Managed connectivity in cable spool assemblies

A communications panel includes a chassis configured to receive at least one spool arrangement. Each spool arrangement includes a spool and at least one optical termination port that rotates in unison with the spool. PLM can be provided at the communications panel so that PLI stored electronically on optical connectors received at the optical termination ports can be provided to a data management network via the panel.

BACKGROUND

Communications (e.g., telecommunications) cables can be stored on, delivered on, and deployed by spools. A communications cable is typically wound on the spool at a factory that produced the cable. Upon delivery to an installation site, the cable can be unwound from the spool and deployed. For example, a connectorized end of the cable can be routed and coupled to a cabinet, distribution hub, or other network location or to a piece of communications equipment. An opposite end of the cable can be terminated at one or more ports on the spool. The spool can be disposed within a cabinet, rack, or other enclosure. Improvements are desired.

SUMMARY

Some aspects of the disclosure are directed to a communications panel including a chassis defining an interior; chassis circuitry coupled to the chassis and electrically connected to a data management network; a spool arrangement disposed within the chassis; and spool circuitry including media reading interfaces coupled to the optical adapters. The spool arrangement includes a rotatable cable spool and optical adapters coupled to the cable spool to rotate in unison with the cable spool. The spool circuitry being configured to be unconnected to the chassis circuitry while a cable is being paid out from the cable spool and to be connected to the chassis circuitry when the cable has been paid out from the cable spool.

In some implementations, the spool circuitry includes a flexible cable electrically coupled to the media reading interfaces. The flexible cable has a free end that is movable between a stowed position and a connected position. The spool circuitry is unconnected to the chassis circuitry when the free end is disposed in the stowed position. The spool circuitry is connected to the chassis circuitry when the free end is disposed in the connected position.

In examples, the free end is retained at a fixed location on the spool arrangement when disposed in the stowed position. The free end is plugged into a tray port disposed on the chassis when in the connected position. In an example, a connector holder is disposed at an exterior of the chassis. The connector holder defines the tray port and defining a rearward facing port. The chassis circuitry includes a controller board arrangement and a chassis cable having a first end coupled to the controller board arrangement and a second end plugged into the rearward facing port of the connector holder.

In other implementations, the spool circuitry includes a circuit board electrically coupled to the media reading interfaces. The circuit board includes a circuit board connector accessible at one side of the spool arrangement. In examples, the chassis circuitry includes a controller board arrangement and a chassis cable having a first end coupled to the controller board arrangement and a second end configured to be selectively connected to the circuit board connector of the spool circuitry.

In certain examples, the chassis circuitry includes electronic memory storing data pertaining to the communications panel.

In certain implementations, a second spool arrangement is disposed in the chassis. The second spool arrangement includes a second cable spool. Additional spool circuitry includes media reading interfaces coupled to optical adapters of the second spool arrangement. The additional spool circuitry is configured to be unconnected to the chassis circuitry while a second cable is being paid out from the second cable spool and to be connected to the chassis circuitry when the second cable has been paid out from the second cable spool.

In examples, the chassis circuitry includes multiple tray ports and each spool arrangement includes a respective flexible cable that is configured to selectively plug into one of the tray ports to connect the respective spool arrangement to the data management network. In examples, the chassis circuitry includes multiple cables having free ends, each spool arrangement includes a respective circuit board connected to the media reading interfaces of the spool arrangement and including a tray connector, and the free end of each of the cables can be plugged into the tray connector of one of the spool arrangements.

In certain implementations, the spool arrangement includes an adapter arrangement mounted to the cable spool. The adapter arrangement carries the optical adapters that are coupled to the cable spool. The adapter arrangement is configured to slide relative to the cable spool between a connection position and a payout position.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a communications panel including a chassis including a body and a cover that define a chassis interior; a controller board arrangement mounted to the cover within the interior of the chassis; and a chassis cable having a first end and an opposite second end. The body includes first and second opposing sidewalls extending between a base and the cover. The sidewalls also extend between an open front and a rear of the chassis. The controller board arrangement is mounted to the chassis through the open front of the chassis. The first end being electrically is coupled to the controller board arrangement. The chassis cable is routed along the chassis so that the second end is disposed at the open front of the chassis.

In certain implementations, the first end of the chassis cable is electrically coupled to the controller board arrangement at a rear of the chassis. At least one guide member is attached to the first sidewall of the chassis defines a passage through which the chassis cable is routed from the rear of the chassis to the open front of the chassis so that the second end of the chassis cable is disposed at the first sidewall. In examples, the guide member includes a trough defining the channel. In examples, the guide member includes at least two retaining fingers.

In certain implementations, the controller board arrangement is disposed at the second sidewall of the chassis. In examples, a bridge member is coupled to the cover within the interior of the chassis. The bridge member supports and routes conductors of the chassis cable to the second sidewall at the rear of the chassis.

In certain implementations, a memory board is mounted to the cover within the interior of the chassis. The memory board is electrically coupled to the controller board arrangement at the rear of the chassis. The first end of the chassis cable is electrically coupled to the controller board arrangement via the memory board. In examples, the memory board defines a plurality of connection ports. The chassis cable includes a plurality of chassis cables each having a first end and a second end. The first ends of the chassis cables are coupled to the connection ports of the memory board. The second ends of the chassis cables are disposed at the open front of the chassis.

In an example, the first sidewall of the chassis defines a plurality of apertures towards the rear of the chassis. A first of the chassis cables is routed along a chassis interior towards the open front of the chassis, and a second of the chassis cables exits the chassis interior through a first of the apertures, is routed along an exterior of the first sidewall, reenters the chassis interior through a second of the apertures, and is routed along the chassis interior towards the open front of the chassis.

In certain implementations, the controller board arrangement defines a data port and/or a power port at the open front end of the chassis.

