Outside plant fiber distribution apparatus and method
An outside plant fiber distribution apparatus includes a frame member and a plurality of fiber optic modules mounted to the frame member. The frame member includes upper and lower module mounting brackets. Each module includes a front and two mounting flanges, each mountable to one of the upper and lower module mounting brackets. At least one of the modules is configured as a connection module including a plurality of connection locations disposed along the front of the module. A rear of the module includes a cable notch region for receipt of a cable. At least one of the modules defines a storage module including first and second spools. In an interconnect system, the storage module includes a cable clamp for holding a second cable, the cables are connected through the connection locations of the connection module. In a cross-connect system, two connection modules are provided, and patch cords are used to connect the fronts of the connection modules. The modules may also house splices, and/or optical couplers, such as splitters and wave division multiplexers.
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Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,363,200. The reissue patent applications include the present application; application Ser. No. 12/218,241, filed Jul. 11, 2008; application Ser. No. 11/397,885, filed Apr. 4, 2006; and application Ser. No. 10/810,547, filed Mar. 26, 2004, now U.S. Patent RE 40,358. The present application and application Ser. No. 12/218,241 are continuation reissue applications of application Ser. No. 11/397,885, which is a divisional reissue application of application Ser. No. 10/810,547, which is a reissue application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,363,200.
This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/122,947, filed Jul. 27, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,160,946 which application is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to an apparatus for housing fiber optic telecommunications equipment in outside plant environments. More particularly, this invention relates to an enclosure and management apparatus for housing cross-connect and/or interconnect equipment for fiber optic telecommunications systems. This invention also relates to modules for housing optical couplers such as optical splitters, wavelength division multiplexers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONWith the increased use of fiber optic technology in telecommunications, there is a need for apparatus which permit access to cross-connect functions and interconnect functions, while protecting the components in the field. For example, it is desirable to have access to fiber optic cables in outdoor locations such as contained within an enclosure adjacent to buildings which are linked at the enclosure to a feeder line.
In order to protect fiber optic connections from the environment and from damage due to impact or vandalism, such equipment is housed in enclosures which may be securably locked from unauthorized access. An example enclosure is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,776. The enclosure has a circular base, and a cylindrical shape. Enclosures with a more square shape are also known. Reltec (Reliable Electric) of Cleveland, Ohio sells a generally square enclosure, or pedestal, typically made of green colored metal, identified as CAD12. The Reltec CAD12 enclosure is generally about 12 inches by 12 inches at the base and about three to four feet high.
Providing cross-connect and/or interconnect functions within the enclosure is desired. Ease of assembly of the system and ease of access for later maintenance of the system are also desired. There is a need for further apparatus and methods for enclosing and managing outside plant equipment with cross-connect and interconnect functions. There is also a need for enclosing and managing fiber optic splice locations and optical couplers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn optical fiber distribution frame apparatus includes a frame member having upper and lower module mounting brackets and an interior. The upper and lower module mounting brackets are spaced apart to define a space for receipt of a plurality of fiber optic modules mounted to the frame member. Each module includes a front and two mounting flanges. Each mounting flange is mountable to one of the upper and lower module mounting brackets.
The modules are provided with one or more functions. One of the modules defines a connection module and further includes a rear spaced from the front, a spaced apart top and bottom positioned adjacent to the flanges, and spaced apart sides. The connection module is configured and arranged for housing a plurality of connection locations having exposed openings along the front arranged in one or more vertical arrays. The bottom, the rear, and the opposed sides of the connection module define a cable notch region, wherein the cable notch region includes an opening for a first cable to enter the module. The first cable is connectable to the connection locations within an interior of the connection module either directly or through optical couplers. A further module defines a storage module including first and second spools positioned on the front.
The connection locations preferably define adapters for connection to connectors of fiber optic cables. Preferably, the adapters are angled downwardly when the connection module is mounted to the frame member.
An enclosure is preferably provided to surround the frame member for use in an outside plant application. In the case of configuring the optical fiber distribution frame apparatus as an interconnect system, the storage module preferably includes a cable clamp positioned on the front for clamping a second cable, wherein the second cable is connectable to the connection locations on the connector module. The frame member preferably has a cable tray and an opening sized for receipt of the second cable. The interconnect system may also include a blank or filler module defining a generally planar front.
In the case of configuring the optical fiber distribution frame apparatus as a cross-connect system, two connection modules are provided, and the storage module is positioned between the two connection modules. One or more patch cords link the connection locations of the two connection modules.
