Optical fiber distribution frame

The first optical fiber distribution frame This application is a divisional application of the application with the application number 00805884.9, the filing date of February 16, 2000, and the application entitled "Optical Distribution Frame with Pivot Connector Panel".

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the telecommunications industry. More specifically, the present invention relates to a high-density optical fiber distribution frame used in the telecommunications industry.

BACKGROUND In the telecommunications industry, people are increasingly using fiber optic cables to carry and transmit signals. In order to connect fiber optic equipment, several types of fiber optic distribution frames have been developed. Several examples of prior art optical fiber distribution frames are shown in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Nos. 4,995,688, 5,497,444, and 5,75 & 003. In each of the optical fiber distribution frames of the existing patents, there are provided a plurality of adapters that can attach each optical fiber connector to both sides of each adapter to optically couple the two fiber optic cables. The fiber optic cables from the adapters are connected to the components of the fiber optic equipment. Then, by using the connecting cords or connecting optical cables between the adapters, the components of the optical device can be cross-connected through the distribution frame. This type of distribution frame forms a demarcation point between the devices.

Although the above-mentioned optical fiber distribution frames have the aforementioned advantages in the technical field, they still need to maintain the high density of the connector terminals to have more advantages. It is also necessary to easily access the optical fiber connectors to enhance the management of the optical fiber and avoid excessive bending and stress on the fiber optic cable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a distribution frame, which includes: a bracket extending vertically from the bottom to the top, the bracket is formed with a left side, a right side, a front and a rear; The top fiber optic cable entrance at the top, and a bottom fiber optic cable entrance at the bottom of the bracket; two longitudinal rows of connector tray holders, each row is formed with a plurality of inclined partition walls, each of the size of the partition wall can accommodate A splice tray; a vertical fiber optic cable channel located between the columns of the splice tray holder, the vertical fiber optic cable channel and

200410085553.8 The top optical cable entrance and the bottom optical cable entrance are connected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front, top and right perspective view of a first embodiment of an optical fiber distribution frame of the present invention, some parts of which are shown in an exploded view, with the front door removed; FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 1 The front view of the distribution frame, which shows the upper front door in the open position and the lower front door in the closed position; Figure 3 is a right side view of the distribution frame shown in Figure 1, which shows the upper door and the lower door in the closed position Door; Figure 4 is a front, top and right perspective view of one of the termination modules in the distribution frame shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a top view of the termination module shown in Figure 4; Shows the front, top and right perspective views of the termination module, the main panel and the cable access door shown in the figure have been pivoted to the open position; Figure 7 is a plan view of the termination module shown in Figure 6, where The main panel and the optical cable access door are in the open position; Figure 8 is a front, top and right perspective view of the termination module, some parts of which have been removed, and the main panel is in the open position, it shows Several representative optical cable channels; Fig. 9 is a front, top and right perspective view of the main housing of the termination assembly; Fig. 10 is a front view of the main housing shown in Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is taken along Fig. 2 A cross-sectional top view of the distribution frame taken along the center line 11-11; FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional top view of the distribution frame taken along the center line 12-12 of FIG. 2; FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional top view of the distribution frame taken along the center line 13-13 of FIG. Cross-sectional plan view; Figure 14 is a front, top and right perspective view of the second embodiment of the distribution frame of the present invention, some of them Part of it is shown in an exploded view; Fig. 15 is a front view of the distribution frame shown in Fig. 14; Fig. 16 is a right side view of the distribution frame shown in Fig. 14; Fig. 17 is the inside of the distribution frame shown in Fig. 14 A front, top and right perspective view of a termination module; Figure 18 is a top view of the termination module shown in Figure 17; Figure 19 is a front, top and right perspective view of the termination module shown in Figure 17, The main panel shown in the figure has been pivoted to the open position; Figure 20 is a top view of the termination module shown in Figure 19, wherein the main panel is in the open position;

200410085553.8 Figure 21 is a front, top and left perspective view of the termination module shown in Figure 17, where the main panel is in an open position, which shows several representative optical cable channels; Figure 22 is Figure 17 Fig. 23 is a front view of the main housing shown in Fig. 22; Fig. 24 is a plan view of the distribution frame shown in Fig. 14; Fig. 25 is a front, top and right perspective view of the main housing of the terminal module shown; The front, top and right perspective views of the third embodiment of the optical fiber distribution frame of the present invention; FIG. 26 is a front, top and right perspective view of the distribution frame shown in FIG. 25, which is shown in an exploded view Features; Figure 27 is a front, top and right perspective view of the distribution frame shown in Figure 25, the connector tray assembly shown in the figure is in the opposite orientation to the distribution frame shown in Figure 25; Figure 28 is Figure 25 -Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the upper optical cable clasp of the distribution frame; Fig. 29 is a plan view of the optical cable clasp shown in Fig. 28; Fig. 30 is a front, top and right side view of the fourth embodiment of the optical fiber distribution frame of the present invention In a perspective view, some of the distribution frames shown have been removed, and one of the panels has been pivoted to the open position; Fig. 31 is a front view of the distribution frame shown in Fig. 30; Fig. 32 is the distribution frame shown in Fig. 30 Front, top and right perspective views of the upper part of the upper part; Figure 33 is a front, top and left perspective view of one of the termination modules in the distribution frame shown in Figure 30; Figure 34 is a perspective view of the termination module shown in Figure 33 Front, top and left perspective view of the piece, the main surface shown in the figure The plate has been pivoted to the open position; Figure 35 is a front, top and left perspective view of the termination module shown in Figure 34, where the main panel is in the open position, which shows several representative optical cable channels Figure 36 is a front, top and right perspective view of the termination module shown in Figure 35 with several representative cable channels; Figure 37 is a view of the termination module similar to the view shown in Figure 35 Front, top and right perspective views, which show an optical cable cover protection installed on the main panel; the termination module shown in FIG. 37 is constructed and arranged to be used in the left side of the distribution frame shown in FIG. 30 side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Please refer to Figure 1 to Figure 3, which shows a preferred embodiment 20 of a frame or distribution frame, which is used to splice, terminate and connect the optical cables inside the distribution frame. management. Figure 4-13 shows the configuration