In certain implementations, a tray is configured to mount within the chassis interior. The tray includes data management circuitry coupled to a tray connector to which the second end of the chassis cable can be connected, thereby electrically coupling the data management circuitry of the tray to the controller board arrangement.

In some examples, the tray connector terminates a tray cable and is releasably coupled to the tray at a stowed location. The tray cable has slack length sufficiently long to enable the tray connector to be released from the tray and to be connected to the second end of the chassis cable at an exterior of the chassis. In other examples, the tray connector is part of a tray circuit board. The chassis cable has sufficient slack length to extend from the chassis to the tray connector on the tray.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a spool arrangement including a base configured to be mounted within a chassis interior; a spool disposed on the base so that the spool can rotate relative to the base about a rotation axis that extends upwardly from the base; an adapter arrangement mounted to the spool to move in unison with the spool when the spool rotates relative to the base; and data management circuitry disposed on the adapter arrangement so that the data management circuitry moves in unison with the spool when the spool rotates relative to the base. The adapter arrangement includes a frame holding a plurality of optical adapters. The frame is configured to slide relative to the spool between a connection position and a payout position. The connection position is farther forward relative to the base than the payout position. The data management circuitry includes a circuit board coupled to at least some of the optical adapters. The circuit board is electrically coupled to a tray connector accessible at a front of the spool arrangement.

In certain implementations, the spool includes a drum and at least one flange extending radially outwardly from the drum. The at least one flange defines a first positioning aperture and a second positioning aperture that is spaced rearwardly from the first positioning aperture. The adapter arrangement includes a movable tab that aligns with the first positioning aperture when the adapter arrangement is disposed in the connection position and aligns with the second positioning aperture when the adapter arrangement is disposed in the payout position.

In examples, the adapter arrangement is configured to also move to an extended position that is farther forward than the connection position. In an example, the at least one flange also defines a ramp configured to move the tab to enable rearward movement of the adapter arrangement from the extended position to the connection position.

In examples, the movable tab is operatively coupled to a releasing member so that movement of the releasing member raises the movable tab. In an example, pulling the releasing member raises the movable tab out of either of the positioning apertures and pushing the releasing member does not raise the movable tab out of either of the positioning apertures.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a method of electrically connecting media reading interfaces at optical ports to a data management network. The method includes providing a chassis defining an interior, a controller board arrangement disposed within the interior of the chassis, and a chassis cable having a first end coupled to the controller board arrangement and a second end disposed at an open front of the chassis; installing a spool arrangement within the interior of the chassis; paying out a cable from the spool arrangement; and connecting a free end of the chassis cable to the tray connector. The spool arrangement includes a plurality of optical adapters defining optical ports, a plurality of media reading interfaces at the optical ports, and a tray connector electrically coupled to the media reading interfaces.

In certain implementations, the method includes plugging a network cable into a data port of the controller board arrangement. The network cable is connected to a data management network.

In certain implementations, the method includes inserting a second spool arrangement within the interior of the chassis; paying out another cable from the second spool arrangement; and connecting a free end of a second chassis cable to the second tray connector. The second spool arrangement includes a plurality of optical adapters defining optical ports, a plurality of media reading interfaces at the optical ports, and a second tray connector electrically coupled to the media reading interfaces of the second spool arrangement.

In certain implementations, the method includes mounting a designation member to the spool arrangement to aid in rotationally locking a spool of the spool arrangement.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a communications panel including a chassis; and a spool arrangement disposed within the interior of the chassis. The chassis includes first and second sidewalls extending between a base and a cover and extending between an open front and a rear. The first sidewall defines an aperture. The spool arrangement includes a tray, a spool rotatably disposed on the tray, a spool locking arrangement including a lock bar aligned with the aperture of the first sidewall of the chassis when the spool arrangement is disposed in the chassis, and an adapter arrangement disposed on the spool. The lock bar is configured to slide between a retracted position and an extended position. The lock bar is biased to the extended position in which the lock bar extends through the aperture. The lock bar is removed from the aperture when disposed in the retracted position. The adapter arrangement is configured to move between a connection position and a payout position. The lock bar is automatically retracted when the adapter arrangement is moved to the payout position. The lock bar is automatically extended when the adapter arrangement is moved to the connection position.

In certain implementations, the adapter arrangement includes a frame including a leg extending rearwardly from a main section. The main section holds a plurality of optical adapters. The leg is configured to actuate extension and retraction of the lock bar. In some examples, the lock bar is operationally coupled to an arm that moves between a first position and a second position. The arm is biased to the first position. The arm moves the lock bar to the retracted position when the arm moves to the second position. The arm moves the lock bar to the extended position when the arm moves to the first position. The leg is configured to engage the arm to move the arm between the first and second positions as the adapter arrangement moves between the connection position and the payout position, respectively. In other examples, the lock bar includes a peg and the leg defines a camming surface along which the peg rides to extend and retract the lock bar.

In certain implementations, the spool includes a drum extending upwardly from a flange. The flange defines first and second positioning apertures. The adapter arrangement is mounted to the flange. The adapter arrangement includes a tab that extends downwardly. The tab extends into the first positioning aperture when the adapter arrangement is disposed in the connection position and the tab extends into the second positioning aperture when the adapter arrangement is disposed in the payout position. In examples, the adapter arrangement includes a forwardly extending handle having a free end. Operation of the release mechanism moves the tab of the adapter arrangement between a locked position and a released position.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a method of installing a panel arrangement including providing a spool arrangement accessible through an open front of a chassis; disposing an adapter arrangement relative to a spool of the spool arrangement in a payout position; paying out a cable from the spool by pulling on a free end of the cable; continuing to rotate the spool until ports of the adapter arrangement align with the open front of the chassis; and locking the spool relative to the chassis by moving the adapter arrangement forwardly from the payout position to a connection position. Paying out the cable causes the spool to rotate. The adapter arrangement rotates in unison with the spool. The adapter arrangement is releasably locked relative to the spool when in the connection position.