The present invention also relates to a method of assembling an optical fiber distribution frame including the steps of providing a frame member, and selecting a plurality of fiber optic modules for mounting to the frame. The fiber optic modules are selected so as to fill the frame member with desired functions. Connection modules, storage modules, and blank or filler modules can be selected as desired. In the case of a cross-connect system, two connection modules are mounted to the frame member, with a storage module positioned between the two connection modules and mounted to the frame member in one embodiment. In the case of an interconnect system, a connection module is mounted to the frame member, as well as a storage module in another embodiment.
The present invention also relates to individual components comprising an optical fiber distribution frame apparatus. A frame member defines an interior, and includes an open front bounded by upper and lower module mounting brackets. The lower module mounting brackets further include a plurality of openings configured and arranged for receiving cable.
A connection module in accordance with the present invention includes a front and two mounting flanges. A rear of the module is spaced from the front. A top and bottom are positioned adjacent to the flanges, and opposed spaced apart sides define an enclosed interior for the connection module. The connection module interior houses a plurality of connection locations having exposed openings along the front. The bottom, the rear, and the opposed sides define a cable notch region wherein the cable notch region defines an opening for receiving a first cable.
A storage module in accordance with the present invention includes a front and two mounting flanges, and first and second spools in alignment extending between the two mounting flanges. Side edges of the front further include projecting cable guides. In the case of a storage module for use in an interconnect system, a cable clamp is also positioned on the front for clamping a cable.
Blank or filler modules are also provided in accordance with the invention to fill unused space of the frame member. Each blank module includes a generally planar front, and two mounting flanges. Side flanges extend in an opposite direction to the direction faced by the front.
The connection module may house within its interior a splice between the first cable entering the module through the cable notch region, and the individual cables leading to the connection locations on the front of the module or to one or more optical couplers housed within the interior of the module. Example couplers include optical splitters and wavelength division multiplexers.
FIG 9 is a side view of the connection module of
Referring now to
Enclosure 20 typically extends from the ground over underground cables 300, 302 (
Referring now to
Frame 22 further includes an upper module mounting bracket 66, and a lower module mounting bracket 68 extending between sides 58. Each module mounting bracket 66, 68 receives a plurality of modules 23 connected via fasteners 70, such as screws, or other fasteners. Preferably, the fasteners are releasable to enable removal of modules 23, as desired, such as for repair, or replacement. Each of the module mounting brackets 66, 68 includes a plurality of holes 67, 69 for receipt of fasteners 70.
Lower module mounting bracket 68 defines a cable tray 60 (
A cover 76 (
Referring now to
Each of the connection locations, 91 preferably includes an adapter 200 for mounting to a fiber optic connector, such as an SC (shown), an ST, an FC, or other connector. Cable 300 entering connector module 24 at opening 112 includes its individual fibers connected to the individual connection locations 91, as desired. Two illustrated example fibers 300a, 300b of cable 300 connect to two connection locations 91. A connector 208 (
A similarly configured second connection module 24a is mounted to frame 22 to permit cross-connection through the use of patch cords 114a, 114b (
Each connection module 24, 24a can be made of sheet metal sections, held together with fasteners, such as screws, so as to allow access as desired to the interior of each module.
To facilitate cable management, and cable protection, a cross-connect storage module 26 as one of modules 23 is provided having three spools 116 along a front 120 (
Cable notch 110 is useful to avoid excess cable bending during manipulation and positioning of connection modules 24. The use of notch 110 provides a greater distance between the cables extending upward from the ground to the clamp mounting locations on modules 24. The extra distance is advantageous when manipulating module 24 as it is installed into or removed from frame 22.
In the example cross-connect system of
Referring now to
Referring now to
In
Referring now to
During assembly of a system for a particular outside plant application, the desired function (cross-connect, interconnect, other) is selected. The types of modules 23 (connection, storage, blank) and widths of modules 23 are also selected. Further the types of connections and whether any optical splices or optical couplers are to be utilized are selected. The appropriate modules are selected and then mounted to frame 22 within an enclosure 20. Over time, the modules 23 can be removed for repair, replacement, or to change functions. Also, the front connections can be changed as the need arises.
The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
Claims
1. A connection module comprising:
- a housing including a front and two mounting flanges, a rear of the housing spaced from the front, a top spaced apart from a bottom, the (op and the bottom positioned adjacent to the mounting flanges, and opposed spaced apart sides;
- a plurality of connection locations having exposed openings along the front;
- the bottom, the rear, and the opposed sides defining a cable notch region wherein the cable notch region defines an opening for receiving a first cable; and
- a cable clamp extending from the rear in the cable notch region.