200410085553.8 Other features of the first wire frame 20. The upper part 22 of the distribution frame 20 is formed with an end connection and a storage area. The lower part 24 of the distribution frame 20 forms a splicing area. An optical cable including one or more independent optical fibers can generally be accessed from an overhead cable facility through the top 26 of the distribution frame 20 from top to bottom, or from a raised floor facility located at the bottom 28 of the distribution frame 20 from below. Go up. If the fiber optic cables are pre-terminated, each fiber optic cable extends directly to the termination storage area 22. If the optical cables entering the distribution frame 20 are not pre-terminated, each optical cable extends to the splicing area 24 to be spliced with the terminated optical cable. Each fiber optic cable then extends from the splicing area 24 to the termination storage area 22. In the termination storage area 22, a plurality of accessible termination locations are provided for those terminated optical cables and can be used to connect other optical cables such as connecting cords or connecting optical cables with the terminating optical cables. By using the connecting optical cable, the telecommunication equipment can be cross-connected between the terminal connection positions through the distribution frame 20.

The distribution frame 20 includes a bracket 30 that can support a plurality of terminal modules 32. In the preferred embodiment, the left and right rows 34, 36 of the termination module 32 are provided. Each row 34, 36 in the illustrated embodiment includes three independent termination modules 32a (left side), 32b (right side).

The bracket 30 also supports an inner frame management panel 40 located between the left and right columns 34 and 36 of the termination module 32 for orderly accommodating and storing the excess length of the connecting optical cable. Preferably, the inner frame management panel 40 includes a column composed of a plurality of independent modules or parts 40a. By providing the independent termination modules 32a, 32b and the independent part 40a of the inner frame management panel 40 that are all separately installed on the bracket 30, these modules can be added to the bracket 30 at different times and can be replaced if necessary . Similarly, the customized distribution frame 20 can be set in those six termination modules 32a, which can use other fiber management equipment in one or more areas of the bracket 30 instead of the internal frame management panel 40 of the illustrated embodiment. 32b and three parts 40a.

The bracket 30 also supports a splice tray assembly 44 for accommodating a plurality of splice trays 46. In the preferred embodiment, the distribution frame 20 includes two longitudinally stacked splice tray assemblies 44. Each splice tray includes a structure for accommodating the ends of a plurality of optical cables and for accommodating independent joints between the ends of the optical cables. Various splice trays 46 can be used. Some examples of splice trays are shown in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 09/158,182 filed on September 21, 1998, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The bracket 30 also supports a horizontal cable tray 50 positioned between the termination storage area 22 and the splicing area 24. The horizontal tray 50 can support those on the front of the distribution frame 20 and the termination module 32. The connecting optical cables extending between the left and right columns 34, 36 and the inner frame management panel 40. The tray 50 also supports those extending between the distribution frame 20 and other distribution frames 20 or telecommunication equipment in the adjacent area Connect light

200410085553.8 The first cable.

The distribution frame 20 preferably includes upper front doors 52, 54 that are more connected and lower front doors 56, 58 that are more connected to protect the optical cables, connectors, adapters, and splice trays. The upper front doors 52, 54 can pivot about a longitudinal axis. The lower front doors 56, 58 can pivot about a horizontal axis. Each door preferably includes one or more latches 59 to hold them in the closed position.

The bracket 30 also supports two longitudinal optical cable guides 60, 62, and there is one optical cable guide on each side of the bracket 30. The fiber optic cable guides 60, 62 include a plurality of fingers 65 spaced apart from each other, and they can allow the fiber optic cable to access the inside of each fiber optic cable guide 60, 62 through the vertical side of each guide. In the illustrated embodiment, each fiber optic cable guide 60, 62 further includes a connecting plate 64 used to form part of the fingers of the upper front door 52, 54. Each of the optical cable guides 60 and 62 is preferably made into several small sections as the building block design components of the distribution frame 20.

Taking into account the ease of assembly and the versatility of use, the components constituting the distribution frame 20 are preferably individual components held together by fasteners. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the termination module 32, the inner frame management panel 40, the splice tray assembly 44, the fiber optic cable tray 50, and the fiber optic cable guides 60, 62 are separate from the bracket 30.

The distribution frame 20 is formed with various inlets through which optical cables can enter the distribution frame 20. At the bottom 28 of the distribution frame 20, a central port 66 allows each optical cable to enter the distribution frame from a raised backplane facility from bottom to top. The central channel 68 allows each optical cable to pass through each independent splice tray 46. There are some buckles 69 (Figure 11 and Figure 12) to securely fasten the input optical cable to the distribution frame 20 ±_oA central opening 70 in the fiber optic cable tray 50 connects the splicing area 24 with the termination storage area 22. Near the top 26 of the distribution frame 20, the access port is provided by a rear center opening 72 or two top openings 74, 76, each top termination module 32 having a top opening. In order to pre-terminate the optical cables, each optical cable can be directly passed through the top openings 74 and 76 to be terminated in the termination module 32. For those optical cables that are spliced with terminated optical cables, the rear opening 72 leads to a rear longitudinal channel 78 extending down to the splicing area 24 and a buckle 69 for splicing the terminated optical cables at the splice tray 46 .

