CA1329242C - Termination module for use in an array of modules - Google Patents
Termination module for use in an array of modulesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1329242C CA1329242C CA000615423A CA615423A CA1329242C CA 1329242 C CA1329242 C CA 1329242C CA 000615423 A CA000615423 A CA 000615423A CA 615423 A CA615423 A CA 615423A CA 1329242 C CA1329242 C CA 1329242C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- connector
- end wall
- module
- base
- modules
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R9/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
- H01R9/22—Bases, e.g. strip, block, panel
- H01R9/24—Terminal blocks
- H01R9/2408—Modular blocks
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3823—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres containing surplus lengths, internal fibre loops
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3825—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
- G02B6/3874—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules
- G02B6/3878—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules comprising a plurality of ferrules, branching and break-out means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3897—Connectors fixed to housings, casing, frames or circuit boards
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
- G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
- G02B6/444—Systems or boxes with surplus lengths
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
- G02B6/3847—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture with means preventing fibre end damage, e.g. recessed fibre surfaces
- G02B6/3849—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture with means preventing fibre end damage, e.g. recessed fibre surfaces using mechanical protective elements, e.g. caps, hoods, sealing membranes
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A module for use in an array of modules for terminating transmission lines and making them readily accessible to connection to distribution lines, the modules comprising small rectangular bases having an end wall supporting a connector, and means affording the tilting movement of each module intermediate the ends of each base to move the end wall from a position aligned with the end walls of other modules to a position affording ready access to the connector of the tilted end wall.
Description
F.N. 44008 CAN 7A
; A TERMINATION MODULE FOR USE IN AN ARRAY OF MODULES
Background of the Invention 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a termination module for use in an array of modules for terminating transmission lines and in one aspect to a panel for supporting a plurality of modules to be connected to said transmission lines, i.e. optical fibers, copper, aluminum or other conductors, so they can be readily connected to distribution lined leading to opto-electronic or electronic equipment.
; A TERMINATION MODULE FOR USE IN AN ARRAY OF MODULES
Background of the Invention 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a termination module for use in an array of modules for terminating transmission lines and in one aspect to a panel for supporting a plurality of modules to be connected to said transmission lines, i.e. optical fibers, copper, aluminum or other conductors, so they can be readily connected to distribution lined leading to opto-electronic or electronic equipment.
2. Description o;f the Prior Art The present invention provides a module for connection to the common transmission wires entering a residence or factory or office work station where it is desired to have the service positioned in one spot. This requirement places a plurality of wires in close spaced relationship and it is desirable not to use a lot of space but provide easy access to the transmission lines for connection and disconnection of the distribution cables.
The prior art has a variety of panel configurations for connecting the lines in an incoming cable to the connectors and managing the connection of the lines to distribution lines. Such panels are provided for optical fibers, electrical power distribution, and telephone distribution. The present invention provides a module and panel wherein a plurality of modules can be closely positioned to provide termination of the cables for connection to the cables provided on electronic equipment such as opto-electronic equipment or on electronic equipment such as stereo receivers, television sets, telephones and computer work stations.
The present invention is directed at a ' 3~
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-simplified array of modules for use in terminating a small number of optical fibers, or fibers and transmission wires such as in an apartment building, a single family residence, or an office or factory work station. The prior art panels in some instances may be modular to afford their use with a small number of fibers but they are adapted to the large termination situations where many fibers or wires are terminated and the panels can be enlarged as the service needed increases. In the present environment it is necessary that the distribution lines be terminated in such a way that they can be connected and disconnected without calling a skilled technician. There are generally only a small number of lines and they should be conveniently packaged to permit a person with minimal assembly skills to make the connections and disconnections to the transmission lines coming into panel. A skilled technician will generally make the connection from the incoming line to the panel connector and then the minimally skilled assembler can make the connection to the panel connector. The connector usually includes a convenient connection to which a plug may then be readily connected to couple the incoming line to the desired equipment.
With optical fiber installations, the technicians,are the workers with the responsibility of taking the optical fiber cable that has arrived at the termination station and separating the individual optical fibers from a buffer tube and then splicing them to a fiber end leading from a connector plug. The plugs are subsequently connected to a connector coupling for connection to a plug on a fiber running to an opto-electronic piece of equipment. When this piece of equipment is a piece of equipment in a home, factory or office work station and the number of optical fibers directed thereto are all contained in a single cable, or the cable contains optical fibers together with copper signal wires, it is desirable to have a convenient means .~, of termination of the optical ~ibers as well as a convenient method of joining the copper wires to a distribution wire. This type of termination should not require any more skill than the technician that would routinely service and install telephone or electrical power. If it requires tools that cut and polish the optical fiber end and special fixtures to secure the finished fiber end in a plug, then the level of skill required to make only several connections at remote locations is economically and commercially disadvantaged, and the optical fiber communication system will not grow ,.
`~ and be as readily available to as many citizens as rapidly as desired.
Presently, where large installations are made in a building or central station, a distribution housing ; is installed and the cable is brought in for distribution. Individual optical fibers from the cable are spliced to long pigtails, each consisting of individually jacketed optical fiber terminated into a connector plug at one end. The pigtail connector plug is mounted into a connector coupling located within the distribution housing or a remote second distribution housing. The splice joining the two fibers is placed within a splice holder within the first distribution housing. The surplus fiber from the pigtail and surplus fiber from the cable are both carefully stored in the distribution housing. A second plug mates with the first in the connector coupling and routes to an opto-electronic device or other intermediate junction. This is the routine which must be followed in tpe large installations since it is very possible that changes will be needed periodically and access to the splice and the slack fiber will be required. In the home, apartment or factory or office work station on the other hand, the connection will be made and there should be no need for a large distribution panel or box. The termination and its support and the support for the additional slack fiber ~ 4 60557-3757 :
- should not exceed that same requlrement for copper communlcatlon llnes.
.-~, A prlor devlce, ldentlfled as an optlcal cable header ls ~, descrlbed ln U.S.A. patent No. 4,585,303. Thls devlce utlllzes a ~i plurallty of optlcal connector supports whlch are engaged ln a `~ magazlne or houslng. The connector supports have an elongate body ,: ~t ' in the form of a hollow flnger. The flnger has a cyllndrical con-. . , nector member at a front end and a slde mounted former upon whlch to wlnd a length of flber located near to lts opposlte or rear end. The magazlne has a row of cavltle3 whlch are open at the .;
rear of the magazlne for recelvlng the supports and have clrcular openlngs ln the front wall to recelve the connector members on the connector supports when they are recelved ln the cavltles. In Figures 7 - 11 of U.S. Patent No. 4,585,303 the optlcal connector support ls shown to lnclude a flnger, constltuted by a rlgld metal blade formed of elongate U shape. The optlcal connector ls mount-ed ln the bottom of the U to recelve the end flttlng of a flber lnslde the flnger. The optlcal connector wlll also recelve an analogous end flttlng of an external flber for connectlon to the flber lnslde the flnger. The connector descrlbed ln the lntroduc-tlon ls an lnstalled connectlon end flttlng, for example the one descrlbed ln French patent 2 275 787 and patent of addltlon 2 316 611, the earllest patent correspondlng generally to U.S.A. patent Nos. 3,989,567 and 4,050,783. Thls connector ls deslgned to re-celve one or multlple flbers, but to recelve one flber, requlres an lnstallatlon and ln each end flttlng, the end face of a flber ''' , "
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`-- 1329242 4a 60557-3757 ls rectlfled and sultably posltloned for provldlng accurate optl-cal connectlon when two connectlon flttlngs are brought together.
The lnstallatlon of the end fittlng is not perceived as a fleld installation slnce patent No. 4,585,303 refers to the cable having , a plurality of optlcal fibers wlth each flber havlng a connectlon .~ end fltting installed on lts end. The purpose of the ' - ~ :
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patented header is to avoid having to interrupt the connection of several fibers as with the connector of patent No. 4,050,783, when repairing a defect in the connection between any one pair of fibers. Further, after the supports are placed in the magazine, the connector members on the front face of the magazine are ` aligned in fixed position in a row and are not readily or individually accessible to make the desired connections.
