Patent Publication Number: US-2022229253-A1

Title: Telecommunications cable guide

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is being filed on Apr. 16, 2020 as a PCT International Patent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/835,303, filed on Apr. 17, 2019, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/852,518, filed on May 24, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Telecommunications chassis that include trays that are extendable from the chassis are known. As trays are extended from the chassis, fiber optic cables attached to each tray are extended away from the chassis. Therefore, overlength of the attached fiber optic cable must be stored in the chassis to allow for extension of the tray from the chassis. However, as trays are extended from the chassis, the overlength of fiber optic cables within the chassis tend to become tangled with one another. This tangling can lead to poor sliding performance of the trays as the fiber optic cables associated with the extended tray catch on fiber optic cables associated with other trays and components within the chassis. Therefore, improvements are desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates generally to telecommunications equipment. In one possible configuration, and by non-limiting example, a freestanding cable guide that includes a plurality of flexible arms that define a plurality of cable channels is disclosed. 
     In one example of the present disclosure, a telecommunications system is disclosed. The telecommunications system includes a cable that includes a plurality of optical fibers. The telecommunications system includes a chassis that has a first internal area and a second internal area. The second internal area has a base surface. The telecommunications system includes a cable guide freestanding on the base surface of the second internal area of the chassis. The cable guide defines at least one cable channel and the cable is positioned, and movable, within the at least one cable channel. The at least one cable channel has an open position, where access to the at least one cable channel is allowed, and a closed position, where access to the at least one cable channel is restricted. The telecommunications system includes a telecommunications component positioned at the first internal area of the chassis. The telecommunications component is attached to the cable and is movably mounted to the chassis between a first position and a second position. When the telecommunications component is moved between the first and second positions, the cable moves within the at least one cable channel of the cable guide. 
     In another example of the present disclosure, a cable guide is disclosed. The cable guide includes a base for positioning the cable guide on a base surface of an internal area of a telecommunications chassis. The base is generally planar. The cable guide includes a plurality of arms and at least one arm of the plurality of arms is flexible. The cable guide includes a plurality of cable channels that are defined by the plurality of arms. The plurality of cable channels each receive a plurality of furcation tubes. Each of the plurality of cable channels is configured to allow furcation tubes to move within each of the plurality of cable channels. Each cable channel has an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, furcation tubes can be loaded and unloaded into and out of the cable channel. When in the closed position, furcation tubes are restricted from being removed from the cable channel. 
     In another example of the present disclosure, a method of using telecommunications equipment is disclosed. The method includes opening a cable channel of a cable guide. The method includes loading a plurality of furcation tubes, each containing at least one optical fiber, into the cable guide. The method includes closing the cable channel and positioning the cable guide on a base surface of an internal area of a telecommunications chassis so that the cable guide is free standing. The method includes moving the plurality of furcation tubes within the cable channel by moving a telecommunications component attached to the plurality of furcation tubes. 
     A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a telecommunications environment, according to one example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the telecommunications environment of  FIG. 1  with at least one telecommunications component extended away from a chassis. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the telecommunications environment of  FIG. 1  with at least two telecommunications components extended away from a chassis. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic top view of the inside of the chassis including a pair of cable guides of the telecommunications environment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic top view of the inside of the chassis including a single cable guide of the telecommunications environment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the cable guide, according to one example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the cable guide of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of the cable guide of  FIG. 6  with all cable channels in the closed position. 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the cable guide of  FIG. 6  with at least one cable channel in the open position. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the cable guide, according to one example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is another perspective view of the cable guide of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of the cable guide of  FIG. 10  with all cable channels in the closed position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims. 
     The present disclosure is directed to a cable guide. In use, the cable guide can be used in a data center or other location. The cable guide can be positioned within a chassis so as to help organize excess cabling within the chassis to allow for easy sliding of a telecommunications tray slidably attached to the chassis. The cables freely slide within cable channels of the cable guide as components are moved, which reduces the chance of cables catching on one another, thereby increasing the quality of the operation of the sliding tray. The cable guide can be used in other locations relative to other telecommunications equipment. 
