Patent Publication Number: US-8522424-B2

Title: Wiring connection apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-001019, filed on Jan. 9, 2007. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to a wiring connection apparatus, and particularly to a wiring connection apparatus for relay connecting wiring on a first side to wiring on a second side in electronic apparatus such as communications apparatus, information processing apparatus, and measuring apparatus. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     When connecting cables, a wiring connection apparatus including a plurality of adaptors, which allow free insertion and removal of cables, is used to simplify the change of connection relationships between the cables. This type of wiring connection apparatus is known as a patch panel, and is used to support network wiring operations. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a construction of a conventional patch panel. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , in a conventional patch panel  10 , a frame  1  mounted on a metal rack, which is not shown in the drawings, holds a vertically standing plate-form panel  2 . 
     A plurality of optical adaptors  3  are fitted to the panel  2 . Specifically, a plurality of substantially rectangular optical adaptor fitting holes  4  are provided at predetermined intervals in the panel  2 , and two optical adaptors  3  are fitted into each optical adaptor fitting hole  4  so as to be vertically aligned. 
     Fixing holes  6  for inserting fixing screws are formed in fixture parts  5  provided at left and right ends of the frame  1 , and the frame  1  is fixed to the rack by screwing the fixing screws through the fixing holes  6  and into screw holes provided in the rack. 
     The optical cables are connected to the optical adaptors with the arrangement in this state. Specifically, trunk-line side optical cables  7  from a communication base station are connected to a fitting opening formed in the optical adaptor  3  on a front side of the patch panel  10  and the apparatus-side optical cables  8  are connected to a fitting opening formed in the optical adaptor  3  on the rear side of the patch panel  10 . 
     In another arrangement, which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,141, a plurality of trays are rotatably provided in a tray holder body, and each tray has a plurality of crescent-form internal wall parts. The cables are stored by winding around the internal wall parts so as to prevent excess cable from hanging loose and protruding from the tray. 
     However, in the conventional patch panel  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , it is difficult to fit the optical adaptors  3  at high density (in large numbers) for connecting the optical cables  7  and  8 . This is because the optical adaptors  3  in the panel  2  are provided in a manner that allows sufficient space for the fingers of an operator to enter and connect the optical cables  7  and  8 . 
     Were a large number of optical adaptors  3  to be fitted to the panel  2 , the panel  2  would have to be enlarged, leading to an increase in the overall size of the patch panel  10 . 
     To realize a thinner patch panel, an arrangement in which trays can be freely withdrawn from a body and optical adaptors are provided in the trays is conceivable. However, in this case cables with sufficient spare length to allow the trays to be withdrawn from the body must be stored in the trays, and the size of areas in the tray, which allow installation of the adaptors, is therefore reduced. 
     Moreover, since the conventional patch panel  10  shown in  FIG. 1  is constructed with the optical adaptors  3  fitted in the plate-form panel  2 , the patch panel  10  must be of a predetermined large size, making expansion difficult. 
     Moreover, in the conventional patch panel  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , the trunk-line side optical cables  7  from the communications base station and the apparatus-side optical cables  8  are connected via the optical adaptors  3 , which are fitted in the vertically standing plate-form panel  2 . This means that one set of cables (the apparatus-side optical cables  8  in the example shown in  FIG. 1 ) are connected from the rear side of the panel  2 . 
     Hence, in operations such as that of pulling cables connected from the rear side of the panel  2  (the optical cables  8  in the example shown in  FIG. 1 ) to the front side of the panel  2 , there is a risk of damage caused by unanticipated loads caused by the operator snagging the cables or the like. 
     Thus, to realize safe connection of the optical cables, a better way of routing and connecting the trunk-line side optical cables  7  from the communication base station and the apparatus-side optical cables  8 , and a way of protecting the optical cables  7  and  8 , are necessary. 
     SUMMARY 
     In view of the above described problems, it is the object of the present invention to provide a wiring connection apparatus, which allows dense installation (i.e. installation of a large number) of the optical adaptors for connecting the optical cables, a small apparatus size (i.e. a thin construction), and simple expansion, and realizes favorable optical cable routing and ease of use. Further, it is the object of the present invention to provide a wiring connection apparatus, which allows the optical cables to be routed safely without risk of damage. 
     According to an aspect of an embodiment, a wiring connection apparatus comprises a tray including a plurality of wiring connection members for connecting a plurality of wiring and a tray holder body, which holds the tray, wherein the tray is rotatably provided in the tray holder body, and a wiring introduction opening for introducing the plurality of wiring into the tray is formed in proximity to an axis of rotation of the tray. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the construction of a conventional patch panel. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an overall construction of a patch panel  20  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a (first) diagram to illustrate a storage configuration of optical cable in a tray. 
