EP3953755A1

EP3953755A1 - Expandable connector module for a terminal of an optical fiber network

Info

Publication number: EP3953755A1
Application number: EP20718074.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michel Teva Menguy; Thierry Naudin
Original assignee: Corning Research and Development Corp
Current assignee: Corning Research and Development Corp
Priority date: 2019-04-08
Filing date: 2020-03-16
Publication date: 2022-02-16
Also published as: WO2020209983A1

Abstract

An optical connection module includes a housing, a first connector panel coupled to the housing, a first splicing tray coupled to the housing, and a first group of intermediate optical fibers extending from the first connector panel. The module is selectively expandable to further include one or more expansion connector panels, one or more expansion splicing trays, and a second group of intermediate optical fibers, thereby offering an increased number of optical connections provided by the module. A method of expanding the number of optical connections provided by an optical connection module through the selective addition of one or more expansion connector panels and one or more expansion splicing trays is also disclosed.

Description

EXPANDABLE CONNECTOR MODULE FOR A TERMINAL OF AN OPTICAL FIBER NETWORK

Priority Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/830,644, filed on April 8, 2019, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to optical connectivity, and more particularly to a connector module for a terminal of an optical fiber network that is selectively expandable to accommodate additional optical connections.

Background

[0003] Optical fibers are useful in a wide variety of applications, including the telecommunications industry for voice, video, and data transmissions. The benefits of optical fiber are well known and include higher signaHo-noise ratios and increased bandwidth compared to conventional copper-based transmission technologies. To meet modem demands for increased bandwidth and improved performance, telecommunication networks are increasingly providing optical fiber connectivity closer to end subscribers. These initiatives include fiber-to-the-node (FTTN), fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), and the like (generally described as FTTx).

[0004] In an FTTx network, fiber optic cables are used to carry optical signals to various distribution points and, in some cases, all the way to end subscribers. For example, Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary FTTx network 10 that distributes optical signals generated at a switching point 12 (e.g., a central office of a network provider) to subscriber premises 14. Optical line terminals (OLTs; not shown) at the switching point 12 convert electrical signals to optical signals. Fiber optic feeder cables 16 then carry the optical signals to various local convergence points 18, which act as locations for splicing and making cross-connections and interconnections. The local convergence points 18 often include splitters to enable any given optical fiber in the fiber optic feeder cable 16 to serve multiple subscriber premises 14. As a result, the optical signals are “branched out" from the optical fibers of the fiber optic feeder cables 16 to optical fibers of distribution cables 20 that exit the local convergence points 18.

[0005] At network access points closer to the subscriber premises 14, some or all of the optical fibers in the distribution cables 20 may be accessed to connect to one or more subscriber premises 14. Drop cables 22 extend from the network access points to the subscriber premises 14, which may be singledwelling units (SDU), multi-dwelling units (MDU), businesses, and/or other facilities or buildings. A conversion of optical signals back to electrical signals may occur at the network access points or at the subscriber premises 14.

[0006] There are many different network architectures, and the various tasks required to distribute optical signals (e.g., splitting, splicing, routing, connecting subscribers) can occur at several locations. Regardless of whether a location is considered a local convergence point, network access point, subscriber premise, or something else, fiber optic equipment is used to house components that carry out one or more of the tasks. The term“terminal" will be used in this disclosure to generically refer to such equipment, which may include fiber distribution hubs (FDH), cabinets, closures, network interface devices, distributor frames, etc. One such terminal, for example, includes a distributor frame configured to group together a plurality of termination or access points on the optical fiber network, which allow the connection of devices or customers to various services provided on the network, as well as between them. A typical distributor frame consists of several cable heads, which are structures for mounting optical connection modules and optical devices, and which also contain means for cable handling such as individualizers.

[0007] Due to the sheer number of connections, it is useful if the connection of new customers or devices or the modification of existing connections is possible without disturbing the other existing connections provided in the cable head. Accordingly, cable heads are generally built in a modular way, including a plurality of optical connection modules and also optical devices. The optical connection modules serve the purpose of connecting optical fibers of the feeder cables 16 and/or distribution cables 20 to the drop cables 22 running to the subscriber premises 14, or they may also serve for interconnecting optical fibers of distribution cables 20. Often, the modules also contain storage space for spare length of optical fiber in order to be able to cut (cleave) and reconnect connections between optical fibers at a later stage. It may be necessary to provide such spare lengths because on one hand fiber length is lost during the cleaving process, and on the other hand the new cable end to be connected may be positioned at a greater distance from where the original connection took place.

[0008] A distribution frame and optical connection module of the mentioned type are, for example, disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,986,864. The cable head includes a mounting frame having a plurality of vertically stacked plates pivotally coupled to the mounting frame so as to be rotatable in a horizontal plane. Each of the plates is configured to hold an optical connection module. The optical connection module includes a front end including a plurality of adapters for receiving connectors of outgoing fiber optic cables. Intermediate optical fibers extend from an internal end of the adapters and are wound about guide members on a base of the module for providing excess length of the intermediate optical fibers. A splicing tray is pivotally coupled to the body of the module and disposed generally above the storage area of the intermediate optical fibers extending from the adapters. An incoming fiber optic cable extends through an inlet of the module and is routed to the splicing tray where the fiber optic cable is clamped and the individual optical fibers of the incoming fiber optic cable have their outer sheaths removed to expose the bare optical fibers. The intermediate optical fibers from the adapters are also routed to the splicing tray where the optical fibers are clamped and have their outer sheaths removed. The bare optical fibers of the incoming optical fibers and the intermediate optical fibers are wound around guide members in the splicing tray and then directed to a splicing arrangement or interface where the incoming optical fibers and the intermediate optical fibers are spliced together. Thus, when an optical fiber is connected to the first side of an adapter at the front side of the optical connection module, the optical fiber is in optical communication with an optical fiber of the incoming fiber optic cable, and thus the optical signal is transmitted deeper into the optical network.

