WO2022261373A1

WO2022261373A1 - Multi-piece module assemblies for pivotally mounting optical fiber management trays

Info

Publication number: WO2022261373A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/032907
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bart Mattie Claessens; Johan Geens; Peter Jozef Romain WAETERSCHOOT
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies Llc
Priority date: 2021-06-11
Filing date: 2022-06-09
Publication date: 2022-12-15
Also published as: EP4352561A1

Abstract

Module assemblies for interchangeably mounting module pieces to different types of optical fiber organizing equipment. The module assemblies are configured to pivotally mount optical fiber management trays. A module can include a module piece that partially defines a fiber routing channel. The fiber routing channel can be completed by coupling the module piece to a complementary module piece selected to provide a fiber routing channel of a desired size and configuration. In some examples, the complementary module piece can be a part of a framework configured to mount a plurality of the module pieces in a stacked configuration..

Description

MULTI-PIECE MODULE ASSEMBLIES FOR PIVOTALLY MOUNTING

OPTICAL FIBER MANAGEMENT TRAYS Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This application is being filed on June 9, 2022 as a PCT International Patent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63/209,599, filed on June 11, 2021 and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63/344,782, filed on May 23, 2022, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to improvements in assemblies for supporting fiber optical fiber management trays.

Background Optical fibers of telecommunications networks are managed at telecommunications equipment located at different network distribution locations. Such telecommunications equipment can include closures, cabinets, shelves, panels and so forth. The equipment typically includes management assemblies to organize, store, route and connect optical fibers within the network. For example, optical fibers from provider side cables can be routed and optically connected to optical fibers of subscriber side cables using such assemblies. The assemblies can include features for supporting optical fiber splices, ferrules, connectors, adapters, splitters, wave division-multiplexers and so forth. In addition, the assemblies can include features for storing and protecting optical fibers.

The assemblies can include fiber management trays, which can be used to, e.g., support splices and other fiber management components between incoming and outgoing optical fibers that are routed onto the trays. A typical fiber management assembly can include a support structure to which multiple fiber management trays are pivotally mounted in a stack. The pivoting permits access to a desired one of the stack of trays. Summary

In general terms, the present disclosure relates to improvements in support structures and assemblies for optical fiber management trays.

In further general terms, the present disclosure relates to improvements in fiber optic closures other fiber optic distribution equipment.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to improvements in modules that pivotally mount fiber management trays.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to modules that can pivotally mount fiber management trays and interchangeably mount to different types of fiber management equipment.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a fiber management module assembly configured to pivotally mount fiber management trays, where the assembly includes multiple parts configured to couple to each other to form a fiber routing channel.

According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a module assembly for telecommunications equipment includes: a first module piece defining a first optical fiber routing channel structure and a first engagement structure; and a second module piece defining a second optical fiber routing channel structure and a second engagement structure, the first module piece and the second module piece being configured to releasably lock to each other by interlocking of the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure to define a module including an optical fiber routing channel defined by the first fiber routing channel structure and the second fiber routing structure, the module being configured to pivotally mount optical fiber management trays.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, an assembly for a telecommunications closure includes: module pieces; a framework configured to lockingly mount the module pieces in a stack of the module pieces extending along a stacking axis, each of the module pieces being configured to pivotally mount optical fiber management trays, the framework including integrally formed optical fiber routing channel structures that define a portion of an optical fiber routing channel, another portion of the optical fiber routing channel being formed by the module pieces when the module pieces are lockingly mounted to the framework.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, a method includes: providing a first module piece; selecting a second module piece from a plurality of module pieces each having a different structural configuration; and lockingly engaging the first module piece and the second module piece to form a module, the module being configured to pivotally mount optical fiber management trays in a stack of the trays extending along a stacking axis, the module including a fiber routing channel having a longitudinal dimension parallel to the stacking axis, the fiber routing channel being formed by fiber routing channel structures of both the first module piece and the second module piece.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the examples disclosed herein are based.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of example telecommunications equipment that can support an optical fiber management assembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the equipment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the equipment of FIG. 1, and showing an example fiber management assembly that can be housed in the equipment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view an example fiber management assembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a further perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded view of the assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the called-out components of the assembly in FIG.

6 FIG. 8 is perspective view of two of the frame members of the assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a further perspective view of the frame members of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the called-out portion of FIG. 4.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one of the spacer members of the framework of the assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 12 is a further perspective view of the spacer member of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one of the tray support modules of the framework of the assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 14 is a further perspective view of the tray support module of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the called-out portion of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a further example fiber management assembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a called-out portion of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a partially exploded view of the assembly of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the called-out portion of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of one of the frame members of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a further perspective view of the frame member of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a further frame member of the framework of the assembly of FIG. 17.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of two others of the frame members of the assembly of FIG. 17.

FIG. 25 is a further perspective view of the frame members of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of a called-out portion of FIG. 17.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of one of the spacer members of the framework of the assembly of FIG. 17.

FIG. 28 is a further perspective view of the spacer member of FIG. 27. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a further example fiber management assembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 is a partially exploded view of the assembly of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of the components of the framework of the assembly of FIG. 29 shown in the called-out portion of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the components of FIG. 31 in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of two others of the frame members of the assembly of FIG. 29. FIG. 34 is a further perspective view of the frame members of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a further example fiber management assembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 36 is a partially exploded view of the assembly of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a further partially exploded view of the assembly of FIG. 35. FIG. 38 is a perspective view of one of the frame members of the framework of the assembly of FIG. 35.

FIG. 39 is a further perspective view of the frame member of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of one of the tray support modules of the assembly of FIG. 35. FIG. 41 is a further perspective view the tray support module of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of another of the tray support modules of the assembly of FIG. 35.

FIG. 43 is a further perspective view of the module of FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of another of the tray support modules of the assembly of FIG. 35.

FIG. 45 is a further perspective view of the tray support module of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a further example fiber management assembly according to the present disclosure. FIG. 47 is an enlarged view of the called-out portion in FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is a partially exploded view of the assembly of FIG. 46.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the tray support module of the assembly of FIG. 46. FIG. 50 is a further perspective view of the tray support module of FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is an exploded view of the tray support module of FIG. 49, showing the module pieces.

FIG. 52 is a further exploded view of the module of FIG. 49, showing the module pieces. FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a further example fiber management assembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a portion of the assembly of FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 is an enlarged view of a portion of the assembly of FIG. 53.

FIG. 56 is an enlarged view of the called-out portion of FIG. 53. FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the tray support module of the assembly of FIG.

53.

FIG. 58 is a further perspective view of the tray support module of the assembly of FIG. 53.

FIG. 59 is a front planar view of the tray support module of the assembly of FIG. 53.

FIG. 60 is a back planar view of the tray support module of the assembly of FIG.

53.

Detailed Description

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, example telecommunications equipment 10 is shown. In the depicted example, the equipment 10 includes a sealable and re-enterable closure. In other examples, the equipment can include other components at a distribution location of an optical fiber network. Such equipment can include, for example, a cabinet, a drawer, a shelf, or a panel for organizing and routing optical fibers.

The closure 10 includes a first housing piece 12 (in this case, a dome), and a second housing piece 14 configured to cooperate with the first housing piece to define a sealable and re-enterable telecommunications closure for managing optical fibers. The first and second housing pieces 12, 14 define an interior closure volume in which other fiber managing equipment, including an optical fiber management assembly according to the present disclosure, can be mounted.

A clamp ring 16 having a clamp can be used to clamp and seal together the housing pieces 12 and 14. In other examples, a clamp ring is not needed, and a rotatable actuator is provided to pressurize a seal between the housing pieces while one or more clamps or buckles hold the housing pieces together. The shape of the dome piece can vary. In the example shown, the shape of the dome is substantially frustoconical such that a cross-section of the dome is substantially round. In other examples, the dome can have a substantially square or rectangular cross-section.

Cables carrying optical fibers can enter the closure volume via sealable ports 19 defined by the second housing piece 14. Such cables can include trunk cables, feeder cables, branch cables, and distribution cables (also known as drop cables). Typically, optical fibers from one cable entering the closure are spliced to optical fibers of one or more other cables entering the closure to establish an optical signal path at the closure 10 (or other signal distribution equipment) from a provider side cable to one or more customer side cables, or an optical signal between a branch cable and any of: another branch cable, a trunk cable, a feeder cable, or a distribution cable. Branch cables can be used to route optical signals from one telecommunications closure to another telecommunications closure.

