network provider) to subscriber premises14. Optical line terminals (OLTs; not shown) at the switching point12convert electrical signals to optical signals. Fiber optic feeder cables16then carry the optical signals to various local convergence points18, which act as locations for splicing and making cross-connections and interconnections. The local convergence points18often include splitters to enable any given optical fiber in the fiber optic feeder cable16to serve multiple subscriber premises14. As a result, the optical signals are “branched out” from the optical fibers of the fiber optic feeder cables16to optical fibers of distribution cables20that exit the local convergence points18.

At network access points closer to the subscriber premises14, some or all of the optical fibers in the distribution cables20may be accessed to connect to one or more subscriber premises14. Drop cables22extend from the network access points to the subscriber premises14, which may be single-dwelling units (SDU), multi-dwelling units (MDU), businesses, and/or other facilities or buildings. A conversion of optical signals back to electrical signals may occur at the network access points or at the subscriber premises14.

There are many different network architectures, and the various tasks required to distribute optical signals (e.g., splitting, splicing, routing, connecting subscribers) can occur at several locations. Regardless of whether a location is considered a local convergence point, network access point, subscriber premise, or something else, fiber optic equipment is used to house components that carry out one or more of the tasks. The term “terminal” will be used in this disclosure to generically refer to such equipment, which may include fiber distribution hubs (FDH), cabinets, closures, network interface devices, etc.

Terminals at locations that split optical signals typically include splitter modules for this task. Each splitter module includes at least one input fiber whose signals are split between a plurality of output fibers. Conventional splitter modules, such as Planar Lightweight Circuit (PLC) splitter modules, are generally rectangular in shape with the input and output fibers located on one side thereof. Such splitter modules are typically mounted in the terminal using hooks, screws, or other fasteners.

Space is often at a premium in terminals, especially when the terminals include a large number of components and cables. Accommodating splitter modules can be challenging when designing a terminal, particularly when a fairly large quantity, such as dozens or hundreds, of optical fibers are involved. The space within a terminal is typically limited because there is also a need to properly route and store cables, to accommodate components for splicing, storing unused connectors, or the like, and to allow technicians to effectively install or operate the components. Making terminals larger may not necessarily help with organization and may increase the likelihood of customers considering the equipment to be obtrusive.

Conventional splitter module mounting techniques fail to provide space-efficient mounting. For example, conventional splitter modules are configured in a variety of particular shapes and sizes, and with various different mounting features, such that each splitter module to be positioned within a terminal may have a unique footprint requiring a unique positioning, orientation, and/or mounting hardware which may interfere with adjacent splitter modules or other components. This can result in a complex, disordered arrangement of splitter modules and their associated fibers that can be difficult to manage in the relatively small space provided by the terminal.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a fiber optic splitter module includes a body including a front wall, a rear wall, and first and second side walls together at least partially defining an interior space. The first side wall includes a tongue extending longitudinally along the first side wall, and the second side wall includes a first groove that is complementary to the tongue. The fiber optic splitter module also includes an optical splitter positioned in the interior space, an input fiber extending through the front wall or the rear wall into the interior space and optically coupled to the optical splitter, and a plurality of output fibers extending through the front wall or the rear wall into the interior space and optically coupled to the optical splitter. The fiber optic splitter module may further include a port positioned on the front wall or the rear wall, wherein the input fiber or the plurality of output fibers extends through the port and into the interior space. In addition or alternatively, the rear wall may include a second groove that is complementary to the tongue.

One of the first or second side walls may include a stop that includes a first surface positioned at a first distance from the front wall, the other of the first or second side walls may include a truncation that includes a second surface positioned at a second distance from the front wall, and the first and second distances may be substantially the same. In addition or alternatively, one of the first or second side walls may include a detent spaced a first distance from the front wall, the other of the first or second side walls may include an indent that is complementary to the detent and that is spaced a second distance from the front wall, and the first and second distances may be substantially the same.