     In one example, the cable guide is free standing within the chassis thus allowing the cable guide to be loaded and unloaded easily during installation or modification to the overall system. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example telecommunications environment  100 . As shown, the environment  100  includes a plurality of mounting structures  102  and a chassis  104  mounted to the mounting structures  102 . The telecommunications environment  100  can be representative of a variety of different environments. For example, the telecommunications environment  100  is representative of a data center. 
     The mounting structures  102  are configured to support the chassis  104 . In some examples, the telecommunications environment  100  can include a plurality of mounting structures  102  supporting a plurality of chassis  104  and other telecommunications equipment. In some examples, the mounting structures  102  can be integral with another structure, such as a cabinet. 
     The chassis  104  is configured to house a plurality of telecommunications equipment  110  within an interior  112 . At a first internal area  114  of the chassis  104 , the chassis  104  includes a plurality of telecommunications components  116  movably mounted thereto. At a second internal area  124  of the chassis  104 , furcation tubes  118  of a cable  106  are managed. In some examples, the cable  106  enters the chassis  104  adjacent the second internal area  124 . The chassis  104  is depicted as partially dissembled. In some examples, the chassis  104  is enclosed. 
     In the depicted examples, the telecommunications components  116  within the chassis  104  are trays that are in a vertical stack and configured where each tray can be individually slid out away from the chassis  104  for access.  FIG. 1  shows the telecommunications components  116  stacked in a stored position.  FIG. 2  shows the uppermost telecommunications component  116   a  extended away from the chassis  104 .  FIG. 3  shows the uppermost and lowermost telecommunications components  116   a ,  116   b  extended away from the chassis  104 . While only a pair of telecommunications components  116  are shown, the chassis  104  can include a wide variety of numbers of telecommunications components  116 . For example, the chassis  104  can include more than two telecommunications components  116 . In some examples, the chassis  104  only includes a single telecommunications component  116 . In some examples, each telecommunications component  116  is attached to at least one optical fiber contained within furcation tubes  118  of the cable  106  at a back side  120 , opposite a front side  122 . In other examples, the telecommunications components  116  can be other types of telecommunications components  116  that are movable with respect to the chassis  104 . 
     The cable  106  includes a plurality of optical fibers. Each furcation tube  118  includes at least one optical fiber. In some examples, each furcation tube  118  can contain more than one optical fiber. In some examples, the cable  106  includes a fanout device  126  configured to break out the plurality of optical fibers contained within the cable  106  and position the optical fibers within the furcation tubes  118 . In the depicted examples, the fanout device  126  is positioned inside the chassis at the second internal area  124 . In some examples, the fanout device  126  is positioned outside of the chassis  104 . 
     The furcation tubes  118  protect the optical fibers. The lengths of the furcation tubes  118  are variable and may be different than shown, with respect to a particular use. In some examples, at least portions of the furcation tubes  118  are flexible (e.g., they can include a polymeric tubing), so a technician can direct them to selected functions. Each of the furcation tubes  118  can be adapted to an individual optical fiber or a plurality of optical fibers, such as in the case of ribbon cables. In some examples, the number of furcation tubes  118  is selected to correspond to the number of optical fibers being routed from a cable  106 . 
     In some examples, the furcation tubes  118  terminate at a connector. In some examples, the connectors are in the form of LC, SC (single fiber), and/or MPO (multiple fibers) connectors. In some examples, the connectors are positioned on the telecommunications component  116 . In some examples, the connectorized furcation tubes  118  can be plugged into corresponding connectors/adapters and/or stored for future use. 