[0009] While current network architectures with terminals and optical connection modules as described above adequately meet current demands for end subscribers, service providers continually seek improved network architectures capable of accommodating a greater number of end subscribers and with greater flexibility in the optical fiber network. For example, as the demand for bandwidth from end subscribers continues to increase, the ability to provide a terminal (such as at a local convergence point 18) capable of servicing a greater number of end subscribers (e.g., homes, apartments, business, etc.) from that terminal is desirable. Many optical connection modules are configured to receive a relatively limited number of outgoing optical fibers. For example, the optical connection module disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,986,864 is configured to receive only 12 optical fibers, which is fairly typical in the industry. Thus, when there are numerous connections to be made in a terminal, a relatively large number of optical connection modules have to be used.

Summary

[0010] An optical connection module for a terminal of an optical fiber network having a plurality of incoming optical fibers and a plurality of outgoing optical fibers capable of being selectively expanded is disclosed. The optical connection module includes a housing, a first connector panel coupled to the housing and having one or more adapters defining a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports, a first splicing tray coupled to the housing, and a first group of intermediate optical fibers, wherein each intermediate optical fiber of the first group has a first end connected to a respective input port on the first connector panel and a second end configured to be optically coupled to a respective one of the incoming optical fibers at the first splicing tray. The optical connection module further includes one or more expansion connector panels selectively connectable to the housing for increasing the number of optical connections provided by the optical connection module. The one or more expansion connector panels include one or more adapters defining a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports. Additionally, the optical connection module may further include one or more expansion splicing trays selectively connectable to the housing, and a second group of intermediate optical fibers, wherein each intermediate optical fiber of the second group has a first end connected to a respective input port on the one or more expansion connector panels and a second end configured to be optically coupled to a respective one of the incoming optical fibers at the one or more expansion splicing trays.

[0011] In one embodiment, the one or more expansion connector panels may be movably attached to the housing by respective hinges. For example, the one or more expansion connection panels may include a first expansion connector panel attached to the first connector panel by a first hinge and a second expansion connector panel attached to the first expansion connector panel by a second hinge. The one or more expansion panels may be attached to the housing in an easy and modular fashion. For example, the one or more expansion connector panels may be attached to the housing by a snap-fit connection. Moreover, in one embodiment of the disclosure, the first connector panel and the one or more expansion connector panels may be arranged in a stack, with one connector panel being stacked on top of another connector panel. In this way, the stack of the first connector panel and the one or more expansion connector panels may form an array of output ports at a front side of the optical connection module.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, the first splicing tray and the one or more expansion splicing trays may be movably attached to the housing by a hinge mechanism. Moreover, the plurality of incoming optical fibers and the first and second groups of intermediate optical fibers are configured to be optically coupled in the first splicing tray or the one or more expansion splicing trays and configured to extend into the respective splicing tray via the hinge mechanism. For example, the hinge mechanism for the first splicing tray and the one or more expansion splicing trays may include a first hinge portion associated with the housing and a second hinge portion associated with the respective splicing tray. The first hinge portion may include a longitudinal groove formed in the housing and a closed arch defining an opening. In one embodiment, the first hinge portion for the first splicing tray and the first hinge portion for the one or more expansion splicing tray may be offset from each other in at least two directions.

[0013] The second hinge portion may include a hinge pin defining a pivot axis, a first tube member, and a second tube member, wherein the first tube member and second tube member are on opposing sides of the hinge pin, and wherein at least a portion of the first tube member and at least a portion of the second tube member extend along the pivot axis. The plurality of incoming optical fibers and the first and second groups of intermediate optical fibers may extend into the respective splicing tray via the first and second tube members. In one embodiment and similar to the one or more expansion connector panels, the one or more expansion splicing trays may be attached to the housing by a snap-fit connection. For example, the first and second tubes may snap fit within the elongate grooves in the housing. In one embodiment, the first splicing tray and the one or more expansion splicing trays may be arranged in a stack with one splicing tray on top of another splicing tray. The staggering of the longitudinal grooves in the housing allows the stacking of the first splicing tray and the one or more expansion splicing trays.

[0014] In one embodiment, the housing includes a bottom panel and a peripheral wall that defines an interior cavity, the interior cavity including a fiber store configured for storing excess length of optical fibers. Moreover, the first splicing tray and the one or more expansion splicing trays may each indude a base having a bottom panel and a peripheral wall that defines an interior cavity and a cover for covering the interior cavity of the base, wherein the interior cavity includes a splidng interface and a fiber store configured for storing excess length of optical fibers. In one embodiment, a terminal of an optical fiber network indudes the optical connection module described above.

[001 S] In another embodiment, a method of selectively expanding the number of optical connections provided by an optical connection module configured for placement in an optical fiber network having a plurality of incoming optical fibers and a plurality of outgoing optical fibers is disclosed. The optical connection module indudes a housing, a first connector panel coupled to the housing and having one or more adapters defining a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports, a first splicing tray coupled to the housing, and a first group of intermediate optical fibers having a first end connected to a respective input port on the first connector panel and a second end configured to be optically coupled to a respective one of the incoming optical fibers at the first splidng tray. The method indudes coupling one or more expansion connector panel to the optical connection module for increasing the number of optical connections provided by the optical connection module, wherein the one or more expansion connector panel indudes or more adapters defining a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports; coupling one or more expansion splidng trays to the optical connection module; providing a second group of intermediate optical fibers; and coupling a first end of each of the intermediate optical fibers of the second group to a respective inlet port on the one or more expansion connector panels. [0016] In an exemplary embodiment, coupling the one or more expansion connector panels to the optical connection module further includes coupling the one or more expansion connector panels to the first connector panel by a hinge. In another embodiment, coupling the one or more expansion connector panel to the optical connection module further includes stacking the first connector panel and the one or more expansion connector panel. In another embodiment, coupling the one or more expansion splicing tray to the optical connection module further includes coupling the one or more expansion splicing tray to the optical connection module by a hinge mechanism. Similar to the above, coupling the one or more expansion splicing tray to the optical connection module further includes stacking the first splidng tray and the one or more expansion splicing tray. In yet another embodiment, the method may include routing a second end of each of the intermediate optical fibers of the second group to the one or more expansion splicing tray through the hinge mechanism.