In another embodiment, a pair of interlocking fiber optic splitter modules includes a first fiber optic splitter module including a first body having a first front wall, a first rear wall, and first and second side walls together at least partially defining a first interior space. The first side wall includes a first tongue and the second side wall includes a first groove. The first fiber optic splitter module also includes a first optical splitter positioned in the first interior space, a first input fiber extending through the first front wall or the first rear wall into the first interior space and optically coupled to the first optical splitter, and a plurality of first output fibers extending through the first front wall or the first rear wall into the first interior space and optically coupled to the first optical splitter. The pair of interlocking fiber optic splitter modules further includes a second fiber optic splitter module including a second body having a second front wall, a second rear wall, and third and fourth side walls together at least partially defining a second interior space. The third side wall includes a second tongue and the fourth side wall includes a second groove. The second fiber optic splitter module also includes a second optical splitter positioned in the second interior space, a second input fiber extending through the second front wall or the second rear wall into the second interior space and optically coupled to the second optical splitter, and a plurality of second output fibers extending through the second front wall or the second rear wall into the second interior space and optically coupled to the second optical splitter. The first tongue is configured to matingly and slidingly engage with the second groove to selectively interlock the first fiber optic splitter module with the second fiber optic splitter module in a first position, and the second tongue is configured to matingly and slidingly engage with the first groove to selectively interlock the first fiber optic splitter module with the second fiber optic splitter module in a second position.

One of the first or second side walls of the first fiber optic splitter module may include a stop that includes a first surface positioned at a first distance from the first front wall, one of the third or fourth side walls of the second fiber optic splitter module may include a truncation that includes a second surface positioned at a second distance from the second front wall, and the first and second surfaces may be configured to limit relative longitudinal movement between the first and second fiber optic splitter modules. In one embodiment, the first and second distances are substantially the same. In addition or alternatively, one of the first or second side walls of the first fiber optic splitter module may include a detent that is positioned at a first distance from the first front wall, one of the third or fourth side walls of the second fiber optic splitter module may include an indent that is complementary to the detent and that is positioned at a second distance from the second front wall, and the detent and the indent may be configured to cooperate with each other to selectively lock a positioning of the first and second fiber optic splitter modules relative to each other. In one embodiment, the first and second distances are substantially the same. In addition or alternatively, the detent may be configured to provide a snap-fit with the indent.

In another embodiment, a fiber optic terminal includes a frame including at least one frame wall and at least one rail mounted to the at least one frame wall. The at least one rail includes at least one interlocking feature extending longitudinally along the at least one rail. The fiber optic terminal further includes at least one fiber optic splitter module including a body having a front wall, a rear wall, and first and second side walls together at least partially defining an interior space. The first side wall includes a tongue extending longitudinally along the first side wall, and the second side wall includes a first groove that is complementary to the tongue. The at least one fiber optic splitter module also includes an optical splitter positioned in the interior space, an input fiber extending through the front wall or the rear wall into the interior space and optically coupled to the optical splitter, and a plurality of output fibers extending through the front wall or the rear wall into the interior space and optically coupled to the optical splitter. The at least one interlocking feature of the at least one rail is configured to matingly and slidingly engage with the tongue or the first groove of the at least one fiber optic splitter module. The at least one interlocking feature of the at least one rail may include at least one tongue extending longitudinally along the at least one rail, and the rear wall of the at least one fiber optic splitter module may include at least one second groove extending longitudinally along the rear wall and configured to matingly and slidingly engage with the at least one tongue of the at least one rail.

The at least one rail may include at least two oppositely disposed rails. In addition or alternatively, each rail of the at least one rail may include at least two adjacent partitions extending longitudinally along the rail to define a space configured to receive a portion of the body of the at least one fiber optic splitter module. In one embodiment, the at least one frame wall includes a top frame wall and the at least one rail includes a top rail mounted to the top frame wall, and the at least one fiber optic splitter module extends downwardly from the top rail. In another embodiment, the at least one frame wall includes a bottom frame wall and the at least one rail includes a bottom rail mounted to the bottom frame wall, and the at least one fiber optic splitter module extends upwardly from the bottom rail. In addition or alternatively, the at least one fiber optic splitter module may include a pair of fiber optic splitter modules interlocked by the tongue of one of the fiber optic splitter modules cooperating with the first groove of the other of the fiber optic splitter modules. In one embodiment, the at least one rail further includes at least one pair of mounting prongs and the at least one frame wall includes at least one aperture configured to receive the at least one pair of mounting prongs for mounting the at least one rail to the at least one frame wall.

The fiber optic terminal may further include an adapter cradle slidingly engaged with the at least one rail. The adapter cradle includes a cradle body including a rear inner surface and first and second side inner surfaces together at least partially defining a cavity configured to receive the body of the at least one fiber optic splitter module. One of the first or second side inner surfaces includes at least one interlocking feature extending longitudinally along the first or second side inner surface and configured to matingly and slidingly engage with the tongue or the first groove of the at least one fiber optic splitter module. One of the first or second side inner surfaces of the adapter cradle may include an indent, one of the first or second side walls of the at least one fiber optic splitter module may include a detent that is complementary to the indent, and the indent and the detent may be configured to cooperate with each other to selectively lock a positioning of the adapter cradle and the at least one fiber optic splitter module relative to each other.

