CN214799913U - Telecommunications apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A telecommunications device comprising a body; a compartment is attached to the body for receiving one or more components. A door is rotatable relative to the compartment between a closed position and a plurality of open positions. In the closed position, the door covers the compartment. A connection assembly attaches the door to the compartment and includes a locking mechanism for preventing rotation of the door in a fixed position. The locking position corresponds to an open position of a plurality of open positions. The locking mechanism self-locks in a fixed position when the door is rotated to a fixed position.

Description

Telecommunications apparatus

[ technical field ] A method for producing a semiconductor device

The present invention generally relates to telecommunications devices and, more particularly, to holding a compartment door in a fixed position.

[ background of the invention ]

Telecommunication devices, such as base stations for cellular networks, typically have maintenance compartments for holding the various components. The maintenance compartment protects the components from adverse environmental conditions and unauthorized use. In particular, the compartment door covers the maintenance compartment to enclose the components and protect the components from external elements.

When the maintenance compartment is in use, the compartment door rotates between a closed position and an open position, swinging freely back and forth. Unrestricted rotation of the compartment door poses a high risk, a possibility of bumping into and damaging the internal components.

The present invention relates to a connection assembly providing, among other benefits, a solution to keep a door for a telecommunication device in an open position, a fixed position.

[ Utility model ] content

The terms embodiment and similar terms, such as implementation, configuration, style, example, and selection, are intended to be broadly construed in reference to this disclosure and the patent subject matter of the following claims. Statements including these terms should be understood as not being limited to the subject matter of the patent described herein or to the meaning or scope of the claims which follow. Embodiments of the invention covered herein are defined by the following claims, rather than by the disclosure. This summary is a high-level overview of the disclosed aspects and introduces a number of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this disclosure intended to be used solely to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter of the patent should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of the invention, any or all of the drawings, and each claim.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a telecommunications device includes a main body, a compartment, a door, and a connection assembly. A compartment is attached to the body to receive one or more components. The door is rotatable relative to the compartment between a closed position and a plurality of open positions. In the closed position, the door covers the compartment. A connection assembly attaches the door to the compartment. The connection assembly includes a locking mechanism for preventing rotation of the door in the fixed position. The fixed position corresponds to an open position of the plurality of open positions. When the door is rotated to a fixed position, the locking mechanism self-locks in the fixed position.

According to an implementation of the above embodiment, the telecommunication device is a base station for a cellular network. According to another implementation of the above embodiment, the one or more components include one or more components selected from an output cable, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicator, and a maintenance button. According to yet another implementation of the above embodiment, the compartment is a maintenance box or a cable routing box.

According to yet another implementation of the above embodiment, a coupling assembly includes a hinge pin and a hinge base. The hinge base includes two base plates, and the hinge pin is rotatably fitted between the two base plates. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the lock mechanism includes a lock key and a lock hole. A locking key is formed on at least one end of the hinge pin. A locking hole is formed on at least one of the base plates.

According to the above configuration, when the rotation of the door causes the alignment between the lock key and the lock hole, the lock key is received in the lock hole. According to this type of example, the locking key is received in the locking hole in response to gravity.

According to another aspect of the above arrangement, the locking key includes a first key and a second key. The first key is received within the locking aperture when the hinge pin is in a substantially horizontal orientation. The second key is received within the locking aperture when the hinge pin is in the substantially upright orientation.

According to an example of the above configuration, the first key extends a first distance from the end of the hinge pin and the second key extends a second distance from the end of the hinge pin. The first distance is greater than the second distance.

According to another example of the above-described aspect, the first key has a circular body with the locking tab extending therefrom. The locking tab is centrally located with respect to a center point of the main body, the locking tab being narrower than a diameter of the body of the main body.

