MX2008009529A - Fiber optic splitter module - Google Patents

Abstract

A telecommunications (10) assembly includes a chassis (12) and a plurality of fiber optic splitter modules (14) mounted within the chassis. Each splitter module includes at least one fiber optic connector (118). Within an interior of the chassis are positioned at least one fiber optic adapter (16). Inserting the splitter module through a front opening of the chassis at a mounting location positions the connector of the splitter module for insertion into and mating with the adapter of the chassis. The adapters mounted within the interior of the chassis are integrally formed as part of a removable adapter assembly. A method of mounting a fiber optic splitter module within a telecommunications chassis is also disclosed.

Description

OPTICAL FIELD FIBER SEPARATOR MODULE The present invention generally relates to telecommunications equipment, of optical fibers. More specifically, the present invention relates to optical fiber modules and frames for containing optical fiber modules. BACKGROUND In optical fiber telecommunication systems, it is common for the optical fibers of transmission cables to be separated into multiple strands, either by optical separation of a signal carried by a single-strand cable or by fanning out the individual strands of fibers. a multi-strand cable Furthermore, when these systems are installed, it is known to provide the excessive capacity in the installation to support future growth and utilization of the fibers. Often in these installations, modules that include separators or fan outlets, are used to provide the connection between transmission fibers and customer fibers. To reduce the cost and complexity of the initial installation and still provide options for future expansion, a module-mounted rack capable of mounting multiple modules can be used in that installation. While the rack can accept several modules, the initial installation may only include fewer modules mounted on the rack, or sufficient to serve current needs. These racks can be configured with limited access to one or more sides, or they can be mounted in crowded sites. In addition, some of these racks can be pre-configured with the maximum capacity of transmission cables to house and link with modules that can be installed in the future. Since it is convenient to have access to components within the frame for cleaning during the installation of a new module, some feature or arrangement of the frame will conveniently allow a user to access and clean the connectors of these previously connected transmission cables and pre-installed. It is also convenient that the frame is configured to ensure that the modules are installed correctly and align with other components within the frame to couple with the previously connected and previously installed transmission cables. COMPENDIUM The present invention relates to a telecommunications assembly that includes a frame and a plurality of modules mounted on the frame. The modules include one or more fiber optic connectors. Corresponding fiber optic adapters are located on the inside of the frame at each mounting location. Insert the module through a front opening of the frame in a mounting location, place the one or more connectors of the module for insertion into and coupling with the frame adapters. The adapters inside the frame are integrally formed within a removable adapter assembly. The present invention also relates to a method of mounting a telecommunications module in a rack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings that are incorporated in and constitute part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the invention and together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. A brief description of the drawings is as follows: Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a telecommunications assembly with a plurality of fiber optic separator modules installed within a frame, with one of the separate adapter assemblies of the telecommunications assembly; Figure 2 is a top view of the telecommunications assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of the telecommunications assembly of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a rear view of the telecommunications assembly of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a left side view of the telecommunications assembly of Figure 1; FIG. 6 is a right side view of the telecommunications assembly of Figure 1; Fig. 7 is a close-up view of the telecommunications assembly of Fig. 1, showing the disassembled adapter assembly of the telecommunications assembly; Figure 8 is a front perspective view of one of the adapter assemblies of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the adapter assembly of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a right side view of the adapter assembly of Figure 8; Figure 11 is a left side view of the adapter assembly of Figure 8; Figure 12 is a front view of the adapter assembly of Figure 8; Figure 13 is a rear view of the adapter assembly of Figure 8; Figure 14 is a top view of the adapter assembly of Figure 8; Figure 15 is a bottom view of the adapter assembly of Figure 8; Figure 16 is a right side view of one of the fiber optic separator modules of Figure 1, shown with an adapter mount therein disposed; Figure 17 is a left side view of the fiber optic separator module and the adapter assembly of Figure 16; Figure 18 is a front view of the fiber optic separator module and the adapter assembly of Figure 16; Figure 19 is a rear view of the fiber optic separator module and adapter assembly of Figure 16; Figure 20 is a front perspective view of the fiber optic separator module of the Figure 16, shown isolated without an adapter mount placed there; Figure 21 is a rear perspective view of the fiber optic separator module of Figure 20; Figure 22 is an exploded view of the fiber optic separator module of Figure 16, shown with the disassembled adapter assembly of the fiber optic separator module; Figure 23 is a left side view of the fiber optic separator module of Figure 20; Figure 24 is a right side view of the fiber optic separator module of Figure 20; Figure 25 is a front view of the fiber optic separator module of Figure 20; "Figure 26 is a rear view of the fiber optic separator module of Figure 20; Figure 27 is a top view of the fiber optic separator module of Figure 20; Figure 28 is a bottom view of the fiber optic separator module; of Figure 20: Figure 29 is a right side view of the fiber optic separator module of the Figure , shown without a cover that exposes the interior characteristics of the fiber optic separator module, including directing an optical fiber cable within the fiber optic separator module; Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view taken on the SOSO section line of Figure 29; Figure 31 illustrates a fiber optic separator module partially inserted into the frame of Figure 1, the frame includes an adapter assembly placed there, the fiber optic separator module is illustrated at a position before the separator module connectors have made contact with a protector located inside the frame; Figure 32 illustrates the fiber optic separator module of Figure 31, shown