The fiber optic terminal may also include a tray mounted to the frame. The tray includes a platform extending from a front end to a rear end and configured to cooperate with the body of the at least one fiber optic splitter module. The tray also includes at least one side wall extending along the platform and including a bracket extending longitudinally along the bracket and configured to matingly and slidingly engage with the first groove of the at least one fiber optic splitter module. The tray may include a rear wall extending along the rear end of the platform and configured to cooperate with the rear wall of the at least one fiber optic splitter module, and at least one tab extending from the rear wall of the tray toward the front end of the platform and spaced apart from the platform to define a space for receiving a portion of the at least one fiber optic splitter module.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the technical field of optical connectivity. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description, the following detailed description, and the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary and intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be further clarified by examples in the description below. In general, the description relates to components that may be used in fiber optic networks to mount splitters or splitter modules in a space efficient manner.

The components may be used in FTTx networks, such as the FTTx network10(FIG. 1) such as in terminals at local convergence points18or network access points, or even in enterprise networks, such as in data center environments. Thus, although the components may be described in connection with an exemplary terminal below, this is merely to facilitate discussion. The components may in fact be used in a wide variety of different equipment for all different types of fiber optic networks.

With this in mind,FIG. 2illustrates one example of frame30for a terminal32to be placed at one of the local convergence points18inFIG. 1. The terminal32may be in the form of a cabinet or enclosure that includes the frame30installed in a housing (not shown). The frame30supports various components for accomplishing the network tasks associated with the local convergence point18. For example, a row of fiber optic adapters34supported by the frame30defines a “feeder field”36to receive connections associated with one of the feeder cables16of the network10. Optical fibers (not shown) from the feeder cable16may be terminated with fiber optic connectors (directly or by splicing to pigtails) that are plugged into the fiber optic adapters34on the back side of the frame30.

Below the feeder field36, the frame30defines one or more slots40for receiving and supporting splitter modules42. Only two splitter modules42are shown inFIG. 2, and only the splitter module42on the bottom is schematically illustrated with an input cable44and a plurality of output cables48to simplify the drawings. The input cable44carries an input fiber (not shown), and the output cables48carry respective output fibers (not shown). The splitter modules42each include an optical splitter (not shown) so that a multiplexed signal carried by the input fiber of the input cable44can be separated into demultiplexed signals carried by the output fibers of the output cables48. The multiplexed signal typically comes from the feeder cable16(FIG. 1). To this end, the input cable44of the splitter module42may be terminated with a fiber optic connector (not shown inFIG. 2) and plugged into the front side of the fiber optic adapters34in the feeder field36, thereby establishing optical connections with optical fibers of the feeder cable16.

The number of output fibers (and corresponding output cables48) of each splitter module42depends on the split ratio (e.g., 1 input fiber and 8 output fibers for a 1×8 splitter, 1 input fiber and 16 output fibers fora 1×16 splitter, 1 input fiber and 32 output fibers for a 1×32 splitter, etc.). Output cables48that are “live” (i.e., used in the network to carry signals to and from subscribers) are plugged into the front side of fiber optic adapters34in a distribution field52. There are typically several or many rows of adapters34defining the distribution field52. These adapters34are used to establish optical connections with optical fibers of one or more distribution cables20that exit the terminal and carry signals further into the network10so that ultimately the signals can reach subscribers.

Conventionally, the output cables48that are not used for live network traffic, and instead are reserved for future subscribers, are routed to a storage location54(also referred to as a parking field54).FIG. 2illustrates four output cables48terminated with respective fiber optic connectors50(“connectors50”) that are held within a parking device60. The parking device60is mounted to a door panel62of the frame30via a mounting structure64.

As can be appreciated, populating the slots40with splitter modules42having various footprints (e.g., peripheral shapes and sizes) and other differing mounting considerations (e.g., mounting hardware) can lead to undesirable crowding and an inefficient use of the relatively small space provided by the slots40. In one embodiment of the invention, the splitter modules42are configured with one or more interlocking features for stacking multiple splitter modules42together and/or for installing the splitter modules42in the terminal32in a highly space-efficient manner, thereby allowing for higher densities of splitter modules42in the terminal32.