Now referring to Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 13, each part 40a of the inner frame management panel 40 includes: a central part 80. Two forwardly extending and opposed side faces 82, 84, and one or more longitudinal partitions A central reel 86 extending forward from the central portion 80 is opened. The reel 86 is used to store the excess length of the connecting optical cable (such as the connecting optical cable extending between the left and right columns 34 and 36 of the termination module 32). Preferably, each part 40a includes two spools, so that when only one part is provided, it also has an optical cable storage capacity.

200410085553.8 Please refer to Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 12. Each joint tray assembly 44 includes: a main horizontal support member 90, a main rear support member 91, a plurality of partition walls 92 and a plurality of A spool frame or support 94 of a splice tray 46 having a circular outer periphery. In the illustrated embodiment, the partition wall 92 extends vertically. The main horizontal support 90 has an open middle portion 90a for an optical cable channel. A fiber optic cable guide finger 96 and a fiber optic cable tie 98 are provided to securely hold each fiber optic cable in the distribution frame 20 ±o so that the splice tray 46 can be detached from the splice tray assembly 44, and the fiber optic cable The end of the cable is unwound from the splice tray 46 without excessive stress or movement of the optical fiber cable. In the illustrated embodiment, the partition wall 92 extends vertically. In other embodiments, the partition wall may be at an angle relative to the vertical direction or even relative to the horizontal direction. Although each splice tray assembly 44 is shown as a part of the distribution frame 20, each splice tray can be stowed away from the distribution frame 20 if necessary.

Now referring to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 11, the horizontal optical cable tray 50 includes a main horizontal portion 99, the main horizontal portion includes: a central opening 70, two on each side of the central opening 70 opposite and upward An extended curved optical cable guide 101 and a central cover 102 located above the central opening 70. The curved guide 101 can protect the optical cable from extending from the splicing area 24 to the termination storage area 22_οThe center cover 102 can prevent the stored connecting optical cables from hanging downward from the inner frame management panel 40 and extending into the splicing area 24. If the optical cable is guided downward from the distribution frame 20, the notches 104 on each end of the horizontal tray 50 can use some horizontal supports for supporting those horizontally extending optical cables or some downward curved supports To fill. The horizontal fiber optic cable tray 50 also includes a front wall 105 and a rear wall 106 extending from the autonomous horizontal portion 99.

4-10, each terminal module 32 includes: a top 110; a bottom 112; opposite sides 114, 116; and a rear 118. The illustrated module 32 is taken from the right column 36. Preferably, each termination module 32a, 32b is the same, but all positioned in an inverted orientation. Therefore, the top 110 and the bottom 112 are in an inverted orientation with respect to the left column 34 of the module 32.

Each end connection module 32 is formed with an open front 120 that can be closed preferably with a first small door 122 and a second door 124, and the two doors are relatively grounded on the end around the longitudinal axis. Connect the rest of the module 32. The first door 122 is formed with a fiber optic cable access door, which allows the fiber optic cable to enter the termination module 32 and for those fiber optic cables that travel between the positions of the distribution frame 20 (such as a splicing area 24 and a terminal located at a certain terminal). The upper end of the module 32 is particularly useful for positioning the fiber optic cable extending between the modules 32. The optical cable access door 122 is rotatably installed on the side 114 by means of a chain 126.

The second door 124 is formed with a main panel 124 and is rotatably mounted on the

200410085553.8 The first side 116. The main panel 124 includes a plurality of rows of openings 130 formed by openings 132, each of which has a certain size to accommodate an adapter 134. Each of the adapters 134 includes at least two aligned openings, one of which is located on the front side 134a ±, and the other is located on the rear side 134b ±, to accommodate two connectors 142, so that each connector can be connected to the The optical cable of the connector is optically coupled. Various adapters 134 can be used, including the one shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,317,663, which is constructed to have a generally known SC structure to receive the SC connector on each end . Other adapter/connector types can also be used, including ST, FC, E-2000, and others. Preferably, the main panel 124 includes six upper rows 130, each row having eight openings, and six lower rows 130, each row having eight openings. If required, fewer than eight openings can be used for a given application. In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter 134 is mounted on the main panel 124 by means of a clip 135.₀Some markings can be set to mark each opening 132₀ The rear connector 142b is connected to the optical cables that enter the distribution frame 20 from the telecommunication equipment. The rear portion 140 of the main panel 124 is mainly used as a semi-fixed connection between the connector 142b and the adapter 134. The front part 138 of the main panel 124 is formed with a plurality of accessible terminal positions, which can be connected to each other by connecting optical cables and connectors 142a, so that telecommunications equipment can be cross-connected.

The main panel 124 includes an inclined side panel 143. The side panel 143 includes a longitudinal row of clips 144 near each row 130 of the opening 132. The clip 144 can rotate with the main panel 124 and the side panel 143. Each clip 144 can accommodate those optical cables from each connector 142 disposed in each row of openings. Each fiber optic cable extends from each clip 144 through the side entrance of each fiber optic cable guide 60, 62. When the main panel 124 rotates, the clip 144 helps to hold and protect each optical cable. Without the clip 144, the rotational movement of the main panel 124 may excessively pull or push certain parts of the optical cable positioned in the optical cable guides 60, 62.