[0017] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the technical field of optical connectivity. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description, the following detailed description, and the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary and intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various

embodiments. Features and attributes associated with any of the embodiments shown or described may be applied to other embodiments shown, described, or appreciated based on this disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary FTTx network;

[0020] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of optical connection module in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure in a closed position;

[0021] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the optical connection module shown in Fig. 1 in an opened position; [0022] Fig. 4 is a disassembled perspective view of the optical connection module shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0023] Fig. 5 is a partial disassembled perspective view of the optical connection module shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0024] Fig. 6A is a partial top plan view of the optical connection module with the splicing trays removed for illustration purposes;

[0025] Fig. 6B is a partial top plan view of the optical connection module with the one splicing tray and the cover of the other splicing tray removed for illustration purposes;

[0026] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the optical connection module shown in Fig. 1 with a connection panel in a pivoted position; and

[0027] Fig. 8 is a partial perspective view of the optical connection module illustrating the hinge mechanism for coupling a splicing tray to the module.

Detailed Description

[0028] Various embodiments will be further clarified by examples in the description below. In general, the description generally relates to a terminal that provides greater flexibility to service providers by allowing an increased number of optical fiber connections per optical connection module (also referred to herein as a“connector module”) housed in the terminal. By way of example, the terminal may be used in FTTx networks, such as the FTTx network 10 illustrated in Fig. 1 , at local convergence points 18 or network access points, or even in enterprise networks, such as in data center environments. Thus, it should be understood that the components may in fact be used in a wide variety of different equipment for all different types of fiber optic networks.

[0029] The disclosed connector module is selectively expandable to provide for an increased number of optical fiber connections made between incoming optical fibers and outgoing optical fibers thus allowing the optical signal to penetrate deeper into the optical network. More particularly, the connector module includes a connector panel associated with the connector module and the option of one or more expansion connector panels configured to be coupled to the connector module and providing additional optical fiber connections between incoming and outgoing optical fibers. The connector module also includes a splicing tray associated with the connector module and the option of one or more expansion splicing trays configured to be coupled to the connector module and providing an arrangement for splicing the incoming optical fibers to the intermediate optical fibers carried by the connector module. The disclosed connector module provides greater flexibility to network designers and allows the network to grow on a more robust as-needed basis.

[0030] Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a connector module 30 in accordance with the disclosure. Fig. 2 illustrates the connector module 30 in a dosed configuration (i.e., an in-use configuration), and Fig. 3 illustrates the connector module 30 when in an opened configuration, such as during initial assembly and setup of the connector module 30. For example, the various fiber optic cables and optical fibers may be configured to be loaded into the connector module 30 when in the opened position, and the connector module 30 may be configured to be in its dosed position once loaded and positioned within the terminal for use in the optical fiber network. The connector module 30 indudes a housing 32 defined at least in part by a bottom wall or panel 34 and a peripheral wall 36 that collectively define an interior cavity 38.

In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 32 may have a generally rectangular shape induding a front end 40, a rear end 42 and a pair of opposed sides 44. The front end 40 of the connector module 30 indudes at least one and preferably a plurality of connector panels (two shown) for connecting to a plurality of outgoing optical fibers or fiber optic cables carrying one or more optical fibers. Additionally, the connector module 30 indudes at least one and preferably a plurality of splidng trays (two shown) for optically connecting the incoming optical fibers, such as those carried by feeder cable 16, to

intermediate optical fibers that extend from the one or more connector panels within the housing 32. By selectively providing a plurality of connector panels and splidng trays, the connector module 30 may accommodate an increased number of optical fiber connections at the front end 40 of the module 30 at initial setup or on an as-needed basis. The details of the connector module 30, induding the modular nature of the connector panels and the splidng trays will now be described in more detail.

[0031] As mentioned above, the connector module 30 indudes a front end 40 having one and preferably a plurality of connector panels 48, 50 coupled to the housing 32. As best illustrated in Fig. 5, each connector panel 48, 50 indudes a pair of arms 52 having a first end coupled to the base panel 34, the peripheral wall 36, and/or an adjacent connector panel 48, 50 and extending forwardly therefrom. A free end of the arms 52 may be coupled to an adapter frame 54 configured to receive one or more optical adapters 56. The adapter frame 54 includes a bridge extending between the two arms 52 and having an upper wall 58, a lower wall 60 (Fig. 7) positioned beneath the upper wall 58, and one or more struts 62 that extend between the upper and lower walls 58, 60. The upper and lower walls 58, 60 may be configured to receive a flexible tab 66 of the one or more adapters 56 to secure the adapters to the adapter frame 54. The inner end of the one or more adapters 56 may include one or more input ports 68 configured to couple to an optical fiber connector 70 of an intermediate optical fiber 72 (e.g., see Figs. 6A and 6B). The outer end of the one or more adapters 56 may include one or more output ports 74 configured to couple to an optical fiber connector 76 that terminates an outgoing optical fiber or fiber optic cable 78, an illustrative one being shown in phantom in Fig. 6A. Thus, the adapter frame 54 provides for coupling of the adapters 56 to the connector module 30, and the adapters 56 provide an optical connection between the optical fiber of an input cable, such as feeder cable 16, and the outgoing optical fiber or fiber optic cable 78. As such adapters 56 are generally well known in the art, a further description will not be provided herein. It should be recognized, however, that a wide variety of adapters may be used with the connector module 30, including a single adapter with a plurality of input ports and output ports, or a plurality of adapters each having one or more input port and one or more output port. For example, as shown, each adapter 56 may include a single input port 68 and a single output port 74. Other arrangements are possible, however.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the connector panel 48 may be fixedly secured to the bottom panel 34 and/or the peripheral wall 36, i.e., the connector panel 48 may be directly coupled to the housing 32. By way of example, the connector panel 48 may be integrally formed with the bottom panel 34 and/or peripheral wall 36 (e.g., integrally molded therewith). Thus, should the connector module 30 be initially configured to include only a single connector panel, that panel would be provided by connector panel 48. This connector panel 48 may be referred to herein as the base connector panel or just base panel. However, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the connector module 30 is configured to be selectively expandable so as to accommodate an increased number of optical connections to outgoing optical fibers or fiber optic cables 78. To this end, additional connector panels 50 similar to base panel 48 may be selectively provided at the front end 40 of the connector module 30 and coupled to the housing 32, either directly or indirectly, such as through an adjacent connector panel (e.g., connector panel 48). These additional connector panels 50 may be referred to herein as expansion connector panels or just expansion panels. In an exemplary embodiment, each connector panel 48, 50 may be configured to couple to twelve outgoing optical fibers or fiber optic cables 78. Thus, the inclusion of the expansion panel 50 effectively doubles the number of outgoing optical fibers 78 which may be coupled to the connector module 30. While the figures illustrate twelve optical connections per connector panel 48, 50, it should be recognized that in an alternative embodiment each connector panel 48, 50 may provide for more or less optical connections. Additionally, while the figures illustrate only one base panel 48 and one expansion panel 50, the connector module 30 may include additional expansion panels, each configured similar to expansion panel 50 and coupled to the housing 32 via adjacent connector panels, to provide even further optical connections to connector module 30.