Referring now toFIGS. 3A and 3B, the illustrated splitter module42includes a body70having a front wall72, a rear wall74, a bottom wall76, and first and second side walls80,82together at least partially defining an interior space84(FIG. 7) for housing fiber optic components such as an optical splitter85shown schematically inFIG. 4. In this disclosure, references to longitudinal or longitudinally refer to lengthwise directions of the part(s) being described. For example, references to longitudinal or longitudinally pertaining to the splitter module42itself refer to directions extending between the front wall72and rear wall74. Additionally, moving from the front wall72toward the rear wall74is considered a rearward direction, and moving from the rear wall74toward the front wall72is considered a forward direction. References to lateral or laterally refer to widthwise directions of the part(s) being described. For example, references to lateral or laterally pertaining to the splitter module42itself refer to directions extending between the first and second side walls80,82.

Still referring toFIGS. 3A and 3B, the splitter module42also includes a top cover86for closing off the interior space84and a port88positioned on the front wall72for allowing an input fiber43and plurality of output fibers46to extend through the front wall72into the interior space84for optical coupling with the optical splitter85(FIG. 4). It will be appreciated that the port88may be configured in any suitable manner for allowing the input fiber43and output fibers46to pass into the interior space84through the front wall72or the rear wall74. In one embodiment, multiple ports (not shown) may accommodate various subsets of input and output fibers43,46. For example, a second port may be positioned on the rear wall74.

As shown, the first side wall80includes a tongue90extending longitudinally along (i.e., in the lengthwise direction of) the first side wall80, the second side wall82includes first and second grooves92,94extending longitudinally along (i.e., in the lengthwise direction of) the second side wall82, and the rear wall74includes a third groove96extending longitudinally along (i.e., in the lengthwise direction of) the rear wall74. In the embodiment shown, the tongue90extends substantially along the entire length of the first side wall80, and the third groove96extends substantially along the entire length of the rear wall74. Alternatively, the tongue90and third groove96may extend along one or more portions of the lengths of the respective side and rear walls80,74. For example, the tongue90and/or third groove96may be bifurcated into a first portion proximate a first end of the respective wall80,74and a second portion proximate a second end of the respective wall80,74. Similarly, while the first and second grooves92,94are shown extending along respective portions of the length of the second side wall82proximate first and second ends of the second side wall82, the second side wall82may instead include a single continuous groove extending substantially along the entire length thereof, or may be configured in any other suitable manner.

The first, second, and third grooves92,94,96are each complementary to the tongue90. This means the first, second, and third grooves92,94,96are each shaped to receive a structure like the tongue90. For example, the first, second, and third grooves92,94,96may each have a cross sectional shape generally matching a cross sectional shape of the tongue90. As will be described in greater detail below, if a second splitter module is provided with the same configuration as the splitter module42, the tongue90of the second splitter module may be received in any of the first, second, or third grooves92,94,96of the splitter module42. In essence, the tongue90represents a first interlocking feature and the first, second, and third grooves92,94,96represent a second interlocking feature that is designed to cooperate with the first interlocking feature.

In the embodiment shown, the tongue90includes an elongate central portion100and first and second elongate flange portions102,104such that the tongue90has a generally T-shaped cross section. Each of the grooves92,94,96is defined by first and second inwardly facing L-shaped support portions110,112such that each groove92,94,96has a generally T-shaped cross section similar in size to that of the tongue90. Thus, the tongue90may be capable of interlocking with any of the grooves92,94,96(e.g., of a second splitter module42) in a manner that allows longitudinal movement of the tongue90relative to the grooves92,94,96(i.e., in the respective lengthwise directions) while restricting lateral movement of the tongue90relative to the grooves92,94,96(i.e., in the respective widthwise directions). Interlocking that allows relative longitudinal movement can be referred to as sliding engagement, and interlocking that restricts lateral movement (i.e., prevents separation in a lateral direction) can be referred to as mating engagement. Other configurations may be used for the tongue90and groove(s)92,94,96to provide for sliding engagement and mating engagement. For example, the tongue90may have a generally dovetail-shaped cross section, and the first, second, and/or third grooves92,94,96may each have a similarly sized and configured cross section (i.e., also generally dovetail-shaped). In the embodiment shown, the tongue90and grooves92,94,96are each integrally formed together with the body70of the splitter module42as a unitary (i.e., monolithic) piece. Alternatively, a conventional splitter module may be retrofitted with the tongue90and/or grooves92,94,96, such as by attaching the tongue90and/or support portions110,112to the respective walls80,82,74.