     A pair of freestanding cable guides  128  are shown positioned on a base surface  131  at the second internal area  124 . In some examples, the cable guides  128  can have different configurations. In some examples, the cable guides  128  are substantially similar. As depicted, the cable guides  128  are positioned at angles with respect to walls  129  of the chassis  104 . Depending on the application, the angles that the cable guides  128  are positioned with respect to the walls  129  can change. The cable guides  128  are freestanding and movable within the chassis  104  and aid in organizing the furcation tubes  118  attached to the telecommunications components  116 . For example, when a telecommunications component  116  is moved away (e.g., slid out) away from the chassis  104  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) the cable guides  128  help to reduce opportunity for the attached furcation tubes  118  to become tangled with the other furcation tubes  118  within the chassis  104  that are not associated with the moved telecommunications component  116 . In some examples, only a single cable guide  128  is utilized. In some examples, more than two cable guides  128  are utilized. If desired, the cable guide  128  can be fixed permanently or temporarily. 
     Each cable guide  128  includes at least one cable channel  130  through which furcation tubes  118  that correspond to a telecommunications component  116  can be routed. In some examples, each cable channel  130  corresponds with a separate telecommunications component  116 . In some examples, each cable channel  130  can be configured to house furcation tubes  118  that correspond to a telecommunications component  116  at substantiality the same height of the cable channel  130 . For example, a lowermost cable channel  130  can house furcation tubes  118  that correspond with a lowermost telecommunications component  116 , while a highermost cable channel  130  can house furcation tubes  118  that correspond with a highermost telecommunications component  116 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the furcation tubes  118  within each cable channel  130  move and slide within their respective cable channel  130  as telecommunications components  116  are moved with respect to the chassis  104 . By allowing for movement of the furcation tubes  118  within the cable channel  130 , the furcation tubes  118  are less likely to impact the sliding movement of the telecommunications components  116 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a top schematic view of the telecommunications environment  100 . The pair of cable guides  128   a ,  128   b  are positioned on the base surface  131  of the chassis  104 . As noted above, the cable guides  128   a ,  128   b  are positioned at an angle with the walls  129  of the chassis  104 . The cable guides  128   a ,  128   b  can be positioned in a variety of different positions at the second internal area  124 . Further, in some examples, the guide cables  128   a ,  128   b  are configured to move within the chassis  104  to adjust to the furcation tubes  118  natural routing. This prevents the furcation tubes  118  from being forced into a position within the chassis  104  that may damage the furcation tubes  118 . As shown, fanout devices  126  are positioned within the chassis  104 . 
     Two separate intermediate cable positions are schematically shown in  FIG. 4 . The furcation tube  118  is in a first position  119   stored  within the chassis  104  when a telecommunications component  116  to which the furcation tube  118  is attached is in a stored, non-extended position. The furcation tube  118  is in a second position  119   extended  within the chassis  104  when the telecommunications component  116  to which the furcation tube  118  is attached is extended away from the chassis  104 . 
     When the telecommunications component  116  is stored, the furcation tube  118  is positioned in the first position  119   stored  within its respective cable channel  130  of the cable guide  128   a ,  128   b  to accommodate any extra slack in the furcation tube  118 . In some examples, the furcation tubes  118  can be looped within each cable channel  130 . Each cable channel  130  is separated from the other cable channels  130  in each cable guide  128   a ,  128   b ; therefore, while the furcation tube  118  can move within the cable channel  130 , it cannot move out of the cable channel  130  in which it is positioned. 
     When the telecommunications component  116  is extended (e.g., slid outwardly), the furcation tube  118  slides and extends with the telecommunications component  116 . As the telecommunications component  116  extends, furcation tube  118  moves (as indicated by arrows). As noted above, the cable channel  130  that the furcation tube  118  is positioned within can be substantially at the same height as the telecommunications component  116 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a single cable guide  128  positioned on the base surface  131  of the chassis  104 . Like in  FIG. 4 , the furcation tube  118  has a first position  219   stored  within the chassis  104  when a telecommunications component  116  to which the furcation tube  118  is attached is in the stored, non-extended position and a second position  219   extended  within the chassis  104  when the telecommunications component  116  to which the furcation tube  118  is attached is in an extended position. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show the cable guide  128 . The cable guide  128  includes a base  132 , a plurality of arms  134 , and the plurality of cable channels  130  defined by the arms  134 . 