at a position within the frame with the connectors of the fiber optic separator module making initial contact with the shield located in the frame; Figure 33 illustrates the fiber optic separator module of Figure 31, which is illustrated in a fully inserted position within the frame; Figure 34 is a side cross-sectional view of the fiber separator module optics of Figure 32 within the frame, which is taken through the center of the fiber optic separator module; Figure 35 is a side cross-sectional view of the fiber optic separator module of Figure 33 within the frame, which is taken through the center of the fiber optic separator module; Figure 36 illustrates a front perspective view of the frame of Figure 1 with an optical fiber spacer module therein, which is illustrated in combination with a test tool / exploded dust cover of the frame, the test tool / cover against Dust is used as a test tool; Figure 37 illustrates a front perspective view of the frame of Figure 36, which is illustrated in combination with the test tool / exploded dust cover of the frame, the test tool / dust cover is used as a dust cover; Figure 38 illustrates a test tool / dust cap of Figure 36, shown in combination with an exploded view of the adapter assembly of Figure 8; Figure 39 is a front perspective view of the test tool / dust cap of Figure 36, which is illustrated with the adapter assembly placed there and shown with one of the test connectors of the test tool / cover against blown dust from the test tool / dust cap; Figure 40 is a rear perspective view of the test treatment / dust cover of Figure 36, shown without the test connectors of the test tool / dust cap; Figure 41 is a front perspective view of the test tool / dust cap of Figure 40; Figure 42 is a right side view of the test tool / dust cap of Figure 40; Figure 43 is a left side view of the test tool / dust cap of Figure 40; Figure 44 is a rear view of the test tool / dust cap of Figure 40; Figure 45 is a top view of the test tool / dust cap of the Figure 40; Figure 46 is a lower front perspective view of a fastening extension according to the invention; Figure 47 is a bottom rear perspective view of the grip extension of Figure 46; Figure 48 is a bottom view of the holding extension of Figure 46; Figure 49 is a top view of the holding extension of Figure 46; Figure 50 is a right side view of the holding extension of Figure 46; Figure 51 is a left side view of the holding extension of Figure 46; and Figure 52 is a rear view of the holding extension of Figure 46. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present invention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. Figures 1-7 illustrate an assembly of telecommunications 10 including a telecommunications frame 12 and a plurality of optical fiber spacer modules 14 adapted to be mounted within the frame 12. The optical fiber spacer modules 14 are configured to be slidably inserted into the frame 12 and optically coupled with mounts adapters 16 placed within the frame 12. Adapter mounts 16 placed within the frame 12 form connection locations. between the terminated connectors in a fiber optic input cable and connectors of spacer modules 14, as will be discussed in more detail below. Still with reference to Figures 1-7, the frame 12 includes an upper wall 18 and a lower wall 20 extending between a pair of opposed transverse side walls 22, 24. The frame 12 includes an opening 26 through a side rear 28 of the frame 12 and an opening 30 through a front side 32 of the frame 12. Fiber optic separator modules 14 are inserted into the frame 12 through the front opening 30. Adapter mounts 16 are inserted through and assemble adjacent to a rear opening 26 of the frame 12. Side walls 22, 24, each they include a notch or cut 34 extending from the front opening 30 to the rear side 28. Separator modules 14 mounted within the frame 12 are visible through the notch 34. Side walls 22, 24 of the frame 12 also define an interior portion. 36 on the rear side 28 of the frame 12 to facilitate access to adapter assemblies 16. In Figure 1, the frame 12 is shown with eight optical fiber spacer modules 14 there mounted. It will be noted that in other embodiments, the frame can be sized to contain a greater or lesser amount of spacer modules. Still with reference to Figures 1-7, the frame 12 includes a plurality of mounting locations 38 for slidably receiving spacer modules 14. Each mounting location 38 defines a slot 40 adjacent to the top wall 18 and a slot 42 adjacent to the wall. bottom wall 20 of the frame 12. The slots 42 adjacent the bottom wall 20 are visible in Figure 1. The slots 40 adjacent the top wall 18 are illustrated in Figures 36 and 37. The slots 40, 42 extend from the front 32 of the frame 12 to the rear 28 of the frame 12. The slots 40, 42 are configured to receive the mounting flanges 44, 46 of spacer modules 14 as shown in Figures 36 and 37, to align the modules 14 with other components within the frame 12 (eg adapters of the adapter assemblies) for coupling with cables of transmission previously connected and / or pre-installed. The grooves 40 defined below the upper wall 18 of the frame 12, are deeper than the grooves 42 defined in the bottom wall 20 of the frame 12. The depth of the grooves 40, 42 is configured to accommodate the flanges with different size 44, 46 which are defined on top and bottom walls of spacer modules 14. In this way, slots 40, 42 and mounting flanges 44, 46 of the fiber optic separator modules 14 provide a keying system to ensure that the modules 14 are inserted into the frame 12 in the correct orientation. The underlying grooves 40 or below the upper wall 18 of the frame 12 are defined between a plurality of screens 48 (please see Figures 36 and 37). The screens 48 extend from the front 32 of the frame 12 to the rear 28 of the frame 12. At the front end 32 of the frame 12, each bulkhead 48 defines a downwardly extending front lip 50 (Figure 35) that interlocks with a resilient deformable lock 52 (e.g. cantilevered arm) of spacer module 14 to hold spacer module 14 in place within the frame 12, as will be discussed in more detail below. With reference to Figures 1 and 7, at the rear end 28 of the frame 12, each bulkhead 48 defines a rear face 54 with a fastener hole 56 for receiving the fastener 58 (e.g., thumbscrew) of an adapter assembly 16. to place the adapter assembly 16 in the frame 12. In the embodiment shown, the fastener hole 56 is threaded to receive a thread type fastener. It should be noted that in other embodiments, other types of fastening structures can be used to place the adapter assembly 16 on the rear 28 of the frame 12. Adjacent to the rear end 28, each bulkhead 48 also includes a horizontal slot 60 and a vertical slot 62 that complement the shape of the adapter assembly 16 to slidably receive the adapter assembly 16. Figures 8-15 illustrate the assembly adapter 16 according to the invention. Adapter mounts 16 form connection sites between the terminated connectors with an input fiber optic cable and the separate module connectors 14 mounted within the frame 12. With reference to FIGS. 8-15, the adapter assembly 16 includes two integrated adapters 64 formed as part of a unit housing 66. In other