         FIG. 3B  is a (first) diagram to illustrate a storage configuration of optical cable in a tray. 
         FIG. 4  is a (second) diagram to illustrate a storage configuration of optical cable in a tray. 
         FIG. 5  is shows a layout of optical adaptors. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view through C-C in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7A  is a diagram to illustrate a manner in which the optical adaptor is inserted into and removed from an optical adaptor fitting hole. 
         FIG. 7B  is a diagram to illustrate a manner in which the optical adaptor is inserted into and removed from an optical adaptor fitting hole. 
         FIG. 8A  is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic construction of a tray holder body. 
         FIG. 8B  is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic construction of a tray holder body. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing an external form of a bushing provided in a slit of a reinforcing plate in a top panel of the tray holder body and a bushing provided in a slit of a reinforcing plate in a bottom panel of the tray holder. 
         FIG. 10  is a partial enlarged perspective view showing a state of the bushing provided in the reinforcing slit in the top panel of the tray holder body. 
         FIG. 11A  is a diagram to illustrate a construction to stop rotation of the tray when the tray has been withdrawn by rotation from the tray holder body. 
         FIG. 11B  is a diagram to illustrate a construction to stop rotation of the tray when the tray has been withdrawn by rotation from the tray holder body. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing a transparent sheet provided on the tray. 
         FIG. 13  is a partial enlarged perspective view to illustrate a rotating construction of the transparent sheet. 
         FIG. 14  is diagram to illustrate a connection between rotation holes in the transparent sheet and a transparent sheet rotation supporting member of the tray, and to show a rotation direction for the transparent sheet. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     [Description of the Preferred Embodiments] 
     The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an overall construction of a patch panel  20  according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  shows a state in which a tray  21  is rotated with respect to a tray holder body  22  and a transparent sheet  40  for covering the tray  21  is open. 
     As an example of the wiring connection apparatus of the present invention, the patch panel  20  has a depth direction (X 1 -X 2  direction in  FIG. 2 ) length of approximately 30.5 cm (12 inches), a width (Y 1 -Y 2  direction length) of approximately 58.3 cm (23 inches), and a height of 1 U (4.445 cm). The height of a metal rack in which the patch panels are fixed is generally expressed in units of U. The patch panel  20  with the height of 1 U in the present example can therefore be used in any rack and allows simple expansion. It is to be noted, however, that the above described dimensions are no more than examples, and the present invention can be applied to patch panels with other dimensions. 
     The tray holder body  22  is, for instance, substantially rectangular in shape, is made of stainless steel, and includes a planar, substantially rectangular top panel  23  and bottom panel  24  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
     A stainless steel, or the like, side panel  25  is provided extending from the bottom panel  24  (see  FIG. 8 ) between a depth direction (X 1 -X 2  direction in  FIG. 2 ) peripheral section of the top panel  23  and a depth direction (X 1 -X 2  direction in  FIG. 2 ) peripheral section of the bottom panel  24 . 
     Moreover, a stainless steel, or the like, far-side panel (not shown in the drawings), is provided on a far side (X 2  side in  FIG. 2 ), between a width direction (Y 1 -Y 2  direction in  FIG. 2 ) peripheral section of the top panel  23  and a width direction (Y 1 -Y 2  direction in  FIG. 2 ) peripheral section of the bottom panel  24 . 
     On the other hand, on a near side (X 1  side in  FIG. 2 ), a width direction (Y 1 -Y 2  direction in  FIG. 2 ) peripheral section of the top panel  23  and a width direction (Y 1 -Y 2  direction in  FIG. 2 ) peripheral section of the bottom panel  24  sandwich an opening through which it is possible to rotate the tray  21  to a position outside the tray holder body  22 . In other words, in the present example, the tray  21  rotates between the top panel  23  and the bottom panel  24  of the tray holder body  22  (see  FIG. 8 ). The rotating construction of the tray  21  with respect to the tray holder body  22  is described in detail later with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
     Fixing brackets  26  are fixed to the side panel  25  of the tray holder body  22 , fixing holes  27  for inserting fixing screws are provided in the fixing brackets  26 , and the patch panel  20  is fixed to a rack, which is not shown in the drawings, by inserting the aforementioned fixing screws through the fixing holes  27  and into screw holes provided in the rack. 
     The tray  21  is, for instance, made of stainless steel and substantially rectangular in shape. 
     The transparent sheet  40  is provided, so as to freely rotate approximately 270 degrees, at a side surface part  28  located on what is the near side (X 1  side in  FIG. 2 ) when the tray  21  is in the tray holder body  22 . The transparent sheet  40  covers the top of the tray  21 . Details of the rotating construction of the transparent sheet  40  are described in detail later with reference to  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 . 