Another mounting panel with means for supporting a plurality of connectors is shown in U.S.A.
patent No. 4,752,110. This patent shows a cabinet for supporting incoming fibers, slack in those fibers, splices, connectors and pigtail fibers, and the plugs for the distribution fibers. This is typical of the prior art and is too bulky and unnecessarily complicated to provide the termination in the residence or apartment building. It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a termination which will reduce the need for large or bulky boxes to handle incoming and connector fibers to afford the installation of optical fibers into ~; a residence and connection of the incoming optical fibers to opto-electronic equipment.
Previous methods of gaining finger access room to tightly spaced connectors have relied on the ability of wire and coaxial cable connections to sustain tight radius curva~ture and even right angle bends. This ability has allowed designers of connector arrays for electrical conductors to have close clearance in the design of the array through sudden changes in the axis of conductors, and no penalty is incurred by inducing tight bends into the conductors when con~ections are moved to obtain access.
Electrical connector groupings are also forgiving of movement of jumper wires and connections, since disturbing the connected wires has negligible effect upon signal continuity or transmission.
This is in contrast with optical fiber ,: .
connections, where the fibers are typically restricted to a bend radius on the order of 20 or more times the outer diameter of the fiber and its jacket. Additionally, movement of optical fiber connections and cables can produce temporary or even permanent loss or reduction in signal carrying ability, due to unintended bending of fibers adjacent to a fiber being connected or removed.
As a result, the schemes which obtain electrical connector access in a tight array, such as through a push-pull action along the axis of the connection, are inappropriate for optical fiber work.
The subject action of a slight tilt of the fiber axis is especially apt in that the bend of the fiber which is induced is not only of wide radius, but also the degree of bend is limited to a small arc, and the exiting fiber is subjected to only the minimal translation upwards which will provide access. If translation along the fiber were involved, in most installations, severe problems with bend radius kinks would result along the axis of the fiber. The method in which both of these factors are addressed here can be relied upon to contribute a negligible harm to the transmission properties of the fiber being worked on, and also give a negligible effect to adjacent fibers.
Although these minimal-disruption features are not crucially important in electrical connections, they are nevertheless desirable for connection of coaxial cables and other conductors where cable diameters restrict conductor bending, and in any event comprise a useful and versatile system where it is desired to connect optical fibers and electrical cables in a single - housing, or to standardize on a single termination type for a distribution location or system. Frequently, optical fiber cables will also incorporate one or more "talk pairs" or "order pairs" to allow craft persons to communicate during installation or maintenance, or to provide power to run ringing bells, warning lights, and other associated electrical devices on what is primarily an optical transmission syste~. Hybrid systems with paired wire, coaxial cable and optical fiber for broadband communications are also seen, and a system which can terminate all types of communication media with interchangeable plug-in units has versatility in addition to functional benefits with any one of the media it accommodates.
It is a further ob;ect of the present invention ; 10 to provide a module which can be packaged in an array wherein the modules are in side-by-side relationship to -~ fit in a compact panel, in an array with other modules, in such a manner as to afford ready access to the individual connectors for attachment of the distribution fibers or other lines.
Summarv of the Invention The present invention provides a novel termination module for use in terminating a cabled optical fiber or other transmission cable at a connector ~0 to which connection can readily be made by a ubiquitous type of plug such as a phono-type plug on coaxial cable, optical fiber plug, the RJ-ll plug on a telephone cable or the pin plug for an antenna or cable connection. The module is particularly adapted to terminate the individual transmission lines and to mate with other modules to provide a compact array of modules, each having a connector as readily accessible when reguired as a single module.
~~ The module comprises a frame for supporting a single connector plug supported at one end of the frame and connected to one end of a transmission line. The frame has a generally tubular profile, including a generally rectangular base extending from the aforesaid end of the frame. The base is generally rectangular with a ~ongitudinal axis and is provided with means for tilting the base about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis and intermediate its ends such that the - --, .
, ; 1329242 one end of the frame may be ralsed from the normal plane of the base to a positlon above the ends of the other modules ln a slde-by-slde array. Thls type of module avolds the need to space the modules or the connectors to afford ready access to the connectors to connect or dlsconnect a dlstributlon llne to the connector.
The means for tlltlng the ba6e about an axis transverse to the axls of the base lncludes a fulcrum about whlch the base can be rocked or the base can rock on a rocker which will allow the one end to rlse above the other ends of the ad~acent modules. The modules are preferably mounted for tiltlng movement about a common axls so they malntaln allgnment or they are otherwlse located to malntain a normally flxed position.
Means are provided for restricting movement of the modules when in the normal position. The modules can be moved to the connect position against the resistance of the stop, detent or spring used to retain the module. The axis for mounting the modules is formed in the bottom of a shallow tray and modules are ; arranged ln a side-by-side array. Means ls provlded ln the tray for storlng slack flber from the transmlsslon llne. The storage area ls preferably provlded wlth a cover to llmlt access thereto because after the technlclan has made the connectlon to the connector the remainlng connectlons are made to the coupllngs and such can be made by ralslng the coupllng from the plane of the other coupllngs and have free sccess to the coupllng deslred.
The lnventlon may be summarlzed, accordlng to one , aspect, as a module for use ln termlnatlng a communlcatlon transmlsslon llne at a dlstrlbutlon panel comprlslng a connector , adapted to be connected to one end of a transmlssion llne, and support means for supportlng sald connector, sald Yupport means comprlslng an end wall supporting sald connector ln flxed posltlon thereon and a rectangular base ~olned to sald end wall and extendlng ln a dlrectlon away from sald end wall, sald base comprlslng an elongate narrow strlp havlng a top surface and a bottom surface, means deflnlng an axis transverse to sald bottom surface for affordlng tlltlng movement of said base to move said end wall from a flrst normal posltion to a spaced posltion for affordlng ea3y access to sald connector, said means deflnlng sald axls transverse to sald bottom surface comprlses a recess spaced .. . .
~ 1329242 8a 60557-3757 from sald end wall for recelvlng a rod about whlch said base may plvot, sald recess lncludlng an offset area for recelvlng a said rod, and sald base lncludes a portlon extendlng away from sald recess ln a dlrectlon opposlte sald end wall deflnlng stop means for llmltlng sald tlltlng movement.
Accordlng to another aspect, the lnventlon provldes a plurallty of transmlsslon llne terminatlon modules posltloned ln slde-by-slde relatlonshlp, each module comprlslng a connector adapted to be connected to one end of a transmlsslon llne, and support means for supportlng sald connector, sald support means comprlslng an end wall havlng two faces for supportlng sald connector ln flxed posltlon thereon and a rectangular base ~olned to sald end wall at one end thereof and extendlng ln a dlrectlon :~ away from one face thereof, sald base lncludlng means deflnlng an axls transverse to sald base for affordlng tlltlng movement of sald base of each module to move sald end wall of each module lndependently of the other modules from a flrst normal posltlon allgned wlth the connectors of ad~acent modules to a spaced posltlon ln relatlon~hlp to sald ad~acent connectors for affordlng ..~ 20 easy access to sald connector for connectlng or dlsconnectlng a .. dlstrlbutlon llne wlth sald connector, and for returnlng sald - modules to sald normal posltlon.
. Accordlng to a further aspect, the lnventlon provldes a dlstrlbutlon panel for use ln connectlng transmlsslon llnes to . 25 connectors affordlng further dlstrlbutlon, sald panel lncludlng a support plate, sald support plate havlng a generally planar surface and means for deflnlng a fulcrum, and a plurallty of ,i termlnatlon modules posltloned ln a slde-by-slde array on sald : .
plate and supported on sald fulcrum for lndependent tlltlng movement, each module comprlslng a connector adapted for connectlon to a transmlsslon llne, and support means for supportlng sald connector, sald support means comprlslng an end - wall havlng four sldes and two faces for supportlng sald connector ln flxed posltlon thereon, a base ~olned to one slde of sald end , 35 wall and extendlng ln a dlrectlon away from one face thereof, sald base lncludlng means affordlng tlltlng movement of sald module : lndependently of ad~acent modules about sald fulcrum and ln relatlonshlp to other modules to posltlon sald end wall of sald ; A
~, .