embodiments, other numbers of adapters are also possible. Each adapter 64 of the adapter assembly 16 includes a front end 68 and a rear end 70. The front end 68 of each adapter 64 receives a connector of the fiber optic separator module 14 and a rear end 70 receives a terminated connector with a fiber cable optics of income. The adapter mounting housing 66 includes a slider mounted in a frame 72, which extends from an upper portion 74 of the housing 66, which is received within the frame 12 through the rear end 28. The slider 72 defines a horizontal portion 76 and a vertical portion 78. The horizontal portion 76 is configured to be slidably received within the horizontal slot 60 of the screen 48 and a vertical portion 78 are configured to be slidably received within the vertical slot 62 of the bulkhead 48. The rack mount slider 72 includes a pair of flanges 80 to hold a fastener 58, to secure the adapter assembly 16 with the frame 12. As shown in FIG. discussed previously, the fastener 58 is located within an opening 56 defined by the rear face 54 of the screens 48 located below the top wall 18 of the frame 12. The fastener 58 is preferably a captive fastener. In the adapter mounting mode shown in the Figures, the fastener 58 is a hand screw. In other embodiments, other types of fasteners may be employed. The fastener 58 is rotated to threadably couple the adapter assembly 16 with the screens 48. The fastener 58 is also configured such that it is capable of providing the adapter assembly 16 with a predetermined amount of horizontal float relative to the frame 12 once assembled therein. . As illustrated in Figures 8-14, the mounting bracket 58, adapter 16 includes a flange 81. The fastener 58 is capable of moving horizontally within the flanges 80 relative to the housing of the adapter assembly 66. As shown in FIGS. shown in Figure 35, once mounted on the frame 12, the adapter mounting housing 66 is capable of floating or moving horizontally relative to the fastener 58 between the flange 81 and the rear face of the screen 48. For example, in the Figure 35, the adapter assembly 16 is shown capable of moving or floating at a distance of A towards the rear end of the frame 12. In this way, when a separator module 14 slides off the frame 12 during detachment, the adapter assembly 16 is able to float horizontally at a distance A towards the separator module 14 as the coupled connector 118 of the separator module 14 pulls the adapter 64 from the adapter assembly 16. In this way, the adapter assembly 16 is provided with a certain amount of horizontal float when it engages with and detaches from the separator module 14. As shown in an exploded view, the adapter assembly 16 in Figure 38, the elements of each adapter 64 is located through a side opening 82 in adapter recesses 84 formed within the housing of the adapter assembly 66. The elements of each adapter 64 include a sleeve alignment sleeve 86 and a pair of inner housing halves 88. These elements are placed within recesses 84 in a manner similar to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,663 of common property, granted on May 20, 1993, with the title "ONE-PIECE SC ADAPTER", the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. A panel 90 closes the opening 82 and holds the elements within each adapter 64. The adapters 64 shown are for SC style connectors, although other types, styles and formats of adapters may be used within the scope of the present description and connectors for coupling with these alternate adapters. In Figures 16-19, the adapter assembly 16 is shown mounted with an optical spacer module 14, outside the frame 12. Figures 20-30 illustrate one of the optical fiber spacer modules 14 according to the invention. Now with reference to Figures 20-30, the fiber optic separator module 14 includes a spacer module housing 92. The spacer module housing 92 includes a main housing portion 94 and a peel-off cover 96. The main housing portion 94 includes a first transverse side wall 98 extending between an upper wall 100, a wall bottom 102, a rear wall 104, and a front wall 106. The removable cover 96 defines a second transverse wall 108 of the spacer module housing 92 and closes the open side of the main module housing 94. The cover 96 is mounted on the portion of main housing 94 by fasteners (not shown) through fastener assemblies 110 defined in a main housing portion 94. The cover 96 extends beyond the first transverse wall 98 to form an upper mounting flange 44 and a flange bottom mounting 46 of the spacer module 14. With reference to Figs. 23, 25 and 26, as previously discussed, the lower flange 46 of the spacer module housing 92 and the corresponding slot 42 in the frame 12 are smaller in size than the upper flange 44 and the corresponding upper groove 40 in the frame 12. The lower groove 42 is dimensioned in such a way that, while the lower flange 46 can to be received within the slot 42, the larger upper flange 44 will not fit. This ensures that the modules 14 are located within the front opening 30 in a particular desired orientation. Similar flanges are described in U.S. Pat. from common property No. 5,363,465, granted on November 8, 1994, with the title "FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR MODULE", the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. In this way, optical fiber modules 14 are correctly oriented to couple with the adapter assemblies 16 positioned adjacent the rear 28 of the frame 12 at each mounting location 38. The rear wall 104 of the main housing portion 94 includes a curved portion 112 configured to provide bending radius protection to the wires in the interior 114. The rear wall 104 of the main housing 92 also includes an insert portion 116. A pair of fiber optic connectors 118 located in the insert position 116 project rearwardly of the rear wall 104 for coupling with optical fiber adapters 64 of assemblies. adapters 16 disposed within the frame 12. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the front wall 106 of the main module housing 94 is angled with respect to the front opening 30 of the frame 12, which can assist in the direction of cables coming out of the module 14 towards a desired location. In other modalities, the front walls 106 can generally be made parallel to the frame front 32 within the scope of the present disclosure. Each module 14 includes two cable outlets 120 that extend from the front wall 106 of the main housing of the module 94. As shown in Figure 22, cable outlets 120 are slidably mounted to the main housing 94 of the module 14 and captured by the cover 96 of the module 14 when the cover 96 is mounted in the main housing 94. Cable outlets 120 define a projecting rear lip 122 which slidably inserts into slots 124 defined around the front openings 126 to receive the cable outlets 120. The cover 96 also includes slots 128 that receive rear lips 122 from cable outlets 120 to capture cable outlets 120. Cable outlets 120 allow telecommunications cables inside module 14 to be directed out of module 14. Cable outlets 120 preferably are sized sufficiently thin to fit within the fiber optic separator module profile 14, as is shown in Figure 25, to preserve the density of the telecommunications assembly 10.