The main panel 124 also includes upper and lower connecting plates 146, 148. The top plate 150 and the bottom plate 152 form the top 110 and the bottom 112 of the terminal module 32 and each includes a connecting plate portion 154, 156, the money connecting plate portion In cooperation with the connecting plates 146 and 148, the main panel 124 can be rotatably mounted on the top plate 150 and the bottom plate 152. Each of the connecting plate portions 154 and 156 includes a stopper 158 and 160 to limit the rotation of the main panel 124.

The main panel 124 is arranged to form an angle with a vertical plane parallel to the front and rear of the distribution frame 20. This inclined arrangement can increase the density above the adapters 134 whose longitudinal axis is transverse to the front and rear planes. Likewise, the management of the fiber optic cable can be facilitated by tilting the fiber optic cable toward the fiber optic cable guides 60, 62. For the right column 36 of the modules 32, the main panel 124 is inclined toward the right side of the bracket 30.

200410085553.8 For the left column 34 of the module 32, the main panel 124 is inclined toward the left side of the bracket 30.

In order to maintain the main panel 124 in the closed position such as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, two latches 162 are provided. Each latch 162 is engaged with a tongue 164 extending from the top plate 150 and the bottom plate 152. The optical cable access door 122 is also held in the closed position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 by a second latch 166 engaged with the edge 168 of the main panel 124. The cable access door 122 also overlaps the edge 168. The top plate 150 and the bottom plate 152 include fiber optic cable channels 170 so that the fiber optic cables can be vertically entered and passed through the termination module 32 if necessary.

Now referring to Figures 6-10, there are some internal optical cable management features inside the termination module 32. An optical cable clamp 182 firmly clamps an optical cable entering the termination module 32. The lower tab 181a helps to keep the fiber optic cable in the channel 170. The tongue 181a can also hold other fiber optic cables passing through the module 32 in the channel 170. A middle tongue 181c and an upper tongue 181b are also provided to position the required optical cable in the channel 170. Each independent optical fiber is routed from the clamp 182 through a cable transition area 171 that includes various cable guides 186 including tabs, reels, clips, or snap rings. A buckle bracket 190 can be used together with the wire clamp 182, or instead of the wire clamp 182 (see FIGS. 9 and 10), to tie the fiber optic cable entering the termination module 32. At the rear 140± of the main panel 124, a rear tray 192 is positioned at the center of the main panel 124 and protrudes horizontally backward. The rear tray 192 includes a plurality of horizontal fiber optic cable retaining rings 194. The curved edge 196 helps prevent the rear tray 192 from catching those cables that are positioned inside the termination module 32, or in the vertical cable channel 170, or in the cable transition zone 171.

As shown in FIG. 8, a representative optical cable 184 including a plurality of optical fibers passes through the bottom plate 152 in the channel 170 and enters the termination module 32. The clamp 182 clamps the optical cable 184. A first optical fiber 184a extends around the upper reel or guide 186a, passes through the middle guide 186b and then extends around the lower reel or guide 186c, extends around the upper turning guide 186e and then passes through the upper snap ring 188a. The second optical fiber 184b passes through the horizontal retaining ring 194 from the upper retaining ring 188a to a lower position on the main panel 124. All the adapters 134 on the main panel 124 can be connected to each independent optical fiber that then terminates the module 32. In order to install the additional termination module on the distribution frame 20 and above the termination module 32, each optical cable will pass through the lower termination module to the upper termination module in the channel 170. When in use, the left column 34 of the distribution frame 20 can be used to terminate those optical cables entering the building. The right column 36 can be used to terminate optical cables that are connected to various telecommunication equipment in the building. The front portion of each termination module 32 can be used to pass those connecting optical cables from the left to the right to cross-connect the various rear termination locations. Those connecting optical cables run under the management panel 40 of the inner frame. The connecting optical cable enters one of the optical cable guides 60, 62 from each front connector position to connect these

200410085553.8 The first optical cable is connected for vertical management. From the lower ends of the optical cable guides 60 and 62, each optical cable runs horizontally to the other side of the distribution frame 20. The excess length of the fiber optic cable in these connecting fiber optic cables can be wound on a suitable reel 86, so that the excess length can be conveniently stored, thereby avoiding the connection fiber optic cables from being tangled together. Alternatively, these connecting optical cables can run from the left column 34 or from the right column 36 to an adjacent distribution frame or other equipment.

Please refer to FIGS. 14-24, which show a second preferred embodiment of a distribution frame 220 for splicing, terminating and managing optical cables inside the distribution frame. The upper portion 222 of the distribution frame 220 is formed with an end connection area. The lower part 224 of the distribution frame 220 forms a splicing area. An optical cable including one or more independent optical fibers can generally be accessed from an overhead cable facility through the top 226 of the distribution frame 220 from top to bottom, or from a raised floor facility located at the bottom 228 of the distribution frame 220 from above. Go up. If the fiber optic cables are pre-terminated, each fiber optic cable extends directly to the termination area 222. If the optical cables entering the distribution frame 220 are not pre-terminated, each optical cable extends the splicing area 224 to be spliced with the terminated optical cable. Each fiber optic cable then extends from the splicing area 224 to the termination area 222. In the termination area 222, a plurality of accessible termination locations are provided for those terminated optical cables and can be used to connect other optical cables such as connecting cords or connecting optical cables with the terminated optical cables. The telecommunications equipment can be cross-connected between various termination positions through the distribution frame 200.