According to an option of the above example, the end of the hinge pin has an outer circumference with an outer diameter. The outer diameter is greater than the body diameter. According to another option of the above example, the second key is oriented at a different angle relative to the first key. The angle is in a perpendicular end plane relative to the central axis of the hinge pin. The second key has an outer circular surface having a second key diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter.

According to yet another aspect of the above arrangement, the locking hole is connected without interruption to a pin hole through which an end of the hinge pin is inserted. According to an example of this type, the locking hole has a cross-sectional width smaller than the hinge diameter of the pin hole.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a telecommunications device includes a main body, a compartment, a door, and a connection assembly. A compartment is attached to the body to receive one or more components. The door is rotatable relative to the compartment between a closed position and a plurality of open positions. In the closed position, the door covers the compartment. A connection assembly attaches the door to the compartment and includes a hinge base, a hinge pin, a first key, and a second key. The hinge base has two base plates fixed in a substantially parallel position relative to each other. The two base plates are substantially identical to each other and offset from each other. Each base plate has a pin hole that is connected to the locking hole without interruption. The hinge pin has a cylindrical body extending between two opposing ends. Each of the two opposing ends is rotatably inserted through a respective pin hole. A first key extends along the central axis from each end of the hinge pin. The second key is oriented at a different angle from the first key in a perpendicular end plane relative to the central axis. The second key extends a distance less than the distance the first key extends.

According to the above embodiment, the first key is received in the locking hole in response to gravity. The first key is received when rotation of the hinge pin causes alignment between the first key and the locking hole.

According to another implementation of the above embodiment, the second key is received in the locking hole in response to gravity. The second key is received when rotation of the hinge pin causes alignment between the second key and the locking hole.

According to yet another implementation of the above embodiment, the first key has a first outer periphery defined in part by a first diameter. The second key has a second outer circumference defined in part by a second diameter. The second diameter is larger than the first circumference.

According to yet another implementation of the above embodiment, the first key extends a distance along the central axis that is greater than a distance that the second key extends.

The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. Rather, the foregoing disclosure provides examples of the novel aspects and features described herein. The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following description of representative embodiments and modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and appended claims. Additional aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of the various embodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.

[ description of the drawings ]

The invention and its advantages and drawings will be better understood by following the description of exemplary embodiments and by referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to limit the scope of the various embodiments or the claims.

Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a known telecommunication device with an upright compartment.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of the compartment of FIG. 1A.

Fig. 2A is a side view of another known telecommunications device having a horizontal compartment.

Fig. 2B is an enlarged view of a connection assembly for the compartment of fig. 2A.

Fig. 3A is an exploded perspective view of a telecommunications device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3B is an assembled perspective view of the telecommunications device of fig. 3A.

Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a hinge pin of the telecommunications device of fig. 3A.

Fig. 4B shows an enlarged view of one end of the hinge pin of fig. 4A.

Fig. 4C is another enlarged view of the end of the hinge pin of fig. 4A.

Fig. 4D shows a side view of the end of the hinge pin of fig. 4A.

Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the hinge base of the telecommunications device of fig. 3A.

Fig. 5B is a side view of the hinge base of fig. 5A.

Fig. 6A is a partial perspective view of the telecommunications device of fig. 3A, showing the door in a first position, the telecommunications device in a horizontal configuration.

Fig. 6B is a partial side view illustrating the first open position of fig. 6A.

Fig. 6C is a partial side view illustrating a second open position of the door of fig. 6A.

Fig. 6D is a partial side view illustrating a third open position of the door of fig. 6A.

Fig. 7A is a partial perspective view of the telecommunications device of fig. 6A, showing the door in a closed position.

Fig. 7B is a partial side view showing the locking mechanism of the telecommunications device of fig. 7A, prior to securing the door in a secured position.

FIG. 7C is a partial side view showing the locking mechanism of FIG. 7B after the door is secured in a fixed position.

Fig. 8A is a perspective view of the telecommunications device of fig. 3A, showing the door in an open position, the telecommunications device in an upright configuration.