[0033] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, the plurality of connector panels 48, 50 may have a stacked configuration with one connector panel stacked on top of an adjacent connector panel. For example, in one embodiment the expansion panel 50 may be stacked on top of the base panel 48. Any additional expansion panels (not shown) would then be stacked on top of expansion panel 50. The stacked arrangement of connector panels 48, 50 then presents an array of output ports 74 of the one or more adapters 56 each configured to receive a connector 76 of an outgoing optical fiber 78, as illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0034] The expansion panel 50 may be coupled to housing 32, and more particularly the base panel 48 which is coupled to the housing 32, via a connection interface to provide the stacked configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection interface includes a hinge mechanism 84 such that the expansion panel 50 is pivotally coupled to the base panel 48 (Fig. 7). The hinge mechanism 84 includes a first hinge portion 86 having a tab 88 with an aperture 90 and a second hinge portion 92 having a depending tab 94 and a pin 96. The first hinge portion 86 may be associated with one connector panel, e.g., base panel 48, and the second hinge portion 92 may be associated with an adjacent connector panel, e.g., the expansion panel 50. In one embodiment, the pin 96 may be configured as a split pin configured to be“radially” deformable between a contracted state and an expanded state. To connect the hinge portions 86, 92 together, the arms 52 on the expansion panel 50 may be flexed or squeezed inwardly toward each other so that the pin 96 may be positioned inboard of and generally aligned with the apertures 90 in the tabs 88. Once so positioned, the arms 52 may be released such that the arms 52 move outward away from each other and back toward their undeformed position (i.e., under the bias created by initially deforming the arms 52 inwardly). As the arms 52 move outwardly, the pins 96 engage the apertures 90 and move to their contracted state. In the contracted state, the pins 96 are able to pass through the apertures 90 in the tabs 88. Once the end of the pins 96 extend through the apertures 90, the pins 96 move back to an expanded position to thereby couple the expansion panel 50 to the base connector panel 48 in a snap-fit manner. The pins 96 operate as hinge pins of the hinge mechanism 84 about which the expansion panel 50 rotates relative to the base panel 48.

[0035] The expansion panel 50 is pivotally moveable relative to the base connector panel 48 between an engaged position (Figs. 2 and 3) and a pivoted position (Fig. 7). In the engaged position, a lower edge 98 of the arms 52 of the expansion panel 50 engage or abut an upper edge 100 of the arms 52 of the base connector panel 48 so as to adequately support the expansion panel 50 on the connector module 30. In the pivoted position, the expansion panel 50 has been rotated about the pivot axis defined by the pins 96 such that the adapters 56 of the expansion panel 50 are separated from the adapters 56 of the base panel 48. In this position, the optical connectors 70 of the

intermediate optical fibers 72, which are coupled to respective input ports 68 of the one or more adapters 56, may be exposed and accessed.

[0036] To add another expansion panel to the stack of connector panels 48, 50, the expansion panel 50 includes not only the second hinge portion 92, e.g., along a lower portion of the arms 52, but also includes the first hinge portion 86 along an upper portion of the arms 52. Thus, a second expansion panel (not shown but being substantially identical to the first expansion panel 50) may include a second hinge portion that has pins that are received through the apertures 90 on the first expansion panel 50. Through this connection interface, it is fairly simple to expand the number of connector panels assodated with the connector module 30. The connector panels are provided in a stacked configuration with each expansion panel being pivotally coupled to an underlying connector panel (i.e., the base panel or an underlying expansion panel) to thereby couple to the housing 32 of the connector module 30. This modularity of the connection panels allows the connector module 30 to be expanded quickly and easily.