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8~ 60557-3757 module ln spaced relatlonshlp to the end wall of others of sald modules ln sald array affording easy access to the connector for : plugglng and unplugglng dlstrlbutlon llnes to sald connector and returnlng the connector to a normal posltlon when the connectlon ls completed.
Brlef DescriPtlon of the Drawlnq The present lnventlon wlll be further descrlbed wlth reference to the accompanylng drawlng whereln:
Flgure 1 18 a perspectlve vlew of an array of optlcal flber termlnatlon modules accordlng to the present lnventlon ln a slde-by-slde array1 Flgure 2 ls a perspectlve vlew of the module array of - Flg. l wlth a slngle module tllt,ed to lllustrate easy access to the connector, , ' ' ' . :
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_9_ Figure 3 is a perspective view of the array of termination modules packaged i~ a tray-like panel adapted to fit compactly in a cupboard or closet;
. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an optical fiber termination module illustrating the several parts thereof:
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a module positioned above the support plate of the panel to illustrate the mounting of the mod~le:
: 10 Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a module on the support plate showing the module in the normal position:
Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to that of Fig. 6 showing the module in the tilted or raised position to afford easy access to the connector;
Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a ~ second embodiment of a module and a support plate for the :: module;
~. 20 Figure g is an exploded perspective view of a `i, further embodiment of a module and a support plate for the module;
~ Figure 10 is a perspective view of a further : embodiment of a module and a support base for tilting the module;
:' Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a ; further embodiment of a module and a support plate for the module;
Figure 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a pair of modules in a side-by-side array with the modules having two different types of couplers on the end ; wall;
. Figure 13 is a fragmentary perspective end view of a module having a grommet in the end wall;
Figure 14 is a fragmentary perspective end view of a module having an RJ-ll jack for a telephone plug also illustrated in perspective; and . '` ~,,"
: ~ .
Figure 15 is a fragmentary perspective end view of a pair of modules in a side-by-side array with data, television and phono-type coaxial connectors mounted in the end walls of the modules.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments The optical fiber termination splice module and the array formed upon packaging of the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like parts are identified by the same reference numerals throughout the several views.
When connectors are placed in juxtaposition it is often very difficult for a person to obtain proper access to the connector for the purpose of coupling or uncoupling a plug to a connector and not risk damage to or contact with the other connectors. Therefore, the present invention has as an object the provision of a termination module 10 having a connector 11 thereon which module 10 can be placed on the end of a signal conductor and placed closely adjacent another module 10 terminating a second signal conductor, but which affords the separation of the connectors to afford facile coupling and uncoupling thereto. As illustrated in Figures 1 and ` 2, the closely packed modules 10 do not allow access by the fingers readily when it is desirable to couple or ` uncouple a plug 12 from a connector 11 when the modules are arranged in side-by-side position. A module according to the present invention allows the desired module to be tilted, raising the connector from the side-by-side location allowing ready access to the connector as is shown in Figure 2.
The array of modules 10 are preferably positioned in a tray 15 adapted for mounting in a cupboard or closet such that the modules are kept in order and conveniently, centrally located. The tray 15 is,a shallow rectangular tray with a base 16 and side walls 17 which project upwardly from the base 16. One . .
area on one end of the base is dedicated to receiving and storing a length of the optical fibers. The tray side walls 17 are provided with preperforated areas 18 which can be removed to afford entry of the signal conductors into the storage area. Additional knock-out areas 19 afford exit openings for the distribution fibers.
plurality of ears 20 are formed in the storage area about which the conductors may be wrapped to form one or more loops. As illustrated the conductors are wrapped on ears 20 which are formed from the base and positioned to define a loop area at least twice the minimum bending radius for an optical fiber of the incoming fiber buffer tube 21. Thé individual fibers 22 are then directed from the loop to the individual modules 10.
The module 10 illustrated in Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7 comprises a small frame or support 25, the coupling 26 of the optical fiber connector 11, a single connector :, plug 28 connected to one end of a short length 29 of ` optical fiber and joined to one end of the coupling 26, an optical fiber splice 30 having opposite open ends for making connection between a second end of the length 29 : of optical fiber and the free end of the optical fiber 22 from a cable 21, as previously described.
The frame or support means 25 for supporting the coupling 26 and the splice 30, comprise,s an end wall 32 having four sides and two faces 33 and 34, and an opening therethrough for supporting the connector coupling 26 in fixed position thereon and a base 35. The base 35 is a narrow elongate strip molded integrally with and joined to one side of the end wall 32 and the base 35 extends in a direction away from the face 33 of the end wall 32. The frame or support means 25 also includes a pair of side walls 38 and 39, and means defining a magazine 40 for supporting the splice 30 in close spaced relationship to the end wall 32, allowing space for connection of the plug 28 into the coupling 26. The magazine 40 is shaped to receive the splice 30 and to 13~9242 hold the same in a position aligned with the plug 28 to receive, in the splice 30 at a position approximately half the length of the splice, the second or free end of the length 29 of optical fiber fixed in the plug 28. The magazine 40 has wall members to receive and support the splice in position to permit the splicing of an incoming fiber with the length of fiber 29 to be completed. In Figure 4 the magazine 40 is shown as a channel shaped member, shaped to fit the shape of the splice 30 placed therein.
In the illustrated magazine 40 a splice according to U.S.A. patent No. 4,818,055, issued April 4, 1989, is placed between walls of the magazine 40 forming a U-shaped recess. The recess is closed at the top adjacent the ends to secure the splice 30 therein and restrict displacement of the splice during shipping of the module 10 since it is not secured to the optical ; fiber 29 and the splice 30 could be removed. The end walls 44 which cover upper ends of the recess restrict the splice 30 from being removed from the top of the magazine 40. The presence of the fiber 29 in the splice 30 and a stop at the rear of the magazine 40 restrict ; movement of the splice 30 endwise. An opening in the rear of the magazine permits the entry of the optical fiber 22 to be terminated into the splice 30 positioned in the magazine 40.
In a preferred embodiment the module 10 includes a cover 50 hinged, about a pivot axis 51 extending through the side walls 38, 39, in relationship to the base 35 to be positioned over the splice 30. The splice 30 is formed with a body and a cover which is forced into the body when the splice is made. Entry of the cover into the body forces legs of an aligning element to engage the opposed optical fiber ends and ; 35 axially align the two ends. The cover 50 is thus provided with a projection 52 intermediate its ends which is positioned over the magazine 40 to engage the cover of .' , ' ., : -the splice and force the same into the body as the cover is moved forcibly to the position over the base 35.
During shipping or storage of the module 10 a dust cover may be placed over the magazine and splice to restrict closure of the cover into the splice body and dust from entering the splice. Also in the illustrated embodiment the base is provided with an inclined trailing edge as indicated at 55 and a notch 56, to be further described, is formed adjacent the inclined edge to afford means to support the module and to afford pivotal movement of the module to allow the end wall 32 to be raised above the normal plane of the base.
The coupling 26 comprises a rectangular housing 60 from which extends a mounting flange 61 having a slotted aperture to receive a fastener 62. The fastener 62 will fit a threaded opening in the end wall and thus suitably mount the coupling 26 to the end wall 32 with one cylindrical internally threaded, plug receiving, projection 63 thereof extending through an opening 64 in the end wall 32. A second cylindrical projection 65 is positioned for receiving the plug on the end a cable extending from a piece of opto-electronic equipment. A
removable cap 67, illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, is preferably placed over the projection 65 to limit dust or other material from entering the cavity of the coupling and covering the end of the fiber 2'9.
The module lO`fits in the tray 15 in a side-by-side array with a number of other modules. The base 16 of the tray is provided with means to define a fulcrum for the modules to permit the modules to be tilted. When tilted, the end walls 32 of the modules are raised to position the couplings of the tilted module 10 in a position where it is convenient for a person of minimal ` assembly skill to connect or disconnect a plug 12 to the projecting end 65 of the coupling.