Fig. 8B is a partial perspective view illustrating a closed position of the door of fig. 8A.

Fig. 8C is a partial bottom view showing the closed position of fig. 8B.

Fig. 8D is a partial perspective view illustrating a first open position of the door of fig. 8A.

Fig. 8E is a partial bottom view illustrating the first open position of fig. 8D.

Fig. 8F is a partial perspective view illustrating a second open position of the door of fig. 8A.

Fig. 8G is a partial bottom view illustrating the second open position of fig. 8F.

Fig. 9A is a partial perspective view showing the locking mechanism of the telecommunications device of fig. 8A, with the door secured in a fixed position.

Fig. 9B is a partial side view showing the locking mechanism of fig. 9A.

Fig. 9C is a partial perspective view showing the locking mechanism of fig. 9A after the door is secured in a fixed position.

Fig. 9D is a partial side view showing the locking mechanism of fig. 9C.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, certain representative embodiments have been shown by the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.

[ notation ] to show

100,200,300 telecommunication device

102,202 maintenance tank

103 parts

104,204,304 base

106,206,306 door

210 hinge

301 main body

302 compartment

310 connecting component

312 pin assembly

314 base assembly

416 hinge pin

418 pin plate

419a,564,584 outer surface

419b,566,582 inner surface

420 locking key

421 rear surface

422 first key

424 second key

426 round body/Main body

428 locking piece

430 end surface

432 circular surface

434 first planar surface/planar surface

436 flat surface

438 first lateral surface/lateral surface

440,444,446,578,580 lateral surface

442,448 Top surface

450: end surface

451 outer circumference

453 outer cylindrical surface

560 base plate

561 hinge base

562 hinge hole

572 pin hole

574 locking hole

576 bottom surface

586 circular outer surface

B1, B3 first position

B2, B4 second position

D1 body diameter/diameter

D2 external diameter

D3 second Key diameter

D4 hinge diameter

M is the angle

Center point of

R1 radius

X1, X2, X5, X6, X7 distance

X3 reconnaissance error table

X4 Cross-sectional Width

Central axis of Z

[ detailed description ] embodiments

The various embodiments described with reference to the figures are provided with the same reference numbers used to identify similar or equivalent elements. The drawings are not to scale and are merely used to illustrate the invention. Various aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to example applications for installation. It should be understood that numerous specific details, associations, and methods are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will readily recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. The various embodiments are not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. In addition, not all illustrated acts or events may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present invention.

For example, elements and limitations disclosed in the abstract, summary, and description, but not explicitly described in the claims, are not to be interpreted, individually or collectively, as being encompassed by the claims. For purposes of this detailed description, the singular encompasses the plural and vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise. The words "including" mean "including but not limited to". Moreover, words of approximation such as "about (about)," "almost (almost)," "substantially (substantailly)," "approximately (approximate),", etc., may mean "at," "near," or "near at," or "within 3 to 5 percent," or "within acceptable manufacturing tolerances," or any reasonable combination thereof.

Referring to fig. 1A, a known telecommunications device 100 has a service box 102 oriented in an upright configuration (i.e., upright with the longer dimension). The service box encloses various internal components 103 and is accessible for upgrading or servicing the components 103.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the maintenance bin 102 has a base 104 with a door 106 hingedly attached to the base 104. The door is attached in an upright configuration, rotating in a horizontal plane. In the closed position, the door 106 is placed in contact with the base 104. When access is required, the door 106 is rotated in a clockwise direction, away from the base 104. However, the door 106 is free to rotate without limitation, and may snap back to the base 104 during a maintenance procedure. Thus, the door 106 may damage the component 104 or cause injury to the operator's hands.

Referring to fig. 2A, another known telecommunications device 200 has a maintenance box 202 oriented in a horizontal configuration (i.e., the longer dimension is horizontal). The maintenance box 202 has a base 204, and a door 206 is attached to the base 204.