In certain implementations, the method includes disposing the adapter arrangement in the payout position comprises moving the adapter arrangement rearwardly from the connection position to the payout position.

In certain implementations, the adapter arrangement is releasably locked relative to the spool when disposed in the payout position.

In certain examples, moving the adapter arrangement forwardly from the payout position to the connection position also includes releasing the adapter arrangement from the payout position by retracting a spring-biased tab of the adapter arrangement from a positioning aperture defined by the spool; and enable the spring-biased tab to enter another positioning aperture defined by the spool when the adapter arrangement is disposed in the connection position.

In some examples, moving the adapter arrangement forwardly from the payout position to the connection position moves an outwardly extending tab of the adapter arrangement away from a pivot arm of a locking arrangement to release the pivot arm. Releasing the pivot arm enables a lock bar of the locking arrangement to extend.

In other examples, moving the adapter arrangement forwardly from the payout position to the connection position moves a camming surface relative to a peg of a lock bar to retract the lock bar as the peg rides along the camming surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In general, the disclosure relates to a communications panel100,300including a chassis110,310configured to receive at least one spool arrangement130,330. Each spool arrangement130,330includes a spool140,340and at least one optical termination port155,355that rotates in unison with the spool140,340. In certain examples, physical layer management (PLM) can be provided at the communications panel100,300so that physical layer information (PLI) stored electronically on optical connectors received at the optical termination ports can be provided to a data management network.

FIGS. 1-8illustrate an example communications panel100including an example chassis110and an example spool arrangement130. The example communications panel100has a front101, a rear102, a top103, a bottom104, a first side105, and a second side106. Mounting flanges107extend outwardly from the first and second sides105,106to enable the communications panel100to be secured to a rack or other structure. The panel100includes a chassis110configured to receive at least one spool arrangement130. In the example shown, the chassis110is configured to receive only one spool arrangement130. Such as chassis110is referred to as a1RU (rack unit) chassis. In other examples, however, the chassis110can be configured to receive multiple spool arrangements130. For example, the chassis110can be configured to receive two spool arrangements130, three spool arrangements130, or even more spool arrangements.

For example, the chassis110can include a base111, a first sidewall112, a second sidewall113, and a cover115that define an interior114. The chassis interior114is accessible through an open front116and/or an open rear117of the chassis110. In certain implementations, the sidewalls112,113of the chassis110include guide members that align and retain the spool arrangement130within the chassis110. In certain examples, the guide members include guide fingers121that extend inwardly from the sidewalls112,113. A guide flange132on the spool arrangement130slides between the respective sidewall112,113and the guide finger121(e.g., seeFIG. 2). In other examples, the guide members can include guide shelves122on which a tray131of the spool arrangement130can seat (seeFIG. 19). For example, a chassis110configured to receive multiple spool arrangements130can include multiple rows of guide shelves122and guide fingers121extending inwardly from the sidewalls112,113.

A cable200is wrapped around the spool140of a spool arrangement130and a free end201of the cable200extends outwardly from a cable payout port108of the panel100(seeFIG. 2). The cable200can be deployed (i.e., paid out) from the spool140by pulling on the free end201to rotate the spool140about an axis of rotation AR(FIG. 2). In some implementations, the spool140rotates relative to the tray131while the spool arrangement130is disposed within the chassis110. In certain examples, the panel100can include multiple payout ports108. The free end201can be routed through any one of the payout ports108to unwind the cable200from the spool140. As shown inFIG. 2, the payout ports108can be located at rear corners of the panel100. In other examples, the payout ports108can be located anywhere on the chassis110.

A second end of the cable200is terminated at the rear ports154of one or more optical adapters153coupled to the spool140. For example, the cable200can include multiple fibers each having a connectorized end plugged into one of the rear ports154. In certain examples, the connectorized ends are disposed in the rear ports154before paying out the cable200. In certain examples, the connectorized ends remain disposed in the rear ports154while the cable200is paid out. After the cable200is deployed, the spool140is locked in position relative to the chassis110using a spool lock arrangement134, which will be described in more detail herein. The optical adapters define the one or more termination ports155, which are accessible from the front101of the panel100.

Connectorized optical fibers (e.g., patch cords) can be routed to the front101of the panel100and plugged into the termination ports155to connect to the cable200. In some implementations, the spool arrangement130includes one or more front bend radius limiters127that facilitate routing the optical fibers away from the front101of the panel100. In the example shown, the spool arrangement130includes a front bend radius limiter127at each front corner of the tray131. In certain examples, the front bend radius limiters127are forwardly offset from a remainder of the tray131. In other examples, the front bend radius limiters127can be coupled to the chassis110instead of to the spool arrangement130.

In some implementations, one or more fanouts can be disposed on the spool140to separate the optical fibers of the second end of the cable200so that the separate optical fibers can be individually connectorized for receipt at the rear ports154. In other implementations, the second end of the cable200extends into a termination cassette in which the fiber(s) of the cable200are optically coupled to the termination ports155. In still other implementations, one or more splices or splitters can be disposed on the spool140to connect the cable200to the termination ports155.

The spool140includes a drum142extending upwardly from the tray131. One or more flanges141extend radially outwardly from the drum142to define a storage region143at which the cable200is wound. A lip133(FIG. 1) aids in retaining the cable200within the storage region143. The lip133also can be utilized as a designation plate. In certain implementations, the drum142extends further upwardly beyond a top one of the flanges141to define a management region146of the spool140. The second end of the cable200extends from the drum142, along the management region146, to the rear ports154of the optical adapters153. In certain examples, a sub-cover145can be disposed over the top flange141to protect the second end of the cable200(seeFIG. 2).