The distribution frame 220 includes a bracket 230 that can support a plurality of terminal modules 232. In the preferred embodiment, left and right rows 234, 236 of termination modules 232 are provided. Each row 234, 236 in the illustrated embodiment includes three independent termination modules 232a (left side), 232b (right side).

The bracket 230 also supports a fiber optic cable management panel 240 vertically positioned along one or two rows 234 and 236 of the termination module 232. In the illustrated embodiment, two fiber optic cable management panels 240 are provided. The management panel 240 is connected to the end 231 of the bracket 230. Additional brackets 230 can be installed on each management panel 240 as required, wherein the management panel is used as a spacer between adjacent brackets 230.

Each management panel 240 includes two parts 240a. As pointed out above in connection with the distribution frame 20, by providing independent termination modules 232a, 232b and the independent part 240a of the optical cable management panel 240, which are all separately installed on the bracket 230, these modules can be installed at different times. To the bracket 230 ±, and can be replaced if necessary. Similarly, the customized distribution frame 220 can be set in those six termination modules 232a, which can use other fiber management equipment in one or more areas of the bracket 230 instead of the six termination modules 232a of each fiber optic cable management panel 240 of the illustrated embodiment. 232b and two parts 240a.

The bracket 230 also supports a splice tray assembly 244 for accommodating a plurality of splice trays 46. The distribution frame 220 includes two stacks of vertically stacked splice tray holders 246, 248. Combine the patch panel as above

200410085553.8 p.

The splice tray 46 indicated at 20 can be used for the distribution frame 220. Alternatively, other splice trays can also be used.

The bracket 230 also supports a horizontal cable tray 250 positioned below the splicing area 224. The horizontal tray 250 can support the connecting optical cables extending between the left and right columns 234 and 236 of the termination module 232 on the front of the distribution frame 220. The tray 250 can also support those connecting optical cables that extend between the distribution frame 220 and other distribution frames 220 or telecommunication equipment in the adjacent area.

The bracket 230 also supports two longitudinal optical cable guides 260, 262, and there is one optical cable guide on each side of the bracket 230. The fiber optic cable guides 260, 262 include a plurality of fingers 265 spaced apart from each other, which can allow the fiber optic cable to access the inside of each fiber optic cable guide 260, 262 through the vertical side of each guide. Each of the optical cable guides 260 and 262 is preferably made into several small sections 263 as the building block design components of the distribution frame 220.

As pointed out above in connection with the distribution frame 220, the components constituting the distribution frame 220 are preferably separate components held together by fasteners to facilitate assembly and make the use universal. In the illustrated embodiment, the termination module 232, the fiber optic cable management panel 240, the splice tray assembly 244, the fiber optic cable tray 250, and the fiber optic cable guides 260, 262 and the bracket 230 are separated.

The distribution frame 220 is formed with various inlets through which optical cables can enter the distribution frame 220. At the bottom 228 of the distribution frame 220, a central port 266 allows each optical cable to enter the distribution frame 220 from a raised backplane facility from bottom to top. The central channel 268 allows each optical cable to pass through each independent splice tray 246. Some wire clips 267 and buckles 269 are provided to securely fasten the input optical cable to the distribution frame 220. A central channel 270 connects the splicing area 224 and the termination area 222. Near the top 226 of the distribution frame 220, an inlet 272 and an optical cable clamp 275 are provided. In order to pre-terminate the fiber optic cables, each fiber optic cable can be directly passed through the top opening 272 to be terminated in the termination module 232. For those optical cables spliced with the terminated optical cables, the opening 272 leads to a vertical channel 278 extending down to the central channel 270 of the splicing area 224 and a vertical channel 278 for splicing the terminated optical cable at the splice tray 246 The buckle 269. Some clasps 274 are provided to manage the passage of the optical cable in the termination area 222.

Each optical cable management panel 240 includes a central part 280 and one or more central reels 286 spaced vertically and extending forward from the central part 280. The reel 286 is used to store the excess length of the connecting optical cable (such as the connecting optical cable extending between the left and right columns 234 and 236 of the termination module 232). Each spool 286 preferably includes a leading edge 287 to help retain the fiber optic cable on the spool 286.

The splice tray assembly 244 includes a main vertical support 290 and a plurality of partition walls 292 extending forward. The partition wall 292 is preferably arranged in the two longitudinal stacks 246 and 248. Moreover, the partition wall

200410085553.8 p.

292 is preferably inclined. The splice tray assembly 244 shown in the figure is used with those optical cables that enter the distribution frame near the top 226 of the distribution frame 220. If the fiber optic cable enters from the end 228, it may be advantageous to incline the partition wall 292 in the opposite direction shown in the modified distribution frame 520 shown in FIG. 27. In order to facilitate the holding of the splice tray 46 inside the independent compartments formed by the partition walls 292, side flanges 294 are provided on the two opposite sides of each partition wall 292. In addition, a number of front grooves 295 are provided so that a stored splice tray 46 can be easily accessed. The inclined arrangement of the partition wall 292 helps to reduce the horizontal space occupied by the splice tray assembly, and can provide a large enough optical cable channel spacing to be separated from the upper channel 278.