In the illustrated embodiment the fulcrum is formed by a rod 70 extending transversely of the base 16 of the tray and spaced above and parallel to the surface of the tray. The rod 70 is supported by ears 71 formed by bending strips upward from the base which strips are formed by making U-shaped cuts in the base to form the strips and to form rod receiving apertures in the strips.
The rear portion 55 of the base 35 of the module 10 is beveled or truncated to permit pivotal movement of the module intermediate its ends in one direction. The degree of the bevel determines the amount the module can tilt and the bevelled edge defines stop means for limiting the pivotal movement. The notches 56 formed in the base 35 of the module adjacent inclined surface 55 define the fulcrum point and are formed to secure the module 10 onto the rod 70, so it can be installed and later removed if desired. The notches S6 thus have a portion extending the width of the base 35 and generally perpendicular to the plane of the base and an offset portion shaped to receive the rod 70, with the entrance to the offset area being at the end of the first portion and having a boss at the mouth of the offset portion narrowing the entrance to removably capture the rod in the offset portion, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.
The module support is made of a resilient polymeric material allowing the rod to be snapped into position where it permits the pivotal movement and restricts movement lengthwise.
A plate 75, preferably formed of~a transparent material, is adapted to be positioned over the slack storage area of the tray. The plate can be in the form of a hinged door or a sliding cover as illustrated. This plate 75 is provided to protect the slack fiber from mishandling and extends to a position along the ends of the modules. The plate 75 can then conveniently provide means for retaining the modules 10 in the tilted position. This is accomplished in the illustrated embodiment by the plate 75 providing lip means to engage a further projection 77 on the underside of the cover 50 ' '.. . , . ` ' of the module 10, when the module is pivoted about the fulcrum 70 to the raised position, see Fig 7. In the illustrated embodiment the lip means is defined by the edge of openings 78 formed along the edge df the plate 75. In the normal position of the plate and the modules 10, the plate and the projections 77 of the covers of the modules hold the covers 50 in a position with the projections 52 spaced from the cover of the splice 30.
Resilient retaining clips 80 are formed from the base 16 of the ~ray 15 to position one clip beneath ' each module 10. The clip 80 is received in a recess 81 in the base 35 of the module 10, past a catch 82 to form a detent for holding the module in the normal operating position, see Figure 6. This clip will frictionally 1~5 engage the wall of a recess 81 and restrict the pivotal ' movement about the rod 70 and restrict lengthwise ~, movement in relationship to the rod 70 when in the normal position.
Alternative embodiments for providing a frame ~- 20 or support means for a module and means for tilting the module are illustrated in Figures 8 - 11. In Figure 8 the support means 85 comprises a rectangular base 86 having a longitudinal axis and having an end wall 87 at one end of the base. Intermediate the ends of the base ' 25 86 is a transverse recess 88. The recess is adapted to receive a rib 89 on a base plate 90 to afford tilting of the module.
~ In Figure 9 the support means 95 comprises a - rectangular base 96 having a longitudinal axis and having anlend wall 97 at one end of the base. Intermediate the ends of the base 96 is a transverse axis defined by upstanding ears 98. The ears 98 cooperate with ears 99 on a base plate 100, which receive pins or a rod (not shown) to support the base 96 for pivotal movement to tilt the end wall 97 to a position above the plate 100.
Resilient clips 101 aid to retain the module of Figure 9 in rest position.
-16- 13292~2 In Figure 10 the support means 105 comprises a rectangular base 106 having a longitudinal axis and having an end wall 107 at one end of the base. The base 105 is mounted to tilt about an imaginary axis by means of spaced racks 108 and segmented pinions 109 secured to the base 106, which form a rocker for the module. The teeth of the rack and rocker maintain the base in position on the support plate for the racks 108.
In Figure 11 the support means 115 comprises a ; 10 rectangular base 116 having a longitudinal axis and having an end wall 117 at one end of the base.
Intermediate the ends of the base 116 is a transverse axis defined by aligned apertures 118. The apertures 118 cooperate with upstanding ears 119 on a base plate 120, which receive pins or a rod (not shown) to support the base 116 for pivotal movement to tilt the end wall 117 to a position above the plate 120. A resilient post 121, having a catch, mounted on the plate 120 is positioned to engage a recess on the end wall 117 to retain the module 20 of Figure 11 in rest position. The support 115 is also provided with means to facility the tilting of the module of Figure 11 in the form of a key 122 positioned on the -; side of the transverse axis defined by ears 119 opposite the end wall 117.
Figures 12, 13, 14 and 15 illustrate modules according to the present invention having various types of termination connectors position~d on the end wall.
For example, the module 10 in Figure 12 is fitted with an optical fiber coupling 26 and the module 125 is provided with an adapter plate 126 and an optical fiber coupling 127 of a different pattern or type such as an ST, D4, SMA
or FC type, wherein the coupling comprises an externally threaded hollow metal sleeve which is held in the end wall by a collar and threaded washer.
In Figure 13 the module 130 has an end wall 131 formed with an opening therethrough having a grommet 132 lining the opening. This module 130 can be used in ' ~:
, -17- 1329242 situations where it is desirable to merely splice two optical fibers together at the splice in the magazine and the grommet 132 supports the optical fiber in the end - wall.
The module 135 of Figure 14 has an end wall 136 which supports the conventional telephone RJ-ll phone jack 137 to connect a telephone plug 138 to a transmission line.
~ In Figure 15 two modules 139 are illustrated `~ 10 which have different connectors, a connector 140 for a coaxial cable, such as a television antenna or data transmission cable, and a connector 141 having one or ~-~ more pins for a stereo receiver. These are common connectors for transmission lines to which a household makes connection for receiving the electronic signals.
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Similar connectors are used in offices and factories for data and control services.
The present invention thus provides a termination module for use in terminating transmission ; 20 lines of different kinds, which module can nest with other modules, having identical or different connectors, in a close-packed side-by-side array in a shallow tray, ~ allowing individual modules in the array to be tilted to ; , a position allowing ready access to the connector thereon -~ 25 for connection or disconnection of distribution lines.
The overall length of the module is not greater than 12 inches (30.5 cm). The amount the connector is tilted from the position of the connector in the side-by-side array i8 between one-half and four times the diameter of the connector or the vertical dimension of the connector, - and is preferably between one and two times either of these dimensions.
Having described several embodiments illustrating the invention, it will be appreciated that further modifications can be made without departing from - the scope or the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
The prior art has a variety of panel configurations for connecting the lines in an incoming cable to the connectors and managing the connection of the lines to distribution lines. Such panels are provided for optical fibers, electrical power distribution, and telephone distribution. The present invention provides a module and panel wherein a plurality of modules can be closely positioned to provide termination of the cables for connection to the cables provided on electronic equipment such as opto-electronic equipment or on electronic equipment such as stereo receivers, television sets, telephones and computer work stations.
The present invention is directed at a ' 3~
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-simplified array of modules for use in terminating a small number of optical fibers, or fibers and transmission wires such as in an apartment building, a single family residence, or an office or factory work station. The prior art panels in some instances may be modular to afford their use with a small number of fibers but they are adapted to the large termination situations where many fibers or wires are terminated and the panels can be enlarged as the service needed increases. In the present environment it is necessary that the distribution lines be terminated in such a way that they can be connected and disconnected without calling a skilled technician. There are generally only a small number of lines and they should be conveniently packaged to permit a person with minimal assembly skills to make the connections and disconnections to the transmission lines coming into panel. A skilled technician will generally make the connection from the incoming line to the panel connector and then the minimally skilled assembler can make the connection to the panel connector. The connector usually includes a convenient connection to which a plug may then be readily connected to couple the incoming line to the desired equipment.