In some implementations, the optical adapters153are movable relative to the spool140. For example, the optical adapters153can be mounted to a termination section152of a frame151to form an adapter arrangement150that is configured to slide relative to the spool140. In certain implementations, the frame151includes guides156engage guide members147on the spool140to direct the movement of the adapter arrangement150along the spool140. In certain examples, two guides156extend rearwardly from the termination section152of the frame151. In an example, each guide156defines a slot or channel157in which a guide member (e.g., a screw)147on the spool140rides. In other examples, the rearward guides156can slide along channels or rails disposed on the spool140.

In certain examples, the adapter arrangement150moves between a connection position and a payout position. When in the connection position (FIG. 3), the adapter arrangement150is disposed sufficiently forward relative to the drum142to enable access to the termination ports155from the front101of the panel100. The payout position is rearward of the connection position. When in the payout position (FIG. 4), the adapter arrangement150is positioned to avoid interference with sidewalls112,113of the chassis110when the spool140rotates relative to the chassis110. In certain examples, the adapter arrangement150also can be moved to an extended position relative to the spool140(FIG. 8). When in the extended position, the rear ports154of the adapters153are accessible from the front101of the panel100.

In some implementations, the adapter arrangement150can be locked into one or more of the positions relative to the spool140. In certain examples, the adapter arrangement150includes an adapter locking arrangement160that includes a downwardly extending tab162. When the adapter arrangement150is disposed in the connection position, the downwardly extending tab162aligns with and extends into a first positioning aperture148defined in the top flange141of the spool140. When the adapter arrangement150is disposed in the payout position, the downwardly extending tab162aligns with and extends into a second positioning aperture149defined in the top flange141. The second positioning aperture149is located closer to the drum142than the first positioning aperture148.

In certain implementations, the adapter locking arrangement160(seeFIG. 5) enables a user to raise the tab162relative to the flange141to enable movement of the adapter arrangement150between positions. In certain examples, the adapter locking arrangement160includes a support body161to which the tab162is coupled. A spring163is mounted to the support body161to bias the tab162downwardly relative to the support body161. In an example, the tab162defines slots165that glide over guide edges164of the support body161to maintain proper alignment of the tab162.

A release member167also is movably mounted to the support body161. For example, the release member167can include a grip surface169(FIG. 5) configured to facilitate grasping and manipulation of the release member167by the user. In some implementations, movement of the release member167forwardly relative to the support body161raises the tab162to disengage the adapter arrangement150from the positioning apertures. In other implementations, movement of the release member167rearwardly relative to the support body161raises the tab162to disengage the adapter arrangement150from the positioning apertures. In still other implementations, movement of the release member167in either the forward or rearward direction relative to the support body161raises the tab162to disengage the adapter arrangement150from the positioning apertures.

In certain implementations, the release member167is slidingly mounted to the support body161. In certain examples, the release member167includes a first camming surface168athat is configured to engage a first cam follower surface166aof the tab162when the release member167is moved (e.g., forwardly) relative to the support body161. In certain examples, the release member167includes a second camming surface168bthat is configured to engage a second cam follower surface166bof the tab162when the release member167is moved (e.g., rearwardly) relative to the support body161. The cam follower surfaces166a,166bof the tab162ride up the respective camming surfaces168a,168bof the release member167during movement of the release member167, thereby raising the tab162relative to the support member161.

As shown inFIGS. 3-7, movement of the adapter arrangement150relative to the spool140can activate and release the spool lock arrangement134. When the spool lock arrangement134is activated, the spool140cannot rotate within the chassis110. When the spool lock arrangement134is released, the spool140is free to rotate within the chassis110. The spool lock arrangement134includes a lock bar135mounted to a support member136. The lock bar135aligns with an aperture124defined in the chassis110when the spool arrangement130is disposed within the chassis110. Extending the lock bar135into the aperture124inhibits rotation of the spool140relative to the chassis110. Retracting the lock bar135from the aperture124releases the spool140to rotate relative to the chassis110. In an example, the lock bar135is biased towards the extended position. Accordingly, the spool140automatically locks relative to the chassis110when the spool arrangement130is disposed within the chassis110.

The spool lock arrangement134includes a releasing arrangement137that includes a lever arm138coupled to the lock bar135. Pivoting (or otherwise moving) the lever arm138between first and second positions extends and retracts the lock bar135. The lever arm138defines an engagement surface139at one end. Moving the adapter arrangement150to the payout position causes the release member158to press against the engagement surface139, thereby moving the lever arm138to retract the lock bar135(seeFIG. 7). Moving the adapter arrangement150to the connection position moves the release member158sufficient to enable the lever arm138to return to the first position, thereby extending the lock bar135(FIG. 6).

Accordingly, when the spool arrangement130is disposed in the chassis110, a user manipulates the release member167of the adapter locking arrangement160to release the tab162from the first positional aperture148. The user slides the adapter arrangement150from the connection position to the payout position and allows the tab162to engage with the second positional aperture149. The spool lock arrangement134is automatically released when the adapter arrangement150is moved to the payout position. The user pays out the cable200by pulling on the free end201, thereby rotating the spool140within the chassis110. When the cable is paid out, the user manipulates the release member167of the adapter locking arrangement160to release the tab162from the second positional aperture149. The user slides the adapter arrangement150from the payout position to the connection position and allows the tab162to engage with the first positional aperture148. The spool lock arrangement134is automatically activated (e.g., by a spring) when the adapter arrangement150is moved to the connection position, thereby locking the spool140against rotational movement relative to the chassis110.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, the panel100can include circuitry to enable data (e.g., physical layer information) to be transferred from optical connectors received at the termination ports155, through the panel100, to a data management network. In some implementations, the circuitry includes tray circuitry190including media reading interfaces electrically coupled to a tray connector196. In some implementations, the circuitry includes chassis circuitry170including a controller board171that is electrically coupled to a tray port179that is configured to receive the tray connector196to connect the spool arrangement130to the data management network.