2. The connection module of claim 1, wherein the connection locations include a plurality of adapters configured and arranged for connection to an optical fiber connector, the adapters positioned at an angle having a component angle in the direction of the bottom of the housing.
3. The connection module of claim 2, further comprising clips which are snap fit to the front of the housing, the clips each holding at least one adapter.
4. The connection module of claim 1, wherein the connection locations include a plurality of adapters, and further comprising a first cable connected to the housing by the clamp, and interior cables optically connected to the adapters, the interior cables optically connected to a splice, the splice optically connected to the first cable.
5. The connection module of claim 1, wherein the connection locations include a plurality of adapters, and further comprising a first cable connected to the housing by the clamp, and interior cables optically connected to the adapters, the interior cables optically connected to a optical coupler, the optical coupler optically connected to the first cable.
6. The connection module of claim 5, wherein the optical coupler includes a splitter.
7. The connection module of claim 5, wherein the optical coupler includes a wavelength division multiplexer.
8. The connection module of claim 6, further comprising a splice between the first cable and the splitter.
9. The connection module of claim 7, further comprising a splice between the first cable and the wavelength division multiplexer.
10. An optical connection closure comprising:
- a housing defining an enclosed interior;
- at least one cable opening for receiving a portion of an outside plant cable within the interior of the housing;
- a cable clamp that secures the outside plant cable relative to the housing at a clamp location, the cable clamp being positioned such that the outside plant cable extends away from the interior of the housing at the clamp location in a first direction;
- at least one adapter located at an exterior wall of the housing, the adapter including a first end and a second end, the first end of the adapter receiving a first fiber optic connector from inside the interior of the housing, and the second end of the adapter being configured to receive a second fiber optic connector from outside the housing, the second end of the adapter at least partially facing toward the first direction in which the outside plant cable extends at the clamp location; and
- at least one splice component positioned within the interior of the housing for splicing an optical fiber of the outside plant cable to an interior optical fiber routed within the interior of the housing from the splice component to the first fiber optic connector received within the first end of the adapter.
11. The optical connection closure of claim 10, wherein the outside plant cable is secured to an exterior of the housing.
12. The optical connection closure of claim 10, wherein the housing is deployed at an above ground location.
13. The optical connection closure of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of the adapters mounted at the exterior wall of the housing.
14. The optical connection closure of claim 10, wherein the outside plant cable is an underground cable.
15. An optical connection device comprising:
- a housing defining an enclosed interior;
- an outside plant cable secured to the housing at a securement location, the outside plant cable extending away from the interior of the housing at the securement location in a first direction, the outside plant cable including a plurality of optical fibers routed into the interior of the housing through an opening;
- a plurality of adapters mounted to the housing, the adapters each including a first end and a second end, the first ends of the adapters receiving first fiber optic connectors from inside the interior of the housing, and the second ends of the adapters forming connection locations configured to receive second fiber optic connectors from outside the housing, the second ends of the adapters at least partially facing toward the first direction in which the outside plant cable extends at the securement location; and
- interior optical fibers spliced to the optical fibers of the outside plant cable at splice locations within the interior of the housing, the interior optical fibers being routed within the interior of the housing from the splice locations to the first fiber optic connectors received within the first ends of the adapters.
16. The optical connection device of claim 15, wherein the outside plant cable is clamped to the housing.
17. The optical connection device of claim 15, wherein the outside plant cable is secured to an exterior of the housing.
18. The optical connection device of claim 15, wherein the housing is deployed at an above ground location.
19. The optical connection device of claim 15, wherein the outside plant cable is an underground cable.
20. An optical connection device comprising:
- a housing defining an interior;
- an outside plant cable secured to the housing at a securement location, the outside plant cable extending away from the interior of the housing at the securement location in a first direction, the outside plant cable including an optical fiber routed into the interior of the housing through an opening;
- a plurality of adapters mounted to the housing, the adapters each including a first end and a second end, the first ends of the adapters receiving first fiber optic connectors from inside the interior of the housing, and the second ends of the adapters forming connection locations configured to receive second fiber optic connectors from outside the housing, the second ends of the adapters at least partially facing toward the first direction in which the outside plant cable extends at the securement location; and
- interior optical fibers optically coupled to the optical fiber of the outside plant cable by a splitter positioned within the interior of the housing, the interior optical fibers being routed within the interior of the housing from the splitter to the first fiber optic connectors received within the first ends of the adapters.