With optical fiber installations, the technicians,are the workers with the responsibility of taking the optical fiber cable that has arrived at the termination station and separating the individual optical fibers from a buffer tube and then splicing them to a fiber end leading from a connector plug. The plugs are subsequently connected to a connector coupling for connection to a plug on a fiber running to an opto-electronic piece of equipment. When this piece of equipment is a piece of equipment in a home, factory or office work station and the number of optical fibers directed thereto are all contained in a single cable, or the cable contains optical fibers together with copper signal wires, it is desirable to have a convenient means .~, of termination of the optical ~ibers as well as a convenient method of joining the copper wires to a distribution wire. This type of termination should not require any more skill than the technician that would routinely service and install telephone or electrical power. If it requires tools that cut and polish the optical fiber end and special fixtures to secure the finished fiber end in a plug, then the level of skill required to make only several connections at remote locations is economically and commercially disadvantaged, and the optical fiber communication system will not grow ,.
`~ and be as readily available to as many citizens as rapidly as desired.
Presently, where large installations are made in a building or central station, a distribution housing ; is installed and the cable is brought in for distribution. Individual optical fibers from the cable are spliced to long pigtails, each consisting of individually jacketed optical fiber terminated into a connector plug at one end. The pigtail connector plug is mounted into a connector coupling located within the distribution housing or a remote second distribution housing. The splice joining the two fibers is placed within a splice holder within the first distribution housing. The surplus fiber from the pigtail and surplus fiber from the cable are both carefully stored in the distribution housing. A second plug mates with the first in the connector coupling and routes to an opto-electronic device or other intermediate junction. This is the routine which must be followed in tpe large installations since it is very possible that changes will be needed periodically and access to the splice and the slack fiber will be required. In the home, apartment or factory or office work station on the other hand, the connection will be made and there should be no need for a large distribution panel or box. The termination and its support and the support for the additional slack fiber ~ 4 60557-3757 :
- should not exceed that same requlrement for copper communlcatlon llnes.
.-~, A prlor devlce, ldentlfled as an optlcal cable header ls ~, descrlbed ln U.S.A. patent No. 4,585,303. Thls devlce utlllzes a ~i plurallty of optlcal connector supports whlch are engaged ln a `~ magazlne or houslng. The connector supports have an elongate body ,: ~t ' in the form of a hollow flnger. The flnger has a cyllndrical con-. . , nector member at a front end and a slde mounted former upon whlch to wlnd a length of flber located near to lts opposlte or rear end. The magazlne has a row of cavltle3 whlch are open at the .;
rear of the magazlne for recelvlng the supports and have clrcular openlngs ln the front wall to recelve the connector members on the connector supports when they are recelved ln the cavltles. In Figures 7 - 11 of U.S. Patent No. 4,585,303 the optlcal connector support ls shown to lnclude a flnger, constltuted by a rlgld metal blade formed of elongate U shape. The optlcal connector ls mount-ed ln the bottom of the U to recelve the end flttlng of a flber lnslde the flnger. The optlcal connector wlll also recelve an analogous end flttlng of an external flber for connectlon to the flber lnslde the flnger. The connector descrlbed ln the lntroduc-tlon ls an lnstalled connectlon end flttlng, for example the one descrlbed ln French patent 2 275 787 and patent of addltlon 2 316 611, the earllest patent correspondlng generally to U.S.A. patent Nos. 3,989,567 and 4,050,783. Thls connector ls deslgned to re-celve one or multlple flbers, but to recelve one flber, requlres an lnstallatlon and ln each end flttlng, the end face of a flber ''' , "
~' . , :
`-- 1329242 4a 60557-3757 ls rectlfled and sultably posltloned for provldlng accurate optl-cal connectlon when two connectlon flttlngs are brought together.
The lnstallatlon of the end fittlng is not perceived as a fleld installation slnce patent No. 4,585,303 refers to the cable having , a plurality of optlcal fibers wlth each flber havlng a connectlon .~ end fltting installed on lts end. The purpose of the ' - ~ :
" :
, :
patented header is to avoid having to interrupt the connection of several fibers as with the connector of patent No. 4,050,783, when repairing a defect in the connection between any one pair of fibers. Further, after the supports are placed in the magazine, the connector members on the front face of the magazine are ` aligned in fixed position in a row and are not readily or individually accessible to make the desired connections.
Another mounting panel with means for supporting a plurality of connectors is shown in U.S.A.
patent No. 4,752,110. This patent shows a cabinet for supporting incoming fibers, slack in those fibers, splices, connectors and pigtail fibers, and the plugs for the distribution fibers. This is typical of the prior art and is too bulky and unnecessarily complicated to provide the termination in the residence or apartment building. It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a termination which will reduce the need for large or bulky boxes to handle incoming and connector fibers to afford the installation of optical fibers into ~; a residence and connection of the incoming optical fibers to opto-electronic equipment.
Previous methods of gaining finger access room to tightly spaced connectors have relied on the ability of wire and coaxial cable connections to sustain tight radius curva~ture and even right angle bends. This ability has allowed designers of connector arrays for electrical conductors to have close clearance in the design of the array through sudden changes in the axis of conductors, and no penalty is incurred by inducing tight bends into the conductors when con~ections are moved to obtain access.
Electrical connector groupings are also forgiving of movement of jumper wires and connections, since disturbing the connected wires has negligible effect upon signal continuity or transmission.
This is in contrast with optical fiber ,: .
connections, where the fibers are typically restricted to a bend radius on the order of 20 or more times the outer diameter of the fiber and its jacket. Additionally, movement of optical fiber connections and cables can produce temporary or even permanent loss or reduction in signal carrying ability, due to unintended bending of fibers adjacent to a fiber being connected or removed.
As a result, the schemes which obtain electrical connector access in a tight array, such as through a push-pull action along the axis of the connection, are inappropriate for optical fiber work.
The subject action of a slight tilt of the fiber axis is especially apt in that the bend of the fiber which is induced is not only of wide radius, but also the degree of bend is limited to a small arc, and the exiting fiber is subjected to only the minimal translation upwards which will provide access. If translation along the fiber were involved, in most installations, severe problems with bend radius kinks would result along the axis of the fiber. The method in which both of these factors are addressed here can be relied upon to contribute a negligible harm to the transmission properties of the fiber being worked on, and also give a negligible effect to adjacent fibers.
Although these minimal-disruption features are not crucially important in electrical connections, they are nevertheless desirable for connection of coaxial cables and other conductors where cable diameters restrict conductor bending, and in any event comprise a useful and versatile system where it is desired to connect optical fibers and electrical cables in a single - housing, or to standardize on a single termination type for a distribution location or system. Frequently, optical fiber cables will also incorporate one or more "talk pairs" or "order pairs" to allow craft persons to communicate during installation or maintenance, or to provide power to run ringing bells, warning lights, and other associated electrical devices on what is primarily an optical transmission syste~. Hybrid systems with paired wire, coaxial cable and optical fiber for broadband communications are also seen, and a system which can terminate all types of communication media with interchangeable plug-in units has versatility in addition to functional benefits with any one of the media it accommodates.
It is a further ob;ect of the present invention ; 10 to provide a module which can be packaged in an array wherein the modules are in side-by-side relationship to -~ fit in a compact panel, in an array with other modules, in such a manner as to afford ready access to the individual connectors for attachment of the distribution fibers or other lines.
Summarv of the Invention The present invention provides a novel termination module for use in terminating a cabled optical fiber or other transmission cable at a connector ~0 to which connection can readily be made by a ubiquitous type of plug such as a phono-type plug on coaxial cable, optical fiber plug, the RJ-ll plug on a telephone cable or the pin plug for an antenna or cable connection. The module is particularly adapted to terminate the individual transmission lines and to mate with other modules to provide a compact array of modules, each having a connector as readily accessible when reguired as a single module.
~~ The module comprises a frame for supporting a single connector plug supported at one end of the frame and connected to one end of a transmission line. The frame has a generally tubular profile, including a generally rectangular base extending from the aforesaid end of the frame. The base is generally rectangular with a ~ongitudinal axis and is provided with means for tilting the base about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis and intermediate its ends such that the - --, .
, ; 1329242 one end of the frame may be ralsed from the normal plane of the base to a positlon above the ends of the other modules ln a slde-by-slde array. Thls type of module avolds the need to space the modules or the connectors to afford ready access to the connectors to connect or dlsconnect a dlstributlon llne to the connector.