FIGS. 9-12illustrate example tray circuitry190that is configured to provide data obtained from connectors received at the termination ports155to the tray connector196. The tray circuitry190includes media reading interface arrangements disposed at the optical adapters153. The media interface arrangements include one or more contact members coupled to a circuit board at the optical adapter153. Some example optical adapters153and media reading interface arrangements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,690,593, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Other example optical adapters153and media reading interface arrangements are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/169,912, filed Jan. 31, 2014, and titled “Optical Assemblies with Managed Connectivity,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

As shown inFIG. 10, the tray circuitry190also includes intermediate circuit boards carried by the termination section152of the frame151. The intermediate circuit boards include adapter board connectors191that interface with connectors of the media interface arrangements. The intermediate circuit boards also include cable connectors192. In certain examples, a flexible tray cable194has a first end195plugged into the cable connector192and an opposite second end terminated by the tray connector196. In other examples, the flexible tray cable194has a first end195that connects to an intermediate flexible tray cable at a frame port193. The intermediate flexible cable extends between the frame port193and the cable connector192.

In some implementations, the frame151of the adapter arrangement150defines a recessed channel159in which a portion of the flexible tray cable194or the intermediate cable can be disposed. In the example shown inFIG. 11, the recessed channel159is defined at a bottom of the frame151in the termination section152. In certain examples, a single circuit board connects to all of the adapter media reading interfaces carried by the frame151. In such examples, the flexible tray cable194has one first end195that couples to a single cable connector192. In other examples, the frame151carries multiple intermediate circuit boards that each connect to some of the media reading interfaces. In such examples, each intermediate circuit board has a cable connector192and the flexible tray cable194has multiple first ends195that each couple to one of the cable connectors192.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the flexible tray cable194is routed so that the tray connector196is disposed at a stowed location197on the frame151. For example, the tray connector196can be attached to the frame151towards the front of the frame151so that the tray connector196is accessible to a user through the open front116of the chassis110. In the example shown, the stowed location197is defined at one side of the termination section152towards the front. Retaining tabs198are provided along the side of the frame151to aid in holding the flexible tray cable194. One or more routing fingers199may be provided by the rearward guide156to aid in guiding the flexible tray cable194from the frame port193to the stowed location197. The tray connector196is attached to the frame151at the stowed location197while the spool arrangement130is mounted to the chassis110and while the cable200is deployed.

FIGS. 13-18illustrate example chassis circuitry170including a controller board171that mounts to a chassis and a tray port179that is electrically coupled to the controller board171. The controller board171includes a circuit board having a board connector172, a power port173at which power is received, and a network port174at which the board connects to the data management network. In certain examples, the controller board171also includes one or more status indicators (e.g., light indicators). In some implementations, the tray port179is disposed at the open front116of the chassis110. In the example shown, a chassis adapter178can be disposed on the second sidewall113at the open front116of the chassis110.

When cable200has been deployed from a spool arrangement130within the chassis110, the user can access the tray connector196through the open front116of the chassis110, remove the tray connector196from the stowed location197on the adapter frame151, and plug the tray connector196into the tray port179. Plugging the tray connector196into the tray port179connects the media reading interfaces of the corresponding spool arrangement130to the controller board171. The controller board171includes an electronic controller or processer that reads/writes connector information at the termination ports155via the media reading interfaces.

In some implementations, the spool arrangement130is structured to facilitate routing of the tray connector196to the tray port179. In certain implementations, the spool arrangement130includes a bend radius limiter189disposed at a front (e.g., adjacent the front bend radius limiters127). The radius limiter189is shaped to bend a forwardly extending cable towards the rear102of the panel100. In use, the user can remove the tray connector196from the frame151, pull the tray connector196forwardly of the adapter arrangement150, wrap the flexible cable194around the radius limiter189, and plug the tray connector196into a forwardly facing tray port179. In an example, the adapter arrangement150can be pulled to the extended position to facilitate access to the tray connector196.

In certain implementations, the chassis110is configured to receive multiple spool arrangements130. In such implementations, the chassis110includes multiple tray ports179(e.g., at the open front116of the chassis110). Each spool arrangement130includes a corresponding tray connector196that is plugged into a corresponding one of the tray ports179to connect the media reading interfaces of the spool arrangement130to the data network. In examples, the same controller board171is electrically coupled to the media reading interfaces of multiple spool arrangements130. In such examples, the media reading interfaces are coupled to the data network via the network port174of the controller board171.

In certain examples, the controller board171is mounted to the chassis110so that the power port173and the network port174are disposed towards the open front116of the chassis110. In the example shown, the controller board171is mounted to the first sidewall112and the chassis adapter178is mounted to the second sidewall113. A flexible chassis cable182(FIG. 14) connects the controller board171and the tray port179. The chassis cable182is routed along a rear102of the chassis110and up the second sidewall113of the chassis110to the tray port179via a routing channel186as will be described in more detail herein.

As shown inFIGS. 13-16, in some examples, one or more guide members175are coupled to the chassis110to receive the controller board171. In the example shown, a first guide member175is coupled to the first sidewall112of the chassis110and a second guide member175is coupled to the cover115of the chassis110(seeFIG. 17). The controller board171slides along the guide members175to mount the controller board171within the chassis110. In certain examples, the controller board171includes a flexible tab or latch arm176that engages with an inner shoulder177defined by one of the guide members175to secure the controller board171within the chassis110(seeFIGS. 15 and 16).

In certain implementations, the controller board171plugs into a memory board180that is mounted within a rear of the chassis110. For example, the board connector172of the controller board171may slide into a connector socket of the memory board180. The memory board180stores data about the panel100(e.g., the number of spool arrangements130that the chassis110is configured to hold, a unique identification designation of the panel/chassis110, etc.). The memory board180defines one or more cable ports181. In certain examples, the memory board180defines a cable port181for each spool arrangement130that the chassis110is configured to receive. In certain examples, the memory board180defines a cable port181for tray port179defined by the chassis circuitry170. One or more chassis cables182(FIG. 14) extend between the memory board180and the chassis adapter(s)178to connect each tray port179to the controller board171.