The horizontal cable tray 250 includes a main horizontal part 299, a rear wall 300 and one or more front walls 302. The front and rear walls 302 and 299 help to protect and clamp the connecting optical cables passing through the horizontal optical cable tray 250.

Referring now to FIGS. 17-23, each terminal module 232 includes: a top 310; a bottom 312; opposite sides 314 and 316; and a rear 318. The side surface 314 is formed with a side opening 315 bounded by three side surfaces. The side opening 315 can allow the optical cable to access the inside of the module 232. The illustrated module 232 is taken from the right column 236. Preferably, each termination module 232a, 232b is the same, but is positioned in an inverted orientation. Therefore, the top 310 and the bottom 312 are in an inverted orientation with respect to the left column 234 of the module 232.

Each end connection module 232 is formed with an open front part 320 that can preferably be closed by a door or a main panel 324, which is relatively grounded to the main housing 322. The main panel 324 is rotatably installed near the side surface 316 by means of a chain 328. The main panel 324 includes a plurality of openings 332 (see FIG. 14 to FIG. 16 ), and the size of each opening can accommodate one or more adapters 134. The opening 332 is configured as a long and narrow slot. In order to facilitate the installation of the adapter 134, an inclined holder 336 is provided. As noted above, various adapters 134 including SC-type adapters can be used. Preferably, the main panel 324 includes six upper openings 332 and six lower openings 332, each of which can accommodate eight inclined holders 336 and adapters 134. Or, as pointed out in the embodiments shown in Figures 1-13, separate openings can be provided for each adapter.

As noted above in connection with the distribution frame 20, the rear connector 142b is connected to those optical cables that enter the distribution frame 220 from the telecommunications equipment. The rear portion 340 of the main panel 324 is mainly used as a semi-fixed connection between the connector 142b and the adapter 134. The front part 338 of the main panel 324 is formed with a plurality of accessible terminal positions, and these terminal positions can be connected to each other by connecting the optical cable and the connector 142a, so that the telecommunications equipment can be cross-connected. The main panel 324 includes an inclined side panel 343.

200410085553.8 The side panel 343 includes a longitudinal row of clips 344 adjacent to each row of adapters 134. The clip 344 can rotate with the main panel 324 and the side panel 343. Each clip 344 can accommodate the optical cables from each connector 142a provided in each row of openings. Each fiber optic cable extends from each clip 344 through the side entrance of each fiber optic cable guide 260, 262. When the main panel 324 rotates, the clamp 344 helps to clamp and protect each optical cable. Without the clip 344, the rotational movement of the main panel 324 may excessively pull or push certain parts of the fiber optic cable positioned in the fiber optic cable guides 260, 262.

The main panel 324 also includes upper and lower connecting plates 346, 348, and the top plate 350 and the bottom plate 352 form the top 310 and the bottom 312 of the terminal module 332 and each includes a connecting plate portion 354, 356. The plate part cooperates with the connecting plates 346, 348 to rotatably install the main panel 324 on the top plate 350 and the bottom plate 352. Each of the connecting plate parts 354, 356 includes a stopper 358, 360 to limit the main panel 324 Spin.

The main panel 324 is arranged to form an angle with a vertical plane parallel to the front and rear of the distribution frame 220. This inclined arrangement can increase the density above the adapters 134 whose longitudinal axis is transverse to the front and rear planes. Likewise, the management of the optical cable can be facilitated by tilting the optical cable toward the cable guides 260, 262. For the right column 236 of the module 232, the main panel 324 is inclined toward the opposite side of the bracket 230. Similarly, for the left column 234 of the module 232, the main panel 324 is inclined toward the left side of the bracket 230. The use of the tilt holder 362 can make each optical cable tilt backward toward the right and left sides of the bracket 230. The inclined holder 362 clamps each adapter 134 so that its longitudinal axis forms a non-transverse angle with respect to the plane portion of the main panel 324. Commonly owned US Patent No. 5,214,735 shows several examples of holders that can use the main panel 324. This article quotes the contents disclosed in US Patent No. 5,214,735 as a reference.

In order to keep the main panel 324 in the closed position, two latches 362 similar to the latches 162 mentioned above are provided. Each latch 362 is connected to a tongue 364 extending from the top plate 350 and the bottom plate 352. Meshed.

Now referring to Figures 20-23, there are some internal optical cable management features inside the termination module 232. Some fiber optic cable clamps 382 hold one or more fiber optic cables that enter the termination module 232 through the side 314 at the side opening 315 firmly. The lower clamp 382a is used for those optical cables that enter the termination module 232 from top to bottom. The upper clamp 382b is used for those optical cables that enter the termination module 232 from the bottom up. Preferably, all the wire clips 382 are positioned at an angle. The wire clamp 382 is preferably positioned on the mounting flange 383. The individual optical fibers are routed through various cable guides 386 including tabs, spools, clips, or clasps starting from the clamp 382. A buckle bracket 390 can be used with a cord clamp 382, or

200410085553.8 Replacement clamp 382 to tie down the fiber optic cable entering the termination module 332. On the rear 340 of the main panel 324, a rear tray 392 is positioned at the center of the main panel 324 and protrudes horizontally backward. The rear tray 392 includes one or more horizontal fiber optic cable retaining rings 394. A vertical flange 395 extends rearward from the free edge of the main panel 324 to protect the fiber optic cables and connectors.