Referring to fig. 2B, the door 206 is attached to the base 204 via a hinge 210. Similar to the problems described above with reference to fig. 1A and 1B, the hinge 210 does not prevent undesired rotation of the door 206. When accessing the maintenance box 202, the door 206 in rotation back and forth lacks any restraint, which can result in possible damage or injury.

Referring to fig. 3A and 3B, a telecommunications device (telecommunications device)300 is shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to one example, the telecommunication device is a base station for a cellular network. The telecommunication device 300 comprises a body 301, to which body 301 a compartment 302 is attached. The compartment 302 is configured to receive one or more internal components, such as those described above with reference to fig. 1A and 1B. According to some examples, the compartment 302 is in the form of a maintenance box or a cable routing box.

The compartment 302 includes a base 304, to which the door 306 is attached via a connection assembly 310. The base 304 is generally a surface that contacts the door 306 in the closed position (shown in fig. 3B), with the door 306 covering the compartment 302. The connection assembly 310 includes a pin assembly 312 and a base assembly 314, the pin assembly 312 and the base assembly 314 interacting to facilitate rotation and locking of the door 306 relative to the compartment 302 (described in more detail below).

Referring to fig. 4A, the pin assembly 312 includes a hinge pin 416 fixedly attached between two parallel pin plates 418. Each pin plate 418 has an exterior surface 419a and an interior surface 419b and extends outwardly away from the rear surface 421 of the door 306. The pin plates 418 are offset from each other along the central axis Z of the hinge pin 416.

Hinge pin 416 has a locking key 420 at each end. The locking keys 420 extend outwardly from the outer surface 419a of the respective pin plate 418 along the central axis Z. The outer surface 419a of the pin plate 418 generally defines the end of the hinge pin 416. Each locking key 420 includes a first key 422 and a second key 424. In an alternative embodiment, the locking key 420 includes only one of the first and second keys 422, 424. Each of the first keys 422 and the second keys 424 will be described in more detail below.

Referring to fig. 4B, the first key 422 of the locking key 420 extends from the end of the hinge pin 416 (i.e., from the outer surface 419a) a distance X1 along the central axis Z. The first key 422 has a circular body 426 with a locking tab 428 extending from the circular body 426. The main body 426 has a body diameter D1 with a center point O. The body 426 has an end surface 430, perpendicular to the central axis Z, and defining an end point of a distance X1. The body 426 further has a rounded surface 432 extending transversely along the central axis Z a distance X1. The rounded surface 432 ends with two flat surfaces 434, 436 that extend inwardly toward the locking tab 428.

The locking tab 428 is centrally located with respect to a center point O of the body 426, forming a substantially mushroom shape with the body 426. As shown in fig. 4B, the mushroom shape is shown inverted. Thus, the locking tab 428 is narrower than the diameter D1 of the body (i.e., the body diameter). The locking tab 428 is defined by two lateral surfaces 438, 440, the two lateral surfaces 438, 440 being perpendicular and continuous with the planar surfaces 434, 436, respectively. The locking tabs 428 are further defined by a top surface 422, the top surface 422 extending between the lateral surfaces 438, 440.

Optionally, the top surface 422 has the same diameter D1 as the body 426. In other words, according to an exemplary embodiment, the first key 422 has a shape that is initially a full circular body of diameter D1. Then, from the outward region of intersection between the two planar surfaces 434, 436 and the corresponding lateral surfaces 438, 440, two segments are removed. The second key 424 is formed in one of the intersecting sections between the first planar surface 434 and the first lateral surface 438, as will be described in greater detail below.

Referring to fig. 4C, between the intersecting first planar surface 434 and first lateral surface 438, the second key 424 is oriented at a different angle relative to the first key 422. In the example shown, the second key 424 is oriented at an angle M of approximately 45 degrees relative to the first key 422, and more particularly, relative to the first planar surface 434. The angle M is in a perpendicular end plane with respect to the central axis Z.