The main housing 94 includes an integrally formed flexible latch 52 (i.e. cantilevered arm) that is adapted to engage a portion of the frame 12 to hold the module 14 within the front opening 30 of the frame 12. The flexible retainer 52 also deflects to allow the module 14 to be removed from the frame 12. Still with reference to Figures 20-30, the latch 52 of the module 14 includes a tab for fastening with the fingers 130, a tongue for frontal locking 132 and a tongue for rear locking 134. The front locking tab 132 and the rear locking tab 134 define a recess 136 between them. The rear locking tab 134 includes a ramp face 138 which causes the latch 52 to deflect down elastically when the module 14 is inserted. in the frame 12. The rear interlock tab 134 also includes a square front 140 that opposes a square front 142 of the front locking tongue 132. The front lip 50 of the screen 48 at the mounting site 38 of the frame 12 is captured in the recess 136 between two locking tongues 132, 134 to hold the module 14 in place within the frame 12. During insertion, as the front lip 50 of the screen 48 releases the rear tab in ramp 134 and is captured in the recess 136 between the two locking tabs 132, 134, the bolt 52 is flexed back up. The recess 136 between the two tabs 132, 134 of the latch 52 allows a certain amount of horizontal float for the spacer module 14 within the frame 12, as will be discussed in more detail below. Removal of the module 14 from the frame 12 is performed by pressing the bolt 52 downwards, to release the square front 140 of the rear tongue 134 of the lip 50 and the sliding module 14 away from the frame 12. The module 14 includes a locking tab fixed 144 opposite and adjacent to the flexible latch 52 to assist in removing the module 14 from the frame 12. The fixed securing tab 144 is formed as part of the front wall 106 of the module 14. The fixed securing tab 144 is preferably located at the module 14 opposite the latch 52 in such a way that a user can apply opposite force 'on the latch 52 and the fixed holding tab 144 to securely hold the module 14 and remove it from the frame 12. The fixed retaining tab 144 is preferably located in the module 14 close enough to the latch 52, that a user can apply the force with two adjacent fingers of the hand. Figure 22 shows an exploded view of the fiber optic separator module 14 illustrating the internal components of the module 14. The fiber optic separator module 14 is shown in Figure 22 with the disassembled adapter assembly 16 of the module 14. Inside 114 of the main accommodation 94, the spacer module 14 includes a first radius limiter 146 adjacent the curved portion 122 of the rear wall 104 of the main housing 94. The spacer module 14 includes a second radius limiter 148 adjacent the front wall 106 of the housing 94 near the cable outlets 120. The connectors 118 of the spacer module 14 are slidably inserted in opposite grooves 154 formed in the openings 156 in the back wall 104. The connectors 118 project out of the rear wall 104 in the insertion portion 116 of the rear wall 104. External connectors 150 of connectors 118 they include transverse flanges 152 that are received within opposite grooves 154 formed in openings 156 that house the connectors 118. Once inserted slidably, the connectors 118 are captured within the housing 92 by the cover 96. Adjacent to the bottom wall 102 of the main housing 94 inside 114, there is an optical component 158 such as a fiber optic separator or fan outlet. The optical component 158 is held against the inside of the bottom wall 102 by a clamp 160 (i.e., a fixator). The clamp 160 is placed in the clamp assembly 162 defined in the main housing of the spacer module 94 with fasteners (not shown). In the housing mode 94 shown in the Figures, the clamp assembly 162 includes two pairs of mounting holes 164, 166. Either the upper set of holes 164 or the lower set of holes 166 is used depending on the size of the clamp that it will be used to maintain the optical component 158 against the back wall 102. It will be noted that different optical components may have different thicknesses and may require the use of clamps of different size to hold the optical components in place. In certain embodiments, two optical components that are stacked one on top of the other can be used, in which case a smaller clamp will be used to hold the two optical components in place. The optical component 158 is displaced from the interior side of the first transverse side wall 98 by a set of cable management structures 168. In the embodiment of the module 14 illustrated, the set of cable management structures 168 are elongated structures 170 which define 172 cable management slots between them. When the optical component 158 is held in place, the cables can be routed through slots 172 between the optical component 158 and the interior of the first transverse wall 98 (see for example Figures 29 and 30). The main housing of spacer module 94 also includes bending supports 174 (e.g., grooves) adjacent to the front wall 106 of housing 94 below the second radius limiter 148. Folding elements 176 folded at the ends of the cables that they are divided by the optical component 158, slidably received in folding supports 174 as shown in FIGS.