In the example shown, a bridge186extends across the rear of the chassis110to support the one or more cables182. The bridge186defines an aperture187through which the cables182can exit the bridge186and enter a guide trough188that extends along an interior of the second sidewall113. The guide trough188routes the cable182to the chassis adapter178. In an example, the guide trough188carries the chassis adapter178. As shown inFIGS. 17 and 18, in some examples, the controller board171and the bridge186are mounted to the cover115of the chassis110and the guide trough188is mounted to the sidewall113of the chassis110.

When the chassis110is configured to hold multiple spool arrangements130, multiple guide troughs188are mounted to the sidewall113. Each guide trough188is mounted over respective guide members structured to retain a respective spool arrangement130. In certain examples, a single controller board171and a single bridge186are utilized in each chassis110even when the chassis110receives multiple spool arrangements130. In such examples, multiple chassis cables182extend over the bridge186from a respective cable port181of the memory board180to the second sidewall113. At the second sidewall113, each of the chassis cables182is routed into one of the guide troughs188.

For example, in a chassis110configured to hold three spool arrangements130(e.g., seeFIG. 19), a first chassis cable182can be routed over the bridge186, through the aperture187, and into a top guide trough188. Second and third chassis cables182extend along the bridge186, through the bridge aperture187, and through an aperture defined in the second sidewall113to exit the chassis interior114. The second and third chassis cables182are routed along an exterior of the sidewall113until reaching a respective aperture in the sidewall113. Each of the chassis cables182is routed back into the chassis interior114and into a respective guide trough188. In an example, a flange or cover128can be mounted to the exterior of the sidewall113over the chassis cables182to protect the chassis cables182(seeFIG. 19).

The chassis and tray circuitry can be grounded to the chassis110, which can be grounded via a grounding wire to the rack, cabinet, or other surrounding structure. In certain implementations, the controller board171includes a spring clip that engages a conductive surface of the chassis cover115(e.g., conductive tape laid on a bare metal surface of cover). In certain implementations, the spool arrangement130can be grounded to the chassis110by providing a metal spring clip at the bottom flange141of the spool140that contacts a conductive surface of the tray131. The tray131contacts the chassis110when mounted within the chassis110.

FIGS. 20-38illustrate another example communications panel300including an example chassis310and example spool arrangements330. In various implementations, the chassis310can be sized to receive one, two, three, four, or more spool arrangements330. In the example shown, the chassis310is configured to receive three spool arrangements330. In certain implementations, the chassis310is substantially similar to the chasses shown inFIGS. 1-19. In the example shown inFIG. 20, a cover has been removed from the chassis310to allow viewing of the interior of the chassis310.

The example chassis310can include a base311, a first sidewall312, a second sidewall313, and a cover that define an interior314accessible through an open front316and/or an open rear317. In certain implementations, the sidewalls312,313of the chassis310include guide members320that align and retain the spool arrangements330within the chassis310. For example, the guide members320define one or more levels at which a spool arrangement330can be mounted. In certain examples, the guide members320include guide fingers321and/or guide shelves322that extend inwardly from the sidewalls312,313(e.g., seeFIG. 21). A guide flange332on the spool arrangement330slides over at least some of the guide shelves322and between at least some of the guide fingers321and the respective sidewall312,313(e.g., seeFIG. 20).

FIG. 23illustrates one example spool arrangement330suitable for mounting in the chassis310(seeFIG. 20). Each spool arrangement330includes a spool340and at least one optical termination port355that rotates in unison with the spool340. A cable200can be wound around the spool340. A connectorized end of the cable200can be optically coupled to the termination port355. In certain examples, one or more optical adapters are coupled to the spool340to rotate in unison. In such examples, multiple connectorized ends of the cable200can be plugged into rear ports of optical adapters353that interface with front ports355of the optical adapters. In certain examples, the optical adapters353can be mounted to a termination section352of a frame351to form an adapter arrangement350that is configured to slide relative to the spool340as will be discussed in more detail herein.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, the panel300can include circuitry to enable data (e.g., physical layer information) to be transferred from optical connectors received at the termination ports355, through the panel300, to a data management network. In some implementations, the circuitry includes tray circuitry390including media reading interfaces electrically coupled to a tray connector393. In some implementations, the circuitry includes chassis circuitry370including a controller board371that is electrically coupled to one or more cables382. Each cable382can be selectively routed to the tray connector393of a spool arrangement330to connect the spool arrangement330to the data management network.

As shown inFIG. 20, the controller board371plugs into a memory board380that is mounted within a rear of the chassis310. A power port373and a network port374are coupled to the controller board371and accessible towards the front316of the chassis310. For example, the power port373and network port374are shown schematically inFIG. 20. The memory board380stores data about the panel300(e.g., the number of spool arrangements330that the chassis310is configured to hold, a unique identification designation of the panel/chassis310, etc.). The memory board380defines one or more cable ports381. In certain examples, the memory board380defines a cable port381for each spool arrangement330that the chassis310is configured to receive. A respective cable382is routed from each cable port381towards the front316of the chassis310.

In certain implementations, a bridge386extends across the rear of the chassis310to support the one or more cables382connected to the memory board cable ports381. The bridge386defines an aperture387through which the cables382can exit the bridge386at the second sidewall313of the chassis310. In some implementations, one or more retaining fingers388extend inwardly from the second sidewall313to define a cable passage from the bridge386towards the front316of the chassis310. In other implementations, the cable382can be routed through a guide trough (e.g., guide trough188) attached to the sidewall313towards the front316of the chassis310. In certain examples, the controller board371and the bridge386are mounted to the cover of the chassis310and the retaining fingers388is mounted to the sidewall313of the chassis310.