The second key 424 extends from the end of the hinge pin 416 (i.e., from the outer surface 419a) a distance X2 along the central axis Z. The distance X1 of the first key 422 is greater than the distance X2 of the second key 424.

The second key 424 is defined by two lateral surfaces 444,446, the two lateral surfaces 444,446 extending from the top surface 442 and the circular surface 432 of the first key 422, respectively. The two lateral surfaces 444,446 adjoin the top surface 448, the top surface 448 extending along the central axis Z a distance X2. The two lateral surfaces 444,446 are further contiguous with an end surface 450, the end surface 450 being perpendicular to the central axis Z and defining an end point of the distance X2.

Referring to fig. 4D, the center point O is optionally also the center point of the outer circumference 451 for the end of the hinge pin 416 (shown in fig. 4A). The outer circumference 451 has an outer diameter D2 that is greater than a body diameter D1 of the main body 426, the main body 426 being part of the first key 422. As shown, the outer circumference 451 abuts the outer circular surface 453 of the second key 424. Outer cylindrical surface 453 has a second key diameter D3, which in the illustrated embodiment is substantially the same as outer diameter D2. In an alternative embodiment, the second key diameter D3 is less than or greater than the outer diameter D2.

Referring to fig. 5A, the base assembly 314 includes two base plates 560 separated from each other by a hinge base 561. Each base plate 560 has a hinge hole 562 extending from the outer surface 564 to the inner surface 566 of each base plate 560. The hinge apertures 562 are described in greater detail below.

Referring to fig. 5B, the hinge holes 562 include pin holes 572 and locking holes 574. The end of the hinge pin 416 (shown in fig. 4A) is inserted and received through the pin hole 572. The locking hole 574 is uninterrupted with the pin hole 572, but has a different shape than the pin hole 572. The pin hole 572 has a hinge diameter D4 with a center point of the pin hole 572 as a center point O.

The lock bore 574 is defined by a bottom surface 576, and opposing lateral surfaces 578,580 extend from the bottom surface 576 and join the inner surfaces 582 of the pin bores 572. Locking hole 574 has a cross-sectional width X4 that is less than hinge diameter D4 of pin hole 572. Locking hole 574 extends a distance X5 away from the bottom end of pin hole 572.

Along the cross-section of the base plate 560, the base plate 560 is defined by a straight outer surface 584 that is continuous with a circular outer surface 586. Circular outer surface 586 has a radius R1 that is greater than the radius of hinge diameter D4 (i.e., R1 > D4/2). Radius R1 has a center at center point O.

Referring generally to fig. 6A-6D, the door 306 is shown and described with reference to various open but unsecured (or unlocked) positions. As the door 306 is rotated between several positions, the pin assembly 312 rotates relative to the base assembly 314. Specifically, the door 306 rotates between a closed position (shown in FIG. 3B) and one or more open positions (described below).

With particular reference to fig. 6A and 6B, the door 306 is in a first open position. In this position, the locking key 420 is rotated clockwise from the closed position (shown in FIG. 3B) to a position approximately 45 degrees from the closed position. The body 426 rotates within the pin hole 572 and the locking piece 428 is secured within the pin hole 572.

Referring specifically to fig. 6C, the door 306 is in the second open position. In this position, the locking key 420 is rotated to an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the closed position. Here, the body 426 continues to rotate within the pin hole 572 and the locking piece 428 is continuously secured within the pin hole 572.

Referring specifically to fig. 6D, the door 306 is in the third open position. In this position, the locking key 420 is rotated to an angle of approximately 135 degrees from the closed position. Here, the body 426 continues to rotate within the pin hole 572 and the locking piece 428 is continuously secured within the pin hole 572.