The illustrated first side wall80includes a pair of stops120at or near the rear wall74, each including a first abutment surface122. The second side wall82includes a pair of truncations, such as bevels124, at or near the rear wall74, each including a second abutment surface126. In the embodiment shown, the first and second abutment surfaces122,126are oriented relative to the respective side walls80,82at substantially the same angle such that the first and second abutment surfaces122,126are generally parallel to each other, and are spaced apart from the front wall72by respective first and second distances that are substantially the same. As used in this disclosure, distances being “substantially the same” refers to them being within 10% of each other. Regardless, the first abutment surface122may be capable of cooperating with the second abutment surface126of a second splitter module42(not shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B) to limit longitudinal movement of the first and second splitter modules42relative to each other. In particular, the first abutment surface122on the first splitter module42may limit longitudinal movement of the associated first side wall80and accompanying tongue90relative to the second side wall82and accompanying grooves92,94of the second splitter module42to a predetermined distance.

The illustrated rear wall74includes a pair of extensions130of the L-shaped support portions110,112at one end of the rear wall74. As shown inFIG. 3A, the extensions130define the third groove96at or near the stops120of the first side wall80, and each include a third abutment surface132. At an opposite end of the rear wall74, and as shown inFIG. 3B, the L-shaped support portions110,112are spaced apart from the bevels124to define a pair of recesses134. Each recess134includes fourth and fifth abutment surfaces136,138. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the third and fourth abutment surfaces132,136are oriented parallel to the rear wall74and to each other, and are spaced apart from the front wall72by respective third and fourth distances that are substantially the same. Thus, the third abutment surfaces132may be capable of cooperating with the fourth abutment surfaces136of a second splitter module42(not shown) to limit longitudinal movement of the first and second splitter modules42relative to each other. In particular, the third abutment surfaces132on the first splitter module42may limit longitudinal movement of the associated first side wall80and accompanying tongue90relative to the second side wall82and accompanying grooves92,94of the second splitter module42to a predetermined distance.

In the embodiment shown, the first side wall80includes an indent140and the second side wall82includes a pair of detents142complementary to the indent140and spaced apart from the front wall72by substantially the same distance as the indent140. The illustrated detents142are positioned on the first and second L-shaped support portions110,112defining the first groove92. As shown, the indent140has a generally curved profile and the detents142each have a generally matching curved profile. Thus, the detents142may be capable of cooperating with the indent140(e.g., of a second splitter module42) to selectively lock a longitudinal positioning of the first splitter module42relative to a second splitter module42(not shown).

Referring now toFIGS. 5 and 6, wherein like reference numerals indicate like features, first and second splitter modules42a,42bof substantially similar configuration may be interlocked with each other, such as for stacking and/or installation purposes. In this regard, the first and second splitter modules42a,42bmay be interlocked with each other by aligning the tongue90of the first splitter module42awith at least one groove, such as the first and second grooves92,94, of the second splitter module42b, and sliding the groove(s)92,94along the tongue90in the direction indicated by the arrow A1(FIG. 5) until the bodies70of the first and second splitter modules42a,42bare substantially adjacent to each other, such as along the lengths thereof (FIG. 6).

As best shown inFIG. 7, the tongue90of the first splitter module42amay matingly and slidingly engage with the groove(s)92,94,96of the second splitter module42b, such as with the first and second grooves92,94, and thereby selectively interlock the first and second splitter modules42a,42bto restrict relative movement of the first and second splitter modules42a,42bin the lateral direction. More particularly, the central portion100and flange portions102,104of the generally T-shaped tongue90of the first splitter module42aare received by the L-shaped support portions110,112that define the generally T-shaped groove(s)92,94,96of the second splitter module42b. The geometries/configurations permit relative longitudinal movement of the first and second splitter modules42a,42bto provide a sliding engagement, but restrict lateral movement of the first and second splitter modules42a,42baway from each other to provide a mating engagement. While the tongue90of the first splitter module42ais matingly and slidingly engaged with the grooves92,94of the second splitter module42bin the position illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7, it will be appreciated that the tongue90of the second splitter module42bmay matingly and slidingly engage with the groove(s)92,94,96of the first splitter module42ato selectively interlock the first and second splitter modules42a,42bin a similar manner in a different position.

As best shown inFIG. 8, the first abutment surfaces122of the first splitter module42aconfront and abut the second abutment surfaces126of the second splitter module42bto limit movement of the tongue90of the first splitter module42aalong the first and second grooves92,94of the second splitter module42bto the position shown inFIG. 6. More particularly, the interaction between the first abutment surfaces122and the second abutment surfaces126limits movement of the second splitter module42bin a rearward direction (e.g., in the direction of the arrow A1shown inFIG. 5). The third abutment surfaces132of the first splitter module42asimilarly confront the fourth abutment surfaces136of the second splitter module42b. While not shown, the third abutment surfaces132may also abut the fourth abutment surfaces136to assist in limiting movement of the tongue90along the grooves92,94.