[0037] As illustrated in Fig. 6A, the plurality of intermediate optical fibers 72 extend from respective input ports 68 of the one or more adapters 56 and are routed to a fiber store 106 for storing excess length of the intermediate optical fibers 72 on the connector module 30. This indudes the intermediate optical fibers 72 assodated with the base panel 48 and any expansion panels 50 coupled to the connector module 30. The fiber store 106 indudes a peripheral wall 108 extending from the bottom panel 34 that generally defines an interior cavity 110 for receiving the excess optical fiber. The peripheral wall 108 may be formed from discrete wall segments that define gaps or openings in the store 106. Thus, the peripheral wall 108 may not be a continuous wall that defines the boundary of the store 106 but may be generally defined by a plurality of wall segments disconnected from each other. The fiber store 106 indudes an inlet 112 adjacent the connedor panels 48, 50 for receiving the intermediate optical fibers 72 and permitting the fibers to access the interior cavity 110 of the fiber store 106.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the fiber store 106 indudes one or more guide members 114 for supporting the excess optical fiber, guiding/organizing the excess optical fiber, and limiting excessive bending of the optical fiber within the store 106. By way of example and without limitation, the fiber store 106 may indude one or more guide hubs 114a, guide flaps 114b, and/or guide arms 114c. Other types of guide members may also be disposed in the fiber store 106. Additionally, the connector module 30 may indude additional guide members 114 outside of the fiber store 106, such as between the connector panels 48, 50 and the inlet 112 of the fiber store 1 (to. For example, the connector module 30 may indude an elongate guide wedge 114d extending from the base panel 34 adjacent the connector panels 48, 50. One or more guide arms 114e may also extend from the peripheral wall 108 but outside the interior cavity 110 of the fiber store 106. After storing excess length of the intermediate optical fibers 72 in the fiber store 106, the intermediate optical fibers 72 are directed to the one or more splicing tray associated with the connector module 30 near the rear of the module 30, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0039] As illustrated in Figs. 2-4, the connector module 30 includes at least one and preferably a plurality of splicing trays 120, 122 coupled to the housing 32. The splicing trays 120, 122 provide a location for splicing together optical fibers 124 from one or more incoming fiber optic cables 126, such as a feeder cable 16 of the optical fiber network 10 of Fig. 1 , and the intermediate optical fibers 72 extending from the one or more connector panels 48, 50. As illustrated in Figs. 4 and 6B, each splicing tray 120, 122 includes a base 128 and a lid or cover 130 removably coupled to the base 128. For example, the cover 130 may be frictionally fit to base 128. Alternatively, the cover 130 may be fastened to the base 128 using a fastener, latch or other releasable machinery. The base 128 includes a bottom panel 132 and a peripheral wall 134 that collectively define an interior cavity 136. In an exemplary embodiment, the base 128 may have a generally rectangular shape including a front end 138, rear end 140, and a pair opposed sides 142. The base 128 may include triangular flanges or ears 144 adjacent the comers 146 between the front side 138 and the opposed sides 142. The ears 144 may operate as gripping points for a service technician or the like during manufacture, maintenance, modification, etc. of the connector module 30.

[0040] As best illustrated in Figs. 4 and 6B, the interior cavity 136 of the base 128 includes a splicing interface 148 and a fiber store 150. The splicing interface 148 provides a location for splicing the incoming optical fibers 124 and intermediate optical fibers 72 together, and the fiber store 150 provides a location for storing excess length of the incoming optical fibers 124 and/or intermediate optical fibers 72. The fiber store 150 includes a peripheral wall 152 extending from the base panel 132 of base 128 that generally defines an interior cavity 154 for receiving the excess optical fiber. The peripheral wall 152 may be formed from discrete wall segments that define gaps or openings in the store 150. Thus, the peripheral wall 152 may not be a continuous wall that defines the boundary of the store 150 but may be generally defined by a plurality of wall segments disconnected from each other. The fiber store 150 includes one or more inlets 156 adjacent the rear of the splicing trays 120, 122 for receiving the one or more incoming fiber optic cables 126 and the intermediate optical fibers 72 and permitting the optical fibers to access the interior cavity 154 of the fiber store 150. The fiber store 150 further includes one or more outlets 158 for allowing the optical fibers 124 from the one or more incoming fiber optic cables 126 and/or the intermediate optical fibers 72 to leave the fiber store 150 and extend to the splicing interface 148 adjacent the front end 138 of the splicing trays 120, 122.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the fiber store 150 includes one or more guide members 160 for supporting the excess optical fiber, guiding/organizing the excess optical fiber, and limiting excessive bending of the optical fiber within the store 150. By way of example and similar to the above, the fiber store 150 may include one or more guide hubs 160a, and/or guide arms 160b. Other types of guide members may also be disposed in the fiber store 150.

Additionally, the splicing trays 120, 122 may include additional guide members 160 outside of the fiber store 150, such as between the and the fiber store 150 and the splicing interface 148. For example, the splicing trays 120, 122 may include one or more guide arms 160c and/or guide flaps 160d outside the interior cavity 154 of the fiber store 150. The fiber store 150 may further include one or more clamp (not shown) for securing the one or more fiber optic cables 126 (or alternatively the optical fibers 124 from the one or more cables 126) and the intermediate optical fibers 72 to the splidng trays 120, 122. Also, at the one or more damp, the outer sheaths or covers of the optical fibers may be removed so as to expose the bare optical fiber.

[0042] In any event, after storing excess length of the incoming optical fibers 124 and/or the intermediate optical fibers 72 in the fiber store 150, the optical fibers may be directed to the splidng interface 148 near the front side 138 of the splidng trays 120, 122. By way of example, the bare incoming optical fibers 124 may exit the fiber store 150 so as to approach the splidng interface 148 from a first side 162 while the bare intermediate optical fibers 72 may exit the fiber store 150 so as to approach the splidng interface 148 from a second side 164. At the splidng interface 148, the ends of the bare incoming optical fibers 124 are spliced together with the ends of the bare intermediate fibers 72 and the optical connection between them is established. The splidng may be performed by any means know in the art, such as fusion splidng or epoxy splidng. After the splidng has been achieved, the intermediate optical fibers 72 carry the optical signals from respective optical fibers 124 of the incoming one or more fiber optic cables 126. In this way, when an outgoing optical fiber 78 is connected to an output port 74 of an adapter 56 on the one or more connector panels 48, 50, the outgoing optical fiber 78 is optically connect to an incoming optical fiber 124 and the optical signal is transmitted deeper within the optical network.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more splicing trays 120, 122 may be movably coupled to the housing 32 of the connector module 30. More particularly, the one or more splicing trays 120, 122 may be pivotally movable relative to the housing 32 of the connector module 30. To this end, the splicing trays 120, 122 may be coupled to the housing 32 via a hinge mechanism 170 (Figs. 6B and 7). As best illustrated in Fig. 4 and 6A, the hinge mechanism 170 includes a first hinge portion 172 associated with either the housing 32 or the splicing trays 120, 122. In one embodiment, the first hinge portion 172 may be associated with the housing 32 of the connector module 30. The housing 32 includes a boss 174 adjacent the rear side of the housing 32, the upper portion of which includes one or more generally arcuate longitudinal grooves 176. The number of longitudinal grooves 176 may be determined, for example, by the number of splicing trays carried by the connector module 30. For example, as illustrated in the figures, the connector module 30 may be configured to carry two splicing trays 120, 122. The grooves 176 are configured on the boss 174 so as to be laterally spaced (e.g., front side to rear side) and to be spaced in a vertical direction. In one embodiment, the grooves 176 may be generally continuous across the boss 174. In an exemplary embodiment, however, the grooves 176 may not be continuous but include discrete groove portions 176a, 176b generally aligned along a common axis, as illustrated in the figures. Along a central portion of the one or more grooves 176 is a closed arch 178 that defines an opening 180 that is also generally aligned along the groove axis.