Referring generally to fig. 7A-7C, the gate 306 is in a fourth open position. In the example shown, this position is approximately 180 degrees relative to the closed position. In this position, the locking tab 428 is now aligned with the pin hole 572. Referring specifically to fig. 7A and 7B, the locking tab 428 is shown prior to securing (or locking) the door 306 in a fixed position relative to the base assembly 314. In other words, the locking tab 428 is shown prior to movement in the direction of arrow A1 toward the locking hole 574, as will be described in greater detail below. With particular reference to FIG. 7B, upon rotational alignment between the locking tab 428 and the locking hole 574, the top surface 442 of the locking tab 428 is in the first position B1.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 7C, the alignment of the locking tab 428 with the locking hole 574 results in automatic movement of the lock key 420. Specifically, gravity causes the now unrestrained locking key 420 to drop into the locking hole 574 in the direction of arrow A1. When the locking key 420 falls into the locking hole 574, the top surface 442 moves a distance X7 from the first position B1 to the second position B2. Because the locking key 420 is self-locking in the locking hole 574, the rotation of the door 306 is limited. Thus, when the desired alignment is achieved, self-locking is due to (i) the rotating door and (b) gravity causing the locking key 420 to lock. To close the door 306, the lock key 420 is lifted in the direction opposite to arrow a1 (e.g., by lifting the entire door 306). The door 306 is then free to rotate back to the closed position (shown in fig. 3B).

Referring to the description of fig. 6A-7C above, a configuration is shown in which the telecommunications device 300 (shown in fig. 3A and 3B) is installed in a horizontal configuration. More specifically, the hinge pin 416 (shown in fig. 4A) is in a horizontal orientation. The following description will describe the upright configuration.

Referring generally to fig. 8A-8G, the door 306 is now coupled upright to the body 301 (fig. 8A). As shown in fig. 8A, 8B, 8D, and 8F, the hinge pin 416 is in an upright orientation. Similar to the horizontal configuration described above, the door 306 is generally free to rotate between a plurality of positions. However, in the upright configuration, the second key 424 (fig. 8C, 8E, and 8F) secures the door 306 in a fixed position. As shown more clearly in fig. 8C, 8E and 8G, the door 306 is easily rotated by rotation of the locking key 420 relative to the pin hole 572.

With particular reference to fig. 8B and 8C, the door 306 is in the closed position. In fig. 8B, the second key 424 is located inside the interior surface 566 corresponding to the base 560 and contacts the interior surface 566. Thus, the second key 424 is blocked from movement along the central axis Z by the robust material of the base plate 560. However, when the door 306 is rotated, the second key 424 is free to rotate. In fig. 8C, the second key 424 is not aligned with the locking hole 574. Thus, in the closed position, the door 306 is free to rotate to one of the open positions.

With particular reference to fig. 8D and 8E, the door 306 is now in the first open position. In fig. 8D, the second key 424 is rotated clockwise from the closed position (fig. 8B and 8C) to a position approximately 45 degrees from the closed position. The second key 424 rotates internally along the inner surface 566. In fig. 8E, the second key 424 continues to be misaligned with the locking hole 574. Thus, the door 306 continues to rotate freely to the other of the open positions.

With particular reference to fig. 8F and 8G, the door 306 is now in the second open position. In fig. 8F, the second key 424 is rotated clockwise from the closed position (fig. 8B and 8C) to a position of approximately 90 degrees. The second key 424 continues to rotate internally along the inner surface 566. In fig. 8G, the second key 424 continues to be misaligned with the locking hole 574. Thus, the door 306 continues to rotate freely to the other of the open positions.

Referring generally to fig. 9A-9D, the door 306 (fig. 9A and 9C) is in the third open position. In the example shown, this position is approximately 135 degrees relative to the closed position (fig. 8B and 8C). As will be described in greater detail below, the second key 424 is free to move in the direction of arrow a2 to secure the door 306 in a fixed position.