Figures 22 and 29. The folding elements 176 define square flanges 175 between which a recessed portion 177 is defined. The folding supports 174 include structure complementary to the folding elements, in such a way that once the folding elements 176 slidably inserted into the folding supports 174, the folding elements 176 are prevented from moving in a longitudinal direction due to the flanges 175. Once slidably inserted, the folding elements 176 are held in place by the cover 96 which is mounted in the main housing of the separator module 94. In the embodiment shown, there are nine crease support slots 174, each of which is capable of accommodating up to four folding elements 176. Other numbers are possible. Other complementary shapes between the folding elements and the folding support slots are also possible to provide a slidable fit and to prevent axial movement of the folding elements once the folding supports are inserted. Figure 29 shows the fiber optic separator module 14 without a cover 96 that exposes the interior characteristics of the fiber optic separator module 14, including addressing a fiber optic cable within the fiber optic separator module 14. Figure 30 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken on the section line 30-30 of Figure 29. As shown in Figure 29, a first cable 178 it extends from the connector 118 to the optical component 158, mounted within the housing of the module 92. The optical component 158, as discussed previously, can be a spacer or a fan-shaped or other type of optical component. In the modality shown,; the optical component 158 is an optical fiber separator that separates the signal from a single strand into a plurality of secondary signals. In another embodiment, the first cable 178 may be a multi-strand fiber cable with a plurality of strands of optical fibers and the optical component may be a fan-out to separate the individual strands in each of a plurality of second cables. The first cable 178, as it extends toward the optical component 158, is inserted through slots 172 (see Figures 22, 29, and 30) located between the optical component 158 and the inner side of the first transverse side wall 98 of the housing of module 94 and looping around the first radio limiter 146 and then around the second radio limiter 148, before being received by the optical component 158. The second cables 180 extend from the optical component 158 and are loop again all the way around the first radio limiter 146 before going to the fold supports 174. Of the fold supports 174, cables (not shown) folded to the other ends of the folds 176, exit the module through the module 120 output. A cable external (not shown). it can extend to the rear end 70 of an adapter 64 of the adapter assembly 16 and can be terminated by a connector (not shown in Figure 29) that is optically connected to the connector 1 18 of the module 14 through the adapter 64 once the module 14 it is inserted into the frame 12. It will be noted that directing the fiber optic cables within the module 14 as shown in Figures 29 and 30, is only an example and other ways of directing the cables within the module are possible. The fiber optic separator module embodiment 14 illustrated in the figures is configured such that it can accommodate a reduced bend radius fiber. A fiber with bending radius reduced may have a doubling radius of about 15 mm, while a non-reduced bend radius fiber may have a bending radius of about 30 mm. Similar optical fiber spacer modules are described in the U.S. patent applications. of common property Serial numbers 10 / 980,978 (presented on November 3, 2004, with title FIBER OPTIC MODULE AND SYSTEM INCLUDING REAR CONNECTORS); 11 / 138,063 (filed May 25, 2005, with title FIBER OPTIC SPLITTER MODULE); 11 / 138,889 (filed on May 25, 2005, with title FIBER OPTIC ADAPTER MODULE); and 11 / 215,837 (filed on August 29, 2005, under the title FIBER OPTIC SPLITTER MODULE WITH CONNECTOR ACCESS), the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference. The insertion of a spacer module 14 in the frame 12 is illustrated in Figures 31 to 35. With reference to Figures 31 to 35, insertion of the fiber optic module 12 into the front opening 30 of the frame 12 starts the coupling of the module 14 with frame 12 and adapters 64 of adapter assembly 16. Top flanges 44 engage top slots 40 and bottom flanges 46 engage bottom or bottom slots 42 of frame 12, as shown in FIG. insert the module 14. Still with reference to Figures 31 to 35, the frame 12 includes a flexible shield 182 at each mounting location 38. The shield 182 is adapted to prevent protection against accidental exposure to light. The shield 182 is located at the front end 68 of each adapter 64 of the adapter assembly 16. Before a spacer module 14 is placed in an associated mounting location 38, if a tab connection cable is connected to an adapter 64 of an adapter mount 16 illuminates and transmits light signals, the shielding or shielding 182 will prevent accidental exposure to these signals which can damage the eyes or other sensitive organs or nearby communication equipment. The insertion of the separator module 14 pushes the shield 182 out of the passage as illustrated in Figures 31 to 33. The shield 182 is deflected by the module 14, as the module 14 is inserted through the front opening 30 in such a way that the connectors 118 of the module 14 can couple with adapters 64 of the adapter assemblies 16. The shield 182 is preferably made of a resilient deformable material that will return to the position, when the module 14 is removed from the mounting location 38.