[0044] The hinge mechanism 170 further includes a second hinge portion 182, which in this embodiment may be associated with the slicing trays 120, 122, and more particularly associated with the base 128 of the splicing trays 120,

122. The second hinge portion 182 includes a tab 184 extending from the rear end 140 of the base 128 and a hinge pin 186 extending from the tab 184 and in a side-to-side direction of the splicing trays 120, 122. When the splicing trays 120, 122 are coupled to the housing 32, the hinge pins 186 on the splicing trays 120, 122 extend through respective openings 180 defined by the arches 178. As one can appreciate, this type of connection allows the splicing trays 120, 122 to rotate about their respective hinge pins 186.

[0046] In one embodiment, the connector module 30 may include only one splicing tray 120, referred to herein as the base splicing tray. However, as mentioned above, in an exemplary embodiment, the connector module 30 may be configured to be selectively expandable to accommodate additional connector panels, and thereby increase the number of optical connections provided by the connector module 30. In this embodiment, additional splicing trays 122 may also be provided to the connector module 30. These additional splicing trays 122 may be referred to herein as expansion splicing trays. The number of splicing trays may correspond to the number of connector panels associated with the connector module 30. In one embodiment, for example, each splicing tray 120, 122 may be configured to accommodate the

intermediate optical fibers 72 from one of the connector panels 48, 50. Thus, if the connector module 30 includes only a single panel 48, then the connector module 30 may be configured to include only a single splicing tray 120. If the connector module 30 includes an expansion panel 50, then the module 30 may include an expansion splicing tray 122. For each additional expansion panel added to the connector module 30, a corresponding expansion splicing tray may also be added to the connector module 30. Thus, although the figures illustrate a connector module having two connector panels and two splicing trays, it should be recognized that a connector module having more connector panels and splicing trays is possible and remains within the scope of the disclosure.

[0046] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure and as illustrated in Fig. 2, the plurality of splicing trays 120, 122 may have a stacked configuration, with one splicing tray generally stacked on top of an adjacent splicing tray. For example, the expansion splicing tray 122 may be stacked on top of the base splicing tray 120. Any additional splicing trays (not shown) would then be stacked on top of splicing tray 122. The stacking arrangement of the splicing trays 120, 122 is facilitated by the arrangement of the hinge mechanism 170 that couples the trays 120, 122 to the housing 32 of the connector module 30. More particularly, the spacing of the grooves 176 in both a lateral direction and in a vertical direction facilitates the stacked arrangement but yet allows each of the splicing trays 120, 122 to rotate relative to the housing 32. When all of the splidng trays 120, 122 are pivoted away from the housing 32, the bottom panel 34 and the fiber store 106 associated with the intermediate optical fibers 72 may be exposed (Fig. 3).

[0047] With the splicing trays 120, 122 described in some detail above, the introduction of the one or more fiber optic cables 126 into the connector module 30 and the splicing trays 120, 122, and the introduction of the intermediate optical fibers 72 into the splicing trays 120, 122 will now be described in more detail. Turning first to the one or more fiber optic cables 126, as illustrated in Fig. 6B the housing 32 of the connector module 30 includes an inlet 192 along one of the sides 44 of the housing 32. The inlet 192 allows one or more fiber optic cables 126 to extend from outside of the module 30 to the interior cavity 38 of the housing 32 adjacent a rear end 42 thereof. In the interior cavity 38 of the housing 32, the one or more fiber optic cables 126 extend into the interior cavity 138 of one or more splicing trays 120, 122. By way of example and without limitation, a first fiber optic cable may extend to the interior cavity 138 of the base splicing tray 120 and a second fiber optic cable may extend to the interior cavity 138 of the expansion splicing tray 122. Alternatively, only a single fiber optic cable 126, including a plurality of optical fibers 124, may enter the connector module 30 and a first group of the optical fibers 124 may extend into the interior cavity 138 of the base splicing tray 120 and a second group of the optical fibers 124 may extend into the interior cavity of the expansion splicing tray 122. It should be recognized, however, that other configurations for providing fiber optic cables or optical fibers to one or more splicing trays may be possible and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

[0048] In any event, to allow the passage of the one or more fiber optic cables 126 or optical fibers 124 from the exterior of the splicing trays 120, 122 to the interior 136 of the splicing trays 120, 122, the trays 120, 122 may include an inlet tube 194 adjacent a rear end 140 of the splicing trays 120, 122. In one embodiment, the inlet tube 194 may be closed around the lull circumference of the tube. Alternatively, however, the inlet tube 194 may be open along a portion of the circumference. For example, the upper half of the inlet tube 194 may be open to allow the one or more fiber optic cables 126 or optical fibers 124 to be easily inserted into the inlet tube 194 and thereby allow the one or more fiber optic cables 126 or optical fibers 124 to pass into the interior 136 of the splicing trays 120, 122. In this regard, the inlet tube 194 may include one or more retaining tabs 196 to maintain the one or more fiber optic cables 126 or optical fibers 124 in the inlet tube 194.