As shown in FIG. 21, several representative optical cables (optical fibers) enter the termination module 232 through the side opening 315. The clamp 382 clamps the representative first and second optical fibers 384a, 384b. The first optical fiber 384a bypasses the lower reel or guide 386a and extends to an upper reel or guide 386b, then bypasses the upper turning guide 386c and extends to the upper snap ring 388b, passes through the horizontal snap ring 394 and extends to the main panel 324. One of the next positions. The second representative optical fiber 384b extends from the lower guide 386a to the lower turn guide 386d, and then passes through the lower snap ring 388a. The second optical fiber 384b extends from the lower retaining ring 388a through the horizontal retaining ring 394 to an upper position of the main panel 324±.

The use of the distribution frame 220 is similar to that of the distribution frame 20, in which the left and right columns 234 and 236 can be used to terminate the optical cables entering the building and those connected to various telecommunication equipment in the building. Optical cable. The distribution frame 220 can be used to pass through the connecting optical cables to cross-connect the rear connection positions. Each connecting optical cable passes under the splicing area 224. The connecting optical cable enters one of the optical cable guides 260, 262 for vertical management of the connecting optical cable from each front connecting position. Each optical cable runs horizontally from the lower ends of the cable guides 260 and 262 to the other side of the distribution frame 220, or to another distribution frame or other equipment. The excess length of the connecting fiber optic cable can be wound on an appropriate reel 286 ± in one of the fiber optic cable management panels 240, so that the excess length can be conveniently stored, thereby avoiding the connecting fiber optic cable being tangled together. Alternatively, the connecting fiber optic cable can run from the left column 234 or from the right column 236 to an adjacent distribution frame or other equipment.

Please refer to Figure 25 and Figure 26, the figure shows a distribution frame 420, this distribution frame due to the bracket 230, termination module 232, splice tray assembly 244, optical cable management panel 240 and guide 260 , 262 and other features are similar to the patch panel 220. The distribution frame 420 includes an adjustable fiber optic cable retaining ring 474 located in the termination area 222. The snap ring 474 includes an outer arm 475 and a movable inner arm 476. The position and spacing of the inner arm 476 can be selected according to the position and number of the optical cables to be clamped by the clasp 474. For example, a separate space is useful for those fiber optic cables that first extend to the splicing area 244 and enter from the top, and for other fiber optic cables that extend from the splicing area 244 up to the termination module 232. The inner arm 476 is fixed to the connecting portion 478 of the outer arm 475 by a fastener 477. The inner arm 476 forms an inner cavity 480 for each optical cable entering the distribution frame 420. Some serrated protrusions 482 can be used to fix an O-ring or other fasteners to fix each optical cable in the cavity 480. Other optical cables, such as those from the splicing area 244

200410085553.8 The optical cable extending to the termination area 224 can be positioned outside the chamber 480 and in the area 484. Similarly, the distribution frame 420 also includes a lower opening 480, so that the optical cable can pass through the rear side of the distribution frame 420, so that the optical cable can pass to a second distribution frame installed back to back with the distribution frame 420, or with Connect other telecommunication equipment.

As mentioned above, the distribution frame 520 shown in FIG. 27 includes the splice tray assembly 244, which is installed in an upside-down position. Therefore, the partitions 292 are along a direction toward the center of the distribution frame 520. Sloping downwards. The arrangement shown in FIG. 27 is useful for managing those optical cables that enter from the bottom 528 and are terminated at the splice tray assembly 244. In order to increase the efficiency of manufacturing, the assembly 244 is the same as the distribution frames 420 and 520, but it is selectively installed in a desired orientation.

Now please refer to FIGS. 30-37, which show a fourth preferred embodiment 620 of a distribution frame for splicing, terminating and managing optical cables inside the distribution frame. The upper part 622 of the distribution frame 620 is formed with an end connection area. The lower portion 624 of the distribution frame 620 is formed with a splicing area, for example, as described above in conjunction with the embodiments shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 29. An optical cable including one or more independent optical fibers can generally be accessed from an overhead cable facility through the top 626 of the distribution frame 620 from top to bottom, or from a raised floor facility located at the bottom 628 of the distribution frame 620 from below. Go up. If the optical cables are pre-terminated, each optical cable extends directly to the termination area 622. If the optical cables entering the distribution frame 620 are not pre-terminated, each optical cable extends to the splicing area 624 to be spliced with the terminated optical cable.

The distribution frame 620 includes a bracket 630 that can support a plurality of terminal modules 632. In the preferred embodiment shown, there are left and right columns of termination modules 632. In Figures 30-32, only the right column 636 is shown. Each column in the illustrated embodiment includes three independent termination modules 632b (only two termination modules are shown in the figure) ο The distribution frame 620 can be used to pass the termination provided by the distribution frame Location to cross-connect telecommunications equipment. The distribution frame 620 also includes an optical cable management panel (not shown) as described above and a horizontal optical cable tray 650 positioned below the splicing area 624.

The bracket 630 also supports two vertical optical cable guides 660, 662. There is one optical cable guide on each side of the bracket 630 to manage and protect the connecting optical cables adjacent to the front of the distribution frame 620. . The cable guides 660, 662 include a plurality of fingers 664, and the fingers include an inclined finger 665. Each optical cable guide 660, 662 is preferably made into several small sections 663, which are used as a building block design component of the distribution frame 620. Each section 663 includes a base 670, a side 672, and a chain 674 for mounting the front door (not shown) to the bracket 630 relatively grounded. The fingers 664 and 665 both extend from the side 672.