In certain implementations, one or more cables382exit the chassis310when exiting the bridge386. For example, the second sidewall313may define an aperture325through which one or more of the cables382can exit the chassis310(seeFIG. 22). One or more cables382can be routed along an exterior of the second sidewall313to other levels of guide members320within the chassis. For example, the second sidewall313may define additional apertures325through which one or more cables382can enter the chassis310to access guide members320at different levels within the chassis310(e.g., seeFIG. 21). A flange328can be mounted to the exterior of the second sidewall313to cover the apertures325and the portions of the cables382extending outside the chassis310(e.g., seeFIG. 22).

In some implementations, the controller board371, memory board380, and bridge386mount to a cover of the chassis310. In the example shown inFIG. 20, however, the cover is removed from view while the controller board371, memory board380, and bridge386remain in position relative to a remainder of the chassis310for ease in viewing. In other implementations, the controller board371, memory board380, and bridge386can be mounted to sidewalls of the chassis310.

As shown inFIGS. 24-26, example tray circuitry390includes media reading interface arrangements disposed at the optical adapters353. The media interface arrangements include one or more contact members coupled to a circuit board at the optical adapter353. Some example optical adapters353and media reading interface arrangements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,690,593, incorporated by reference above. Other example optical adapters353and media reading interface arrangements are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/169,912, which is also incorporated by reference above.

As shown inFIG. 25, the tray circuitry390also includes a circuit board arrangement394carried by the termination section352of the frame351. The circuit board arrangement394includes one or more adapter board connectors that interface with connectors of the media interface arrangements. The circuit board arrangement394also includes a tray connector393that is electrically connected to the media reading interface arrangements through the circuit board arrangement394. In certain examples, the circuit board arrangement394is disposed at a bottom of the frame351and the tray connector393faces upwardly from the frame351. In the example shown, the tray connector393is located at a side of the frame351that faces the second sidewall313of the chassis310.

As shown inFIG. 21, a connectorized end384of the cable382can be stowed within the chassis310until the spool arrangement330is installed and the cable200is deployed from the spool arrangement330. As shown inFIGS. 27 and 28, the cable382can be routed from the chassis310to the tray connector393after the cable200is deployed. For example, a user can slide the spool arrangement330along the guides320, deploy the cable200from the spool arrangement330as will be described herein, grasp the connectorized end384of the cable382from the front of the chassis310, and plug the connectorized end384into the tray connector393of the spool arrangement330. In the example shown, a cable382routed through a top level of cable guides320is routed to a top-most spool arrangement330. Other levels of cable guides320are provided for additional spool arrangements330as appropriate.

In some implementations, the optical adapters353are movable relative to the spool340. For example, the optical adapters353can be carried by the adapter arrangement350that is configured to slide relative to the spool340. In certain implementations, the frame351includes guides356,357that engage guide members345on the spool340to direct the movement of the adapter arrangement350along the spool340. In certain examples, the guide members345of the spool340define channels346along which the guides356,357can slide. In the example shown, horizontal guides356extend outwardly from opposite sides of the frame351and vertical guides357extend upwardly from the frame351.

In certain examples, the adapter arrangement350moves between a connection position and a payout position. When in the connection position, the adapter arrangement350is disposed sufficiently forward relative to the drum342to enable access to the termination ports355from the front of the panel300. The payout position is rearward of the connection position. When in the payout position, the adapter arrangement350is positioned to avoid interference with sidewalls312,313of the chassis310when the spool340rotates relative to the chassis310. In certain examples, the adapter arrangement350also can be moved to an extended position relative to the spool340. When in the extended position, rear ports of the adapters353are accessible from the front of the panel300.

Referring toFIGS. 29-31, in some implementations, the adapter arrangement350can be locked into one or more of the positions relative to the spool340using an adapter locking arrangement360. In some implementations, the adapter arrangement350can be locked into the connection position. In certain implementations, the adapter arrangement350can be locked into the payout position. When the adapter arrangement350is locked into position, the user must actuate the adapter locking arrangement360to move the adapter arrangement350to another position.

In certain examples, the adapter locking arrangement360includes a downwardly extending tab362that can be raised and lowered. When the adapter arrangement350is disposed in the connection position, the downwardly extending tab362aligns with and extends into a first positioning aperture348at the spool340(seeFIG. 29). When the adapter arrangement350is disposed in the payout position, the downwardly extending tab362aligns with and extends into a second positioning aperture349defined at the spool340(seeFIG. 29). The second positioning aperture349is located closer to the drum342than the first positioning aperture348. The tab362is raised out of the positioning aperture348,349to enable movement of the adapter arrangement350between positions.

In certain examples, the adapter locking arrangement360includes a support body361to which the tab362is coupled. A spring363is mounted to the support body361to bias the tab362downwardly relative to the support body361. Accordingly, the tab362automatically latches to the positioning apertures348,349when the tab362aligns with the positioning apertures348,349. A release member367also is movably (e.g., slideably) mounted to the support body361. The release member367can include a grip surface369configured to facilitate grasping and manipulation of the release member367by the user.

The release member367includes a camming surface366that is configured to engage a cam follower365of the tab362when the release member367is moved in a first direction (e.g., forwardly) relative to the support body361. Moving the release member367moves the camming surface366relative to the cam follower365so that the cam follower365rides up the camming surface366, thereby raising the tab362. In certain examples, the camming surface366extends upwardly in a rearward direction relative to the tab362. In such examples, forward movement of the release member367raises the tab362to disengage the adapter arrangement350from the positioning apertures348,349.

In some implementations, the release member367includes camming surfaces that extend upwardly in both directions so that movement of the release member367forwardly or rearwardly will raise the tab362. In other implementations, however, the release member367does not define a camming surface that extends upwardly in a forward direction from the tab362. Rather, the release member367defines a shoulder364that is positioned sufficiently oblique to the tab362so that the tab362cannot cam up the shoulder364(e.g., seeFIG. 31). In such implementations, the abutment between the tab362and the shoulder364inhibits rearward movement of the release member367by a user.