For example, in Figure 31, an optical fiber spacer module 14 is illustrated partially inserted into the frame 12 before the connectors 118 of the spacer module 14 have made contact with the frame shield 182. In Figure 32, the spacer module of optical fibers 14 is shown in a position within the frame 12 with connectors 118 of the fiber optic separator module 14 which makes initial contact with the armor 182 of the frame 12 to move the shield 182 out of the passageway (a lateral cross-sectional view is shown in Figure 34). In Figure 33, the fiber optic separator module 14 is illustrated in a fully inserted position within the frame 12, which has moved the shield 182 out of the passage (a side cross-sectional view is shown in Figure 35). The shield 182 is configured such that the shield 182 does not engage the ferrule 184 of the connector 118 of the spacer module 14 when the connector 118 makes contact with the shield 182 to get it out of the way. Instead, the outer connector housing 150 pushes the shield 182 out of the way. The shield 182 can be connected to the frame 12 by fasteners, or alternatively, the shield 182 can be integrally formed with the frame 12 or mounted by spot welding or other fastening techniques. As the shield 182 deviates completely, further insertion of the module 14 leads to the connectors 118 in contact with the adapters 64 and the connectors 118 are received within the front ends 68 of the adapters 64. The bolt 52 is biased inwardly as module 14 is inserted and then flexed back so that the front lip 50 of the screen 48 is captured in the recess 136. The module 14 is now in position to process and transmit signals of the cable through the first cable 178, optical component 158 and second cable 180 inside the interior of the module 114. Now with reference to Figure 35, as noted above, the recess 136 between the two tabs 132, 134 of the latch 52, provides a certain amount of horizontal floating for the separator module 14 within the frame 12. The front lip 50 of the screen 48 is allowed to move a distance of D as indicated in Figure 35 before it contacts the the square front 140 of the rear tab 134. The separator module 14 is configured such that when the separator module 14 is detached from the front 32 of the frame 12, the distance D of the lip 50 of the screen 48 travels before the contact of the square front 140 of the tongue rear 134 is less than the horizontal float (ie distance A) that is provided by adapter assembly 16, as discussed above. In this manner, the separator module 14 provides a form of protection against accidental detachment of the connectors 118 from the module of the adapter assemblies 16 at the rear 28 of the frame 12. The recess size 136 of the module 14 is configured in such a way that the horizontal float of the separator module 14, is interrupted before the adapter assembly 16 can be sufficiently detached towards the front of the frame 12 to stop its horizontal movement and accidentally detach the connectors 118 from the module 14 of the adapters 64. Figures 36 to 45 illustrate a test tool / dust cap 190 configured for use with the adapter assembly 16 of the telecommunications assembly 10. The tool Test / dust cap 190 includes a body 192 with a front end 194 and a rear end 196. The dust proof / cover tool 190 includes a pair of connectors 118 projecting out of the front end 194. As shown in FIG. Figure 39, the pair of connectors 118 is slidably inserted into connector brackets 193 of the body 192 of the test tool / dust cap 190. The connector brackets 193 include slots 195 for receiving flanges of the outer housings of the connectors 118 as in the housing 94 of the separator module 14. The test tool / dust cap 190 also includes a pair of dust plugs 198 projecting out of the rear end 196. The test tool / dust cover 190 includes an upper wall 200 and a lower wall 202 and a first transverse side 204 and a second transverse side 206. The upper and lower walls 200, 202 include upper and lower flanges 208, 2. 10, respectively, for slidable insertion in the frame 12 similar to the optical fiber spacing module 14. The first transverse side 204 includes a radius limiter 212 for guiding the terminated cables with the tool connectors 118. test / dust cap 190. There is a first fastener 214 integrally formed with the body 192 at the front end 194. There is a second fastener 216 defined at the end of the radio restrictor 212, formed integrally with the body 192 at the rear end 196 of the test tool / dust cover 190. As shown in Figures 36 and 37, the dust proof / cover tool 190 is slidably inserted into the frame 12 and used in two different ways. In Figure 36, the dust proof / cover tool 190 is shown to be used as a test tool to test the power of optical signals in the adapter assemblies 16. Since the adapter assemblies 16 are located at the rear end 28 of the frame 12 and the front ends 68 of the adapters 64 of adapter assemblies 16 are located inside the frame 12 on the rear 28, it is difficult to access the connections for testing or other purposes. The pair of connectors 118 at the front end 194 of the test tool / dust cap 190 are designed to be coupled with adapters 64 of the adapter assembly 16 when the test tool / dust cover 190 is slidably inserted in the frame 12. In this way, the connections in the adapter assemblies 16 can be tested without having to detach the adapter assemblies 16 from the frame 12 and without having to reach the frame 12. As shown in the Figure 37, the test tool / dust cap 190 can also be turned around 180 degrees and used as a dust cap to seal the interior of the adapters 64 against contaminants. If a spacer module 14 is not inserted into one of the mounting locations 38 of the frame 12, the test tool / dust cap 190 can act as a position marker and slide slidably into the frame 12. The dust caps 198 they include recessed portions 199 for receiving projecting tabs 89 of the arms 91 of the housing halves within an adapter 64. The recessed portions 199 assist in retaining the dust caps 198 within the adapters 64. In Figure 38, the Test tool / dust cap 190 is shown in combination with a disassembled adapter assembly 16. In Figure 39, in the test tool / cover against dust 190 is shown with an adapter assembly 16 disposed there and shown with one of the test connectors 118 of the test tool / dust cap 190 of the test tool / dust cap 190. FIGS. 46 a 52 a clamping extension 218 adapted for use with the connectors 118 coupled to the back 70 of the adapters 64 of the adapter assembly 16. The clamping extension 218 is designed to add length to the outer housing 150 of a connector 113 for easy access to individual connectors 118 in dense environments such as telecommunication assembly 10. The securing extension is preferably first mounted on a cable before the cable is terminated at a connector 118. Once connector 118 is terminated on the cable , the holding extension 218 slides over the sleeve portion 220 of the connector and mounts into the outer housing 150 of the connector 118 as shown in FIG. Figure 7. With reference to Figures 46 to 52, the clamping extension 218 includes an elongated body 222 with four cantilevered arms extending from a front portion 224 of the body 222. Two of the opposing cantilevered arms 226, 228 include projecting tabs 230 for engagement with the clamping surface 232 of the outer housing 150 of the connectors 118. Two of the other opposing cantilevered arms 234, 236 include slots 238 for engaging the flanges 240 defined in the outer connector housing 150. With four cantilevered arms 226, 228, 234, 236, the clamping extensions 218 are engaged by quick actuation on connector housings 150. The rear portion 242 of the clamping extension body 222 includes an upper side 244, an open lower side 246 and two transverse sides 248, 250 that taper when passing in a direction from the front 224 to the back 242. The upper and lower sides 244, 246 include fastening structures 252, to facilitate detachment of the fastening extension 218 to remove the connectors 118. The specification examples and data above provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the appended claims below.