200410085553.8 As pointed out above in conjunction with the distribution frames 20 and 220, the components constituting the distribution frame 620 are preferably separate components held together by fasteners to facilitate assembly and make the use of universal Sex. In the illustrated embodiment, the termination module 632, the splice tray assembly, and the cable guides 660, 662 and the bracket 630 are separated.

Now referring to FIGS. 33-36, each terminal module 632 includes: a top 710; a bottom 712; opposite sides 714 and 716; and a rear 718. The side surface 714 is formed with a side opening 715 bounded by three side surfaces. The side opening 715 can allow the optical cable to access the inside of the module 632. The module 732 shown in FIGS. 33-37 is taken from the right column 636. In contrast to the termination modules 232a, 232b indicated above, the termination modules 632 from the right column 636 are different from the various termination modules used in the left column, as will be seen below.

Each end connection module 632 is formed with an open front 720 that can preferably be closed by a door or main panel 724, which is more grounded in a similar manner to the module 232 indicated above. Main housing 722. The main panel 724 is constructed in a similar manner to the main panel 324 indicated above in connection with the installation of the adapter 134. The main panel 724 shown in the figure is filled with adapters 134. As an alternative to the clip 344 indicated above in connection with the main panel 324, the main panel 724 includes a plurality of guides or extensions 744, each row of adapters 134 There is a guide or extension nearby. The guide 744 extends from the side panel 743. The guide 744 rotates with the main panel 724 and the side panel 743. Each guide 744 can hold the optical cable from each connector 142a provided in each row of openings. Each fiber optic cable extends from the guide 744 through the side entrance of the nearest vertical fiber optic cable guide 660,662. The guide 744 helps to hold and protect each optical cable when the main panel 724 rotates. Without the guide 744, the rotational movement of the main panel 124 may excessively pull or push certain parts of the optical cable positioned in the optical cable guides 660, 662.

The guide 744 is preferably made as an extension of the planar side panel 743. Sheet metal is a common material used to manufacture the main panel 724 and the side panels 743 and the guide 744. Each guide 744 includes a main extension 746 with an inclined tab 748 that is inclined toward the respective vertical cable guides 660, 662. Extending vertically on both sides of the tongue 748 are first and second fingers 750, 752₀ A slot 754 is formed between a finger 750, 752 of a guide 744 and an opposite finger 752, 750 of an adjacent guide 744 located above or below the corresponding guide. The size of the slot 754 can accommodate each fiber optic cable during, for example, the installation or removal of the fiber optic cable. Preferably, the slot 754 forms an angle with the horizontal direction, so as to help prevent each optical cable from falling out of the guide 744 during the movement of other optical cables or during the movement of the main panel 724. An edge protector 756

200410085553.8 is fitted above the main extension 746 to prevent possible damage to the optical cables caused by the sharp edges of the main extension 746, which may occur, for example, if sheet metal is used.

Similar to the main panel 324 indicated above, the main panel 724 is grounded to the top 710 and the bottom 712 of the termination module 632. Moreover, the main panel 724 forms an angle with respect to a vertical plane extending parallel to the front and rear of the distribution frame 620. Furthermore, the main panel 724 includes the use of the inclined holder 362 as described above. In order to maintain the main panel 724 in the closed position, there are two vertically operating latches 762 similar to the horizontally operating latches indicated above.

Now referring to Figure 34 and Figure 35, there are some internal cable management features inside the termination module 632. Some fiber optic cable clamps 782 securely hold one or more fiber optic cables entering the termination module 632 through the side surface 714 at the side opening 715. The lower clamp 782a is used for those optical cables that enter the termination module 632 from the bottom up. The upper clamp 782b is used for those optical cables that enter the termination module 632 from top to bottom. Preferably, all the wire clips 782 are positioned at an angle. The cable clamp 782 is preferably positioned at the mounting flange 783 ±o. Each independent optical fiber from the cable clamp 782 passes through various cable guides 786 including tabs, spools, clips or clasps to determine the route. A buckle bracket can be used with or instead of the cable clamp to tie down the fiber optic cable entering the termination module 632. At the rear 340± of the main panel 724, a rear tray 392 is positioned at the center of the main panel 724 and protrudes horizontally backward. The rear tray 792 includes one or more horizontal fiber optic cable retaining rings 794. A vertical flange 795 extends rearward from the free edge of the main panel 724 to protect the optical cable and connector.

As shown in FIG. 35, several representative optical cables (optical fibers) enter the termination module 632 through the side opening 715. The clamp 782 clamps the representative first and second optical fibers 784a, 784b. The first optical fiber 784a bypasses the lower reel or guide 786a and extends to an upper reel or guide 786b, and then passes through the upper snap ring 786c, through the horizontal snap ring 74, and extends to one of the connection positions on the main panel 724.

Now referring to FIG. 37, a rear cover 800 is provided to protect the optical cables located near the connection positions on the rear side of the main panel 724. In FIG. 37, the termination module 632 from the left column of the distribution frame 620 is shown. The module 632 shown in FIG. 37 is a mirror image of the module 632 shown in FIG. 34. The cover 800 is mounted on the rear tray 792 by a tongue 802 located on the flange 796 of the tray 792. A leaf spring 804 is installed in the groove 798. The two top tongues 806>808 are engaged with the top of the main panel 724 to further fix the cover 800.

The above description, examples and data completely describe the manufacture and use of the components of the present invention. Since many embodiments can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and protection scope of the present invention, the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

200410085553.8