The means for tlltlng the ba6e about an axis transverse to the axls of the base lncludes a fulcrum about whlch the base can be rocked or the base can rock on a rocker which will allow the one end to rlse above the other ends of the ad~acent modules. The modules are preferably mounted for tiltlng movement about a common axls so they malntaln allgnment or they are otherwlse located to malntain a normally flxed position.
Means are provided for restricting movement of the modules when in the normal position. The modules can be moved to the connect position against the resistance of the stop, detent or spring used to retain the module. The axis for mounting the modules is formed in the bottom of a shallow tray and modules are ; arranged ln a side-by-side array. Means ls provlded ln the tray for storlng slack flber from the transmlsslon llne. The storage area ls preferably provlded wlth a cover to llmlt access thereto because after the technlclan has made the connectlon to the connector the remainlng connectlons are made to the coupllngs and such can be made by ralslng the coupllng from the plane of the other coupllngs and have free sccess to the coupllng deslred.
The lnventlon may be summarlzed, accordlng to one , aspect, as a module for use ln termlnatlng a communlcatlon transmlsslon llne at a dlstrlbutlon panel comprlslng a connector , adapted to be connected to one end of a transmlssion llne, and support means for supportlng sald connector, sald Yupport means comprlslng an end wall supporting sald connector ln flxed posltlon thereon and a rectangular base ~olned to sald end wall and extendlng ln a dlrectlon away from sald end wall, sald base comprlslng an elongate narrow strlp havlng a top surface and a bottom surface, means deflnlng an axis transverse to sald bottom surface for affordlng tlltlng movement of said base to move said end wall from a flrst normal posltion to a spaced posltion for affordlng ea3y access to sald connector, said means deflnlng sald axls transverse to sald bottom surface comprlses a recess spaced .. . .
~ 1329242 8a 60557-3757 from sald end wall for recelvlng a rod about whlch said base may plvot, sald recess lncludlng an offset area for recelvlng a said rod, and sald base lncludes a portlon extendlng away from sald recess ln a dlrectlon opposlte sald end wall deflnlng stop means for llmltlng sald tlltlng movement.
Accordlng to another aspect, the lnventlon provldes a plurallty of transmlsslon llne terminatlon modules posltloned ln slde-by-slde relatlonshlp, each module comprlslng a connector adapted to be connected to one end of a transmlsslon llne, and support means for supportlng sald connector, sald support means comprlslng an end wall havlng two faces for supportlng sald connector ln flxed posltlon thereon and a rectangular base ~olned to sald end wall at one end thereof and extendlng ln a dlrectlon :~ away from one face thereof, sald base lncludlng means deflnlng an axls transverse to sald base for affordlng tlltlng movement of sald base of each module to move sald end wall of each module lndependently of the other modules from a flrst normal posltlon allgned wlth the connectors of ad~acent modules to a spaced posltlon ln relatlon~hlp to sald ad~acent connectors for affordlng ..~ 20 easy access to sald connector for connectlng or dlsconnectlng a .. dlstrlbutlon llne wlth sald connector, and for returnlng sald - modules to sald normal posltlon.
. Accordlng to a further aspect, the lnventlon provldes a dlstrlbutlon panel for use ln connectlng transmlsslon llnes to . 25 connectors affordlng further dlstrlbutlon, sald panel lncludlng a support plate, sald support plate havlng a generally planar surface and means for deflnlng a fulcrum, and a plurallty of ,i termlnatlon modules posltloned ln a slde-by-slde array on sald : .
plate and supported on sald fulcrum for lndependent tlltlng movement, each module comprlslng a connector adapted for connectlon to a transmlsslon llne, and support means for supportlng sald connector, sald support means comprlslng an end - wall havlng four sldes and two faces for supportlng sald connector ln flxed posltlon thereon, a base ~olned to one slde of sald end , 35 wall and extendlng ln a dlrectlon away from one face thereof, sald base lncludlng means affordlng tlltlng movement of sald module : lndependently of ad~acent modules about sald fulcrum and ln relatlonshlp to other modules to posltlon sald end wall of sald ; A
~, .
~ .
8~ 60557-3757 module ln spaced relatlonshlp to the end wall of others of sald modules ln sald array affording easy access to the connector for : plugglng and unplugglng dlstrlbutlon llnes to sald connector and returnlng the connector to a normal posltlon when the connectlon ls completed.
Brlef DescriPtlon of the Drawlnq The present lnventlon wlll be further descrlbed wlth reference to the accompanylng drawlng whereln:
Flgure 1 18 a perspectlve vlew of an array of optlcal flber termlnatlon modules accordlng to the present lnventlon ln a slde-by-slde array1 Flgure 2 ls a perspectlve vlew of the module array of - Flg. l wlth a slngle module tllt,ed to lllustrate easy access to the connector, , ' ' ' . :
.
_9_ Figure 3 is a perspective view of the array of termination modules packaged i~ a tray-like panel adapted to fit compactly in a cupboard or closet;
. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an optical fiber termination module illustrating the several parts thereof:
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a module positioned above the support plate of the panel to illustrate the mounting of the mod~le:
: 10 Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a module on the support plate showing the module in the normal position:
Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to that of Fig. 6 showing the module in the tilted or raised position to afford easy access to the connector;
Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a ~ second embodiment of a module and a support plate for the :: module;
~. 20 Figure g is an exploded perspective view of a `i, further embodiment of a module and a support plate for the module;
~ Figure 10 is a perspective view of a further : embodiment of a module and a support base for tilting the module;
:' Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a ; further embodiment of a module and a support plate for the module;
Figure 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a pair of modules in a side-by-side array with the modules having two different types of couplers on the end ; wall;
. Figure 13 is a fragmentary perspective end view of a module having a grommet in the end wall;
Figure 14 is a fragmentary perspective end view of a module having an RJ-ll jack for a telephone plug also illustrated in perspective; and . '` ~,,"
: ~ .
Figure 15 is a fragmentary perspective end view of a pair of modules in a side-by-side array with data, television and phono-type coaxial connectors mounted in the end walls of the modules.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments The optical fiber termination splice module and the array formed upon packaging of the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like parts are identified by the same reference numerals throughout the several views.
When connectors are placed in juxtaposition it is often very difficult for a person to obtain proper access to the connector for the purpose of coupling or uncoupling a plug to a connector and not risk damage to or contact with the other connectors. Therefore, the present invention has as an object the provision of a termination module 10 having a connector 11 thereon which module 10 can be placed on the end of a signal conductor and placed closely adjacent another module 10 terminating a second signal conductor, but which affords the separation of the connectors to afford facile coupling and uncoupling thereto. As illustrated in Figures 1 and ` 2, the closely packed modules 10 do not allow access by the fingers readily when it is desirable to couple or ` uncouple a plug 12 from a connector 11 when the modules are arranged in side-by-side position. A module according to the present invention allows the desired module to be tilted, raising the connector from the side-by-side location allowing ready access to the connector as is shown in Figure 2.
The array of modules 10 are preferably positioned in a tray 15 adapted for mounting in a cupboard or closet such that the modules are kept in order and conveniently, centrally located. The tray 15 is,a shallow rectangular tray with a base 16 and side walls 17 which project upwardly from the base 16. One . .
area on one end of the base is dedicated to receiving and storing a length of the optical fibers. The tray side walls 17 are provided with preperforated areas 18 which can be removed to afford entry of the signal conductors into the storage area. Additional knock-out areas 19 afford exit openings for the distribution fibers.
plurality of ears 20 are formed in the storage area about which the conductors may be wrapped to form one or more loops. As illustrated the conductors are wrapped on ears 20 which are formed from the base and positioned to define a loop area at least twice the minimum bending radius for an optical fiber of the incoming fiber buffer tube 21. Thé individual fibers 22 are then directed from the loop to the individual modules 10.