     Optical adaptors  31  (wiring connection members), which connect communication base station trunk cable-side optical cables (wiring)  29  and apparatus-side optical cables (wiring)  30  and the like are densely installed (installed in large numbers) in the tray  21 . A connection configuration of the optical cables  29  and  30  and the optical adaptors  31  is described in detail later with reference to  FIG. 4  through  FIG. 6 . 
     The following makes reference to  FIG. 3  as well as  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 3  is a (first) diagram to illustrate a storage configuration of the optical cables  29  and  30  in the tray  21 . 
     Specifically,  FIG. 3A  is a partial enlargement of an area indicated by a dotted line A in  FIG. 2  when the tray  21  is in the tray holder body  22 . To simplify the drawing, optical cables  29  and  30  have been omitted. 
       FIG. 3B  is a partial enlargement of an area indicated by a dotted line A in  FIG. 2  when the tray  21  has been rotated out of the tray holder body  22 , to a position outside the tray body  22 . Note that in the example shown in  FIG. 3B , the transparent sheet  40  covers the top of the tray  21 . Also, for simplicity,  FIG. 3B  shows only a part of the optical cables  29  and  30 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the tray  21  is rotatably connected to the side panel  25 , which is provided between the top panel  23  and the bottom panel  24  (see  FIG. 8 ) of the tray holder body  22 , via a metal hinge (pivoting part)  33  that includes a pivot  32 . The hinge  33  is, for instance, a pivot hinge substantially constructed from a single pivot  32  and two metal plates  34  and  35  (see  FIG. 3A ) rotatably connected to the pivot. One metal plate (first plate part)  34  is fixed to the tray holder body  22  using screws or the like, and the other metal plate (second plate part) is similarly fixed to the tray  21 . According to this construction, the tray  21  rotates with the pivot  32  of the hinge  33  as an axis of rotation. 
     A cable introduction opening (wiring introduction opening)  36  for introducing the optical cables  29  and  30  connecting to the optical adaptors  31  is formed in the tray  21  in proximity to the pivot  32  of the hinge  33 . Specifically, the cable introduction opening  36  is formed by a metal cable coordinating member  37  having an open-sided square profile and an end of the side part  28  of the tray  21 . The opening of the cable introduction opening  36  is formed in substantially the same plane as the metal plate  35  that is fixed to the tray  21 . 
     The communication base station trunk cable-side optical cables  29  and the apparatus-side optical cables  30  to be connected to the optical adaptors  31  are gathered and passed as in a bunch into the tray  21  from an external part via the cable introduction opening  36 . 
     As described above, the opening of the cable introduction opening  36  is formed in proximity to the pivot  32  of the hinge  33  and in substantially the same plane as the metal plate  35  that is fixed to the tray  21 , and the metal plate  35  fixed to the tray  21  rotates around the pivot  32 . Hence, when the tray  21  rotates around the pivot  32 , the opening of the cable introduction opening  36  rotates accordingly. In other words, the tray  21  rotates with an axis of rotation that is near the opening of the cable introduction opening  36 . Consequently, even when the optical cables  29  and  30  are connected to the optical adaptor provided in the tray  21 , the tray  21  can be rotated without changing lengths (cable length) of the optical cables  29  and  30 . 
     Thus, in the present example, it is possible to store the optical cables  29  and  30  in the tray  21  without changing the lengths of the optical cables  29  and  30 , i.e. without needing to provide spare length in the optical cables  29  and  30 . The installation region for the optical adaptors  31  in the tray  21  can therefore be increased in size. Hence, it is possible to densely install (install in large numbers) optical adaptors  31  and optical cables  29  and  30  connecting to the optical adaptors  31  inside the tray  21 . 
     Moreover, since it is possible to store the optical cables  29  and  30  inside of the tray  21  without needing to provide spare length in the optical cables  29  and  30 , undesired loads on the optical cables  29  and  30  at rotation of the tray  21  can be avoided. Consequently, it is possible to perform connection operations on the optical cables  29  and  30  safely and without damaging the optical cables  29  and  30 . 
     As described above, the patch panel  20  of the present example is a thin-type apparatus with a height of 1 U (4.445 cm). Inside the thin-type apparatus, high-density installation of the optical adaptors  31  and the optical cables  29  and  30  in the tray  21 , favorable cable routing, and favorable operability are realized. 