     The base  132  is for positioning the cable guide  128  on the base surface  131  of the second internal area  124  of the telecommunications chassis  104 . To facilitate positioning the cable guide  128  in a freestanding, upright manner, the base  132  is generally planar. In some examples, for stability, the base  132  is wider than the remaining cable guide  128 . In some examples, the base  132  is formed by an arm  134 . In some examples, the base  132  can include mounting features that cooperate with corresponding mounting features of the base surface  131 . 
     The plurality of arms  134  define the plurality of cable channels  130 . In some examples, to facilitate inserting furcation tubes  118  within the cable channels  130 , at least one arm  134  is flexible. In some examples, the arms  134  are rigid and not flexible. In some examples, the arms  134  include a hinge so that access to the cable channels can be gained by moving the position of the hinge. In the depicted examples, each arm  134  is flexible. In some examples, the arms  134  are constructed of an elastic material so as to return back to a generally straight position once the arms are not flexed. 
     The plurality of cable channels  130  are each configured to receive a plurality of furcation tubes  118 . Each of the plurality of cable channels  130  is configured to allow furcation tubes  118  to move within each of the plurality of channels  130 . In some examples, the walls of the cable channels  130  are configured to allow unencumbered movement of the furcation tubes  118  within the cable channel  130 . The furcation tubes  118  are not fixed within the cable channels  130  and are restricted from moving by the boundaries set by the arms  134 . While six cable channels  130  are shown, the cable guide  128  can have more or less cable channels  130  depending on the application. It is considered within the scope of the present disclosure, that the cable channels  130  can have a variety of different sizes, shapes, and configurations. 
       FIG. 8  shows the cable guide  128  with all the cable channels  130  in a closed position.  FIG. 9  shows one arm  134   a  flexed and the respective cable channel  130   a  in the open position. When in the open position, furcation tubes  118  can be loaded and unloaded into and out of the cable channel  130 . When in the closed position, furcation tubes  118  are resisted from being removed from the cable channel  130 . 
     Each cable channel  130  has a first end  136  and a second end  138 . In some examples, each channel  130  is openable at the second end  138 . In some examples, each cable channel  130  is openable between the first end  136  and the second end  138 . In some examples, each cable channel  130  is closed by a closure device  140 . In the depicted example, the closure device  140  is integrally formed with each arm  134  and configured to close off each cable channel  130  when each arm  134  is not flexed. In some examples, the closure device  140  of each arm  134  can be utilized to close multiple cable channels  130 . In the some examples, the closure device can have ramped surfaces  142  to facilitate operation of the closure device  140 . The closure device  140 , in some examples, can be separate from the arms  134 . 
     During loading and unloading of the cable guides  128 , because the cable guides  128  are freestanding, the user can easily remove the cable guides  128  from the chassis  104  and load the cable channels  130  with furcation tubes  118 . This can be done by opening the cable channels, loading or unloading the furcation tubes  118  into/out of the cable channel  130 , and closing the cable channel  130 . In the example shown, the arms  134  can be flexed so as to open the cable channels  130  to facilitate loading and unloading the furcation tubes  118  within the cable channels  130 . As noted above, the user can load furcation tubes  118  into a cable channel  130  that generally corresponds to the same height as the telecommunications component  116  to which the loaded furcation tubes  118  are attached. 
       FIGS. 9-11  show a cable guide according to another example of the present disclosure. The cable guide  228  is substantially similar to the cable guide  128 , described above. As shown, the cable guide  228  is longer than the cable guide  128 . Like cable guide  128 , the cable guide  228  includes a plurality of channels  230 , a base  232 , a plurality of arms  234 , and a plurality of closure devices  240 . 