As best shown inFIG. 9, the detent142of the second splitter module42bis received by the indent140of the first splitter module42ato selectively lock the relative positioning of the first and second splitter modules42a,42bin the longitudinal direction. For example, the detent142may provide a snap-fit with the indent140. In one embodiment, the interaction between the detent142and the indent140may require a threshold force to be applied on the first or second splitter modules42a,42bto move the first and second splitter modules42a,42blongitudinally relative to each other. In this manner, the interaction between the detent142and the indent140may prevent inadvertent longitudinal movement of the second splitter module42brelative to the first splitter module42a, such as in a forward direction (e.g., in a direction opposite that of the arrow A1shown inFIG. 5).

In the embodiment shown, the detent142of the second splitter module42bis received by the indent140of the first splitter module42awhen the first abutment surfaces122of the first splitter module42aabut the second abutment surfaces126of the second splitter module42b. Thus, the interaction between the tongue90and the grooves92,94, the interaction between the first and second abutment surfaces122,126, and the interaction between the detent142and the indent140may together selectively secure the relative positioning of the first and second splitter modules42a,42bin the longitudinal and lateral directions. The interlocked first and second splitter modules42a,42bmay be mounted together in the frame30, as described in greater detail below.

Referring now toFIGS. 10 and 11, a plurality of splitter modules42a,42b,42c,42dmay be interlocked with each other in a manner similar to that described above and mounted to a tray150, such as for installation purposes. The illustrated tray150includes a platform152extending between a front end154and a rear end156. In the embodiment shown, the platform152is configured to directly support the splitter modules42a,42b,42c,42d, such as when oriented horizontally. The tray150also includes a rear wall158extending along the rear end156of the platform152and first and second side walls160,162extending from the rear wall158along the platform152toward the front end154. As best shown inFIG. 11, a bracket170extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the first side wall160. The bracket170is configured to matingly and slidingly engage with one or more of the groove(s)92,94,96of at least one of the splitter modules42a,42b,42c,42d, such as the first and second grooves92,94, to selectively interlock the splitter module42a,42b,42c,42dwith the tray150. In this regard, the bracket170includes an elongate central portion172and an elongate flange portion174such that the bracket170has a generally L-shaped cross section complementary to at least a portion of the T-shaped cross section of the groove(s)92,94,96. In another embodiment, the bracket170may be replaced with a tongue generally similar to the tongue90of the splitter module42a,42b,42c,42ditself. In the embodiment shown, the first splitter module42ais interlocked with the tray150. As best shown inFIG. 10, the rear wall158of the tray150may be capable of cooperating with the splitter modules42a,42b,42c,42d(e.g., with each rear wall74thereof) to limit longitudinal movement of the splitter modules42a,42b,42c,42dalong the platform152of the tray150.

In the embodiment shown, the tray150includes a plurality of tabs180extending from the rear wall158toward the front end154and spaced apart from the platform152so that the tray150receives the splitter modules42a,42b,42c,42dbetween the platform152and the tabs180. For example, the tabs180may each be spaced apart from the platform152to define a space for receiving a portion of the respective splitter module(s)42a,42b,42c,42d. In one embodiment, the tabs180may be configured to form a friction fit with the respective splitter module(s)42a,42b,42c,42din order to assist in retaining the splitter modules42a,42b,42c,42don the platform152.

The tray150may be mounted to the frame30(FIG. 2) of the terminal32in any suitable manner. In this regard, the illustrated tray150includes first and second longitudinal runners190,192extending partially along and rearwardly beyond the sides of the platform152. The runners190,192may be configured to slide along corresponding sliders (not shown) installed on the frame30such that the tray150may be slidable relative to the frame30. Such a configuration may assist in providing access to the splitter modules42a,42b,42c,42d, for example. Other suitable configurations may be used. For example, the tray150may be fixed relative to the frame30. The tray150may also be oriented on the frame30horizontally, vertically, or in any other suitable orientation.