     The following is a detailed description of a connection configuration between the optical cables  29  and  30  and the optical adaptors  31 , with reference to  FIG. 4  through  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 4  is a (second) diagram to illustrate a storage configuration of the optical cable  29  and  30  in the tray  21 .  FIG. 4  shows a partial enlargement of an area indicated by a dotted line B in  FIG. 2 . To simplify  FIG. 4 , only parts of the optical cables  29  and  30  are shown and the transparent sheet has been omitted. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 , the communication base station trunk cable-side optical cables  29  and the apparatus-side optical cables  30 , which have been gathered together and passed into the tray  21  from outside the patch panel  20  via the cable introduction opening  36 , follow a predetermined route in the tray  21  and then connect to the optical adaptors  31 , which are installed in the tray  21 . 
     Specifically, the communication base station trunk cable-side optical cables  29  make an anticlockwise turn on entry to the tray  21  from the cable introduction opening  36  before connecting to the optical adaptors  31 . The apparatus-side optical cables  30  make clockwise turn on entry to the tray  21  from the cable introduction opening  36  and pass through the metal cable coordinating members  70  and  71  with the open-sided square profile (see  FIG. 2 ) before connecting to the optical adaptors  31 . 
     Note however, that from the point of view of mechanical cable damage (deterioration) and optical damage, it is necessary to ensure that an angle of curvature for the optical cables  29  and  30  in the tray  21  does not exceed a predetermined angle. The method of introduction of the optical cables  29  and  30  into the tray  21  from the cable introduction opening  36  is therefore determined according to the angle of curvature of the optical cables  29  and  30  and the positioning of the optical adaptors  31  to which the optical cables  29  and  30  are to be connected. 
     Additionally, to ensure that the angle of curvature of the optical cables  29  and  30  in the tray  21  does not exceed the predetermined value, a plurality of cable curvature radius controlling members  42  are provided along an internal wall of the tray  21  (X 1 -X 2  direction). As shown in  FIG. 2 , the optical cables  29  and  30  introduced into the tray  21  from the cable introduction opening  36  are passed between the internal wall of the tray  21  and the cable curvature radius controlling members  42 , bent into a curve shape of a predetermined diameter, and connected to the optical adaptors  31 . 
     The following describes a layout configuration of the optical adaptors  31 , with reference to  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 5  shows a layout configuration of the optical adaptors  31  and  FIG. 4  is a partial enlargement.  FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view through C-C in  FIG. 5 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the plurality of adaptors  31  is provided in two rows in the depth direction (Y 1 -Y 2  direction) of the tray  21 . 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the optical adaptors  31  are fitted into an optical adaptor fitting members (wiring connection member fitting member)  44  constructed by disposing (in a back-to-back arrangement) two bent panel members (bent members)  44 - 1  and  44 - 2  so as to be symmetrical about the surface at which the two connect. The bent panel members  44 - 1  and  44 - 2  are formed from thin plate bent to have an open-sided square profile in vertical cross-section, and provided extending in a width direction (X 1 -X 2  direction) of the tray  21 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a plurality of substantially rectangular optical adaptor fitting holes  46  are provided with a predetermined interval therebetween in a vertically extending surface of the optical adaptor fitting member  44 . Two optical adaptors are fitted in each optical adaptor fitting hole  46  so as to be in vertical alignment. 
     Further, a substantially U-shaped optical cable communication slit (wiring arrangement slit)  48  is formed between adjacent optical adaptor fitting holes  46 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the optical adaptor fitting members  44  of this construction are provided as two rows in the depth direction (Y 1 -Y 2  direction) of the tray  21 . The optical adaptor fitting members  44  are formed so that the optical adaptor fitting holes  46  formed in one adaptor fitting member  44  alternate, when viewed in the depth direction of the tray  21  (Y 1 -Y 2  direction), with the adaptor fitting holes  46  formed in the other adaptor fitting member  44 . This arrangement is used to allow the optical cables  29  or  30 , which connect to the optical adaptors  31  fitted in one adaptor fitting member  44 , to pass through the optical cable communication slits  48  formed in the other adaptor fitting member  44 . 
     This construction allows the separation of adjacent optical adaptor fitting holes  46  to be increased in comparison to the example shown in  FIG. 1 , making it possible to secure space for operations to connect the optical cables  29  and  30 . As a result, ease of use can be improved and the optical adaptors can be installed at high density (in large numbers) in the tray  21 . 