The module 10 illustrated in Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7 comprises a small frame or support 25, the coupling 26 of the optical fiber connector 11, a single connector :, plug 28 connected to one end of a short length 29 of ` optical fiber and joined to one end of the coupling 26, an optical fiber splice 30 having opposite open ends for making connection between a second end of the length 29 : of optical fiber and the free end of the optical fiber 22 from a cable 21, as previously described.
The frame or support means 25 for supporting the coupling 26 and the splice 30, comprise,s an end wall 32 having four sides and two faces 33 and 34, and an opening therethrough for supporting the connector coupling 26 in fixed position thereon and a base 35. The base 35 is a narrow elongate strip molded integrally with and joined to one side of the end wall 32 and the base 35 extends in a direction away from the face 33 of the end wall 32. The frame or support means 25 also includes a pair of side walls 38 and 39, and means defining a magazine 40 for supporting the splice 30 in close spaced relationship to the end wall 32, allowing space for connection of the plug 28 into the coupling 26. The magazine 40 is shaped to receive the splice 30 and to 13~9242 hold the same in a position aligned with the plug 28 to receive, in the splice 30 at a position approximately half the length of the splice, the second or free end of the length 29 of optical fiber fixed in the plug 28. The magazine 40 has wall members to receive and support the splice in position to permit the splicing of an incoming fiber with the length of fiber 29 to be completed. In Figure 4 the magazine 40 is shown as a channel shaped member, shaped to fit the shape of the splice 30 placed therein.
In the illustrated magazine 40 a splice according to U.S.A. patent No. 4,818,055, issued April 4, 1989, is placed between walls of the magazine 40 forming a U-shaped recess. The recess is closed at the top adjacent the ends to secure the splice 30 therein and restrict displacement of the splice during shipping of the module 10 since it is not secured to the optical ; fiber 29 and the splice 30 could be removed. The end walls 44 which cover upper ends of the recess restrict the splice 30 from being removed from the top of the magazine 40. The presence of the fiber 29 in the splice 30 and a stop at the rear of the magazine 40 restrict ; movement of the splice 30 endwise. An opening in the rear of the magazine permits the entry of the optical fiber 22 to be terminated into the splice 30 positioned in the magazine 40.
In a preferred embodiment the module 10 includes a cover 50 hinged, about a pivot axis 51 extending through the side walls 38, 39, in relationship to the base 35 to be positioned over the splice 30. The splice 30 is formed with a body and a cover which is forced into the body when the splice is made. Entry of the cover into the body forces legs of an aligning element to engage the opposed optical fiber ends and ; 35 axially align the two ends. The cover 50 is thus provided with a projection 52 intermediate its ends which is positioned over the magazine 40 to engage the cover of .' , ' ., : -the splice and force the same into the body as the cover is moved forcibly to the position over the base 35.
During shipping or storage of the module 10 a dust cover may be placed over the magazine and splice to restrict closure of the cover into the splice body and dust from entering the splice. Also in the illustrated embodiment the base is provided with an inclined trailing edge as indicated at 55 and a notch 56, to be further described, is formed adjacent the inclined edge to afford means to support the module and to afford pivotal movement of the module to allow the end wall 32 to be raised above the normal plane of the base.
The coupling 26 comprises a rectangular housing 60 from which extends a mounting flange 61 having a slotted aperture to receive a fastener 62. The fastener 62 will fit a threaded opening in the end wall and thus suitably mount the coupling 26 to the end wall 32 with one cylindrical internally threaded, plug receiving, projection 63 thereof extending through an opening 64 in the end wall 32. A second cylindrical projection 65 is positioned for receiving the plug on the end a cable extending from a piece of opto-electronic equipment. A
removable cap 67, illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, is preferably placed over the projection 65 to limit dust or other material from entering the cavity of the coupling and covering the end of the fiber 2'9.
The module lO`fits in the tray 15 in a side-by-side array with a number of other modules. The base 16 of the tray is provided with means to define a fulcrum for the modules to permit the modules to be tilted. When tilted, the end walls 32 of the modules are raised to position the couplings of the tilted module 10 in a position where it is convenient for a person of minimal ` assembly skill to connect or disconnect a plug 12 to the projecting end 65 of the coupling.
In the illustrated embodiment the fulcrum is formed by a rod 70 extending transversely of the base 16 of the tray and spaced above and parallel to the surface of the tray. The rod 70 is supported by ears 71 formed by bending strips upward from the base which strips are formed by making U-shaped cuts in the base to form the strips and to form rod receiving apertures in the strips.
The rear portion 55 of the base 35 of the module 10 is beveled or truncated to permit pivotal movement of the module intermediate its ends in one direction. The degree of the bevel determines the amount the module can tilt and the bevelled edge defines stop means for limiting the pivotal movement. The notches 56 formed in the base 35 of the module adjacent inclined surface 55 define the fulcrum point and are formed to secure the module 10 onto the rod 70, so it can be installed and later removed if desired. The notches S6 thus have a portion extending the width of the base 35 and generally perpendicular to the plane of the base and an offset portion shaped to receive the rod 70, with the entrance to the offset area being at the end of the first portion and having a boss at the mouth of the offset portion narrowing the entrance to removably capture the rod in the offset portion, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.
The module support is made of a resilient polymeric material allowing the rod to be snapped into position where it permits the pivotal movement and restricts movement lengthwise.
A plate 75, preferably formed of~a transparent material, is adapted to be positioned over the slack storage area of the tray. The plate can be in the form of a hinged door or a sliding cover as illustrated. This plate 75 is provided to protect the slack fiber from mishandling and extends to a position along the ends of the modules. The plate 75 can then conveniently provide means for retaining the modules 10 in the tilted position. This is accomplished in the illustrated embodiment by the plate 75 providing lip means to engage a further projection 77 on the underside of the cover 50 ' '.. . , . ` ' of the module 10, when the module is pivoted about the fulcrum 70 to the raised position, see Fig 7. In the illustrated embodiment the lip means is defined by the edge of openings 78 formed along the edge df the plate 75. In the normal position of the plate and the modules 10, the plate and the projections 77 of the covers of the modules hold the covers 50 in a position with the projections 52 spaced from the cover of the splice 30.
Resilient retaining clips 80 are formed from the base 16 of the ~ray 15 to position one clip beneath ' each module 10. The clip 80 is received in a recess 81 in the base 35 of the module 10, past a catch 82 to form a detent for holding the module in the normal operating position, see Figure 6. This clip will frictionally 1~5 engage the wall of a recess 81 and restrict the pivotal ' movement about the rod 70 and restrict lengthwise ~, movement in relationship to the rod 70 when in the normal position.
Alternative embodiments for providing a frame ~- 20 or support means for a module and means for tilting the module are illustrated in Figures 8 - 11. In Figure 8 the support means 85 comprises a rectangular base 86 having a longitudinal axis and having an end wall 87 at one end of the base. Intermediate the ends of the base ' 25 86 is a transverse recess 88. The recess is adapted to receive a rib 89 on a base plate 90 to afford tilting of the module.
~ In Figure 9 the support means 95 comprises a - rectangular base 96 having a longitudinal axis and having anlend wall 97 at one end of the base. Intermediate the ends of the base 96 is a transverse axis defined by upstanding ears 98. The ears 98 cooperate with ears 99 on a base plate 100, which receive pins or a rod (not shown) to support the base 96 for pivotal movement to tilt the end wall 97 to a position above the plate 100.
Resilient clips 101 aid to retain the module of Figure 9 in rest position.
-16- 13292~2 In Figure 10 the support means 105 comprises a rectangular base 106 having a longitudinal axis and having an end wall 107 at one end of the base. The base 105 is mounted to tilt about an imaginary axis by means of spaced racks 108 and segmented pinions 109 secured to the base 106, which form a rocker for the module. The teeth of the rack and rocker maintain the base in position on the support plate for the racks 108.
In Figure 11 the support means 115 comprises a ; 10 rectangular base 116 having a longitudinal axis and having an end wall 117 at one end of the base.