[0049] In one aspect of the disclosure, the inlet tube 194 may be configured to form part of the hinge mechanism 170 that allows the splicing trays 120, 122 to rotate relative to the housing 32 of the connector module 30. More particularly, at least a portion of the inlet tube 194, such as an outer portion thereof, may extend along the pivot axis 198 defined by the hinge pin 186. Moreover, the outer portion of the inlet tube 194 that generally aligns with the pivot axis 198 may be configured to be received in the groove 176, and more particularly groove portion 176a in the boss 174 of the splicing trays 120, 122. In this way, the movement of the splicing trays 120, 122 minimizes movement (e.g., twisting) of the incoming one or more fiber optic cables 126 or incoming optical fibers 124. Additionally, the inlet tube 194 may engage with the groove portion 176a in a snap-fit manner to couple the splicing trays 120, 122 to the housing 32 of the connector module 30.

[0060] Turning now to the intermediate optical fibers 72, as illustrated in Fig. 6A after storing excess length of the intermediate optical fibers 72 in the fiber store 106, the intermediate optical fibers 72 may be routed to the splicing trays 120, 122. By way of example, if the connector module 30 is provided with only the base connector panel 48, then all of the intermediate optical fibers 72 associated with the base connector panel 48 may be routed to the base splicing tray 120. If the connector module 30 includes an expansion connector panel 50, then all of the intermediate optical fibers 72 associated with the expansion panel 50 may be routed to the expansion splicing tray 122. Alternatively, a first group of the intermediate optical fibers 72 from one or more connector panels may be routed to a first splicing tray 120 and a second group of intermediate optical fibers 72 from one or more connector panels may be routed to a second splicing tray 122 in any combination. Thus, it should be recognized that the intermediate optical fibers 72 from one or more connector panels may be routed to one or more splicing trays in various combinations and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

[0061] In any event, to allow the passage of the intermediate optical fibers 72 from the exterior of the splicing trays 120, 122 to the interior 136 of the splicing trays 120, 122, the trays 120, 122 may include another inlet tube 200 adjacent a rear end 140 of the splicing trays 120, 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the inlet tube 200 may be positioned on an opposing side of the second hinge portion 182 (e.g., the hinge pin 186). More particularly, the inlet tube 200 may be similar to inlet tube 194 and be symmetrically disposed on the splicing trays 120, 122 relative to a centerline 202 of the connector module 30 (Fig. 6B). Thus, in one embodiment the inlet tube 200 may be closed around the full circumference of the tube. Alternatively, however, the inlet tube 200 may be open along a portion of the circumference. For example, the upper half of the inlet tube 200 may be open to allow the intermediate optical fibers 72 to be easily inserted into the inlet tube 200 and thereby allow the optical fibers 72 to pass into the interior 136 of the splicing trays 120, 122. In this regard, the inlet tube 200 may indude one or more retaining tabs 126 to maintain the intermediate optical fibers 72 in the inlet tube 200.

[0052] Similar to the above, the inlet tube 200 may be configured to form part of the hinge mechanism 170 that allows the splicing trays 120, 122 to rotate relative to the housing 32 of the connector module 30. More particularly, at least a portion of the inlet tube 200, such as an outer portion thereof, may extend along the pivot axis 198 defined by the hinge pin 186. Moreover, the outer portion of the inlet tube 200 that generally aligns with the pivot axis 198 may be configured to be received in the groove 176, and more particularly groove portion 176b in the boss 174 of the splidng trays 120, 122. In this way, the movement of the splidng trays 120, 122 minimizes movement (e.g., twisting) of the intermediate optical fibers 124. Additionally, the inlet tube 200 may engage with the groove portion 176b in a snap-fit manner to couple the splidng trays 120, 122 to the housing 32 of the connector module 30.

[0063] By way of the present disdosure, a connector module is selectively expandable to accommodate an increased number of optical connections. For example, the connector module 30 may be provided with a base connector panel 48 holding one or more adapters 56 that define a plurality of output ports 74 (e.g., twelve output ports) each for connection to an optical connector 76 of an outgoing optical fiber or cable 78. However, should it be desirable for the connector module 30 to accommodate additional optical connections, an expansion panel 50 and an expansion splidng tray 122 may be added to the connector module 30 in a relatively simple and straight forward manner. More particularly, the expansion panel 50 may be stacked on top of the base connector panel 48 and coupled thereto through a snap-fit hinge mechanism 84. Similarly, the expansion splicing tray 122 may be stacked on top of the base splicing tray 120 and also be coupled thereto through a snap-fit hinge mechanism 170. The snap-fit arrangement allows these elements to be added to the connector module 30 quickly and easily. Additional expansion panels and expansion splicing trays may also be provided and may be further stacked upon the existing connector panels and splicing trays on the connector module. Thus, the connector module 30 is modular in its design to accommodate the selective increase in the number of optical connections desired.

[0054] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, it should be appreciated that the connector module 30 may be expanded either within a factory setting (e.g., at initial setup of the connector module) or in a field setting, where it is decided at a time after initial setup to increase the number of optical connections provided by the connector module 30. This feature allows the optical network to grow on an as needed basis. It should be further appreciated that in one embodiment the connector module 30 may be initially provided with the intermediate optical fibers 72 already incorporated into the connector module 30 (e.g., as shipped from the factory). Thus, for example, the intermediate optical fibers 72 may be connected to the input ports 68 on the one or more adapters 56 carried by the one or more connector panels, be routed through the fiber store 106 to provide excess length of the optical fibers 72, be routed through the inlet tube 200 and into the one or more splicing trays carried by the module, be routed through the fiber store 150 in the one or more splicing trays, and have their ends disposed adjacent the splicing interface 148 in the one or more splicing trays. Providing the connector module 30 in this configuration eases the installation of the connector module 30 in the optical network by a service technician and reduces installation time. In an alternative embodiment, however, the intermediate cables 72 may be incorporated into the connector module 30 by a service technician in a field setting.