     It is to be noted that although the optical cable communication slits  48  formed between the adjacent optical adaptor fitting holes  46  are substantially U-shaped, portions of peripheral sections of top plate parts  44 - 1   a  and  44 - 2   a , which form part of the bent panel members  44 - 1  and  44 - 2  bent to have a substantially open-sided square profile in vertical cross-section, cover upper portions of the substantially U-shaped optical cable communication slit  48 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Thus, due to the portions of peripheral sections of top plate parts  44 - 1   a  and  44 - 2   a  of the bent panel members  44 - 1  and  44 - 2 , the optical cable communication slits  48  are narrower in the upper portion than in a lower portion. Since the portions of the peripheral sections of the top plate parts  44 - 1   a  and  44 - 2   a  of the bent panel members  44 - 1  and  44 - 2  will catch even the uppermost of the optical cables  29  and  30  passing through the optical cable communication slit  48 , the above construction can prevent the optical cables  29  and  30  from coming out of the optical cable communication slits  48 . 
     The top plate part  44 - 1   a  of the bent panel member  44 - 1  and the top plate part  44 - 2   a  of the bent panel member  44 - 2  are coplanar, and a writable label  50  can be stuck thereon. By displaying connection targets for the optical cables  29  and  30 , for instance, it is possible to clarify the optical cable  29  and  30  connection operations, which have become more complicated due to the high-density installation of optical adaptors  31  and optical cables  29  and  30  in the tray  21 . 
     Additionally, in the conventional patch panel  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , a predetermined interval is provided between the vertically adjacent optical adaptor fitting holes  4  to ensure that the plate-form panel  2  in which the optical adaptor fitting holes  4  are formed has sufficient strength. In the present example, on the other hand, the strip-form top plate parts  44 - 1   a  and  44 - 2   a  and bottom plate parts  44 - 1   b  and  44 - 2   b  are provided above and below the vertical surface in which the optical adaptor fitting holes  46  are formed. This arrangement ensures that the optical adaptor fitting member  44  has sufficient strength and allows a height of the optical adaptor fitting member  44  to be limited. 
     The following describes a manner of insertion and removal of the optical adaptors  31  into and from the optical adaptor fitting holes  46  with reference to  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 7  is a diagram to illustrate the manner in which the optical adaptors  31  are inserted into and removed from the optical adaptor fitting holes  46 , and is a partial enlargement showing the area indicated by a dotted line D in  FIG. 2 . For simplicity, the optical cables  29  and  30  have been omitted from  FIG. 7 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 7A , the optical adaptors  31  are inserted into and removed from the optical adaptor fitting holes  46  using an optical adaptor insertion and removal member (wiring connection member insertion and removal member)  60  provided on an inner side surface of the tray  21 . The optical adaptor insertion and removal member  60  is a metal tool substantially constructed from a support part  60 - 2  in which a screw  60 - 1  has been fitted, and a holding part  60 - 3 , which has a substantially open-sided square profile when viewed in cross-section, so as to correspond in shape to the outer form of the optical adaptor  31 . 
     A substantially rectangular optical adaptor insertion and removal member fitting hole  61 , which corresponds in shape to the holding part  60 - 3 , is provided in the inner side surface of the tray  21 . The holding part  60 - 3  of the optical adaptor insertion and removal member  60  is normally fitted in the optical adaptor insertion and removal member fitting hole  61 . The optical adaptor insertion and removal member  60  is further fixed to the inner wall of the tray  21  using the screw  60 - 1 . 
     When the optical adaptors  31  are to be removed from the optical adaptor fitting holes  46  for cleaning or maintenance, the screw  60 - 1  is loosened from the inner side surface of the tray  21  and the holding part  60 - 3  is pulled out from the optical adaptor insertion and removal member fitting hole  61 . When the optical adaptor  31  is to be removed from the optical adaptor fitting hole  46  (see  FIG. 5 ) a catch  65  provided on a side surface of the adaptor  31  is pressed using an inner surface of the holding part  60 - 3  of the optical adaptor insertion and removal member  60  and the optical adaptor insertion and removal member  60  is moved in a direction shown by the arrow in  FIG. 7B . When the optical adaptor  31  is to be inserted into the optical adaptor fitting hole  46  (see  FIG. 5 ), the optical adaptor insertion and removal member  60  is moved in a direction opposite to that shown by the arrow in  FIG. 7B . 
     Thus, by providing the optical adaptor insertion and removal member  60  having a simple construction in the tray  21  and then making use of the optical adaptor insertion and removal member  60 , the densely arranged (large number of) optical adaptors  31  can be inserted into and removed from the optical adaptor fitting holes  46  in a simple manner for cleaning, maintenance, and the like. 