21. The optical connection device of claim 20, wherein the outside plant cable is clamped to the housing.
22. The optical connection device of claim 20, wherein the outside plant cable is secured to an exterior of the housing.
23. The optical connection device of claim 20, wherein the housing is deployed at an above ground location.
24. The optical connection device of claim 20, wherein the outside plant cable is an underground cable.
25. An optical connection device comprising:
- a housing defining an enclosed interior;
- an outside plant cable secured to the housing at a securement location, the outside plant cable extending away from the interior of the housing at the securement location in a first direction, the outside plant cable including a plurality of optical fibers;
- a plurality of adapters mounted to the housing, the adapters each including a first end and a second end, the first ends of the adapters receiving first fiber optic connectors from inside the interior of the housing, and the second ends of the adapters forming connection locations configured to receive second fiber optic connectors from outside the housing, the second ends of the adapters at least partially facing toward the first direction in which the outside plant cable extends at the securement location; and
- interior optical fibers spliced to the optical fibers of the outside plant cable, the interior optical fibers also being linked the first fiber optic connectors received within the first ends of the adapters.
26. The optical connection device of claim 25, wherein the outside plant cable is clamped to the housing.
27. The optical connection device of claim 25, wherein the outside plant cable is secured to an exterior of the housing.
28. The optical connection device of claim 25, wherein the housing is deployed at an above ground location.
29. The optical connection device of claim 25, wherein the outside plant cable is an underground cable.
30. An optical connection device comprising:
- a housing defining an interior;
- an outside plant cable secured to the housing at a securement location, the outside plant cable extending away from the interior of the housing at the securement location in a first direction, the outside plant cable including an optical fiber;
- a plurality of adapters mounted to the housing, the adapters each including a first end and a second end, the first ends of the adapters receiving first fiber optic connectors from inside the interior of the housing, and the second ends of the adapters forming connection locations configured to receive second fiber optic connectors from outside the housing, the second ends of the adapters at least partially facing toward the first direction in which the outside plant cable extends at the securement location; and
- interior optical fibers optically coupled to the optical fiber of the outside plant cable by a splitter, the interior optical fibers being linked to the first fiber optic connectors received within the first ends of the adapters.
31. The optical connection device of claim 30, wherein the outside plant cable is clamped to the housing.
32. The optical connection device of claim 30, wherein the outside plant cable is secured to an exterior of the housing.
33. The optical connection device of claim 30, wherein the housing is deployed at an above ground location.
34. The optical connection device of claim 30, wherein the outside plant cable is an underground cable.
35. An optical connection closure comprising:
- a housing defining an enclosed interior;
- at least one cable opening for receiving a portion of an outside plant cable within the interior of the housing;
- a cable clamp that secures the outside plant cable relative to the housing at a clamp location, the cable clamp being positioned such that the outside plant cable extends from the cable clamp at the clamp location in a first direction;
- at least one adapter located at an exterior wall of the housing, the adapter including a first end and a second end, the first end of the adapter receiving a first fiber optic connector from inside the interior of the housing, and the second end of the adapter being configured to receive a second fiber optic connector from outside the housing, the second end of the adapter facing in a second non-parallel direction relative to the first direction in which the outside plant cable extends at the clamp location; and
- at least one splice component positioned within the interior of the housing for splicing an optical fiber of the outside plant cable to an interior optical fiber routed within the interior of the housing from the splice component to the first fiber optic connector received within the first end of the adapter.
36. The optical connection closure of claim 35, wherein the outside plant cable is secured to an exterior of the housing.
37. The optical connection closure of claim 35, wherein the housing is deployed at an above ground location.
38. The optical connection closure of claim 35, further comprising a plurality of the adapters mounted at the exterior wall of the housing.
39. The optical connection closure of claim 35, wherein the outside plant cable is an underground cable.
40. An optical connection device comprising:
- a housing defining an enclosed interior;
- an outside plant cable secured to the housing at a securement location, the outside plant cable extending from the securement location in a first direction, the outside plant cable including a plurality of optical fibers routed into the interior of the housing through an opening;
- a plurality of adapters mounted to the housing, the adapters each including a first end and a second end, the first ends of the adapters receiving first fiber optic connectors from inside the interior of the housing, and the second ends of the adapters forming connection locations configured to receive second fiber optic connectors from outside the housing, the second ends of the adapters facing in a second non-parallel direction relative to the first direction in which the outside plant cable extends at the securement location; and
- interior optical fibers spliced to the optical fibers of the outside plant cable at splice locations within the interior of the housing, the interior optical fibers being routed within the interior of the housing from the splice locations to the first fiber optic connectors received within the first ends of the adapters.