     The cable guides are usable with a variety of cables including single fiber and multi-fiber, such as ribbon cables. The cables can be broken out from a fanout. The cables may or may not be covered by a furcation tube. The Cables used with the cable guides tend to not bunch up with other cables, or not get caught on other cables, when only a select number of the cables to be moved as part of operation of the telecommunications equipment, such as by sliding or rotating a select tray from a group of trays. 
     If the cables are allowed to bunch up or cross over each other, the movable tray may be harder to move if other cables are catching or blocking the cables that are part of the movable tray. The cable guides disclosed herein prevent the bunch up or crossing over of the different horizontal layers of trays and their respective cables. 
     By allowing the cable guide to be placed in selected locations, the user can optimize the management or separation of the cables in those areas where the cables tend to bunch up or cross over in the equipment where the movable trays are provided. 
     EXAMPLES 
     Examples of the disclosure are reflected in the below-listing of examples, as well as the claims included herein. 
     In Example 1, a telecommunications system comprises a cable including a plurality of optical fibers and a chassis having a first internal area and a second internal area, the second internal area having a base surface. The telecommunications system further includes a cable guide on the base surface of the second internal area of the chassis, the cable guide defining at least one cable channel, the cable being positioned, and movable, within the at least one cable channel. The at least one cable channel has an open position, where access to the at least one cable channel is allowed, and a closed position, where access to the at least one cable channel is restricted. The telecommunications system includes a telecommunications component positioned at the first internal area of the chassis, the telecommunications component being attached to the cable, the telecommunications component being movably mounted to the chassis between a first position and a second position. When the telecommunications component is moved between the first and second positions, the cable moves within the at least one cable channel of the cable guide. 
     In Example 2, the telecommunications system of Example 1 is modified in that the cable includes at least one furcation tube positionable in the cable channel of the cable guide. 
     In Example 3, the telecommunications system of Examples 1 and 2 is modified to further include a fanout device configured to position the plurality of optical fibers of the cable within a plurality furcation tubes, wherein at least one optical fiber is positioned within a single furcation tube. 
     In Example 4, the telecommunications system of Examples 1-3 is modified in that the fanout device is positioned in the chassis. 
     In Example 5, the telecommunications system of Examples 1˜4 is modified in that the fanout device is positioned at the second internal area of the chassis. 
     In Example 6, the telecommunications system of Examples 1-5 is modified in that the fanout device is positioned outside of the chassis. 
     In Example 7, the telecommunications system of Examples 1-6 is modified in that the telecommunications component is a telecommunications tray that can be slid out, away from the chassis. 
     In Example 8, the telecommunications system of Examples 1-7 is modified to further include a plurality of the telecommunications components, and the cable guide includes a plurality of cable channels, each cable channel of the plurality of cable channels corresponding with at least one of the plurality the telecommunications components. 
     In Example 9, the telecommunications system of Examples 1-8 is modified in that the cable guide includes a base for mounting the cable guide in the chassis. 
     In Example 10, the telecommunications system of Examples 1-9 is modified in that the cable guide includes a plurality of arms defining a plurality of cable channels including the at least one cable channel, wherein at least one arm of the plurality of arms is flexible. 
     In Example 11, the telecommunications system of Examples 1-10 is modified in that the plurality of cable channels are each configured to receive a group of a plurality of furcation tubes of the cable. Each group of the plurality of furcation tubes is configured to move within each of the plurality of cable channels. Each of the plurality of cable channels has an open and a closed position, wherein when in the open position, the group of the plurality of furcation tubes can be loaded and unloaded into and out of each of the plurality of cable channels, and wherein when in the closed position, the group of the plurality of furcation tubes is restricted from being removed from each of the plurality of cable channels. 