     Next, the rotatable construction of the tray  21  with respect to the tray holder body  22  is described in detail below with reference to  FIG. 8  through  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic construction of the tray holder body  22 .  FIG. 8A  is an exploded perspective view of the top panel  23  side of the tray holder body  22 , and  FIG. 8B  is an exploded perspective view of the bottom panel  24  side of the tray holder body  22 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8A , a reinforcing plate  75 , which is a metal plate part, is provided on an internal underside of the top panel  23  of the tray holder body  22 . Corrugated parts  76 - 1  and  76 - 2 , with an uneven profile when seen in cross-section, are formed in the width direction (Y 1 -Y 2  direction) peripheral sections of the reinforcing plate  75 . The corrugated parts  76 - 1  and  76 - 2  function as stiffeners, and the reinforcing plate  75  mechanically reinforces the top panel  23  of the tray holder body  22 . 
     A slit (rotation-use slit)  77  is pierced through the reinforcing plate  75 , forming an approximately quarter-circular arc centered on the pivot  32  of the hinge  33 , which is the axis of rotation of the tray  21  with respect to the tray holder body  22 . The radius of the quarter-circular arc may be set to approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm), and the width of the slit  77  to approximately 1 cm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8B , a reinforcing plate  78 , which is a metal plate part, is provided on an internal upper side of the bottom panel  24  of the tray holder body  22 . Corrugated parts  79 - 1  and  79 - 2 , with an uneven profile when seen in cross-section, are formed in the width direction (Y 1 -Y 2  direction) peripheral sections of the reinforcing plate  78 . The corrugated parts  79 - 1  and  79 - 2  function as stiffeners, and the reinforcing plate  78  mechanically reinforces the bottom panel  24  of the tray holder body  22 . 
     A slit  80  is pierced through the reinforcing plate  78 , forming an approximately quarter-circular arc centered on the pivot  32  of the hinge  33 , which is the axis of rotation of the tray  21  with respect to the tray holder body  22 . The radius of the quarter circular arc may be set to approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm), and the width of the slit  80  to approximately 1 cm. 
     Bushings  81  and  82 , shown in  FIG. 9 , are provided in the above-described slits  77  and  80 .  FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing an external form of the bushing  81  provided in the slit  77  of the reinforcing plate  75  of the top panel  23  of the tray holder body  22  and the bushing  82  provided in the slit  80  of the reinforcing plate  78  of the bottom panel  24  of the tray holder body  22 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the resin bushings  81  and  82  have the same shape and include a bottom part  83  and, on the bottom part  83 , a protruding part  84  with a smaller diameter than the bottom part  83 . A fixing member-use hole  85  is formed in an internal portion of the protruding part  84  to allow insertion of a fixing member such as a rivet or a screw. A diameter of the protruding part  84  is set to be slightly smaller than the width of the above-described slits  77  and  80 . 
     The protruding part  84  of the bushing  81  is inserted into the slit  77  from the top panel  23  side, i.e. from above. The protruding part  84  is fixed to a tray  21  protruding part (not shown in the drawings) that corresponds in position to the protruding part  84  using a fixing member such as a rivet or screw provided in the fixing member-use hole  85  of the protruding part  84 , thereby fixing the bushing  81  to the tray  21 . 
     In the same way, the protruding part  84  of the bushing  82  is inserted into the slit  80  from the bottom panel  24  side, i.e. from the bottom. The protruding part  84  is fixed to a tray  21  protruding part (not shown in the drawings) that corresponds in position to the protruding part  84  using a fixing member such as a rivet or screw provided in the fixing member-use hole  85  of the protruding part  84 , thereby fixing the bushing  82  to the tray  21 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a state in which the bushing  81  is provided in the slit  77  of the reinforcing plate  75  of the top panel  23  of the tray holder body  22 . Note that the top panel  23  and the optical cables  29  and  30  have been omitted from  FIG. 10 . 
     Since, as seen in  FIG. 10 , the bushing  81  is fixed to the tray  21  via the slit  77  of the reinforcing plate  75  of the top panel  23  of the tray holder body  22  and the diameter of the protruding part  84  is set to be slightly smaller than the width of the slit  77 , the bushing  81  can move in the slit  77  together with the tray  21  in a direction shown by the arrow in  FIG. 10 . The same explanation may further be applied to the bushing  82  of the bottom panel side. 
     With the tray  21  held at the top and bottom in this way by bushing  81  provided in the slit  77  of the reinforcing plate  75  of the top panel  23  of the tray holder body  22  and the bushing  82  provided in the slit  80  of the reinforcing plate  78  of the bottom panel  24 , the tray  21  is prevented from sagging due to its own weight, even when fully withdrawn by rotation from the tray holder body  22 . In other words, the bushings  81  and  82  function as strengthening members, which support the weight of the tray  21  during rotation operations on the tray  21 . 
     Moreover, the movement of the bushings  81  and  82  in the slits  77  and  80  allow smooth rotation operations of the tray  21  with respect to the tray holder body  22 . Further, the bushings  81  and  82  prevent rotation of the tray  21  with respect to the tray holder body  22  when the bushings  81  and  82  make contact with ends of the slits  77  and  80 . It is thereby ensured that the tray  21  does not rotate beyond this point. 