In addition to splicing, other fiber management activities can be performed with telecommunications equipment housed within the closure volume. Such activities can include, without limitation, indexing fibers, storing fibers (typically in one or more loops) and splitting fibers.

Splices, such as mechanical splices or fusion splices, can be performed at the factory or in the field, e.g., at the closure 10 positioned in the field. The cables entering the closure can include fibers of different configurations such as loose fibers and fiber ribbons. The fiber ribbons can be flat ribbons or reliable ribbons. The loose fibers can be individual fibers or bundled loose fibers protected by a common protective sheath or tube. For fiber ribbons, the fibers of the entire ribbon can be spliced to the fibers of a corresponding fiber ribbon at the same time, e.g., using a mass fusion splicing procedure.

Splice bodies protect the splices both in the case of individual fiber splices and mass fiber splices, such as mass fusion splices. The splice bodies are held in splice holders also known as splice chips. Fiber management trays 24 can support such splice holders (or chips). The fiber management trays 24 can be stacked in stacks 22 back-to-back on back- to-back stacks of tray support modules 21. The support modules 21 are mounted to a framework 20. The trays 24 are pivotal relative to the support modules 21 such that a desired tray 24 in the stack can be accessed by pivoting one or more of the trays away from the desired tray. Supports can be provided to hold trays in a desired pivot position to allow another tray to be freely worked with. The stacks 22 of trays 24, the support modules 21, and the framework 20 form part of an optical fiber management assembly 18 that is configured to be seabngly stored within the interior closure volume and re-accessed when needed to service the assembly 18, such as to route or splice additional fibers between incoming and outgoing cables.

As used herein, positioning and orientational terms such as up, down, upper, lower, above, below, front, back, rear, forward, backward, rearward, horizontal, vertical, and so forth, may be used to refer to relative positioning of components in an assembly or portions of a component relative to each other when positioned in an assembly. Such terminology is provided as a descriptive aid and does not limit how components or portions of components may be positioned or oriented in practice.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-16, an assembly 100 in accordance with the present disclosure, and that can be housed in the closure 10 of FIG. 1, will be described. In addition, components of the assembly 100 can be installed on or in other telecommunications equipment that are not sealable closures, such as cabinets, panels, drawers, racks, shelves, and so forth.

The assembly 100, as well as individual components of the assembly 100 and various combinations of the components of the assembly 100, can provide one or more advantages in manufacturing cost and efficiency, weight reduction, assembly cost and efficiency, and versatility in using the components of the assembly across different network applications. Additional advantages will be borne out by the following disclosure.

The assembly 100 defines a first axis, or vertical axis 102, a second axis 104, and a third axis 106. The first axis 102, the second axis 104, and the third axis 106 are mutually perpendicular. The second axis 104 and the third axis 106 define a horizontal plane. The assembly 100 extends from a top 108 to a bottom 110 along the first axis 102. The assembly 100 extends from a first side 112 to a second side 114 along the second axis 104. The assembly 100 extends from a front 116 to a back 118 along the third axis 106.

The assembly 100 includes a framework 120 consisting of a number of frame members.

The assembly 100 also includes front and back stacks 123 of fiber management tray support modules 122. The stacks 123 are back-to-back mounted to the framework 120. Each stack 123 includes a selectable number of modules 122 stacked along a stacking axis 125 of the stack 123 when mounted to the framework 120. In the example shown, each stack 123 includes four modules 122. In other examples, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or more than 4 modules can be in any stack 123, depending on the vertical height of the framework 120 and the number of fiber management trays desired to manage fibers at the assembly 100.

In some examples, the framework can be added to along the vertical axis 102 to accommodate additional modules 122. For example, additional frame members can be added to the framework 120 to grow the framework 120 along the vertical axis 102.

The framework 120 includes a bottom member 126, atop assembly 127 including two top members 128 and two comer members 130, two side members (or uprights) 132 having a first upright configuration, and two side members (or uprights) 134 having a second upright configuration.

When assembled in the framework 120, each stack 123 of modules 122 is mounted to a pair of uprights, including one of the uprights 132 and one of the uprights 134. In particular, there is a front pair 135 of uprights 132 and 134, and a back pair 137 of uprights 132 and 134. In the assembled framework configuration, in each such pair of uprights, the upright 132 is a mirror image of the upright 134 about a vertical plane defined by the axes 102 and 106.

The framework 120 includes spacer members 140. Each spacer member 140 is configured to couple to one of the uprights of the first pair 135 and, on the same side of the assembly, to one of the uprights of the second pair 137. Thus, each spacer member 140 is configured to couple to an upright 132 and an upright 134, and thereby couple those two uprights to each other. The spacer members 140 can help to maintain a spacing between the pairs 135 and 137 of uprights, while providing additional structural support to the framework 120.

Each of the members of the framework 120 just described can be constructed from a suitably strong and rigid material. For example, one or more of the members can be constructed from a polymeric material and/or one or more of the components can be constructed from a metal material, such as aluminum or steel.

In some examples, each frame member described in this disclosure is of seamless unitary constructed.

In one example, the bottom member 126 and the two top members 128 are constructed of a metal material (e.g., aluminum), and the comer members 130, the uprights 132, 134 and the spacer members 140 are constructed (e.g., molded parts) of a polymeric material. Constructing those components of a polymeric material can provide for a lighter weight framework that is easier to assemble and handle, while constructing the bottom member 126 and the top members 128 from metal can impart additional strength and structural integrity to the framework 120. Alternatively, the top members 128 can be constructed of a polymeric material, such that only the bottom member 126 is constructed from metal.

For example, plastic parts can be molded to include convenient snapping connector features. The spacer members 140, for instance, are configured to snappingly mount to the uprights 132 and 134. In addition, each comer member 130 is configured to snappingly connect to an upright 132 and an upright 134 on the same side.

Meanwhile, for improved structural integrity and strength, to attach the bottom member 126 and top members 128 to the uprights 132, 134, in this example, fasteners (such as rivets) can be used. Specifically rivets or other fasteners can be driven into holes 142 defined by the uprights 132, 134 and corresponding holes 146 defined by the bottom member 126 to thereby securely (e.g., permanently) fasten the bottom member 126 to the uprights 132 and 134. Similarly, rivets or other fasteners can be driven into holes 144 defined by the uprights 132, 134 and corresponding holes 148 defined by the top members 128 to thereby securely (e.g., permanently) fasten the top members 128 to the uprights 132 and 134.

For additional stability between the uprights and the bottom member, integrally molded posts 159 of the uprights 132, 134 can be inserted into holes 157 of flanges 158 of the bottom member 126. Each comer member 130 includes two flexibly resilient latch arms 150. Each latch arm 150 includes a catch 152. Each catch 152 includes a ramp 154 to ease insertion of the comer member 130 between an upright 132 and an upright 134, causing the latch arms 150 to flex inward (toward each other) until the catches 152 find the recesses 156 defined by the uprights 132, 134, at which point the latch arms 150 resiliently return to their unflexed configuration and the catches 152 snappingly engage the recesses 156, thereby locking the comer member 130 to the uprights 132 and 134.

To unlock and remove a comer member 130 from the uprights 132 and 134, the latch arms can be flexed toward each other parallel to the axis 106 (e.g., manually with fingers , or a tool) to release the catches 152 from the recesses 156.

The comer members 130 can be selectively removed to, e.g., grow the framework 120 along the axis 102. For example, four additional uprights can be connected to the uprights 132 and 134 at their top ends. The additional uprights can be shorter, longer, or the same height as the uprights 132 and 134, depending on the desired vertical height of the completed assembly, which can depend on the type of application (e.g., the size of the closure that will be housing the assembly). Such additional uprights can be connected to the uprights 132 and 134 using, e.g., spacer members 140 in a manner such that their latches span four uprights, including an upright 132, an upright 134, and the two additional uprights that are thereby connected to the uprights 132 and 134 using the spacer member 140. In addition, or alternatively, other configurations of frame members, clips, or locking mechanisms can be used to secure the additional frame members to the uprights 132, 134.

The removably lockable comer members 130 can be selectively removed to provide comer access to the storage volume 160 defined between the front pair 135 and the back pair 137 of uprights 132, 134.

The top members 128 are spaced apart from each other parallel to the axis 106 to provide an access slot 199 to the storage volume 160 through which fibers can pass from above the top members 128 when the framework 120 is grown as just described.

The storage volume 160 can be used to store loops of optical fibers and/or portions of such loops. For instance, lengths of optical fibers that are routed to the assembly 100 but are not presently routed to a fiber management tray 124 can be stored in one or more loops in the storage volume 160. In some examples, such looped fibers can be grouped together and housed in protective sheaths (e.g., tubes), and the looped sheaths are stored in the storage volume 160. In addition, excess fiber slack of optical fibers that are routed to fiber management trays 124 can be stored in the storage volume 160. Removing one of the comer members 130 can allow improved access to the storage volume to manage stored lengths of fiber therein, as well as facilitate routing of optical fibers to the storage volume 160. Once access is no longer required, the comer member 130 can then be snapped back into place between uprights 132 and 134.

The spacer members 140 ensure that the shape and size of the storage volume 160 is maintained by providing additional connectivity at fixed spacing between front and back uprights. Each spacer member connects one of the front uprights 132, 134 to the other of the back uprights 134, 132. Locking and unlocking a spacer member 140 to uprights 132, 134 is similar to the locking and unlocking of the comer members 130 described above. Each spacer member 140 includes two flexibly resilient latch arms 162. Each latch arm 162 includes a catch 164. Each catch 164 includes a ramp 166 to ease insertion of the spacer member 140 between an upright 132 and an upright 134, causing the latch arms 162 to flex inward (toward each other) until the catches 164 find the recesses 168 defined by the uprights 132, 134, at which point the latch arms 162 resiliently return to their unflexed configured and the catches 164 snap over shoulders 169 defined by the uprights 132, 134 and snappingly engage the recesses 168, thereby locking the spacer member 140 to the uprights 132 and 134.

To unlock and remove a spacer member 140 from the uprights 132 and 134, the latch arms 162 can be flexed toward each other (e.g., by hand using fingers, or with a tool) to release the catches 164 from recesses 168, allowing the catches 164 to clear the shoulders 169. Detents 170 can be provided in the spacer member 140 to more easily access the latch arms to flex them toward each other within a cavity 171 defined by a body of the spacer member 140.

Each tray support module 122 includes a module body 172. The module 122 can be described as a module piece of a larger module that consists of the module piece 122 and one or more other module pieces. For example, a complete module can be formed by mounting the module 122 to the front pair 135 or the back pair 137 of uprights 132, 134.

The module body 172 includes hinge pin receivers 174 arranged along the vertical axis. Each hinge pin receiver is configured to lockingly receive one or more pins 173 of a fiber management tray 124 to pivotally mount the tray 124 to the module body 172. When mounted to a hinge pin receiver 174, the hinge pin(s) 173 of the fiber management tray 124 and the hinge pin receiver 174 define a hinge, which defines a pivot axis 176 about which the tray 124 can pivot to provide access to another tray 124 mounted to the stack 123 of modules 122. Each pivot axis 176 is parallel to the axis 104 of the assembly 100 when the tray 124, framework 120, and module 122 are assembled together (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4).

Each tray 124 can include a fiber spooling and routing region 177 and a fiber management region 175. For example, a splitter, splices, fiber connectors and/or adapters for mating two connectors can be mounted in the fiber management region 175. Fiber slack can be stored in the region 177 and guided to the fiber management region 175.

The module 122 defines fiber routing channel structures 178 on opposite sides of the module body 172. Each fiber routing channel structure 178 includes a column of alternating projecting fingers 180 and 181. Due to the shape of the fingers, the fingers 180 and 181 of each channel structure 178 define a partial vertical routing channel 182 for fibers. That is, the partial channels 182 are configured to guide fibers vertically, perpendicular to the pivot axes 176. Gaps between the fingers 180 and 181 allow fibers to selectively enter and exit the partial channel 182, e.g., when being routed to or from a tray mounted to a module 122. Fiber guides 196 and fiber retaining lips 198 projecting from the fiber guides 196 can help guide and retain fibers laterally as they pass through a pair of fingers 180, 181 from the vertical guide channel toward a desired one of the trays 124 mounted to the module 122.

The body 172 includes engagement structures 183 and flexibly resilient catches 184. The engagement structures 183 are T-shaped projections projecting rearwardly from rear surfaces 185 of the module body 172. The catches 184 are configured to flex around fixed ends 186 in a vertical plane.

The module 122 is configured to lockingly, and releasably mount to a pair of uprights 132 and 134. In particular, the interlocking features of the module 122 and the uprights 132 and 134 are configured such that mounting a module to the uprights 132 and 134 can be accomplished without moving the module 122 relative to the uprights 132 and 134 parallel to the axis 104.

Installing modules that support fiber management trays onto a framework and removing such modules from the framework without requiring relative lateral movement parallel to the axis 104 can be advantageous, particularly, e.g., when optical fibers and/or other equipment around the assembly 100 impede or prevent such relative lateral movement.

To install a module 122 on uprights 132 and 134, the T-shaped projection 183 enter and pass through the wide portions of openings 187 defined by the uprights 132 by moving the module 122 parallel to the axis 106. Then, the module 122 is slid downward parallel to the axis 102, such that the T-shaped projections enter the narrow portions of the openings 187, creating a dovetailing effect that interlocks the module 122 and the uprights 132, 134 with respect to downward, side to side, and front-to back movement. The T- shaped projections are small enough to fit through the wide portions 190 of the openings 187 (parallel to the axis 106) and too large to fit through the narrow portions 191 of the openings 187 (parallel to the axis 106).

The downward sliding of the module 122 also causes the catches 184 to flex until they clear and lockingly engage shoulders 188 defined by the uprights 132, 134, thereby locking the module to the uprights 132, 134 with respect to upward movement. In addition, due to the interlocking downward motion required to mount a module to uprights 132 and 134, the openings 187 must be oriented in the same direction in both uprights 132 and 134. Consequently, the uprights 132 and 134 are configured as mirror images of each other as described above.

To release and remove a module 122 from the uprights 132, 134, a tool, such as a fiber pick, can be inserted into a notch 189 defined by each upright 132, 134 corresponding to the engaged shoulder 188, and then the pick (or other tool) can be used to flex the catch 184 out of engagement with the shoulder 188. This operation can be performed in sequence, first with respect to one of the uprights 132, 134, and then the other, to fully unlock (to allow upward movement) the module 122 from the uprights 132 and 134. Then the module 122 can be slid upward so that the projections 183 can be removed through the wide portions of the openings 187.

As shown, the uprights 132 and 134 include vertical columns of many of the openings 187, shoulders 188, and corresponding notches 189, allowing for versatility in locations to which a module 122 or stack of modules 122 can be mounted to the uprights 132, 134.

When mounted to the uprights 132 and 134, the module 122, together with the uprights 132 and 134 define two complete vertical fiber routing channels 192. Each fiber routing channel 192 is defined by a fiber routing channel structures 178 and an L-shaped flange 194 of an upright 132, 134. The complete routing channels 192 defined between the structures 178 and the flanges 194 allow optical fibers to be retained in the channels while being routed vertically (up and down) to a desired tray 124 mounted to a desired module 122 in a stack 123 of modules. In addition, a fiber can be routed from one tray to another tray using the complete routing channel 192. Thus, advantageously, the routing fiber routing channels of the assembly 100 are partially integrally formed with the framework 120 itself, and specifically, integrally formed with the uprights 132, 134.

This configuration for assembling complete modules in multiple components or pieces (e.g., the modules 122 and the uprights 132, 134) can advantageously provide for versatility and interchangeability with respect to the telecommunications equipment and applications that can support the module 122 which defines only partial fiber routing channels. For example, rather than mounting a module 122 to a framework, the module 122 can be mounted to a cabinet, a drawer, a shelf, a rack, a panel, etc., using the same dovetailing interconnectivity described above. In this manner, the module 122 can also be used to create a variety of different fiber routing channel configurations. For example, depending on what the module 122 is mounted to can determine the width of the channel (perpendicular to the vertical direction of the channel) and accessibility to the channel. Wider channels (e.g., provided by differently configured flanges than the L-shaped flanges 194) may be appropriate for routing fibers in certain applications. In other applications, it may be important to have complete side access to the channels (e.g., no blocking flange portion), such that only the partial channel defined by the structures 178 are desired, thereby allowing easy lateral access to fibers within the partial channel. Other applications and variations are possible.

Referring now to FIGS. 17-28, an assembly 200 in accordance with the present disclosure and that can be housed in the closure 10 of FIG. 1 will be described. In addition, components of the assembly 200 can be installed on or in other telecommunications equipment that are not sealable closures, such as cabinets, panels, drawers, shelves, racks, and so forth.

The assembly 200, as well as individual components of the assembly 200 and various combinations of the components of the assembly 200, can provide one or more advantages in manufacturing cost and efficiency, weight reduction, assembly cost and efficiency, and versatility in using the components of the assembly across different network applications. Additional advantages will be borne out by the present disclosure.

The assembly 200 includes several features and allows several functionalities that are the same as described for the assembly 100. In the interest of brevity, the description of the assembly 200 will focus largely on its differences from the assembly 100. However, it should be appreciated that any of the assemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 can have one or more features that can be incorporated into one or more others of the assemblies.

The assembly 200 defines a first axis, or vertical axis 202, a second axis 204, and a third axis 206. The first axis 202, the second axis 204, and the third axis 206 are mutually perpendicular. The second axis 204 and the third axis 206 define a horizontal plane. The assembly 200 extends from a top 208 to a bottom 210 along the first axis 202. The assembly 200 extends from a first side 212 to a second side 214 along the second axis 204. The assembly 200 extends from a front 216 to a back 218 along the third axis 206.

The assembly 200 includes a framework 220 consisting of a number of frame members.

The assembly 200 also includes front and back stacks 123 of fiber management tray support modules 122. The stacks 123 are back-to-back mounted to the framework 220 as described with respect to the assembly 100.

In some examples, the framework 220 can be added to along the vertical axis 202 to accommodate additional modules 122.

The framework 220 includes a bottom member 226, a top assembly 227 including two outer top members 228 and an inner top member 229. The inner top member 229 can be dispensed with when a vertical slot (like the slot 199 described above) is desired to pass fibers through into the storage volume 260 defined by the framework 220. Thus, for example, when the framework 220 is grown vertically, the inner top member 229 can be removed.

When the framework 220 is the size depicted, the inner top member 229 can be snappingly connected to the outer top members 228 to provide additional structural integrity and strength to the framework 220. To connect the inner top member 229 to the outer top members 228, the inner top member 229 is slid vertically downward between the outer top members 228 until downward and lateral motion stops 291 of the inner top member 229 engage blocks 249 positioned in slots 241 of the outer top members 228, additional downward and lateral motion stops 293 of the inner top member engage recessed blocks 243 of the outer top members 228, and the catches 295 of flexibly resilient latch arms 297 of the inner top member 229 snappingly enter openings 245 defined by the outer top members 228, causing the catches 295 to engage shoulders 261 defined by the outer top members 228, thereby locking the inner top member 229 relative to the outer top members 228 with respect the upward direction. The outer top members 228 include recessed ramps 263 to help guide the catches 295 and flex the latch arms 297 when inserting the inner top member 229 between the outer top members 228, until the catches 295 find the openings 245. To remove the inner top member 229, the latch arms 297 can be flexed to disengage the catches 295 from the shoulders 261, and then the inner top member 229 can be slid upward and removed from between the outer top members 228.

The framework 220 also includes two side members (or uprights) 232 having a first upright configuration, and two side members (or uprights) 234 having a second upright configuration.

The framework 220 does not include comer members in the depicted example.

When assembled in the framework 220, each stack 123 of modules 122 is mounted to a pair of uprights, including one of the uprights 232 and one of the uprights 234. In particular, there is a front pair of uprights 232 and 234, and a back pair of uprights 232 and 234. In the assembled framework configuration, in each such pair of uprights, the upright 232 is a mirror image of the upright 234 about a vertical plane defined by the axes 202 and 206.

The framework 220 includes spacer members 240. Each spacer member 240 is configured to couple to one of the uprights of the front pair of uprights and, on the same side of the assembly, to one of the uprights of the of the back pair. Thus, each spacer member 240 is configured to couple to an upright 232 and an upright 234, and thereby couple those two uprights to each other. The spacer members 240 can help to maintain a spacing between the pairs of uprights, while providing additional structural support to the framework 220.

Each of the components of the framework 220 just described can be constructed from a suitably strong and rigid material. For example, one or more of the components can be constructed from a polymeric material and/or one or more of the components can be constructed from a metal material, such as aluminum or steel.

In one example, the bottom member 226 is constructed of a metal material (e.g., aluminum), and the top members 228, 229, the uprights 232, 234 and the spacer members 240 are constructed (e.g., molded parts) of a polymeric material. Constructing those components of a polymeric material can provide for a lighter weight framework that is easier to assemble and handle, while constructing the bottom member 226 can impart additional strength and structural integrity to the framework 220.

For example, plastic parts can be molded to include convenient snapping connector features, such as the snappability of the top members 228 and 229 described above. In addition, the spacer members 240, for instance, are configured to snappingly mount to the uprights 232 and 234.

Meanwhile, for improved structural integrity and strength, to attach the bottom member 226 and the outer top members 228 to the uprights 232, 234, in this example, a staking operation can be performed. Specifically, the uprights 232, 234 include posts 250. Pre-staking, each post projects from an upright 232, 234 in an elongate dimension of the post 250 parallel to the axis 204. The posts 250 are inserted in holes 248 of the outer top frame members 228 or holes 157 of the bottom frame member 226. The posts 250 are then staked to securely to connect the uprights 232, 234 to the top frame members 228 and the bottom frame member 226. Staking can be performed, e.g., with heat (thermal staking), mechanical means (e.g., applying pressure with a tool or staking device), or with a combination of heat and mechanical pressure. An example of a stake post-staking operation is depicted as staked post 250a, in which a staking operation has caused deformation of the stake into a rounded head that is larger than the hole through which the stake had been inserted.

For additional strength at the connection between the outer top members 228 and the upright 232, 234, T-shaped projections 277 of the uprights 232, 234 are inserted (substantially parallel to the axis 206) into the wide portions of the openings 247 defined by the outer top frame members 228, and then laterally (substantially parallel to the axis 204) slid within the openings 247 in a dovetailing locking fashion similar to the dovetail interlocking described above. At this point, a staking operation can be performed as described above to fully connect the uprights 232, 234 to the outer top frame members 228.

For additional strength at the connection between the bottom frame member 226 and the uprights 232, 234, T-shaped projections 270 of the uprights 232, 234 are inserted (substantially parallel to the axis 206) into the wide portions of the openings 274 defined by the bottom frame member 226, and then laterally (substantially parallel to the axis 204) slid within the openings 274 in a dovetailing interlocking fashion similar to the dovetail interlocking described above. Once the T-shaped projections adequately enter the narrow regions of the openings 274 upon lateral sliding, flex arms 272 of the uprights 232, 234 snap into openings 276 defined by the bottom frame member 226, thereby laterally locking the uprights 232, 234 to the bottom frame member 226. At this point, a staking operation can be performed as described above to fully connect the uprights 232, 234 to the bottom frame member 226. The spacer members 240 ensure that the shape and size of the storage volume 260 is maintained by providing additional connectivity at fixed spacing between front and back uprights. Each spacer member 240 connects one of the front uprights 232, 234 to the other of the back uprights 234, 232. Locking and unlocking a spacer member 240 to uprights 232, 234 is similar to the locking and unlocking of the comer members 230 described above.

The spacer member 240 functions similarly to the spacer member 140 described above, but has somewhat different configuration.

Each spacer member 240 includes two flexibly resilient latch arms 262. Each latch arm 262 includes front and back catches 264. Each catch 264 includes a ramp 266 to ease insertion of the spacer member 240 between an upright 232 and an upright 234, causing the latch arms 262 to flex inward (toward each other) until the catches 264 find the recesses 268 defined by the uprights 232, 234, at which point the latch arms 262 resiliently return to their unflexed configured and the catches 264 snap over shoulders 269 defined by the uprights 232, 234 and snappingly engage the recesses 268, thereby locking the spacer member 240 to the uprights 232 and 234. Each recess 268 includes a narrow neck region 265 defined by the shoulders 269, and a wider region 267 into which the catches 264 are snappingly released once they clear the neck region 265.

To unlock and remove a spacer member 240 from the uprights 232 and 234, the latch arms 262 can be flexed toward each other (e.g., with fingers or a tool) within a cavity 271 defined by a body of the spacer member 240, parallel to the axis 202, to allow the catches 264 to be extracted from the recesses 268 through the neck regions 265, and thereby allow the catches 264 to clear the shoulders 269.

Referring now to FIGS. 29-34, an assembly 300 in accordance with the present disclosure and that can be housed in the closure 10 of FIG. 1 will be described. In addition, components of the assembly 300 can be installed on or in other telecommunications equipment that are not sealable closures, such as cabinets, panels, drawers, shelves, racks and so forth.

The assembly 300, as well as individual components of the assembly 300 and various combinations of the components of the assembly 300, can provide one or more advantages in manufacturing cost and efficiency, weight reduction, assembly cost and efficiency, and versatility in using the components of the assembly across different network applications. Additional advantages will be borne out by the present disclosure. The assembly 300 includes several features and allows several functionalities that are the same as described for the assembly 100 and/or the assembly 200. In the interest of brevity, the description of the assembly 200 will focus largely on its differences from the assembly 100 and the assembly 200. However, it should be appreciated that any of the assemblies 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 can have one or more features that can be incorporated into one or more others of the assemblies.

The assembly 300 defines a first axis, or vertical axis 302, a second axis 304, and a third axis 306. The first axis 302, the second axis 304, and the third axis 306 are mutually perpendicular. The second axis 304 and the third axis 306 define a horizontal plane. The assembly 300 extends from a top 308 to a bottom 310 along the first axis 302. The assembly 300 extends from a first side 312 to a second side 314 along the second axis 304. The assembly 300 extends from a front 316 to a back 318 along the third axis 306.

The assembly 300 includes a framework 320 consisting of a number of frame members.

The assembly 300 also includes front and back stacks 123 of fiber management tray support modules 122. The stacks 123 are back-to-back mounted to the framework 220 as described with respect to the assembly 100.

In some examples, the framework 320 can be added to along the vertical axis 302 to accommodate additional modules 122.

The framework 320 includes a bottom member 326 and atop assembly 327 including two outer top members 328 and an inner top member 329. The inner top member 329 can be dispensed with when a vertical slot (like the slot 199 described above) is desired to pass fibers through into the storage volume 360 defined by the framework 320. Thus, for instance, when the framework 320 is grown vertically, the inner top member 329 can be removed.

When the framework 320 is the size depicted, the inner top member 329 can be snappingly connected to the outer top members 328 to provide additional structural integrity and strength to the framework 320. Locking the inner top member 329 to the outer top members 328 can be performed in much the same manner as locking the inner top member 229 to the outer top members 228 as described above, in that the top members 328 and 329 include like interlocking features to those of the top members 228 and 229, as shown in, e.g., FIGS. 31 and 32. The framework 320 also includes two side members (or uprights) 332 having a first upright configuration, and two side members (or uprights) 334 having a second upright configuration.

The framework 320 does not include comer members in the depicted example.

When assembled in the framework 320, each stack 123 of modules 122 is mounted to a pair of uprights, including one of the uprights 332 and one of the uprights 334. In particular, there is a front pair of uprights 332 and 334, and a back pair of uprights 332 and 334. In the assembled framework configuration, in each such pair of uprights, the upright 332 is a mirror image of the upright 334 about a vertical plane defined by the axes 302 and 306.

The framework 320 includes spacer members 140, which function the same way as the spacer members 140 of the assembly 100 described above.

In one example, the bottom member 326 is constructed of a metal material (e.g., aluminum), and the top members 328, 329, the uprights 332, 334 and the spacer members 340 are constructed (e.g., molded parts) of a polymeric material. Constructing those components of a polymeric material can provide for a lighter weight framework that is easier to assemble and handle, while constructing the bottom member 326 can impart additional strength and structural integrity to the framework 320.

For example, plastic parts can be molded to include convenient snapping connector features, such as the snappability of the top members 328 and 329 described above, as well as the spacer members 140 to the uprights 332, 334.

Meanwhile, for improved structural integrity and strength, to attach the bottom member 326 and the outer top members 328 to the uprights 332, 334, in this example a robust snapping connection can be accommodated. Multiple snapping engagement points between frame members provide a robust connection between the frame members. Meanwhile, the snappability provides a simple and convenient framework assembly method that does not require additional tools unlike, for example, riveting and staking.

That is, the framework 320 advantageously can be assembled entirely by hand, without additional tools (such as a riveting tool or a staking tool). Furthermore, the snapping connections, unlike rivetted or staked connections, can be reversed without destroying the frame members. Thus, the framework 320 advantageously allows for dismantling and rebuilding of the framework 320 reusing the same frame members and without damaging the frame members.

Specifically, the uprights 332, 334 include openings 370, T-shaped projections (projecting parallel to the axis 306) 372, flex arms 374, and posts 376.

For a robust, reversable snapping connection between the bottom frame member 326 and the uprights 332, 334, T-shaped projections 372 of the uprights 332, 334 are inserted (substantially parallel to the axis 306) into the wide portions of the openings 378 defined by the bottom frame member 326, and then laterally (substantially parallel to the axis 304) slid within the openings 378 in a dovetailing locking fashion similar to the dovetail interlocking described above. Once the T-shaped projections adequately enter the narrow regions of the openings 378 upon lateral sliding, the flex arms 374 of the uprights 332, 334 snap into openings 380 defined by the bottom frame member 326, thereby laterally locking the uprights 332, 334 to the bottom frame member 326.

For additional stability, posts 376 of the uprights 332334, are inserted in holes 382 of flanges 384 of the bottom frame member 326. The inclusion of the posts 376 and two dovetailing interlocks between each uprights 332, 334 and the bottom member 326 can provide a sufficiently strong connection, even without riveting, staking, or using other forms of permanent or semi-permanent fasteners.

For a robust, reversable snapping connection between the outer top members 328 and the uprights 332, 334, resiliently flexible latch arms 390 of the outer top members 328 snap into openings 370 of the uprights 332, 334, thereby locking outer top members 328 relative to the uprights 332, 334 with respect to the downward direction and side to side directions. Meanwhile, upper stops 393 of the outer top members 328 positioned above the latch arms 390 lock the outer top members 328 relative to the uprights 332, 334 with respect to the upward direction. In addition, edges of the uprights 332, 334 slide into grooves 399 positioned on opposite lateral sides of each latch arm 390. Interfacing between the uprights 332, 334 and the grooves 399 locks the outer top members 328 relative to the uprights 332, 334 with respect to front or back motion (parallel to the axis 306).

Referring now to FIGS. 35-45, an assembly 400 in accordance with the present disclosure and that can be housed in the closure 10 of FIG. 1 will be described. In addition, components of the assembly 400 can be installed on or in other telecommunications equipment that are not sealable closures, such as cabinets, panels, drawers, shelves, and so forth.

The assembly 400, as well as individual components of the assembly 400 and various combinations of the components of the assembly 400, can provide one or more advantages in manufacturing cost and efficiency, weight reduction, assembly cost and efficiency, and versatility in using the components of the assembly across different network applications. Additional advantages will be borne out by the following disclosure.

The assembly 400 defines a first axis, or vertical axis 402, a second axis 404, and a third axis 406. The first axis 402, the second axis 404, and the third axis 406 are mutually perpendicular. The second axis 404 and the third axis 406 define a horizontal plane. The assembly 400 extends from a top 408 to a bottom 410 along the first axis 402. The assembly 400 extends from a first side 412 to a second side 414 along the second axis 404. The assembly 400 extends from a front 416 to a back 418 along the third axis 406.

The assembly 400 includes a framework 420 consisting of a number of frame members.

The assembly 400 also includes a front stack (or both front and back stacks) 423 of fiber management tray support modules 422a, 422b, 422c (collectively 422). The portion 429a, 429b, 429c of each module 422a, 422b, 422c can be provided with structures for pivotally mounting fiber management trays, such as pin receivers 174, with the module 422c including more such structures than the module 422b, and the module 422b including more such structures than the module 422a. If a front stack and a back stack are used, the stacks are back-to-back mounted to the framework 420. Each stack 423 includes a selectable number of modules 422 stacked along a stacking axis 425 of the stack 423 when mounted to the framework 420. In the example shown, each stack 423 includes four modules 422, including two modules 422c, and one each of a module 422a and 422b. In other examples, 0, 1, 2, 3, or more than 4 modules, can be in any stack 423, depending on the desired vertical height of the framework 420 and the number of fiber management trays desired to manage fibers at the assembly 400.

In some examples, the framework 420 can be added to along the vertical axis 402 to accommodate additional modules 422. For example, additional frame members can be added to the framework 420 to grow the framework 420 along the vertical axis 402.

The framework 420 includes a bottom member 426, a top member 428, and four side members (or uprights) 432 and 434, including two uprights 432 and two uprights 434. In some examples, the uprights can be of identical construction, though this is not a requirement. With respect to manufacturing the components of the framework 420, having identically constructed parts, such as the uprights, can advantageously reduce cost.

When assembled in the framework 420, each stack 423 of modules 422 is mounted to a pair of the uprights 432 and 434. In this example, the uprights 432 and 434 are mirror images of each other.

Each of the components of the framework 420 just described can be constructed from a suitably strong and rigid material. For example, one or more of the components can be constructed from a polymeric material and/or one or more of the components can be constructed from a metal material, such as aluminum or steel.

In one example, the bottom member 426 and the top member 428 are constructed of a metal material (e.g., aluminum), and the uprights 434 are constructed (e.g., molded parts) of a polymeric material. Constructing those components of a polymeric material can provide for a lighter weight framework that is easier to assemble and handle, while constructing the bottom member 426 and the top member 428 from metal can impart additional strength and structural integrity to the framework 420. Alternatively, the top member 428 can be constructed of a polymeric material, such that only the bottom member 426 is constructed from metal.

To attach the bottom member 426 and the top member 428 to the uprights 432 and 434, in this example, fasteners (such as rivets) can be used, in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the framework 120, with rivets or other fasteners being driven into corresponding holes of an upright 432, 434 and the top member 428 or bottom member 426.

A storage volume 460 defined by the framework 420 can be used to store loops of optical fibers and/or portions of such loops, as described above with respect to the storage volume 160.

The modules 422 and uprights 432, 434 are designed for simple and convenient reversable interconnectivity to mount the modules to the uprights 432, 434 of the framework 420. In some examples, advantageously the modules 422 can be fully lockingly mounted to the uprights 432 in a single motion that moves a module 422a, 422b, 422c parallel to the axis 406, without requiring movement parallel to the axis 404 or the axis 402.

Each module 422a, 422b, 422c includes a module body 472a, 472b, 472c. The module 422a, 422b, 422c can be described as a module piece of a larger module that consists of the module piece 422a, 422b, 422c and one or more other module pieces. For example, a complete module can be formed by mounting the module 422a, 422b, 422c to the front pair or the back pair of uprights 432, 434.

Though not shown, and as mentioned above, the module body 472a, 472b, 472c can include hinge pin receivers arranged along the vertical axis, such as the hinge pin receivers 174 described above. Each such hinge pin receiver can function as described above to pivotally mount a fiber management tray (such as the tray 124 described above) about a pivot axis that is parallel to the axis 404 of the assembly 400 when the tray, framework 420, and module 422a, 422b, 422c are assembled together.

The module 422a, 422b, 422c defines fiber routing channel structures 478a, 478b, 478c on opposite sides of the module body 472a, 472b, 472c. Each fiber routing channel structure includes a column of alternating projecting fingers 480 and 481. Due to the shape of the fingers, the fingers 480 and 481 of each channel structure 478a, 478b, 478c define a partial vertical routing channel for fibers. That is, the partial channels are configured to guide fibers vertically. Gaps between the fingers 480 and 481 allow fibers to selectively enter and exit the partial channel, e.g., when being routed to or from a tray mounted to a module 422a, 422b, 422c. Fiber guides 496 and fiber retaining lips 498 projecting from the fiber guides 496 can help guide and retain fibers laterally as they pass through a pair of fingers 480, 481 from the vertical guide channel toward a desired tray mounted to a module 422a, 422b, 422c.

The body 472a, 472b, 472c includes engagement structures. The engagement structures include flexibility resilient latch arms 440 with catches 442.

The latch arms 440 are integrally formed with round, rectangular or rounded oblong (e.g., oval, racetrack shape) vertical stabilizing members 444 that can pivot forward and backward about a fixed end 446. Each stabilizing member 444 projects into an opening 448 defined by the body 472a, 472b, 472c that is sized to accommodate the stabilizing members 444. The body 472a, 472b, 472c defines additional openings 450, 452 that are aligned parallel to the axis 406 with the openings 448. The openings 450, 452 are configured to accommodate engagement tabs of the uprights 432, 434 that are not used to lock to the stabilizing members 444, depending on the selected mounted position of the module 422a, 422b, 422c to the uprights 432, 434.

Each upright 432, 434 includes engagement structures that complement the engagement structures of the modules 422a, 422b, 422c. The engagement structures of each upright 432, 434 include tabs 454. The tabs 454 are arranged in a vertical column of vertically opposing pairs 456. In some examples, a single tab 454 (without a vertically opposing pair) is positioned at the top of the column and the bottom of the column. The large number of tabs and pairs of tabs allows for versatility in mounting modules at different vertical positions to the uprights 432 and 434.

In each pair 456 of tabs 454, a finger 458 projects parallel to the axis 404 from one of the tabs 454.

To mount the modules 422a, 422b, 422c to a pair of uprights 432, 434 (as shown mounted in FIG. 35) a single motion of a module 422a, 422b, 422c parallel to the axis 406 causes the stabilizing members 444 to flex about their fixed ends 446, which allows the catches 442 to clear and then snappingly engage the fingers 458 of the pair 456 of tabs 454 that have been received in the stabilizing member 444. The additional openings 450, 452 accommodate other tabs 454 to allow the stabilizing members 444 to fully engage the uprights 432, 434. Thus, the additional openings 450, 452 are spaced in a corresponding manner to the spacing of the tabs 454 in a column of tabs. The additional openings (or holes) 452 are configured to each accommodate a single tab 454, while the additional openings (or holes) 450 are configured to accommodate a pair 456 of tabs 454.

The three modules 422a, 422b, 422c differ in their vertical sizes, and thereby the number of fiber management trays that can pivotally mount to them. The different size modules can be selected in any desired combination for the assembly 400 depending on the fiber management needs. Each module 422a, 422b, 422c includes at least one stabilizing member 444 on each side so that the module can mount to a pair of uprights 432 and 434. The stabilizing members 444 can be vertically staggered on the opposing sides to maximize connection stability to the uprights while minimizing the number of stabilizing members 444 required for each module. Thus, the two sides of a module 422a, 422b, 422c can have different numbers of stabilizing members, and they can either be aligned or not aligned (e.g., staggered) relative to the axis 404. For example, the module 422b is larger than the module 422a, and includes a single stabilizing member 444 on each side in a staggered arrangement. The module 422c is larger still than the module 422b, and includes two stabilizing members 444 on one side and one on the other side, in a staggered arrangement.

As described, the modules 422 are configured to lockingly, and releasably mount to a pair of uprights 432 and 434 with interlocking features without moving the modules 422 relative to the uprights 432 and 434 parallel to the axis 404. Installing modules that support fiber management trays onto a framework and removing such modules from the framework without requiring relative lateral movement parallel to the axis 404 can be advantageous, particularly when optical fibers and/or other equipment around the assembly 400 impede or prevent such relative lateral movement.

In addition, the modules 422 are configured to lockingly, and releasably mount to a pair of uprights 432 and 434 with interlocking features without moving the modules 422 relative to the uprights 432 and 434 parallel to the axis 402. Installing modules that support fiber management trays onto a framework and removing such modules from the framework without requiring relative vertical movement parallel to the axis 402 can be advantageous, in that a module can be removed and replaced without disturbing modules above and/or below it that are already mounted to the framework 420.

When mounted to the uprights 432 and 434, the modules 422, together with the uprights 432 and 434 define two complete vertical fiber routing channels 492. Each fiber routing channel 492 is defined by a fiber routing channel structures 478 and an L-shaped flange 494 of an upright 432, 434. The complete routing channels 492 defined between the structures 478 and the flanges 494 allow optical fibers to be retained in the channels while being routed vertically (up and down) to a desired tray mounted to a desired module 422a, 422b, 422c in a stack 423 of modules. In addition, a fiber can be routed from one tray to another tray via the complete routing channel 492.

Thus, advantageously, the routing fiber routing channels of the assembly 400 are partially integrally formed with the framework 420 itself, and specifically, integrally formed with the uprights 432, 434.

This configuration for assembling complete modules in multiple components or pieces (e.g., the modules 422 and the uprights 432, 434) can advantageously provide for versatility and interchangeability with respect to the telecommunications equipment and applications that can support the module 422a, 422b, 422c which defines only partial fiber routing channels. For example, rather than mounting a module 422a, 422b, 422c to a framework, the module can be mounted to a cabinet, a drawer, a shelf, a rack, a panel, etc., using the same snapping interconnectivity described above. In this manner, the module 422 can also be used to create a variety of different fiber routing channel configurations. For example, depending on what the module 422a, 422b, 422c is mounted to can determine the width of the channel (perpendicular to the vertical direction of the channel) and accessibility to the channel. Wider channels (e.g., provided by differently configured flanges than the F-shaped flanges 494) may be appropriate for routing fibers in certain applications. In other applications, it may be important to have complete side access to the channels (e.g., no blocking flange portion), such that only the partial channel defined by the structures 478 are desired, thereby allowing easy lateral access to fibers within the partial channel. Other applications and variations are possible.

Referring now to FIGS. 46-52, an assembly 500 in accordance with the present disclosure and that can be housed in the closure 10 of FIG. 1 will be described. The assembly 500 includes module pieces 511 and 513 that allow the module 122 described above to be mounted to traditional uprights 532 of a traditional framework 520 of the fiber management assembly 500. Thus, the module pieces 511 and 513 can serve as adapters that allow the framework 520 to be retrofitted with module pieces 122.

The assembly 500 defines a first axis, or vertical axis 502, a second axis 504, and a third axis 506. The first axis 502, the second axis 504, and the third axis 506 are mutually perpendicular. The second axis 504 and the third axis 506 define a horizontal plane. The assembly 500 extends from a top 508 to a bottom 510 along the first axis 502. The assembly 500 extends from a first side 512 to a second side 514 along the second axis 504. The assembly 500 extends from a front 516 to a back 518 along the third axis 506.

The assembly 500 includes a framework 520 consisting of a number of frame members. The framework 520 can mount stacks of modules that can pivotally support one or more fiber management trays in a back to back arrangement.

The framework 520 includes a bottom member 526, a top member 528, and four side members (or uprights) 532. In this example, the uprights 532 are all of identical construction to one another.

When assembled in the framework 520, each complete module 509 (consisting of a module piece 122 and two module pieces 511 and 513) is mounted to a pair of the uprights 532.

Each of the frame members of the framework 520 just described can be constructed from a suitably strong and rigid material. In one example, all of the frame members can be constructed from a metal material, such as aluminum or steel.

To build a complete module 509, a module piece 122 is interlocked with two module pieces 511. Specifically, the T-shaped projections 183 enter and pass through the wide portions of openings 587 defined by the module pieces 511, 513. Then, the module 122 is slid such that the T-shaped projections 183 enter the narrow portions of the openings 587, creating a dovetailing effect that interlocks the module 122 and the modules 511, 513 with respect to most directions of movement. The T-shaped projections are small enough to fit through the wide portions of the openings 587 and too large to fit through the narrow portions of the openings 587.

The sliding of the module 122 also causes the catches 184 to flex until they clear and lockingly engage shoulders 588 defined by the module pieces 511, 513, thereby locking the module 122 to the module pieces 511, 513 with respect to the reverse sliding direction. It can be appreciated the module 122 can be mounted separately (e.g., sequentially) to each module piece 511 , 513.

To release and remove a module piece 122 from each module piece 511, 513, a tool, such as a fiber pick, can be inserted into a notch 589 defined by each module piece 511, 513 corresponding to the engaged shoulder 588, and then the pick (or other tool) can be used to flex the catch 184 out of engagement with the shoulder 588. This operation can be performed in sequence first with respect to one of the module pieces 511, 513, and then the other, allowing the module 122 to be removed from the module pieces 511, 513. Thus, the interlocking and releasing of a module 122 and module pieces 511 and 513 are accomplished in similar fashion to the interlocking and releasing of modules 122 and uprights 132 and 134 described above.

As shown, the uprights 532 include vertical columns of many of the openings 563 567, allowing for versatility in locations to which a complete module 509 can be mounted to the uprights 532.

To mount a complete module 509 to a pair of uprights 532, the posts 559 are inserted into openings 563 of one upright 532. The shorter posts 561 are inserted into the holes 563 in the other upright 532 and the module 509 is pressed parallel to the axis 506 to flex the latch arms 540 of the module pieces 511, 513 until the catches 542 snappingly engage shoulders defined by the openings 565 in the uprights 532, thereby locking the module 509 to the uprights 532. At this point, stabilizing fins 567 of the module piece 511 are also received in openings 565 of the other upright 532. To remove the module 509 from the framework 520, the latch arms 540 are pressed inwardly to disengage the catches 542 from the shoulders defined by the openings 565, allowing the posts 561 to be extracted from the openings 563, and from there, allowing the entire module 509 to be removed from the framework 520.

The complete module 509 defines two complete vertical fiber routing channels 592. Each fiber routing channel 592 is defined by a fiber routing channel structure 178 and an L-shaped flange 594 of a module piece 511, 513. The complete routing channels 592 defined between the structures 178 and the flanges 594 allow optical fibers to be retained in the channels while being routed vertically (up and down) to a desired tray (e.g., a tray 124) mounted to a desired module 122 that is itself mounted to the framework 520. In addition, a fiber can be routed from one tray to another tray using a complete routing channel 592.

Referring to FIGS. 53-60, a further example fiber management assembly 600 will be described. The assembly 600 can be housed in a closure, such as a dome closure, that is sealable and re-enterable. In the interest of brevity, the following discussion focuses primarily on differences between the assembly 600 and other fiber management assemblies described herein.

The assembly 600 includes a base 601 that can cooperate with a dome (e.g., a dome with rectangular or square cross-section) to form a closure. The base 601 is configured to support cable fixation devices for fixing the jackets of cables entering the closure. Mounted to the base is a frame (or framework) 603 to which can be mounted fiber management tray support modules (or module pieces) 622. The frame 603 includes uprights 602 and 604 that snap-connect to each other, snap-connect to the base 601, and snap-connect to a top frame member 605 to form the frame. The frame 603 defines a fiber loop storage volume 607 between the uprights 602 and 604.

Fiber routing modules 609 can be snap-connected to the frame 603 at the front and back of the frame 603 and covered by covers 606 to protect the fibers within. Each fiber routing module 609 is configured to support sheath holders for holding end portions of sheaths containing optical fibers. Typically, the sheaths protect the optical fibers as the fibers extend from the ends of the jacketed cables fixed to the base 601. Each fiber routing module 609 includes one or more fiber routing structures that allow fibers to be guided from the ends of sheaths to one or the other side of the frame 603. The fibers can then be guided up the fiber routing channels defined by the uprights 602, 604 and the modules 622 to a desired tray 124 pivotally mounted to a module 622 and which supports a splice or another fiber management component (e.g., an adapter, a splitter, a slack storage structure) for the fibers routed thereto.

The frame 603 includes spacer members 695 that function as other spacer members described herein. The spacer members 695 snap-connect to a pair of front and back uprights 602 and 604 of the frame 603. In addition, the middle handle portion 698 of each spacer member is recessed with concave surfaces 699 at top and bottom of the portion 698. The concavity can facilitate hand gripping of the spacer member 695, as well as facilitate fiber routing over the spacer member 695, particularly at the top of the frame 603 (e.g., when the spacer member 695 is positioned at or near the top of the frame 603). The middle handle portion 698 also includes a hole 696 that can receive an impact resistant insert 696 (schematically illustrated), such as a rubber or elastomeric body. The impact resistant insert 696 can, e.g., protect the frame 603, and particularly edges and comers thereof from contact with the dome of the closure when the dome is placed over the assembly 600 or removed therefrom by coming in contact with the dome instead of less impact resistant parts of the frame.

Fiber management tray support modules, such as the modules 622, can be mounted to the front and/or the back of the frame 603. The mounting interface between the modules 622 and the frame 603 will now be described. The mounting interface allows each module 622 to be installed on either the front or the back the frame 603 in only one orientation, thereby facilitating assembling of the assembly 600 and, e.g., minimizing improper assembling of the assembly 600. The interface features formed on the uprights 602, 604 include ribs 652, tabs 654, and slots 656. The slots 656 are elongate parallel to the elongate (vertical) dimension of the uprights. The ribs 652 have curved surfaces and protrude in directions perpendicular to the elongate dimension of the uprights.

Each module 622 includes a body 623 that has a front 624 and a back 625. At the back 625, the body 623 includes structures 626 that defines curved recesses 627. Each module 622 includes hooks 628 at the back 625 of the body 623. Each module 622 includes retainers 629 at the back 625 of the body 623.

To install a module 622 on a pair of uprights 602 and 604, the hooks 628 enter the slots 656, and then the module 622 can be slid downward into snap-lock engagement with the uprights 602 and 604. For example, the structures 626 can resiliently flex until the ribs 652 snappingly engage the recesses 627. In addition, to further augment the strength of the mounting interface between the module 622 and the uprights 602, 604, the tabs 654 are received in the retainers 629 (which are closed at their top ends) as the module 622 is slid downward (in the direction indicated by the indicia 640 at the front of the body 623), and the hooks 628 hook over the uprights 602, 604 below the slots the hooks are received in.

The hooks 628 and the slots 656 define a first pair of couplers. The ribs 652 and the structures 626 define a second pair of couplers. The tabs 654 and the retainers 629 define a third pair of couplers. Each pair of couplers is structurally different from the other pairs of couplers.

Due to the configurations of the hooks 628 and the retainers 629, the module 622 can be snap-lockingly mounted to the uprights 602 and 604 in only one orientation. The tray support capacity of the module 622 is the same as the tray support capacity of the module 122 described above. Thus, for example, the body 623 of the module 622 includes eight sets of hinge pin receivers 174, like the module 122, allowing the module 622 to pivotally support up to eight fiber management trays 124. Similarly, the maximum vertical dimension 642 of the module 622 is the same as the corresponding dimension of the module 122.

However, the routing channel structures of the module 622 are different from those of the module 622. The routing channel structures of the module 622 define just four projecting fingers 678 in a column at each side of the body 623. Alternating with the projecting fingers are guide posts 679. Each guide post 679 is associated with a corresponding guide structure 681 and a corresponding guide structure 683 of the body 623, which together define a gentle fiber routing path indicated by corresponding indicia 685 formed on the body 623, for directing an optical fiber from the vertical channel to a desired tray 124 supported by the module 622.

Each column of fingers 678 defines a partial vertical routing channel 682 for optical fibers. That is, the partial channels 682 are configured to guide fibers vertically, perpendicular to the pivot axes of the trays supported by the modules. The gaps 687 between pairs of fingers 678 are larger than the gaps between the fingers of the module 122, thereby facilitating insertion of fibers into a vertical fiber routing channel 690 defined by a partial channel 682 and an upright 602, 604 when the module 622 is mounted to a pair of uprights 602 and 604.

Each routing channel 690 is further defined by surfaces 691 and 692 of an upright 602, 604, and flared projections 693 extending from the surface 692. Each upright is configured such that when a module is properly mounted to a pair of the uprights 602 and 604, there is a pair of fingers 678 between each pair of adjacent flared projections 693 along the vertical dimension of the channel 690. The cooperation of the flared projections 693 and the fingers 678 provide for a routing channel 690 that retains fibers well, while the reduced number of fingers of the module 622, and configuration of fingers and flared projections, facilitates lateral insertion of fibers into the channel 690 and the guiding structures facilitate fiber routing from a channel 690 to a desired tray 124.

Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that the scope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrative examples set forth herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A module assembly for telecommunications equipment, comprising: a first module piece defining a first optical fiber routing channel structure and a first engagement structure; and a second module piece defining a second optical fiber routing channel structure and a second engagement structure, the first module piece and the second module piece being configured to releasably lock to each other by interlocking of the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure to define a module including an optical fiber routing channel defined by the first fiber routing channel structure and the second fiber routing structure, the module being configured to pivotally mount optical fiber management trays.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure are configured to interlock with each other in a dovetailing fashion.

3. The assembly of any of claims claim 1-2, wherein the first module piece includes a flexibly resilient catch configured to lockingly engage a shoulder defined by the second module piece when the first module piece and the second module piece are lockingly engaged to each other.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the second housing piece defines a notch adjacent the shoulder configured to receive a tool to flex the flexibly resilient catch out of engagement with the shoulder.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure are configured to interlock with each other by a snap-fit.

6. The assembly of any of claims 1-5, wherein the second module piece is a frame member of a framework configured to mount a plurality of the first module piece in a stack.

7. The assembly of any of claims 1-5, wherein the second module piece is a portion of a cabinet.

8. The assembly of any of claims 1-5, wherein a longitudinal dimension of the fiber routing channel is perpendicular to pivot axes of optical fiber management trays when the trays are pivotally mounted to the first module piece.

9. The assembly of any of claims 1-5, wherein the second module piece includes a post configured to be received in a hole of a frame member of a framework configured to mount a plurality of the second module piece in a stack.

10. An assembly for a telecommunications closure, comprising: module pieces; a framework configured to lockingly mount the module pieces in a stack of the module pieces extending along a stacking axis, each of the module pieces being configured to pivotally mount optical fiber management trays, the framework including integrally formed optical fiber routing channel structures that define a portion of an optical fiber routing channel, another portion of the optical fiber routing channel being formed by the module pieces when the module pieces are lockingly mounted to the framework.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein a longitudinal dimension of the fiber routing channel is parallel to the stacking axis.

12. The assembly of claim 10 or 11, wherein the framework and the module pieces interlock with each other in a dovetailing fashion.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein each module piece includes a flexibly resilient catch configured to lockingly engage a shoulder defined by the framework when the framework and the module piece are lockingly engaged to each other.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the framework defines a notch adjacent the shoulder configured to receive a tool to flex the flexibly resilient catch out of engagement with the shoulder.

15. The assembly of claim 10 or 11, wherein the framework and the module piece interlock by a snap-fit.

16. The assembly of any of claims 1-15, further comprising optical fiber management trays pivotally coupled to at least one of the module pieces.

17. A telecommunications closure, comprising housing pieces configured to cooperate to define a sealed and re-enterable closure volume; and the assembly of any of claims 1-16 positioned within the closure volume.

18. The closure of claim 17, further comprising fiber optic cables entering the closure volume through cable ports defined by one or more of the housing pieces.

19. A method, comprising: providing a first module piece; selecting a second module piece from a plurality of module pieces each having a different structural configuration; and lockingly engaging the first module piece and the second module piece to form a module, the module being configured to pivotally mount optical fiber management trays in a stack of the trays extending along a stacking axis, the module including a fiber routing channel having a longitudinal dimension parallel to the stacking axis, the fiber routing channel being formed by fiber routing channel structures of both the first module piece and the second module piece.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the lockingly engaging includes forming a dovetail interlock between the first module piece and the second module piece.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the lockingly engaging includes forming a snap- fit interlock between the first module piece and the second module piece.

22. The method of any of claims 18-21, wherein a longitudinal dimension of the fiber routing channel is parallel to the stacking axis.

23. The method of any of claims 18-22, wherein the selecting is based on a desired size of the fiber routing channel.

24. The method of any of claims 18-23, wherein the second module piece is a frame member of a framework configured to mount a plurality of the first module piece in a stack.

25. The method of any of claims 18-23, wherein the second module piece is a portion of a cabinet.

26. The method of any of claims 18-23, wherein the second module piece includes a post configured to be received in a hole of a frame member of a framework configured to mount a plurality of the second module piece in a stack.

27. The assembly of claim 10, wherein each module piece is configured to pivotally mount at one time at least six fiber management trays; and wherein the another portion of the optical fiber routing channel is formed by fingers extending from a side of a body of each module piece, the fingers being no more than four in number.

28. The assembly of claim 27, wherein each module piece is configured to pivotally mount at one time at least eight fiber management trays.

29. The assembly of any of claims 27-28, wherein each module piece includes fiber guide posts at the side of the body, the guide posts alternating with the fingers.

30. The assembly of any of claims 27-29, wherein the integrally formed optical fiber routing channel structures include flared projections; and wherein when one of the module pieces is mounted to the framework forming the optical fiber routing channel, there are exactly two of the fingers between each pair of adjacent ones of the flared projections for the optical fiber routing channels.

31. The assembly of any of claims 10 or 27-30, wherein the framework and each module piece define a coupling interface, the interface including three pairs of coupling features, each pair being structurally different from the other pairs, the interface being configured to allow the module piece to be lockingly mounted to the framework in only one orientation.

32. The assembly of claim 31, wherein one of the pairs includes a slot and a hook, another of the pairs includes a tab and a retainer, and the other of the pairs includes a recess and a rib.