41. The optical connection device of claim 40, wherein the outside plant cable is secured to an exterior of the housing.
42. The optical connection device of claim 40, wherein the housing is deployed at an above ground location.
43. The optical connection device of claim 40, wherein the outside plant cable is an underground cable.
44. The optical connection device of claim 40, wherein the outside plant cable is clamped to the housing.
45. An optical connection device comprising:
- a housing defining an interior;
- an outside plant cable secured to the housing at a securement location, the outside plant cable extending from the securement location in a first direction, the outside plant cable including an optical fiber routed into the interior of the housing through an opening;
- a plurality of adapters mounted to the housing, the adapters each including a first end and a second end, the first ends of the adapters receiving first fiber optic connectors from inside the interior of the housing, and the second ends of the adapters forming connection locations configured to receive second fiber optic connectors from outside the housing, the second ends of the adapters facing in a second non-parallel direction relative to the first direction in which the outside plant cable extends at the securement location; and
- interior optical fibers optically coupled to the optical fiber of the outside plant cable by a splitter positioned within the interior of the housing, the interior optical fibers being routed within the interior of the housing from the splitter to the first fiber optic connectors received within the first ends of the adapters.
46. The optical connection device of claim 45, wherein the outside plant cable is clamped to the housing.
47. The optical connection device of claim 45, wherein the outside plant cable is secured to an exterior of the housing.
48. The optical connection device of claim 45, wherein the housing is deployed at an above ground location.
49. The optical connection device of claim 45, wherein the outside plant cable is an underground cable.
50. An optical connection device comprising:
- a housing defining an enclosed interior;
- an outside plant cable secured to the housing at a securement location, the outside plant cable extending from the securement location in a first direction, the outside plant cable including a plurality of optical fibers;
- a plurality of adapters mounted to the housing, the adapters each including a first end and a second end, the first ends of the adapters receiving first fiber optic connectors from inside the interior of the housing, and the second ends of the adapters forming connection locations configured to receive second fiber optic connectors from outside the housing, the second ends of the adapters facing in a second non-parallel direction relative to the first direction in which the outside plant cable extends at the securement location; and
- interior optical fibers spliced to the optical fibers of the outside plant cable, the interior optical fibers also being linked the first fiber optic connectors received within the first ends of the adapters.
51. The optical connection device of claim 50, wherein the outside plant cable is clamped to the housing.
52. The optical connection device of claim 50, wherein the outside plant cable is secured to an exterior of the housing.
53. The optical connection device of claim 50, wherein the housing is deployed at an above ground location.
54. The optical connection device of claim 50, wherein the outside plant cable is an underground cable.
55. An optical connection device comprising:
- a housing defining an interior;
- an outside plant cable secured to the housing at a securement location, the outside plant cable extending from the securement location in a first direction, the outside plant cable including an optical fiber;
- a plurality of adapters mounted to the housing, the adapters each including a first end and a second end, the first ends of the adapters receiving first fiber optic connectors from inside the interior of the housing, and the second ends of the adapters forming connection locations configured to receive second fiber optic connectors from outside the housing, the second ends of the adapters facing in a second non-parallel direction relative to the first direction in which the outside plant cable extends at the securement location; and
- interior optical fibers optically coupled to the optical fiber of the outside plant cable by a splitter, the interior optical fibers being linked to the first fiber optic connectors received within the first ends of the adapters.
56. The optical connection device of claim 55, wherein the outside plant cable is clamped to the housing.
57. The optical connection device of claim 55, wherein the outside plant cable is secured to an exterior of the housing.
58. The optical connection device of claim 55, wherein the housing is deployed at an above ground location.
59. The optical connection device of claim 55, wherein the outside plant cable is an underground cable.
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10-133033 | May 1998 | JP |
11-508760 | July 1999 | JP |
WO 95/07478 | March 1995 | WO |
WO 02/06879 | January 2002 | WO |
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Type: Grant
Filed: Jul 11, 2008
Date of Patent: Mar 29, 2011
Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc. (Eden Prairie, MN)
Inventors: Patrick Thompson (Roseville, MN), Brian L. Johnson (Maple Grove, MN), Anthony L. Tischler (Hastings, MN)
Primary Examiner: Michelle R Connelly Cushwa
Attorney: Merchant & Gould P.C.
Application Number: 12/218,240
International Classification: G02B 6/00 (20060101); G02B 6/46 (20060101); H05K 7/00 (20060101);