     The following describes a construction to stop rotation of the tray  21  when the tray  21  has been withdrawn by rotation from the tray holder body  22 , with reference to  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 11  is a diagram to illustrate a construction to stop rotation of the tray  21  when the tray  21  has been withdrawn by rotation from the tray holder body  22 .  FIG. 11B  is an enlargement of an area indicated by a dotted line E in  FIG. 11A . 
     As seen in  FIG. 11 , a plate-form tray rotation stopper  90  made of stainless steel or the like is provided on a tray  21  side surface, which is located at the far side of the tray holder body  22  when the tray  21  is stored in the tray holder body  22 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11B , the tray rotation stopper  90  is substantially constructed from a main part  90 - 1  having a substantially quarter-circular form, and a top panel contacting part  90 - 2  extending from the main part  90 - 1 . 
     A pivot  90 - 3  constructed from a screw or the like is provided at a corner part of the main part  90 - 1 , and the top panel contacting part  90 - 2  and a screw part  90 - 4  are provided on the main part  90 - 1  at a predetermined distance away from the pivot  90 - 3 . Moreover, a slit (tray rotation stopper slit)  90 - 5  pierces the main part  90 - 1 , forming an quarter-circular arc centered on the pivot  90 - 3  and with a radius corresponding to a length between the pivot  90 - 3  and the screw part  90 - 4 . The screw part  90 - 4  is located in the slit  90 - 5 . 
     According to this construction, and as shown in  FIG. 11A , the tray rotation stopper  90  may be fixed to the side surface of the tray  21  using the screw part  90 - 4  so that the top panel contacting part  90 - 2  is positioned at a lower portion of the tray  21  side surface on which the tray rotation stopper  90  is provided (in  FIG. 11B  this state is shown using a dotted line). 
     Slightly loosening the screw part  90 - 4  allows the tray rotation stopper  90  to be rotated (slid) through 90 degrees around the pivot  90 - 3  as shown by an arrow in  FIG. 11B . On rotating 90 degrees, the top panel contacting part  90 - 2  of the tray rotation stopper  90  makes contact with an edge part of the top panel  23  of the tray holder body  22 . By tightening the screw part  90 - 4  with the arrangement in this state, the contact state between the top panel contacting part  90 - 2  of the tray rotation stopper  90  and the edge part of the top panel  23  of the tray holder body  22  is fixed and maintained. 
     With this construction, it is possible to avoid having the tray  21  mistakenly reenter the tray holder body  22  after withdrawal by rotation from the tray holder body  22  to performs operations such as removal or insertion of the optical cables  29  and  30 . In other words, the top panel contacting part  90 - 2  of the tray rotation stopper  90  functions as a rotation operation stopper by contacting the edge part of the top panel  23  of the tray holder body  22 , making it possible to avoid having the tray  21  mistakenly enter the tray holder body  22  and to fix and maintain the contacting state by tightening the screw part  90 - 4 . Hence, safe insertion and removal operations on the optical cables  29  and  30  can be guaranteed. 
     As described above, the present example has a construction in which the tray rotation stopper  90  is capable of rotation around the pivot  90 - 3 . Note that a tray rotation stopper having a construction in which the top panel contacting part  90 - 2  slides vertically (up and down direction) is conceivable. However, in such a construction, the maximum length of the vertical (up and down direction) sliding is limited by the vertical length of the side surface of the tray  21  and is therefore short. In construction of the present example, on the other hand, when the tray rotation stopper  90  is positioned at a lower portion of the tray  21  side surface where the tray rotation stopper  90  is provided, the only limit on the length of the top panel contacting part  90 - 2  is that the  90 - 2  must remain within an area corresponding to the tray  21  side surface. 
     Moreover, if the tray rotation stopper has the construction in which the top panel contacting part  90 - 2  is caused to slide vertically (up and down direction), an operator is required to support the top panel contacting part  90 - 2  with one hand while operating the screw part  90 - 4  with the other. With the present example, on the other hand, the tray rotation stopper  90  can be rotated around the pivot  90 - 3 , and it is therefore conveniently possible to perform the rotation so that the top panel contacting part  90 - 2  of the tray rotation stopper  90  contacts the edge part of the top panel  23  of the tray holder body  22  and to fix and maintain this state using just one hand. 