     In Example 12, the telecommunications system of Examples 1-11 is modified in that the cable guide is a first cable guide, and the telecommunications system further includes a second cable guide positioned on, and movable on, the base surface of the second internal area of the chassis adjacent the first cable guide, the second cable guide being unmounted to the chassis, the second cable guide defining at least one cable channel, the cable being positioned, and movable, within the at least one cable channel of the second cable guide. The at least one cable channel of the second cable guide has an open position, where access to the at least one cable channel of the second cable guide is allowed, and a closed position, where access to the at least one cable channel of the second cable guide is restricted. 
     In Example 13, the telecommunications system of Example 12 is modified in that the first and second cable guides are positioned at an angle with respect to side walls of the chassis. 
     In Example 14, the telecommunications system of Examples 1-13 is modified in that at least one of the first and second cable guides is positioned at an angle with respect to side walls of the chassis. 
     In Example 15, a cable guide comprises a base for positioning the cable guide on a base surface of an internal area of a telecommunications chassis, the base being generally planar; a plurality of arms wherein at least one arm of the plurality of arms is flexible; and a plurality of cable channels defined by the plurality of arms, the plurality of cable channels each receiving a plurality of furcation tubes, each of the plurality of cable channels being configured to allow furcation tubes to move within each of the plurality of cable channels. Each cable channel has an open position and a closed position, wherein, when in the open position, furcation tubes can be loaded and unloaded into and out of the cable channel, wherein when in the closed position, furcation tubes are restricted from being removed from the cable channel. 
     In Example 16, the cable guide of Example 15 is modified in that the plurality of furcation tubes positioned within each of the plurality of cable channels form a group of furcation tubes, wherein each group of furcation tubes corresponds with a sliding telecommunications component mounted within the telecommunications chassis. 
     In Example 17, the cable guide of Examples 15 and 16 is modified in that each of the plurality of cable channels has a first end and a second end, wherein each of the plurality of cable channels is openable at the second end. 
     In Example 18, the cable guide of Examples 15-17 is modified in that each of the plurality of cable channels is openable by flexing an arm of the plurality of arms that define each of the plurality of cable channels. 
     In Example 19, the cable guide of Examples 15-18 is modified in that each of the plurality of cable channels is openable by moving a closure device positioned at the second end. 
     In Example 20, the cable guide of Examples 15-19 is modified in that the closure device of each of the plurality of cable channels is integrally formed in each arm of the plurality of arms. 
     In Example 21, the cable guide of Examples 15-20 is modified in that each of the plurality of cable channels is biased to the closed position. 
     In Example 22, a method of using telecommunications equipment comprises opening a cable channel of a cable guide; loading a plurality of furcation tubes, each containing at least one optical fiber, within the cable guide; closing the cable channel; positioning the cable guide on a base surface of an internal area of a telecommunications chassis; and moving the plurality of furcation tubes within the cable channel by moving a telecommunications component attached to the plurality of furcation tubes. 
     In Example 23, the method of Example 22 is modified in that the cable guide is positioned at an angle with respect to side walls of the telecommunications chassis. 
     In Example 24, the method of Examples 22 is modified in that the cable is freestanding on the base surface of the internal area of the telecommunications chassis. 
     In Example 25, the system, device, or method of any of Examples 1-24 is modified in that the cable guide or guides are free standing. 
     In Example 26, the system, device, or method of any of Examples 1-24 is modified in that the cable guide or guides are attachable to telecommunications equipment, such as the chassis. 
     In Example 27, the system, device, or method of any of Examples 1-24 is modified in that the telecommunications equipment, such as the chassis, has multiple horizontal rows with separately movable telecommunications components, and the cable guide or guides have a corresponding number of channels. 
     In Example 28, the system, device, or method of any of Examples 1-27 is modified in that the cable guide or guides are positioned at non-parallel angles relative to a front, a side, or a rear of the telecommunications equipment, such as the chassis. 
     The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.