Referring now toFIGS. 12 and 13, the exemplary splitter module42may be interlocked with a rail200, such as for installation purposes. The illustrated rail200includes a platform202extending between a front end204and a rear end206, and a plurality of partitions208extending longitudinally along the platform202and generally equally spaced apart from each other to define a channel210between each pair of adjacent partitions208. A plurality of tongues220extend longitudinally along the platform202, each tongue220corresponding to one of the channels210. Each tongue220is configured to matingly and slidingly engage with one or more of the groove(s)92,94,96of the splitter module42, such as the first and second grooves92,94(FIG. 12) or the third groove96(FIG. 13), to selectively interlock the splitter module42with the rail200. In this regard, each tongue220may be generally similar to the tongue90of the splitter module42itself. For example, each tongue220may include an elongate central portion222and first and second elongate flange portions224,246such that the tongue220has a generally T-shaped cross section complementary to that of the groove(s)92,94,96. Each of the flange portions224,226of the illustrated tongue220are segmented. Alternatively, the flange portions224,226may each be substantially continuous, similar to those of the tongue90of the splitter module42. The rail200may also include one or more pairs of mounting prongs230,232(FIG. 16) extending outwardly from the platform202opposite the tongues220to facilitate mounting of the rail200on the frame30. In addition or alternatively, the rail200may include one or more bores and/or countersinks236in the platform202for receiving one or more fasteners to facilitate mounting of the rail200on the frame30.

In the embodiment shown, the rail200includes a plurality of stops240at or near the rear end206of the platform202, each stop240including a sixth abutment surface242oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tongues220. The sixth abutment surfaces242are configured to cooperate with the fourth and/or fifth abutment surfaces136,138of the splitter module42to limit movement of the splitter module42along the rail200to a predetermined distance. In one embodiment, the sixth abutment surfaces242may be spaced apart from the front end204of the platform202at a substantially same distance as the fourth abutment surfaces136are spaced apart from the front wall72of the splitter module42.

The illustrated rail200also includes a plurality of indents244each complementary to the detent(s)142of the splitter module42and spaced apart from the front end204by a substantially same distance as the detent(s)142are spaced apart from the front wall72of the splitter module42. Thus, the detents142may be capable of cooperating with any of the indents244to selectively lock the relative positioning of the splitter module42and the rail200in the longitudinal direction. For example, the detents142may provide a snap-fit with any of the indents244. In one embodiment, the interaction between the detent142and a given one of the indents244may require a threshold force to be applied on the splitter module42or rail200to move the splitter module42and rail200longitudinally relative to each other. The indent244may receive the detent142when the sixth abutment surfaces242abut the fourth abutment surfaces136, for example.

As shown inFIG. 12, the splitter module42may be interlocked with the rail200by aligning one of the tongues220of the rail200with the first and second grooves92,94along the second side wall82of the splitter module42, and sliding the groove(s)92,94along the tongue220in the direction indicated by the arrow A2until the sixth abutment surfaces242of the rail200engage with the fourth abutment surfaces136of the splitter module42, for example. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 13, the splitter module42may be interlocked with the rail200by aligning one of the tongues220of the rail200with the third groove96along the rear wall74of the splitter module42, and sliding the groove96along the tongue220in the direction indicated by the arrow A3until the sixth abutment surfaces242of the rail200engage with the fifth abutment surfaces138of the splitter module42, for example.

Referring now toFIGS. 14 and 15, the exemplary splitter module42may be interlocked with an adapter cradle250, such as for installation purposes. The illustrated adapter cradle250includes a generally U-shaped cradle body252having a bifurcated outer front surface254, an outer rear surface256, and first and second outer side surfaces260,262. The cradle body252also has an inner rear surface264and first and second inner side surfaces266,268together defining a cavity270for receiving the body70of the splitter module42. As best shown inFIG. 15, the cradle body252includes a tongue280extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the first inner side surface266configured to matingly and slidingly engage with one or more of the groove(s)92,94,96of the splitter module42, such as the first and second grooves92,94, to selectively interlock the splitter module42with the cradle body252. In this regard, the tongue280may be generally similar to the tongue90of the splitter module42itself. For example, the tongue280may include an elongate central portion282and first and second elongate flange portions284,286such that the tongue280has a generally T-shaped cross section complementary to that of the groove(s)92,94,96. As best shown inFIG. 14, the inner rear surface264of the cradle body252may be capable of cooperating with the splitter module42(e.g., with the rear wall74) to limit longitudinal movement of the splitter module42within the cavity270of the cradle body252.

In the embodiment shown, the adapter cradle250includes an indent290complementary to the detents142of the splitter module42positioned on the first inner side surface266and spaced apart from the outer front surface254by a substantially same distance as the detents142are spaced apart from the front wall72of the splitter module42. Thus, the indent290may be capable of cooperating with the detent(s)142to selectively lock the relative positioning of the splitter module42and the adapter cradle250in the longitudinal direction. For example, the indent290may provide a snap-fit with the detent142. In one embodiment, the interaction between the indent290and the detent142may require a threshold force to be applied on the splitter module42or adapter cradle250to move the splitter module42and adapter cradle250longitudinally relative to each other.