     As described with reference to  FIG. 2 , the transparent sheet  40  is provided in a way that allows approximately 270 degrees of rotation on a side surface part  28 , which is positioned at the near side (X 1  side in  FIG. 2 ) when the tray  21  is in the tray holder body  22 . The following describes the transparent sheet  40  with reference to  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 12  is used to illustrate the transparent sheet  40  provided in the tray  21 , and is a perspective view showing the state in which the tray  21  has been withdrawn by rotation from the tray holder body  22 . Note that the internal construction of the tray  21  and the optical cables  29  and  30  have been omitted from  FIG. 12 . While  FIG. 2  shows a state in which the tray  21  is rotated with respect to a tray holder body  22  and the transparent sheet  40  is open,  FIG. 12  shows the transparent sheet  40  covering the entire upper part of the tray  12 . 
     The transparent sheet  40  is, for instance, made of plastic. Since the transparent sheet  40  covers the entire top of the tray  21 , the optical cables  29  and  30  connected in the tray  21 , and especially the optical cables  29  and  30  in densely packed areas of the tray  21 , are prevented from jumping out. 
     Moreover, a writable label  97  can be stuck to the upper surface of the transparent sheet  40 . For instance, using the label  97  to display the connection targets for the optical cables  29  and  30  allows clarification of the optical cable  29  and  30  connection operations, which are complicated by the high-density installation of optical adaptors  31  and optical cables  29  and  30  in the tray  21 . Specifically, a transparent or semi-transparent material is used for the label  97 . This allows the connection state of the optical cables  29  and  30  to be understood even when the transparent sheet  40  is covering the top of the tray  21 . 
     In the present embodiment, the transparent sheet  40  covering the entire upper part of the tray  21  can be rotated approximately 270 degrees in the direction shown by the arrow in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 2  shows a state in which the transparent sheet has been rotated approximately 270 degrees from the state shown in  FIG. 12 . The following describes the rotating construction of the transparent sheet  40  with reference to  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 13  is a partially enlarged perspective view of the tray  21  to illustrate the rotating construction of the transparent sheet  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , protruding parts  101 , with transparent sheet rotation holes  100  formed therein, extend from a peripheral section of a transparent sheet  40  side corresponding to the side surface  28  of the tray  21 . 
     Moreover, cut-out sections are formed in an upper part of the side surface  28 , which is located on the near side (X 1  side in  FIG. 2 ) when the tray  21  is in the tray holder body  22 . Transparent sheet rotation support members  102 , which have a substantially open-sided square profile when seen in a direction indicated by an arrow F, are provided in the cut-out sections. 
     The protruding parts  101  of the transparent sheet  40  are slid into the cut-out sections of the side surface  28  of the tray  21 , and the transparent sheet  40  and tray  21  are connected by inserting the transparent sheet rotation support members  102  of the tray  21  into the transparent sheet rotation holes  100  formed in the protruding parts  101  of the transparent sheet  40 . 
       FIG. 14  is a diagram to illustrate a rotation direction for the transparent sheet  40  and a connection between the transparent sheet rotation holes  100  formed in the protruding part  101  of the transparent sheet  40  and the transparent sheet rotation support members  102  of the tray  21 .  FIG. 14  shows the transparent sheet rotation support members  102  and the transparent sheet  40  when seen in the direction of the arrow F in  FIG. 13 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the transparent sheet rotation support members  102  of the tray  21  are connected to the transparent sheet  40  via the transparent sheet rotation holes  100  formed in the protruding parts  101  of the transparent sheet  40 . The transparent sheet  40  can then be rotated approximately 270 degrees by having the transparent sheet rotation support members  102  with the substantially open-sided square profile slide in the transparent sheet rotation holes  100  in the direction indicated by the arrow. 
     With this construction, the transparent sheet  40  is rotatable and the tray can be made thin without providing a special part such as a pivot hinge or the like. Moreover, since the top of the tray  21  can be opened by rotating transparent sheet 270 degrees, i.e. to position perpendicular to an upper surface of the tray  21 , operations inside the tray  21 , such as connection of the optical adaptors  31  and the optical cables  29  and  30 , can be performed with ease. 
     The above has described an embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to a particular embodiment and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the invention recorded in the patent claims. 
     For instance, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the wiring connection apparatus was a patch panel for connecting optical cable, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and the wiring connection apparatus can be used to connect wiring of one side to wiring of another side in electronic apparatus such as communications apparatus, information processing apparatus, and measurement apparatus. 
     Additionally, the present invention is therefore capable of providing a wiring connection apparatus, which allows high-density installation (i.e. installation of a large number) of the optical adaptors for connecting optical cable, is small in size (i.e. has a thin construction), and is easily expanded, and realizes favorable optical cable routing and ease of use. Further, the present invention is capable of providing a wiring connector apparatus, which allows the optical cables to be routed safely without risk of optical cable damage.