In such implementations, a user cannot move the adapter arrangement350from the connection position to the payout position by pushing rearwardly on the release member367. Rather, the user would pull forwardly on the release member367to raise the tab362out of the first positioning aperture348and separately push the frame351rearwardly towards the drum342. To move the adapter arrangement350from the payout position to the connection position, the user would pull forwardly on the release member367to raise the tab362out of the second positioning aperture349and continue pulling the release member367forwardly away from the drum342.

In certain examples, a ramp347is disposed at an opposite of the first positioning aperture348from the second positioning aperture349. In the example shown, the ramp347, the first positioning aperture348, and the second positioning aperture349are aligned in a forward-rearward direction. In such examples, the tab362will cam up the ramp347when the adapter arrangement350is moved rearwardly from the extended position to the connection position. Accordingly, a user can move the adapter arrangement350from the extended position to the connection position by pushing rearwardly on the release member367(or pulling forwardly on the release member and pushing rearwardly on the frame351).

As shown inFIGS. 32-35, movement of the adapter arrangement350relative to the spool340can activate and release the spool lock arrangement334. When the spool lock arrangement334is activated, the spool340cannot rotate within the chassis310. When the spool lock arrangement334is released, the spool340is free to rotate within the chassis310. The spool lock arrangement334includes a lock bar335mounted to a lock bar support member336. In certain examples, a support member345defines both the lock bar support member336and one of the guide members346of the spool340. In the example shown, two support members345are mounted to opposite sides of the spool340to provide the guide members346. A lock bar335can be mounted to the lock bar support member336of one of the support members345.

The lock bar335aligns with an aperture324(FIG. 21) defined in the chassis310when the spool arrangement330is disposed within the chassis310. Extending the lock bar335into the aperture324inhibits rotation of the spool340relative to the chassis310(seeFIG. 20). Retracting the lock bar335from the aperture324releases the spool340to rotate relative to the chassis310. In an example, the lock bar335is biased towards the extended position. Accordingly, the spool340automatically locks relative to the chassis310when the spool arrangement330is disposed within the chassis310.

The lock bar335includes a peg337that moves unitarily with the lock bar335. The spool lock arrangement334includes a releasing arrangement338coupled to the frame351of the adapter arrangement350(e.g., seeFIGS. 32 and 34). The releasing arrangement338defines a cam surface339. The peg337rides along the cam surface339when the frame351is slid relative to the spool340. In the example shown, the cam surface339ramps inwardly relative to the spool340as the cam surface339extends towards the front316of the chassis310. Accordingly, the cam surface339causes the peg337to move inwardly relative to the spool340as the cam surface339moves rearwardly relative to the peg337.

FIGS. 32 and 33illustrate the frame351in the connection position. The tab362of the adapter locking arrangement360is disposed within the first positioning aperture348. The releasing arrangement338is positioned relative to the peg337to not interfere with the biasing of the lock bar335. Accordingly, the lock bar335is disposed in the extended position.FIGS. 34 and 35illustrate the frame351in the payout position. The tab362of the adapter locking arrangement360is disposed within the second positioning aperture349. The peg337has cammed inwardly along the cam surface339so that the lock bar335is disposed in the retracted position.

Accordingly, when the spool arrangement330is disposed in the chassis310, a user manipulates the release member367of the adapter locking arrangement360to release the tab362from the first positional aperture348. The user slides the adapter arrangement350from the connection position to the payout position and allows the tab362to engage with the second positional aperture349. The spool lock arrangement334is automatically released when the adapter arrangement350is moved to the payout position. The user pays out the cable200by pulling on the free end201, thereby rotating the spool340within the chassis310. When the cable is paid out, the user manipulates the release member367of the adapter locking arrangement360to release the tab362from the second positional aperture349. The user slides the adapter arrangement350from the payout position to the connection position and allows the tab362to engage with the first positional aperture348. The spool lock arrangement334is automatically activated (e.g., by a spring) when the adapter arrangement350is moved to the connection position, thereby locking the spool340against rotational movement relative to the chassis310.

FIGS. 36-38illustrate an example designation member118that can be coupled to the spool arrangement330. In certain examples, the designation member118is coupled to the spool arrangement330after at least some of the cable200has been paid out. The designation member118includes a lip333on which labels for the adapter ports355can be disposed. In certain examples, the lip333aids in retaining the cable200on the spool340. One or more support fingers119extend forwardly of the lip333to aid in routing fibers or cables to the adapter ports355.

In certain implementations, the designation member118is configured to latch to the spool arrangement330. In the example shown, the designation member118includes flexible fingers327at opposite ends. Each flexible finger327includes a latch button329aand a push tab329b. The latch button329ais configured to snap into an opening defined by the tray331of the spool arrangement330(e.g., seeFIG. 38). The push tab329bis configured to deflect the flexible finger327sufficient to remove the latch button329afrom the opening when pushed by a user (e.g., seeFIG. 36).

In certain implementations, the designation member118is configured to aid in locking the spool340in a rotational position relative to the tray331of the spool arrangement330. For example, in certain examples, a bottom flange341of the spool340defines a notch343and the designation member118includes a tab323configured to extend into the notch343when the designation member118is mounted to the tray331. Interaction between the tab323and the notch343inhibits rotation of the spool340when the designation member118is mounted to the tray331.

In certain examples, the tray331also defines the notch343into which the tab323extends. In the example shown, the spool flange341also defines cutout shoulders344at an open side of the notch343. The tab323of the designation member118includes wings326that are sized to fit in the cutout shoulders344when the designation member118is mounted to the tray331. In certain examples, the designation member118cannot fit on the tray331until at least some of the cable200has been paid out. Accordingly, the designation member118does not block rotation of the spool340before paying out the cable200.