The illustrated adapter cradle250also includes a spring clip292including a tab294having a shoulder296facing the cavity270. As shown, the shoulder296is configured to engage with the splitter module42(e.g., with an end of the tongue90of the splitter module42) such that interaction between the shoulder296and the splitter module42selectively locks a relative positioning of the adapter cradle250and the splitter module42. In this regard, the tab294includes a cam surface298configured to engage with the splitter module42during insertion of the body70of the splitter module42into the cavity270such that interaction between the cam surface298and the splitter module42urges the tab294away from the splitter module42until the splitter module42clears the tab294, thereby allowing the tab294to spring back into position such that the shoulder296may engage with the splitter module42, as indicated by the double arrow A4.

Referring now toFIG. 16, a plurality of splitter modules42a,42b,42c,42d,42e,42fare shown installed in the frame30, such as within the one or more slots40, via multiple rails200. More particularly, a first row of top rails200ais mounted to a top frame wall300and a second row of bottom rails200bis mounted to a bottom frame wall302in alignment with the first row of top rails200bto define a plurality of generally uniform slips310. Each rail200a,200bis mounted to the respective frame wall300,302via respective pairs of mounting prongs230,232received by corresponding apertures312extending through the respective frame wall300,302.

As shown, the splitter modules42a,42b,42c,42d,42e,42fmay be installed in a variety of arrangements. For example, the first splitter module42ais directly interlocked with and extends freely upwardly from a bottom rail200b. The second splitter module42bis directly interlocked with and extends upwardly from another bottom rail200b, and is further interlocked with the third splitter module42cextending further upwardly therefrom and received within a channel210of a corresponding top rail200asuch that the partitions208of the top rail200amay assist in stabilizing the interlocked second and third splitter modules42b,42c. The fourth splitter module42dis directly interlocked with and extends downwardly from another top rail200a, and is further interlocked with a fifth splitter module42eextending further downwardly therefrom and received within a channel210of a corresponding bottom rail200bsuch that the partitions208of the bottom rail200bmay assist in stabilizing the interlocked fourth and fifth splitter modules42d,42e. A sixth splitter module42fis held by the adapter cradle250which is slidingly received by the aligned channels210of a bottom rail200band corresponding top rail200a.

Thus, the exemplary splitter module42may be installed in the frame30in a versatile, organized, and/or space-efficient manner. For example, each splitter module42may be mounted to another splitter module42, to sides of the frame30(e.g., in a cantilevered fashion), to top walls of the frame30(e.g., in a hanging fashion), to trays150, and/or to adapter cradles250, via one or more surfaces of each splitter module42. In addition or alternatively, each splitter module42may each be installed in a generally similar or same manner (e.g., via a rail200) such that dedicated or unique mounting hardware for each individual splitter module42may be avoided. In cases where the rails200are employed, for example, the uniformity of the channels210and/or slips310may also allow for organization of the splitter modules42in a generally predetermined manner, such that a technician may readily and easily install the splitter modules42in a desired arrangement. Moreover, the splitter modules42may be interlocked with each other and/or with the adapter cradle250to occupy a generally uniform footprint which can be accommodated by any of the channels210and/or slips310. Thus, even splitter modules42of varying sizes may conform to the generally uniform footprint.

While the splitter modules shown and described herein are of uniform dimensions, the splitter modules may be of any various dimensions. For example, differently sized splitter modules may have similarly sized interlocking features (e.g., tongues and grooves) configured to engage with each other for interlocking the differently sized splitter modules to each other. In addition or alternatively, adapter cradles of various sizes and configurations may be used to effectively resize the footprint of a smaller splitter module to match that of a larger splitter module.

While the interlocking features shown and described herein have been in the form of tongues and grooves, it will be appreciated that any other suitable mating and/or interlocking features may be used. Moreover, while the exemplary tongues have been shown and described on certain structures and the counterpart grooves have been shown and described on other structures, it will be appreciated that these arrangements may be inverted. For example, a tongue may be substituted with a groove and the counterpart groove(s) may be substituted with a tongue. Likewise, the arrangements of exemplary indents and counterpart detents and/or of abutment surfaces may be inverted or otherwise modified in any suitable manner to achieve the various benefits described herein.

While the present disclosure has been illustrated by the description of specific embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. The various features discussed herein may be used alone or in any combination within and between the various embodiments. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The disclosure in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope of the disclosure.