Claims (44)

1. CLAIMS 1. A telecommunications assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a frame including a cover, a bottom, a front opening, a rear opening and first and second transverse sides extending between the front and rear openings, the frame defining a plurality of mounting locations; a module configured to be slidably received within the frame through the front opening in one of the mounting locations, the module is removed from the frame through the front opening; and adapter assembly defining at least one adapter, the adapter assembly is configured to be slidably received within the frame through a rear opening in one of the mounting locations, the adapter assembly is removed from the frame through the rear opening; the module includes at least one connector, adapted to be coupled with the adapter mounting adapter, when the module is inserted into the frame. A telecommunications assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame includes a flexible shield to block light from a front end of an adapter in the adapter assembly, the shield is movable between an operative position and a non-operative position, the shield is configured to move from the operative position to the non-operative position by the module when the module is slidably inserted into the frame. A telecommunications assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that a connector of the module makes contact with the shield to move it from the operative position to the inoperative position, when the module is inserted in the frame. A telecommunications assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that each mounting location includes a front detent forming an adjustment connection by quick coupling with the slidable module, for retaining the module within the frame. A telecommunications assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the module includes a predetermined amount of horizontal float within the frame once it is assembled, wherein the module is able to move horizontally a predetermined distance within the frame once that is mounted there. 6. A telecommunications assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that each mounting location includes a rear face with an opening for receiving a mounting clip of the adapter assembly, for retaining the adapter assembly within the frame. A telecommunications assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the adapter assembly includes a predetermined amount of horizontal float relative to the frame once it is assembled there, wherein the adapter assembly is capable of horizontally moving a predetermined distance from the frame once it is mounted there. A telecommunications assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame is configured to house eight modules and eight adapter assemblies. 9. An optical fiber adapter assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a housing defining a plurality of integrally formed adapters, the housing defining a cover, a bottom and first and second transverse sides extending between the cover and the bottom, the housing includes a mounting slide on top of the housing for slidingly guiding the adapter assembly into a piece of telecommunications equipment; the mounting slide includes a horizontal guide portion and a vertical guide portion, the mounting slide includes a flange for holding a mounting fastener, the mounting fastener extends in a direction from a housing front to a rear portion of the housing. In the housing, the mounting fastener is rotatable relative to the housing relative to a longitudinal axis of the mounting bracket and movable relative to the housing in a direction extending between the front and the back of the housing; each housing adapter includes a front opening for receiving a first fiber optic connector, a rear opening for receiving a second fiber optic connector, adapted to couple with the first fiber optic connector, and a slider opening for receiving an alignment sleeve of cap and halves of inner housing; and the housing includes a panel that closes the side openings of the adapters, to maintain the sleeve alignment sleeve and the inner housing halves within the adapters. 10. An optical fiber adapter assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the mounting fastener is a hand screw. 11. An optical fiber adapter assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the adapter assembly includes two adapters formed integrally. 12. Method for using a telecommunications rack comprising a cover, a bottom, a front opening, a rear opening and first and second transverse sides extending between the front and rear openings, the frame defining a plurality of mounting locations, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) slidably inserting an adapter assembly defining at least one fiber optic adapter in the frame through the rear opening of one of the mounting locations; b) slidingly inserting a module including a fiber optic separator and at least one fiber optic connector into the frame, through the front opening in one of the mounting locations for coupling the fiber optic connector with a fiber optic adapter. adapter mount in the part back of the frame. A fastening extension for use with an optical fiber connector, including a housing with upper and lower side including projecting flanges, first and second transverse sides including clamping surfaces, a front connection side and a termination side fiber optic cable rear with a flexible sheath, the holding extension comprises: an elongate body including an open front end, an open rear end, an upper side, a lower side, and first and second transverse sides extending between the front and back ends; the first and second transverse sides define two opposed flexible cantilever arms adjacent the front end, the upper and lower sides defining two opposed flexible cantilever arms adjacent the front end; the two cantilevered arms defined by the transverse sides including inwardly projecting tabs for coupling the clamping surfaces of the transverse sides of the connector housing; the two cantilever arms defined by upper and lower sides including slots to receive the projecting flanges of the upper sides and lower connector housing; and the clamping extension includes clamping surfaces adjacent the trailing end, wherein the clamping extension is configured to engage with the connector housing with a quick coupling connection and wherein the clamping extension is configured to accommodate the flexible connector sheath through the open rear end. A fastening extension according to claim 13, characterized in that the lower side includes an open portion for receiving downward bending of the connector sleeve, when the clamping extension engages with the connector housing. A fastening extension according to claim 13, characterized in that all the cantilevered arms adjacent to the front end flex outwards to receive the connector housing. 16. A test tool / dust cover combination, for use with a telecommunications assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a body including a front end, a rear end, an upper side, a lower side, first and second transverse sides , he body defines a longitudinal guide flange adjacent to the upper side of a longitudinal guide flange adjacent to the underside; at least one fiber optic connector support that is provided adjacent the front end; at least one powder plug for optical fibers, adapted to be received within an optical fiber adapter that is provided adjacent the rear end; wherein the test tool / dust cover in combination can be slidably inserted into a telecommunications rack in one of two different orientations, wherein in a first orientation the front end is first inserted into the frame, and where in a second orientation, the rear end is first inserted into the frame. 