Intermediate the ends of the base 116 is a transverse axis defined by aligned apertures 118. The apertures 118 cooperate with upstanding ears 119 on a base plate 120, which receive pins or a rod (not shown) to support the base 116 for pivotal movement to tilt the end wall 117 to a position above the plate 120. A resilient post 121, having a catch, mounted on the plate 120 is positioned to engage a recess on the end wall 117 to retain the module 20 of Figure 11 in rest position. The support 115 is also provided with means to facility the tilting of the module of Figure 11 in the form of a key 122 positioned on the -; side of the transverse axis defined by ears 119 opposite the end wall 117.
Figures 12, 13, 14 and 15 illustrate modules according to the present invention having various types of termination connectors position~d on the end wall.
For example, the module 10 in Figure 12 is fitted with an optical fiber coupling 26 and the module 125 is provided with an adapter plate 126 and an optical fiber coupling 127 of a different pattern or type such as an ST, D4, SMA
or FC type, wherein the coupling comprises an externally threaded hollow metal sleeve which is held in the end wall by a collar and threaded washer.
In Figure 13 the module 130 has an end wall 131 formed with an opening therethrough having a grommet 132 lining the opening. This module 130 can be used in ' ~:
, -17- 1329242 situations where it is desirable to merely splice two optical fibers together at the splice in the magazine and the grommet 132 supports the optical fiber in the end - wall.
The module 135 of Figure 14 has an end wall 136 which supports the conventional telephone RJ-ll phone jack 137 to connect a telephone plug 138 to a transmission line.
~ In Figure 15 two modules 139 are illustrated `~ 10 which have different connectors, a connector 140 for a coaxial cable, such as a television antenna or data transmission cable, and a connector 141 having one or ~-~ more pins for a stereo receiver. These are common connectors for transmission lines to which a household makes connection for receiving the electronic signals.
~, .
Similar connectors are used in offices and factories for data and control services.
The present invention thus provides a termination module for use in terminating transmission ; 20 lines of different kinds, which module can nest with other modules, having identical or different connectors, in a close-packed side-by-side array in a shallow tray, ~ allowing individual modules in the array to be tilted to ; , a position allowing ready access to the connector thereon -~ 25 for connection or disconnection of distribution lines.
The overall length of the module is not greater than 12 inches (30.5 cm). The amount the connector is tilted from the position of the connector in the side-by-side array i8 between one-half and four times the diameter of the connector or the vertical dimension of the connector, - and is preferably between one and two times either of these dimensions.
Having described several embodiments illustrating the invention, it will be appreciated that further modifications can be made without departing from - the scope or the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (18)
1. A module for use in terminating a communication transmission line at a distribution panel comprising a connector adapted to be connected to one end of a transmission line, and support means for supporting said connector, said support means comprising an end wall supporting said connector in fixed position thereon and a rectangular base joined to said end wall and extending in a direction away from said end wall, said base comprising an elongate narrow strip having a top surface and a bottom surface, means defining an axis transverse to said bottom surface for affording tilting movement of said base to move said end wall from a first normal position to a spaced position for affording easy access to said connector, said means defining said axis transverse to said bottom surface comprises a recess spaced from said end wall for receiving a rod about which said base may pivot, said recess including an offset area for receiving a said rod, and said base includes a portion extending away from said recess in a direction opposite said end wall defining stop means for limiting said tilting movement.
2. A module according to claim 1 wherein said elongate narrow strip is integrally molded with said end wall.
3. A module according to claim 1 wherein said end wall supports an optical fiber connector.
4. A module according to claim 1 wherein said end wall supports a telephone connector.
5. A module according to claim 1 wherein said end wall supports a coaxial connector.
6. A module according to claim 1 wherein said end wall supports a stereo receiver connector.
7. A plurality of transmission line termination modules positioned in side-by-side relationship, each module comprising a connector adapted to be connected to one end of a transmission line, and support means for supporting said connector, said support means comprising an end wall having two faces for supporting said connector in fixed position thereon and a rectangular base joined to said end wall at one end thereof and extending in a direction away from one face thereof, said base including means defining an axis transverse to said base for affording tilting movement of said base of each module to move said end wall of each module independently of the other modules from a first normal position aligned with the connectors of adjacent modules to a spaced position in relationship to said adjacent connectors for affording easy access to said connector for connecting or disconnecting a distribution line with said connector, and for returning said modules to said normal position.
8. An array according to claim 7 wherein said base of each of said modules is supported by rod means to afford the tilting movement and each said base is provided with means for receiving rod means intermediate its ends for affording the movement of said end wall.
9. A distribution panel for use in connecting transmission lines to connectors affording further distribution, said panel including a support plate, said support plate having a generally planar surface and means for defining a fulcrum, and a plurality of termination modules positioned in a side-by-side array on said plate and supported on said fulcrum for independent tilting movement, each module comprising a connector adapted for connection to a transmission line, and support means for supporting said connector, said support means comprising an end wall having four sides and two faces for supporting said connector in fixed position thereon, a base joined to one side of said end wall and extending in a direction away from one face thereof, said base including means affording tilting movement of said module independently of adjacent modules about said fulcrum and in relationship to other modules to position said end wall of said module in spaced relationship to the end wall of others of said modules in said array affording easy access to the connector for plugging and unplugging distribution lines to said connector and returning the connector to a normal position when the connection is completed.
10. A distribution panel according to claim 9 wherein said base is an elongate narrow strip integrally molded with said end wall.
11. A distribution panel according to claim 10 wherein said base is formed with stop means for limiting the tilting movement of said module.
12. A distribution panel according to claim 9 wherein said base is an elongate narrow strip having a top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface having means remote from said end wall to receive said fulcrum for pivotal movement of said base, and cooperating means are provided on said base and on said plate for releasably restricting said tilting movement of said modules in a said array when said end wall of one module is in said side-by-side position in relationship to other said modules.
13. A distribution panel according to claim 11 wherein said means affording tilting movement of said end wall includes a recess in said bottom surface of said base and said stop means is formed by a portion of said bottom surface inclined toward said top surface and away from said recess and said end wall.
14. A distribution panel according to claim 9 wherein said base and said support means have cooperating means to restrict movement of a module when said modules are in the array and positioned in aligned relationship, said means affording movement equal to between one-half and four times the diameter of the connector.
15. A distribution panel according to claim 9 wherein said end wall of at least one module supports an optical fiber connector.
16. A distribution panel according to claim 9 wherein said end wall of at least one module supports a telephone connector.
17. A distribution panel according to claim 9 wherein said end wall of at least one module supports a television antenna connector.
18. A distribution panel according to claim 9 wherein said end wall of at least one module supports a phono-type connector.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/394,127 | 1989-08-15 | ||
| US07/394,127 US4986762A (en) | 1989-08-15 | 1989-08-15 | Termination module for use in an array of modules |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1329242C true CA1329242C (en) | 1994-05-03 |
Family
ID=23557669
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000615423A Expired - Fee Related CA1329242C (en) | 1989-08-15 | 1989-09-29 | Termination module for use in an array of modules |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4986762A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1329242C (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2502634A (en) * | 1947-05-22 | 1950-04-04 | Ohio Brass Co | Electric connector |
| IT988977B (en) * | 1973-06-12 | 1975-04-30 | Zeus Rapizzi Spa | ASSEMBLY COMPLEX FOR MODULAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES |
| DK143620A (en) * | 1974-06-20 | |||
| US4268100A (en) * | 1979-01-05 | 1981-05-19 | International Business Machines Corporation | Pivotally mounted printed circuit board holder |
| FR2531544B1 (en) * | 1982-08-04 | 1985-01-25 | Cit Alcatel | OPTICAL CABLE HEAD |
| FR2590371B1 (en) * | 1985-11-18 | 1988-09-16 | Cit Alcatel | OPTICAL CABLES HEAD CHASSIS |
| US4824196A (en) * | 1987-05-26 | 1989-04-25 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Optical fiber distribution panel |
| US4832436A (en) * | 1988-10-11 | 1989-05-23 | Fujikura Ltd. | Optical fiber distribution apparatus |
-
1989
- 1989-08-15 US US07/394,127 patent/US4986762A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1989-09-29 CA CA000615423A patent/CA1329242C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4986762A (en) | 1991-01-22 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |