WO2010001160A1 - Optical fibre distribution system with fibre storage reels - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical fibre organiser or distribution frame comprising an array of connector holders (25) for receiving optical connectors (24,26) suitable for making connections between optical fibres fed to/from the frame, the array of connector holders being arranged adjacent to an array of fibre storage reels (29) each having a support part and a winding part rotatably mounted on to the support part, each reel storing a length of fibre with a terminated end carried on the winding part so that rotation of the winding part winds fibre onto the reel, or unwinds fibre from the reel, the said terminated end having an optical connector (26) for optical connection to an optical connector in any selected one of the said connector holders.

Description

OPTICAL FIBRE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WITH FIBRE STORAGE REELS

The present invention relates generally to optical fibre distribution systems, and in particular (but not exclusively) to distribution systems and fibre management in the context of Fibre to the Home (FTT/H/P/X) hereinafter referred to as FTTH.

Fibre to the home (FTTH) concerns the installation of optical fibres in the subscriber loop of telecommunications networks either instead of or to replace twisted copper pairs. At the present time there are two leading technologies for providing high speed access to telecommunications networks from the home or business premises, namely DSL Broadband which utilises existing copper pairs and FTTH. FTTH is on average ten times faster than DSL Broadband and is inherently non-asymmetric in the sense that FTTH network connections operate at substantially the same speed in both directions. Emerging high speed services such as high definition IPTV and the like are driving the requirement for higher speed access and consequently FTTH is emerging as the preferred high speed access technology, particularly for new homes and business premises where there is no existing network infrastructure.

In a fibre optical network, fibres are typically routed from a central office of a service provider via distribution means by which the "trunk" bundle of fibres is successively split up and individual fibres routed to their ultimate destination, typically to subscriber premises and homes in the case of FTTH. Within the central office, therefore, there is a very large number of optical fibres to be organised, and this organisation is generally undertaken in distribution cabinets, distribution frames, boxes and other devices of a distribution system.

In an optical distribution frame (ODF) there are two main types of connection, that is a permanent or "splice" connection between the end of an optical fibre arriving at the frame in a trunk bundle (and sometimes also departing from the frame in such a trunk bundle) and less permanent connections, which need to be accessible for occasional adaptation of the connections within the system and known as "patching" connections. The devices for making either of these types of connections will be referred to generally as connections, and the specific type identified where appropriate as splices and patching connections.

Because of the large number of connections between individual optical fibres which must be made in a central office, and in other parts of the distribution system, space is at a premium and the density of connectors (that is the number of connectors which can be located within a given volume or, as is sometimes considered important, within a given "footprint" that is a certain area of floor space, must continually be reviewed and minimised.

There is a requirement, therefore, for a distribution system for optical fibres in which a high density of connectors is achievable, and which also has other advantages, in particular in facilitating the management of optical fibres and their connections by operators.

There is a requirement to provide an optical fibre distribution system which is suitable for FTTH application and which will economically achieve a high density, using components which are light and strong and sufficiently rugged to withstand the rigours of normal use, as well as protecting the optical fibres from excessive bending when connections are being made or changed.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided, an optical fibre organiser or distribution frame comprising an array of connector holders for receiving optical connectors suitable for making connections between optical fibres fed to/from the frame, the array of connector holders being arranged adjacent to an array of fibre storage reels each having a support part and a winding part rotatably mounted on to the support part, each reel storing a length of fibre with a terminated end carried on the winding part so that rotation of the winding part winds fibre onto the reel, or unwinds fibre from the reel, the said terminated end having an optical connector for optical connection to an optical connector in any selected one of the said connector holders.

This aspect of the present invention is particularly advantageous since it provides for efficient utilisation of space in a fibre distribution system, such an organiser or distribution frame, by grouping fibre connectors, connector holders, and fibre storage reels together so that the distance between the connector holders and the storage reels is reduced so that the length of fibre between the two regions can be minimised leading to a high density arrangement for fibre connections, thereby maximising the space available for making connections in an optical distribution system.

The array of storage reels may comprise a stack of reels in which the reels are supported by one another or by insertion in openings in a support module included in the frame. In this way the stack of reels may form a self-supporting structure, or at least partly self-supporting. In addition, or alternatively, the reels may be supported by the openings in the support module. In preferred embodiments the array of storage reels substantially corresponds to the array of connector holders, for example each storage reel may be associated with a particular connector holder adjacent to the storage reel in the distribution frame. This can assist in the management of fibre in the distribution frame or organiser by minimising the length(s) of fibre between reel and connector.

The optical fibre organiser or distribution frame may comprise an array of fibre storage reel support modules, with each module including an array of fibre storage reels. The modular aspect of the organiser or distribution frame readily enables different capacity distribution systems to be provided in accordance with capacity requirements which may vary from time to time.

Preferably, connection means are provided on each module for connecting each module to adjacent module(s) and/or support means in an interlocking array of said modules. In this way it is possible to create a self-supporting structure of interconnecting modules, or at least a structure that is supported by the minimum underlying support structure. Because of the interconnecting nature of the modules, additional modules may be added as and when required so that capacity may be added in an ad-hoc or piece-meal manner when more connections are required in the optical distribution system. In preferred embodiments the modules are arranged to nest so that a nested structure of modules is formed when a plurality of modules are connected together.

In preferred embodiments the connection means provide for attachment and detachment of a module to adjacent module(s) positioned on at least one side thereof, for example to create a two dimensional array of fibre distribution modules in, say, a patch panel of a fibre distribution frame.

The connection means may comprise corresponding male/female snap fit connection means, preferably reversible snap fit connections. Thus, the modules may be readily attached to and detached from neighbouring modules.

Preferably the modules are rotationally reversible so that they are capable of being mounted in an array of modules in a first orientation and in another array of modules in a second orientation. Each module is preferably rotationally reversible in the sense that it is capable of being mounted in one array of modules in a first orientation and in another array of modules in a second orientation, rotated 180 degrees with respect to the said first orientation. This enables one type of module to be used in a symmetrical arrangement comprising an array of modules on both sides of an organiser or distribution frame, for example. The connector holders are preferably movable between a stowed position and a deployed access position for connection with the end of a respective fibre, preferably a terminated/connectorised end of the fibre. This can assist in the identification of unused connector holders in an array of holders, since an unused connector holder may be positioned in its access position until it is utilised to make a connection with a respective fibre.

The connector holders are preferably pivotally mounted within the organiser or distribution frame for pivotal movement between respective stowed and deployed access positions, these positions may define respective bi-stable positions of the connector holders.

In preferred embodiments locking means are provided for locking each connector holder in its stowed position. Preferably the locking means comprises a click-in/click-out type locking arrangement which readily enables the connector holders to be moved to their access position and subsequently locked in their stowed position when connected to an in-coming/out-going fibre connector.

Fibre storage reel openings are preferably separated, at least in part, by respective dividing walls. Thus individual openings may be provided for respective fibre storage reels with the dividing walls collectively defining a series of openings adjacent the connector holders.

Each module may further comprise fibre guide means positioned at one or both ends of the respective fibre storage reel arrays for routing fibre to/from the reel. This is particularly advantageous when a plurality of support modules are arranged together in a stack, or 2D array where a significant number of fibres exist.

In preferred embodiments each support module may comprise an array of between 8 and 24 openings and connectors, preferably between 8 and 12, preferably arranged side by side in a stack or ID array.

The connector holders are preferably accessible on both sides of the support module for connection to respective incoming/outgoing fibres on opposite sides of the support module. This arrangement is particularly useful when fibres are fed to the support module on both sides, for example in an optical distribution frame arrangement with splice connections on one side and patch connections on another. Preferably, the connector holders are attachably detachably mounted on the module. This can assist joining of the connector holders to optical connectors on the respective fibre ends and also assist in the cleaning of the connectors.

The organiser or distribution frame preferably comprises at least one support module on both a service provider side and a subscriber side thereof. In such embodiments at least one support module may be mounted on a hinge support so that the support module may be pivoted between an open and closed position to provide access to both sides of the support module in use.

The present invention also contemplates a patching panel embodiment for a telecommunications optical fibre distribution frame, box, cabinet or the like comprising at least one support module of the aforementioned type on both a service provider side of the panel and a subscriber side of the panel.

Various embodiment of the present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a modular unit for forming a distribution frame shown in its closed condition.

Figure Ia is a schematic view of a jumper for making patching connections; Figure 2 is a perspective view from above illustrating the modular unit illustrated in

Figure 1 in an open or access condition;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an optical fibre overlength storage reel connector for use in a fibre distribution module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the fibre storage reel of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a perspective view of optical fibre distribution module according to an embodiment of the present invention with four overlength storage reel connectors installed;

Figure 6 is a perspective view similar to Figure 5 with an overlength storage reel connector aligned with a corresponding connector on the distribution module and positioned for installation; Figure 7 is a perspective view similar to Figure 6 with the overlength storage reel connected but prior to being moved to the retracted position of the other installed;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an array of optical fibre distribution modules of Figures 5-7 connected together to form a panel of distribution modules;

Figure 9 is a perspective view from the rear of an optical fibre distribution module similar to that of Figures 5-8 having an integral splice tray, with the tray shown in an open position; and, Figure 10 is a perspective view of the optical fibre distribution module shown in Figure 9 with the integral splice tray shown in a closed position.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown a modular unit generally indicated 11 for forming an optical distribution frame suitable for installation in an optical fibre distribution network, particularly in a central office of a service provider.

As can be seen in the drawings and particularly Figure 1, the modular unit 11 has two banks 12 and 13 of optical fibre connector units, which will be described in more detail below.

The optical distribution frame modular unit 11 is shown in the drawings with a rear wall, 14 and left and right side walls 15, 16, but it must be emphasised that these boundary walls are illustrated for convenience of identifying locations and positions within the optical distribution frame and, in practice, may not be present, other support means being provided for the individual banks of connector units 12, 13 indeed the banks 12, 13 of connector units may be self-supporting as described below.

On the rear wall 14 of the modular unit 11 is an input cable support panel 14a which provides support and guidance for bundles of optical fibres in cables 17, 18 which may pass through the modular unit, as illustrated by the cables 17, or, as in the case of the cable 18, may be connected to the connector units within the optical fibre distribution module 11.

The bank 12 of the optical fibre connector units comprises two arrays of 12a, 12b (in this case vertical stacks) of splicing connector units in the form of splice trays. Individual fibres 19 from the bundle 18 are lead out via a fixed guide or locator 20 from which each fibre is individually guided by a resilient guide arm 21 into a splice tray of the array 12a.

The splice trays in the array 12a are stacked vertically and each provided with guides (not shown), which inter-connect with one another so that the individual trays in the stack are each guided by their neighbours above and below them. The guide arms 21 are flexible and resilient and each allows the respective tray in the stack 12a to be drawn out along a rectilinear path whilst supporting and guiding the optical fibre or fibres carried on it so that each fibre does not exceed its minimum bend radius.

Suitable splice connectors (not shown in detail) are mounted on each of the splice trays of the arrays 12a, 12b for forming permanent splice connections between the fibres 21 leading from the bundle 18 and fibres 23 within the optical distribution frame 11 leading from the splice trays 12 to the bank of patching connectors 13. These fibres 23 are held in a flexible laminar array by a flexible laminar support (not shown). Each individual fibre 23 is terminated by a respective plug connector 24.

The plug connector 24 is engaged in one end of a selected double-ended socket 25 pivotally mounted to a rack of fibre distribution modules 27. The other end of the socket 25 receives a plug 26 connected to one end of an optical fibre 28 coiled in a wind-up coil unit 29. As is shown in Figure Ia, the optical fibre 28 is a so-called "jumper", namely an optical fibre length with a plug 26, 31 at each end for making patching connections. The plugs 26, 31 are carried on the casings of over-length wind-up coil units 29, 30 into which surplus fibres can be coiled as will be more fully explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4 below. Patching between two parts of the patch panel defined by the bank 13 of patch connector units on the left and right hand side of the modular unit 11, therefore, can be achieved by a plug-in connection of the two plugs 24, 26 with respective sockets 25, for which purpose the sockets 25 can be pivoted to an access position (shown in Figure 7). The coil casing can then be pivoted into position into a holder of the rack 27. The optical fibre 28 leads out from the coil unit 29 via a curved guide 32 from which it can be routed, for example downwards through a guide duct 33 having a hinge function as will be described in more detail below, to a lower level in the optical distribution frame modular unit along a guide 48 from which it can be brought back up, for example along a guide duct 34 to the wind up coil 30, the plug 31 of which may be connected to a selected socket in this array 13 on the other side, right hand side, of the unit 11.

The ducts 33, 34, which are in the form of part-cylindrical tubular elements, are nested within corresponding similar part-cylindrical support guides 35, 36 to form a vertical-axis pivot hinge which also serves as a guide duct for the optical fibres of the patch panel constituted by the bank

13 of connector units and a hinge support structure for the distribution modules 27. Because the optical fibres have a relatively long drop between one end and the other there is sufficient freedom of movement to allow the two arrays of patching connectors to be pivoted about the hinges defined by the part-cylindrical guides 33, 35 and 34, 36 to the position illustrated in Figure 2 to allow the user access to the splice trays 12a, 12b should it be desired to make a change to the splicing connections at a later date.

As can be seen in Figures 2, when the two banks of patching connector units 13 are swung out about the pivot hinges defined by the part-cylindrical guides 33, 34, there is free access for an operator to reach the splice trays in the bank 12 to make splicing connections. It should be noted that the fibres 23 may be preliminarily fitted in the frame to provide a one-to-one relation between the splice trays 12 and the patching connector sockets 25. Then, when the splicing is complete the banks 13 of patching connectors can be swung to the closed position illustrated in Figure 1, obstructing further access to the splice trays, but presenting the patch panel frontally to an operator for easy access to make whatever patching connections are desired. Locking means, not shown, may be provided to hold the banks 13 of connector units in place so that access to the splice trays can only be gained by authorised operators.

In other embodiments, not shown, the different banks of connector units are not respectively splice trays and patching connectors as illustrated in the drawings; instead both banks may be splicing connectors or both may be patching connectors.

The number of connector units in an array may likewise by different from that shown. For example modules from as few as four connector units in an array may be provided, increasing in increments of two or four up to the thirty two shown, or even more if desired.

It is an advantage of the preferred structure that the open central region, which is present even when the banks 13 are closed, assists air circulation for cooling of any heat-emitting devices that may be present.

Referring now to the drawings of Figures 3 and 4, which show a wind-up coil device 29 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wind-up coil 29 constitutes a self- contained free-standing optical fibre storage reel comprising a pair of relatively rotatable toroidal members, including a winding part 50 and a support part 52. The toroidal members constitute respective axial halves of the device, which when in the assembled configuration of Figure 3 define an enclosed toroidal region 53 for storing coils of optical fibre 28 with minimum bend control. The internal fibre storage region 53 extends between respective axial end walls 56 and 58 of the members 50, 52. The end walls are sufficiently spaced apart in the assembled device to accommodate a number of coils of fibre, for example 20-50 turns. The first of the toroidal parts 50 has an axially extending annular outer periphery 54 having a plurality of gripping elements 60 circumferentially spaced around the periphery. The inner circumferential periphery of the toroidal part 50 is provided by an axially extending annular wall member 62, which includes an inwardly projecting annular flange element 64, which constitutes one part of a reversible snap-fit connection for attaching the toroidal parts 50, 52 together. A fibre retention means in the form of an optical fibre connector holder 66 is provided at one position on the outer circumference of the toroidal part 50 for receiving an optical fibre terminal connector 24 connected to the end of the fibre coiled within the device. In this respect it will be understood that a wind up coil and optical connector constitutes an assembly carried at one end of an optical fibre. The connector holder 66 extends beyond the outer circumference of the toroidal part 50 and as such provides a convenient means for winding fibre on the device by hand.

The axial end wall 58 of the second toroidal part extends between an outer axially extending annular wall element 70 and an inner hub 72 which comprises the second part of the snap fit connection for joining the two parts together. The hub comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced arcuate wall segments 74a, 74b, which are separated by respective slots 76 at various locations around the hub's circumference. Each of the projections extend axially towards the other part 50 with four of the projections 74a being provided with hook engagement means 78 at their respective distal ends for reversible snap fit engagement with the radially extending annular element 64 on toroidal part 50. The engagement hooks are equally spaced around the periphery of the hub and are provided on narrower tab like resilient projections 74a between respective wider and therefore less resilient projections 74b. A diametrically extending gripping member 80 is provided between two of the wider projections to provide a convenient means by which the toroidal part 52 may be held between an operator's fingers in use.

A fibre entry/exit port is provided in the outer annular wall 70 with a guide element 82 provided on the external side of the wall for guiding fibre to and from the internal region 53. A fibre guide 84, which may be in the form of a resilient elastomeric sleeve, is attached to the entry/exit port 82. The guide 84 provides a suitable fibre bend control guide means for the fibre entering/exiting the internal region of the device.

In one preferred embodiment it is envisaged that the wind-up coil device of Figures 3 and 4 will accommodate sufficient length of fibre for forming suitable fibre connections such as in the distribution module 11 previously described. For example, preferred embodiments envisage between 3 and 12 metres of fibre, having an external diameter (with jacket) of about 1.8mm, being stored on a single device. However embodiments having between Im and 60m are also envisaged.

As previously described with reference to Figure Ia, a wind-up coil 29, 30 may be provided at both ends of a length of optical fibre 28 to provide a "jumper cable" for patching connections. The present invention also contemplates embodiments where a plurality of wind-up coil devices 29 and associated fibres are part of a break out cable, that is to say where the individual fibres of a cable are each connected to a respective wind-up coil device 29 at these respective ends. Similarly the fibres at each end of an optical fibre cable may be connected to respective wind-up devices, for example in the case of an inter-facility cable. Other embodiments are also contemplated including over length "pigtails" for connection to other optical components devices and/or fibre(s).

As will be understood from the foregoing description, and in particular with reference to Figures 3 and 4, a length of fibre 28 may be wound onto or unwound from the wind-up coil device 29 by relative rotation of the respective toroidal parts 50, 52. For example in the drawings of

Figures 3 and 4 rotation of the first part 50 in an anti-clockwise direction, with respect to the second part 52, will cause additional fibre to be wound onto the device, whereas excess fibre may be unwound by pulling the fibre while holding toroidal part 52 stationary, by gripping the gripping bar 80, so that the toroidal part 50 is caused to rotate in a clockwise direction as by excess fibre is payed out.

In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 the wind-up coil device has an axial depth of about 10mm or so and a external diameter of about 70mm or so and therefore is suitable for manual hand- held manipulation allowing the operator to reel out excess fibre stored on the reel by gripping the bar 80 and pulling the cable with sufficient force so that the other part 50 rotates, and likewise rotating the part 50 by engagement of the connector holder 66 on the external surface thereof to rotate the part 50 in the opposite direction to reel in excess fibre. It is to be understood that the fibre connector 26 may be of any suitable type with a holder 66 adapted to accommodate different types of connector as required. In preferred embodiments at least part of at least one of the parts 50, 52 is transparent or provided with a window so that the amount of fibre stored within the device can be observed. In addition, to prevent overstressing of the fibre and/or device a final part of the fibre near the connector 26 may be provided with a relatively rigid re-enforcement element, rigid that is relative to the fibre, such as an elongate metal bar which acts as a stop to prevent axial pull forces being transferred to the connector 24 as the fibre is unwound. As the final length of fibre is unwound the rigid member will not pass through the curved guide 84 and will therefore only allow a pre-determined length of fibre to be payed out from the reel.

Typically the internal diameter of the reel, as determined by the annular wall element 62, may be 40mm or even 30mm or less with bend insensitive fibre, and typically the outer diameter may be 70mm of more but of course the inner and outer diameter dimensions will be determined by the particular application.

Referring now to Figure 5, 6 and 7, which show a plurality of optical fibre wind-up coil devices 29 mounted in a fibre distribution module 27. The fibre distribution module comprises an integrally moulded, preferably plastics moulded, component which constitutes a support and/or housing structure for receiving a plurality of wind-up coil devices 29 and associated connectors for connecting fibres carried by the respective wind-up coil devices with fibres entering the module 27 from another access direction, for example splice fibres 23 from the respective splice trays 12 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. As previously mentioned it is preferred, but not essential, to provide a one-to-one relationship between the respective splice trays and the wind-up coil devices. The module 27 readily enables this to be achieved since it comprises on one side an open region 90 for receiving a plurality of wind-up coil devices 29. The region 90 is divided in part by an array of parallel laminar wall members 92 which define an array of openings 94 which constitute holders for the respective wind-up coils when mounted within the module 27. As shown in the drawing Figure 5, the module 27 is illustrated with four wind-up coil devices 29 positioned in the four uppermost holders, with the four lower holders empty. In the preferred orientation of the module 27 the wind-up coil device holders are arranged in a vertical stack so that the wind-up coil devices stack one on top of the other as shown in the drawings of Figures 5 to 7, the weight of the respective wind-up coil devices 29 is therefore supported in the main by the respective walls 92, although it is to be understood that in other embodiments (not shown) the walls 92 may constitute guide means for positioning the devices 29, or may be absent, with the weight of the devices being supported, in the main, by others means, such as the plug in- plug out sockets 25 and possibly one of the planar elements 96 which project forward of the openings 94 and define the upper and lower boundaries of the fibre storage region 90. In this respect the wind-up coil devices 29 may be constructed so that they are arranged to contact each other in the assembled stack so that the weight of the coils is supported to some extent, or wholly, by the stack itself and ultimately by one of the elements 96. Embodiments are also contemplated where the wind up coil devices form a self supporting stack, with the coils nesting with each other in the stack and/or being provided with a reversible attachable connection means so that each coil may be attached to adjacent coils in a stack of coils. In this way the stack may be self supporting. A corresponding array or stack of connector holder elements 98 is provided adjacent to the openings 94 to receive a corresponding plug-in/plug- out socket 25. The plug-in/plug-out sockets 25 constitute adapters for connecting the respective connectors 24 and 26 at the ends of the respective fibres 23 and 28 as previously described. In this respect the plug-in/plug-out sockets may be considered as connector holders for holding optical connectors. The connector holders 98 are aligned with the corresponding adjacent wind-up coil device holders so that the wind-up coil devices may be readily mounted within the module and connected to a respective adapter socket 25.

As can best be seen in the drawing Figure 6 the adapter sockets 25 are each pivotally mounted within the holder elements 98 so that they may be pivoted outwards by a few degrees to provide access to the socket for connection to the fibre connector 26 carried by the wind-up coil device. In Figure 6 wind-up coil devices are mounted in the six upper openings with a seventh device positioned for connection in the next available opening, with the connector 26 of the seventh device aligned with the opening of a respective plug-in/plug-out adapter socket 25. The drawing of Figure 7 is similar to the view shown in Figure 6 but with the fibre end connector 26 of the additional wind-up coil device being fully inserted in the socket 25 but before the wind- up coil device and socket are pivoted from the access position shown to the closed or stored position as occupied by the other wind-up devices in the stack.

In the drawing of Figure 7 of the connector 26 is fully inserted in the socket adapter 25 and the wind-up coil device is positioned for rotation about the pivot axis of the socket 25 for movement into its respective opening 94 where it will be locked in position with the other wind- up coil devices in the stack mounted in the module 27. In preferred embodiments two sets of coaxial upstanding cylindrical projections are provided on the body of the socket 25 with one set defining the pivot axis of the socket and being engaged by corresponding snap fit engagement means provided on the holders, with the other set being spaced apart from the first set to provide a reversible snap-fit locking function with a second corresponding set of snap fit engagement means provided on the holders, spaced from the first.

In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 5, 6 and 7 the fibres 23 are fed into the rear of the module from where they pass through an opening 97 and connect to the other side of the plug- in/plug-out socket as previously described. The module preferably comprises space for eight or twelve wind-up coil devices and associated connectors, but of course embodiments are contemplated with other fibre connection capacities. The fibre distribution module 27 is provided with various connection means for connecting the module to adjacent modules or support structure in a distribution system, for example as shown in Figure 1 where each side of the front of the distribution system includes two stacks of four fibre distribution modules 27 to provide sixty four connections on each side, both left and right hand side. The fibre distribution module of the present invention if preferably provided with connection means for interlocking engagement with adjacent modules, either above, below or to the left or right hand side so that a self supporting structure comprising an array of modules 27 may be provided, as shown in the orientation on the left hand side of the distribution system in Figure 1 or in a second, inverted, orientation shown on the right hand side of the drawing in Figure 1. The connection means are preferably in the form of reversible snap fit connections, (not shown) which enable an array of modules 27 to be joined together, with the modules adjacent a support structure, such as the hinge 32 in the drawing of Figure 1, being connected to and supported by that structure, if necessary. The forward projecting elements 96 also provide a means for guiding fibre 28 from the wind-up coil devices mounted in a module or array of modules. This can best be understood from the drawing of Figure 8 where it can be seen that fibres from one module are grouped together and cascaded down to the region below a stack of wind-up connectors in an adjacent module so that they can be fed out at the same level, first passing through a fibre guide defined by adjacent elements 96 of neighbouring modules 27 in a stack of modules. Each of the elements 96 is provided with an orthogonal projection 98 in the form of a tab for holding the fibres in the region of the guide between the respective modules, again this can best be seen in the two- dimensional array of assembled modules shown in Figure 8.

The fibre distribution module 27 may be further provided with a rectangular closure member 100, which closes the other side of the module, that is to say the side having the incoming fibres 23.

Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the closure member 100 is in the form of a fibre organiser tray for organising fibres 23 on the other side of the module 27. The organiser tray 100 is preferably hinged to the bottom edge of the module but is preferably removable so that in other orientations it can be hinged to the opposite edge, for example when the module is rotated throughl80° and inverted, as previously described. The organiser tray could also be hinged to either the right or left hand side of the module, but the bottom/top edge arrangement is preferred so that the operator is presented with a flat horizontal surface when the tray/closure member is opened for access. In this embodiment it is possible for fibres from an incoming cable or lose tube to be spliced in the tray, with the splices and excess fibre and/or other optical components being stored in the splice tray. This embodiment is particularly suitable for so called "single element" connections where all fibres from a so called "lose tube" are arranged to be fed to a single module 27 where they are spliced or connected to other fibres or optical components in the splice tray 100 before connecting fibres are fed through the module for connection of the respective fibre end connectors 24 to the socket adapters 25. In preferred embodiments means (not shown) are provided for locking the splice tray 100 to the module 27 when in the closed position as shown in Figure 10 to prevent unauthorised access to the splice tray and thereby control the demarcation of operator activities, particularly between splicing and patching connections. The capacity of the module and splice tray is preferably matched so that in applications where a lose tube is to be connected having say 8 individual fibres the splice tray and module will be configured to have capacity for connecting that number of fibres. Embodiments are envisaged having any number of fibres but embodiments having capacity for 8, 12, 16 or 24 fibre connections are preferred.

Claims

1. An optical fibre organiser or distribution frame comprising an array of connector holders for receiving optical connectors suitable for making connections between optical fibres fed to/from the frame, the array of connector holders being arranged adjacent to an array of fibre storage reels each having a support part and a winding part rotatably mounted on to the support part, each reel storing a length of fibre with a terminated end carried on the winding part so that rotation of the winding part winds fibre onto the reel, or unwinds fibre from the reel, the said terminated end having an optical connector for optical connection to an optical connector in any selected one of the said connector holders.

2. An optical fibre organiser of distribution frame as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the array of storage reels comprises a stack of the reels in which the reels are supported by one another or by insertion in openings in a support module included in the frame.

3. An optical fibre organiser or distribution frame as Claim 1 or 2, wherein the array of storage reels substantially corresponds to the array of connector holders.

4. An optical fibre organiser or distribution frame as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the said connector holders are movable between a stowed position and a deployed position for connection with the terminated end of a respective fibre.

5. An optical fibre organiser or distribution frame as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the said connector holders are pivotally mounted for pivotal movement between said stowed and deployed positions.

6. An optical fibre organiser distribution frame as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5 wherein the said connector holders are movable between bi-stable stowed and deployed positions.

7. An optical fibre organiser or distribution frame as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the said connector holders are accessible on both sides of the said frame or organiser for connecting respective incoming/outgoing fibres on opposite sides thereof.

8. An optical fibre distribution module as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the said connector holders are attachably detachably mounted on the frame or organiser.

9. An optical fibre organiser or distribution frame as claimed in any preceding claims comprising an array of fibre storage reel support modules, each module including an array of fibre storage reels.

10. An optical fibre organiser or distribution frame module as claimed in Claim 1 wherein each support module comprises connection means for connection to at least one adjacent support module(s) and/or support means in an interlocking, preferably nested, array of said modules.

11. An optical fibre organiser or distribution frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said connection means provide for attachment and detachment of the module to adjacent module(s) positioned on at least one side thereof.

12. An optical fibre organiser or distribution frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said connection means provide for attachment and detachment of the module to adjacent module(s) positioned on any side thereof in a two dimensional array of said modules.

13. An optical fibre organiser or distribution frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said connection means comprises corresponding male/female snap fit connection means, preferably reversible snap fit connections.

14. An optical fibre organiser or distribution frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the said module is rotationally reversible so that it is capable of being mounted in an array of modules in a first orientation and in another array of modules in a second orientation.

15. An optical fibre organiser or distribution frame as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 14, wherein each module comprises fibre guide means positioned at one or both ends of the said array of reels for routing fibre to/from the said reels.