[0066] While the present disclosure has been illustrated by the description of specific embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. The various features discussed herein may be used alone or in any combination within and between the various embodiments. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The disclosure in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An optical connection module for an optical fiber network, the optical fiber network having a plurality of incoming optical fibers and a plurality of outgoing optical fibers, the optical connection module comprising:

a housing;

a first connector panel coupled to the housing and including one or more adapters, the one or more adapters defining a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports;

a first splicing tray coupled to the housing;

a first group of intermediate optical fibers, each intermediate optical fiber of the first group having a first end connected to a respective input port on the first connector panel and a second end configured to be optically coupled to a respective one of the incoming optical fibers at the first splicing tray;

the optical connection module further comprising:

one or more expansion connector panels selectively connectable to the housing for increasing the number of optical connections provided by the optical connection module, the one or more expansion connector panels including one or more adapters defining a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports;

one or more expansion splicing trays selectively connectable to the housing; and

a second group of intermediate optical fibers, each intermediate optical fiber of the second group having a first end connected to a respective input port on the one or more expansion connector panels and a second end configured to be optically coupled to a respective one of the incoming optical fibers at the one or more expansion splicing trays.

2. The optical connection module of claim 1 , wherein the one or more expansion connector panels are each movably attached to the housing by a respective hinge.

3. The optical connection module of claim 2, wherein the one or more expansion connection panels include a first expansion connector panel attached to the first connector panel by a first hinge and a second expansion connector panel attached to the first expansion connector panel by a second hinge.

4. The optical connection module of either claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more expansion connector panels are attached to the optical connection module by a snap-fit connection.

5. The optical connection module of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first connector panel and the one or more expansion connector panels are arranged in a stack.

6. The optical connection module of claim 5, wherein the stack of the first connector panel and the one or more expansion connector panels form an array of output ports at a front side of the optical connection module.

7. The optical connection module of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first splicing tray and the one or more expansion splicing trays are movably attached to the housing by a hinge mechanism.

8. The optical connection module of claim 7, wherein the plurality of incoming optical fibers and the first and second groups of intermediate optical fibers are configured to be optically coupled in the first splicing tray or the one or more expansion splicing trays, and configured to extend into the respective splicing tray via the hinge mechanism.

9. The optical connection module of either claim 7 or 8, wherein the hinge mechanism for the first splicing tray and the one or more expansion splicing trays include a first hinge portion associated with the housing and a second hinge portion associated with the respective splicing tray.

10. The optical connection module of claim 9, wherein the first hinge portion includes a longitudinal groove formed in the housing and a closed arch defining an opening.

11. The optical connection module of daim 10, wherein the first hinge portion for the first splidng tray and the first hinge portion for the one or more expansion splidng trays are offset from each other in at least two directions.

12. The optical connection module of either daim 10 or 11 , wherein the second hinge portion indudes a hinge pin defining a pivot axis, a first tube member, and a second tube member, wherein the first tube member and second tube member are on opposing sides of the hinge pin, and wherein at least a portion of the first tube member and at least a portion of the second tube member extend along the pivot axis.

13. The optical connection module of any of daims 1 to 12, wherein the one or more expansion splidng trays are attached to the housing by a snap-fit connection.

14. The optical connection module of any of daims 1 to 13, wherein the first splidng tray and the one or more expansion splicing trays are arranged in a stack.

15. The optical connection module of any of daims 1 to 14, wherein the housing indudes a bottom panel and a peripheral wall that defines an interior cavity, the interior cavity induding a fiber store configured for storing excess length of optical fibers.

16. The optical connection module of any of daims 1 to 15, wherein the first splidng tray and the one or more expansion splicing trays each indude a base having a bottom panel and a peripheral wall that defines an interior cavity and a cover for covering the interior cavity of the base, the interior cavity induding a splidng interface and a fiber store configured for storing excess length of optical fibers.

17. A terminal of an optical fiber network comprising the optical connection module of any of claims 1 to 16.

18. A method of expanding the number of optical connections provided by an optical connection module configured for placement in an optical fiber network having a plurality of incoming optical fibers and a plurality of outgoing optical fibers, the optical connection module including a housing, a first connector panel coupled to the housing and having one or more adapters defining a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports, a first splicing tray coupled to the housing, and a first group of intermediate optical fibers each having a first end connected to a respective input port on the first connector panel and a second end configured to be optically coupled to a respective one of the incoming optical fibers at the first splicing tray, the method comprising:

coupling one or more expansion connector panels to the optical connection module for increasing the number of optical connections provided by the optical connection module, the one or more expansion connector panels including one or more adapters defining a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports;

coupling one or more expansion splicing trays to the optical connection module;

providing a second group of intermediate optical fibers; and

coupling a first end of each of the intermediate optical fibers of the second group to a respective inlet port on the one or more expansion connector panels.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein coupling the one or more expansion connector panels to the optical connection module further comprises coupling a first expansion connector panel of the one or more expansion connector panels to the first connector panel by a hinge.

20. The method of either claim 18 or 19, wherein coupling the one or more expansion connector panels to the optical connection module further comprises stacking the first connector panel and the one or more expansion connector panels.

21. The method of any of claims 18 to 20, wherein coupling the one or more expansion splicing trays to the optical connection module further comprises coupling the one or more expansion splicing trays to the optical connection module by a hinge mechanism.

22. The method of any of claims 18 to 21 , wherein coupling the one or more expansion splicing trays to the optical connection module further comprises stacking the first splicing tray and the one or more expansion splicing trays.

23. The method of either claim 21 or 22, further comprising routing a second end of each of the intermediate optical fibers of the second group to the one or more expansion splicing trays through the hinge mechanism.