17. A test tool / dust cover combination according to claim 16, characterized in that the body includes a finger holder adjacent to the front end and a finger holder adjacent to the rear end. 18. A test tool / dust cover combination according to claim 16, characterized in that the body it defines a cable management structure extending from the connector support adjacent the front end to the dust cap adjacent the rear end. 19. A test tool / dust cover combination according to claim 16, characterized in that the body is generally rectangular and the connector support and the dust cap are located in diagonal corners in the rectangular body. 20. A powder test / cover tool combination according to claim 16, characterized in that the connector support houses two fiber optic connectors and wherein the powder test / cover tool includes two dust caps. 21. A test tool / dust cover combination according to claim 16, characterized in that the connectors are slidably inserted and removed from the body connector support. 22. A test tool / dust cover combination according to claim 16, characterized in that the dust caps are formed integrally with the body. 23. A telecommunications module, characterized in that it comprises: a housing including a main housing portion defining a first transverse wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a bottom wall, which cooperatively define an interior; the main housing includes at least one fiber optic connector extending from the rear wall towards an exterior of the module; the main housing includes at least one cable outlet extending from the front wall of the module to the outside of the module; the module includes an optical component located inside the module adjacent to the bottom or bottom wall of the main housing; the module includes a first structure for cable management located inside the module to guide cables that extend between the connector and the optical component; the module includes a second structure for cable management located inside the module, to guide cables that extend between the optical component and the cable outlet; and the module housing includes a cover portion for mounting to the main housing portion for closing the interior of the main housing portion. 24. A telecommunications module according to claim 23, characterized in that it also includes mounting guide flanges extending from the upper and lower walls of the main housing, the flange in the upper wall is of a different size than the flange in the lower wall . 25. A telecommunications module according to claim 23, characterized in that the optical component includes a separator of optical fibers that separate a single input signal into a plurality of the same output signals. 26. A telecommunications module according to claim 23, characterized in that the rear wall of the main housing includes a curved portion and wherein the first cable management structure includes a reel positioned adjacent to the curved portion. 27. A telecommunications module according to claim 23, characterized in that it also includes a structure for managing a third cable that defines channels located between an inner side of the first transverse wall and the optical component. 28. A telecommunications module of according to claim 27, characterized in that the optical component is displaced from the inner side of the first transverse wall, by a third cable management structure. 29. A telecommunications module according to claim 23, characterized in that the housing includes a flexible cantilever arm, which extends from the front wall of the main housing to provide a quick coupling connection with a piece of telecommunications equipment. 30. A telecommunications module according to claim 23, characterized in that the rear wall includes an insert portion and wherein the connector is located in the insert portion of the rear wall. 31. A telecommunications module according to claim 23, characterized in that the front wall is positioned at an angle with respect to the upper and lower walls of the main housing. 32. A telecommunications module according to claim 23, characterized in that the main housing includes fold supports located adjacent to the cable ends. to hold folded ends of cables that pass from the optical component to the cable outlets. 33. A telecommunications module, characterized in that it comprises: a housing including a main housing portion that distinguishes a first transverse wall, a front wall, a rear wall, an upper wall, and a lower wall cooperatively defining an interior; the main housing includes at least one fiber optic connector extending from the rear wall towards an exterior of the module; the main housing includes at least one cable outlet extending from the front wall of the module to the outside of the cable; the module includes an optical component located inside the module adjacent to the lower wall of the main housing; the module housing includes a cover portion for mounting to the main housing portion for closing the interior of the main housing portion; and the main housing portion of the module includes fold supports located adjacent to the cable outlets for holding the folded ends of cables extending from the optical component towards the cable outlet, the folding supports are configured to slidably receive folded ends of cables in a stacked array in a direction extending generally from the cover to the first transverse side of the main housing portion. 34. A telecommunications module according to claim 33, characterized in that it also includes a structure for cable management located inside the module to guide cables from the connector to the cable outlet. 35. A telecommunications module according to claim 33, characterized in that the folding support defines slots for receiving folded ends of cables. 36. A telecommunications module according to claim 35, characterized in that the folding supports define nine slots. 37. A telecommunications module according to claim 36, characterized in that each slot houses four folded elements. 38. A telecommunications module according to claim 33, characterized in that the optical component includes an optical fiber separator that separates a single input signal in a plurality of the same output signals. 39. A telecommunications module according to claim 33, characterized in that the housing includes a flexible, cantilevered arm, extending from the front wall of the main housing, to provide a quick coupling connection with a piece of telecommunications equipment. . 40. A telecommunications module according to claim 33, characterized in that the rear wall includes an insert portion, the connector is located in the insert portion of the rear wall. 41. A telecommunications module according to claim 33, characterized in that the front wall is positioned at an angle with respect to the upper and lower walls of the main housing. 42. A telecommunications module, characterized in that it comprises: a housing including a main housing portion that distinguishes a first transverse wall, a front wall, a rear wall, an upper wall, and a lower wall cooperatively defining an interior; The main accommodation includes when less an optical fiber connector extending from the rear wall towards an exterior of the module; the main housing includes at least one cable outlet extending from the front wall of the module to the outside of the cable; the module includes an optical component located inside the module adjacent to the lower wall of the main housing; the module housing includes a cover portion for mounting to the main housing portion for closing the interior of the main housing portion; and the module includes a flexible cantilever arm, extending from the front wall of the main housing towards the exterior of the module to provide a quick coupling connection with a telecommunications equipment, the module also includes a fixed holding tab extending from the front wall of the main housing to the exterior of the module adjacent to the flexible cantilever arm. 43. A telecommunications module according to claim 42, characterized in that the cantilevered arm includes a ramp tongue to cause deflection of the arm, when the module is inserted into a piece of equipment telecommunications 44. A telecommunications module according to claim 42, characterized in that the cantilevered arm is generally placed in line with the connector of the module that goes in a direction from the front wall to the rear wall of the module.