Referring specifically to fig. 9A and 9B, a second key 424 is shown relative to the base assembly 314 prior to the door 306 being locked in a fixed position. In other words, the second key 424 before moving in the direction of the arrow a2 is displayed. With particular reference to FIG. 9B, upon achieving rotational alignment between the second key 424 and the locking hole 574, the end surface 450 of the second key 424 is in the first position B3.

With particular reference to fig. 9C and 9D, the alignment of the second key 424 with the locking hole 574 (fig. 9D) results in automatic movement of the second key 424. In fig. 9D, gravity causes the now unconstrained second key 424 to drop into the locking hole 574 in the direction of arrow a 2. When the second key 424 falls into the locking hole 574, the end surface 450 moves a distance X6 from the first position B3 to a second position B4. Because the second key 424 is now self-locking in the locking hole 574, the rotation of the door 306 (FIG. 9C) is limited. To close the door 306, the second key 424 is lifted in the opposite direction of arrow a2 (e.g., by lifting the entire door 306). The door 306 is then free to rotate back to the closed position (fig. 8B and 8C).

According to an alternative configuration, the telecommunication device described above is further adapted for non-horizontal or non-vertical arrangements. The horizontal or upright arrangement described above is intended to further apply to angled arrangements. When the corresponding alignment occurs, gravity causes locking of the corresponding key.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in the foregoing, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Many modifications, adaptations, and uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Although the embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in the foregoing, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments of the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the present invention should be defined in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, in the detailed description and/or claims, the terms "including," having, "" with, "or any other variation thereof, are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term" comprising.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Claims (10)

1. A telecommunications apparatus, comprising:

a main body;

a compartment attached to the body for receiving one or more components;

a door rotatable relative to the compartment between a closed position and a plurality of open positions, the door covering the compartment in the closed position; and

a connection assembly attaching the door to the compartment, the connection assembly including a locking mechanism for preventing rotation of the door in a fixed position, the fixed position corresponding to an open position of the plurality of open positions, the locking mechanism self-locking in the fixed position when the door is rotated to the fixed position.

2. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connection assembly includes a hinge pin and a hinge base, the hinge base including two base plates, the hinge pin being rotatably mounted between the two base plates.

3. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking key formed on at least one end of the hinge pin and a locking aperture formed in at least one of the base plates.

4. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 3, wherein the locking key is received in the locking hole when rotation of the door causes alignment between the locking key and the locking hole.

5. The telecommunications device of claim 4, wherein the locking key is received in the locking aperture in response to gravity.

6. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 3, wherein the locking key includes a first key and a second key, the first key being received in the locking aperture when the hinge pin is in a substantially horizontal orientation, the second key being received in the locking aperture when the hinge pin is in a substantially vertical orientation.

7. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first key extends a first distance from an end of the hinge pin and the second key extends a second distance from the end of the hinge pin, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

8. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first key has a circular main body from which extends a locking tab that is centrally located with respect to a center point of the main body, the locking tab being narrower than a body diameter of the main body.

9. A telecommunications apparatus, comprising:

a main body;

a compartment attached to the body for receiving one or more components;

a door rotatable relative to the compartment between a closed position and a plurality of open positions, the door covering the compartment in the closed position; and

a connection assembly attaching the door to the compartment, the connection assembly comprising:

a hinge base having two base plates fixed in a substantially parallel position relative to each other, the two base plates being substantially identical to each other and offset from each other, each of the two base plates having a pin hole uninterrupted connected to a locking hole;

a hinge pin having a cylindrical body extending between two opposing ends, each of the two opposing ends being rotatably inserted through a respective pin hole;

a first key extending from each end of the hinge pin along a central axis; and

a second key extending from each end of the hinge pin along the central axis, the second key oriented at a different angle to the first key in a perpendicular end plane relative to the central axis, the second key extending a distance less than the distance the first key extends.

10. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first key has a first outer perimeter defined in part by a first diameter, and the second key has a second outer perimeter defined in part by a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first outer perimeter.

Images